Integrated Catchment Management in 1997–2017 Acknowledgement of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal community and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as ’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land, water and biodiversity on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

Cover photo: Screw Creek flowing into Anderson Inlet, .Photo: WGCMA Foreword

This year marks a very significant milestone for the Catchment Management Framework in Victoria, the 20th anniversary of its establishment in 1997.

Looking back on our many positive achievements over those 20 years is important and we all must learn from such reflection. This brochure highlights just a sample of activities undertaken by our Catchment Management Authorities in collaboration with their many partners. We can justly be proud of these achievements.

Looking forward is even more important when taking present and emerging trends and pressures into account. These include climate change, population increase and increased demand on the resources provided by healthy catchments and our coastal and marine environments.

So we must be well-informed and reflective of our communities, take advantage of improved technologies and have the support of governments, our partner organisations and our people to continue working together and building on our achievements to date.

I have every confidence that we can and will meet the many challenges and opportunities ahead.

Angus Hume Chair, Victorian Catchment Management Council Introduction

The Victorian Catchment Management Framework was established under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 with the primary institutions being the Victorian Catchment Management Council (VCMC) and the 10 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). Catchment management in Victoria has a long and successful history with ongoing long-term support from the Victorian and Australian Governments.

Mallee

North Central North East Wimmera Goulburn Broken

East Gippsland and Glenelg Hopkins Westernport

Corangamite

Catchment Management Authorities were established in 1997. This brochure recognises 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria. It presents a snapshot of how the Statewide catchment management framework has matured over time; observed changes over the past 20 years; and future challenges and opportunities in each CMA region. A significant project that has been implemented to date has been showcased as a case study for each of the 10 CMA regions.

2 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Overview

Since 1997 the VCMC has been the Victorian Government's key advisory body for catchment management, the condition of land and water resources, and priorities for research and investigation. The Council encourages communities and organisations to cooperate and work together; promotes community awareness and understanding of issues; and reports every five years on catchment condition and management.

Over 20 years the Corangamite, , Glenelg CMAs are also waterway managers with responsibilities Hopkins, Goulburn Broken, Mallee, North Central, North under the Water Act 1989 (except in the Port Phillip East, Port Phillip and Westernport, West Gippsland and Westernport region where Melbourne Water has and Wimmera CMAs have delivered community-based responsibility). The waterway managers have a lead role integrated catchment management (ICM) in partnership in delivering programs to implement Regional Waterway with their regional communities and partners. Their Strategies and Floodplain Management Plans; have primary role is to provide state government with a strategic drainage management responsibilities; and respond view for ICM in each region through the development to natural disasters, incidents and emergencies. They and coordination of Regional Catchment Strategies. are also referral authorities for land use planning and The strategies provide a vision for the future landscape building approvals, and provide advice in relation to land of the region and identify objectives and management management, waterways and flooding. measures for land, water and biodiversity resources.

Clockwise from top left: Port Albert, Nooramunga (Photo: WGCMA); Aunty Esther, Barapa Barapa Elder (Photo: Adrian Martins, NCCMA), Helmeted Honeyeater, Victoria’s bird emblem; estuary (Photo: GHCMA).

overview 3 Victorian Catchment Management Framework Highlights 1997-2017

2002 Catchment Condition and Management Reporting

2003–5 Regional Catchment Strategies (RCS2) 1997 Catchment Condition and Management Reporting 2004–6 Every five years, the VCMC is required Regional River Health Strategies to report to Parliament under the Five-year plans developed by CMAs Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to allow coordinated action to on the condition and management of protect or improve the health of Victoria’s land and water resources. rivers and waterways.

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

1997 2007 Regional Catchment Strategies Catchment Condition and (RCS1) Management Reporting Primary integrated planning framework for the management of land, water and biodiversity resources. They seek to 2004 integrate community values and Our Water Our Future regional priorities with state and A long-term plan for federal legislation and policies. water in Victoria

Natural Heritage Trust 1 Australian Government 2002 investment program for Victorian River Health Strategy biodiversity conservation, Provides a priority setting sustainable use of natural framework for the management resources and community and protection of rivers and capacity building and waterways. institutional change. Natural Heritage Trust 2 Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy Following Victoria’s lead, a Fulfils commitments in the regional delivery model was National Strategy for the established for phase two Conservation of Biodiversity and of the program and NAP. requirements under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998 with a series of goals for 2001 biodiversity management. National Action Plan (NAP) for Salinity and Water Quality A bilateral agreement between the Australian and Victorian governments for investment to address dryland salinity as well as improved water quality.

