Past year shows strong returns for West Gippsland catchment
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.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates
This work ultimately flows on to a more healthy and resilient home for wildlife and the West Gippsland community.
Sustainable Irrigation Project Officer
Are you looking for a place to grow your skills across diverse projects and beautiful landscapes? We’re looking for a passionate project officer to join the team at West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Read on to find out why WGCMA is the place for you!
- Part Time or Full Time Fixed Term Position until June 2028 with potential to extend.
- Enjoy a great work life balance with a hybrid working model based in Maffra or Traralgon.
About the Role:
As our Sustainable Irrigation Project Officer, you will support the management and delivery of projects throughout West Gippsland associated with promoting sustainable agriculture outcomes. The role has a focus on building and maintaining important partnerships with agencies, community, and public and private service providers.
What will your typical day look like?
- Support administration of the Sustainable Irrigation programs and relevant strategies.
- Preparing and implementing communications and engagement plans.
- Coordinate forums and workshops as required and represent the West Gippsland CMA on committees or groups as required.
- Manage project delivery, including contractors and service providers to ensure timelines, quality and budget are met for projects.
Let’s talk about you:
We are looking for someone who will have:
- Well-developed administrative and writing skills.
- Highly developed and demonstrated interpersonal skills suited to developing and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
- Project management skills including budget development and management; contract and relationship management; administration of grants program; and monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Basic understanding of the West Gippsland landscape, its agricultural systems and natural resource management issues in the region.
Why West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority?
We focus our energy on interesting and meaningful work.
With a culture of continuous improvement, we are always striving to make a positive difference to our communities and create a healthier environment. We put our people at the heart of what we do and are dedicated to helping them grow their careers and reach their professional goals.
We value flexibility.
Work in a way that suits you best, flex time, job share arrangements or work from home. We know our people get their best work done when they’re in control of where and how they work, designing their work week around their team and personal commitments.
We support you to thrive.
To support your professional life, we offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including regular events and programs, Employee Assistance Program, leave options, flexible working options, parental leave and return to work support packages.
Next Steps:
Sound like the sort of role for you? Apply now. We’d love to hear from you.
To apply please send your application to recruitment@wgcma.vic.gov.au by 9am Friday 2 January 2026.
So we can learn more about you, we encourage you to address the Key Section Criteria outlined in the Position Description under Item F.
If you have any questions or wish to have a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Anthony Goode, Sustainable Irrigation Program Coordinator on 0438 507 184 or anthonyg@wgcma.vic.gov.au.
At WGCMA, we share a commitment to value and embrace diversity in all forms; so that our work environment is a safe place we can all belong. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their background, identity, orientation, ability of thinking style.
If you need assistance during the application process for accessibility reasons please contact Madelyn Brand, Lead Organisational Development and Human Resources on 0421 778 201 or madelynb@wgcma.vic.gov.au.
Learn about the science and benefits of Enhancing Farm Dams Field Day
Join us for a field day at Wilandra Farms in Clydebank to learn about the science and benefits of enhancing farm dams.
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is excited to bring experts from Australian National University’s Sustainable Farms initiative to our region.
Ecologists Amber Croft and Angelina Siegrist will share their research on the benefits of enhancing farm dams for water quality, water security and biodiversity.
The field day will include:
- Visiting a fenced dam on the property of Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford to hear about the enhancement work they have done
- The latest scientific research on the benefits of enhancing dams for biodiversity, water quality and water security
- Practical advice on ways to enhance farm dams.
This informative, practical field day is for farmers and landholders interested in making their dams resilient in a changing climate.
This is a free event, but registration is essential.
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Wilandra Farms, Punt Lane, Clydebank Vic 3851
Cost: Free (lunch provided)
If you have any questions about this event please contact Sam Shannon at sams@wgcma.vic.gov.au or 0409 944 114.
This event is part of our Climate Smart Farming program, supporting Gippsland farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices that benefit farming, the environment and the bottom line.
Partners:
Funders:
This event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Financial Accountant
- Up to Full Time (0.6 FTE up to 1.0 FTE) Permanent Position.
- Enjoy a great work life balance with a hybrid working model based in Traralgon.
About the Role:
As our Financial Accountant, you’ll support our Corporate Services Team to provide financial and business management support services to the organisation as well as ensuring that the WGCMA complies with relevant tax and corporate law. The role ensures WGCMA meets its financial monitoring and reporting responsibilities.
What will your typical day look like?
- Undertake finance and project reconciliations.
- Ensure Government funding is invoiced according to Service Level Agreements, and other ad-hoc revenue is invoiced and collected according to individual contract requirements.
