Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Anthony Carbines, today launched a new art project in Yea which aims to have the added benefit of good environmental outcomes for local waterways.
Visiting the Y Water Discovery Centre in Yea, Mr Carbines unveiled a life-sized sculpture of a cow, which is part of ‘The Riparian Project’ that aims to inspire a shift in grazing practices in Victoria to improve river health.
The Riparian Project team has been working with Yea residents and the Wetlands Committee on a permanent artwork display, which along with the cow sculpture, will include interpretive displays at the Y Water Discovery Centre.
The grazing of stock is very important for the region however uncontrolled stock access to rivers and wetlands can cause environmental damage.
The artwork aims to promote practices such as the fencing of areas along river banks and providing alternate water sources for stock. This has environmental benefits and also has benefits for farmers by promoting the growth of vegetation which can prevent erosion, provide wind breaks and improve water quality.
Over recent years, grazing has been phased out in parts of the wetlands area and the environment restored, becoming home to a range native plants and animals.
The Andrews Labor Government has supported the Yea Wetlands Trust through the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, providing $6,500 in funding for The Riparian Project.
The Government has also released a Regional Riparian Action Plan – which reflects the values demonstrated in the restoration of the Yea wetlands – and provided $10 million in the May 2015 Budget for improving the health of riparian environments.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Anthony Carbines
“I congratulate the community and team behind this project for their innovative and creative ideas in promoting ways to look after the environment.”
“The Yea community has also done a great job in working to restore the wetlands here – creating an area of environmental value which is a great asset for the region.”
“We will continue to support ways to protect the environment, while at the same time recognising the importance of our farms and farmers in driving local economies and jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020