Dryland salinity is a dramatic consequence of the rapid conversion of native bush to agricultural land in southern Australia during the last 200 years. The economic, social and environmental costs of salinised land and waterways are enormous. Scientists are investigating options for revegetation and new ways of farming the land that mimic the hydrology of pre-existing natural ecosystems. This is a daunting task and farmers will need convincing that new agricultural systems will work. Governments and landholders are also adopting engineering approaches to protect assets at immediate risk.