4 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 2012 Catchment Condition and Management Reporting

2013–14 Regional Catchment Strategies (RCS3) 2017 2014 Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Regional Waterway Biodiversity 2037 Strategies The Victorian Planning documents Government’s for river, estuary ambitious plan to stop and wetland the decline of our management in each biodiversity and achieve of the 10 regions. overall biodiversity They outline regional improvement over goals, high value the next 20 years. waterways and priority management Catchment Condition activities over an and Management eight year period. Reporting

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2008 2014 2016 Caring for Our Country National Landcare Victorian Floodplain The Australian Government Programme Management Strategy initiative integrated a The Australian Designed to ensure appropriate number of programs such as Government’s response and action is taken Landcare, the Environmental program helps in the event of a flood and sets Stewardship Program, drive sustainable the direction for floodplain National Wildlife Corridors, agriculture as well management. and Working on Country. as supporting the protection, Climate Change Adaptation conservation and Plans rehabilitation of Developed by CMAs, they further Australia’s natural identify priority landscapes and environment. natural resource management actions for climate change adaptation and carbon 2013 sequestration. Our Catchments, Victorian Waterway Our Communities Management Strategy Victoria’s first ICM strategy Provides the framework for for healthy, sustainable and government, in partnership productive land, water and with the community, to biodiversity maintained maintain or improve the through integrated catchment condition of rivers, estuaries management that is strongly and wetlands to support community based, regionally environmental, social, focused and collaborative. cultural and economic values. Water for Victoria Victorian Government’s plan for strategic direction for management of our water resources now and into the future to support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy and thriving communities.

highlights 5 corangamite

The Corangamite region extends across 1.3 million hectares of land, with 78 per cent in private ownership. The region has rich and diverse landscapes, ranging from expansive volcanic plains, to coastal environments, and the Otway Ranges. The diverse and productive landscapes support production forests, cropping, grazing, horticulture, viticulture and dairy enterprise.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Legacy issues associated with a  New approaches to increasing  Changing population, long history of landscape impacts participation, through new demographics and land use in the catchment. engagement and knowledge trends – with an increasing exchange tools, with a population, particularly around focus on Indigenous groups, major urban areas. private landholders and new communities as the population  Introduction of innovations and demographics change. in spatial data capture and knowledge exchange, through  Building on the range of online planning tools mature regional natural resource focused on identifying integrated management programs, and catchment management priorities. finding new ways to increase Lake Cundare. Photo: Alison Pouliot investment and long term  A range of activities undertaken landscape scale outcomes. at key sites to protect and  Climate change and land enhance significant areas of the use change impacts on the region’s catchment. natural values.

Brolga. Yarrowee-. Lake Elizabeth. Photo: CCMA Photo: Alison Pouliot Photo: Alison Pouliot

6 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Erskine River. Photo: Alison Pouliot

Victorian Volcanic Plains Stewardship Project

Over the past 13 years, this partnership project funded through Australian and Victorian government programs, including the National Landcare Program, has made a real difference in the management of nationally threatened species and ecological communities across the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP). The project has supported the community to deliver on-ground Fairies Aprons. Photo: CCMA Grassland. Photo: CCMA management of the bioregion’s natural environment and has increased community awareness on-ground activities, volunteering “Sixty-three per cent of the and capacity. opportunities, and training has been remaining 5,240 ha of endangered invaluable,” said Ms Knight. Plains Grasslands on the VVP have i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy Corangamite CMA Chair, Alice Knight, been actively managed through this said the project has made a positive This major multi-regional program over the past decade,” said impact on the ground by building the PlainsTender approach delivered Ms Knight. “Also, through strong, capacity of landholders to manage across the VVP in four CMA regions collaborative partnerships the f Signi the protection of native vegetation has supported 128 landholders at current project has assisted in the on their properties. 230 sites to protect and enhance protection of nationally threatened over 10,000 hectares of remnant “The community is integral to species, such as the Eastern-barred vegetation for biodiversity outcomes. achieving positive outcomes, and Bandicoot, Corangamite Water Skink their participation in delivery of and Dwarf Spider Orchid.”

corangamite 7 east gippsland

East Gippsland is predominantly publicly owned land comprising State forests, and national and coastal parks. About 41,000 people live along the coastal plains or the strips of farming land up the river valleys and on the mountain plateaux. The productive use of the region’s assets is highly valued and includes farming, tourism, manufacturing, lifestyle and conservation.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Natural disasters like fire  Continue to expand  Increased strategic delivery and floods are commonplace partnerships and projects of environmental actions through in East Gippsland and our including: strong and effective agency and communities are very aware of  Lower Mitchell River community partnerships across their impacts. Planning to prevent Rehabilitation the region. and also manage impacts of  events as they occur is an ongoing Protecting Red Gum Plains  Visible signs of improved river challenge. Grassy Woodlands and waterway environments such  Shared management of the as within the Snowy, Cann, Bemm,  Sustainable growth that 10 jointly managed parks and and Genoa benefits the whole community is reserves with Gunaikurnai catchments. a priority in East Gippsland. This Land and Waters Aboriginal includes improvements to regional Corporation.  Populations in major liveability, economic opportunity centres are growing, together and cultural understanding that with visitor numbers to East takes advantage of our natural Gippsland that are attracted to capital without adverse impact. our natural environment.

