Kugerungmome/Powlett River, Bunurong Country from the air Photo: Janine Clark

Winter in the catchment

Welcome to winter in the West Gippsland Catchment. It's a busy time as the season changes and we move into another busy phase of reporting on the past year and ramping up delivery including weed removal, fencing and using available winter rains for planting trees to add resilience to rivers and wetlands.

It's the end of a year of delivering projects to bring us closer to our shared vision of healthy and resilient catchments and we thank you all for your support in this work.
We would also like to acknowledge those doing it tough in drought conditions - support is available and our thoughts are with you... 

Drought support is available. Photo: Andrew Northover

Expanding drought support to farmers 

The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support of $67.2 million for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought conditions.  

This is in response to deteriorating seasonal conditions across the state, with some areas of Victoria now recording significant rainfall deficiencies extending back to 2023.

The lack of rainfall during autumn accelerated the hardship being faced by farm businesses, with many farmers facing significant decisions around destocking, securing fodder and managing low on-farm water supplies.

Agriculture Victoria’s technical and decision-making support program is available to farm businesses right across the state. These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists to support farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions.

Farmers can register at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website or contact 136 186.

Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River) and Heart Morass, Gunaikurnai Country. Photo: Mick Green Drift Media

Reallocated water to flow across Gippsland

We're delighted with the allocation of 16 gigalitres of water for the environment, Traditional Owners and farming announced by Minister for Water Gayle Tierney. 

The water, that had been set aside for power generation, is now reallocated to be equally shared between GLaWAC Traditional Owners, the environment and agriculture. 

The additional water for environment flows will improve the health of Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) as well as the Gippsland Lakes system downstream.

“This allocation of water for the environment will play an important role in improving the health of one of Gippsland’s iconic rivers with additional benefits for communities and the Gippsland Lakes,” said West Gippy CMA Board Chair Mikaela Power.

Read more

The winning photo in the CMA's annual photo competition

Chasing the Milky Way takes first prize

A spectacular night sky photo titled ‘Where Two Rivers Meet’ has been awarded first prize in our annual photo competition.   

The celestial image was chosen for its unique perspective of West Gippsland’s rivers. Taken by Sale resident Iryna MacMillan, it perfectly reflects the theme of rivers being much more than just water. 

“I was chasing the Milky Way at Swing Bridge. In the image we can see the Milky Way, the planet Venus and a pink Aurora on the left. It was a beautiful night and very inspiring,” said Iryna who moved to Australia from Ukraine over 20 years ago. 

“It was very difficult to choose the winners – and we thank everyone for taking the time to submit and to share their reasons why West Gippsland’s waterways are much more than water to them,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.

See all the winning photos

Bar-tailed Godwits making their 11,000 kilometre journey to Alaska non-stop in nine days.

From Corner Inlet to Alaska in nine days

A tiny bird the size and weight of a matchbox that flies thousands of kilometres from the Siberian tundra is one of the amazing stories of Corner Inlet’s migratory birds that West Gippy CMA celebrated this World Migratory Bird Day on Sunday 10 May.  

“Communities working together to enhance and protect Corner Inlet Ramsar site and the migratory birds that call it home is something we have been doing for decades,” said Tanya Cowell, Waterways Project Officer for West Gippsland CMA. 

There are 16 species of international migratory shorebirds that are regularly supported by the Corner Inlet Ramsar site. Many travel to north east Asia and Alaska along what is known as the East Asian Australasian Flyway with habitat destruction being one of their biggest threats.

Read more

Farmers across the Lake Wellington Catchment can apply for funding to develop a farm irrigation plan.

Irrigation incentives for  Gippsland farmers

The CMA and Agriculture Victoria are offering a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.   

Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.

“Designing an irrigation farm plan is the first essential step for any irrigation renovation,” said Brad Missen, Irrigation Development Coordinator at the CMA.

Read more and apply online

Coming together for National Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation in action

Reconciliation in action. Bunurong Land Council Elders, Baliṯ Biik (Strong Country) Rangers & team hosted Bass Coast Reconciliation Network member orgs on Millawul (Phillip Island) to share in planning the next steps of working together to Care for Country. The Land Council’s Rhyll property was a perfect and powerful location to meet and spend time sharing updates, building relationships and learning how we can all help each other.

This event, held during National Reconciliation Week, was an enriching experience for everyone. Adam Magennis, Cultural Landscapes Coordinator for Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation shared ideas for the Rhyll site and asked partners to come together to contribute their areas of expertise to help turn the plans into reality. “Caring for Country together is the next step,” said Adam. “Bass Coast Reconciliation Network and partners are now doing the advocacy work for reconciliation and it’s time to work together on whole of Country thinking.” We are all very grateful for the opportunity to spend time on Country to support and learn from each other.

Community engagement members at the opening of Merriman Creek Estuary in Seaspray

Diving into the dynamic world of estuaries

Our Community Engagement Network visited Merriman Creek estuary in Seaspray last month to learn all about estuaries - where the rivers meet the sea.

Waterways Officer Callum Edwards explained why some estuaries open and close to the ocean at different times of the year, how climate change is impacting the way estuaries behave and how the CMA works in partnership with landholders, the community and other agencies to manage estuaries so they and the surrounding land are healthy and safe.

You can hear Callum talk about the fascinating role of estuaries in Gippslandscapes podcast episode 72 'The Secret Life of Estuaries'

The Richardson family enjoying the flourishing vegetation along the creek bed at their beef farm.

