VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ ACTIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 2019-20

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 1 CONTENTS

MINISTER'S FOREWORD 3 REGIONAL ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 23 VIC CATCHMENTS CHAIR OVERVIEW 4 Corangamite 24 CMA CHAIRS 5 East 28 CMA REGIONS 6 Glenelg Hopkins 32 PARTNERSHIPS 7 Goulburn Broken 36

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES 8 Mallee 40 North Central 44 SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT 9 North East 48 2019-20 HIGHLIGHTS 10 and Westernport 52 2019-20 OUTPUTS 11 56 2019-20 INVESTMENT 12 Wimmera 60

STATEWIDE CASE STUDIES 13

Integrated Catchment Management 14 National Landcare Program 16 Bushfire and emergency recovery 18 Drought Employment Program 19 Communities caring for landscapes 20 Aboriginal particpation & engagement 21 Diversity & inclusion 22 WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE COUNTRY ON WHICH WE WORK AND PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THEIR ELDERS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

FRONT COVER: AERIAL IMAGE OF GENOA, , FOLLOWING 2020 BUSHFIRES.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 2 landowners and volunteer groups are integral for managing our catchments to benefit our environment, our community and our economy. Last year, ’s CMAs established and maintained FOREWORD 1,464 partnerships across Victoria, which resulted in 3,508 hectares of revegetation, 140,580 hectares of weed control and 829,072 hectares of pest animal control. CMAs also educated and engaged close to 70,000 people in field days, workshops and events, with many moved online to keep the conversations flowing during restrictions. The CMAs’ 19 Our Catchments, Our Communities projects completed their final year in 2019-20. It is wonderful to see the outcomes of the planning, investment, and on-ground activities of Victoria’s Catchment Management Water for Victoria and its record $222 Authorities (CMAs) continue to make million investment resulting in healthy a positive impact in our regional waterways and catchments supported by communities. engaged communities. The 2019-20 Victorian Catchment Integrated catchment management Management Authorities’ Action and responds to what is important to Achievements Report details how their communities. It involves many partners considerable achievements, which now working together collaboratively to span over 23 years, have made a clear plan and deliver outcomes for our difference to the health of the rivers and catchments. There have been some landscapes that we love and use. great collaborations between CMAs and These ten CMAs continue to deliver Traditional Owner groups to incorporate exceptional outcomes, delivering healthy, aspirations for Country into planning, sustainable and productive land, water work to achieve shared benefits and and biodiversity for the people that rely support the right for self-determination of on them. These results are achieved Aboriginal Victorians. through activities and programs that are Case studies highlight the work the CMAs community-based, regionally-focused are undertaking to realise Victoria’s and collaborative. directions for water, biodiversity It has been a challenging year for all as and climate change to meet current we have faced the impacts of drought, environmental needs and address bushfires and coronavirus (COVID-19). emerging challenges. Through all of it, Victoria’s CMAs have Thank you to the CMAs and the been a vital lifeline for our regional community volunteers who work communities. Whether supporting tirelessly on improving our catchments landholders with recovery efforts or and waterways. assisting Landcare groups to move activities online, CMAs have remained adaptive and innovative. Partnerships between CMAs and other government agencies, Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal Victorians, Hon Lisa Neville, MP, Minister for Water

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 3 worked with local communities and Traditional Owners to create lasting integrated catchment management outcomes. We are extremely proud of what has been achieved to date and VIC look forward to the next phase of this initiative. The CMAs partnership with the Australian Government through the Regional Land CATCHMENTS’ Partnerships program has also delivered strong outcomes. 2019-20 was the second year for the 26 projects funded by the National Landcare Program and CHAIR they achieved a combined 425 hectares of revegetation, 378,091 hectares of pest plant and animal control and 27,084 hectares of agricultural practice change. OVERVIEW Genuine Traditional Owner engagement has been critical to the successful For over two decades, Victoria’s 10 delivery of CMA projects. CMAs have Catchment Management Authorities a demonstrated ability to collaborate (CMAs) have delivered land, water and meaningfully with Aboriginal Victorians, biodiversity programs that not only with several examples outlined in this enhance and protect our environment, report. It’s important to note that we but support thriving communities. 2019- don’t just talk the talk – 3 per cent of our 20 was a year like no other, challenging workforce is Aboriginal, compared to 1 Victorian communities is ways they have per cent in the broader Victorian public never been before, and CMAs stepped up sector. to face these challenges. The resilient partnerships between CMAs, As 2019-20 began, Victoria continued communities and Traditional Owners will to face dry conditions as a result of continue to be enhanced over the next prolonged below average rainfall. By 12 to 18 months as the CMAs renew the November 2019, bushfires of exceptional Regional Catchment Strategies. These size and impact burnt across the East strategies are the guiding framework Gippsland and North East regions. Just as for the management of land, water and communities were able to begin the long biodiversity in each region of Victoria. recovery process, the world was faced The knowledge, advice and input of with coronavirus (COVID-19). stakeholders will be critical to successful Throughout these challenges, Victoria’s planning. CMAs have shown their reliability, Most importantly, as we head towards leadership and innovation. They’ve 2021, all these efforts help build the provided immediate support to resilience of our communities, so they communities and individuals, worked with remain vibrant and productive in the face partners to develop creative solutions of new challenges. to difficult problems and supported the Victorian Government to keep the state moving and keep people working. 2019-20 saw us move into the final year of the $22 million Our Catchments, Our Communities initiative, part of the $222 million Water for Victoria plan. Over the last four years, Victoria’s CMAs have Sharyon Peart, Chair, VicCatchments

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 4 EACH CMA HAS A MINISTERIALLY-APPOINTED BOARD OF LOCAL PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS CMA CHAIRS FOR REGIONAL LAND, BIODIVERSITY AND WATER MANAGEMENT, AND MONITORING AND EVALUATING ITS PERFORMANCE.

CORANGAMITE EAST GLENELG GOULBURN MALLEE ALICE KNIGHT GIPPSLAND HOPKINS BROKEN SHARYON PEART EWAN WALLER ANTONY FORD HELEN REYNOLDS

NORTH NORTH EAST PORT PHILLIP & WEST WIMMERA CENTRAL LEANNE MULCAHY WESTERNPORT GIPPSLAND PETER HILBIG JULIE MILLER MARKOFF TANIA FOSTER PETER JENNINGS OAM

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 5 VICTORIA’S INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK IS WORKING TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE CMA REGIONS OUR RIVERS AND LANDSCAPES WHILE SUPPORTING PRODUCTIVITY FROM OUR LAND AND WATER RESOURCES.

NORTH CENTRAL The North Central region covers 30,000 square kilometres (13% of the state). It is home to 250,000 people, is valued for its internationally recognised environmental GOULBURN BROKEN assets and supports a diverse agriculture sector. The Goulburn Broken region covers over 24,000 square kilometres of which two thirds is under private ownership. It extends north from the outskirts of to the . It yields 11% of the Murray Darling Basin’s water despite making up only 2% of its area. MALLEE The Mallee region covers almost 40,000 square kilometres making it the largest catchment area NORTH EAST in Victoria. It runs along the Murray River from The North East region extends across 19,000 square Nyah to the South Australian border and south kilometres between the Murray River in the north, Victorian through vast dryland cropping areas and public Alps in the south and the Warby Ranges in the west. The reserves. region is home to 100,000 people, provides 38% of the Murray Darling Basin’s water and is 55% public land.

WIMMERA The Wimmera region covers 30,000 square EAST GIPPSLAND kilometres straddling the . The East Gippsland region covers 22,000 Agriculture is the dominant land use, economic square kilometres and is approximately 80% driver and employment sector. A quarter of the publicly-owned land mainly as significant 50,000 people who live in the region depend State forests, national and coastal parks. directly on agriculture for their income.

WEST GIPPSLAND GLENELG HOPKINS The West Gippsland region covers 18,000 square kilometres from The Glenelg-Hopkins region covers 26,000 square kilometres Warragul to the Gippsland and from the to and is characterised by flat volcanic plains in the south, with the Wilsons Promontory. It provides the majority of Victoria’s electricity, 60% Grampians, Dundas Tablelands and Central Highlands dominant of Melbourne’s water storage and 20% of ’s milk production. in the north. With 80% of the region cleared for agriculture, it is one of the most productive farming areas in Australia.

PORT PHILLIP & WESTERNPORT Spanning 13,000 square kilometres that feed into Port Phillip Bay and , this region CORANGAMITE has a resident population of over 5 million whilst also boasting some of Victoria’s most The Corangamite region extends across 13,000 square kilometres of which 78% is productive farming lands and spectacular parks that are home to all four State flora and fauna in private ownership. The region has rich and diverse landscapes ranging from expansive volcanic plains to coastal environments and the Otway Ranges.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 6 MANY INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH OF OUR RIVERS AND PARTNERSHIPS LANDSCAPES. PARTNERSHIPS ARE VITAL TO EFFECTIVELY SUSTAIN OUR ENVIRONMENT, UNDERPIN OUR ECONOMY AND PROVIDE A RANGE OF SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL BENEFITS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY GROUPS VICTORIAN AND TRADITIONAL OWNERS AGRICULTURAL Local communities make a & VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIAN & ABORIGINAL INDUSTRIES significant contribution to Significant contributions GOVERMENT COMMUNITIES Agricultural industry groups catchment management. Many are made by volunteers and DEPARTMENTS Aboriginal people have support extensive networks community members volunteer organised community groups A range of government a strong and continuing of land managers through their time to participate in including Landcare, conservation agencies and statutory connection with the land. research, development activities such as planting days, management networks, bodies implement strategies, Traditional Owners have and extension programs. clean up days, Landcare and ‘Friends of’ groups and policies and programs for the important cultural obligations Supporting best practice, monitoring programs such as committees of management. management of landscapes to manage traditional lands and agricultural industry is vital for Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch. and resources. They provide waterways. Their ecological the networks and access to investment to deliver and knowledge, experience and improve natural resources. support vital on-ground action. practices are incorporated into the planning and management of natural resources.

VICTORIA'S CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES Each CMA has a Ministerially-appointed Board of local people. Board members are appointed for their skills and experience to address challenges and benefit the regional environment and economy. CMAs have established partnerships with many organisations and community sectors.

WATER LOCAL GOVERNMENT LANDOWNERS UNIVERSITIES CORPORATIONS Victoria’s 79 local councils CMAs work with landowners & RESEARCH Victoria’s 19 water corporations are significant contributors and managers to support INSTITUTIONS lead urban and rural water to catchment management sustainable management Universities and other supply, sewerage disposal and through the regulation of of their land. Thousands of institutions undertake research treatment, recycled water and land use and development, landowners across Victoria and produce information to drainage services. They deliver public land management, make a significant contribution improve understanding of water to entitlement holders strategic planning including to protecting and improving natural systems and support including working with the environmental strategies and the health of natural assets, adaptive management Victorian Environmental Water urban stormwater plans, and ecosystems and significant approaches to enable Holder and CMAs to deliver support to landholders and places. continued improvement. environmental water. community groups.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 7 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FOR TWO DECADES, VICTORIA’S CMAS HAVE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY DELIVERED LAND, WATER AND BIODIVERSITY PROGRAMS THAT NOT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE ONLY PROTECT AND ENHANCE LANDSCAPES, Genuine engagement with regional CMAs play a critical role in building LIVELIHOODS AND LIFESTYLES, BUT SUPPORT communities is at the heart of all CMA community resilience to cope with and THRIVING COMMUNITIES. work. In 2019-20, Victoria's CMAs worked recover from natural disasters. Victoria’s with over 50,000 landholders and almost eastern and northern regions experienced 70,000 people participated in events unprecedented bushfire events in the held by CMAs and their partners. CMAs 2019-20 summer, amplified by prolonged also have strong online engagement, drought conditions in the years prior. with a combined social media following CMAs are supporting local communities of over 70,000. with bushfire recovery, particularly around agriculture and landscape LANDCARE SUPPORT restoration (see page 18). CMAs are also CMAs proudly lead the Victorian leading Drought Employment Programs Government’s support for Landcare in the west (see page 19) of the state and including the provision of grants, training flood recovery programs in the north east opportunities, planning assistance and (see page 51). networking. The partnerships between Landcare and CMAs are deep and REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT crucial for the protection of Victoria’s CMAs are significant employers, with a environments (see page 20). total of 394 people directly employed

by these regional organisations (see PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURE page 22). The vast majority of CMA CMAs support agricultural industries revenue goes out to projects involving to be productive and profitable. CMAs landholders, contractors and partner have partnerships and projects with the organisations, generating significant dairy, beef, sheep, grains, fruit, vegetable, employment and economic activity. wine, equine, apiary and other industries improving production and efficiency, LEVERAGE & CO-INVESTMENT boosting farmer profit and supporting the long-term future of agriculture. CMAs add value to government investment and bring multiple funding ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION sources together to deliver integrated on-ground works. In 2019-20, Victorian CMAs are proud to work hand-in- Government funding through Victoria's hand with Aboriginal organisations CMAs was complemented by more and communities on a daily basis. than $40 million of funding from CMAs provide a model for others to other sources, including the Australian follow, having direct partnerships with Government. It is estimated that for every Indigenous organisations and steering $1 of government funding spent on the funding into Indigenous projects. The ground, the community contributes more Victorian CMAs Aboriginal Participation than $5 of in-kind and financial support Guidelines promote engagement and through activities such as Landcare and work with Traditional Owners and volunteering. Aboriginal communities to manage, improve the health of their lands and waters (see page 21).

