restoringthe barwon river · known as the mid-barwon river project, the authority will improve the...

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Keeping the lines open It is with great pleasure that we present the first edition of our new community newsletter. A s a Catchment Management Authority, we have a responsibility to work with and inspire the community to achieve sustainable use of our natural resources, the protection of our land and water and the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage. To achieve this, we must recognise we all live in the catchment and, in one way or another, we all impact on the health of the catchment. This awareness across the community is the primary aim of this newsletter. Likewise, it is important the community understands the roles and activities of the Corangamite CMA as we largely rely on Australian and Victorian government funding for our operations. Communication also is important to strengthen and expand the collaboration and partnerships necessary to achieve our objective of improved catchment health. We are pleased to say we have strong partnerships with many agencies and land managers across the region, who contribute significantly to catchment improvement, both in time and money. At the same time, we are sure there are many opportunities to further expand our network and community involvement in our programs. Should you be aware of such an opportunity or wish to provide feedback about this newsletter, please contact us through our website www .ccma.vic.gov .au The Barwon River - one of southern Victoria’s most important waterways - is undergoing major restoration. T his important water supply source and recreational playground for urban Geelong is being targeted as part of a long-term program to reverse the decline in the river’s health. The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has initiated a strategic works program aimed at improving the condition of the river and combating major threats. CMA River and Catchment Manager David May said the Barwon was a unique natural asset that had been degraded since early settlement. “Like many parts of the landscape, the Barwon River has suffered from the negative impacts of activities such as the clearing of native vegetation, altered flow regimes and introduced pest plants and animals. “Today, as the caretaker of river health, we have a responsibility to enhance the ecological health of the resource while maintaining social and economic development. As the responsible authority, we are totally committed to this task.” Two major onground projects have involved tributaries of the Barwon, the Matthews and Wormbete creeks. On Matthews Creek, near Winchelsea, five rock chutes have been constructed to slow flow and reduce the risk of erosion. The $400,000 project, funded through the Australian and Victorian government’s National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP), also has involved the removal of weeds, such as willows and gorse, revegetation with native species and fencing to ensure stock exclusion. The work was boosted by the involvement of Barwon Water, the Department of Primary Industries, the Murroon Landcare Group and local landholders. > pg 2 Waterways secrets unveiled! - pg 2 Major rivers under the microscope - pg 5 A refreshing start - pg 6 Improvements at Narmbool Station - pg 7 Gellibrand on the improve - pg 3 Rejuvenation erupts on volcanic plains - pg 4 Peter Greig Chairman Don Forsyth Chief Executive Officer Restoring the Barwon River

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Keeping the lines openIt is with great pleasure that we present thefirst edition of our new community newsletter.

As a Catchment Management Authority, we havea responsibility to work with and inspire the

community to achieve sustainable use of our naturalresources, the protection of our land and water andthe conservation of our natural and cultural heritage.

To achieve this, we must recognise we all live inthe catchment and, in one way or another, we allimpact on the health of the catchment.

This awareness across the community is theprimary aim of this newsletter. Likewise, it isimportant the community understands the roles andactivities of the Corangamite CMA as we largely relyon Australian and Victorian government funding forour operations.

Communication also is important to strengthenand expand the collaboration and partnershipsnecessary to achieve our objective of improvedcatchment health.

We are pleased to say we have strongpartnerships with many agencies and land managersacross the region, who contribute significantly tocatchment improvement, both in time and money.

At the same time, we are sure there are manyopportunities to further expand our network andcommunity involvement in our programs.

Should you be aware of such an opportunity or wish to provide feedback about this newsletter, please contact us through our websitewww.ccma.vic.gov.au

The Barwon River - one of southern Victoria’s most important waterways - is undergoing major restoration.

This important water supply source and recreational playground for urban Geelongis being targeted as part of a long-term program to reverse the decline in the

river’s health.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has initiated a strategicworks program aimed at improving the condition of the river and combating majorthreats. CMA River and Catchment Manager David May said the Barwon was a uniquenatural asset that had been degraded since early settlement.

