Kugerungmome/Powlett River Partnerships
We’re working together to build a positive, shared future for this beloved river on Bunurong Country that enters Bass Strait near the town of Kilcunda.
About the project
This second stage of the Kugerungmome project builds on the previous four-year program which established strong partnerships and collaborative delivery of on ground outcomes.
The current project will deliver environmental improvement outcomes on the ground and continue to build even stronger partnerships to work together in, and advocate for, the catchment and river to deliver on our shared vision.
The on-ground projects will bring landholders and community together and expand the reach and possibilities of works to build a sense of stewardship to leave a lasting legacy in the catchment covering over 50,000 hectares.
Sub-projects include:
- Protecting cultural values within the Kugerungmome Catchment, this Traditional owner self-determined project will enable Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to connect Community and Elders to Country and implement healing Country activities.
- Supporting private landholders to establish larger predator (fox) controlled areas in the effort to protect wildlife around the mouth of the river.
- Increasing awareness and inspire the community to help protect threatened birds such as Hooded Plovers.
- Completing revegetation and rehabilitation of properties with remnant and riparian vegetation along Foster Creek, West Creek and Lower Powlett.
- Identifying and supporting landholders who are interested in protecting river frontage and improving water quality together in the Lance Creek Catchment.
Project partners
- Bass Coast Landcare Network
- Bass Coast Shire Council
- BirdLife Australia
- Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- South Gippsland Water
- Trust for Nature
The Kugerungmome/Powlett River Partnership project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchment Our Communities Program.
Latest news
Making it count for Threatened Species
When it comes to helping save Hooded Plovers from extinction numbers count and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is thrilled to report that figures from the 2025-26 breeding season in South Gippsland are positive.
Making the most of manure
Closing soon – 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.
Partnering for plovers
The room was full of plover lovers recently as West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and partners gathered at Kilcunda on Bunurong Country to talk progress on plover protection as part of their Toward Zero Extinctions: Protect the Eastern Hooded Plover project.
Kugerungmome – a river with heart
Take a trip to the picturesque Kugerungmome/Powlett River on…
Saving a species from extinction
Every day over summer David Hartney goes for a walk along the beach at Cape Paterson. He takes his time, observing the changes in the dunes, the telltale tracks of wildlife, the rise and swell of the tide.
Podcast #76: Hope for Hoodies
In this episode of Gippslandscapes we chat with Hooded Plover guru Kasun Ekanayake from BirdLife Australia about the plight of the plover and how devoted volunteers like David Hartney are helping to save them from extinction.