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 8 SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP part of its Regional Land Partnerships As Victorian Government statutory program (see page 16). The program authorities, CMAs apply the highest supports vital on-ground environmental standards of governance to ensure and agricultural projects that offer taxpayer monies are managed and benefits to our environment, farms and expended responsibly and to achieve communities. optimum outcomes. The finances of each CMA are audited by the Victorian CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION Auditor General’s Office each year and In a Victorian first, CMAs (with funding reported upon in Annual Reports tabled from the Australian Government) have in Parliament and made publicly available. undertaken regional climate change adaptation planning. The result is a REGIONAL CATCHMENT Natural Resource Management Climate STRATEGIES website, nrmclimate.vic.gov.au, which provides a common platform to access The 10 Regional Catchment Strategies climate change adaptation planning for covering Victoria are key documents natural resource management across that integrate Victorian Government Victoria. and Australian Government policies and strategies with local community knowledge and priorities. They are the MARINE & COASTAL PLANNING regional roadmaps for healthy and CMAs are assisting with the sustainable catchments. CMAs coordinate implementation of the new Marine their development and implementation and Coastal Act and preparing for an in collaboration with their regional increased role in strategic planning, communities and use them to provide advice on coastal erosion risk and strategic guidance to government. monitoring. CMAs also continue to support implementation of the Victorian VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT Coastal Strategy with various coast enhancement projects in partnership with As agencies of the Victorian Government, community groups and others. CMAs play a key role in implementing statewide environmental and agricultural strategies and initiatives. 2019-20 was the MURRAY DARLING BASIN PLAN final year for the Our Catchments, Our CMAs are important contributors to the VICTORIA’S CMAS ENABLE REGIONAL COMMUNITIES, Communities initiative, which saw CMAs Basin Plan by implementing Sustainable Diversion Limits projects and on-farm ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENTS TO PLAN AND successfully deliver 19 major projects benefitting Victoria’s catchments and irrigation efficiency works, developing WORK TOGETHER IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. communities as part of the rollout of a constraints management strategy THROUGHOUT 2019-20, CMAS WERE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN Water for Victoria (see page 15). for the and engaging THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT northern Victoria communities to AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT better understand the implications and POLICIES AND STRATEGIES AND WERE AN IMPORTANT CONDUIT opportunities of the plan. BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY. The Australian Government is a significant investor in environmental and agricultural work in Victoria. CMAs have forged a strong and effective partnership with the Australian Government, and between 2018 and 2023, it will invest $97.5 million dollars into Victoria as

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 9 2019-20 HIGHLIGHTS

969,652ha 3,508ha of pest plant & of vegetation animal control planted 67,281 event participants AN AREA OVER 92 TIMES THE SIZE OF THAT’S 1,294 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN CMA LED AND THAT’S AN AREA 5 TIMES THE SIZE OF PORT PHILLIP BAY MELBOURNE’S ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS SUPPORTED EVENTS EVERY WEEK

568km 1,464 partnerships 27,084ha 2,901 of fencing established or maintained of improved publications THAT’S ABOUT THE THAT’S AN AVERAGE OF 146 COLLABORATIVE INCLUDING SOCIAL MEDIA DISTANCE OF A ROAD ARRANGEMENTS AT EACH CMA agricultural CONTENT REACHING THE TRIP FROM CMAs’ 70,000 FOLLOWERS TO MALLACOOTA practices THAT’S AN AREA 44 TIMES

THE SIZE OF MELBOURNE’S CITY CENTRE

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 10 2019-20 OUTPUTS

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

STATE FED OTHER CMAs are at the front-line of natural resource management 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS and side-by-side with regional communities. 1.1 Channel (km) 96 139 139 1.2 Water storage (no.) 136 150 6 47 203 1.3 Pump (no.) 16 13 13 CMAs convert revenue to action, spending more than 1.4 Irrigation structure (ha) 1,500 714 332 1,046 80% of their revenue on direct service delivery. 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 298 393 4 28 425 1.6 Terrestrial structure (no.) 4 7 7 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 51 167 43 210 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 171 221 4 21 246 CMAs get it done in project delivery including: 1.9 Fence (km) 354 511 35 22 568 • 140,580 hectares of weed control 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 123 124 124 (188% of the target) 1.11 Road (km) 47 31 31 1.12 Crossing (no.) 6 36 36 • 829,072 hectares of pest animal control (120% of the target) 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 2,000 2,830 425 253 3,508 • 143 hectares of ecological fire practice 2.2 Weed control (ha) 126,451 121,209 18,963 408 140,580 (145% of the target) 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 618,362 469,247 359,128 17 829,072 2.4 Over-abundant wildlife control (ha) 1,500 667 667 • 3,946 hectares of livestock grazing control 2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 14 1 28 29 (145% of the target) 2.6 Emergency species response (no.) 1 1 • 294 water regimes 2.7 Soil treatment (ha.) 4 4 4 (117% of the target) 2.8 Earth works (no.) 23 73 6 3 82 2.9 Rubbish removal (ha) 0 161 161 • 9,695 planning approvals and advices (117% of the target) 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES 3.1 Grazing (ha) 2,712 3,659 272 14 3,946 3.2 Agricultural practices (ha) 20,125 27,084 27,084 3.3 Water (no.) 252 222 72 294 3.4 Fire regime (no.) 75 138 5 143

4. PLANNING AND REGULATION 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 8,298 9,352 21 322 9,695 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 831 448 226 34 708 4.3 Assessment (no.) 5,649 5,132 1,299 85 6,516 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 31,205 51,144 14,294 1,843 67,281 4.5 Partnership (no.) 1,262 1,370 81 13 1,464 4.6 Plan (no.) 877 471 191 14 676 4.7 Publication (no.) 1,635 1,798 964 139 2,901 4.8 Information management system (no.) 52 47 5 52

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 11 INVESTMENT DURING 2019-20 THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT WAS MADE THROUGH VICTORIA’S CMAs:

20 2.6 2 5.9 VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT 15 2.5 2.7

1.0 2.3 0.3 10 0.9 3.2 0.9 29 0.1

MILLIONS $ 4.5 0.1 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT 1.2 1.6 3.8 3.2 0.7 1.5 5 1.4

12 0 7.1 9.6 6.0 13.6 7.5 9.4 5.4 3.6 7.2 5.7 OTHER CONTRIBUTION East West Mallee Broken Glenelg Hopkins Goulburn Wimmera Gippsland Gippsland North East Westernport Port Phillip & Port North Central Corrangamite

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

OTHER

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 12 STATEWIDE CASE STUDIES THESE CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATE THE CMAS’ COMBINED ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS A NUMBER OF PRIORITY AREAS IN 2019-20.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 13 INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

1 Landholder John Boyd and "After recent bushfires and drought, having the weeds and WGCMA staff willows removed is going to make it a better habitat for the fish at a completed Providence and for the future of our community." Ponds and Perry Cindy Gardner, Omeo Angling Club River project site (WGCMA) 2 Local community In 2016, the Victorian Government Water Malmsbury District Landcare Group to members for Victoria Plan made a record investment control noxious weeds along the Coliban learning about weaving of over $222 million to improve the health River. Their participation helped to make techniques by of waterways and catchments and ensure it more accessible and they gained a in Victorians have rivers and landscapes that new appreciation for the landscapes the Strathbogies they love and use. surrounding their local course. (GBCMA) As part of this, the $22 million Our • Increasing community interest in 3 Novice bird Catchments, Our Communities initiative environmental stewardship. As a enthusiasts at a bird discovery focused on integrated catchment result of the Tyrrell Project, Mallee CMA walk at Tirhatuan management, including $16 million over has enhanced visitors’ recreational Park in four years to deliver 19 major on-ground opportunities at Uttiwillock Dandenong projects. while supporting environmental North (PPWCMA) These projects, which were completed in improvements. The ongoing efforts 2020, highlighted the significant benefits of Nullawil Landcare and the local that can be achieved in catchment community have successfully management through collaboration demonstrated the ecological and integration. Each project featured significance of the site, resulting is an partnerships between local communities, environmental water allocation awarded regional organisations, community groups by the VEWH for Autumn 2020. and landholders and produced lasting • Improving access to regional on-ground improvements and community environmental attractions. As part of outcomes, including: the Upper Mitta project, North East CMA worked with landholders, Omeo Golf • Strengthening community Club and Omeo Angling Club to improve engagement in regional planning and the riparian habitat along a socially and implementation. As a result of Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s of the Greater ecologically significant reach of the Grampians project, the wider community Livingstone Creek. Their collaborative around Walker Swamp has begun efforts to control willow and other works to take an active role in catchment have improved access and use. management. Community members are • Protecting sites of cultural significance. actively participating in citizen science As part of the Bogies and Beyond activities and seeking information about project, the Taungurung Caring for how their rivers are managed. Country team worked with Goulburn Broken CMA to restore Silver Banksia • Strengthening the diversity of on Sandy Creek in the Nillahcootie community representation in area. One of the last remaining wild integrated catchment management. Through community engagement as stands of Silver Banksia in the north- part of the Healthy Coliban Catchment east, this population of 25 surviving trees project, Trentham Golf Club came on has been untouched for many years and board to assist North Central CMA and links back to populations once abundant throughout the area.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 14 OUR CATCHMENTS, OUTPUTS 2016-20 OUR COMMUNITIES 55 visitor facilities 244.06 ha rubbish removal 16.7 km roads and trails 16 ML water delivered 12 stock troughs 136.85 ha ecological fire regime PROJECTS 14 waterway structures 53 approvals and advice 104 terrestrial features 193 management agreements 156.27 km of fencing and bollards 466 assessments 1,188.4 ha native vegetation 21,672 event participants 11,123.76 ha weed control 735 partnerships 117,112.3 ha pest animal control 138 plans 7.67 ha earth works 425 publications 1,069.43 ha grazing regime change 5 information management systems Community-delivered Integrated Catchment Management Projects ($606,000) 5,694 ha agricultural practice change

Upper Coliban Integrated Catchment Management Plan Implementation ($356,000) Resilient Landscape Vibrant Communities – Linking Lower Goulburn ($675,000)

Boort-Kinypanial Dja Dja Wurrung partnership project ($665,000) Resilient Landscape Vibrant Communities – Bogies and Beyond ($925,000)

The Tyrrell Project: Ancient Landscapes, New Connections ($1,600,000) Lower Ovens - Connecting Communities: Icon Ecosystems ($659,000)

Building Resilient Environmental and Social Networks in the Upper Mitta Mitta ($958,000)

Enhancing the health, environment and Implementing the RCS Tambo Valley Community liveability of the Wimmera River ($1,600,000) Enhancement Project ($800,000)

Wetlands of the Greater Grampians ($1,600,000) Implementing the RCS Connections Across the Red Gum Plains ($800,000 )

Providence Ponds and Catchment project ($1,600,000)

Sustainable Dairy Management ($336,000) Transforming the corridor into a world-class urban Living Link ($1,000,000)

Protecting the environment via on-farm water efficiency ($672,000) Linking the Mornington Peninsula Landscape (Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat Biolink) ($300,000) Connected Landscapes – Adapting Corangamite’s Natural Assets to Climate Change ($672,000) Restoring the natural glory of Jacksons Creek at Sunbury ($300,000)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 15 NATIONAL LANDCARE PROGRAM

1 Port Phillip & Westernport “Since covenanting Dea’s Grassland and Browns Paddock CMA's Kacie [to protect Plains Wanderer habitat] I’m over the moon ... I love Melfi with Great HeHo Escape getting out there and seeing the results” project partners Andy McGillivray, North Central landholder and covenantor at a revegetation site in Yellingbo Nature Conservation There are very strong partnerships • The Soils4Farms project delivered Reserve (Annette in place between the CMAs and the by Glenelg Hopkins CMA supported Ruzicka) Australian Government that have farmers to adopt sustainable farming 2 Dairy farmer, attracted major investment into Victoria. practices by delivering 16 on-farm Liz Jordan, The CMAs are part of a nation-wide workshops and field days, supporting and GHCMA’s Richard Murphy network of 56 organisations through four soil health webinars developing on Liz' farm, which a major component of the National 31 publications and funding nine farm one of the Landcare Program – the Regional Land businesses to complete Dairy Australia’s Soils4Farms Partnerships program - is delivered. Fert$mart Nutrient Management demonstration Program. sites (GHCMA) 2019-20 was the second year of these 3 Plains Wanderer projects and already they have achieved • The Connections project at a covenanted significant outcomes. Project outcomes delivered by West Gippsland CMA property are being achieved thanks to CMAs protecting the environmental values (D.Baker-Gabb) strategically engaging and funding of this Ramsar-listed wetland by relevant agencies, groups, institutions, undertaking 144 hectares of fox baiting Traditional Owners, land managers and with Parks Victoria, stabilising two sites landowners in a cooperative, coordinated affected by hillslope and gully erosion, approach. undertaking revegetation across 10 hectares and installing 6 kilometres of • The Great HeHo Escape project fencing. delivered by Port Phillip & Westernport CMA has supported the recovery of the Helmeted Honeyeater and lowland Leadbeater’s Possum by delivering a hydrology restoration plan for Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and a video to support landholders to undertake habitat restoration on their properties. • The Plains Wanderer project delivered by North Central CMA in partnership OUTPUTS 2019-20 with Trust for Nature is supporting the 425 ha revegetation recovery of the Plains Wanderer by 18,963 ha weed control working with private landholders to 359,128 ha pest animal control permanently protect 118 hectares of 35 km fencing prime habitat as well as undertake 71 27,084 ha agricultural practice change hectares of revegetation, 67 hectares 1,299 assessments of weed control and 958 hectares of 14,294 event participants pest control.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 16 PROTECTING OUR BIODIVERSITY

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT HAS INVESTED OVER $57 MILLION IN VICTORIAN CMA BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS OVER FIVE YEARS (2018-23) THROUGH THE REGIONAL LAND PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF PRIORITIES IN THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S THREATENED SPECIES STRATEGY AND THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S HATTAH-KULKYNE BIODIVERSITY 2037 STRATEGY. RAMSAR SITE MCMA $1,660,000

PLAINS-WANDERER NCCMA & MCMA $3,950,000 MALLEEFOWL WCMA & MCMA $4,420,310

BARMAH FOREST RAMSAR SITE GBCMA $1,600,00 REGENT HONEYEATER NECMA $4,965,473

GREY BOX GRASSY WOODLAND BULOKE WOODLANDS GBCMA $6,236,401 MCMA $2,255,304 RED-TAIL BLACK COCKATOO GHCMA & WCMA $2,450,000 ALPINE SPHAGNUM BOGS & FENS NECMA, WGCMA & EGCMA $3,506,896 MOUNTAIN PYGMY-POSSUM NECMA & GBCMA $3,224,019

VICTORIAN VOLCANIC PLAINS GRASSLANDS AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN GHCMA & CCMA $7,800,000 HELMETED HONEYEATER PPWCMA $299,110 GHCMA &$4,734,17 NCCMA $4,734,1755 RAMSAR SITE EGCMA $360,184

CORNER INLET RAMSAR SITE WGCMA $3,127,000

HOODED PLOVER ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT PPWP RAMSAR SITES FERAL CAT FREE GHCMA $1,500,000 CCMA $1,832,405 PPWCMA $3,102,241 FRENCH ISLAND PPWCMA $500,000

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 17 BUSHFIRE AND EMERGENCY RECOVERY

1 Betty Russell in front of the “After all the past work that’s been put in, I’m so happy to see it Yellow-bellied looking healthy again … the funding is a great help, as things have glider habitat on her Scotts Creek been a bit tough.” property (Gene Betty Russell, Scotts Creek resident Gardiner/CCMA) 2 The remnant vegetation on this In the wake of fires, floods and other fire affected NORTH EAST FLOOD RECOVERY property in Elaine natural disasters, Victoria’s CMAs regularly In 2016, and again in 2018, major flood flourished after take a lead role in recovery projects, events impacted numerous waterway the site was partnering with other government fenced off, systems across the North East region. organisations, Landcare and the Work needed to be undertaken to help and gained community to rehabilitate the landscape an extra boost to stabilise and rehabilitate damaged through the and support communities. This work can waterway reaches and provide habitat for support of be short or long-term and is often adapted impacted aquatic species. Damascus to meet the shifting needs of landholders College Year 10 and the environment. With funding from the Australian students at Government and Victorian Government, a planting day in SCOTSBURN AND ST PATRICK’S North East CMA was able to support the 2019 (Leigh DAY FIRE RECOVERY community to deliver flood recovery works Catchment Group) In December 2015, the Scotsburn area across 79 sites. These works included in south west Victoria experienced bank stabilisation achieved through timber 3 Buchan post bushfires in the a significant wildfire. With Victorian revetment works and establishing native summer of 2019- Government funding, Corangamite CMA vegetation and stock exclusion fencing. 20 (EGCMA) partnered with the Leigh Catchment EAST GIPPSLAND SUMMER Group for the Scotsburn Phoenix Project BUSHFIRE RECOVERY and volunteers planted over 16,000 indigenous plants across the fire-affected In the 2019-20 summer devastating fires area. burnt across the East Gippsland and North East regions. 56 per cent of East Gippsland Three years later, on St Patrick’s Day 2018, was burnt and the fires impacted many four fires destroyed more than 14,600 waterways. hectares and soil erosion and biodiversity loss threatened to impact water quality. East Gippsland CMA’s immediate response Corangamite CMA partnered with to bushfire recovery was to work closely Heytesbury District Landcare Network with affected landholders and the to undertake rehabilitation activities and community. With Australian Government conduct water quality monitoring. and Victorian Government funding, fences were repaired, debris was removed from Grants were also provided to affected waterways and community events were landowners for repairs, revegetation and held to provide support to community monitoring. Landholder, Betty Russell, members. replanted six hectares of Yellow-bellied Glider habitat on her property, which was East Gippsland CMA continues to work first planted by Betty and her late husband closely with landholders, partners and Bert in the 1980s. communities to not only complete the ongoing restoration works, but to adapt and create long-term resilience.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 18 DROUGHT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

