The path is set for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) and the region’s communities and agencies to work together to help protect, enhance and conserve the natural environment with the launch of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-27.
The path is set for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) and the region’s communities and agencies to work together to help protect, enhance and conserve the natural environment with the launch of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-27.
Following two years of extensive consultation with the community and partners, the strategy guides long-term management actions to help benefit the environment and biodiversity within the Goulburn Broken Catchment area now, and into the future.
GBCMA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Cumming, said, “The strategy sets ambitious goals and guides how the GBCMA and stakeholders including Traditional Owners, farmers, environmental volunteers and local government, can work collaboratively to best manage the natural environment,”.
“The vision for the strategy includes protecting and improving the condition of land, water and biodiversity and increasing the numbers of people actively taking action to care for the environment.”
Key priorities in the strategy include improving wetland health, increasing tree planting across the catchment, creating habitat for fish species, supporting landholders to adapt to climate change and threatened species protection.
Coinciding with the launch of the strategy, GBCMA is also offering $130,000 in grant funding for innovative environmental-based projects that benefit the area which includes the municipalities of Shepparton, Moira, Campaspe, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie and Benalla.
Grants between $5000 to $30,000 are available to local groups and organisations who have projects that can improve the health of the Goulburn Broken catchment.
“These grants give people the opportunity to get their ideas off the ground and we are very keen for them to apply,” she said.
Ms Cumming said this funding also supports the recently released Hume Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, a five-year plan developed by the community to address the unique challenges and opportunities climate change brings to the region and guide locally relevant practical action.
“The development of these strategies allows governments, communities, land managers and volunteer groups to work collaboratively and improve the health of our environment and prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” she said.
The grants are funded through the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities and Climate Ready Hume programs and the Goulburn Broken CMA.
To apply for a grant, submit an expression of interest by 9am Monday 31 May 2022 at: Grants - GB CMA - Goulburn Broken CMA
To view the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-27, please visit: goulburnbroken.rcs.vic.gov.au
Photo: The Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-27 has been launched.