Improving the health of Victoria's waterways and catchments

Like many government programs around Australia (and the world), this initiative struggled with large-scale challenges in delivery during the initial years of the program, particularly:

La Niña

Following the changing weather patterns over winter and spring in 2021, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed a La Niña summer pattern in November 2021.

The uncertain weather (including both wetter periods in some parts of the south as well as drier periods in the north) has provided challenges for consistent delivery of program outputs related to outdoor initiatives and led to some targets being over- or under-achieved during the January-June period. For example, while a wetter winter/spring in the south limited the delivery of riparian program outputs, this same rain enabled more environmental water to be delivered than expected in some systems.

Environmental emergencies and hazards

In 2021-20, there were a variety of emergencies and hazards faced across the state relating to environmental factors, including prolonged and toxic levels of blue green algae outbreaks. Many of these have lasted for several weeks to months due to a combination of factors, including warmer temperatures during both daylight and night hours.

2021-22 also brought increased storm activity with heavy downpours resulting in localised flooding of our waterways.

During the April 2022 storm event, East Gippsland experienced intense and heavy rainfall varying between 230mm-300mm, as well as high wind and storm surges along the coastline.

Many areas adversely impacted by high rainfall events were sites previously impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires and which have only recently re-opened or sites that had previously been hit by similar storm events in the initial years of the program.

Repeatedly high rainfall across southern Victoria during mid-2022 led up to a major flood and storm event in October 2022 across northern and western Victoria. Waterways in all major catchments feeding the Murray River (and the Murray itself) were damaged, as were waterways in the Wimmera, Hopkins and Barwon catchments, and several Ramsar listed wetlands (Barmah Forest, Gunbower Forest, Kerang Lakes).

Supply chain disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine caused significant and ongoing disruptions to supply chains, leading to impacts in projects which had a construction/works aspect. Impacts included delays in securing materials, including cement and timber, plus steeply rising costs of these materials and fuel.

COVID-19 impacts

Despite the end of Victorian lockdowns in 2021, COVID-19 impacts on project delivery remained significant in 2022, as staff, stakeholders, contractors and the general community continued to apply periods of home isolation as required. This caused delays to projects where on-site construction/works were involved.

Rivers of Warrnambool project

The Glenelg Hopkins CMA Rivers of Warrnambool project was launched in February 2022. The project will see works to protect and improve habitat along the lower reaches of the beautiful Merri and Hopkins rivers and Brucknell Creek.

Kings Billabong project

The Mallee CMA Kings Billabong project launched in June 2022. The project will protect and improve around 60 hectares of critical habitat along the Murray River, which is a significant home to several locally threatened and internationally recognised species.

In the first year, over a kilometre of damaged access track has been replaced with all-weather access to reduce the likelihood of vehicles damaging the tracks or creating an unofficial track network during periods of wet conditions.

Cultural Heritage protection at a sensitive area of the track was ensured, and the local Registered Aboriginal Party, First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, were engaged to conduct a Cultural Heritage site induction for the service provider’s staff.

Loddon River

On the Loddon River at North Central CMA’s Flagship Waterway site, a further 60 hectares of floodplain has been protected and revegetated, adding to the 60 hectares of the previous year. The area provides refuge pools for pygmy perch and other significant species.

Thomson River/Rainbow Creek

As part of the information related to the new Thomson River/Rainbow Creek flagship waterway site, West Gippsland CMA have released an informative video.

Mitchell River

In the East Gippsland CMA’s new Flagship Waterway project on the Mitchell River. Numerous site assessments and onsite meetings with landholders have provided the opportunity to plan and prioritise works, and communicate the CMA’s goals for improving river health.

Discussions with one significant regional farming enterprise about the benefits of weedy willow control led to the response of “Good, I’m in!”. This demonstrates the local community’s appetite for the CMA’s goals for the Mitchell River and a community trust that the CMA can deliver this vision.

Tackling willow impacts on the Barwon

The Upper Barwon is choked with willows limiting the capacity of the river to deliver environmental flows and flows for use as potable water for Geelong. With only 5 willow replacement projects being successful in 25 years, despite repeated attempts to address the issue, the CMA commissioned Monash University to investigate landholder attitudes and behaviours regarding riparian management. The report’s findings helped the CMA modify the program requirements and engagement approach, leading to significant uptake by landholders (i.e. over 10 new EOIs received in 2022-23 and 7 projects commenced).