1 Soil stabilising works and road “Keeping people living, working and spending in communities access works helps the long-term viability of regional economies and the carried out by Mallee CMA DEP [Drought Employment Program] crews’ efforts to improve crews (MCMA) public and community spaces lifts local spirits and doesn’t go 2 Gippsland DEP crew members unnoticed.” Trevor Maxwell, John Fitzgibbon, Millewa Pioneer Village Committee Member Cath McInnes, Merran Merry and Elaine Wellans (EGCMA) Victoria’s CMAs have always been on the This approach helps participants earn a 3 Goulburn Murray front foot when it comes to providing regular income until the situation improves Irrigation District practical support for their communities on their farm or at their workplace. DEP crew during the tough times and, over the years, “We needed money to survive and we member Doug they have successfully run numerous Brown carrying weren’t able to make a living from leasing out weed control employment programs for regional and the farm. So far this has been a great (GBCMA) rural people affected by fire, flood and experience for me, just getting a job drought. gave me hope straight away,” Goulburn The key to this success is the CMAs’ well- Murray Irrigation District DEP participant established partnerships with landholders, and Shepparton orchardist Sophie community groups, Traditional Owners, Stefcropolous said. local government, water authorities Training is provided on topics including and other government agencies. These first aid and safe chemical and equipment relationships allow CMAs to quickly use. Some participants have been plan, identify and deliver projects that supported to obtain various vehicle protect and improve the environment and machinery licences or complete while providing income and training to administration and financial literacy agriculture sector workers affected by courses. Upskilling or gaining new natural disasters. skills opens up new or alternate career In late 2019, the Victorian Government- opportunities, with many past and current funded Drought Employment Program employment program participants finding (DEP), which had been providing ongoing work with agencies or councils support for drought-affected workers they came in contact with during their time across Central and East Gippsland (East with DEP. OUTPUTS 2019-20 Gippsland, West Gippsland and North East Participants say they also greatly value the CMAs), was extended to the Millewa region social interaction that comes with being 53 partners (Mallee CMA) and the Goulburn Murray part of a DEP crew. “It really lifted me 94 people employed Irrigation District (Goulburn Broken and out of a real funk,” Gippsland Omeo DEP 51 ha revegetation North Central CMAs). 151 km fencing participant Sue Lofthouse said. 5,074 ha weed control The program was designed to be flexible - crew member Ben O’Dougherty agreed, 500 ha pest animal participants generally work in small teams “It’s taken a lot of pressure off people (and) control two to four days a week and carry out they get to meet other farmers”. 39 sites maintained & activities including weed control, fencing, upgraded revegetation and maintenance and repair of public and community infrastructure.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 19 COMMUNITIES CARING FOR LANDSCAPES

1 Landcare facilitators in “We value the truly collaborative relationship we have developed the Port Phillip with Wimmera CMA … it has enabled us to be flexible and resilient and Western Port region at an On in challenging times ... it's actually hard to imagine we would have Country training event (PPWCMA) achieved everything we have without such collaboration.” 2 Avon Landcare Ange Turrell, Jallukar Landcare Group Deputy Chair and Project Officer Group at a community planting day In partnership with Victoria’s CMAs, commitment for 2019-20 due to the (WGCMA) Landcare and other environmental exceptionally high number of quality volunteer groups and networks receive applications. support through the Victorian Landcare • Coordinating training and development Program to undertake environmental opportunities for Landcare facilitators protection and sustainable land and volunteers, such as North East management activities. The Victorian CMA training local Landcare groups Landcare Program includes three main to conduct site assessments for fire- components: affected landholders to assist their • Support via the Victorian Landcare recovery efforts. Team, made up of 5 DELWP staff and 10 Regional Landcare Coordinators based • Additional events and forums designed at CMAs to enhance networks and share information amongst the Landcare • The Victorian Landcare Facilitator movement, such as Port Phillip & Program which funds 78 part-time Westernport CMA hosting an On Landcare facilitators across Victoria Country training event for facilitators • The annual Victorian Landcare Grants with Wadawurrung in November 2019. program which provides funding for • Development of an annual Landcare Landcare projects, and activities, as report card in each region that well as start-up and support funding for summarises the activities and ‘health’ of groups and networks. Landcare to demonstrate and promote Victoria is home to over 500 Landcare the value that Landcare provides for the groups and 64 Landcare networks, as Victorian community and environment. well as over 500 other community-based • Supporting Landcare networks and natural resource management groups. Landcare facilitators to actively engage Victoria’s CMAs are proud to be the lead in the Victorian Landcare Facilitator government organisations supporting Program review as the four-year funding OUTPUTS 2019-20 FUNDING and assisting the Landcare movement. phase came to an end. With funding from the Victorian Landcare 500+ Landcare groups In 2019-20, the Victorian Program, CMAs provide strategic support • Supporting Landcare groups and 54 Landcare networks Government invested more than and leadership for Landcare. In 2019-20 networks to recover from the impact 29,663 members/volunteers $9 million in Landcare through the this included: coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on 159,863 volunteer hours Victorian Landcare Program. their work, including reimagining the • Delivering the Victorian Landcare $6.6 million value of volunteer format of Landcare support activities contribution Grants program which provided $2.88 to ensure that they can still be delivered million for 208 projects and 313 support and delivering training opportunities grants. An additional $1 million in grants that focus on resilience and new skill Output figures based on 2019-20 Landcare Group Health Survey results, compiled from was added to the original funding 322 participating Landcare and community NRM groups. development.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 20 ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT

1 Taungurung work crew “Working in the management of our land gives us that members Darren connection and is a great way to bring back Taungurung people Detez and Jack Hyatt protecting to Country ... giving our mob a chance to work on Country is a and improving a remnant great way of helping them heal.’’ population of Shane Monk, Taungurung Land and Waters Council Silver Banksia in the the Lake Nillahcootie area Victoria's CMAs work closely with local learning opportunities to Aboriginal (GBCMA) Aboriginal organisations and communities and Torres Strait Islander community and are champions for increasing members and Traditional Owner groups Traditional Owner participation in natural to facilitate employment on Country. resource management and helping to • Creating and maintaining mutually close the gap. beneficial and meaningful partnership Victoria’s CMAs recognise the unique agreements and MOUs between CMAs relationship with Country and the and Registered Aboriginal Parties. knowledge that Aboriginal Australians have and seek out opportunities for this • Maintaining a high representation of knowledge to be utilised through project Aboriginal people in Victoria's CMAs, work and employment. with 3 per cent of employees with Aboriginal heritage, compared to 1 per Examples of actions and outcomes over cent in the broader Victorian public recent years include: sector. • Engaging Aboriginal organisations • Grants and/or planning support to help and groups to undertake projects. An the management of Aboriginal owned example is the Port Phillip & Westernport PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS or managed properties and business CMA engaging the Wurundjeri Narrap Victoria's CMAs work closely with Traditional Owners and have enterprises. partnership agreements with many Registered Aboriginal Parties Rangers to undertake weed control as and Aboriginal organisations, including: part of the Restoring Jacksons Creek • Development of a Social Procurement project, Deepening Connections project Strategy by each CMA, enabling CMAs to use their buying power to deliver • Barapa Barapa Wamba Wemba Water for Country and Protecting and Connecting Species Steering Committee in Melbourne’s West project. social, economic and environmental outcomes that support Aboriginal • Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation • Conducting training and capacity business and benefit Aboriginal building activities to increase • Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation communities. understanding of and connection to • Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation local Aboriginal culture. An example • The ongoing implementation of • Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation is the cultural awareness days at the actions outlined in each CMA’s • Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Heywood and delivered Indigenous Participation Plan. • Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation by Gunditj Mirring TOAC for Glenelg Importantly, the growing participation Hopkins CMA staff and internal CMA • Martang Pty Ltd of Aboriginal organisations and people cultural inductions for staff covering the • Taungurung Land and Waters Council in natural resource management organisation's cultural protocols and is also helping achieve social and • Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation cultural heritage procedures. economic benefits. CMAs are involved in • Wurundjeri Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation • Coordination of training activities to activities that are improving education, • Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation increase the skills of Aboriginal people. employment, health, culture, heritage, An example is North Central CMA language, recognition and harmony. providing mentoring and school-based VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 21 GENDER EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

GENDER Victoria’s CMAs are embracing and At the staff level, a total of 394 employees bringing to life the Victorian Government’s are comprised of 216 females (54 per cent) commitment to diversity and inclusion. and 184 males (46 per cent). CMAs have always acknowledged and 3 per cent of the Victorian CMA staff welcomed the unique perspectives of have Aboriginal heritage, clearly above all employees and fostered a culture of the 1 per cent employed in the Victorian inclusion where everyone feels valued and public sector. CMAs also actively pursue respected. opportunities to engage Aboriginal CMAs have established safe and equitable businesses and contractors through their workplaces, conducted cultural awareness social procurement strategies. activities, increased female representation CMAs have a healthy age profile amongst in the workforce, introduced opportunities employees, with 50 per cent of staff 35 PUBLIC PUBLIC VICTORIAN for flexible working arrangements and years of age or younger and 19 per cent CMA SECTOR CMA SECTOR LABOUR increased the representation of Aboriginal that are 55 or older. The healthy gender BOARDS BOARDS STAFF STAFF FORCE people. and age profiles of CMA staff are at least 60% Female 54% Female 54% Female 68% Female 47% Female Victorian CMA workforce data now partly due to CMAs supporting flexible 40% Male 46% Male 46% Male 32% Male 53% Male highlights these advances. There is working arrangements. excellent gender balance in CMAs. At CMAs remain committed to being model the Board level, 60 per cent of CMA employers and active leaders within Board members in 2019-20 were female, regional communities for diversity and 37% including six female chairs. inclusion. Each CMA has an active Diversity STAFF AGE PROFILE 30% and Inclusion Plan that sets a pathway for further improvement in the years ahead. 12% 16% 2% 3% VIC CMAS PUBLIC SECTOR VIC WIDE <25 25-34 35-4445-54 55-64 65+ FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS 55% 62% (Data not available)

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY 2% 3% 9% (Labour force)

ABORIGINAL EMPLOYEES 3% 1% 0.8% (population)

LGBTQI 4% 4% 3% (population) LODDON GRAMPIANS MALLEE WORK LOCATION 29% HUME BORN OVERSEAS 7% 17% 33% (Labour force) 6% 22%

Comparative data is sourced from ‘The State of the public sector in Victoria 2018-19’ published by the Victorian GIPPSLAND BARWON METRO Public Sector Commission, January 2020. CMA data from 2019 People Matter Survey and 2019-20 Annual Reports. SOUTH WEST 4% 17% Please note that gender non-binary data is not reported as it was not collected in the 2019 People Matter Survey. 22%

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 22 REGIONAL THIS SECTION PRESENTS THE SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AND KEY OUTPUTS DELIVERED BY EACH CMA IN 2019-20. CASE STUDIES FROM EACH REGION PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF ACTIONS AND THESE OUTPUTS IN ACTION, HIGHLIGHTING THE BROAD RANGE OF WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY AND DEMONSTRATING THE TANGIBLE ON-GROUND ACHIEVEMENTS IMPACTS ON CMA PROJECTS, PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 23 CORANGAMITE TWELVE APOSTLES (SARAH MARTIN)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 24 CORANGAMITE

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • The Corangamite CMA Community • Corangamite CMA engaged Professor 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS Engagement Network was formed, Allan Curtis to conduct a survey 1.1 Channel (km) 73 121 121 providing a forum for information of landholders with properties exchange to strengthen community larger than 10 hectares across the 1.2 Water storage (no.) 4 10 10 understanding of the Corangamite Corangamite region. The survey looked 1.3 Pump (no.) 4 6 6 CMA’s role in the region. It will also help at landholder profiles, types of land use 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 19 38 38 the CMA identify community needs, and trends among other issues. The 1.6 Terrestrial structure (no.) 1 0 0 issues and barriers to participation report provides valuable information 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 38 62 12 74 in natural resources management, regarding land use trends as well 1.9 Fence (km) 38 76 0 and provide a valuable community as landowner attitudes, aspirations 76 perspective into our strategies, plans and intentions which will inform future 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 79 57 57 and projects. planning for the Corangamite CMA, its 1.11 Road (km) 32 13 13 partners and stakeholders. • The Parklands is a 1.12 Crossing (no.) 0 28 28 significant partnership initiative looking • Corangamite CMA worked in partnership 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS to increase public access to the unique with private landholders, Landcare and 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 159 535 10 545 environmental, cultural, and recreational public land managers to deliver on- 2.2 Weed control (ha) 2,126 3,501 52 3,553 values of the , Barwon ground actions at 92 sites in the region. River through Geelong and Lower These projects have seen works such as 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 300 1,331 1331 Barwon wetlands and . The 2020 fencing, off-stream water infrastructure, 2.4 Over-abundant wildlife (no.) 1,001 0 0 business case investigation determined weed control and revegetation occur 2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 4 1 1 that funds should be invested to on over 166 kilometres of waterway 2.8 Earth works (km) 4 29 29 develop a master plan and engage a frontage and 860 hectares of riparian 2.9 Rubbish removal (ha) 0.4 159 159 program team to identify a range of vegetation, including removal of willows site-specific infrastructure and cultural, along 24 kilometres of this frontage. 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES environmental and community projects, 3.1 Grazing (ha) 1,203 1,129 1,129 providing a direct stimulus to the local 3.2 Agricultural practices (ha) 1,615 0 1,615 0 economy, and community activation 3.3 Water (no.) 27 56 56 opportunities whilst delivering an internationally significant series of open 3.4 Fire regime (no.) 65 0 0 spaces and access to nature. 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 1,622 1,494 230 1,724 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 64 71 22 93 4.3 Assessment (no.) 568 454 51 505 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 4,768 9,448 111 9,559 4.5 Partnership (no.) 432 496 496 4.6 Plan (no.) 50 43 2 45 4.7 Publication (no.) 172 114 46 160 4.8 Information management system (no.) 11 12 12

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 25 IMPROVING FISH AND FLOWS IN THE LOWER BARWON WETLANDS

“The lower Barwon wetlands are like a nursery for native fish, and these new fishways will allow them to move freely between the Barwon River and the wetlands to breed, feed and grow.” Tim Marsden, Fish Biologist

