Media Releases

Even though autumn is well and truly here, across the Goulburn Broken Catchment most wetlands and swampy areas are still in a natural drying phase.

A visit to see a nomadic chicken egg production system in action highlighted the many benefits of a chemical-free approach to soil management, says Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) Charlie Sexton.  Mr Sexton and members of his steering committee, who provide input and advice on how to promote sustainable agriculture practices to the region’s Landcare community, learned more about “chook caravans” during a recent visit to Glenburn beef and chicken producer Tom Abbotsmith-Youl’s property.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) CEO Chris Norman encourages people and groups to nominate for this year's Goulburn Broken Community Natural Resource Management (NRM) by May 1.

The drawdown of Caseys Weir pool, to prevent cabomba moving to downstream reaches of the Broken River and Broken Creek, started last week (March 20).

Images of Kinnairds Wetland captured by a drone – a remote controlled aerial camera - will provide baseline information to measure the wetland’s recovery after fire swept through Numurkah and surrounds on February 9. 

Frogs have adapted well to urbanisation, says Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Land & Biodiversity Manager Steve Wilson. 

Paddock trees on land adjoining Winton Wetlands provide environmental and productive benefits, says Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Conservation Management Network co-ordinator Janice Mentiplay-Smith. 

Thirty Macquarie Perch will be implanted with acoustic transmitters during a survey of the King Parrot Creek being conducted by researchers from the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) between March 31 and April 11.Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) River Health Officer Sue Kosch said ARI had been undertaking long-term fish monitoring in King Parrot Creek since 2006, as part of the Goulburn Broken CMA’s Threatened Species Program.“The great news is that since we started the surveys in 2006, the numbers of endangered Macquarie Perch captured have doubled from 31 in 2006 to 62 last year,” Ms Kosch said.“However, we’re keen to find out more about fish movement. Last year we were pleased to find there were juvenile Macquarie Perch – which is a good sign they’re breeding – but very few large individuals were found and only two previously tagged fish re-captured.  “We’re unsure whether these larger fish and previously tagged fish are inhabiting other areas of the King Parrot Creek and the population is larger than originally thought, or whether they are moving into the Goulburn River.”Ms Kosch said implanting acoustic transmitters in 30 Macquarie Perch captured in the King Parrot Creek and deploying acoustic receivers to remotely record fish movements along the Creek and the mid-Goulburn around Kerrisdale would help researchers establish the Macquarie Perch population’s mobility.“Understanding how mobile the Macquarie Perch population is and identify potential barriers to fish movement is important for ensuring the long-term future of Macquarie Perch in this area,” Ms Kosch said. “For example, it maybe that if they are using the Goulburn River, it could be an important refuge during drought or low flows.”Ms Kosch reminded anglers that taking Macquarie Perch from the King Parrot Creek was prohibited.

 Wangaratta and district residents are invited to a “Walk and Squawk” on Sunday, March 23 to learn about many local woodland birds and migratory species that can be found at Chesney Vale and the Winton Wetlands at this time of the year.

Images of Kinnairds Wetland captured by a drone – a remote controlled aerial camera - will provide baseline information to measure the wetland's recovery after fire swept through Numurkah and surrounds on February 9.

An autumn fresh (increased flow) along the Goulburn River during late March and early April will water vegetation on the lower river bank and maintain habitat for in-stream plants, bugs and fish.

The public now has until Monday, March 10 to comment on draft Goulburn Broken Regional Waterway Strategy 2013-2021.

Crews employed through the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA’s) Fruit Industry Employment Program (FIEP) are helping Wunghnu and Numurkah landholders affected by fires that swept across the area on February 9th.    The Goulburn Broken CMA received $2 million from the Victorian Government last year to deliver the FIEP for orchardists or orchard workers affected by SPC-Ardmona’s announcement that it will cut its fruit intake.

A survey to check on the health and size of the Macquarie Perch population in the Yea River will be carried out between March 3 and 7.