Snowy river before restoration 1957.

Azure Kingfisher. Topsoils project. . Photo: EGCMA Photo: EGCMA Photo: EGCMA

Snowy river after restoration 2011. Photos: EGCMA

8 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Estuary. Photo: EGCMA

Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes are listed as a community groups allows us to deliver Working with many Wetland of International Importance a great outcome for the health of the “diverse partners allows Gippsland Lakes.” under the Ramsar Convention, us to deliver a great recognised for the abundance and “We have aligned the various plans outcome for the health diversity of water birds and their and strategies to a single Priorities breeding grounds. The Gippsland of the Gippsland Lakes. Plan and jointly with West Gippsland Lakes catchment comprises around CMA, coordinated agencies and ” 10 per cent of Victoria. organisations with an interest in the The Victorian Government has health of the Gippsland Lakes to invested funding to support the achieve the goals of that Plan.” Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee to deliver onground environmental works and community engagement. The management of the Gippsland i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy Lakes is now coordinated across all state government agencies with a role relevant to the Lakes. All agencies are playing a part with our f Signi community partners to maintain the health of the Lakes system. Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Co chair, Dr Peter Veenker said “Working with many diverse partners including NRM agencies, local government, universities and Bunga Arm, Gippsland Lakes. Photo: EGCMA

east gippsland 9 glenelg hopkins

The Glenelg Hopkins region is characterised by flat volcanic plains in the south, with the Grampians, Dundas Tablelands and Central Highlands dominant in the north. The region contains 44 per cent of Victoria’s wetlands and 10 per cent of Victoria’s threatened species. It is a highly productive region for agriculture – particularly for dairy, beef, sheep and cropping.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Sustaining environmental flow  Incorporating the shared  Increasing native fish allocations. benefits for environmental and species like estuary perch and Aboriginal values of water.  Continuing the support for tupong where they were missing a healthy river and thriving for over 60 years.  Investment in climate communities. modelling to prepare for extreme  Critically endangered variegated  Meet the challenge of climate weather and increased demands. pygmy perch numbers change and population growth increased ten-fold. demands on waterways.  Increasing knowledge through river restoration and  Stabilisation of river reaches partnerships like Landcare through fencing and native for catchment conditions and vegetation restoration. management.

 Development of strong partnerships with landholders and partners.

Sam Roberts and Rob Addinsall, Glenelg River Restoration. Photo: GHCMA

Upper Glenelg River. Glenelg River estuary. Arthur Rylah Institute Photo: GHCMA Photo: GHCMA researcher Justin O’Mahony with a tagged estuary perch. Photo: GHCMA

10 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 The condition of the Glenelg River is a long way from what it once was before the Glenelg River Restoration Project. Photo: GHCMA

How to save a river

More than half a million trees, 700 Partnering local landholders, But it’s hearing from landholders landholders and 2,000 km of fencing. community groups, government and anglers that really makes Adam agencies and using science available Bester smile. That’s some of the achievements from – a multi-pronged approach was the Glenelg River Restoration Project, “When you talk to the landholders developed. a multi-award winning project by and keen anglers they tell you how Glenelg Hopkins CMA that has been ”We’ve worked closely with sand the river has improved. It’s quite undertaken since the early 2000s. extraction companies to remove a buzz hearing those good stories sand and were fortunate to have coming from the community.” “Parts of the Glenelg River were flat environmental flows allocated to the highways of sand,” says program The Glenelg River Restoration Project river, “ he said. manager Adam Bester at the was awarded the International River project’s inception, “it was in pretty “We’ve replaced habitat removed in Foundation ‘Australian Riverprize’ in dire shape and at the brink of earlier decades, and removed 12 fish 2013 and finalist for the International ecological collapse.” barriers along the length of the river Riverprize Award in 2014. so fish can freely migrate.” “What we were dealing with was

i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy due to more than a century of deforestation, erosion and sedimentation” he said, “Rabbits and large-scale land clearing had caused f Signi erosion and the river was full of sand. We were pretty concerned about the sand making its way to the pristine Glenelg River estuary.” “It’s got some very high ecological values and these were under threat.