“Like many parts of the landscape, the Barwon River has suffered from the negativeimpacts of activities such as the clearing of native vegetation, altered flow regimes andintroduced pest plants and animals.

“Today, as the caretaker of river health, we have a responsibility to enhance theecological health of the resource while maintaining social and economic development.As the responsible authority, we are totally committed to this task.”

Two major onground projects have involved tributaries of the Barwon, the Matthewsand Wormbete creeks. On Matthews Creek, near Winchelsea, five rock chutes havebeen constructed to slow flow and reduce the risk of erosion. The $400,000 project,funded through the Australian and Victorian government’s National Action Plan forSalinity and Water Quality (NAP), also has involved the removal of weeds, such aswillows and gorse, revegetation with native species and fencing to ensurestock exclusion.

The work was boosted by the involvement of Barwon Water, theDepartment of Primary Industries, the Murroon Landcare Groupand local landholders. > pg 2

Waterways secretsunveiled! - pg 2

Major rivers under the microscope - pg 5

A refreshingstart - pg 6

Improvements at

Narmbool Station

- pg 7

Gellibrand on theimprove - pg 3

Rejuvenationerupts on volcanic

plains - pg 4

Peter GreigChairman

Don ForsythChief Executive Officer

Restoring the Barwon River

Wormbete Creek, which runs through thesmall community of Wurdale, nearWinchelsea, also has been the target of a$300,000 NAP rejuvenation program. In the1930s, swamp around the creek wasstripped of native vegetation in favor ofagriculture, including grazing and cropping.Subsequent erosion caused soil and organicmatter to enter the waterway and impact onthe aquatic inhabitants.

Three rock structures, each containing morethan 1,000 tonnes of locally quarried stone,have been built along four kilometres of thecreek bank to prevent further erosion. Inaddition, weeds have been removed, 20different native species planted and fencingerected on privately owned land to deter stock.

Project partners have included BarwonWater, the Upper Barwon Landcare Network,the Wurdale Landcare Group and the localcommunity.

The Corangamite CMA also has initiated athird restoration project covering the BarwonRiver, from Inverleigh to Baum’s Weir, nearFyansford, and the Leigh River, from LeighGorge to Inverleigh.

Known as the Mid-Barwon River project,the authority will improve the rivers’ conditionthrough partnerships with landowners and

land managers with water frontagesand community awareness. Activitiesinclude an incentive scheme thatprovides landowners with technicaland financial assistance for nativerevegetation, fencing and weedremoval.

A further development has been renewal ofa partnership with Barwon Water through acontract to maintain and protect the BarwonRiver through urban Geelong. The contract isfor three years.

Barwon Water, on behalf of theCorangamite CMA, will undertake acomprehensive works program on thewaterway and adjoining river reserves,including revegetation, weed removal,rubbish collection and asset management. In addition, Water EcoScience will undertakewater quality monitoring for blue-green algaeon the CMA’s behalf.

Inverleigh Primary School involved in Freshwater Circus

Waterwayssecrets unveiled!The secrets of the region’s waterways are being revealed through unconventional field days dubbed ‘The Freshwater Circus’.

The Corangamite CMA has held four such events that aredesigned to engage local communities and encourage them to

become more involved in their local waterway. Residents are treatedto electro fishing displays and aquatic insect sweeps and are given aninsight into the importance of native vegetation to a healthy landscape.

Corangamite CMA Community Education Officer Sarah Reid said ‘TheFreshwater Circus’ was a novel approach to educating and informingthe community about the need to protect the region’s natural assets.

“One of the CMA’s roles is to spread the message about responsiblymanaging our natural resources now and into the future,” she said.

“In the case of ‘The Freshwater Circus’, we decided to put a differenttwist on this education process by staging an unforgettableexperience featuring a range of quirky activities. Judgingfrom the response, the initiative has worked.

“Indeed, as far as communicating with the communityis concerned, there is much to be said for lookingoutside the square.”

Watch out for a ‘Freshwater Circus’ near you soon!

2

> from pg 1

catchment NEWS

Did you know?The Barwon is the most frequently visitedand highest sporting use river in theCorangamite region. The Barwon catchmentextends from the Otway range at Forrest,north to the Leigh River including the citiesof Ballarat and Geelong.