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) plans

Flagship Waterways are supported by targeted Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) plans to track, evaluate and communicate progress towards long-term objectives. Monitoring that is tailored to objectives was developed for each Flagship Waterway project. A consistent MERI approach will mean findings can also be evaluated and reported at a state-wide scale.

Delivering projects that implement priority actions

The East Gippsland CMA will support organisations to deliver projects that implement priority actions within Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan and other regional strategies, guided by a revised ‘Gippsland Lakes Priorities Plan’. Clear governance is provided through a second term of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee (GLCC).

The project is delivered across the Gippsland Lakes and its catchments. Whilst on ground projects have a focus on the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site (and the implementation of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan (GLRSMP)), the project will also implement works in major contributing catchments, including:

• riparian areas
• fringing wetlands
• habitats adjoining the Gippsland Lakes on both private and public land.

The initiative makes a major contribution to the key long-term outcome for the GLRSMP which is to maintain or improve the ecological character of the Gippsland Lakes.

Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee

In 2020-21, led by East Gippsland CMA, regional partners across the Gippsland Lakes landscape finalised an integrated program of works for the next 2 years and presented this to the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee (GLCC). A new committee term was established, and new agency and community representatives were appointed.

The program will see around 30 projects delivered in collaboration with 12 delivery partners, including habitat protection and enhancement, protection of threatened flora and fauna species, mapping and protection of culturally significant areas and improving water quality.

Key priority projects to be delivered over the rest of EC5:

Wetlands of Jones Bay and Lake King

Protecting and Improving the Wetlands of Jones Bay and Lake King - to enhance the local wetlands through invasive species management to protect shorebirds and improve breeding opportunities for waterbirds on Flannagan Island.

Improve the condition and connectivity of Lake Wellington and surrounding wetlands

Lake Wellington and Fringing Wetlands Integrated NRM Program - to improve the condition and connectivity of Lake Wellington and surrounding wetlands, and enhance critical habitat for green, golden bell and growling grass frogs.

Enhance habitat for native flora and fauna

Gunaikurnai Country of the Gippsland Lakes Outer Barrier project – to enhance habitat for native flora and fauna on the Gippsland Lakes outer barrier as well as assess the impacts of climate change on Country.

Seagrass friendly boat moorings

Understanding and Improving Aquatic Habitats and Ecosystems project. This will increase aquatic habitat within the lakes by installing seagrass friendly boat moorings and improving beach nesting sites for birds through the renourishment of sand islands.

Gippsland Lakes community grants program

The most recent Gippsland Lakes community grants program round closed in May 2023. Approximately $300,000 in grants will provide funds to community groups that support the Lakes, allowing them to complete environmental and community projects. The GLCC has just endorsed the community grants and new funding agreements are being prepared for partners to commence implementation.

More information on the great work undertaken by the many local partners at the lakes is available on the Love Our Lakes website.

Western Port

340 hectares of weed control was completed along the Yaringa and Hastings Foreshore's and Bittern Coastal Wetlands, contributing to the improvement in condition and extent of critical saltmarsh habitat.

35,181 hectares of pest animal control undertaken on French Island, Phillip Island, and along the western shoreline of Western Port, contributing to the protection of waterbirds and shorebirds.

Successful partnership with Bunurong Land Council to support the employment of an Indigenous Ramsar Ranger to work 'on-country' and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of ecological values of the Western Port Ramsar site.

Barmah Forest

Australian Bittern Monitoring using acoustics and field observations identified 78 Australasian Bitterns, confirming that the Barmah - Millewa Forest Ramsar Site supports around 30% of the national population.

The stand-out success has been the monitoring of Moira-grass grazing enclosures, where it has been shown the exclusion of large herbivores has resulted in an almost 2000% increase in the cover of Moira-grass, and a 4-fold increase in plant height when protected from grazing for 12 months.

Kerang wetlands

Positive initial results from Tall marsh control at Johnsons Swamp in the Kerang Wetlands.

Tall marsh is very important habitat for waterbirds such as Australasian bitterns and little bitterns. Too much of it can lead to not enough open water habitat for a range of other wading birds.

