The site of one of the world’s oldest known aquaculture ventures is being restored and preserved for future generations thanks to an Andrews Labor Government initiative breathing new life into the Budj Bim waterways.
Parliamentary Secretary for Water Anthony Carbines today joined Gunditjamara Traditional Owners on a tour of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape to see first-hand the progress in the $1.5 million culturally significant rehabilitation project.
The landscape is rich in cultural heritage, including constructed wetlands and channels used to hold and harvest eels – the oldest known record of aquaculture in the world.
Aboriginal communities’ connection to Country plays a large part in cultural continuity, with the Victorian waterways playing an important role in their sense of identity.
The Budj Bim Connections project is one of ten flagship water projects across Victoria funded by the Labor Government.
Through these large-scale waterway restoration projects, the Labor Government is working with Traditional Owners and the community to deliver environmental, cultural and social benefits for the area.
The Labor Government’s Water For Victoria policy sets out ways to promote water security and protect jobs, agriculture, and the environment – as well as recognise Aboriginal water values.
This initiative is part of our $222 million investment over four years to improve the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria.
The Labor Government has also introduced legislation that requires all water management to have regard for Aboriginal uses and values of waterways or traditional ecological knowledge in managing these natural assets.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Water Anthony Carbines
“We are working to improve waterways in regional areas, using citizen science and knowledge to improve social, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes for the whole community.”
“We’re partnering with Traditional Owners and locals to boost the health of our rivers and wetlands so more Victorians can continue to love and use our waterways – for generations to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The wellbeing and prosperity of our community depends on healthy waterways and catchments. Yet so many of our most loved rivers, estuaries and wetlands have been degraded over time – we’re changing that.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020