The Gellibrand River is undergoing a major ‘facelift’. The Corangamite CMA and local landholders have removedwillows along 15 kilometres of the Gellibrand and Carlisle rivers, replacing them with native plants and shrubs.

The work is being funded through a joint initiative of the Australian and Victoriangovernment’s National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and the

Victorian Government’s Our Water Our Future action plan.

Corangamite CMA River Health Officer Denis Lovric said the long-term objectivewas to protect and enhance water quality in the Gellibrand water supply catchment.

“A major component of the project has been removing willows from the mostheavily infested areas,” Mr Lovric said. “Since the willows were taken out, the riverhas shown signs of improvement in terms of flows and fish populations.”

In the next few months, the river margins will be fenced and planted with nativeplants and shrubs.

Willows are considered pests because:

• their rapidly growing fibrous root-mats spread across the bed of a waterway,creating a wider and shallower stream. These mats collect sediment and raisewater levels. Over time, this may lead to blockages and erosion, especiallyduring high flows.

• they reduce the survival rate of native animal species, including Blackfish andPlatypus. Willow root-mats cover the natural surface of the streambed, reducingthe ability of macro-invertebrates (waterbugs/shrimp/insects) to survive. Thissubsequently impacts on the whole food chain.

• they reduce water quality by dropping their leaves in autumn, creating nutrientissues and reduced oxygen levels. In contrast, native vegetation providescontinual organic matter to a stream

• they dominate native plants, reducingthe feeding (insects and nectar) andhabitat (long lasting logs and hollows)opportunities for native fauna.

The willow replacementprogram will continue next year.Interested landholders shouldcontact the Corangamite CMAon 03 5232 9100.

Native vegetationimproves river health

Welcome to the Corangamite regionEstablished in 1997, the Corangamite CMA’sprimary responsibilities are to protectand restore our unique land and waterresources and promote sustainability.

It already has made significant environmentalimprovements and, armed with the necessary skills,

expertise and capacity, it will confront the manychallenges ahead. The CMA’s key responsibilities include:

• working with communities to protect and restore thehealth of rivers and water resources

• regional co-ordinator of natural resource management forthe Australian and Victorian government’s programs.

One of the main goals of the CMA is to create a healthy environment that willsupport 330,000 people in urban and rural centres, including Ballarat, Geelongand Colac, to smaller towns along the Surf Coast to Peterborough.

It is committed to ensuring the landscape across central south-west Victoriacontinues to meet economic, social and environmental aspirations.

Native vegetationimproves river health

Willows choke waterways

Gellibrand on the improve

Willows choke waterways

Your BoardThe Corangamite CMA is

administered by a 13-member Board of community representatives.

Appointed by the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon. John Thwaites, MP,

members possess skills and experience in a widerange of catchment issues, including primaryproduction, natural resource management, waterresources, conservation of ecosystems andbusiness administration.

The Board is responsible for strategic land andwater management across the region. It achievesthis through a Regional Catchment Strategy, whichsets the future direction for all natural resourcemanagement within the Corangamite catchment.

Board members, who provide a vital link betweenthe community and Australian and Victoriangovernments, are:• Dr Peter Greig (Chairman), of Murroon • Dr Kaye Rodden (Deputy Chairman),

of Gnarwarre• Bob Carraill, of Geelong• Roger Hardley, of Apollo Bay• Alice Knight, of Linton• Valerie Lang, of Lismore• Kevin O’Donnell, of Derrinallum• Alain Purnell, of Lorne• Susan Salter, of Queenscliff• Mark Trengove, of Geelong• Andrea Van de Wouw, of Timboon• Andrew Maclean, representing the Department

of Sustainability and Environment• Michael Ransom, representing the Department

of Primary Industries.

What is a Catchment?

In a catchment, rainfall and run-off drains into watercourses to form a network of streams and rivers

that flow into dams, lakes, wetlands, groundwater orthe ocean.

Our region consists of many independentcatchments that make up four river basins: theBarwon, Moorabool, Otway Coast and Corangamite.Towns, agriculture, business and industry all operatewithin these catchments.