A pair of brolga were observed wading in Johnsons swamp directly following Tall marsh control.

Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay

Glenelg Hopkins CMA are implementing new management options to control weeds that grow on the beach and sand dunes (important nesting habitat for Hooded Plover and Sanderling). Weeds such as Coast Beach Daisy and Marram grass are crowding out nesting habitat, though targeted spraying has successfully reduced weed cover (from 30% before spraying to 2% after spraying). Monitoring of nesting sites will track if weed control leads to improved breeding success.

Environmental Effects Statements

As an example, in West Gippsland CMA, the following Environmental Effects Statements were reviewed, and detailed technical analysis was completed:

• Star of the South Offshore Windfarm.
• Marinus Link under sea power cable.
• Seadragon Offshore Windfarm.

Technical floodplain advice

Wimmera CMA contributed technical floodplain advice to support significant regional development projects including WimResources Avonbank mineral sand EES at DooenIluka Wimmera mineral sands mine proposal at Toolondo Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

Providing support to Horsham Rural City Council in relation to the City to River planning and development process. Stawell Gold Mine tailings dam lifting.

Surface water and hydrology

At Glenelg Hopkins CMA, dedicated assistance related to surface water and hydrology to local councils has included:

• major planning scheme amendments (6)
• major projects including wind farms (4)
• transmission line developments (2)
• freeway bypass projects (1)
• water pipeline projects (2)
• plantation harvesting projects (7) across the region.

In addition, the implementation of Rural Drainage projects at Nullawarre and Eumeralla have been put in place.

Flood advice to the public

The provision of accurate and timely flood advice to the public through this program reduces Victoria’s financial exposure to flooding by hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Working in close partnership with local shires and councils, over 90% of these permits and planning approvals were completed within required statutory timeframes.

Delivering all of these services provides very significant savings and benefits to the public and the environment. For example, in West Gippsland CMA alone, it is estimated that delivery of water statutory functions in 2020-21 achieved:

• $375 million of development protected from flood hazards
• 3.5 hectares of urban waterway protected and enhanced
• 60,283.7 kg/yr of Total Suspend Solids treated
• 161.2 kg/yr of Total Phosphorus treated
• 589.3 kg/yr of Total Nitrogen treated
• 15,400 kg/yr gross pollutants treated.

Major disaster recovery programs

Water Statutory staff in CMAs also supports a range of related initiatives. For example, during 2021-22, staff in East Gippsland and North East CMAs have supported major disaster recovery programs for a number of waterways that were damaged in the 2019-20 bushfires and 2021 flood and storm events.

These programs received separate funding, but are dependent on the technical expertise of Water Statutory staff in relation to design and approval of the construction of new and repaired waterway structures.

North East CMA Bushfire Recovery updates

Find out more about through these North East CMA Bushfire Recovery updates:

• Bushfire recovery summary update - May 2021.
• Bushfire recovery summary update - March 2021.
• Bushfire recovery - erosion and waterway impacts - March 2021.

Watch the Citizen Science videos

Highlights of program delivery so far include:

• West Gippsland CMA’s citizen science program has recognised volunteers in an annual achievements video.
• North Central CMA celebrates a long-time Waterwatch volunteer and welcomes new volunteer's video.
• Mallee CMA has released a short video celebrating the contribution of one of its citizen science volunteers.

Great Australian platypus search

Waterwatch Victoria proudly partnered with the Odonata Foundation to deliver the Great Australian Platypus Search, a state-wide investigation into platypus populations using environmental DNA (eDNA).

With samples collected from 2,000 sites across Victoria, the data produced as part of this project will help scientists to develop a comprehensive map of platypus populations across the state and will be used by waterway managers to better understand risks to our waterways and inform appropriate management efforts.

Native fish recovery plan

North Central CMA Waterwatch has engaged Barapa Land and Water Country Aboriginal Corporation to monitor 4 sites on the lower Loddon River and Box-Pyramid Creek as part of the Native fish recovery plan. The plan aims to restore native fish populations and ecological health in the Central Murray system by improving the natural values and connectivity of waterways.

Waterbug training

Fourteen regional Waterwatch coordinators were involved in statewide waterbug training in the North East region in April 2022.

