West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is proud to report on achievements made for catchments, communities and wildlife in 2023 with the release of their Annual Report (PDF 4MB) recently tabled in Parliament.  

“We are extremely proud to continue to deliver environmental initiatives funded by the Victorian 
and Australian governments and acknowledge the support of Traditional Owners, partners and community,” said WGCMA Board Chair, Mikaela Power. 

“Partnerships have increased again this year and range from community groups and government agencies through to industry and commercial partners. All play a very significant role in caring for catchments.

“Together we achieved 178,339 hectares of weed control, 194 hectares of revegetation and vegetation enhancement and 9,744 hectares set to benefit from whole farm, irrigation and soil erosion management plans.” 

“In a year of many great results, a key highlight was the completion of work on a flagship South Gippsland waterway, the Agnes River and the removal the final willow from the system after 25 years of sustained effort. 

“Over the year we focused our efforts on delivering initiatives supported by both the state and Australian Governments such as works in Corner Inlet, on the flagship Agnes and Carran Carran (Thomson) Rivers, partnering for Alpine Peatlands and delivering sustainable irrigation programs,” said Mikaela. 

“Three key projects were completed as part of the National Landcare Program Regional Land Partnership Program including Alpine Peatlands Protection, Corner Inlet Connections and the Sustainable Agriculture Project. In addition to these projects, the program supports the Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator (RALF) position and the Indigenous Partnership Program.”  

In 2022-23, over 48,838 hectares were inspected which resulted in 169.25 hectares treated for weeds in Corner Inlet and over 1,730.34 hectares of weeds controlled in Alpine areas. Through the National Landcare Program, we continued the important partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation with On Country work in Corner Inlet and Alpine areas. 

“Another key highlight was delivering a remarkable flood recovery program arising from the significant storm and flood event that hit the region in June 2021.” 

Over the last two years, West Gippsland CMA has assessed flood damage and undertaken repair works across the catchment via a comprehensive flood recovery program that to date has achieved:

• Planting 14,250 trees
• Fencing 4.13 kilometres
• Creating three waterway structures
• Stabilising 7.31 kilometres of riverbanks at eight sites
• Treating 214 hectares of weeds
• Rock armouring of 3.98 kilometres of river banks.

Works along waterways focussed on creating wildlife habitat and building waterway resilience including:

• Fencing 23 kilometres of priority waterways
• Planting 62,500 trees over 88 hectares
• Treating weeds over 209 hectares
• Delivering 29,191 megalitres of water for the environment.

“We thank everyone for their ongoing support as we present this year’s achievements for West Gippsland’s catchment health that ultimately contributes to Gippsland’s wealth,” concluded Mikaela.