LOCATIONS The Ramsar-listed lower Barwon wetlands precisely constructed system of pools and is a complex of fresh and saline lakes and riffles. A nearby ‘elver ramp’ with climbing Lower Barwon River and wetlands, wetlands 10 kilometres south of Geelong, substrate allows Short-finned eels to Greater Geelong Victoria’s largest regional city. Prior to migrate upstream. European arrival the area was an important An upgrade of the water regulator OUTPUTS 2019-20 source of food, fibre and artefacts for at will also enable more Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung. 4 waterway structures efficient delivery of the Lower Barwon 7 assessments After European occupation a series of Environmental Entitlement, which 40 engagement events weirs and regulators were installed in the manages water levels in the wetlands to 16 partnerships wetlands to prevent saltwater entering the improve the diversity of vegetation for lower Barwon River and to mitigate flood birds, fish, frogs and other wildlife. PARTNERS risks to the . For decades, Near Reedy Lake, a decades-old tidal the infrastructure was an impassable barrage weir on the lower Barwon River Parks Victoria, barrier for migratory fish, including has been completely refurbished and a Department of Land, Water, Short-finned eels and the threatened new, additional fishway and elver ramp has Environment and Planning, Australian grayling. been installed. Arthur Rylah Institute A 2016 regional fish barrier prioritisation Wadawurrung Traditional Owners These works will have immediate and Aboriginal Corporation study identified the lower Barwon long-lasting benefits for fish, plants, birds wetlands complex as one of the highest and other wildlife in the wetlands and REGIONAL STRATEGIES priorities for removal of instream lower Barwon River, and will help improve fish barriers. This led to $2.1 million in fishing and recreational opportunities in Corangamite Waterway funding being provided by the Victorian the Barwon River through Geelong for Strategy 2014-22 Government to upgrade the wetland’s decades to come. water infrastructure, with the aim of FUNDING helping threatened fish migration and improving management of water for the 1 CCMA’s Water Infrastructure Manager, Denis Victorian Government environment. Lovric with local MP, Darren Cheeseman (Sarah (Water for Victoria) Martin) In 2019, the Corangamite CMA oversaw 2 First flows in the new fishway at the Barwon River the planning and construction of a new tidal barrage (Tim Marsden) vertical slot fishway at Reedy Lake. The 3 Native fish like the Tupong can now move fishway was completed in April 2020 with between the Barwon River and the wetlands to immediate results; fish were observed the complete their life cycle (Sarah Martin) next day making their way through the

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 26 MANAGING PESTS TO HELP ORANGE-BELLIED PARROTS

“The Orange-bellied Parrot is an iconic, but sadly now rare, species of the Corangamite region. The Corangamite CMA’s on-ground work to improve coastal habitat is helping boost the chances of survival for these critically endangered birds.” Alice Knight, Chair, Corangamite CMA

LOCATIONS Each year in autumn, the wild population established, where community and of around 100 migratory Orange-bellied agency stakeholders came together to Parrot make the 500 kilometre trip discuss ideas for Orange-bellied Parrot from their summer breeding grounds conservation in the region. OUTPUTS 2019-20 in to over-winter in coastal The next three-year phase of this $1.8 saltmarsh in and southern million project will focus on direct works 12 engagement events Victoria, including the Bellarine Peninsula such as fencing and grazing management, 3 communication materials and Greater Geelong area. The Orange- 13 flora and fauna surveys as well as support for planning, bellied Parrot is one of only three investigations and monitoring to address 20 site assessments migratory parrot species in the world and 9 site management plans key threats. is critically endangered. 3 agreements Corangamite CMA will also work with the 615 ha improved land management In 2019, through funding from the National Orange-bellied Parrot National Recovery practices Landcare Program, Corangamite CMA Team, which includes the Department of 1 monitoring regime worked with Parks Victoria to improve Environment, Land, Water and Planning, over 230 hectares of coastal saltmarsh Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria and Birdlife PARTNERS habitat across eight sites, including Lake Australia, to support releases of captive- Connewarre, Swan Bay, the Karaaf and bred birds and tracking of wild birds. Arthur Rylah Institute, Birdlife Australia, Bancoora wetlands and Avalon Coastal There are encouraging signs that the many Department of Environment, Land, Reserve. Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, years of work by the National Recovery Zoos Victoria, Wadawurrung Traditional This work is part of a multi-agency, Team is starting to pay dividends. In Owners Aboriginal Corporation decades-long effort to save the species, by exciting news for birders everywhere, managing pests and weeds in the parrots’ a captive-bred, wild-released juvenile REGIONAL STRATEGIES winter-feeding grounds along the Greater Orange-bellied Parrot was sighted in April Geelong and Bellarine coast. 2020, feeding on coastal saltmarsh in the Corangamite Regional Catchment The on-ground works focused on northern Bellarine Peninsula. Strategy 2013-19 Corangamite Waterway managing foxes, cats, rabbits and weeds to reduce the risk of predation and Strategy 2014-22 1 Community of Practice meeting at Lake improve growing conditions for the native Murtnaghurt (Sarah Martin) plants and seeds that make up the parrot’s FUNDING 2 Orange-bellied Parrot (Chris Tzaros) preferred diet. Australian Government 3 Coastal saltmarsh on the Bellarine Peninsula (Saul An additional component of this project Vermeeren) (National Landcare Program) involves awareness raising, and in June 2019 a community of practice was

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 27 EAST GIPPSLAND WALLABY AT MALLACOOTA AIRPORT AFTER BUSHFIRES (EGCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 28 EAST GIPPSLAND

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • The community support and response • Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS provided by the East Gippsland CMA, Corporation is participating fully in 1.2 Water storage (no.) 9 15 15 during and immediately after drought, the development of future waterway bushfires over summer and during the programs, such as Gippsland Lakes 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 1 0 0 coronavirus pandemic, was well received “Room to Move” and the flagship Mitchell 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 6 3 3 by communities. The East Gippsland River Rehabilitation. Important cultural 1.9 Fence (km) 13 25 25 CMA continues to provide support to our priorities are being identified as part of 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 13 15 15 communities affected. these processes. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS • Bushfire recovery efforts are well • The East Gippsland CEO’s forum and 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 109 129 129 underway. Replaced fencing programs Gippsland Environment Agencies forum 2.2 Weed control (ha) 1,731 2,154 80 are well advanced. Planning for weed underpin the implementation of the 2,234 and pest control is underway. One on East Gippsland Catchment Partnership 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 10,801 15,030 2,700 17,730 one support is being provided to all Agreement. Both of these forums are 2.8 Earth works (km) 2 2 2 community partners affected by the fire represented by agency leaders who are 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES event. East Gippsland CMA is involved in working together on common priorities 3.1 Grazing (ha) 22 55 local and regional recovery efforts with set each year. 55 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION all agencies. • The ongoing commitment to controlling • The partnership between the East willows across East Gippsland has been 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 402 372 372 Gippsland CMA and Gunaikurnai Land a major achievement for East Gippsland 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 15 6 6 12 and Waters Aboriginal Corporation CMA. More than three quarters of our 4.3 Assessment (no.) 492 448 63 511 has been strengthened, with greater waterways across the region are free of 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 1,416 1,704 32 1,736 participation from Aboriginal people in willows and continue to be maintained 4.5 Partnership (no.) 182 267 267 planning, leadership, decision making in at this level. The follow up in catchments regional NRM programs. that were burnt will be important into the 4.6 Plan (no.) 4 7 7 future. 4.7 Publication (no.) 117 113 32 145 4.8 Information management system (no.) 1 1 1

EAST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 29 SUMMER BUSHFIRE RECOVERY

“With over half of our catchment burnt, many people in East Gippsland have been affected. We are focused on helping our community recover and create long-term resilience across our landscape.” Ewan Waller, Chair, East Gippsland CMA

LOCATIONS The bushfires that started on 21 November The medium-term response has included 2019 and continued throughout the further repairs to riparian fencing, East Gippsland Region 2019-20 summer, burnt across the East replacing off-stream watering systems, Gippsland and North East regions. The continued debris removal from waterways, OUTPUTS 2019-20 fires were exceptional in size and impact. controlling weed outbreaks and hosting Over 1 million hectares (56 per cent) of more community events. This stage 99 assessments East Gippsland was burnt. These fires included building on existing landholder 42 km fencing impacted many waterways, including rivers partnerships as well creating new 4 off-stream watering systems replaced in the far east, the upper Snowy, Tambo, partnerships with landholders affected by 42 ha debris removal Nicholson and upper Mitchell catchments. the fires. 5 management agreements 200 event participants These summer bushfires followed the East Gippsland CMA continues to work drought and heavily impacted people on closely with landholders, partners and PARTNERS the land. East Gippslanders are used to communities to deliver an integrated and challenging environmental conditions; coordinated approach to the bushfire Landholders, Department of Land, some landholders have witnessed their recovery effort across East Gippsland. The Water, Environment and Planning, properties burning two or three times recovery program includes working with Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal throughout their lifetime, but this summer partners and the community to not only Corporation, Parks Victoria, Agriculture produced some of the most challenging recover but to adapt and create long- Victoria, Bushfire Recovery Victoria, East times they have ever been through. term resilience across East Gippsland’s Gippsland Water, local contractors. East Gippsland CMA's immediate landscapes. REGIONAL STRATEGIES response to bushfire recovery was to work closely with affected landholders 1 The after the 2019-20 bushfires East Gippsland Regional Catchment and the community. Initially, this included (EGCMA). Strategy controlling stock by repairing fencing, 2 Local contractor, Lachie Barnes reconstructing Draft Natural Environment Recovery removing debris loads built up in burnt fences in Wangarabell (EGCMA). Sub-Plan waterways following heavy rainfall and 3 Community boat trip held post-fires with Arthur running community events to listen to Rylah Institute and EGCMA to discuss the effects FUNDING and support community members whose in the Mallacoota catchment (EGCMA). lives and livelihoods were impacted. These Victorian Government community events were simple - a BBQ (Biodiversity Bushfire Recovery in a local park or a boat ride on a local Grants) waterway inviting anyone who wanted to come along. These events weren’t designed to inform, they were designed to listen. East Gippsland CMA staff, whose own properties and lives were also affected, listened to people and offered support where needed.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 30 FRIENDS OF BEWARE REEF – WHAT LIES BENEATH

“There is such a bustling, dynamic world under the water that people simply aren’t aware of. Through this project, we hope to be able to catalogue and share the images we’ve captured. We are confident that they will not simply inform and educate people, but also fundamentally change the way they think about LOCATIONS the Gippsland Lakes”. Don Love, President, Friends of Beware Reef Aquatic habitats within the Gippsland Lakes The Friends of Beware Reef is a The group is very passionate about the OUTPUTS 2019-20 volunteer diving group that have been work they do and group president, Don photographing the amazing underwater Love, said the Gippsland Lakes are an 56 ecological assessment world of the Gippsland Lakes over the last unknown treasure. 130 engagement event participants three years. The group has covered large “The Gippsland Lakes are a dynamic and 2 information management databases areas of the Gippsland Lakes and their wonderful environment that for many is work offers a better understanding of the literally on their doorstep. PARTNERS dynamic and challenging nature of the “The photographs and mapping we have environment that lies below the water’s been able to do is simply amazing. People Friends of Beware Reef, Gippsland Lakes surface. Coordinating Committee, Agriculture are often amazed when they see the Victoria, RMIT, Parks Victoria The group is currently developing a photo photos of things like the Giant Spider Crab, database of marine fish and invertebrates colourful sea slugs (Nudibranchs) and living amongst seagrass beds, rock Pipefish; they assume the pictures are from REGIONAL STRATEGIES structures and diverse habitats within or some other tropical setting, the Gippsland Lakes. The group has rather than the Gippsland Lakes. Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site also played a key role in detecting and “I hope the work we’ve been doing will Management Plan removing Northern Pacific Seastar, a highly help people realise just how special the invasive species, from several sites within Gippsland Lakes are, and also, perhaps not FUNDING the lakes. to take them so much for granted.” In 2019-20, the group received a $32,000 Victorian Government (Gippsland Lakes Community Grants) grant as part of the Gippsland Lakes Community Grants Program to support 1 Volunteers Rob Timmers (left), Phil Horner (back) this valuable work. & Alan Wilkins (right) (Don Love) 2 A curious Gloomy Octopus in the Gippsland The group has conducted more than Lakes (Friends of Beware Reef) 230 dives at more than 80 sites since 3 Juvenile Seahorse in the Gippsland Lakes 2016, ranging from Sperm Whale Head (Friends of Beware Reef) in the west through to Lakes Entrance in the east. In 2019-20, they undertook 56 assessments of the Gippsland Lakes and engaged 130 volunteers and community members in their work.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2018/2019 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 31 GLENELG HOPKINS CULTURAL BURNING, HURDLE SWAMP, CASTERTON (GHCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 32 GLENELG HOPKINS

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • Glenelg Hopkins CMA continues • In February 2020, Glenelg Hopkins 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS to have strong partnerships with CMA, in partnership with the Grasslands 1.2 Water storage (no.) 27 8 3 11 Traditional Owner groups across the Society of Southern Australia and Meat 1.3 Pump (no.) 2 2 2 region. A significant focus for the & Livestock Australia, held a ‘Front 2019-20 year was traditional burns Foot Farming – Carbon Farming for the 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 9 7 3 10 with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Future' forum in Hamilton. Targeting a 1.6 Terrestrial structure (no.) 2 6 6 Aboriginal Corporation to improve and cohort of proactive farmers, the one-day 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 7 17 17 protect listed habitat such as grasslands conference addressed the latest science 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 49 80 80 in the Victorian Volcanic Plains, and and market information relating to 1.9 Fence (km) 80 70 1 71 with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner carbon trading, carbon offsets, on farm Aboriginal Corporation (Gunditj Mirring emission management and emissions 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 0 1 1 TOAC) to improve habitat for listed auditing. 1.12 Crossing (no.) 1 1 1 species such as the Red-tailed Black • In November 2019, Glenelg Hopkins 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS Cockatoo and Australasian Bittern. CMA was awarded a River Basin 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 510 357 0 357 Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s partnership with Management Society Award in 2.2 Weed control (ha) 1,892 1,486 527 2,013 Gunditj Mirring TOAC has continued the Most Outstanding Waterway to support their management of the Management Project category for the 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 33,050 33,242 3,435 36,677 World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Merri Alliance and Urban 2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 8 26 26 Landscape. Glenelg Hopkins CMA Waterway Restoration project. This 2.6 Emergency species response (no.) 0 1 1 has also collaborated with Traditional hugely successful project was delivered Owner groups including Eastern Maar 2.7 Soil treatment (ha) 4 4 4 with 10 local community groups and 2.8 Earth works (no.) 8 5 3 8 Aboriginal Corporation and Barengi organisations and has shown what can Gadjin Land Council on the renewal be achieved when organisations come 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES of the Glenelg Hopkins Regional together to transform a river. One of 3.1 Grazing (ha) 365 449 449 Catchment Strategy and future these partners, Nature Glenelg Trust, investment proposals that support 3.2 Agricultural practices (ha) 110 720 720 also received the Community Award 3.3 Water (no.) 53 14 70 84 their interest in land, water and sea for its Walkers Swamp Project, of which 3.4 Fire regime (no.) 4 0 5 management. Glenelg Hopkins CMA was a partner. 5 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION • A highlight for the Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s environmental water program 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 355 344 16 360 was the completion of the Warrock 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 219 76 48 124 Fishway on the . A fish 4.3 Assessment (no.) 784 195 542 737 barrier near Warrock on the Glenelg 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 2,388 1,845 2,694 150 4,689 River stood as the last major impediment 4.5 Partnership (no.) 56 44 3 47 to fish movement downstream of Rocklands Reservoir. Removing this 4.6 Plan (no.) 27 13 23 36 barrier has opened fish passage to an 4.7 Publication (no.) 240 217 234 451 additional 170 kilometres of the Glenelg 4.8 Information management system (no.) 7 8 8 River plus tributaries, helping a range of endemic migratory fish species such as the Tupong, Shortfinned Eel, Lamprey and Estuary Perch.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 33 MERRI RIVER URBAN WATERWAY RESTORATION

“The success of the Merri Alliance is that it brings together so many partners and organisations, community groups and users of the river under the one umbrella to achieve a common goal.” Anthony Ford, Chair, Glenelg Hopkins CMA