This 2 day event catered for all levels, including those new to the network and some experienced in Waterwatch and waterbug training, which focused on methods of waterbug identification. Following on from the regional coordinator training, 4 Waterwatch-funded regional community workshops were delivered by John Gooderham, Freshwater Ecologist, National Waterbug Blitz.

For further information on waterway citizen science and to read the Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch Annual Achievement Reports.

Thirty years of waterway citizen science

In March 2023, CMAs came together to celebrate 30 years of waterway citizen science. With over 1,404 active Waterwatch sites and 137 active EstuaryWatch sites across Victoria, volunteers were recognised for their commitment and contribution to our regions’ waterways. Audiences joined an online panel in May 2023, with longstanding volunteers, coordinators and researchers reflecting on the past 30 years of waterway citizen science and imagining what the next 30 years may bring.

Highlights include:

Wimmera CMA has made great progress in delivering its Waterways of Wimmera project in 2021–22, partnering with the regional DELWP team to deliver 50 hectares of pest plant and animal control along the beautiful Mackenzie River near Horsham and entering into 10-year management agreements with 6 landholders to protect high value waterways and wetlands in West Wimmera.

The agreements will ensure that:

• 21 hectares of high-quality riparian frontage across 4 sites near Apsley are protected through fencing works
• 96 hectares of high value wetlands are protected through a range of threat abatement activities, including grazing management, weed control and pest animal control works.

Surf Coast and Otways restoration program

Corangamite CMA has made significant progress in the delivery of its Surf Coast and Otways Restoration program over the last year. The incentives component of this program provides funding for

• fencing
• weed control
• revegetation
• willow removal
• pest animal management
• stock crossings
• off-stream water points.

A communications and media campaign was delivered through social media, newspaper, newsletters, CCMA website and via Landcare and other partners. This led to 16 landholders signing up for frontage protection projects covering over 67 hectares and 22 kilometres of frontage in the Curdies and Surf Coast catchments.

These projects include 5 sites that protect the habitat for threatened native fish species, such as the Australian grayling and Yarra Pygmy Perch, and willow removal from 4 sites along 4 kilometres of Curdies River frontage.

Upper Avoca river reconnection project

North Central CMA commenced its Upper Avoca River Reconnection project in 2021-22, working closely with Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) using a co-design approach. This collaborative approach is developing strong connections between Dja Dja Wurrung (DDW) representatives and the CMA.

It has been agreed that the project needs to ensure DDW cultural values and perspectives are strongly incorporated into the long-term goal of developing an Integrated Catchment Management Plan, with a focus on identifying where cultural and environmental values overlap.

Tullaroop Catchment restoration project

North Central CMA has also continued strong success in their Tullaroop Catchment Restoration Project, delivering on-ground works to create a healthy, continuous riparian corridor along Birch’s Creek.

Upper Mitta Mitta River restoration project

North East CMA is engaging with multiple partners to deliver their Upper Mitta Mitta River restoration project.

Woody weeds on Bimbil Country

Jaithmathang Traditional Owners have been engaged to use their advanced drone surveillance services to capture the presence and density of woody weeds on Bimbil Country.

Omeo part-time project officer

A partnership with Benambra Dinner Plain Omeo (BDPO) Landcare Group has resulted in the CMA funding a part-time project officer based in Omeo, to assist to deliver the on-ground works and communications components of the project. BDPO (and other organisations) have been advocating for additional local support for many years.

Connecting people and place project

Under Goulburn Broken CMA’s Connecting People and Place project, the first round of EOIs for on-ground works to improve the condition of urban waterways was completed. Mansfield Shire was the successful recipient of funds to undertake riparian weed management and revegetation projects along Fords Creek in Mansfield and at Mullum Wetlands and Len Lynch Reserve.

Taungurung Land and Waters Council business Biik Environmental was subsequently engaged to undertake the initial woody weed removal works at Mullum Wetlands.

Watch these short videos

West Gippsland CMA has produced a series of wonderful short videos outlining their success in delivering key projects.

