It’s like the Archibald Prize for rivers.  West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is launching its annual Water for the Environment photo competition with the theme ‘portrait of a river’ and there are great prizes to be won.   

“This year, the competition asks people to capture images of rivers that reflect their many moods. Much like people, they can sometimes be peaceful and beautiful, other times turbulent and dynamic, each has their own ‘personality’. So, turn your camera vertically and capture a portrait of your local waterway,” said Tash Marty-Cripps, Waterways Project Officer for the CMA.  

“We know that people will be out enjoying the region’s beautiful rivers in Autumn. We would love to see how the rivers look through your eyes and hear your stories.”   

The rivers across West Gippsland have many faces depending on how you see them. They are a host to many iconic Australian plants and animals, and places for us to hike, swim, kayak, fish and camp. They are a muse; providing beauty, art and emotion. They are a teacher: providing places to learn, teach others and share stories. They are a carer, supporting our wellbeing and providing peaceful natural spaces to rest and recharge.  They are also a resource; they support local communities and businesses – from farming to kayaking, fishing and tourism.   

“We all benefit from healthy waterways and we are especially proud to support them by delivering water for the environment.”  

‘Water for the environment’ is water that is set aside in major reservoirs and carefully released into a waterway to support the health of rivers and wetlands. In dry times it can be used to connect pools and improve water quality, protecting animals such as fish and platypus.  

Environmental releases can trigger native fish or eel migration, help waterplants grow, protect waterbirds from predators and improve access to food for fish, frogs and birds. By taking care of the water, we’re also improving these waterways for people to enjoy as well.  

The popular annual competition encourages photographers to get snapping and enter photos from the four rivers in of the region that receive water for the environment allocations:  

• Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River)
• Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
• Carran Carran (Thomson River)
• Tanjil River.

Simply capture one or more images in portrait orientation to show us how you see our rivers.  There are $1,000 worth of local business association vouchers up for grabs for the winners. It’s free and you can enter multiple times. 

The competition opens on Wednesday 1 April and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday 30 April 2026. Good luck snappers! 

West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.  

You can learn more about water for the environment in West Gippsland and signup to receive email notifications to keep up to date when environmental flows are scheduled. 

📸 Banner image Heart Morass by Colin Cook.

Dairy farmers in South Gippsland’s Powlett River catchment are set to make the most of manure thanks to new funding available from 1 April 2026.  

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is inviting expressions of interest from dairy farmers to join a project aimed at boosting the benefits of effluent on farm and reducing effluent entering the river system.  

Up to 20 dairy farmers will have the opportunity to work with a qualified agronomist to develop their own Effluent Management Plan. They can then apply for funding to upgrade their effluent system to better utilise effluent nutrients. The upgrades will improve production, save money and protect the environment.   

“By maximising the use of effluent, farmers can improve soil health. This also reduces the need to apply synthetic fertiliser, saving money and emissions,” said Sam Shannon – Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for West Gippsland CMA.  

“We know dairy effluent is a highly valuable source of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous. Farmers who effectively keep these nutrients on farm are not only improving their soils and pasture for cattle, they’re also protecting important local waterways,” explained Sam. 

This is the first time such an initiative has been offered in the Powlett catchment and complements the integrated catchment works underway through the Kugerungmome Powlett River Partnerships project and Towards Zero Extinctions saving the Eastern Hooded Plover. 

“Integrated catchment management is about looking at all of the parts that contribute to the health of the ecosystem and helping to protect the water quality is just one more piece in completing the puzzle,” said Sam. 

“We’ve been partnering with farmers for over 25 years to drive sustainable agriculture practices in the region and this project is another great example of working together for the benefit of farming and the overall health of the catchment.” 

Each Nutrient and Effluent Management Plan developed will clearly identify key recommendations to improve effluent management decisions. The plans will use soil test data to advise on future nutrient application rates across the farm and how best to achieve this. 

Participating farmers will receive funding to support the cost of implementing the recommended actions from the plan, such as upgrades to mains pipelines or effluent ponds.   

All of these works flow down to benefit the river and the Kugerungmome Powlett River estuary which has cultural and ecological significance. 

Grants will be allocated to 20 eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions please email dairy@wgcma.vic.gov.au.

Further opportunities are also available now through the Victoria Landcare Grants and the Victorian Trees on Farms Program.

Autumn water for the environment deliveries are planned for Carran Carran (Thomson River) and Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River).