We all live in a catchment; what we do thereinfluences the health of our water and other naturalresources.

3corangamite community update 2005

4

Rejuvenation eruptson volcanic plainsLandowners are being urged to participate in the urgent rejuvenationof native vegetation across Victoria’s vast volcanic plains.

Recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, the plains sweep across 2.3 millionhectares, from Melbourne to Portland, on the south west coast.

More than $3.8 million has been set aside for the vital project, which began inAugust last year and will run for four years.

Funds are being made available to landholders and community groups for landmanagement initiatives that protect and improve the landscape.

The project took an important step forward recently with the signingof contracts worth $1 million and involving 20 landholders over 2,600 hectares.

PlainsTender Project Leader Anne Buchan said the signings wouldallow a range of projects to proceed. These would improve thequality of native vegetation and ensure the survival of wildlife, such asthe Eastern-Barred Bandicoot, the Brolga and the CorangamiteWater Skink.

“Only 4.5 per cent of native vegetation remains across the plains,much of it on private land. We have to work with private landholdersto try and improve the landscape, at the same time accepting thisis very productive agricultural land,” she said.

“The projects are partnerships with land owners and volunteergroups, who receive financial assistance to help with themanagement of their properties.

“It is pleasing to note 69 per cent of tenders were successfuland that covenants will be placed on nine sites,” she added.

The contracts cover 13 ecological classes of vegetation, including grassland,wetland, woodland and stony rise. Management initiatives include:

• strategic grazing - e.g. resting grassland during spring

• maintaining a vegetation cover of above 70 per cent

• weed control and/or elimination

• not using fertiliser, not disturbing the soil and not removing rocks

• erecting 50 kilometres of fencing.

The work represents a joint initiative between the Corangamite, Glenelg Hopkins,North Central and Port Phillip Westernport CMAs, the Victorian Government’sDepartment of Sustainability and Environment and the Australian Government'sNatural Heritage Trust.

Second Round Tenders opened inSeptember 2005, when an additional$1.3 million became available.

Above: Project manager Anne Buchan withShelford landholder Jeanette Bellchambers

catchment NEWS

Landcare - get involved!There are around 130 Landcare and othercommunity-based natural resourcemanagement groups in the CorangamiteCMA region.

Comprising at least 3,000 members, the groupsalso engage the support of many non-member

volunteers. Some of the groups have formedalliances and networks. Their diversity and purposereflect the complexity of the landscape in theCorangamite catchment as they embrace rural,urban and coastal communities. Groups work toprotect, enhance and restore the landscape onprivate and public land.

What is Landcare?

Landcare is about protecting the land. It isabout ordinary people doing something toensure a healthy future for ourselves and thenatural resources which we rely.

By protecting the air, water and soil, we arecaring for ourselves as well as animals, birdsand plants.

Landcare does not just involve farmers. Itencompasses whole communities, includinglocal councils, conservation groups, schoolsand interested individuals.

How did it all start?

Landcare began in Victoria in 1986 with agroup of farmers near St Arnaud in centralVictoria. Since then, hundreds of groups havebeen established across the State. Landcare in ruralareas invariably starts in response to a commonproblem - salinity, erosion gullies, rabbits or weeds -which spans a number of properties.

How do I get involved?

It’s easy! Set aside a few hours a month to care foryour local park, bushland, beach, river or creek. Theremay already be a Landcare, Coastcare or Bushcaregroup in your area, which would welcome a helpinghand. Or start your own Landcare group if one doesnot already exist in your district. Get some friendsand neighbours together, target a location and seektechnical advice appropriate for your local patch.

Why Landcare?

The advantages of working in groups are:

• better results from a joint approach, compared toindividuals working alone

• better understanding of the problems throughgroup discussion and support

• improved long-term productivity and amenityvalue of the area

• access to a wider range of technical, financial andother help

• community pride in and ownership of the project

• a sense of achievement

• public recognition of the group's efforts that mayencourage others to participate.