Engagement and foundational work underway

Initial engagement and foundational work is underway with Traditional Owner groups and CMAs across Victoria. Whilst this is a multi-year project, a key focus since 2021 was undertaking initial Traditional Owner engagement to understand waterway management priorities and to start early policy conversations. In August and September 2023 the public were invited to provide early feedback on a Discussion Starter to inform the new strategy. A What We Heard report will be published at: Victorian Waterway Management Strategy

My Victorian waterway survey

As a key piece of community input to the new VWMS, a major piece of social research (titled the My Victorian waterway survey) was concluded in May 2022, with 6,000 responses received. The survey seeks to understand better community uses, expectations, attitudes and behaviours towards waterways.

It provides a contemporary data set on how Victorians use their waterways and what they value about them, and builds on data collected in a previous My Victorian Waterway Survey (2009) to identify trends over time. The final analysis report available at My Victorian Waterway Survey.

New rivers and riparian action plan

In June 2021, the new Rivers and Riparian Action Plan was finalised. It outlines what government is doing to manage Victoria’s waterways over the period 2020–21 to 2023–24. It continues the government’s key commitment to improve the health of waterways and riparian land in Victoria. Many of the key waterway health projects under this plan are funded through the "Improving the health of Victoria’s waterways and catchments in the face of escalating impacts of climate change" and "Supporting regional communities and economic recovery through healthy waterways" initiatives, which are described in this report.

Stream change assessment: Riparian woody vegetation

Results from the Stream Change Assessment project have been finalised and summarised in a technical report, Stream Change Assessment: Riparian Woody Vegetation. The project aimed to develop and implement a workflow to assess woody riparian vegetation changes using LiDAR derived data between two assessment periods (2010 and 2018-20). The findings and underlying data will support the department and CMAs to evaluate the outcomes of riparian management and guide the development of regional and state waterway strategies.

During the 8 to 10 year period between assessments:

• changes at the ISC reach scale were minimal with ISC Streamside Zone scores unchanged at over 80% of ISC reaches
• the most substantial changes in woody vegetation were evident along shorter lengths of stream sections (typically ~<10km) where sustained riparian management had occurred
• the largest changes were evident in higher rainfall areas of the state.

As part of this work, a range of data products will be made available through the Victorian spatial data library.

In a major piece of work that has taken over 4 years, the first state-wide condition assessment for estuaries was completed under this initiative.

New Index of Estuary Condition (IEC)

The new Index of Estuary Condition (IEC) will help guide state policy and regional investment programs and improve reporting back to communities. You can access the extensive data and commentary here. Not only a health check on our estuarine environments, the assessment also describes the diverse physical conditions, plants and animals found in these vibrant aquatic ecosystems.

Over 100 estuaries in Victoria were assessed, with nearly one-third found to be in moderate condition. The report identified the Gippsland coastline with estuaries in excellent condition and another quarter of estuaries located across Victoria's coastline in good condition. Estuaries in poor condition were within catchments dominated by agricultural and urban land uses.

Supporting the new IEC, a new project has been completed detailing risks to estuarine fringing vegetation from prolonged inundation at intermittently open and closed estuaries that are subject to artificial openings. The outcomes of this work provide an additional source of information that can be used by regional CMA estuary managers when considering whether to artificially open estuaries.

Riparian and wetland intervention monitoring programs

The Riparian and wetland intervention monitoring programs are state-wide, long-term intervention monitoring programs that are being implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of riparian and wetland management. These programs will continue to gather and report on data through EC5 as scheduled.

According to the most recent data collected through the riparian intervention monitoring program, there was evidence of positive changes in a range of indicators associated with 6 of the 8 management objectives when compared to ‘control’ sites where no riparian management was undertaken.

For example, after 3 years of management:

• Bare ground decreased by ~41% at intervention sites but increased by ~61% at control sites.
• Organic litter, native vegetation cover and native species richness also increased at intervention sites compared to control sites.
• All native woody recruits (planted and natural recruits combined) increased by over 1600%, while at control sites they decreased by ~66%.
• The stem density of native trees or woody shrubs (irrespective of age class) increased at intervention sites by over 600%, while at control sites they decreased by ~42%.

While the results pooled across all sites provides encouraging evidence of the benefits of riparian management interventions, the magnitude of the improvements varies, depending on specific site and climatic conditions.