LOCATIONS The Merri River through Warrnambool is a A total of 1,220 people have participated significant natural asset and is benefitting across 50 engagement events thus far, Merri River, Warrnambool from a coordinated and concerted including fishing clinics, school education approach to improving its environmental programs and tree planting days. To date OUTPUTS 2019-20 and recreational values. Planning and 25 hectares of weeds, including willows works have focused on improvements and poplars have been removed from 7.3 685 event participants within urban growth footprints to reverse kilometres of the river and replaced with 15.9 ha of revegetation damage caused by large-scale clearing of 18,700 native plants. A total of 114 habitat 9.6 ha of woody weed control native vegetation along the banks. structures and two fishing platforms 14.4 ha of non-woody weed control With significant changes in land-use have been created to boost native fish 114 waterway structures populations and improve angler access. 2 visitor facilities along the Merri River, partners realised there is much to be gained by working Instream monitoring has also shown that habitat has boosted Black bream PARTNERS collaboratively and leveraging towards a common vision and work plan for the populations by 89 per cent. Fishcare Victoria, OzFish Unlimited, Merri River. In 2016, the Merri Alliance was While organisations can deliver their MAD for the Merri, Eastern Maar formed, a collective of 10 local community projects independently, there are strong Aboriginal Corporation, Friends of groups and organisations with strong lines of communication via the Alliance Wollaston Bridge, Warrnambool interest to come together to accelerate on- that look for opportunities to value add to Coastcare Landcare Network, ground environmental works for the Merri each other's projects. The Merri Alliance Warrnambool City Council, Friends of River and capitalise on Warrnambool’s is built on a culture of generosity and Platypus Park, Wannon Water, Glenelg growth. enthusiasm, which has proved to be a Hopkins CMA The Alliance, driven by Glenelg Hopkins model for success. REGIONAL STRATEGIES CMA, capitalises on the cumulative impact The project and the Merri Alliance were of all interest groups working together recognised for their achievements in late Regional Riparian Action Plan being much greater than the individual 2019 when they won the national River North of the Merri Structure Plan impact of each organisation. It has Basin Management Society (RBMS) Award Warrnambool 2040 Community Plan significantly transformed the Merri River for Most Outstanding Waterway Project. landscape from a largely weed-infested and highly grazed frontage to a green, FUNDING 1 RBMS Award being accepted by GHCMA Chair, recreational corridor and an ecologically Tony Ford, MAD for the Merri’s Karen Wales, and Victorian Government healthier river. GHCMA CEO, Adam Bester (GHCMA) (Our Catchments, Our Communities) 2 After a successful community tree planting event Funds for Fish crowdfunding campaign (Chris Wilson) Local business donations 3 Environmental activities co-existing with urban development (GHCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 34 WIYN (FIRE) FOR COUNTRY

“This [cultural burning] is about putting fire spirit back and healing Country. We call fire Wiyn in our language and Wiyn Murrupp is our fire spirit. For us putting fire back into our Country is really important. Hopefully we will see more of this in the future.” Tammy Gilson, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner

LOCATIONS Aboriginal cultural burning has been a Representatives from Wadawurrung fundamental part of looking after Country Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Skipton Common for thousands of years. Over recent years, led the burn and started the fire in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA has been partnering traditional way with handfuls of grass tied OUTPUTS 2019-20 with Traditional Owner Groups and other together forming torches. Moving into the agencies to integrate this practice more wind they lit up the grass as they walked, 15 ha treated broadly into land management practices creating numerous fire fronts which slowly 1 Traditional Owner organisation across the catchment. fanned out across the landscape. engaged In November 2019, Glenelg Hopkins CMA Burns such as this have significant cultural 20 event participants worked with Wadawurrung Traditional and social benefits. Wadawurrung Owners Aboriginal Corporation to Traditional Owner, Tammy Gilson, coordinate a successful grassland burn conducted a smoking ceremony as part PARTNERS at Skipton Common. Around 15 hectares of a Welcome to Country for everyone of natural temperate grassland was who attended the burn, highlighting the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners burnt as part of the Victorian Volcanic essential benefits of fire for healing people Aboriginal Corporation, Ballarat Plains Recovery project, funded through and Country. Environment Network, Department of the Australian Government’s National Environment, Land, Water and Planning, The slow, low-intensity, cool burn resulted Landcare Program. Country Fire Authority in a patchy mosaic of burnt and unburnt The natural temperate grassland of the areas across the site. The burnt areas were REGIONAL STRATEGIES Victorian Volcanic Plains is a critically- cool to touch moments after the fire front endangered ecosystem, and Skipton passed. These areas allow sun penetration Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Common is home to the critically- and new growth for the small shrub Strategy endangered Spiny Rice-flower. A major species, unburnt areas continue to provide Wadawurrung Country Plan threat to both the ecosystem and the cover for small animals, and carrying shrub is inappropriate fire regimes. Regular higher fuel loads, will be more likely to burn FUNDING cool-season burns favour the Spiny Rice- next time. flower and the diversity of the system Australian Government overall, by burning back tall grasses which (National Landcare Program) 1 Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Tammy Gilson, otherwise shade out the rice-flower and igniting the fire (GHCMA) other small species. Much of the Spiny Monitoring the burn while in progress (GHCMA) Rice-flower’s biomass is underground so it 2 bounces back quickly after the cool burns. 3 Drone image of the burnt area (GHCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 35 GOULBURN BROKEN FISHING AT LAKE EILDON (DARREN WEDA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 36 GOULBURN BROKEN

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • Thanks to a collaborative effort between • As part of the Victorian Government’s 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS the community, agencies and Yorta Drought Employment Program 24 crew 1.1 Channel (km) 22 17 17 Yorta, water for the environment members in six teams contributed over 1.2 Water storage (no.) 13 22 22 was delivered to Loch Garry north of 7,800 labour hours towards natural Shepparton for the first time in April. resource management projects across 1.4 Irrigation structure (ha) 1,000 210 210 While only half of the proposed 1,000 the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District, 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 235 259 259 megalitres could be delivered due to inspecting and treating more than 2,100 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 0 75 75 the closure of the irrigation network, hectares of public land for noxious weeds 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 20 23 23 the water provided cultural and and planting or maintaining just under 1.9 Fence (km) 48 52 5 56 environmental benefits at this popular 200 hectares of indigenous flora species. 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 5 2 2 recreational site. • Goulburn Broken CMA's Floodplain • Goulburn Broken CMA’s projects funded Management Team processed a record 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS through the Australian Government’s 1,100 applications for development, 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 330 567 68 634 National Landcare Program once again land-use and other works; 117 whole 2.2 Weed control (ha) 3,865 4,937 1,324 6,261 met or exceeded their annual targets. farm plans covering 15,000 hectares 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 95,740 31,293 81,329 112,621 were completed; and the Cornella Creek Highlights included working with 2.8 Earth works (no.) 1 0 0 Taungurung Land and Waters Council to Catchment drainage course declaration carry out 1,000 hectares of cat and fox was approved and obstructions removed 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES control at Mt Buller to protect threatened as part of works to return more natural 3.1 Grazing (ha) 292 559 100 660 mountain pygmy possums; From the and improved drainage flows in irrigation 3.3 Water (no.) 30 33 33 Ground Up project staff and partners areas. 4. delivering virtual farm walks and online PLANNING AND REGULATION • Whroo Goldfields Conservation 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 857 1,214 1,214 workshops covering climate change, Management Network celebrated 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 60 46 44 soil health, pollinators and sustainable building and installing more than 1,100 90 agricultural practices; and The Linking nest boxes for Gliders and Phascogales, 4.3 Assessment (no.) 1,368 1,501 163 1,664 Landscapes and Communities project work its members have been doing since 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 10,277 14,099 1,199 15,298 delivered 56 hectares of revegetation 2009. 4.5 Partnership (no.) 125 151 and 1,225 hectares pest plant and animal 151 control. • Working with the Arthur Rylah Institute 4.6 Plan (no.) 90 128 45 173 and anglers, a population of threatened 4.7 Publication (no.) 337 275 104 0 379 Macquarie perch stranded in Hollands 4.8 Information management system (no.) 1 0 0 Creek was relocated to the after dry conditions during much of 2019 meant there were very low or no flows in sections of the creek.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 37 CELEBRATING HORSESHOE ’S CULTURAL VALUES

“This is a women’s place and for me to bring my grandchildren to sing and create ceremony, it’s like revival for our ancestors. It just feels as though it’s brimming with life, now.” Aunty Patsy, Taungurung Elder

LOCATIONS Horseshoe Lagoon is site of great cultural In September 2019, the environmental significance to the Taungurung people. water delivery was celebrated by Horseshoe Lagoon, near Trawool The wetland is also important to many Taungurung people, local landowners and local landholders, who value the cultural, agencies involved in co-ordinating the OUTPUTS 2019-20 aesthetic, recreational and environmental water delivery. The celebration included a values it provides. smoking ceremony and traditional songs 1 written report Taungurung people and local landholders and dances performed by Taungurung 1 water wetland were involved in the development of women of all ages. 1 engagement event the Horseshoe Lagoon Environmental Speaking at the event, VEWH 2 flora assessments Water Management Plan, which saw 121 commissioner Rueben Berg said 2 fauna assessments 1 monitoring event megalitres of water for the environment Horseshoe Lagoon was a great example delivered to the site for the first time of the shared benefits of water for the PARTNERS during July and August 2019. environment. The wetland provides significant habitat "It is also a fantastic demonstration of Taungurung Land and Waters Council, for rare and threatened species such as what can be achieved when Traditional Parks Victoria, Goulburn Murray Water, Pied Cormorant, Azure Kingfisher, and Owners, government agencies and local Victorian Environmental Water Holder Eastern Great Egret. The response to the landowners work together to protect (VEWH), landholders water was almost instant, with a range of something they all agree is important," wetland planting, including Giant Rush, he said. REGIONAL STRATEGIES Water Ribbon, Water Pepped Knotweed and the nationally-threatened River Regional strategies 1 Horseshoe Lagoon with water (GBCMA) Swamp Wallaby-grass, as well as 50 Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment 2 Young Taungurung dancers during the Strategy different species of waterbirds, turtles, celebration event (GBCMA) wallabies, kangaroos and water rats, Goulburn Broken Regional Waterway 3 Celebrating the first delivery of water for the Strategy recorded during follow-up monitoring. environment to Horseshoe Lagoon (GBCMA) FUNDING

Victorian Government (Water for Victoria)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 38 WALKING WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE STONE

“This unique visitor experience highlights the distinctive landscape features of the region whilst providing magnificent views across the Goulburn Valley.” Helen Reynolds, Chair, Goulburn Broken CMA

LOCATIONS The picturesque Mulana nin iyoga (spirit The project has opened the north side of of stone in Yorta Yorta language) walking the Mount Major Reserve to the public, Mt Major, Dookie track at Mt Major provides breath-taking which was previously land locked. Weed views of the Dookie region’s landscape. control and revegetation works have been OUTPUTS 2019-20 In 2019-20, through funding from the undertaken at the start of the 4.6 kilometre National Landcare Program, interpretive return walk. 4 engagement events signage was developed to complement As one of the few vantage points in a 6 ha weed control the Mulana nin iyoga walking experience. mostly flat landscape, Mulana nin iyoga PARTNERS The signs detail how the unique geology provides a wonderful opportunity for of the Dookie region provided stone locals and visitors to connect with nature Greater Shepparton City Council resources that were highly prized by and history. University of Melbourne Yorta Yorta people for making tools as well as the importance of the area’s rocky Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal 1 Start of the Mulana nin iyoga walking trail Corporation outcrops and springs as water sources (GBCMA) to the Traditional Owners and, later, Shields and Nichols families 2 One of the signs and a fabulous view (GBCMA) European settlers. Other signs describe The walking trail (GBCMA) REGIONAL STRATEGIES the surrounding landscape and its rich 3 agricultural history. Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment The importance of protecting the area’s Strategy remnant vegetation and native wildlife, FUNDING which has been heavily depleted by land clearing and competition from pest Australian Government plants and animals, is also highlighted (Building Our Future and National with descriptions detailing the natural Landcare Program) and cultural values of a range of species such as Lightwood Wattle, Yellowbox and Grassy woodlands, and wallabies and birds.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 39 MALLEE MURRAY RIVER AT NANGILOC (MCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 40 MALLEE

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • Over 390,000 hectares of targeted • Community engagement and capacity 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS environmental works were undertaken building approaches continue to be well 1.1 Channel (km) 1 1 1 in 2019-20 to protect the region’s supported. In 2019-20, this resulted in priority natural, cultural and productive some 6,004 stakeholders participating in 1.4 Irrigation structure (ha) 367 267 332 599 landscapes. Effective partnerships 588 individual events. Evaluation of these 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 9 9 with our community are integral to the activities identified that 66 per cent of 1.6 Terrestrial structure (no.) 1 1 1 success of these on-ground activities, surveyed participants rated the overall 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 3 33 33 with 118 individual funding grants delivery of events as ‘excellent’ and a 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 33 23 2 9 34 provided to community groups (31) and further 30 per cent as ‘good’. 1.9 Fence (km) 27 32 private land managers (87). 32 • Materials produced to promote the 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 12 25 25 • Integral to all Mallee CMA natural region, NRM programs and involvement 1.11 Road (km) 15 18 18 resource management processes is the opportunities continued to reach a large protection and management of cultural and diverse audience. The Mallee CMA 1.12 Crossing (no.) 5 6 6 heritage values. In 2019-20, this was Facebook page for example has an 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS supported through 98 cultural heritage average daily reach of 1,291 people in 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 491 254 186 440 assessments at proposed works sites and 2019-20, with three posts reaching over 2.2 Weed control (ha) 109,263 96,292 14,046 110,338 two cultural heritage management plans 15,000 people. 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 277,896 245,443 41,239 286,682 being lodged with Aboriginal Victoria. • Planning for delivery partnerships and Aboriginal Waterway Assessments engagement activities continues to 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES were also undertaken at key sites in be informed and enhanced by advice 3.3 Water (no.) 45 33 33 partnership with Traditional Owners. received from regional stakeholders 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION • Recreational values provided by the through established forums such as 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 331 241 82 323 region’s priority waterways were also the Salinity Accountability Advisory enhanced through community-driven Committee, Aboriginal Reference Group, 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 118 77 32 19 128 projects which identified, prioritised Land and Water Community Advisory 4.3 Assessment (no.) 540 428 70 30 528 and implemented works to improve Committee, Catchment Partnership 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 4,794 4,008 1,605 391 6,004 opportunities for bushwalking, cycling, Committees, Ramsar Coordinating 4.5 Partnership (no.) 154 144 23 1 168 canoeing, camping and recreational Committee and the Mallee Floodplain 4.6 Plan (no.) 123 87 22 12 121 angling. Management Strategy Implementation Committee. 4.7 Publication (no.) 410 341 72 26 439 4.8 Information management system (no.) 19 14 2 16

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 41 MERBEIN COMMON FLAGSHIP WATERWAY