For more information, please contact Polly Hall,Regional Landcare Co-ordinator, Corangamite CMA,on 03 5232 9100 or [email protected]

VVPVictorian Volcanic Plains

PlainsTender

In response to a decline in the health of many rivers and streamswith a high level of water use, theCorangamite CMA is undertakingstudies into environmental flows forthe Barwon and Gellibrand rivers.

To keep rivers ‘healthy’, environmentalflows must mimic the variability and

pattern of natural flows. Therefore, anenvironmental flow regime, or series ofrecommended flows that differ seasonally, is recommended.

The timing, volume and quality ofenvironmental flows are critical and, like thenatural flow of rivers, different combinationsprovide a different range of benefits for eachecosystem.

Environmental flows ensure that theprocesses necessary for healthy ecosystemsoccur. These include nutrient cycling, cues forbreeding of fish, waterbirds and aquatic bugs,freshening of water quality, sediment cyclingand channel-forming processes.

The Barwon and Gellibrand rivers provideurban and rural water supply. Water forWarrnambool and Colac is sourced from theGellibrand River while the Barwon Riverprovides most of Geelong’s supply.

Barwon Water and Wannon Water haveindicated water use will increase in future, inline with expected urban population growth.Farmers also rely on the rivers for irrigationand stock watering.

Environmental flow studies are beingundertaken for the Barwon and Gellibrandrivers to determine appropriate flow regimes.The data collected from these studies will beused in future water resource planning,including sustainable water strategies andstream flow management plans. The strategies

are set out in the Victorian Government’s OurWater Our Future action plan.

The document outlines the government’sframework for sustainable water allocation,including the introduction of an environmentalwater reserve for all Victorian rivers and streams.

The reserve is the share of water set asideto maintain the environmental values of a riveror stream. Catchment ManagementAuthorities have been given the role ofmanaging the environmental water reserve.Some of the tasks include:

• providing advice on high priority riverswhere environmental flows are inadequate

• setting priorities for developing stream flowmanagement plans

• undertaking complementary river healthworks

• monitoring and reporting onenvironmental condition

• liaising with water authorities onrelease patterns of environmentalflows from reservoirs.

The environmental flow studies on theGellibrand and Barwon rivers are beingoverseen by a steering committee comprisingrepresentatives from the Department ofSustainability and Environment, the urbanwater authority (Barwon Water or WannonWater) and Southern Rural Water.

An advisory committee consisting ofcommunity representatives, irrigators andEnvironment Victoria are providing localadvice and expertise.

The studies are scheduled for completionin October.

5

Major rivers under the microscope

corangamite community update 2005

Regional Catchment StrategyAll land in our region is part of the catchment and all residents in the region play a part in the catchment’s health. Others help too.

The Regional Catchment Strategy is really a statement of how those residents collectively say our catchment should be managed.

To adequately comprehend a region of such size (1.3 million ha), such diversity (coastal, Otways, lakes, plains, highlands), suchpopulations (330,000) and a broad range of land uses (dairying, cropping, forestry, urban expansion), the strategy inevitably displaysa corresponding diversity of detail. There is much to read - and much more in the various supporting strategies.

In the end, though, it all boils down to what can be done on each paddock, or each farm, or each stretch of creek or river, in eachhousehold, in each settlement, town or city. All residents can and already do play a part - and external help can be available wherethe required task is beyond what the individual can afford or properly justify.

Turning back timeThe Corangamite CMA has been a key player in turning back time on an old degraded Ballarat goldmining site, transforming it intoenvironmental masterpiece.

The Linear Network of Communal Space(LINCS) Yarrowee River Trail has been

described as the largest communityenvironmental project in Ballarat since 1889.

The City of Ballarat has led the restorationand it has gained further momentum throughsupport from the Australian ConservationFoundation and The Australian Trust forConservation Volunteers. Over the past fiveyears, there has been extensive communityparticipation, with more than 90 communitygroups and thousands of volunteers engagedin planting and associated activities.

The financial value of this voluntary workhas been estimated at more than $650,000over the past three years alone.

