The wellbeing, economy and lifestyles of all people of the Clarence Valley are interdependent with the health of the Clarence River and its ecosystems. Clarence River Guardians are a broad group of people from the Clarence Valley who love and care about the Clarence River and its tributaries.

The Clarence River Guardians project is a citizen science partnership with Southern Cross University that is focused on increasing knowledge, education and raising awareness about the water quality and health of the Clarence River. The project is being developed by a Working Group that formed in November 2024. The Working Group represents a broad cross-section of community groups, industry and government representatives.

The health of the Clarence River catchment is impacted by urban and rural human activities. Potential mining activities risk negative impacts on river water quality, river sediment quality and aquatic ecosystem health. These risks are being met with a groundswell of wide community concern.

The Clarence River Guardians Project will help establish parameters and scientific information that will assist in protecting and understanding the Clarence River and its catchment.

A key purpose of the project is to support enduring guardianship of the Clarence River catchment by people of all ages, political affiliations, cultural backgrounds, and places. Our focus document can be found here.

The River Guardians project will commence on-ground activities during 2025. Please watch this website for further information as the work program is developed.