Assess changes in riparian vegetation and river channels

A complementary program of remotely sensed data collection from over 4,000 km of the stream network was established to assess changes in riparian vegetation and river channels. As part of this program, a work-flow was developed to process the raw data into maps and derived metrics of river channel shape and vegetation cover and structure that can be used by CMAs and the department to assist planning, guide management, evaluate management outcomes and document environmental change.

Initial results have shown that changes in riparian cover, width and height are evident at locations where riparian management has been undertaken. Reporting for this work is being finalised for release.

The Wetland Intervention Monitoring Program was established to inform:

• how different grazing regimes influence biodiversity outcomes of wetlands
• what site and landscape factors modify responses to grazing
• the time frames over which changes occur.

To answer these questions, the program monitors 28 sets of fenced-ungrazed and open-grazed paired plots in temporary freshwater wetlands with different grazing regimes and vegetation communities across 4 catchment management regions.

Influence of grazing treatments on a range of vegetation indicators

Early results indicate that the influence of grazing treatments on a range of vegetation indicators spanning all management objectives. Monitoring is ongoing through EC5, and responses to grazing regimes are expected to change over time as competitive interactions among species develop and as plant biomass increases and plant litter accumulates.

Native fish report cards released

A series of the popular native fish report cards were released each year. The native fish report cards are brief overviews of the health of target fish populations, which present survey summaries from priority rivers and streams across Victoria. This project is a collaboration between DEECA (including the Arthur Rylah Institute) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority, in partnership with recreational fishing license holders.

The Native fish report card web-portal has been updated to communicate the latest results of this program, which has now been underway for 5 years.

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

In partnership with DELWP Biodiversity Division and external partners, a comprehensive citizen science-based project has been developed to survey the distribution of aquatic vertebrate species throughout Victoria’s rivers and streams using an innovative technology known as environmental DNA (eDNA).

This project has collected eDNA samples from around 1,800 sites across Victorian rivers and streams. The data will be used to develop and update models which will provide a contemporary representation of the distribution of species analysed. This information will in turn, be used to help the department and regional waterway managers better understand risks to these species and inform appropriate management efforts.

Sampling relied heavily on citizen scientist networks, including school students and children. To support the sampling program, CMA citizen science coordinators assisted with the volunteer effort via existing Waterwatch, River Detectives and volunteer networks. The results of this work are expected soon, with sample processing now fully complete and quality assurance underway. All data will be made available through the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas.

Key achievements to date include:

Lake Hume to the sea spring watering event 2020

In 2020, the delivery of a coordinated spring watering event in the Murray system from Lake Hume to the sea, which was a joint action by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, VEWH, NSW and South Australian Governments – with the MDBA as manager of The Living Murray. The event focussed on outcomes in the Murray River channel and supported outcomes at Barmah Forest, supporting significant breeding events for many colonial nesting waterbirds.

Waterbird breeding in response to environmental watering

Waterbird breeding was recorded at 5 of 7 Wimmera Mallee wetlands in the North Central CMA region, during spring 2021 after water for the environment was delivered. This included 3 species of duck and Australian Grebe. The watering also provided water in the landscape to support terrestrial biota.

Delivery of 7.7 GL of environmental water to Lake Meran

North Central CMA delivered 7.7 GL of environmental water to Lake Meran in central Victoria during 2021–22. Since the filling of the lake, the number of visitors to the lake has been very high, providing shared benefits through camping, water skiing, swimming, fishing and many other water-based activities.

Showcasing the Campaspe

North Central CMA also held a successful Showcasing the Campaspe event at Rochester in May 2022, attracting nearly 40 people from diverse backgrounds.

Arthur Rylah Institute scientists shared research findings of the positive impact these actions have had on the native vegetation and fish along the river. A local fisher captivated the audience with her enthusiasm and tips for fishing the river and her involvement in the Women In Recreational Fishing (WIRF) Network.

Positive outcomes for the Lower Latrobe wetlands

Environmental water is providing positive outcomes for the Lower Latrobe wetlands, part of the internationally important Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site. The West Gippsland CMA detected a large-scale colonial bird breeding event in Dowd Morass (March 2022), with evidence of more than 300 nests, attributed to royal spoonbills, little black cormorants, pied cormorants and Australasian darter. This is significant as it was the largest breeding event since the 2010-11 floods.

