2024 Victorian Landcare Grants Open for West Gippsland
The Victorian Government is helping volunteer groups and networks protect and restore our precious environment.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced the opening of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants, with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity.
The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups and networks, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups.
Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.
Support Grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.
The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect our environment and native species.
“Landcare has a long and proud history in West Gippsland,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.
“In 2023 West Gippsland Landcare groups received funding of $365,118 for 24 projects and 37 support grants for initiatives such as Protecting Wonyip’s wonderful wildlife and Tanjil Valley Landcare Group Community Festival,”
The continued dedication to the environment of West Gippsland’s Landcare groups is inspiring. I’m really looking forward to see what projects will come out of the 2024 grant process.”
Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on 30 April 2024.
Protecting Wonyip’s wonderful wildlife
Wonyip Landcare Group was awarded a 2023 Victorian Landcare Grant for their planting project at Dingo Creek, a tributary of the Agnes River high up in South Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges.
The goal is to create a safe passage for native fauna to move through while also improving the overall health of the local ecosystem.
“We hope to attract a range of native species from insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds and even owls – the whole food chain. We’ll also be planting mountain grey gums to attract Strzelecki koalas, which have been seen around here,” said group member Russell Botton. Funding assisted the purchase of 500 seedlings, grown at the Yarram Yarram Landcare nursery, for volunteers to plant along the creek
Tanjil Valley Landcare Group Community Festival
Tanjil Valley Landcare Group received a 2023 Victorian Landcare Grant to hold a community festival celebrating the environment. The Tanjil Valley Community Festival in April aims to raise environmental awareness of all visitors through a range of engaging displays and activities while strengthening community ties.
Group member John Crosby said: “We will have a mixture of environmental activities and displays with local community groups providing support with food, activities and music etc. The festival will feature interactive wildlife displays, renewable energy displays, tree planting, Nature Play activities and an environmental treasure hunt. This event will raise the profile of our group and of the environment.”
A chat about estuaries on the shore of Powlett River/Kugerungmome with our Waterways Officer, Callum.
Our Waterways Officer, Callum Edwards, unlocks the language of estuaries and how we are working together to care for them. In this episode, Sally and Callum sit at the windy shore of Powlett River/Kugerungmome on Bunurong Country in South Gippsland and talk estuaries – what they are, the language around them and how we manage them.
About the podcast
About the podcast
Gippslandscapes is an occasional podcast, highlighting the many people doing great things caring for the environment and improving the landscapes of our region. Whether they are farmers, “townies” involved in Landcare, or just someone with a passion to make the region a better place.
Each episode will feature one person or group and they are available wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are archived on Zen-cast and Apple Podcasts.
If you’d like to provide feedback to the Gippslandscapes team you can drop them an email at here or post a review on iTunes.
Autumn environmental flows now on
With the weather beginning to dry and below average rainfall forecasted for the next three months, our Environmental Water team are back to busily planning how to keep our rivers and wetlands in best condition.
A ‘low flow’ has already begun in the Macalister River and will continue until the end of June. This small lift in river volume will connect all parts of the river to help native fish to move around and to find food and shelter. This will be complemented by two autumn ‘freshes’. The April fresh will trigger the downstream migration of the Australian Grayling, towards Lake Wellington to spawn. The May fresh will trigger Tupong and Australian Bass to follow the Grayling downstream to spawn as well.
The Thomson will also receive a fresh in April, followed by a low flow through to the end of June. The fresh is intended to trigger a spawning migration for Australian Grayling and Australian Bass, with the low flow delivered to help small native fish and platypus move around the river and give them access to more food and shelter.
Flows have now commenced and will continue until the end of June. All flow details and updates are available on our water release page where you can also sign up for notifications.
Victoria’s CMAs awarded as finalists in National Banksia Awards
Vic Catchments, the peak body for Victoria’s ten Catchment Management Authorities has been announced as a finalist in the 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards in the Nature Positive category.
Award finalists showcase new frontiers in sustainability. Revealing the short list, Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond praised finalists for their commitment to sustainability and social impact, and for the wide range of entries.
“Across the categories this year, we have seen an incredible diversity of entries and finalists, from sole traders to large enterprises, all thinking and working creatively and effectively to combat climate change and inequity.”
“At a time when innovative solutions are desperately needed to ensure a climate resilient world, it is a joy to be able to celebrate even more Australian organisations who are contributing to building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.” Ms van Egmond said.
