West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is proud to report on achievements made in 2022 – which was a special year as the Authority celebrated 25 years since it was established in 1997.

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

“Together we achieved 1,247 hectares of weed control, 44 hectares of revegetation and vegetation enhancement and 2,357 hectares are set to benefit from whole farm, irrigation and soil erosion management plans.”

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

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

• Fencing 27 kilometres of priority waterways
• Removing 38 hectares of willow
• Stabilising riverbeds and banks at 44 sites.

Along the coast, works protected areas such as internationally renowned Corner Inlet, including:

• Fencing four kilometres and revegetating 18 hectares
• Protecting and enhancing 468 hectares of saltmarsh
• Treating 681 hectares of the weed Spartina in Corner, Shallow and Andersons inlets
• Covering 529 hectares for fox control.

“We are delighted to be playing our part in flood recovery and caring for West Gippsland’s precious waterways and the people who rely on them. All of these achievements add up to improved catchment health that ultimately contributes to Gippsland’s wealth,” concluded Mikaela.

View our latest Achievements Brochure and Annual Report, and thanks to everyone for their ongoing support.