At Heart Morass, recent efforts to reduce the salinity in the wetlands have primed the wetland to respond to the floods with freshwater dependent vegetation, establishing in large areas across the wetland to levels not seen for 30 years. The fresh conditions have also seen the first recorded breeding of the green and golden bell frog in Heart Morass.

Mental health benefits from water for the environment

The Goulburn Broken CMA’s Environmental water management project highlighted a new initiative to engage mental health patients with local green spaces, including Reedy Swamp and the Goulburn River, which both receive environmental water.

Under the Victorian Nature and Health Memorandum, the Goulburn Broken CMA and Goulburn Valley Health have created a green passport to provide information for 4 walks in the Goulburn Broken catchment area for patients to undertake. This initiative provides positive health outcomes for patients as well as the opportunity for community engagement with high value sites in the catchment.

Promoting the benefits of environmental water in the Wimmera River

The Wimmera CMA launched a one-minute clip promoting the benefits that water in the Wimmera River has achieved for social and recreational outcomes. The clip was included in the CMA’s summer seasonal water update and has received over 1,100 views to date.

Donated water making the most of the Ovens Environmental Water Entitlement

The North East CMA EWR Officers completed the delivery of the Ovens Environmental Water Entitlement during the late-summer (King River) and mid-autumn (Buffalo River). This included partnering with Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and a private landholder to use water they had donated to the VEWH, to boost the amount of environmental water delivered in the King River.

These donations (36 ML of water from TLaWC and 56 ML of water from a private landholder), combined with the environmental water entitlement held in Lake William Hovell enabled 142 ML to be released over 2 days in late summer to improve flow variability and support TLaWC’s environmental watering objectives of healing Country.

A fish survey and continuous water quality monitoring infrastructure were installed on the King River to provide additional information for future environmental water deliveries.

Lower Barwon wetlands factsheet

The Corangamite CMA developed a fact sheet for the Lower Barwon Wetlands that describes the values of this Ramsar-listed site and how environmental water is used to support these. The fact sheet has been promoted through social media, at online events and ‘in-person’ field days.

Hattah Lakes inflows

In autumn-winter 2021, the watering of high-priority wetlands in the southern Hattah Lakes system, where more than 27,000 ML of water was delivered to Ramsar-listed wetlands to improve the condition of surrounding river red gums, stimulate the growth of aquatic plants, support carbon and nutrient cycles and provide food and habitat for waterbirds.

Waterbird breeding after floods in 2022–23

In 2022–23, significant and widespread colonial waterbird breeding was recorded at sites that received water for the environment and natural flooding, including:

• approximately 2,000 nests of Australian White Ibis and Straw-necked Ibis (and possibly Royal Spoonbill) in Barmah Forest
• ten species of colonial nesting waterbirds across the Hattah Lakes using 7,000 nests for over 25,500 chicks, with a further 18 waterbird species detected breeding with an additional 1,700 chicks recorded
• over 15,000 birds from 21 species recorded at Gunbower Forest and the Kerang Ramsar wetlands during 69 surveys over spring 2022 and autumn 2023.

Highlights include:

Review the informal operating constraint on flows at Torrumbarry

Collaboration with Goulburn-Murray Water, Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Water NSW and Commonwealth Environmental Water Office in September 2021 to review the informal operating constraint on flows at Torrumbarry and carry out a trial to lift the constraint from 18,000 megalitres per day to 23,000 megalitres per day.

This enabled a spring fresh in the Goulburn River to be delivered during an unregulated flow event in the Murray River, supporting 2 important environmental outcomes:

• It allowed a spring fresh to be delivered in the Goulburn River to support streamside vegetation and native fish objectives..
• The high environmental flows in the Goulburn added to unregulated flows in the Murray River and inundated key floodplain wetlands at:
  • Gunbower, Guttrum and Benwell forests (Vic)
  • Nyah and Vinifera floodplains (Vic)
  • Lindsay Island (Vic)
  • Campbells Island (NSW)
  • Koondrook-Perricoota forest (NSW).

Higher flows trial project

Supporting a higher flows trial project in the mid-Goulburn River with Goulburn Broken CMA and Taungurung Land and Waters Council. The trial reconnected floodplain wetlands that have high environmental and cultural values. Results from the trial will be used to inform future water management at the wetlands.