The flow details for both waterways including start and end dates are available here.

More farmers across Gippsland can now access Incentives for Irrigation Farm Plans. 

Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Stephanie Veskoukis said after years of success in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID), the Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program has been expanded to include irrigators across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment. 

“The incentive covers 75% of the cost of an updated irrigation farm plan, up to a maximum of $45 per hectare for design only, or $90 per hectare for survey and design of a new plan, capped at $10,000 (excluding GST). 

“Tailored options are available for farms with specialised requirements.

She said an Irrigation Farm Plan is a practical tool that helps irrigators compare systems, plan upgrades and design improvements that work with existing infrastructure. 

“A well-prepared plan improves water-use efficiency, reduces nutrient losses and ensures works meet statutory requirements.” 

For farmers involved in the program, increased confidence is one of the most consistent outcomes. 

Farmers really value the independent advice and support they receive at every stage of the farm planning process,” she said. 

Kilmany beef producer Phillip Padula approached the program seeking help to design a complex reuse and drainage system that had to navigate native vegetation and waterways. 

“It was a lot easier than what I thought it would’ve been, I thought it could’ve been a nightmare, but it’s been really easy to work with [the team],’ he said. 

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) Statutory Waterways Officer Gavin Prior said collaboration between farmers, planners and agencies is central to the program’s success. 

“I think it is so good for the farmers, seeing us all work together to try and remove some of the so-called red tape and be efficient and considerate of their time,” he said. 

The Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program is administered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the West Gippsland CMA. 

Program funding is provided by the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program. 

Join local farmer Nick Dudley for a practical, hands-on workshop designed to help you understand and estimate your farm’s carbon footprint. 

Bring your laptop or borrow one of ours and learn how to use an online carbon calculator, explore what the numbers mean for your business, and discover opportunities to improve productivity while reducing emissions. 

Date: Tuesday 24 March
Time: 10am – 2.30pm (lunch included)
Venue: West Gippsland CMA Leongatha office, Corner Bair and Young Street, Leongatha
Cost: Free, but registration is essential.

• Agriculture Victoria
• Landcare Victoria
• Vic Catchments

This program is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program.

Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are receiving more support to care for nature.  

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is inviting applications for the Victorian Government Landcare Grants totalling $3.55 million to fund projects making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.  

Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects, and $500 for support, from now until 23 April 2026.  

“These grants continue to be of incredible value to Victoria and we’re proud to support the work of Landcare and environmental volunteers to protect our environment for generations to come,” said DEECA’s Director of Environmental Investment and Programs, Lorna Mathieson. 

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s CEO Martin Fuller, said: “As we enter the 40th year of Landcare in Victoria I encourage local Landcare networks and environmental volunteers to get their ideas off the ground and apply for a project grant to help them continue the vital role they play in protecting Gippsland’s precious natural environment.” 

“Every Landcare project also helps connect more people to nature and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and river lovers. I look forward to seeing what this next round of grants will inspire for the region.” 

Last year, 50 Landcare and environmental groups across the West Gippsland catchment shared $337,250 in grants helping to transform landscapes, protect endangered local species and green much-loved community spaces across the region.  

Recipients included:  

• Maffra and Districts Landcare Network’s project to restore a section of Flooding Creek in Sale to boost bird habitat and establish a natural space for the local community to enjoy.
• Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group’s project to establish wetlands that will enhance habitat for threatened Growling Grass Frogs and Lace Monitors in the Bunurong Coastal Woodlands.  
• Gippsland Intrepid Landcare’s annual Plant and Dance event to connect people, culture and landscapes. 

Grants are available to all Victorian Landcare and environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare and Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Traditional Owner or Aboriginal groups and organisations working on Country.  

Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on 23 April 2026. For more information and to apply click here.

West Gippsland CMA is proud to be appointed by the Victorian Government as the Regional Landcare Coordinator for West Gippsland supporting the region’s five vibrant Landcare Networks.

Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.

Trees on Farms event

Planting trees on farms offers opportunities for farmers to diversify their income through revegetation, carbon benefits, increased agricultural productivity, and timber supply.

Learn how trees can benefit your farm and the opportunities for agroforestry in livestock enterprises at this free farm field day event presented by the West Gippsland CMA and Maffra and Districts Landcare Network.

Speakers:

• Sheep and wool farmer Bob Gray will share his experience establishing a hardwood agroforestry system in wet, steep country and what he’s learned after 14 years.
  
