The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a more than $2.1 million waterway investment as part of The Living Moorabool project to protect and improve the health of the river.
The investment will be delivered in partnership with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Barwon Water, and will improve river banks and land surrounding the river though revegetation, weed control, improved water flows and the removal of barriers to allow fish to move freely up the river.
More than $670,000 of the investment will deliver works to the upper catchment to re-connect land for conservation through new fencing, pest control and improved on-farm practices, which will be delivered through community groups including local landholders.
Minister for Water Lisa Neville today launched the Living Moorabool access map, which encourages the community to explore the Moorabool River and surrounds and inspected the start of revegetation works, which are already underway.
The access map provides locals and visitors with information to help them enjoy the Moorabool River — from fishing tips, top picnic and barbecue spots and how to get involved in citizen science and spot local wildlife.
The Living Moorabool project stemmed from community desire for a healthier Moorabool River – with the river identified as a priority waterway by the Labor Government.
Drinking water for rapidly growing cities of Ballarat and Geelong is supplied from reservoirs on the Moorabool River, which is home to some of the most endangered plant species in Australia and wildlife such as birds, fish and platypus.
The Living Moorabool is the first of a series of ten waterway projects across the state to be launched by the Labor Government – with further funding to be announced that will improve the health of the Campaspe, Cann, Thomson and Upper Wimmera rivers and the Budj Bim landscape and Strathbogie Streams.
The Living Moorabool project is delivering on the Labor Government’s water plan Water for Victoria, which supports the environmental, cultural and recreational benefits that regional waterways provide to communities.
The project is funded under the Labor Government's $222 million investment to improve the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria. To view the Discover the Moorabool website, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“‘The Living Moorabool project is improving and protecting the health of the river – and this is the first site being launched as part of a series of waterway projects across the state.”
“We know the Moorabool river is a significant place for visitors and locals, and we want to ensure it remains a site that the local community are connected to and can visit and enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer
“This project is enabling the local community to get involved in environmental conservation to ensure future generations are involved in protecting our natural assets, such as the Moorabool River.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020