Collective action and passion for the iconic Powlett (Kungerungmome) catchment was on full display recently as people power drove the planning for the next phase of works to be delivered through strong partnerships and good old fashioned hard work. 

There was a lot of love in the room as West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), over 20 partner organisations, community members and landholders gathered to plan the next phase of what is known in the business as community driven stewardship or Integrated Catchment Management. The day was made richer with everyone bringing their own unique experiences, perspective, skill and priorities. 

“Our best work is done collectively and respectfully with Traditional Owners leading the process,” said Deb Archer, Manager Strategy, Investment and Partnerships for West Gippsland CMA.   

“When partners combine knowledge, passion and effort, we get maximum value for money and, most importantly, maximum results for the plants, animals and community who live along the rivers and tributaries from source to sea.”  

“We are proud of the achievements of the previous program and are looking to complete at least another 750 hectares of work over the next three years and keep celebrating and showcasing how awesome this community is,” Deb told the group.  

To start the conversation, the group reflected on the achievements of the previous Powlett River/Kugerungmome Partnerships Project (2020-2024): 

• The delivery of a self-determined project in partnership with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation where Traditional Owners set the priorities and pace of the project. This project focussed on reconnecting Traditional Owners to Country, Cultural values and developing partnerships that enable on Country and Community healing.  
• Strong and active partnerships were developed that led to knowledge sharing and working together to improve stewardship in the Kugerungmome catchment.   
• Over 294 community volunteers engaged through the project.
• 98 hectares of degraded land revegetated and weed control over 225 hectares.
• One baseline aquatic survey for catchment health. 

“Everyone worked together and had something to contribute,” said Jack Harriss from Bass Coast Landcare Network who played a major part in the previous project successfully working to reduce foxes to protect wildlife including threatened Hooded Plovers.  

Getting out on site was an important part of the day beginning with the group standing on Country at Kugerungmome estuary and reflecting on the commitment to Traditional Owner self-determination that guides the project. Kugerungmome is the original name of the river gifted to the project by the Bunurong Land Council. The story of the river is told in a painting by artist John Winch that is brought to every gathering. 

Next stop was a landholder’s property that has been transformed with the help of Bass Coast Landcare Network through funding gained in the previous project.

When Paul and Sonia Grovers bought their 140 ha property the paddocks were barren and creek lines eroded. The couple became “accidental inner city cattle farmers” with a reduced herd of Black Angus Beef cattle to “keep the grass down”.  

“It has been absolutely delightful watching the right plants being put in the right place. We are giving 25% of the property back to nature with 37 ha being planted with 25,000 trees. We have also removed weeds and fenced creek lines,” said Paul.  

“It’s been a pleasure and we’d love to keep going. It’s great to break even and also see the land recover.” 

Actions on this and other properties are contributing to a broader vision held by many of the stakeholders attending.  

“Currently 15% of Bass Coast Shire is revegetated and we are aiming for 30% by working together on initiatives such as this,” said Diana Whittington from Bass Coast Shire Council. 

 “Landholders are key, they inspire others and create a legacy of ongoing stewardship and care on properties,” said Kelsey Tong, West Gippsland CMA.