Welcome to Autumn in the catchment

Our thoughts are with all those affected by February's storm events – especially the Mirboo North community. We once again salute the strength and camaraderie of the Gippsland community. As ambassadors for catchment health, we are committed to working together to play our part in building resilience and tackling the effects of climate change. 

As always, there is a lot going on in the catchment as we wrap up all the amazing projects we have been delivering through the Victorian Government’s Environmental Contribution (EC) program.

Under this fifth tranche of the EC (known as EC5), CMAs have been delivering extensive regional programs and employing local staff and contractors with significant flow-on economic benefits to their communities. 

Banksia award finalists

The peak body for Victoria’s ten Catchment Management Authorities, Vic Catchments, has been announced as a finalist in the 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards in the Nature Positive category.

The finalists showcase new frontiers in sustainability. The submission tells the story of how Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) across the state have been “change makers” for waterways transforming landscapes, engaging communities and supporting Traditional Owner self determination as a priority.

CMAs are responsible for the integrated planning and coordination of land, water and biodiversity management in each catchment and land protection regions. Each CMA is structured to maximise community involvement in decision-making. 

Read the latest 2023 Vic Catchments Achievements Brochure here that showcases the successes and stories of CMAs across the state.

Winners will be announced at an awards presentation on Thursday 4 April.
Good luck team! Read more...

Landcare groups can apply for grants of up to $20K to support projects that enhance the natural environment

2024 Victorian Landcare Grants now open

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced the opening of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants last week, with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity.

"The continued dedication to the environment of West Gippsland’s Landcare groups is inspiring. I’m really looking forward to see what projects will come out of the 2024 grant process”, said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller. 

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Support grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.

New members of WGCMA's Community Engagement Network 

Community Connection commences

We were pleased to recently welcome the 2024-2026 Community Engagement Network to the CMA.  Sixteen new and returning members representing a broad range of age, location and experience make up the new network. 

Members attended an induction session to get to know one another and the CMA team. Cultural competence training was also a feature of the day. 

“It is amazing to be a part of an enthusiastic community group with a broad range of ages and expertise. I look forward to learning more about the WGCMA and contributing to the community voice for environmental preservation,” said new member, Jessica Tong. 

 “As a returning member, it is wonderful to see some fresh faces to bring new ideas and perspectives to the group. Great to see a mix of equal gender representation,” reflected Dave Sutton.

We look forward to working with the group and exploring some interesting topics over the coming years.  

Native species like the Tupong were discovered in the Powlett River catchment

Discovering Powlett's life aquatic

The Powlett River and its six main tributaries are precious waterways and the CMA is now one step closer to discovering more about life below their surface with results from a Spring survey of aquatic life revealing a diversity of native fish species. 

“Whilst the catchment lays entirely within agricultural land, it was heartening to discover healthy fish populations in some of the waterways,” said Paula Camenzuli, Natural Resource Management Strategic Planner for West Gippsland CMA. 

“Species recorded include Common galaxias, Tupong, Southern shortfinned eel, Freshwater shrimp and Burrowing crayfish and we are also pleased that no introduced fish species were found,” Paula said. 

Community members at  Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre in Sale for World Wetlands Day

Celebrating World Wetlands Day

It was a full house when community members joined us in Sale to celebrate World Wetlands Day on Friday 2nd February.

“Wetlands are truly remarkable, and we are lucky to live in a region with two world-renowned wetlands on our doorstep, that is Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site. There are also 11 wetlands of national importance, plus many smaller, local wetlands providing recreational and environmental benefits to the community.” says Martin Fuller, CEO of WGCMA. 

World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands. This year’s theme spotlighted how wetlands and human life are interconnected and called on each of us to value and steward our wetlands. 

Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River) 

Latrobe Valley water future 

If you’re confused about everything going on in the Latrobe Valley, and the implications for the Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River), you’re not alone.  

