A $200 million fund to help clean up urban rivers would be established if Labor wins the next federal election.
Councils and community groups across Australia would be able to pitch for grants to fix up local waterways, under an environment policy to be unveiled on Tuesday.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Labor environment spokeswoman Terri Butler said many local rivers had been treated like "stormwater drains" over the years, but community groups were keen to turn their condition around.
Funding could be directed to create wetlands to filter stormwater before it reaches a river, re-establish natural riverbanks and plant trees.
Labor says fixing up local waterways and the catchments around them would help protect native wildlife, including the threatened species which live in urban areas. It would also create healthier and more attractive recreational spaces for children and families.
The position says funding for up to 100 projects could be handed out under the so-called Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Projects involving state governments or councils could be eligible for up to $10 million, while funding for community initiatives likely to be limited to under $1 million.
The federal environment department would assess grant applications. Projects strongly backed by their communities and which deliver a "substantial" environmental improvement would be favoured.