- Comply with Australian Accounting Standards, the Financial Management Act and other applicable regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Provide financial reports in accordance with the predetermined schedule to the Executive Manager – Corporate Services on the financial position and performance of the Authority for presentation to the Board and Executive Managers.
- Provide support to the Lead – Finance and Compliance and the Executive Manager – Corporate Services as required.
Let’s talk about you:
We are looking for someone who will:
- Have extensive relevant experience in financial systems and processes including budget management, analysing financial data and report writing.
- Demonstrate the ability to improve and develop methods and techniques for financial reporting.
- Show an understanding and application of Australian Taxation Legislation (including GST and FBT).
- Display a high level of computer literacy with accounting packages and the Microsoft Office suite of programs, specifically Excel.
Why West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority?
We focus our energy on interesting and meaningful work.
With a culture of continuous improvement, we are always striving to make a positive difference to our communities and create a healthier environment. We put our people at the heart of what we do and are dedicated to helping them grow their careers and reach their professional goals.
We value flexibility.
Work in a way that suits you best, flex time, job share arrangements or work from home. We know our people get their best work done when they’re in control of where and how they work, designing their work week around their team and personal commitments.
We support you to thrive.
To support your professional life, we offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including regular events and programs, Employee Assistance Program, leave options, flexible working options, parental leave and return to work support packages.
Next Steps:
Sound like the sort of role for you? Apply now, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply please send your application to recruitment@wgcma.vic.gov.au, by 9am Monday 15 December 2025.
So, we can learn more about you, we encourage you to address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description under Item “F”.
If you have any questions or wish to have a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Lucy Laurie-Rhodes, Executive Manager – Corporate Services on 0424 861 112 or lucyl@wgcma.vic.gov.au.
At WGCMA, we share a commitment to value and embrace diversity in all forms; so that our work environment is a safe space we can all belong. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their background, identity, orientation, ability or thinking style.
If you need assistance during the application process for accessibility reasons please contact Madelyn Brand, Lead Organisational Development and Human Resources on 0421 778 201 or madelynb@wgcma.vic.gov.au.
Shelterbelts for livestock – Farm Field Day event
Join us for this farm field day to hear from experts how shelterbelts can increase farm production, improve biodiversity, reduce your carbon footprint and diversify income through agroforestry.
Hear firsthand practical tips from the farmers who have planted extensive shelterbelts across their cattle properties.
Learn about shelterbelt design, tree species selection and funding opportunities including the Victorian Trees on Farm program.
Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025
Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm
Location: Bushy Park
Cost: Free (lunch provided)
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Sam Shannon at sams@wgcma.vic.gov.au or call 0409 944 114.
Partners:
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.
Funders:
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.
Water for the environment deliveries planned
Spring in West Gippsland is full of life and native fish are on the move, to make the most of this our Environmental Water team have been hard at work planning how we can best care for our rivers during this important time.
We currently have two water for the environment deliveries planned:
Carran Carran (Thomson River)
A top-up for the Heyfield Wetlands and a Spring fresh has been planned for Carran Carran (Thomson River), if conditions allow the river will receive its biggest flow over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, this fresh will trigger the upstream migration of native fish from Lake Wellington and the ocean.
Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
A spring fresh has been scheduled for Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River) and will commence on Tuesday 11 November, 2025.
While our main goal is caring for the environment, we also think about how people use the rivers. If we can time these flows to make your river activities better, we will – but protecting nature comes first.
A Spring fresh is a small increase in the size of a river flow over a short length of time and can occur in any season and usually lasts from a day to a week.
All of the details for these freshes, including the maximum flow rates and peak flow dates can be found here.
Keeping the cows out and the wildlife in
Over 300 hectares of valuable biodiversity areas on agricultural land will be fenced to protect waterways, remnant vegetation, threatened species and livestock thanks to West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA)’s farm fencing grants.
“Fences are a practical solution to protecting biodiversity and livestock – but they can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to fence-off a long, meandering creek,” explained Sam Shannon, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator at the CMA.
“The farm fencing grants help with the cost of fencing materials and labour so farmers can protect waterways and ecologically sensitive areas on their properties while also improving the management of farm operations.”
Delivered under the Climate Smart Farmers program, the grants are a partnership between farmers, the CMA and in many cases, Landcare.
“Many of the landholders will use the funding to continue existing biodiversity protection efforts, such as willow removal, while others have joined forces with local Landcare groups to combine the fencing work with revegetation projects.”
In total, 50 kilometres of fencing will be installed at properties across the catchment.
Farmer and ‘forest steward’ Sue Neales is using the grant to protect the high ecological value of her 320 acre beef and sheep farm in West Gippsland. Situation high on the hills of Mt Worth, the unique property is surrounded by towering Mountain Ash and the ancient fern gully rainforests of Mt Worth State Park (Bunurong Country).