If we didn’t do something quickly Both small native fish and recreational fish Australian Riverprize Award. Photo: GHCMA we would have lost some of these species have benefited since the Glenelg important values.“ River Restoration Project started. Photo: GHCMA

glenelg hopkins 11 Goulburn broken

The Goulburn Broken catchment extends north from the outskirts of Melbourne to the River Murray. The catchment yields 11 per cent of the Murray Darling Basin’s water despite covering only 2 per cent of its area. The catchment boasts a diversity of landscapes including seasonally snow covered alps, forests, granitic outcrops, gentle sloping plains, box woodlands and red gum floodplains. Primary industries include dairy, horticulture, viticulture, livestock production, cropping, and timber production. Agricultural production (irrigated and dryland) in the Goulburn Broken Catchment is worth almost $2 billion annually, which is more than 15 per cent of Victoria’s total agricultural production.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Changes in land use,  Continue to actively support the  Extreme weather events (fire, particularly around property size ‘Tri-State Murray NRM Regional flood, drought),climate change (ie. more lifestyle properties). Alliance’, a partnership between and the Murray Darling Basin Plan the Goulburn Broken (lead), North have been key drivers of change  Changes to the horticulture Central, Mallee and North East over the past decades. and dairy industry as a result of CMAs, Natural Resources South reduced water availability due to Australia, Murray Darling Basin,  More ‘tree changers’ are climate change and the roll-out of Murray and Western Local Land moving to the catchment, which the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Services (New South Wales). has helped some rural towns adapt as their reliance on the agriculture  Working with local government  Leading (with DELWP) the industry shifts due to changes in to identify opportunities for Catchment Carbon Offsets Trial. climate, land, and water use. agriculture through the Climate Smart Project.  Continue (with private sector organisation Agersens) to develop  Sustainable management of virtual fencing technology sand and gravel extraction on the to managing stock access Goulburn floodplain. near waterways.

 Continuing to implement the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy, recently released Goulburn Broken Biodiversity Strategy and the soon- to-be released Goulburn Broken Regional Floodplain Management Strategy that is being developed with local government.

A box full of Sugar Gliders Virtual fencing technology. Seymour ladies farming Photo: GBCMA Photo: GBCMA group event. Photo: GBCMA

12 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 , Acheron Cutting. Photo: Mark Turner

Farm Water Program

The Farm Water Program (FWP), led and bolstering confidence in the The next step in improving waterway by the Goulburn Broken CMA, has irrigated agriculture sector. The health is using environmental flows funded over 600 irrigator projects, program also provides significant to water the floodplains either side worth more than $160 million, in the waterway health outcomes with at of the lower Goulburn River. past six years. least half the (~80GL) water saved As part of the Murray Darling Basin through the FWP transferred to the The FWP helps irrigators achieve Authority's Constraints Management Australian or Victorian governments water savings by improving on-farm Strategy, the Goulburn Broken to use for environmental purposes. irrigation systems. Irrigators who CMA, on behalf of the Victorian have completed the program report This includes delivering Government, has carried out – on average, per hectare per year – environmental flows to the lower initial technical and community improved productivity of 2.3 tonnes Goulburn and Broken rivers and engagement activities to assess the of dry matter that equates to a $280 Ramsar-listed Barmah wetlands to potential impacts of more frequent gross margin, labour savings of $140 improve and protect habitat that floodplain inundation on private and and 1.8 megalitres of water savings. supports native icon fish species public land and assets and possible such as Murray cod, golden and mitigation options and costs, should At the regional level, the FWP is i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy yellow perch. the project proceed. creating jobs, providing food security f Signi

Modernised irrigation channel. Photo: GBCMA Automated pipe and riser irrigation system. Local farmer Nick James. Photo: GBCMA Photo: GBCMA

Goulburn broken 13 Mallee

The Mallee region covers almost 40,000 square kilometres, making it the largest catchment area in Victoria. It runs along the from Nyah to the South Australian border and south through vast dryland cropping areas and public reserves. Key features of the region include the internationally recognised Hattah Lakes Ramsar site; more than 730 kilometres of high-value Murray River frontage; and vast areas of Aboriginal cultural significance. The Mallee region is also home to large contiguous blocks of native habitat; agricultural industries which produce almost 50 per cent of Victoria’s cereals, and more than 40 per cent of all fruit and nut production.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Climate change presents  Significant Sustainable

 Wider adoption of sustainable challenges to both the Mallee’s Diversion Limit project proposals. farming and irrigation practices. natural and productive landscapes.  Collaboration via our  Construction of environmental  Increasing demand for new Tri-State Alliance, focusing on infrastructure on floodplains has irrigation development as growers river reach and environmental restored more natural watering look to take advantage from large programs. regimes to many wetlands. scale opportunities with access to  Pest plant and animal numbers the river.  Partnerships with irrigators significantly reduced. and water authorities to drive continued growth of irrigated  Greatly increased Indigenous agriculture in the region. community involvement in projects.