Barren to beautiful thanks to a farm fence

A fencing grant from West Gippsland CMA and partners has helped transform a local beef farm into a tranquil landscape filled with birds and wildlife – all while protecting its prize asset – the cows. 

“We initially wanted fences along the creek to keep the cattle out, but it’s been so much better than that,” said Brent Richardson. “The vegetation has flourished, wildlife has returned and the entire area is more tranquil. It’s lifted the whole property.”  

Read more

The CMA's Martin Fuller with dairy farmers Stephen and Jess Knight

Water key to future proofing Gippsland farms 

Access to water means everything to farmers and working to maximise this precious resource is key. Recently, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) was proud to host the state’s sustainable irrigation support staff for a two day forum, in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria, to share knowledge and hear from Gippsland farmers on the ground where the impacts of their work are showcased best.  

“For the past 25 years, West Gippsland CMA’s sustainable irrigation program has worked to reduce the environmental impact of irrigation and increase efficiencies and productivity for busy farmers,” said Anthony Goode, Sustainable Irrigation Project Officer for West Gippsland CMA.  

“This successful model is replicated in CMAs across Victoria supported by Agriculture Victoria through Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.” 

A highlight of the program was a full day farm tour across the Gippsland region, to meet the farmers and learn about the benefits, challenges and opportunities of sustainable irrigation firsthand.  

Stunning scenery of wetlands flyover

Press play above to explore the Lower Latrobe Wetlands from on-high and discover all about the natural wetting and drying cycle of wetlands that enables plants, animals and the environment to thrive. 

Applications are open for the role of Regional Landcare Coordinator at the West Gippsland CMA

Are you our next Landcare Coordinator?

Are you looking for a place to grow your skills across diverse projects and
beautiful landscapes?

As our Regional Landcare Coordinator, you’ll support our Catchments and Community team to coordinate the CMA’s Regional Landcare Program, including implementing the Regional Landcare Support Plan and the Victorian Landcare Grants program in West Gippsland. You will work closely with other CMA staff and play a key role in promoting, improving and influencing the coordination and success of Landcare within the West Gippsland region.

Applications close Monday 7 July. Read more and apply online

Waterways Officer David Stork at the site of planned new watering infrastructure at Heart Morass.

Future flow at Heart Morass

This is our Waterways Project Officer, David Stork (Storky) at the site of a planned new watering infrastructure at Heart Morass on Gunaikurnai Country. 

Heart Morass has been transformed from a bare paddock 20 years ago back to a thriving wetland and one of the key ingredients in keeping it healthy is delivering environmental water and reinstating some of the natural flows into the system.

The new watering infrastructure will deliver water into the system when and how it is needed. Designed with fish and the environment in mind, it's a complex project and we look forward to sharing progress with you.

Learn more about Heart Morass

Saltmarsh in Corner Inlet

Chasing foxes and dreams in Corner Inlet

Capturing an elusive fox on Dream Island, tackling weed infestations and keeping watch over threatened beach nesting birds are just some events in the compelling story of the past year of Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Corner Inlet Connections project. 

“It’s been another successful year of dedicated work in the Corner Inlet Ramsar site where, for nearly two decades, we’ve been working with partners and community to protect the inlet’s significant natural values,” said Tanya Cowell, Waterways Officer for West Gippsland CMA. 

“We’re pleased to share what’s been achieved in partnership with Parks Victoria, Trust for Nature, Birdlife Australia and specialist contractors,” said Tanya. 

“Every effort is an important step towards our shared goal of a healthy and resilient inlet that we can all enjoy – whether you are a fisher, farmer, birdwatcher, walker or boater. We all love the inlet in our own special way and want it cared for.”  

Read the full story 

Magpie Geese spotted at Bairnsdale

Rare magpie geese visit Gippsland Lakes

Two rare sightings of Magpie Geese have been confirmed on across the Gippsland Lakes catchment in both Maffra and Bairnsdale. 

“We are excited about these sightings of Magpie Geese visiting Gippsland,” said Sean Phillipson, Senior NRM Advisor for East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. 

The birds are found on floodplains and in freshwater wetland areas across coastal northern and eastern Australia but are a rare visitor to Victoria where their conservation status is listed as Vulnerable. 

“These sightings demonstrate that wetlands and vegetation around the Lakes are acting as a refuge and that the right habitat can be an important place for our wildlife – no matter how small.” 

Read more and how to report sightings

Protecting pristine headwaters

Spotting a willow in the rugged upper reaches of the catchment is like finding a needle in a haystack but during Autumn the yellowing leaves of the deciduous tree stand-out amongst the dense native bush, making them easier to spot and - importantly, easier to pinpoint for future will removal efforts.

Crews took advantage of the seasonal colours to undertake helicopter surveillance of the upper reaches of Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River) and Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River) recently as part of our work protecting pristine headwaters. 

Using specialist cameras and keen eyes, crews located willows in previously unknown reaches such as Caledonia River, a tributary of Wirn wirndook Yeerung. This valuable information will be used to inform on-ground works over the next three years, providing the treatment team with locations in this remote and challenging terrain.

The remote Victorian Alps are home to some of the most pristine waterways in Victoria – we’re working to keep them that way by removing invasive willows that clog waterways, damage riparian vegetation and spread downstream.

Read more

Follow us