Media Releases

In conjunction with funding from the Australian Government’s Water Savings Project (a component of the Natural Heritage Trust) and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, local landholders are working to speed-up the adoption of Best Practice in the Shepparton Irrigation Region.

Ten students from the Bendigo Campus of Latrobe University helped plant 340 seedlings on the river frontage at Noel Jensons Jamieson property last week as part of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) River Health Program.

Chris Doyle has retired as Chairman of the Upper Goulburn Implementation Committee [UGIC]. He announced his decision at the recent Annual Landcare Awards event, hosted by UGIC at Trawool. UGIC is responsible for the rollout of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Regional Catchment Strategy, the blueprint for the future environment of the Goulburn Broken in the Shires of Mansfield, Murrindindi, and Mitchell. Chairman of the CMA Board, Stephen Mills AO, and Chief Executive Officer Bill O’Kane, paid tribute to the outstanding commitment and contribution to the management of natural resources in this extremely important catchment, given by Chris during his seven years in the position. Neville Barwick has been elected to the Chair’s role on the Upper Goulburn Implementation Committee, one of three community based committees of the Goulburn Broken CMA.

Significant sightings of duckweed (floating azolla) have occurred on the Lower Broken Creek in recent weeks.

The Upper Goulburn Landcare Award for Excellence was presented to Roger Cook of Kinglake Landcare group during a presentation dinner at Trawool Resort last Friday.

The Hubert Miller Perpetual Trophy was presented to Lesley Dalziel of Seymour during a presentation dinner at Trawool Resort last Friday.

A seminar to assist landholders identify the right land management grants for their needs will be held at Trawool on 19th August.

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is conducting an Environmental Flow Determination for Seven Creeks and its tributaries.

Registrations for the Goulburn Broken Regional Landcare Forum, July 7th& 8th, will close on June 30th.

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.

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.

Nominations are currently being sought for two high profile awards in the Upper Goulburn catchment.

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA), as part of the ‘Bringing Back the Broken River’ project, has launched a new and innovative website dedicated to the Broken River in North-East Victoria.

The Landcare movement has been described as crucial to successful environmental results in the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management.

Goulburn Broken CMA has commissioned a study into the condition of public land along the Goulburn and Broken Rivers within urban areas of Shepparton.   The study will include vegetation quality assessments; a study of the condition of the rivers; and the assessment of threats such as weeds and litter.   It will also assess the effectiveness of current management practices including Crown Water Frontage licensing arrangements.   Assessments will be carried out on the Goulburn River from Daldy Road to the confluence with Seven Creeks and on the Broken River from the confluence of the Goulburn River to Doyles Road.   Goulburn Broken CMA River Health Manager, Wayne Tennant , said the study would lead to a report that may recommend changes to current management practices and licensing arrangements to achieve sustainable use and the protection of conservation, recreation and cultural values.  The assessment will also identify the key threats to the condition of these important public land parcels.   Mr Tennant said any recommendations to protect and improve the river and riverbank would be in line with objectives of the Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Management Strategy and Goulburn Broken Regional River Health Strategy.   Studies have shown Crown Land Frontage is frequently under pressure and in need of greater protection for environmental, economic and social reasons.  The strip of vegetation along the Goulburn and Broken Rivers provides valuable habitat for many native species such as sugar and squirrel gliders. It is also heavily used for recreational purposes including fishing.   A number of agencies are responsible for the management of Crown Water Frontages including Parks Victoria, Forests and Crown Land Management. Often sections of frontage are licensed to landowners or are managed by a committee of management.   Goulburn Broken CMA will work closely with these groups to bring about any changes.   The final report is expected in early June. For more information telephone Scott Morath at the GB CMA on 58 222288.   Release ends   For more information telephone Wayne Tennant on 58 222288.