The Brumby Government will invest $3.9 million to improve the health of rivers in the Corangamite region.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced the funding for the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to implement a wide range of water programs.
“The Corangamite CMA region is home to many significant rivers and ecosystems providing water for homes, towns, farms and businesses,” Ms Tierney said.
“The funding will go to projects for priority river health activities on high value waterways to improve stream condition.”
The projects include:
• 4 river health projects
• Working with community groups to reduce threats to Great Ocean Road Rivers from introduced flora and fauna, barriers to fish movement, farming and forestry practices
• Improve the condition of key coastal rivers and their estuaries and improve community awareness and understanding of estuary management in the region
• Funding for a Caretaker of River Health to manage the environmental water reserve and planning and coordination of river health activities
• Stock exclusion fencing, alternate water and stock crossings, willow and other weed control and revegetation to protect the banks of the Barwon River and protect rare or threatened species eg. Yarra pygmy perch, dwarf galaxies
• Management of the Barwon River through Geelong
Ms Tierney said the funding is part of $37 million dollars for Catchment Management Authority regions across the state to improve river health and encourage sustainable irrigation practices and part of a larger government commitment of around $65 million for investment in regional Victoria.
“An added benefit of these projects is job security in local regions. The Catchment Management Authorities are partnering with community and landholder groups to achieve water savings and environmental benefits,” Ms Tierney said.
“River health and smarter use of irrigation water are priorities outlined in the Victorian Government’s Our Water Our Future water plan.
“We are working together to save water, create new water through desalination, develop a pipeline system to move water to where it is needed most and create a more sustainable Victoria for future generations.”
Government funding in previous years has restored the health of thousands of kilometres of waterways, provided specialist habitat for animals and plant life, and protected and enhanced wetlands.