Welcome to Winter in the catchment

Winter this year so far is seeming far from quiet! 

As 30 June marks the end of the three year Environmental Contribution Tranche 5 (EC5) funding cycle and the start of EC6, teams are busy both reporting and planning for delivering the next round of funding.

We're also out on the ground, finishing projects and taking advantage of the rains to put many thousands of plants in the ground - often the final step in a project after weeds have been removed, fences installed and in some cases, flood recovery works have been completed.

We are extremely proud of our achievements through the EC5 funding round and the contribution we have been able to make for the West Gippsland catchment and community. All of course made possible through the amazing support of our partners like you - so thank you for your ongoing support. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of what's been happening so far this winter.... 

Caring for Country

Our team and community partners enjoyed an On Country Networking Day led by Bunurong Land Council at Powlett River Kugerungmome recently.

On the day, held in National Reconciliation Week, our team, project partners and the Land Council Traditional Owners shared knowledge about projects happening to protect the river as it runs from Korumburra down to the sea at Kilcunda. 

There were demonstrations of water testing, and the group heard about the estuary and how it is currently managed. We also shared ideas about possibilities for future work to understand, restore, and care for this precious cultural landscape. 

Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments Our Communities program.  

Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)

Building flood resilience naturally

Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River) swelled in the widespread June 2021 flood event in West Gippsland, leaving the waterway damaged and in need of repair.

When floodwaters subsided, the West Gippsland CMA and property managers at Glenfalloch Station swung into action to repair the damage, using their experience of previous floods to achieve the best results by working with natural materials and focusing on long-term resilience.

The Nature Positive Award celebrates achievements in conservation, habitat restoration, and species protection.

CMAs win prestigious National Award

We were thrilled when Vic Catchments was announced the winner of the Nature Positive category of the 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards!

“For over 25 years CMAs have been at the forefront of working with communities and partners to deliver incredible results for catchments across Victoria and it's a delight that we have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation,” said Cath Jenkins, Chair of Vic Catchments.

Partnerships are one of our biggest strengths and we share this success with everyone – Traditional Owners, partner organisations, community and government.

• Watch a great video of the night here
  

• Read the online magazine with all winners including Victoria's ten CMAs here.
  

Kayaking down the Carran Carran (Thomson River)

Kayakers conquer Autumn 'fresh'

Kayakers took advantage of high river flows from the recent Autumn fresh to enjoy quality paddling time down the mighty Carran Carran (Thomson River).

A 'fresh' is a small release of environmental water over a short period of time. This mimics the natural seasonal increase in river flow and provides the cue to Australian grayling and other native fish to migrate downstream to spawn. 

The high flows also provide excellent conditions for kayakers, paddlers and river lovers. Whitehorse Canoe Club made this fantastic video about their three day kayaking and camping adventure down Carran Carran after the Autumn fresh. 

If you're planning your own paddling adventure in West Gippsland, check-out the Current Water Releases page on our website 

 Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River) is undergoing a significant transition due to coal mine closures and climate change

What's next for Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River)?

It's a big river, and big changes are on the horizon.

Due to the start of the staged coal mine closures in the Latrobe Valley, as well as challenges like climate change and competing demands for water, there is now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore resilience of Durt'Yowan and accelerate change for the benefit of the environment and all community members.

Together with Traditional Owners, government, community groups and partner organisations, we're working to restore this precious river from a 'working' river to a river that works again.

Some of the ways we plan to do this is by:

• removing fish barriers

• riverside fencing and revegetation

• enhancing Lower Latrobe Wetlands

• reinstating meanders

• working with farmers

• securing more Water for the Environment

There's a lot do do but progress is being made. Visit our website and sign-up to our e-news to keep up-to-date with the Latrobe River Transformation project.

Tackling the highly invasive Yellow (Mexican) waterlily 

Tackling weeds in waterways

While it’s a beautiful plant in domestic settings, Yellow Water Lily becomes dangerous when it enters public waterways.

When an outbreak in waterways around Sale was threatening public access for recreation and getting dangerously close to entering the high value Gippsland Lakes wetland we took action.

“This weed is notoriously hard to control. With ongoing effort, we have reduced its surface water coverage by more than 90%,” said Project Delivery Lead - Matt Bowler.

CMA staff unite for IDAHOBIT Day on May 17.

Celebrating IDAHOBIT Day 🌈

The team from West Gippsland CMA celebrated IDAHOBIT (The International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination) on May 17 with partners across Gippsland at a special event organised by the Gippsland Environmental Agencies (GEA).

Over 90 people joined the online forum featuring a presentation by Max Evans from Minus 18, who shared valuable tips on how organisations can send the right signals for inclusion, such as:

• Listen to stories and experiences of the LGBTIQA+ community  

• Be visible - this can be as simple as wearing a rainbow lanyard to standing up against homophobic language  

• Use inclusive language in your organisation and and ask for pronouns.

Merriman Creek Landcare members

Farmers adapting to a changing climate

The very real effects of climate change are a challenge for everyone.

Merriman Creek Landcare Group is partnering with West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Food and Fibre Gippsland to face this challenge head on with a series of workshops to support farmers to prepare for and manage dry conditions. 

“Two workshops have been funded through the Victorian Landcare Grants and West Gippsland CMA and Food and Fibre Gippsland,” said Sam Shannon West Gippsland Drought Hub Adoption Officer, who is providing in-kind support and funding to support the project. 

Somewhere over the Rainbow...

Press play above to enjoy our latest project video - Nurturing a rainbow - Managing the Thomson.

In the 1950s, Carran Carran (Thomson River) jumped course and carved a whole new channel - the Rainbow Creek. Cowwarr Weir was built to maintain the old course and control the flows in Rainbow Creek. For the past four years, we have been delivering the Thomson & Rainbow Management Plan to keep the Thomson flowing and restore the Rainbow.

Activities at the Tanjil Valley Community Festival

Festival fun for nature lovers

Tanjil Valley Landcare Group are onto a winning formula with their community and environment festival drawing a crowd for the second year running.

Over 500 locals and out-of-towners flocked to Blue Rock Lake in Willow Grove on Sunday 28 April to celebrate and explore nature with family and friends at the Tanjil Valley Community Festival.  

Over 30 stallholders including Bug Blitz, Aussie Wildlife Display, Wildlife Rescue and Protection and Kids Nature Play showcased displays and activities designed to engage children and adults alike. Highlights included an environmental treasure hunt, storytelling, tree planting and cubby-building using natural materials.  

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