Environmental watering event at Lake Boort

Delivery of water for the environment to Lake Boort for the first time in August 2022. This watering action was a partnership between Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation, North Central CMA, the VEWH, Goulburn Murray Water and Parks Victoria, delivering 1,913 ML to partially fill the lake. This supported river red gums that were planted in 2017 and culturally important vegetation, such as spiny flat sedge.

E-flow projector reporting tool

The VEWH has developed a new environmental watering outcomes reporting tool (e-flow projector) to support internal and external reporting requirements. E-flow projector is a web-based application that applies a rigorous and repeatable method to assess the achievement of environmental flows. The VEWH has used the tool since July 2021 to:

• report year-to-date progress against the Seasonal Watering Plan to the VEWH Commission
• meet the requirements of VEWH’s outcomes reporting framework including quantitative data for the Annual Report
• contribute to Victoria’s reporting obligations under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Highlights include:

Collaborating with partners and engaging with the community members

As of June 2023, CMAs have delivered 8,288 good and services related to planning and regulation – achieving 92% of the target (8,975) due by the end of EC5 (June 2024. These mainly included engagement events (7,349), partnerships (291), assessments (287), publications (197), management agreements (70) and plans (86)).

The OCOC program has funded engagement events (field day, training, workshops and presentations) that attracted 4,322 participants – which is 107% of the target (4,035) by the end of EC5.

Integration of Port Phillip & Westernport CMA

Integration of Port Phillip & Westernport CMA (PPWCMA) into Melbourne Water was effective from 1 January 2022. The integration of catchment management and waterway management roles and boundaries for the Port Phillip and Western Port region under one organisation strengthens natural resource management in Victoria. It better positions the region to respond to the long-term challenges of catchment and waterway management.

The Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy

The mid-term evaluation of the Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy (2018) was completed and has found it to be delivering on its vision: ‘Landholders are empowered to work together and will be supported to improve their management of dryland rural drainage.’

More sustainable broadacre management

Improved catchment health and resilience. The program has delivered 27,297 hectares of active stewardship.

Catchment Partnership Agreements renewal

The renewal of Catchment Partnership Agreements (CPA) across the regions are being renewed with a strong focus on Traditional Owner roles and responsibilities. The entire Gippsland region is now covered by a renewed CPA between the East and West Gippsland CMAs and all Gippsland Environment Agencies.

Landcare strategy grants

Landcare strategy grants have been awarded to Landcare Groups in the Upper Mount Emu, Fiery, Salt Creeks, Lake Bolac and Upper Hopkins River catchments.

In the Goulburn Broken region, $160,100 in grants have been funded to improve land management practices, monitor and assess threatened species populations and reduce the impacts of climate change.

Improving Capacity for Better Stewardship

Community members in the Lower Kiewa and Powlett River catchments have improved their capacity. Land managers, community members, industry and government agencies have been engaged in the process. The project's next phase is to offer grants to catchment stewards in the area.

Unique chain of ponds

The restoration and protection of a unique chain of ponds in the Perry River catchment has continued to build strong partnerships and commitments. 15ha of revegetation, plantation pine removal and 8 ecological surveys have been delivered by Trust for Nature.

Land management workshops and field days

Over 100 landholders in the Greater Grampians and North-Central CMA regions have attended land management workshops and field days. Over 2,500ha of private land is now influenced by sustainable farming practices, knowledge and skills.

Djandak and Taungurung Traditional Owners have commenced trial frameworks for engaging with private landholders. Resulting in two Custodianship projects working to improve healing and caring for Country.

Leadership grants and training

From the High Country to the South West, leadership grants and training have been established through innovative programs. Women’s leadership in natural resource management has been promoted through the Gippsland Environmental Agencies Women in Leadership Program. Guiding leaders and their communities through change and becoming more resilient.

The department has facilitated a series of stewardship-focused peer learning workshops with CMAs, Traditional Owners and other delivery partners, with over 80 participants.

Improving soil

A partnerships project in the North East has been developed to build the capacity of farmers’ for improving soil health management. This will increase production in the area while minimising nutrient losses into catchments and waterways.

In the Coliban Catchment, 10 environmental sites are being monitored monthly by community members, including 2 sites monitored by Djandak Traditional Owner staff who received Waterwatch training and equipment.