Our objectives:

  1. To promote and encourage community involvement in catchment management through information sharing, practical demonstration and the implementation of on ground works.
  2. To enhance the natural biodiversity of the Upper River Torrens catchment and adjacent regions by assisting the community to identify, conserve, protect and increase regional native vegetation.

The Upper River Torrens Landcare Group (URTLG) was formed in 1989 when several concerned landowners recognised the degradation of the River Torrens and its catchment tributaries.

Since that time, the URTLG has developed many partnerships with other projects and been instrumental in offering technical expertise, financial incentives and raising community awareness about the issues faced in our region.

From 1998-2017 the URTLG supported and was a key stakeholder in Upper Torrens Land Management Project (UTLMP) which operated as a Section 41 Committee of The Barossa Council. Together with the Adelaide Hills Council and community representatives, the project assisted property owners to fence off watercourses, fence to land class, undertake revegetation activities, install water infrastructure, improve pastures and undertake property planning. The Project has also initiated and facilitated learning and education sessions in all areas associated with farm management including bushfire preparation and planning.

Since its inception, the URTLG and the UTLMP have received more than $4 million from Federal and State governments to improve upper Torrens private and public properties. This income translates to over $10 million (including landholder contributions) that has been invested in on-ground works. More than half the 20,000 ha’s of land within the project boundaries have been improved by direct involvement with our group.

Demonstrating the success of the project, its staff and participants, have been the recipient of a number of awards including:

  • 2015 – Finalist – South Australian Winner of the Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award
  • 2013 – South Australian Winner of the Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award
  • 2011 – South Australian Winner of the Australian Government Local Government Landcare Partnership Award – The Barossa Council and Adelaide Hills Council
  • 2010 – South Australian Winner of the Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award
  • 2009 – Finalist – State Landcare Community Group Award
  • 2008 – Finalist National Landcare Awards Alcoa Community Group Award
  • 2007 – State Winner – Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award
  • 2004 – Finalist – National Landcare Awards Sensis Landcare Catchment Award

The URTLG continues to be actively involved in the community through supporting landholders with bushfire recovery, revegetation, weed control, fencing and erosion control and facilitating Landcare education and supporting our volunteers on parks. Our founding chair, Mr Robert Myers is still an active participant and continues to support and guide the URTLG on its journey with education and mentoring for our current members.