Table grape vines in Mildura's late afternoon sun. Photo: MCMA

The Mallee's stunning Reflections of Hattah. Nyah–Vinifera Riverine Park. Regent Parrot. Photo: MCMA Photo: MCMA Photo: MCMA

14 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Paddling in a canoe is the best way to explore Lake Carpul. Photo: MCMA

The Living Murray Hattah Lakes The Hattah “project is a true The Hattah Lakes are among the Mallee’s The lakes require continual management community initiative, most valued environmental assets, with and with community support, the exemplifying a large- 12 of its 20 lakes listed as wetlands of challenges of climate change will need to scale environmental international importance under the be addressed. Within these challenges watering project Ramsar Convention. however, there are opportunities. Hattah that unites the has become popular with school and Recognising Hattah’s significance and research groups, outdoor enthusiasts and community with its declining health, from the impact of tourists. This renewed interest opens the tangible outcomes. river regulation and drought, in 2002 the doors to future projects which build on Murray Darling Basin Authority selected ” what has already been achieved. the Hattah Lakes as one of six icon sites under its ‘The Living Murray’ program. After much planning, the Mallee CMA designed and constructed a series of regulators and pumps, allowing for water delivery that’s tailored to the lakes’ i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy seasonal requirements, restoring a more natural water regime and leading to increased diversity of wetlands species.

f Signi The Hattah project is a true community initiative, exemplifying a large-scale environmental watering project that unites the community with tangible outcomes. It’s brought together Traditional Owners, community and stakeholder groups with government departments to deliver ongoing shared benefits, locally I spy with my little eye ... An activity day at Hattah Lakes connecting children and internationally. with nature. Photo: MCMA

Mallee 15 north central

The North Central CMA region covers 13 per cent of Victoria. It is bordered by the Great Dividing Range in the south, the Murray River in the north, the Mount Camel range in the east and the Avon-Richardson catchment in the west. The region has four major river catchments – the Campaspe, Loddon, Avoca and Avon-Richardson – and supports productive agriculture, cropping, grazing and mixed farming sectors.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Climate change.  Implementing Water for  Population increases of up Victoria priorities. to 35 per cent across the  International agriculture markets. catchment to 240,000.  Technological and  Balancing water use across communication advances.  Environmental water regimes different beneficiaries. established for key rivers and  Supporting productive and wetlands.  Regional growth changing prosperous communities. land tenure and use.  Increase in absentee landholders.

 Increased focus on sustainable agriculture.

 Consolidation of agriculture.

Schools planting day, near Newbridge, . Photo: NCCMA

Plains wanderer. Loddon River waterfall. Gunbower Forest. Photo: NCCMA Photo: NCCMA Photo: NCCMA

16 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Slender darling-pea (Swainsona murrayana) in one of Victoria's northern plains grassland. Photo: NCCMA

Loddon Stressed River

The Loddon River is Victoria’s second A community event was held, on Engaging Traditional longest and meanders some 440 km average, every 10 weeks, with “Owners was central from Daylesford to the Little Murray. 1,150 people involved. to the success of the It has significant environmental, economic Engaging Traditional Owners was project and the Loddon and social values and is connected to the central to the success of the project River is recovering, Boort wetlands and the Ramsar listed and the Loddon River is recovering, Kerang Lakes. with an environmental with an environmental watering regime watering regime that is Decades of regulation and poor land that is reaping the rewards of the reaping the rewards. management have impacted its health. 10-year LSR project. ” To keep such a big river alive, a big project was needed. In 2003 the North Central CMA began a project on a scale never before undertaken in its history. The Loddon Stressed River (LSR) project was innovative, had big dreams and involved i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy working with the community along the lower Loddon River from 2003 to 2013. Today the project is folklore and set the benchmark for delivering lasting f Signi environmental outcomes and working with communities and partners. The project delivered a wide range of environmental works. Most notable is the 390 km of fencing that protects riparian vegetation for 56 per cent of river frontage in the project area. Fencing field day, Loddon River.Photo: NCCMA