Onground works have seen:

• the establishment of a 14-kilometrewalking trail through Crown land reservealong the Yarrowee River, from Gong GongReserve to Yuille Station Park

• 20 kilometres of trails along the Yarrowee’stributaries, including Canadian Creek,

Gnarr Creek, Warrenheip Gullyand Pennyweight Creek

• planting of 450,000 trees andother terrestrial plants throughoutthe reserve

• planting of 350,000 aquatic plants inwetland areas

• extensive weed removal

• construction of five bridges over theYarrowee and its tributaries.

The Corangamite CMA has contributedmore than $1 million over four years toestablish the Yarrowee River Trail, along withsignificant investment from the City ofBallarat, the Victorian Government’sDepartment of Sustainability and Environmentand Central Highlands Water.

The funds have been used for major weedcontrol and revegetation work and

stormwater management by constructingwetlands and litter traps designed to improvewater quality of the Yarrowee River.

Corangamite CMA Chief Executive OfficerDon Forsyth said the trail was an icon projectin terms of partnership development andcommunity capacity building.

“It has been a unique exercise in forging achange in public perception from a degradedenvironment to a valuable asset to be enjoyedby residents and visitors,” he said.

“The CMA congratulates the Ballaratcommunity for their willingness and desire tobecome involved in the program.

“The Yarrowee River Trail will no doubt bean icon for future generations,” he added.

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A refreshing startJunior netballers across the region had a refreshing startto the season this year - courtesy of Corangamite CMAwater bottles.

CMA Chief Executive Officer Don Forsyth said thebottles were a small component of a larger

awareness and education program.

“The Corangamite CMA is working to ensure riverhealth is at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” he said.

“Protecting our natural assets cannot be left to oneor two organisations. Rather, the Corangamite CMA isworking with the entire community to protect our riversand streams.

“Educating young people about river health and howthey can assist us in protecting our waterways is our primeobjective.

“The water bottles are intended to provide a trigger to juniornetballers, the trigger being that river health is a priority for all thecommunity and that we all have a role to play,” he said.

catchment NEWS

Did you know?Ballarat, being at the top of the CorangamiteCatchment, plays a pivotal role in improvingthe health of the entire catchment.

7

Improvements atNarmbool StationThe Corangamite CMA has joined forceswith the Sovereign Hill Museum-ownedNarmbool Station, near Elaine, to combaterosion at Williamson Creek.

tributary of the YarroweeRiver that runs through

Narmbool Station, using money from the NationalAction Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP).

The $1.4 billion seven-year action plan is applying regional solutions to salinity and waterquality problems. It aims to involve all levels of

government, the community, individual landmanagers and local businesses in tacklingsalinity and improving water quality.

CMA River Health Officer Darren Cottam saidthe rock chute would reduce erosion bydissipating the energy of the creek during highflows. “In addition, the structure will back upwater during high flows, creating a wetland areaimmediately upstream. The wetland willincrease biodiversity and store sediment thatwill improve water quality flowing into theYarrowee River.”

Narmbool Station Campus Manager StevenPaul said the wetland would enhance the riverenvironment.

“We hope a wetland will attract birdlife andprovide environmental education opportunitiesfor school children who stay at the station’slodge,” he said. “In future, the station plans tobuild easy-access walkways and birdwatching platforms, adding to the eightkilometres of walkways that already exist.”

Narmbool Station is a 2,000ha pastoralproperty that has been converted into aschool camp and an environmental learningand research facility.

The Ferry family gifted the property toSovereign Hill in 2000, with a sustainedfund-raising campaign resulting in itstransformation and official opening inNovember last year.

Interesting facts:• The Corangamite CMA - guardian of our precious rivers.

• The water you save today will help our environment tomorrow!

• Rubbish in the streets will ultimately end up in a waterway.

• There are more than 60,000 school children in the Corangamite

region: as tomorrow’s leaders, it is imperative they learn more

about their environment.

• The Corangamite CMA spent more than $17 million last year on

environmental projects.

• Landholders across the region are working with the Corangamite

CMA to improve the health of the catchment.

• A partnership between the Corangamite CMA and the Australian

and Victorian governments is delivering real benefits.

• The Victorian Government’s Our Water Our Future action plan

outlines the CMAs role as caretakers of river health.

• It’s your environment, your future!

The Corangamite CMA has established a Geelong presence tomore effectively manage its Barwon River operations.

