From mountain headwaters to the Bass Strait coast and Gippsland Lakes, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) adds to the catchment’s balance sheet every day and their latest Annual Report details the work that has put West Gippsland’s waterways on the right side of the leger for another year. 

Every tree planted, kilometre of river fenced, hectare of weeds removed, wetland protected and event held for the community in 2024-25 is captured in the CMA’s latest Annual Report approved in State Parliament recently.  

“This report is more than numbers, it’s our story and showcase of the overall effort across the catchment and we are extremely proud of every achievement,” says Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA.  

“We are privileged to be trusted to deliver environmental initiatives for the region funded by the Victorian and Australian governments. Importantly we acknowledge the guidance of Traditional Owners, and support of partners and community to bring all these moving parts together.” 

The report paints a compelling picture of the diverse work of the small, local organisation. Projects focus on catchment health and include restoring rivers and wetlands, managing estuaries, delivering water allocations for the environment and partnering with landholders on sustainable agricultural solutions and building resilience to the effects of climate change. 

In 2024-25, the CMA delivered on many projects – each playing their part in building a healthy catchment for West Gippsland.

• Revegetated 204 hectares to restore rivers and habitat for wildlife including fish, platypus, birds and wallabies.  
• Delivered 42,216 megalitres of water for the environment into rivers to mimic natural flows for fish to migrate and breed.  
• Covered 31,084 hectares of pest animal control to protect endangered species such as Hooded Plovers.
• Protected 106 hectares of precious remnant vegetation and treated 1,194 hectares of weeds to allow native plants to
  re-establish and thrive. 
• Worked with 44 valued partners to amplify their efforts and because we can’t do it alone. 
• Held events for 2,330 community members and partners to share knowledge and build skills. 
• Provided 938 responses for farm plans, flood and other advice and planning permits.  

“Many people are not sure of the breadth of work of the CMAs and this report demonstrated the broad range of benefits CMAs bring to the table for everyone,” Martin concluded.

About the river lovers at West Gippsland CMA

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA) is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.  

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This work ultimately flows on to a more healthy and resilient home for wildlife and the West Gippsland community.