north central 17 north east

Victoria’s North East extends across 1.9 million hectares between the River Murray in the north, Victorian Alps in the south and the Warby Ranges in the west. The region is home to 100,000 people, provides 38 per cent of total water to the Murray Darling Basin, and comprises 55 per cent public land. Key industries include agriculture (dairy, beef, wool, cropping and horticulture), forest industries, tourism and value added processing industries, particularly in the region’s two largest centres of Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Building community  Expanding Our Catchments,  Four major flooding events, four capacity to respond to future Our Communities programs significant fire seasons and the climate events and dynamic to build landscape scale end of a decade-long drought have river systems. partnerships for integrated challenged the landscape and the catchment management. communities that live and rely on it.  Maintain land productivity whilst protecting our catchments assets.  Supporting cultural  Population increased 16 per cent awareness and continuing our in the last 20 years to approximately  Working with land managers to work with Traditional Owners 100,000. Between 2001 and 2006 manage invasive plant and to improve engagement and population growth was among animal species. increased levels of employment the highest of all Victorian regions. and participation.  Managing an increasingly diverse  Agricultural land around urban urban, rural and lifestyle population. centres has been developed into lower density housing and lifestyle blocks.

 Significant changes to horticultural crops since tobacco production was ceased in the 2000s and there was a reduction to hops production.

 Increasing pressure on the dairy and timber industries.

Landholder Gary Daws fish velocity refuge. Regent Honeyeater. releasing Macquarie Perch Photo: Andrew Briggs Photo: Neville Bartlett into the . Photo: Glen Johnson, DELWP

18 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Mornings at Mt Buffalo.Photo: NECMA

Catchment Conversations

In 2013 North East CMA worked Other achievements linked to RCS • Developing solutions to allow fish with the community to develop the implementation include: passage within major waterways North East Regional Catchment • Engaging communities using high • Collaborating to reintroduce Strategy (RCS) which signalled a quality data to better prepare threatened species, including major shift towards supporting for flood events (e.g. Wangaratta Macquarie Perch and Regent landscape resilience. North East CMA Roundtable and Flood Study) Honeyeater facilitates and coordinates a range • Protecting the iconic Ovens • Protection of riparian and woodland of partnership forums to ensure the River through major waterway areas through providing incentives community and stakeholders are health programs that reduce and support to landowners involved in positive natural resource environmental threats management outcomes and community led practice change. We use ‘catchment conversations’ to understand high priority community issues and challenges. Catchment

i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy conversations are held in response to extreme events, to understand investment priorities and consult on the strategic direction. f Signi • Following the 2016 October floods we held catchment conversations in nine regional locations to listen and identify what support was needed. • Our Springhurst Rabbit Roundtable initiative supports community- led action for more sustainable and effective rabbit management in Victoria. Catchment conversation in Bright. Photo: NECMA

north east 19 Port Phillip & Westernport

Spanning 1.3 million hectares that feed into Port Phillip Bay and Bay, this region is home to around 4.5 million people and boasts Victoria’s capital city plus some of the State’s most productive farming lands, spectacular parks, picturesque landscapes, diverse natural ecosystems and is home to all four State emblems. The activities and lifestyles of the region’s residents, and the thriving tourism industry, are underpinned by the diversity and health of its natural resources. Therefore, the challenges associated with a growing population, intense demands on the resources and changing climate mean the region’s natural resources need to be carefully managed.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years XXMaintaining environmental XXThe region produces the XXThe region is now home to quality whilst dealing with a second highest agricultural over 4.5 million people. growing population, expanding yield, in dollars per year, in Victoria. urban areas, intensifying land use XXIt retains some of Victoria’s and a changing climate. most productive farming lands, spectacular parks, XXEffective collaboration picturesque landscapes and is vital with so many people and diverse natural ecosystems. organisations playing a part in XXSurrounding the large urban managing the natural resources Melbourne area is rural farmland, of this crowded region. representing approximately 45 per cent of the region. Compost Under Vine trial on the Mornington Peninsula. Photo: Alison Hoelzer

XXThere are around 8,400 km of waterways, attracting around 100 million recreational visits annually.

XXThe region’s environment, as PPWCMA Knowledge Banquet. measured by indicators such as air Photo: PPWCMA and water quality, contributes to Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Critically endangered Dandenong Ranges National Sunset at Rye Back Beach. Helmeted Honeyeater. Park. Photo: PPWCMA Photo: PPWCMA

20 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Melbourne's natural environment is a drawcard for residents and tourists. Photo: PPWCMA