From mine rehabilitation plans, to water reallocation to developing the vision for the water future for the Latrobe Valley – there’s a lot happening.  Luckily Anthony Goode (Goodie), West Gippsland CMA’s Strategic Lead - Latrobe, is here to bring us up to speed on the activities and plans for Latrobe Valley water, and our work to restore Durt’Yowan from a working river to a river that works again.  

Key info:   

• Public consultation on the environmental effects of the Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project will open later this year.  Look out for your chance to have input.  

• 16 gigalitres of water (that’s 16 billion litres) previously reserved for future mine expansion will be reallocated to Traditional Owners, irrigators and the environment. 

• Organisations across Gippsland’s water sector are scoping a joint vision and plan for the water future of the Latrobe River. Stay tuned for progress on this partnership.

Flood recovery works at Noojee Recreation Reserve

New life for Noojee

In June 2021, widespread flooding heavily impacted  Gippsland catchments including the famous town of Noojee located high in the headwaters of the Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River).  

The river is a much loved feature running through the town, providing shade and recreation at many spots along its banks.

The Noojee Reserve is usually a tranquil spot with shelter, picnic tables, winding tracks and toilet facilities. In the June 2021 storm event, the public reserve was completely inundated as the river broke its banks and roared through the park taking out banks, trees and paths.

Members of the Environmental Water Advisory Group inside Blue Rock reservoir

Have your say on e-water planning

Did you know that the CMA asks for community feedback for environmental water planning?  

Our three advisory groups of community members, landholders and partners met all met recently to discuss how WGCMA's environmental water entitlement would be used throughout the year.

Input from the groups is put into a proposal to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH). who develop a statewide environmental water plan for the CMA to implement. 

If you have an interest in the Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River), Carran Carran (Thomson River), or Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) and would like to have a say on our environmental water planning, please get in touch by email to eflows@wgcma.vic.gov.au.

Members of Wonyip Landcare Group

Landcare grants in action 

Wildlife like the Strzelecki koalas are set to benefit from the planting of 500 native trees thanks to Wonyip Landcare Group and their 2023 Victorian Landcare Grant. 

It’s another step forward in the group’s ongoing efforts to restore native habitat and connect disparate areas of remnant old growth forest along Dingo Creek and the Agnes River.

“We hope to attract a range of native species from insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds and even owls – the whole food chain.  We’ll also be planting mountain grey gums to attract Strzelecki koalas, which have been seen around here,” said group member Russell Botton. 

Damian Kook's photo of Heart Morass in Sale was the winning entry in this year's photo competition

Photos connect rivers and people 

In breaking news, winners of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s ‘Connected rivers, connected people Waterway’ photo competition have been awarded with a photo of Heart Morass in Sale taking out the main prize.

“Thanks to everyone who took part this year, it was wonderful to see how people responded to the theme,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.

“Images submitted reflected the deep connection the community has to the special waterways around the region.”

“It was great to see both pictures of people enjoying the rivers and wetlands along with shots that showcased their scale and beauty.”

The winning entry was by Damien Kook for his photo of Heart Morass. “I go camping at Heart Morass with my wife's family every Easter and have taken many photos of Heart Morass. This photo was taken in the early morning from the edge of the water, just after the morning fog had cleared. The air was still - and I was drawn to the scene because of the incredible, still reflection in the water. Thanks again, this was the first photo competition I've ever entered!” said Damien.

Stay tuned to our socials and website for all the winners and their pics soon!

Team members Brad and Bonnie at the Gipps Dairy Muster in Trafalgar 

Out and about at GippsDairy Muster

We joined hundreds of local dairy farmers wanting to learn the latest trends, technologies and practices in dairy farming at the 2024 GippsDairy Muster on Thursday, 14 March. 

Held on-farm in Trafalgar, the event attracted everyone from young aspiring farmers to those who had been on the land for decades. WGCMA's Sustainable Agriculture team members Brad Missen and Bonnie Dawson were on hand to chat about our work supporting farmers with farm planning, irrigation extension services, on-farm irrigation incentives and more.

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