The organisation is responsible for a 20-kilometre section of the riverthrough urban Geelong, stretching from Buckleys Falls to the lower

Breakwater. All future maintenance and improvement functions will beconducted through the Geelong office at 265 Pakington Street, Newtown.

Chief Executive Officer Don Forsyth said the operations centrewould allow the CMA to better co-ordinate on-site activities andimprove workflow practices.

All other CMA services and functionswill continue to be headquartered at64 Dennis Street, Colac.

corangamite community update 2005

Arock chute has beenbuilt on the creek, a

Barwon River operations

‘Ecologically fragile’ estuaries along theGreat Ocean Road have been targetedunder a major restoration project.

The Corangamite CMA in partnership withthe Victorian Government’s Our Water

Our Future action plan is investing more than$500,000 in protecting the estuaries,considered to be among the region’s mostvaluable natural assets.

The project is focussing on restoring riverfrontages, improving water quality,rehabilitating native vegetation, removingpest plants and managing fish habitat.

The work has been declared a priorityunder the CMA’s Regional CatchmentStrategy (RCS), it also accords with the OurWater Our Future action plan, which calls forthe improved health of the state’s rivers,floodplains and estuaries.

Corangamite’s 20 estuaries along thecoastline have been identified as some of themost diverse and pressured rivers insouthern Victoria.

Only one – the St George River – isconsidered pristine; the majority have beenclassified as ‘modified’ or changed from theirnatural state.

Recent estimates put the value of tourismalong the Great Ocean Road region at morethan $1 billion a year.

The Great Ocean Road Estuary RestorationProject is focussing on nine locations. Theycomprise:• Curdies Inlet (5km of estuary frontage to be

protected)• Gellibrand River (one high-value wetland to

be protected)• Barham River (3km of river frontage to be

protected and resnagging the estuary fornative fish)

• Cumberland River (5km to be opened formigratory fish species)

• Erskine River estuary (5ha of woody weedsto be removed)

• Painkalac Creek (1km of riverbed frontageto be protected and stabilised)

• Anglesea River (bank stabilisation)• Thompson Creek (3km of river frontage to

be protected)• Wye River (bank protection).

Corangamite CMA River Health TeamLeader Greg Peters said the project aimed tomaximise environmental benefits andconsolidate social and economic interests.

“This project is all about a compatiblerelationship between the environment andour lifestyle. For example, one objective isimproved water quality that, in turn, isparamount to tourism,” he said.

The project also would increase communityawareness about estuary management aswell as involve various partnership agenciesand interest groups, such as Barwon Water.

“The Corangamite region is renowned forits unique natural resources, including thespectacular coastline. Projects such asestuary restoration are essential if we are toprotect these assets while guaranteeing their sustainable use into the future,” MrPeters said.

Key estuaries to be protected

e [email protected] w www.ccma.vic.gov.au

The Corangamite CMA acknowledges the support of:

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catchment NEWS

Your newsletterThis inaugural Corangamite CMA Community Update has been produced to keep you up-to-date with environmental activities across the region.

If you would like regular updates on the CMA, you can register to receive an emailedversion forwarded quarterly. To register to receive the electronic newsletter or toprovide feedback please email [email protected]

You can do your bit for the environment - by getting involved!

Urban participation in naturalresource management

The term Landcare seems, by definition, to exclude people living in urban

communities. However, some of the mostsuccessful projects undertaken beneath the “Landcare” banner involve works withinurban communities.

Landcare - or ‘caring for yourneighbourhood’ - provides an opportunity foryou or a group of similar minded people toundertake projects that may add value toyour property or improve the character andecological health of a local park, schoolground, river or wetland.

It provides opportunities to eradicateweeds and reintroduce native species toyour area, ensuring additional habitat for ournative animals and birds. This will protect ourheritage for future generations.

There are a multitude of opportunities forcommunity members in small towns or largecities to become involved “in making adifference” and assisting the CorangamiteCMA to achieve its vision: Our Community -inspired to build a healthy catchment.

Contact us for information on your nearestLandcare or “friends” group.

You can make a difference!

Erskine River estuary - Lorne