A coordinated program to enhance the Ramsar-listed wetlands

The Port Phillip and Western Port region is home to over Emphasis is also placed on community engagement 900 wetlands, three of which are listed as Wetlands of activities to raise awareness of the environmental values International Importance under the Ramsar Convention of these wetlands. Activities have included a ‘Dog’s on Wetlands. Breakfast’ event that attracted over 400 people and their dogs; nestbox making workshops and shorebird The Port Phillip and Westerport Catchment Management and wetland conservation courses to help Indigenous Authority (PPWCMA) is coordinating a five-year youth learn about wetland ecology and boost their $2.8 million program, funded through the Australian employment opportunities. Government’s National Landcare Programme, to protect the ecological values of the Ramsar wetlands across Western Port and the western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay. The program brings together multiple organisations and land managers including Parks Victoria, Hobsons Bay City i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast Landcare Network, Birdlife Australia, City of Casey, French Island Landcare and the Western Port Biosphere Foundation. f Signi The focus is control and eradication of pest animals including feral cats, foxes, rabbits and goats and invasive weeds such as African boxthorn, blackberry and spartina. The collaborative approach of this program ensures optimum results across these important sites. Migratory Red-necked Stints. Photo: Andrew Morrison

Port Phillip & Westernport 21 West Gippsland

The West Gippsland catchment region extends from Warragul to the Gippsland Lakes and from the Great Dividing Range to Wilsons Promontory. The region provides the vast majority of Victoria’s electricity, 60 per cent of Melbourne’s water storage capacity, and 20 per cent of Australia’s milk production. The region’s natural environment is extremely diverse and contains highly valued natural assets such as native forests, rivers, coasts and wetlands including Corner Inlet, the and Victorian Alps.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Climate change The latest  Expanding on key projects  Increased population climate projections from the  Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms growth and urbanisation Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO of rural land through sea and indicate that the region will be  Perry Catchment tree change has led to changes subject to a warmer, drier and  Corner Inlet Connections in how rural land is being used. more variable climate in the future.  Heart Morass Restoration The frequency and magnitude of  Industry is shifting in flood, fire and drought is projected Gippsland, with the recent closure to increase and rising sea levels of Hazelwood Power station and and storm surge are anticipated. pressures on the dairy sector.  Absentee landholders  Positive working relationships and an ageing population may with Traditional Owners. result in fewer volunteers available within Landcare, Waterwatch and  Landscape scale changes in Heart Morass before restoration 2006. Estuarywatch. Whether we can Corner Inlet. meet recruitment and retention  Spartina invasion in Andersons challenges will impact on our ability Inlet and Corner Inlet halted and to complete vital on ground works now in decline. in the region.

 Shift in irrigation practices in the Macalister Irrigation District. Heart Morass after restoration 2011.  Stabilisation of river reaches through fencing and revegetation.

 Better knowledge, understanding and management of natural estuary openings.

Tarra Valley rainforest, Pelicans and swans, lower Snow Gums, Mt Baw Baw. Strzelecki Ranges. Photo: WGCMA Perry wetlands. Photo: WGCMA Photo: WGCMA

22 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Aerial view of Anderson Inlet. Photo: WGCMA

Indigenous and environment partnership

The Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) signed their first Memorandum of Understanding in 2013, formalising a long partnership between the organisations. WGCMA CEO, Martin Fuller, said they came together at the Knob Reserve at Stratford to sign the understanding, the culmination of 10 years work between the organisations. “The MoU is an undertaking to i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy work together on projects in the Gunaikurnai native title area in the areas of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage On Country Cultural Heritage Training with GLaWAC. Photo: WGCMA and natural resource management,” f Signi said Mr Fuller. “We’re working together well in NRM When the initial MoU but also by getting our staff, Board “When the initial MoU was signed we “was signed we agreed to and volunteer advisory groups to go agreed to celebrate the agreement celebrate the agreement through cultural heritage training every two years to confirm this every two years to confirm with GLaWAC, giving them a better understanding and commitment.” understanding and appreciation of this understanding and Since the initial signing in 2013, the Gunaikurnai culture and history,” commitment. GLaWAC and WGCMA relationship continued Mr Fuller. ” has gone from strength to strength.

West Gippsland 23 Wimmera

The Wimmera region covers 30,000 square kilometres and straddles the . Agriculture is the dominant land use, economic driver and employment sector. One quarter of the 50,000 people who live in the region depend directly on agriculture for their income. Natural Wimmera features include more than 3,000 wetlands, high value recreational fishing destinations, and the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. The region is home to 1,500 species of native plants, 420 species of native animals and more than 2,000 sites of indigenous archaeological significance.

Regional overview

Observed changes over Future challenges Future opportunities 20 years  Climate change – warmer,  Increased connection between  Extreme climatic events such as drier and more variable climate the community and their long term droughts, record floods (more extreme weather). environment. and increased wildfire events.  Population decline resulting in  Greater link between  Increase in conservation fewer people to manage land and Aboriginal knowledge and farming techniques such the environment. catchment management. as minimal till and no till farming, controlled traffic and perennial  Fluctuating commodity  Greater input on catchment pastures. prices impacting on farm management from a more diverse profitability and the regional community.  Population decline in rural economy. areas.  Renewable energy  Management of paddock production and carbon capture.  Fluctuating waterway condition trees. but improved resilience.