Vic Catchment’s submission in the newly created ‘Nature Positive’ category tells the story of how Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) across the state have been “change makers” for waterways transforming landscapes, engaging communities and supporting Traditional Owner self determination as a priority.
“The Vic Catchments forum was established in February 2017 to showcase Victoria’s integrated catchment management framework,” said Cath Jenkins, Chair of Vic Catchments.
“Reflecting on the collective impacts over 25 years and also focusing on achievements from 2022-23, the submission demonstrates the many nature positive activities of CMAs across the state.”
“We were delighted to showcase the breadth of work only made possible through strong partnerships. We can’t do it alone, so this exciting announcement is for everyone we are lucky to work with in caring for Victoria’s catchments.”
CMAs are responsible for the integrated planning and coordination of land, water and biodiversity management in each catchment and land protection region. Each CMA is structured to maximise community involvement in decision making.
The statewide achievements are documented each year in the Statewide Achievements Brochure.
Winners will be announced at an awards presentation on 4 April 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Latrobe Valley water future
If you’re confused about everything going on in the Latrobe Valley, and the implications for the Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River), you’re not alone.
From mine rehabilitation plans, to water reallocation to developing the vision for the water future for the Latrobe Valley – there’s a lot happening. Luckily West Gippsland CMA’s Strategic Lead – Latrobe, Anthony Goode (Goodie) is here to bring us up to speed as we continue our work to restore Durt’Yowan from a working river to a river that works again.
In summary:
- Public consultation on the environmental effects of the Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project will open later this year. We’ll keep you posted on your chance to have input
- 16 gigalitres of water (that’s 16 billion litres) previously reserved for future mine expansion will be reallocated to Traditional Owners, irrigators and the environment
- Organisations across Gippsland’s water sector are scoping a joint vision and plan for the water future of the Latrobe River. This is an exciting opportunity to reimagine the water future of the Latrobe for the benefit of the whole Gippsland community and environment. We’ll also keep you posted on how this partnership is progressing and how you can be involved.
The story so far…
Mine closures
The Latrobe Valley is undergoing a significant transition with the closure of the three brown coal mines.
- Hazelwood mine has already closed and the Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project is underway. An Environment Effects Statement is being prepared and community members will have the chance to provide feedback when the public consultation phase opens later this year
- Yallourn and Loy Yang mines are due to close in 2028 and 2035 respectively.
In 2023, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) released the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy Amendment. The Amendment provides guidance to the mine operators and stakeholders regarding the process for mine closure planning. Importantly for the River, the Amendment provides guidance on the conditions under which the mine operators will be able to take water from the river for mine rehabilitation.
Challenges and opportunities
The mine closure process will present significant water resource challenges to the River system, yet it also provides new opportunities.
Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS). This is the Victorian Government’s guiding strategy for water resource management. The Strategy recognises the significant shortfall of water for the environment and provides policy direction to help address shortfalls over time.
An important first step in the process is the reallocation of the Loy Yang 3-4 Bench Bulk Entitlement. This is water that was reserved for future mine expansion that is no longer required. The Central and Gippsland Region SWS has committed to reallocating 16 gigalitres of the bulk entitlement, under an equitable sharing arrangement, between the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC), irrigators (via Southern Rural Water) and the environment.
The strategy also recommended that Gippsland’s water sector collaborates on a shared vision and plan for the water future of the Latrobe involving:
- DEECA
- GLaWAC
- Gippsland Water
- Southern Rural Water
- West Gippsland CMA.
This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to reimagine the water future of the Latrobe for the benefit of the whole Gippsland community and environment.
Community input will be integral to the success of this project and engagement opportunities are expected later this year. We will keep you updated.
Playing our part for Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River)
West Gippsland CMA is working with Traditional Owners, government, community groups and partner organisations to continue the long process of restoring Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) from a working river to a river that works again.
- Our strategy ‘Transformation of the Latrobe: Pathways for the Latrobe River System’ outlines our plans to achieve this.
- Our short film, Durt’Yowan: The Life Source, tells the story of the river and why it’s so important that we protect, restore and care for it.
Landcarers protecting Wonyip’s wonderful wildlife
Wildlife like the Strzelecki koalas are set to benefit from the planting of 500 native trees thanks to funding from the Victorian Landcare Grants.
Wonyip Landcare Group was awarded a grant in the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants for their planting project at Dingo Creek, a tributary of the Agnes River high up in South Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges.
“This funding will go towards purchasing 500 seedlings, grown at the Yarram Yarram Landcare nursery, that our volunteers will plant along the creek. Importantly, it will also help pay for the sturdy wire tree guards we use to protect the young plants from deer, which are a problem around here,” said group member Russell Botton, who lives on Dingo Creek and has been involved in Wonyip Landcare Group for five years.