“A shared sense of ownership between our community, stakeholders and Traditional Owners has ultimately been the reason that this project has been so successful, bringing a sweeping transformation to a degraded landscape that can now thrive and be enjoyed by future generations.” Sharyon Peart, Mallee CMA Board Chair LOCATIONS Merbein Common, one of Victoria’s These cultural bollards have enabled a new Flagship Waterway sites, has been approach to protecting significant sites, Merbein Common transformed through the delivery of without risking further damage through a huge program of community-led their installation. OUTPUTS 2019-20 environmental works over the past four Ongoing involvement of the land manager years. (Parks Victoria), local community, and 61 event participants Encompassing 1,000 hectares of Indigenous stakeholders in the planning, 7 publications Murray River floodplain reserve, the site prioritisation and implementation of 1 approval and advice supports significant environmental, social works was key to the project’s success. 3 partnerships 1 plan and cultural heritage values, including This collaborative approach has also 196 fauna and 88 flora species listed strengthened the community’s sense of PARTNERS under international agreements, and ownership and connection to the site. Commonwealth and State legislation. Stage one of this project was completed Parks Victoria, First People of the Suffering from vegetation disturbance and in 2019-20, with planning for Stage 2 Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, erosion damage as a result of widespread well underway to build on the outcomes Friends of Merbein Common, Yelta recreational impacts, the site is now achieved to date and ensure the long term Landcare Group, OzFish Sunraysia, flourishing and is a popular destination for protection of the site. Mildura 4WD Club locals and tourists alike. Change which has been achieved through the completion of REGIONAL STRATEGIES 1 Official opening of Merbein Common – Stage 1 several major on-ground works projects (MCMA) including canoe launches, boat ramps, Mallee Regional Catchment Strategy 2 Making use of new tracks at Merbein Common Mallee Waterway Strategy walking tracks, all weather access tracks, (MCMA) camping and viewing areas, revegetation Regional Riparian Action Plan 3 Cultural Bollards installed at Merbein Common and fencing of sensitive areas, and (MCMA) FUNDING associated information signage. Implementing these works across such a Victorian Government culturally significant site did present some (Water for Victoria) challenges which often required innovative and consultative approaches to ensure planned works did not impact on the values that they were ultimately seeking to protect. A key example of this was the design and application of ‘cultural’ bollards which are secured by a heavy concrete base, rather than the traditional bollards which require ground disturbance to install.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 42 RECONNECTING ISOLATED MALLEEFOWL

“Creating linkages in fragmented habitat is critical to ensuring the long term future of Malleefowl in in the Mallee. Long-term investment has enabled strategic planning and delivery of projects to add value to past works; now and into the future.” Sharyon Peart, Mallee CMA Board Chair

LOCATIONS Habitat fragmentation is one of the biggest In 2019-20 this has included 101 hectares of threats facing Malleefowl in the Mallee revegetation, at Berrook, Bronzewing and Berrook State Forest, Bronzewing State region, with a lack of connectivity between Yapeet State Forests using a combination Forest and Yaapeet State Forest small to medium remnants and large tracts of direct seeding and tube stock planting of public land effectively isolating some and building on 83 hectares of plantings at OUTPUTS 2019-20 populations. These isolated Malleefowl these sites in 2018-19. populations are vulnerable to local Particular care was taken with the choice 10,814 ha weed control extinction; with grazing pressure, weed 19,537 ha pest animal control of planting methods to optimise plant invasion, fire events, drought impacts and 1 management agreement establishment in relation to the critical predation just some of the risks they face 8 assessments issue of soil moisture in our dry climatic 275 events participants which increase as the size and connectivity conditions. To optimise survival rates, the 3 plans of their habitat decreases. tube stock has been regularly watered, 5 publications To tackle this, Mallee stakeholders are and protected from pest animal (rabbit combining their knowledge and on-ground and goat) grazing and weed competition PARTNERS delivery efforts to ensure investment in through targeted control programs. Malleefowl protection is targeted toward The sites have been continually monitored Department of Environment, Land, activities and locations that provide the to assess survival rates, with field Water and Planning, Greening Australia, greatest returns. National Malleefowl Recovery Group, inspections showing a high survival rate Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group Through funding from the Australian amongst tube stock, and evidence of the Government’s National Landcare Program, direct seeding germinating. REGIONAL STRATEGIES Mallee CMA is working with Greening Further revegetation and ongoing Australia, the Department of Environment, maintenance of these corridors is Mallee Regional Catchment Strategy Land Water and Planning (DELWP), and planned over the next three years to the National Malleefowl Recovery Group ensure that they can play an important FUNDING to establish three vital vegetation corridors role in improving habitat and landscape and reconnect priority Malleefowl habitat. connectivity for the endangered Australian Government These linkages help to reduce the isolation Malleefowl in the Victorian Mallee. (National Landcare Program) of fragmented populations, an important step in increasing the viability of Malleefowl populations in the region. 1 Aerial view of Malleefowl Corridor (MCMA) 2 Malleefowl (DELWP) 3 Malleefowl Corridor as of March 2020 (MCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 43 NORTH CENTRAL CULTURAL EVENT AT WANDERERS PLAINS (NORTH CENTRAL CMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 44 NORTH CENTRAL

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • The Caring for the Campaspe project • Funded through the Victorian 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS delivered more than 13 kilometres of Government’s Boosting Recreational 1.2 Water storage (no.) 28 31 35 66 fencing; 22 hectares of weed control; Water Use Initiative and the Murray 38 hectares of revegetation; installed 15 Darling Basin Authority, the North Central 1.3 Pump (no.) 10 5 5 off-stream watering facilities; engaged CMA partnered with Campaspe Shire to 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 23 1 1 22 24 and connected with 280 participants build the first all abilities fishing platform 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 0 47 47 at various field days and meetings; and and kayak launch along the Campaspe 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 0 2 2 produced nine publications showcasing River at Rochester. 1.9 Fence (km) 56 41 7 12 60 project achievements. These works • The Native Fish Recovery Plan continues 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS contributed to impressive results to work towards restoring native fish 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 141 565 144 12 achieved over the past eight years with populations in the Gunbower and lower 721 52 per cent of the entire river protected Loddon region. Achievements include 2.2 Weed control (ha) 300 2,006 68 86 2,160 with fencing and 75 per cent of crack 35 hectares of riparian revegetation; 9.8 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 12,198 16,736 1,003 17,739 willow infestations controlled in the kilometres of riparian protection and 2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 2 0 project area. 0 enhancement and securing $15 million 2.8 Earth works (no.) 2 3 3 • Coordinated the delivery of 57,700 funding for fishways and irrigation megalitres of water for the environment screens in the project area. 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES 3.1 Grazing (ha) 45 80 14 94 to 14 wetlands and waterways. These • North Central CMA's Reconciliation environmental and consumptive flows Action Plan provides a clear and practical 3.2 Agricultural practices (ha) 18,400 26,364 26,364 contributed to the environmental, social pathway towards the organisation's vision 3.3 Water (no.) 61 49 2 51 and recreational values of wetlands of walking alongside Aboriginal and 3.4 Fire (no.) 0 132 132 and waterways across the region, and Torres Strait Islander peoples as partners, 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION contributed to the socioeconomic caring for the region’s catchments wellbeing of local communities. together. Achievements include 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 2,607 3,287 4 3,291 • The Kyneton Offsets integrated mentoring opportunities for Aboriginal 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 61 25 10 35 catchment management project (funded and Torres Strait Islander communities 4.3 Assessment (no.) 1,193 1,132 110 2 1,244 by Coliban Water and delivered by North and Traditional Owner groups to facilitate 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 2,079 4,627 769 25 5,421 Central CMA) built on the outcomes of employment on Country; Aboriginal 4.5 Partnership (no.) 72 35 35 the Caring for the Campaspe project membership on a number of CMA by delivering extensive catchment committees; Boort Land Water and 4.6 Plan (no.) 453 60 11 71 improvement works along the Campaspe Fire, and Wanyarram Dhelk projects 4.7 Publication (no.) 69 151 21 172 River upstream of Kyneton. This included developed and delivered in partnership 4.8 Information management system (no.) 4 4 4 12 kilometres of river fencing, 56 hectares with Dja Dja Wurrung to meet Country of willow control and 15 hectares Plan objectives. of revegetation delivered by local contractors, including Djandak (business arm of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation).

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 45 A HEALTHY COLIBAN CATCHMENT

“The project is one of the most robust and integrated approaches to catchment management undertaken to date in Victoria” Julie Miller Markoff, Chair, North Central CMA

LOCATIONS North Central CMA is leading the project On-ground works to date, guided by a in partnership with Coliban Water, Dja Community Reference Group, include and tributaries upstream Dja Wurrung, Landcare, North Central fencing to control stock accessing the river. of Malmsbury Reservoir Waterwatch and partner agencies. Project Stock effluent can contain disease-causing works aim to protect the highly valued microorganisms known as pathogens. If OUTPUTS 2019-20 waterways and future water supplies the effluent contaminates drinking water for communities while boosting habitat sources, and the required level of water 15 km fencing connectivity and building cultural and treatment is not applied, pathogens can 22 ha revegetation lifestyle value across the catchment. cause serious outbreaks of human and 8 ha weeds control stock disease. Off-stream watering points 5 off-stream water troughs installed The Upper Coliban catchment is home to the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners are being installed in areas where stock no PARTNERS and is culturally rich with several significant longer have access to the waterway with sites within the catchment. The North weed control and revegetation along the Coliban Water, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Central CMA and Coliban Water continue riparian zone complementing the stock Aboriginal Corporation, Department of to work with Dja Dja Wurrung to help exclusion works. Land, Water, Environment and Planning, contribute to aspirations outlined in their The Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire Hepburn Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Country Plan ‘Dhelkunya Dja’. council areas are an attractive place to live. Goulburn Murray Water, Landcare On-ground works together with potential groups The catchment also provides raw drinking water for more than 130,000 people which planning scheme overlays to protect the catchment from the known risks of current REGIONAL STRATEGIES includes the towns of Bendigo, Kyneton and Castlemaine and is appreciated by the and future developments. North Central Regional Catchment community for its environmental, social, Completed works and those planned Strategy cultural and economic values. over the next few years will go a long way North Central Waterway Strategy In recent times, threats from existing in protecting the catchment and deliver Regional Landcare Support Plan and future developments, uncontrolled positive environmental, social, economic North Central Waterwatch Support Plan livestock access to streams and impacts and cultural lasting outcomes for the from a changing climate have resulted in a catchment and for the community. FUNDING decline in the catchment’s health. Without Victorian Government a long-term vision and action plan the 1 Coliban River (NCCMA) Coliban Water catchment will degrade further which 2 Fencing Coliban River (NCCMA) will have a detrimental impact on future water supplies and the environmental and cultural values that make the area unique and sought after.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 46 REIMAGINING BENDIGO CREEK

“We have an obligation to our neighbours downstream, as well as ourselves, to keep Bendigo Creek clean and ensure the water in it remains healthy.” Julie Miller Markoff, Chair, North Central CMA

LOCATIONS Bendigo Creek has a long, rich and varied Local Waterwatch volunteers and students history. Valued by Traditional Owners for from 10 local schools are involved in the Bendigo Creek thousands of years as a place of beauty River Detectives program and are regularly and a source of food and — in modern monitoring at least 15 sites, testing for OUTPUTS 2019-20 times — as the lifeblood of an emerging pH levels, salinity, reactive phosphorous, and thriving regional city. turbidity, dissolved oxygen and waterbugs. 10 River Detective schools During the gold rush of the 1800s, Bendigo A highlight over the past year was the 350 school children engaged Creek was fundamentally used as a drain launch of ‘Litter Trackers’, a first for 15 sites monitored along Bendigo Creek to direct the vast amounts of sludge away regional Victoria. North Central CMA PARTNERS from town. The values and function of engaged school students through its River the creek have vastly improved since this Detectives program and partnered with City of Greater Bendigo, Dja Dja time and the City of Greater Bendigo’s the City of Greater Bendigo and RMIT to Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Reimagining Bendigo Creek plan marks raise awareness about litter, how it enters Parks Victoria, Coliban Water, a turning point in history. The start of the creek and where it goes. Environment Protection Authority, renewal, understanding and connection Inside the bottles were GPS trackers that Goulburn Murray Water, local to create a healthier, more inclusive more were thrown into the creek in an attempt community connected and more beautiful creek. to map exactly where they end up and An integrated catchment management what happens to rubbish when it enters REGIONAL STRATEGIES approach between the City of Greater the creek. Bendigo and partners including Dja Dja North Central Regional Catchment The Victorian Government is supporting Strategy Wurrung and North Central CMA has community partnerships over the next culminated in the CMA supporting the four years through Waterwatch and other FUNDING Reimagining Bendigo Creek project with citizen science initiatives to address local a focus on sharing knowledge, citizen waterway priorities. Victorian Government science and waterway health. (Water for Victoria) An army of citizen scientists is monitoring 1 Bendigo Creek (NCCMA) the health of Bendigo Creek to analyse how planned remediation works and 2 Testing water quality at Bendigo Creek (NCCMA) development will impact water quality 3 Extracting a litter tracker from Bendigo Creek (NCCMA) and help North Centre CMA and City of Greater Bendigo better manage the health of the creek as it changes over coming years.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 47 NORTH EAST THE CATHEDRAL, MT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK (NATALIE ORD)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 48 NORTH EAST

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • After more than 430,000 hectares of • Through the Australian Government’s 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS land in north east Victoria (22 per cent National Landcare Program and in 1.2 Water storage (no.) 17 41 41 of the catchment) was affected by partnership with Trust for Nature, North 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 3 65 5 70 bushfires in December 2019 and January East CMA worked with 24 landholders 2020, North East CMA has commenced to protect and enhance more than 1,000 1.7 Terrestrial feature (no.) 41 12 26 38 a $3 million Bushfire Recovery Program, hectares of habitat on private land to 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 12 17 17 working with communities to restore sites benefit the Regent Honeyeater. 1.9 Fence (km) 30 54 54 of prior CMA investment by undertaking • Under the North East Regional 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 5 11 11 fencing, revegetation, weed control and Floodplain Management Strategy, 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS bank stabilisation works. work was undertaken at 41 sites to 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 183 261 3 264 • A four-year Water for Victoria landholder reduce threats to assets including road 2.2 Weed control (ha) 1,035 2,226 403 281 2,910 grants project to improve the health of and bridge embankments, footpaths, the region’s waterways was completed stabilisation of systems, formal levees, 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 23,060 11 135,736 135,747 in 2019-20. The 85 kilometres of fencing and emergency access tracks. 2.4 Over-abundant wildlife (no.) 500 667 667 installed as part of the project has 2.5 Threatened species response (no.) 0 2 2 • In partnership with the Murray Local excluded 609 hectares from stock Land Services, North East Water, DELWP 2.8 Earth works (no.) 4 34 2 36 grazing. In addition, 49 water troughs Hume, Parks Victoria, the Murray Darling 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES keep stock out of streams; 526 hectares Basin Authority and regional universities, 3.1 Grazing (ha) 221 230 230 of revegetation works will improve North East CMA hosted the 7th National 3.3 Water (no.) 3 3 3 river biodiversity; and 175 landholders Natural Resource Management (NRM) have signed up to manage land along Knowledge conference for more than 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION waterways. 275 delegates in November 2019 in 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 442 511 0 511 • 35,736 hectares of threat control, Wodonga. 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 86 36 31 4 71 including cat, fox, deer and weed • North East CMA partnered with the 4.3 Assessment (no.) 163 301 43 24 368 control, was undertaken including 17,000 Taungurung Land and Waters Council, 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 2,189 4,540 2,845 7,385 hectares across the Mount Hotham the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal 4.5 Partnership (no.) 82 101 49 3 153 Alpine Resort and Corporation, the Gunaikurnai Land and 4.6 Plan (no.) 24 15 2 17 to protect the Mountain Pygmy-possum Waters Aboriginal Corporation, the from predation. Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation, 4.7 Publication (no.) 152 286 68 1 355 and the Alpine First Nations Alliance 4.8 Information management system (no.) 3 7 1 8 (made up of Dhudhuroa, Waywurru and Jaithmathang people) to commence the renewal of the North East Regional Catchment Strategy.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 49 TAUNGURUNG ENVIRONMENTAL WATER RELEASE