• Callam Reynolds from Maffra and Districts Landcare Network will explain how farmers can apply for funding under the Victorian Trees on Farms Program.

Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm
Location: 585 Torwood-Topiram Road, Torwood
Cost: Free lunch provided – please register

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Sam Shannon on 0409 944 114.

This event is one of a series of workshops offered under our Carbon Farming Outreach Program, which provides free training for farmers across the West Gippsland catchment to better understand their emissions and learn the benefits of carbon farming.

Event partners:

• Agriculture Victoria
• Landcare Victoria
• Maffra and District Landcare Network

The Victorian Carbon Farming Outreach Program is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program. The Program is delivered through a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, 10 Catchment Management Authorities and Landcare Victoria and other bodies.

Strong Country healthy wetlands

World Wetlands Day will be celebrated in West Gippsland and around the world on Monday 2 February.  

West Gippsland is home to a number of internationally and nationally significant wetlands spanning Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country. These include the internationally important Ramsar sites of Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes and eleven sites listed as nationally important under the Directory of Important Wetlands Australia such as Anderson Inlet, Shallow Inlet, Kugerungomome/Powlett River mouth and Lake Wellington and Lake Victoria Wetlands. 

We love that this year’s theme is ‘Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage’. This global campaign spotlights the timeless role of traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems and preserving cultural identity. 

On Bunurong Country, we’re learning from Traditional Owners as they lead projects to protect waterways and wetlands.

“Wetlands shelter countless species, from the smallest invertebrates to migratory birds that cross entire continents,” says Renee Sweetman, Balirt biik Aboriginal Water Officer for Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

“But their value extends beyond ecology. Wetlands are cultural landscapes – living places of story, identity, and knowledge. For First Peoples, wetlands are part of an unbroken relationship with Country, where land, water, people, and spirit are inseparable. These places teach us balance, reciprocity and responsibility.”

“The majority of Aboriginal people in Victoria use the Wetlands like ‘fridges’ to get all the materials you need, such as plants to make nets, ropes, tools and for medicinal use,” adds Baden Moore, the Land Council’s Strong Country, Water Team Leader. 

Some mobs used Wetlands to catch fish and have a consistent source of fish throughout the year. Some wetlands were like nurseries for breeding fish so during inundation the fish can join the mainstream.”  

Baden, Renee and team are working to imbed traditional knowledge into water management with:  

• Bunurong Waterway Assessments: To find the cultural values that are significant to Bunurong people, and enable the Water Team to plant Medicine, Tool making and weaving plants along other waterways to imbed Bunurong cultural values into waterway management.  

• Riparian and Aquatic Revegetation.  

• Aquaculture: the team are planning an Aquaculture nursery, growing Aquatic plants and breeding fish.  

Landscapes in Motion

In our final episode for 2025, we chat with our CEO Marty Fuller about the year that was, the year that’s coming and why CMAs and partners are so vital to healthy landscapes. 

Get to know a bit more about us and the work we do in your communities. As we walk along the picturesque Lyrebird Walk in Mirboo North on Gunaikurnai Country, Marty reflects on the landscape-scale changes he’s witnessed in his 24-years at the CMA and across 2025.   

“I’m at that point where I can drive around and get a real sense of achievement seeing landscapes that are changing off the back of the work that CMAs do with communities and partners. I feel very privileged to work in such a great industry, in the best region in the world,” said Marty. 

Some of these long-term projects include: 

• Decades of work with farmers, foresters, fishers and community to protect Corner Inlet.
• More recently, the catchment-scale impact of the Kugerungmome/Powlett River Partnerships project.
• Collective efforts around the Gippsland Lakes.
• Initiatives in and around the Latrobe system.
• A quarter of a century of working with irrigators in the Macalister Irrigation District to save water and reduce nutrient run-off.
• Celebrating 20-years of environmental water in the Carran Carran (Thomson River).

Looking ahead, some of the exciting projects on the calendar for 2026 are:

• New infrastructure to help environmental water at Heart Morass.
• A new fishway at Maffra to support migratory fish on their journey.
• Celebrating 40-years of Landcare in Victoria.

“The CMA is all about working together, caring for Country for current and future generations,” concluded Marty.

Getting down to earth about carbon farming in South Gippsland

Carbon farming is talked about a lot right now, but what exactly is it?