The goal is to create a safe passage for native fauna to move through while also improving the overall health of the local ecosystem.
“We hope to attract a range of native species from insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds and even owls – the whole food chain. We’ll also be planting mountain grey gums to attract Strzelecki koalas, which have been seen around here.”
It’s another step forward in the group’s ongoing efforts to restore native habitat and connect disparate areas of remnant old growth forest along Dingo Creek and the Agnes River.
“This project is an extension of previous work and will join up with planting we did downstream at Dingo Creek campground a few years ago,” said Russell.
It’s the next stage in a long-term project to extend the corridor 5.8km upstream, where it will eventually border Bratuaulung Forest Park.
With planning for the wildlife corridor well underway, the group aims to begin planting by early Spring. In the meantime, they’re busy undertaking a major biodiversity survey to establish baseline data of the species in the region and understand the health of their populations. In a series of events run by volunteers and experts, the group is observing and documenting information about the local flora and fauna of the region, taking surveys of fungi, birds, insects, frogs, reptiles and collecting platypus DNA.
“This valuable data will help us assess how projects like the wildlife corridor are contributing to Wonyip’s biodiversity and the protection of local species like the Strzelecki koalas.” said Russell. “It will give us ideas for future projects, too.”
The annual Victorian Landcare Grants provide funding to help Landcare and environmental volunteers protect and restore landscapes. West Gippsland Landcare groups received $365,118 for 24 projects and 37 support grants under the last funding round. The funding is underpinned by the Andrews Labor Government’s Biodiversity 2037 strategy, a record investment of $582 million since 2014 – the biggest investment into protecting biodiversity and environment in our state’s history.
The next round of Victorian Landcare Grants is expected to open in early 2024.
Community gathers to celebrate wetlands
It was a full house at Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre last Friday to celebrate World Wetlands Day with the community.
We heard from partners working to protect the world renowned Gippsland Lakes Ramsar wetlands and took a stroll to check out the birds, frogs and Flying Foxes.
Dr Adrian Clements from West Gippsland CMA kicked off the evening sharing the history and current management of the Lower Latrobe wetlands including the role of delivering environmental water into the system.
Kim Allan and Kerry Spencer from East Gippsland CMA talked about the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site. Jack Winterbottom from BirdLife East Gippsland inspired everyone about the incredible array and lives of wetland birds both resident and migratory and also gave an update on White-bellied Sea Eagles. Sharon Ray provided fun for kids and a walk to the Flying Fox colony.
World Wetlands Day, is celebrated annually on 2 February, and aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands.
We’ll keep working together to protect wetlands every day of the year. Find out more and keep up to date on the wetland projects we have on the go.
Thanks to event partners:
Connected rivers and connected people photo competition
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is once again calling all photographers to submit their images for the Connected rivers, connected people photo competition with great prizes to be won.
The popular annual competition encourages photographers to get snapping along three key rivers of the region. These rivers are chosen because they receive annual allocations of ‘water for the environment’ and are:
- Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) – including the Lower Latrobe Wetlands ie: Dowd Morass, Heart Morass and Sale Common
- Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
- Carran Carran (Thomson River) – including the Heyfield Wetlands.
There are three prizes up for grabs, each a local business association voucher with the winner receiving $600, runner up $300 and a special under eighteen category with a prize of $100.
“Rivers are the lifeblood of our towns and communities, carrying water for people, farms, and the environment. Healthy and connected rivers are essential for healthy people, healthy communities and healthy local economies,” said Dr Stephanie Suter, Environmental Water Officer for West Gippsland CMA.
“Rivers across West Gippsland provide water for towns, industry and food production. So we’re removing large amounts of water that would normally naturally flow into the environment. Because of this, the health of our rivers and wetlands is under threat and they may not be able to support the animals and plants that depend on them.”
To redress the balance, the Carran Carran (Thomson), Durt’Yowan (Latrobe) and Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister) rivers receive ‘water for the environment’.
“This carefully planned and delivered water helps restore a more natural flow to improve conditions for the people that use them as well as plants and animals that live there.”
Simply capture an image of one of these three rivers or wetlands showing how you connect with them and be in the running to win the great prizes.
“Your photo might show you connecting with nature by fishing, kayaking or when you spotted that elusive platypus. It might reflect the inner peace you felt as you captured a beautiful sunrise on the river. It might show you connecting with your friends during a swim or riverside BBQ. It might just be a pretty photo of the river that shows that you connect with its beauty. This will be different for different people, depending on how you value the river,” said Stephanie.
