- Published:
- Monday 30 May 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is protecting and enhancing the region’s waterways, to ensure priority waterways like the lower Mitchell River in East Gippsland continue to benefit the environment and local community.
Parliamentary Secretary for Water Harriet Shing announced $760,000 in funding for the first stage of the project that will create a continuous corridor of native vegetation along the lower Mitchell River.
The funding will support important local projects, including the replacement of willow trees along the river with a continuous corridor of native vegetation and engaging with the Bairnsdale community and landholders to improve access and flood resilience.
Over the next three years, works including revegetation, weed removal and fencing out of livestock – to stabilise riverbanks and surrounding land - will enhance amenity and create a habitat corridor.
This project will also improve aquatic species' habitats, particularly freshwater-dependent species, as our climate and environmental conditions change.
East Gippsland CMA is partnering with The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to explore opportunities for their involvement in the ongoing planning and implementation of the project including ongoing stewardship of the Mitchell River corridor and opportunities for cultural water within the system.
The Labor Government is delivering a $248 million investment into improving waterway and catchment health across Victoria and the Mitchell River has been identified as one of 19 priority waterways in Victoria as part of the Flagship Waterways Program.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Water Harriet Shing
“Protecting and enhancing waterways like the Mitchell River, will benefit regional economies, generate job opportunities, and support native flora and fauna.”
“The partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation will ensure Traditional Owners play an important role in the ongoing care of the Mitchell River.”