Wimmera River at Horsham. Photo: David Fletcher

Wimmera River. Project Platypus Upper Red Capped Robin. Photo: David Fletcher Wimmera Landcare planting Photo: WCMA weekend. Photo: David Fletcher

24 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Wimmera River, Jeparit. Photo: David Fletcher

Returning environmental water to the Wimmera

In 2010 the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline People are flocking to new fishing Aboriginal water objectives and was built providing more reliable pontoons, barbecues, picnic areas, addressing climate change. water for the region. Since then, bike tracks and playgrounds with The community understands the careful planning by Wimmera CMA water as a backdrop. value of waterways and is motivated and the Victorian Environmental Work will continue to face future to protect them – for people, the Water Holder has delivered water to challenges and opportunities and environment, and for the future the environment that has increased improve outcomes by understanding prosperity of our region. tourism, rejuvenated local economies and made waterways more resilient and able to bounce back after extended dry periods. Threatened native catfish are breeding, platypus numbers are stable and less carp are being caught. Monitoring data and

i c ant p ro je t a s e tudy community feedback indicates that areas that were an eyesore during dry times have been transformed into valuable community assets. f Signi Events such as the Horsham, Dimboola and Jeparit fishing competitions, Dimboola Rowing Regatta and river-based festivals are thriving. Boating, fishing and ski clubs are in full swing and facilities are continually being improved by the community. Wildlife ecologist Josh Griffiths with Maddie the platypus.Photo: Paul Carracher - The Weekly Advertiser

Wimmera 25 Regional Catchment Management Authorities

Corangamite CMA 64 Dennis St, Colac Colac VIC 3250 Tel: 03 5232 9100 Email: [email protected] www.ccma.vic.gov.au

EAST GIPPSLAND East Gippsland CMA CATCHMENT 574 Main Street MANAGEMENT Bairnsdale VIC 3875 AUTHORITY Tel: 03 5152 0600 www.egcma.com.au

Glenelg Hopkins CMA 79 French Street Hamilton VIC 3300 Tel: 03 5571 2526 Email: [email protected] www.ghcma.vic.gov.au

Goulburn Broken CMA 168 Welsford Street Shepparton VIC 3632 Tel: 03 5820 1100 Email: [email protected] www.gbcma.vic.gov.au

Mallee CMA Cnr Koorlong Ave & Eleventh St Irymple VIC 3502 Tel: 03 5051 4377 www.malleecma.vic.gov.au

26 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 Corangamite CMA North Central CMA 64 Dennis St, Colac 628–634 Midland Highway Colac VIC 3250 Huntly VIC 3551 Tel: 03 5232 9100 Tel: 03 5448 7124 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.ccma.vic.gov.au www.nccma.vic.gov.au

East Gippsland CMA North East CMA 574 Main Street Level 1, 104 Hovell Street Bairnsdale VIC 3875 Wodonga VIC 3690 Tel: 03 5152 0600 Tel: 02 6043 7600 www.egcma.com.au Email: [email protected] www.necma.vic.gov.au

Glenelg Hopkins CMA Port Phillip CMA 79 French Street Level 1, Landmark Corporate Centre Hamilton VIC 3300 454–472 Nepean Hwy Working in partnership with Tel: 03 5571 2526 Frankston VIC 3199 Email: [email protected] Tel: 03 8781 7900 www.ghcma.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

Goulburn Broken CMA West Gippsland CMA 168 Welsford Street 16 Hotham Street Shepparton VIC 3632 Traralgon VIC 3844 Tel: 03 5820 1100 Tel: 1300 094 262 Email: [email protected] www.wgcma.vic.gov.au www.gbcma.vic.gov.au

Mallee CMA Wimmera CMA Cnr Koorlong Ave & Eleventh St 24 Darlot Street Irymple VIC 3502 Horsham VIC 3402 Tel: 03 5051 4377 Tel: 03 5382 1544 www.malleecma.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] www.wcma.vic.gov.au

Regional Catchment Management Authorities 27 28 Celebrating 20 years of integrated catchment management in Victoria 1997–2017 © The State of Victoria, Victorian Catchment Management Council 2017 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Printed by Finsbury Green, Melbourne. ISBN 978-1-76047-650-2 (print) ISBN 978-1-76047-651-9 (pdf/online) Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186, or email [email protected], or via the National Relay Service on 133 677, www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.vcmc.vic.gov.au

The Azure Kingfisher nests in a burrow dug out of a river bank at the end of a one-metre tunnel excavated into the stream bank. Photo: EGCMA

Back cover: Wimmera River at Horsham. Photo: David Fletcher