Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has had another strong year, delivering healthier waterways and catchments, jobs and more liveable communities for the south west region.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville has released the 2015-16 Victorian Catchment Management Authorities Actions and Achievements Report, highlighting the great work getting done by Victoria’s 10 catchment management authorities.
CMAs supported drought affected farmers through the Victorian Government’s Drought Recovery Package with funding to establish Drought Employment Crews in areas worst hit.
They undertook regional climate change adaptation planning to identify priority landscapes and natural resource management actions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
In addition, they have also shown a dedication to building stronger relationships with Aboriginal Victorians, including identifying Aboriginal values and uses of water to help build the capacity of the sector to ensure the involvement of Traditional Owners.
Highlights for Glenelg Hopkins CMA include
- Nearly 6,000 community and stakeholders engaged
- 164km of waterway fencing achieved
- 8,949ha of weed control achieved
- 185 management agreements with landholders
Across the State, over 66,000 community members participated in local events, 956,851 ha of pest animal and weed control works were completed and 838 km of fencing was installed.
The report illustrates how CMAs are implementing “Our Catchments, Our Communities” – a strategy that reaffirms the Labor Government’s regionally focused and community based approach to catchment management.
The Labor Government has significantly improved funding to CMAs since coming to office, including a recent investment of $190 million to implement the new water plan – Water for Victoria.
The report is available here www.ghcma.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“CMAs play a vital role preparing and implement regional catchment strategies, and deliver very important services including waterway and floodplain management.”
“The Glenelg Hopkins CMA has a proven track record in managing projects that consistently deliver good environmental outcomes and forging effective partnerships with local communities.”
Quotes attributable to Chairperson Antony Ford
“Glenelg Hopkins CMA consistently delivers significant on-ground works to manage and protect our natural resource. The community and stakeholders are essential to the CMA activities and achievements, strengthening integrated catchment management in the south west region.”