The Victorian Government is supporting environmental projects in the Goulburn Broken catchment with a boost to improve water quality and biodiversity.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today announced that six innovative pilot projects would share $160,100 as part of the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.
From reintroducing the Growling Grass Frog through captive breeding to sampling water to assess fish populations, the projects will improve and enhance the catchment for future generations.
The successful projects for Goulburn Broken include:
- $30,000 for Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network to reduce the impacts of climate change in the ranges. They will collect and share environmental information online.
- $30,000 for Taungurung Land and Waters Council to build relationships with the Molesworth community and adjoining landholders. The aim is to heal Country and undertake invasive weeding works.
- $30,000 for BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, and Monash University. They will research and survey farmers and industry about climate change awareness and better land management practices.
- $26,700 for Water Stewardship Australia to develop a network of local businesses in partnership with Strathbogie Shire Council. They will improve water outcomes by undertaking an audit of water use and needs. They will also be identifying areas for improvement and marketing opportunities for water stewards.
- $24,400 for Threatened Species Conservancy to test a new monitoring method that uses DNA to assess fish populations. If successful, the new tool could enable managers and community groups to regularly evaluate fish stocks by collecting a cup of water and sending the sample to the lab for testing.
- $19,000 for Winton Wetlands Committee of Management. They will enhance captive breeding for reintroducing Growling Grass Frogs to the Goulburn Broken Catchment.
The grants are also part of the implementation of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy and the Hume Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Both strategies identify ways to improve and enhance the catchment and address the impacts of climate change.
The State Government has invested $21.75 million towards the Our Catchments, Our program. The program is helping manage our catchments in ways that benefit the environment, community and the economy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“The Goulburn Broken Catchment is an important place, and we want to ensure it continues to benefit regional economies by offering recreational activities and supporting native flora and fauna.”
“We’re proud to support these local projects, which will tackle some high priority issues and provide real on-the-ground benefits.”
Related Articles:
- Agreements lead to circular economy development
- Barwon Water secures wind power agreement
- Enhancing the Gippsland Lakes environment