“The rivers are the veins of the Country; if you take too much water from them Country will get sick. Taungurung has a responsibility and we are only doing the right thing for Country by bringing water back to the river… we achieve even more if we continue working together.” Shane Monk, Taungurung Man

LOCATIONS Taungurung Land and Waters Council This release was aimed at increasing via Baan Ganalina (Guardians of water, variability in the flow pattern and Taungurung water knowledge holder inundating new habitat and food sources group) and the North East CMA worked for aquatic biota. This release was made OUTPUTS 2019-20 with the Victorian Environmental Water when there was a natural rainfall event Holder (VEWH) and Goulburn Murray occurring to simulate the natural boost 1 water reach Water to release water for the environment to flow from rainfall, which was otherwise 1 partnership during 2019-20. held back by Lake William Hovell. PARTNERS The King River catchment was recently This water release is contributing to healing incorporated into the Taungurung Country by providing a boost to the health Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Registered Aboriginal Party area. This and productivity of the waterway. This Goulburn Murray Water, Taungurung water project provided a great start to flow provided a small variation in the water Land and Waters Council North East CMA’s working relationship level of the King River downstream of with the Traditional Owners by providing Lake William Hovell, which inundated new REGIONAL STRATEGIES some positive environmental and cultural habitat for water bugs and fish, allowing outcomes on the ground. them to move more freely and find new North East CMA Aboriginal An Aboriginal Water Assessment was sources of food. Participation Plan undertaken by Baan Ganalina supported Victoria’s North and Murray Water by North East CMA on the King River prior Resource Plan 1 & 2 Taungurung and North East CMA to the first release of water in September representatives at King River (NECMA) FUNDING 2019, allowing connection with Country and a better understanding of the ecology, Victorian Government management and history of the King River. (Water for Victoria) In early 2020, the North East CMA assisted Taungurung Land and Waters Council to again transfer their entitlement of 39 megalitres to VEWH, which was released from Lake William Hovell in conjunction with the Ovens entitlement held in Lake William Hovell of 50 megalitres, making a total of 89ML. This release boosted flows from 85 megalitres per day up to 140 megalitres per day between 29 and 31 March. This was equivalent to just under a 10cm rise in water level in the King River below Lake William Hovell.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 50 NORTH EAST FLOOD RECOVERY

“The Flood Response and Recovery Program has been a major achievement for North East CMA, successfully steering a coordinated approach with the community and stakeholders facing a shared challenge after the floods.” Leanne Mulcahy, Chair, North East CMA

LOCATIONS In 2016, a major flood event impacted The program has seen North East CMA the Kiewa, Lower and Upper Ovens, develop great partnerships with Parks , Lower and Upper Ovens King, Upper Murray and Lower Mitta Victoria, Goulburn Murray Water and the River, King River, Upper Murray River Mitta waterway systems. As a result, Rural City of Wangaratta, who donated and Lower , Burgoigee work needed to be undertaken to help a large amount of timber used for bank Creek to stabilise and rehabilitate damaged stabilisation and the creation of vital fish waterway reaches and provide habitat for habitat in our rivers. OUTPUTS 2019-20 impacted aquatic species The investment and project work was 63 sites rehabilitated The Australian Government and Victorian spread across five local government areas, 9 management agreements Government, through the Natural Disaster as outlined in the table below. 14 km fencing Relief and Recovery Arrangements, 24 ha revegetation made available $4.8 million to undertake LOCAL 12 ha weed control recovery and repair work to essential public GOVERNMENT NO. $ INVESTMENT 12 ha grazing infrastructure. AREA SITES structural works 48 event participants Of the 420 sites originally assessed, 63 WODONGA 1 $12,410 PARTNERS projects were approved and works were undertaken over two years to stabilise TOWONG 20 $1,240,000 Parks Victoria, Department of bridges, roads, culverts and other sites to

Environment, Land, Water and Planning, repair essential public assets. INDIGO 8 $110,000

Indigo Shire Council, Rural City of A further 16 high-risk sites received an Wangaratta, Towong Shire Council, additional $2.6 million from the Victorian WANGARATTA 26 $1,680,000 Alpine Shire Council Government to undertake structural works, ALPINE 24 $996,980 REGIONAL STRATEGIES fencing and revegetation in partnership with landholders to further protect riparian areas into the future. North East Regional Catchment 1 McNamara’s Bridge Benambra-Corryong Road Strategy Throughout the program, 4,000 timber before works (NECMA) piles were installed to stabilise river and 2 McNamara’s Bridge Benambra-Corryong Road FUNDING stream systems, with more than 2,000 after works (NECMA) Australian Government piles being installed on the Little Snowy (Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery) Creek alone. Approximately 34,900 tonnes Victorian Government of rock were also placed to stabilise banks.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 51 PORT PHILLIP & WESTERNPORT PORT PHILLIP WESTERN SHORELINE RAMSAR SITE (PPWCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 52 PORT PHILLIP & WESTERNPORT

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • Port Phillip & Westernport CMA delivered • 2019-20 was year two of projects funded 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS by the Australian Government’s National $428,672 of funding to 115 Landcare 1.9 Fence (km) 1 1.5 1.5 and community environmental groups Landcare Program and the fourth and through the Victorian Landcare Grants final year of projects funded by the 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 9 8 8 2019-20. The high level of demand Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS for grants in Port Phillip and Western Our Communities initiative. Achievements 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 5 45 0.5 219 264 Port region (more than $1 million included: 2.2 Weed control (ha) 4,219 2,760 1,660 8 4,428 in applications) led to the Victorian • Delivering a hydrology restoration plan Government allocating an additional 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 66,146 53,837 19,552 17 73,405 and a video to support landholders to 2.9 Rubbish removal (ha) 0 2 0 $300,000, allowing a broader range of undertake habitat restoration to support activities to benefit more communities. the Helmeted Honeyeater recovery. 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 2 25 25 • Port Phillip & Westernport CMA's • Installing the ‘Spreading the Message’ partnerships with the region’s Traditional Aboriginal art installation in 4.3 Assessment (no.) 146 60 110 170 Owners continued to be strengthened. Dandenong North. 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 1,332 3,325 2,486 1,142 6,953 Partnership agreements were maintained 4.5 Partnership (no.) 71 53 6 8 67 with all three Registered Aboriginal • Delivering 67,677 hectares of pest Parties, six formal partnership meetings plant and animal control across 4.6 Plan (no.) 44 3 38 2 43 were held in 2019-20 and $72,870 from Werribee Gorge State Park, Lerderderg 4.7 Publication (no.) 73 179 385 112 676 Port Phillip & Westernport CMA projects State Park, Brisbane Ranges National 4.8 Information management system (no.) 2 2 2 was used to procure the services of Park and surrounding private properties. Aboriginal organisations and businesses. • Undertaking pest animal control • Port Phillip & Westernport CMA secured across 25,789 hectares of the Western $1.2 million in funding through the Port and Port Phillip Bay (western Victorian Government’s Working for shoreline) Ramsar sites. Victoria initiative to simultaneously • In 2019-20, Victoria’s CMAs began the create jobs and deliver environmental process to renew their 10 Regional and agricultural benefits. The equivalent Catchment Strategies (RCS). Port Phillip of 51 FTE positions will be employed & Westernport CMA championed this throughout 2020-21 to deliver a farmer- process, providing significant input into led agricultural education program for the Victorian Catchment Management schools on-ground environmental and Council’s guidelines for the renewal of all agricultural services, and project work Victorian RCSs and supporting the other to support the protection of threatened CMAs to transition their strategies to an species on French Island. online format.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 53 SMART FARMING FOR WESTERN PORT

“Every week I left [the GrazFert program] feeling more enthused and inspired ... I think all farmers need this kind of learning and course work, and it is part of the solution for us to face the world’s problems.” Robin, Gippsland Farmer

LOCATION Since 2018, this five-year project being Towards the end of 2019-20, a YouTube delivered by the Western Port Catchment video series on Regenerative Agriculture Western Port catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN) with the hosted by soil scientist Declan McDonald support of the Port Phillip & Westernport was also released and has had an OUTPUTS 2019-20 CMA through funding from the National overwhelmingly positive response from a Landcare Program has aimed to wide demographic. 65 events increase awareness and adoption of land In 2019-20, the project engaged 1,169 1,169 event participants management practices that improve and people in 65 events (physical and online). 99 assessments protect the condition of soil, biodiversity This included eight field days, seven on- 10 publications and vegetation by farmers in the Western farm demonstration sites, two GrazFert Port catchment. PARTNERS programs delivered with 25 farming The project has a strong focus on peer families trained and 48 farmer discussion Western Port Catchment Landcare to peer learning and support through groups sessions (including 14 online virtual Network, Bass Coast Landcare Network, discussion groups and field events. farm walks). Landcare Network, While coronavirus (COVID-19) prevented Total participation in the project to date Mornington Peninsula Shire, Agriculture many physical events from occurring in is 2,841 people at 128 separate events Victoria, Melbourne Water the second half of 2019-20, all project involving 1,112 unique individuals. deliverables were still able to be met as REGIONAL STRATEGIES delivery methods were adapted to ensure farmers continued to be engaged and 1 Soil Scientist Declan McDonald being filmed Port Phillip and Western Port Regional supported. for the regenerative agriculture video Catchment Strategy series (WPCLN) Farmer discussion groups moved online, 2 Farmer discussion group looking at new FUNDING and a videographer was engaged to film pasture species with soil scientist virtual farm walks. The success of these Damien Adcock (WPCLN) Australian Government efforts reinforced the importance of 3 Farmer Discussion group inspects a (National Landcare Program) keeping farmers engaged with each other lucerne crop (WPCLN) to share learnings and experiences.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 54 RESTORING THE NATURAL GLORY OF JACKSONS CREEK

“The collaboration with the PPWCMA has revitalised the Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve. It has allowed us to recruit new members ... the project has had an effect more profound than just the healthy number of trees we have planted.” Christina Cheers, President, Jacksons Creek Eco Network

LOCATION The Jacksons Creek corridor in Sunbury In addition to this, work by contractors led is home to local populations of Platypus, to 10,500 trees being planting in 2019-19. Sunbury Growling Grass Frog and migratory Swift Pest animal control across 8.5 hectares Parrot, but it is also home to a growing was also undertaken to minimise the risks OUTPUTS 2019-20 local community. Urban growth and to all these plantings. Timed across the development in Sunbury-Diggers Rest year to suit the target weeds, pest plant 8.5 ha pest animal control are proceeding at a very rapid pace control also totalled 39.5 hectares in new 39.5 ha weed control and in recent years the population has areas as well as maintenance of areas 265 event participants reached 35,000. Further development in completed in earlier project years. 5 publications this growth corridor is expected to house The Wurundjeri Narrap Rangers were 71,000 people within the next 5 to 10 PARTNERS engaged to extend the project’s years. weed control efforts into a previously Department of Environment, Land, Jacksons Creek runs through the centre of unmanaged area of the creek line. A Water and Planning, Melbourne Water, this corridor and supports the community significant addition to the project was the Salesian College Sunbury, Hume with natural amenity, a sense of being not use of a rubber tracked excavator with City Council, Friends of Emu Bottom far from nature and general liveability. mulcher to obliterate some of the oldest Wetland Reserve, Jacksons Creek Since 2017, the Restoring the Natural Glory largest boxthorn ever seen along the Eco Network, Villawood Properties, of Jacksons Creek project has worked banks of Jacksons Creek. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural to bring government, community and The project, extended with funding from Heritage Aboriginal Corporation businesses together to achieve a shared Melbourne Water, will conclude in 2020- vision to build resilience into the remnant 21 with a final year of weed control and REGIONAL STRATEGIES native vegetation. planting. Port Phillip and Western Port Regional The focus has been on establishing a substantial corridor of native vegetation Catchment Strategy 1 Volunteers from Distinctive Options lend a hand along 10.5 kilometres of Jacksons Creek (PPWCMA) between the Emu Bottom Wetlands FUNDING 2 Wurundjeri Narrap Rangers ripping Boxthorn Reserve and Salesian College. (PPWCMA) Victorian Government Project work in 2019-20 commenced with 3. A Wedge-Tailed Eagle surveys a direct seeding (Our Catchments, Our Communities) students from Salesian College Sunbury site (Habitat Land Management) planting close to 1,000 trees and shrubs along the banks of Jacksons Creek, as well as clients from disability service, Distinctive Options, working with Port Phillip & Westernport CMA and the Friends of Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve to plant.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 55 WEST GIPPSLAND STUDENTS FROM ELLINBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL (WGCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 56 WEST GIPPSLAND

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • In 2019-20, West Gippsland CMA • To help Landcarers understand 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS fenced more than 40 kilometres of Aboriginal cultural heritage, West 1.2 Water storage (no.) 38 23 3 12 38 priority waterways, completed nearly Gippsland CMA developed a Cultural 90 hectares of revegetation, removed Heritage Information Pack in consultation 1.4 Irrigation structure (ha) 133 237 237 willows over more than 70 hectares, with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 2 1 1 2 completed over 2,440 hectares of weed Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong 1.8 Monitoring structure (no.) 13 13 13 control and stabilised riverbeds and Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. It is 1.9 Fence (km) 34 21 10 10 42 banks at 24 sites. the first of its kind in Victoria, and these 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS packs will be used in conjunction with • 27,868 gigalitres of water for the On Country presentations to educate the 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 71 50 17 20 87 environment was released into the Landcare members in the region. 2.2 Weed control (ha) 493 1,730 680 33 2,442 Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe rivers. This water is critical for native plants • More than 100 Golden Bell Frog tadpoles 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 55,305 68,558 6,239 74,797 and animals and the flows can move were found in early 2020 at new wetland 2.8 Earth works (no.) 2 0.8 0.3 1.3 2.4 sediment and nutrients through rivers, sites constructed in partnership with 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES connect habitats and improve water Greening Australia and local landholders. 3.3 Water (no.) 20 20 quality. This year, there was a confirmed The project to construct the wetlands 20 sighting of an Australasian Bittern at Sale aims to improve the vegetation and 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION Common for the first time since 1992. health of the fringing wetlands of the 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 1,361 1,628 5 6 1,639 In the preceding three months, West Gippsland Lakes and provide much- 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 63 22 30 11 63 Gippsland CMA had been providing the needed habitat for birds, frogs, and other 4.3 Assessment (no.) 391 518 144 29 691 Common with additional inflows, which freshwater species. 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 1,307 2,576 928 135 3,639 resulted in a range of species flourishing • The CORE 4 program was delivered 4.5 Partnership (no.) 50 55 1 56 and breeding. in the Macalister Irrigation District to • The Sustainable Irrigation Program reduce nutrient flow to the Ramsar- 4.6 Plan (no.) 57 44 45 89 delivered 34 new or updated irrigation listed Gippsland Lakes. $800,000 was 4.7 Publication (no.) 56 115 2 117 farm plans, which will impact almost allocated to 60 on-ground projects 4.8 Information management system (no.) 4 3 2 5 2,500 hectares of land in the Macalister covering more than 10,000 hectares, Irrigation District and 22 on-farm almost 20 per cent of the Macalister irrigation efficiency projects covering an Irrigation District. These projects area of 236 hectares, providing estimated are expected to not only save local water savings of over 1,950 megalitres farmers money in unnecessary fertiliser each year. application, but save 19,200 kilograms of phosphorus and 104,000 kilograms of nitrogen from flowing into the Gippsland Lakes each year. • After completing the Fishway last year, allowing for low flows around Horseshoe Bend Tunnel, fish surveys found higher numbers of migratory fish above the fishway than previously surveyed, which is an early indication of the success of the project.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 57 TARGETING WILLOWS AT THEIR SOURCE