Sue, together with her partner Rob Wiencke, plan to transform an exposed area of paddock high on a hilltop into valuable shelter, shade and wind protection for cattle by fencing and revegetating the area with species such as area with species such as Messmate, Mountain grey gum, manna gum and Strzlecki – eucalyptus species that once dominated the landscape before logging in the early 1900s.
The couple would also like to see if it is possible to return Myrtle beech and sassafras trees in their 200 acres of privately-owned cool climate Mountain Ash (eucalyptus Regnans) rainforest; two timber species that have disappeared completely from the Mount Worth ecosystem since logging days and which a large deer population makes it difficult to reestablish.
Where the land descends steeply into thick bush, an eroding gully will be re-fenced and planted out with native plants to prevent further erosion and reduce sediment flowing into Moonlight Creek, a tributary of the Tarwin River.
Finally, the main farm dam will be completely fenced off to reduce erosion and create a haven for wildlife.
“Fencing the dam will keep the livestock and feral deer out so we can plant native trees and shrubs and connect the area to surrounding bush,” said Sue, who is being supported by the Mt Worth and District Landcare Group.
“Hopefully it will become an oasis filled with birds, fish and wildlife.”
In addition to enhancing biodiversity value, the plants surrounding the dam will help to stabilise a steep slope and prevent a landslip into an adjoining property. Reeds, rushes and other native grasses will also act as a filtering system, ensuring high quality drinking water that is essential for livestock health.
“We couldn’t have afforded to do these projects without the farm fencing grant. It’s a big help,” concluded Sue.
Across the other side of the West Gippsland catchment, Andrew and Alison Missen are taking meaningful steps to protect the health of Merrimans Creek by fencing it off to limit livestock access and crossings.
Using the grant, the Missens will fence 1,150 metres of creek frontage to help reduce erosion, improve water quality and conserve the riparian habitat along the waterway which flows through their Hiamdale property and borders the Merrimans Creek Flora Reserve on Gunaikurnai Country.
“These grants demonstrate how partnerships between the CMA, farmers and Landcare are a winning combination for both the environment and agriculture and contribute to the CMA’s vision of a healthy and resilient catchment,” said the CMA’s Sam Shannon.
“Once the fences are up, we’ll start to see natural regeneration of the land with plants growing and wildlife returning. In the future, as trees grow, we’ll see more shade and shelter for livestock while the overall environmental value and health of the property improves. Everybody wins.”
The $1.68m Climate Smart Farmers project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
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.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates, you can also sign up for Environmental Water updates.
Celebrating a 25-year pivot towards sustainable farming future
This year, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its sustainable irrigation program and the long-term partnerships that have been central to its success.
The joint initiative between the CMA, Agriculture Victoria and local farmers has resulted in a remarkable transformation of irrigated land and water use across central Gippsland.
Since launching in 2000, the successful program has delivered over 1,200 irrigation improvement projects in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) and across the Lake Wellington Catchment – home to important river systems like Durt’Yowan (Latrobe), Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister) and Avon rivers.
“The CMA is incredibly proud to celebrate over two decades of effort to reduce the environmental impact of irrigation by keeping water and nutrients on farm and out of local waterways that flow into the Gippsland Lakes,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.
“We’re pleased to share what’s been achieved in partnership with Ag Vic, Southern Rural Water, Gippsland Water, Wellington Shire, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, GippsDairy, Food and Fibre Gippsland and of course the irrigation community.
“Thanks to the sustained, collective efforts of farmers, agencies and local irrigation communities, we’re now seeing a total of 47 gigalitres of water worth $85 million dollars being saved every year. That’s a huge financial benefit for irrigators and a boost to water security for the region’s agricultural industry.”
Encouraging irrigators to embrace sustainable irrigation practiced has been key to the program’s success and over the years attitudes have shifted.
“Twenty-five years ago, environmental challenges weren’t as well understood,” explained Anthony Goode, the CMA’s Sustainable Irrigation Program Coordinator who’s worked on the program for 14 years.
“It’s a huge credit to those farmers who put their hands up in the early days to get involved and trial new irrigation methods and systems for the benefit of the wider irrigation community.”
“It’s not an exaggeration to say we’ve now partnered with nearly all landholders in the MID, achieving 94% coverage of the district with farm irrigation plans. Combined with the 179 spray conversions, 299 reuses systems and 70 best practice surface irrigation projects it adds up to a remarkable, long-term transformation of irrigated farmland.”
And the results speak for themselves, with over 46 gigalitres of nutrient rich water carrying an estimated 23 tonnes of phosphorus being retained on farm every year for the benefit of soil health and pasture productivity. This reduces the need to buy-in synthetic fertilisers all while protecting surrounding waterways from run-off.