As an added bonus, the credited images will also appear in West Gippsland’s annual Seasonal Watering Plan document and other areas that promote and protect the magnificent waterways of West Gippsland. So get snapping West Gippsland!
The competition is open from Thursday 1 February and will close at 11;59pm on Monday 11 March, 2024. Please read the terms and conditions before submitting your entry.
Happy World Wetlands day from the CMA!
This World Wetlands Day, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), is encouraging everyone to explore a local wetland and discover for themselves how valuable and special these ecosystems are for people and planet.
“Wetlands are truly remarkable, and we are lucky to live in a region with two world-renowned wetlands on our doorstep, that is Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site. There are also 11 wetlands of national importance, plus many smaller, local wetlands providing recreational and environmental benefits to the community.” says Martin Fuller, CEO of WGCMA.
World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on 2 February, aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands. This year’s theme spotlights how wetlands and human life are interconnected and calls on each of us to value and steward our wetlands.
And this is exactly what Green Team students from St Pauls Anglican Grammar School did recently when they joined the CMA in releasing 70 adult Dwarf Galaxias fish into a wetland on Wades Creek in Traralgon.
“Dwarf Galaxias are native to West Gippsland’s rivers and are now Threatened in Victoria due to changes in land use, loss of natural wetlands, places to find refuge and changes in rivers such as regulation and pest species,” explained Dr Stephanie Suter, Environmental Water Officer for West Gippsland CMA.
The release took place at a constructed wetland that connects seasonally to Wades Creek and the broader Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) catchment creating wildlife habitat and a place for people to enjoy and connect with nature.
Chris Lamin, who specialises in growing native fish at her Middle Creek Farm, donated the tiny adult fish. Green Team students avidly listened to Chris talk about her passion for native fish. Stephanie also inspired the budding conservationists by talking about the CMA’s role in caring for the wetlands and rivers the fish were being released into.
The CMA had planted trees at the site over previous years and a few wet years have seen the wetland flourish and connect with Wade Creek and the greater river system giving the dwarf fish the best chance for survival.
“CMAs across Victoria are working hard to improve conditions for fish – through river restoration and environmental water flows. It was great introducing the kids to an area they don’t usually visit to talk about the bigger picture of why fish need help and so do rivers and wetlands. The Green Team are the future generation and are going to be looking after these species in years to come.
The Dwarf Galaxias is listed as Threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. This means the numbers of Dwarf Galaxias are declining so it is very important that we do everything we can to help protect the creeks and waterways that they live in, and to create new places that they can live and breed in.
The CMA is also celebrating the day with a free, family friendly event at Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre in Sale from 5pm.
While the event is free, we ask you to register via our Try Booking link using the button below.
Discovering Powlett’s Life Aquatic
The Powlett River and its six main tributaries are precious waterways and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is now one step closer to discovering more about life below their surface with results from a Spring survey of aquatic life across the catchment just in.
Recognised as a priority waterway for West Gippsland, the Powlett, known as Kugerungmome by Bunurong Traditional Owners, has a total catchment area of 50,800 hectares and, along with Lance Creek, supplies water for townships including Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cape Paterson.
“We’re excited to have completed this first baseline survey as part of the Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project,” said Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA.
“Having the team record a diversity of native species is very encouraging. This survey will help us and our partners in the future management of this catchment.”
The survey took samples at sites along the main river and its main tributaries of Foster, Lance, West, Archies, Bridge and Woolshed Creeks to provide a good spatial understanding of the river’s aquatic animals and plants.
The team used a variety of sampling methods suited to the river conditions at each location including backpack electrofishing, hand-held dip-netting and bait traps, along with audio and visual observation.
“Whilst the catchment lays entirely within agricultural land, it was heartening to discover healthy fish populations in some of the waterways,” said Paula Camenzuli, Natural Resource Management Strategic Planner for West Gippsland CMA.
“Species recorded include Common galaxias, Tupong, Southern shortfinned eel, Freshwater shrimp and Burrowing crayfish and we are also pleased that no introduced fish species were found,” Paula said.
Follow up surveys are planned for Autumn 2024 and results will be shared with project partners to provide valuable information on the condition of Powlett River and its tributaries and how best to work together to manage and protect them.
Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project is a joint initiative led by West Gippsland CMA and involves Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast Landcare Network, Birdlife Australia, Friends of Hooded Plover Bass Coast, Trust for Nature and Parks Victoria and is funded by the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments Our Communities program.