“We’re proud of this program, which will save time and money in the long run. Our actions now will improve these rivers into the future.” Peter Jennings OAM, Chair, West Gippsland CMA

LOCATIONS The far upper reaches of the Franklin Willows can spread via small branches and and Agnes rivers in South Gippsland are twigs. It is much more expensive to remove , Franklin River, Macalister inaccessible to most, but these pristine large clumps of willows downstream then River, Avon River, , Middle waterways have been the focus of a fence and revegetate that area than to Creek and the . new program aimed at tackling willow remove the upstream willows before they infestations. wreak havoc, becoming a downstream OUTPUTS 2019-20 Ridding our headwaters of willows means problem. 266.5 ha weed control the riverbanks downstream are better “The logistics of working in the headwaters 1 willow status assessment protected from reinfestation. can be challenging. Two experienced 5 participants According to West Gippsland CMA's outdoor contractors walk the rivers 1 partnership Project Delivery Team Leader, Matt Bowler, wearing specialist safety and work gear willows are extremely invasive. looking for willows. PARTNERS “They can change stream and river “When they spot a willow, they use a small courses, choke up the middle of waterways axe to put a series of cuts around the plant Parks Victoria, DELWP Gippsland, just under the bark and apply herbicide Hancock Victoria Plantations, Yarram and take over from native vegetation. into these axe cuts. They also mark the Yarram Landcare Network, South “If the stream and river courses is changed point on a GPS." Gippsland Landcare Network and the river choked up, there is less habitat available for native animals and “Their safety is managed by a third person REGIONAL STRATEGIES reduces the biodiversity of waterways.” who stays in radio contact with the duo. It’s fairly isolated country we’re working in West Gippsland Regional Waterway West Gippsland CMA’s headwaters so it’s important that we’ve got our safety Strategy program aims to remove willows high in procedures right. Contractors are walking the catchment so that they can’t re- up long distances in the rivers; it is tiring, FUNDING establish downstream. physical work.” Over the last 20 years West Gippsland Similar works have been done in the Victorian Government CMA has worked closely with farmers (Regional Riparian Action Plan) headwaters of the , Avon on the lower reaches of the Agnes and River, Morwell River, Middle Creek and the Franklin rivers to remove the willows, fence Latrobe River. the rivers off from stock and plant trees to create a buffer. The willows headwater program focuses 1 Walking the Franklin River to treat willows (WGCMA) on the upper part of the catchment, 2 High up in the Franklin River where willow work complementing the works done begins (WGCMA) downstream by removing willows and helping prevent reinfestation.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 58 PARTNERSHIP PROJECT SEES FROG POPULATION BOOM

“Our partnership with Greening Australia, Agriculture Victoria and local landholders is seeing endangered frog numbers bucking the trend and increasing … this is amazing and important work.” Peter Jennings OAM, Chair, West Gippsland CMA

LOCATIONS In partnership with Greening Australia “It shows not only that the work we are and local landholders, West Gippsland doing is making a real difference, but that Clydebank Morass, Avon River CMA has been undertaking a project to it is possible to restore sites and if we construct the wetlands at Clydebank make the habitat right, endangered and OUTPUTS 2019-20 Morass Wildlife Reserve on the Avon River. vulnerable species like these frogs will The project aims to improve the vegetation return. 4.5 km fencing and health of the fringing wetland lakes “It has been a particularly tough season 0.68 km armouring and provide much-needed habitat for in Gippsland with drought and fire in the 5.2 ha wetland enhancement birds, frogs, and other freshwater species. landscape, so to make this discovery has 86 ha wetland protection 2 landholder agreements Recent frog surveys show there are only been particularly heartening.” an estimated 400 Golden Bell Frogs and Farmers and landholders involved with PARTNERS 80 Growling Grass Frogs left in the system. the program have been proud to be West Gippsland CMA has been working involved. Their enthusiasm and passion for Greening Australia, Agriculture Victoria, with Greening Australia and landholders what we are trying to achieve, as well as landholders to construct new wetlands and reinstate practical site management, has helped this program be so successful. Most have been REGIONAL STRATEGIES 100 hectares of wetlands, which may have been drained or used for grazing in the monitoring the wetlands themselves and reporting frog calls for expert analysis. Gippsland Lakes Priorities Plan past. Regional Catchment Strategy More than 100 Golden Bell Frog tadpoles have been found recently at new wetland 1 Golden Bell Frogs have been breeding at FUNDING sites constructed as part of the project. constructed wetlands on the Avon River (WGCMA) West Gippsland CEO, Martin Fuller, said Victorian Government they were thrilled with the news. 2 Martin Potts from Greening Australia at the (Gippsland Lakes Coordinating fringing wetlands of the Gippsland Lakes Committee) “Both the Golden Bell Frog and Growling (WGCMA) Grass Frog populations have been observed with their young. Even better than this – we’ve seen the tadpoles making their full metamorphosis to frogs and leaving the water.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 59 WIMMERA MITRE ROCK, MITRE LAKE (WCMA)

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 60 WIMMERA

OUTPUT TARGET ACTUAL TOTAL

KEY EVENTS AND INSIGHTS STATE FED OTHER • Wimmera CMA ran a social research • Wimmera CMA continued to support 1. STRUCTURAL WORKS project to determine baseline community Traditional Owner staff to undertake 1.5 Waterway structure (no.) 6 13 13 floodplain knowledge. The information professional development, for example, 1.9 Fence (km) 26 138 12 150 gathered supports the Monitoring, we supported our Catchment Officer’s Evaluation and Reporting Plan for the successful application under the 1.10 Visitor facility (no.) 0 5 5 Wimmera Floodplain Management Aboriginal Leadership category of the 1.11 Road (km) 0 0.67 1 Strategy. The process is repeatable 2020 Our Catchments Our Communities 1.12 Crossing (no.) 0 1 1 to enable future assessment of the Leadership Development Grants. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS effectiveness of the strategy’s delivery - • It was pleasing to be able to support “to build a flood resilient community”. 2.1 Vegetation (ha) 0 68 68 John Pye’s win in the Individual Land 2.2 Weed control (ha) 1,527 4,117 123 4,241 • Research into the economic benefits carer Award at the 2019 Victorian 2.3 Pest animal control (ha) 43,866 4,447 67,895 72,342 generated by waterways in the Wimmera Landcare Awards at Government Southern Mallee entered its fourth and House in Melbourne on 30 August 2.8 Earth works (no.) 0 2 2 final year. Year three estimated $33.683 2019. Jallukar Landcare Group also 3. MANAGEMENT SERVICES million was contributed to the local received recognition as winners of the 3.1 Grazing (ha) 564 1,157 172 1,329 economy and a total physical and mental Environment Volunteer Award. 3.3 Water (no.) 13 14 14 health benefit of $5.3 million. • Wimmera CMA continues to advocate 3.4 Fire regime (no.) 6 6 6 • The last four years of Environmental and supply evidence for funding to 4. PLANNING AND REGULATION Contribution – Tranche 4 funded projects supply water via the Wimmera Mallee are almost complete with 98% of funding Pipeline for drought refuges in the lower 4.1 Approval and advice (no.) 321 261 261 spent and only two project outputs to be Wimmera River. 4.2 Management agreement (no.) 5 64 3 67 completed. • We continue to provide leadership and 4.3 Assessment (no.) 4 95 3 98 • Our fragile platypus population on champion Integrated Water Management 4.4 Engagement event (no. participants) 655 4,972 1,625 6,597 the MacKenzie River has continued to via our Strategic Water Group who 4.5 Partnership (no.) 38 24 24 expand. Years of environmental watering have developed a Strategic Directions 4.6 Plan (no.) 5 71 3 74 is starting to pay significant dividends. Statement for Integrated Water 4.7 Publication (no.) 9 7 7 Management (IWM) including reaching agreement on priority IWM projects for the region. • 11 rock chutes were constructed across two sites in the Upper Wimmera Catchment to mitigate erosion, reduce sediment movement and deliver on the outcomes of the Wimmera Flagship Waterways program.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 61 PROTECTING WIMMERA MALLEEFOWL

“Monitoring in the Wimmera shows that overall, the Malleefowl population is relatively stable. This indicates that the integrated habitat and threat management program we are implementing is effectively managing this nationally-vulnerable species locally.” Peter Hilbig, Chair, Wimmera CMA

LOCATIONS The nationally-vulnerable Malleefowl is populations. This is achieved by monitoring a unique and iconic bird that personifies Malleefowl and fox populations at Little Desert National Park Mallee landscapes. In partnership with numerous sites across Australia and Nurcoung Nature Conservation Reserve seeing land managers, environmental comparing sites where fox baiting is Arapiles Tooan State Park groups and community volunteers work occurring with sites with no fox control. together, Wimmera CMA is working to OUTPUTS 2019-20 The Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group improve the trajectory of the regions has been monitoring Wimmera’s local Malleefowl population. 72 ha weed control Malleefowl population for around 20 years 67,916 ha pest animal control ‘Protecting our Malleefowl’ is delivered and the results for 2019-20 revealed some 72 ha grazing regime change by Wimmera CMA through funding from exciting findings: 1 management agreement the National Landcare Program and aims • Volunteers visited 165 mounds across 4 partnerships to conserve Malleefowl by addressing 10 sites including four new mounds, the key threats to the species, including and of those, 34 showed signs of active PARTNERS predation, habitat loss, fragmentation and breeding, an increase from the previous degradation. year. National Malleefowl Recovery Group, The project helps deliver a range of threat Parks Victoria, Victorian Malleefowl • Researchers estimate that 70 breeding abatement works, including an invasive Recovery Group, Trust for Nature, pairs live in the Wimmera and the results Greening Australia predator control project across more than 100,000 hectares. Malleefowl chicks indicate the population is stable. REGIONAL STRATEGIES are particularly susceptible to fox and • There is evidence of an increase in cat predation because they receive no breeding over the past 20 years, and Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy parental care. As soon as they hatch and that the Wimmera’s breeding population emerge from the nest, the chicks disperse is also relatively stable. FUNDING and must fend for themselves. The project is also participating in the The Malleefowl is a large ground-dwelling bird Australian Government 1 National Malleefowl Recovery Group’s with strong feet and a short bill (David Watson) (National Landcare Program) Adaptive Experimental Management 2 Malleefowl chick (Graeme Creek) Program, a nationwide research 3 Malleefowl breeding mound (Graeme Creek) experiment to better understanding what impact foxes have on Malleefowl

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 62 PLATYPUS ON THE MOVE

“The only platypus population we know still exists in the Wimmera is this fragile group in the Mackenzie River. We’re keen to enlist the help of our community to keep an eye out for these elusive creatures.” Peter Hilbig, Chair, Wimmera CMA

LOCATIONS In September 2019, Wimmera CMA’s named ‘Candles’ after local identity Brian waterway managers were pleased to Dunn, a two year old male on the first MacKenzie River, Grampians, Zumsteins, recapture a 12-year-old male platypus night, Kevin, and a second two year old Wartook near Wartook Pottery, 10 kilometres from male on the third night, Rupert. where he was previously found in 2010. As part of the live surveys, Laharum OUTPUTS 2019-20 The find inspired hope for the fragile Primary School and Laharum Landcare population which Wimmera CMA has been Group were involved in a hands-on citizen 3 partnerships monitoring for the past decade as part of 30 event participants science session. Wimmera CMA chief its environmental flows program. 2 workshops executive David Brennan says it was 1 assessment Wildlife ecologist, Josh Griffiths from impressive how much the students knew cesar, who has been monitoring the only- about platypus. PARTNERS known population in the Wimmera, last “Having our young people so engaged caught the male in the MacKenzie River and passionate about their local wildlife is Victorian Environmental Water Holder at Zumsteins in 2010. He estimates it was fantastic as we rely on the community to (VEWH), Department of Land, Water, around three years old at the time. help us keep track of this population by Environment and Planning, Laharum “It’s fantastic to recapture him and know having them report their sightings.” Landcare Group, Laharum Primary that he has survived the past nine years. School The live captures back up evidence from Also exciting is the fact that I haven’t eDNA sampling, which analyses water for REGIONAL STRATEGIES caught anything this far downstream of cellular traces of wildlife, that platypuses Zumsteins since I started surveying for the remain in the waterway and are moving Wimmera Waterway Strategy CMA 10 years ago. further downstream. June 2020 eDNA Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy “This capture backs up eDNA results from results further confirm this. VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2019-20 the past four years which have indicated they are in this section of the river. This FUNDING 1 Laharum Primary School students taking part is demonstrates that environmental water spring platypus surveys (WCMA) releases have provided the opportunity for Victoria Government 2 WCMA’s Ben Holmes with the two year old male them to move further downstream.” (Water for Victoria) platypus the community named Kevin after it was The Wimmera community has become discovered in the MacKenzie River in September attached to its platypus population, and 2019 (WCMA) Josh has a family tree to help keep track of 3 Wildlife ecologist Josh Griffiths collects data from who is who. a platypus discovered in spring surveys (WCMA) In total, Wimmera CMA’s 2019 spring surveys captured three platypuses; the 12-year-old male which the community

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 63 CONTACT

CORANGAMITE CMA North Central CMA 64 Dennis Street 628-632 Midland Highway Colac, VIC 3250 PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551 Phone: 1800 002 262 Phone: 03 5448 7124 Fax: 03 5232 2759 www.nccma.vic.gov.au www.ccma.vic.gov.au

EAST GIPPSLAND East Gippsland CMA North East CMA CATCHMENT 574 Main Street Level 1, 104 Hovell Street, MANAGEMENT Bairnsdale VIC 3875 Wodonga VIC 3690 AUTHORITY Phone: 03 5152 0600 PO Box 616, Wodonga VIC 3689 www.egcma.com.au Phone: 1300 216 513 www.necma.vic.gov.au

Glenelg Hopkins CMA Port Phillip & Westernport CMA 79 French Street Level 1, Landmark Corporate Centre Hamilton VIC 3300 454-472 Nepean Hwy Phone: 03 5571 2526 Frankston VIC 3199 Fax: 03 5571 2935 Phone: 03 8781 7900 www.ghcma.vic.gov.au www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

Goulburn Broken CMA West Gippsland CMA 168 Welsford Street 16 Hotham Street, PO Box 1374 Shepparton VIC 3630 Traralgon VIC 3844 Phone: 03 5822 7700 Phone: 03 5175 7800 Fax: 03 5831 6254 Fax: 03 5175 7899 www.gbcma.vic.gov.au www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

Mallee CMA Wimmera CMA Cnr Koorlong Avenue and Eleventh Street 24 Darlot Street, PO Box 479, Irymple VIC 3498 Horsham VIC 3402 Phone: 03 5051 4377 Phone: 03 5382 1544 Fax: 03 5051 4379 Fax: 03 5382 6076 www.malleecma.com.au www.wcma.vic.gov.au

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 64 VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 65 Projects featured in this report were supported by Victoria’s 10 CMAs, the community and a range of partners through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Victorian Government.

VICTORIAN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES’ 2019-20 ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS REPORT 66