“A classic win-win,” said Anthony.
Agriculture Victorian Irrigation Extension Officer Alexis Killoran said: “The transformation doesn’t end with the hundreds of millions of dollars of farmer investment into farm plans and irrigation infrastructure on farm, though that in itself is a testament to the farmers of the region.
“There is also a continual demand from farmers and their staff for irrigation training and demonstrations offered by Agriculture Victoria extension staff. This ranges from the basics of irrigation workshops offered to new staff, through to technical workshops on pump efficiency or soil moisture monitoring.
“This emphasis on knowledge growth and upskilling leads to excellent productivity and environmental outcomes, with farmers and staff irrigating to best practice standards using modern infrastructure.”
Following the success of the last 25 years, the program is forging into the future. Now, even more irrigators are set to benefit as it expands beyond the MID for the first time, with producers in Thorpdale coming on board as well as farmers along Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) and in the upper reaches of the Lake Wellington catchment.
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, Anthony is excited to continue working with partners and farmers to keep land and waterways healthy and in good shape for future generations.
“Our vision is to reach a point where we can proudly say that the irrigation community is having zero impact on waterways and is actually benefiting waterways and catchment health. That will be a fantastic day,” concluded Anthony.
This program a part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Sustainable Irrigation Program (SIP), implemented in Gippsland by Agriculture Victoria and the WGCMA.
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.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates, you can also sign up for Environmental Water updates.
Victorian Landcare Grants announced
Landcare volunteers across West Gippsland will transform landscapes, protect endangered local species and green much-loved community spaces after receiving $337,250 in funding from the 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants.
Announcing the grant recipients, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said each funded project was making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.
“Landcare and environmental volunteer groups make a significant contribution to our communities managing projects that restore and enhance our parks, coastlines, nature reserves and waterways,” he said.
This year, a total of $3.6 million in grants will support 509 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups across the state, including 50 groups in the West Gippsland catchment.
Local projects include enhancing biodiversity in Anderson’s Inlet with the help of community planting days, engaging students in major conservation efforts along Flooding Creek and working with landholders to fence and revegetate a length of Billy Creek in Stacey’s Bridge.
“I’m delighted that these grants will support local Landcare and environmental groups to deliver 22 project grants and 28 support grants,” said Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA.
“Taking action for your local area comes in many shapes and forms and these latest grant projects demonstrate the important role Landcare plays in transforming landscapes while helping communities thrive. Not only will they lead to over 30,000 trees planted across west Gippsland, each project will help connect more people to nature and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and river lovers.”
“We are extremely lucky and grateful to have such a strong Landcare community in our patch. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life,” concluded Marty.
Bonnie Reeves from Maffra and Districts Landcare Network is excited to start work on a major restoration project along Flooding Creek in Sale, with the aim of attracting more birds and create a tree-filled, natural space for the urban community to enjoy.
“Being awarded a Victorian Landcare Grant is fantastic because it means we can work on a much larger scale and have a bigger, longer-lasting impact in the community,” said Bonnie.
Students will be involved in bird monitoring and conservation activities, helping to connect younger people with Landcare and nature.
“The project is really beneficial for people in town who don’t have natural spaces on their doorstep. When I walk along the creek now, I hear cars, cattle trucks and urban noise. In a few years’ time I want to be walking under the shade of the trees we’ve planted and be deafened by the sounds of birds who’ve taken up residence in the nest boxes,” Bonnie said.
For a full list of West Gippy projects funded under this year’s grants, visit the 2025 Victorian Landcare Grant recipients webpage.
The Victorian Landcare Grants and Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants support the implementation of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s long-term plan to protect the state’s environment.
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.
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.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.
Carbon Calculator Events – Carbon Accounting for farmers
Banks, processors and insurance companies are increasingly offering incentives or premiums to farmers who have calculated their farm emissions. Come along to these short, interactive sessions to get a better understanding of carbon farming, carbon accounting, and to estimate your own farm’s emissions footprint.
Presenters
- Local farmer Nick Dudley
- Pragna Prathap from Agriculture Victoria
Day One – An introduction to carbon farming and carbon accounting
Date: Tuesday 28 October, 2025
Time: 10am – 12.30pm (lunch provided)
Location: West Gippsland CMA, 16 Hotham Street, Traralgon
Cost: Free – all welcome but please register
Day Two – Bring your own laptop (or borrow one of ours) to work through an online carbon calculator to estimate your own farm’s emissions footprint.
Date: Tuesday 11 November, 2025
Time: 10am – 1.00pm (lunch provided)
Location: West Gippsland CMA, 16 Hotham Street, Traralgon
Cost: Free – all welcome but please register
Event partners:
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.
