Locals Support Waterways

Meetings to report on recent Crown Water Frontage assessments were well attended in Howqua, Jamieson and Woods Point, where local landholders participated in the reporting process and discussion on river health.

Earth Tech, on behalf of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, undertook a comprehensive assessment of stream side vegetation on selected reaches of the Howqua, Upper Goulburn and Jamieson Rivers during May and June.

Results of the assessment were presented to adjacent landholders with recommendations of specific sites where native vegetation could be improved for the benefit of stream health and native wildlife.

Acting Waterways Manager, Tom O’Dwyer said he is extremely pleased with the interest shown by local communities and their level of commitment to ensuring the future health of our rivers and streams in the upper Goulburn catchment.

“Landowners who attended the meetings showed a high level of understanding of the issues facing our waterways, where vegetation has been removed.” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“We noted a willingness from the community to become involved with programs that will achieve the improvements required to maintain sustainable healthy river systems in our catchment.”

In each community people acknowledged the need to manage weeds on river frontages as well as making improvements to native vegetation coverage, especially where banks are in danger of collapse due to erosion and undercutting by floodwaters.

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will maintain contact with landholders in the research areas to assist with ongoing works that will stabilise the native streamside vegetation and the health of the rivers.

Further information on the Crown Frontage Review can be obtained from the CMA office in Yea, Ph 5797 2001.

Ends

21^st June 2005