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More Investment In Waterway Health Across The State

23 November 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has delivered more than $30 million in projects that boost the health of rivers, creeks and wetlands across the state.

The five-year Regional Riparian Action Plan has seen works performed along rivers and creeks to support river health, provide more recreational opportunities, improve habitat for native plants and animals and offer cleaner drinking water supplies.

Works have protected cultural heritage sites, installed new fencing, delivered revegetation programs, improved weed management and built new watering systems.

The Year 2 Achievements Report provides a snapshot of riparian works delivered across Corangamite, Glenelg Hopkins, East Gippsland, Goulburn Broken, Mallee, North Central, North East, West Gippsland and the Wimmera.

Key outcomes achieved over the last two years include:

  • The protection and improvement of more than 1,500 kilometers of riparian land (61 per cent of a five-year target) – almost the same distance between Melbourne and Brisbane
  • The delivery of 26,000 hectares of waterway vegetation works (92 per cent of a five-year target) – the size of almost 15,000 MCGs

Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) have worked with more than 760 landholders, Traditional Owners, landcare groups and the local community including schools and local angling groups to achieve these outcomes.

The investment has supported more than 100 jobs for regional Victorians and had a flow-on economic benefit for local businesses such as fencing contractors and nurseries.

The initiative is part of the Labor Government’s $222 million investment over four years to improve the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria.

The Regional Riparian Action Plan also delivers on the Labor Government’s election commitment to develop a strategy to improve riparian land.

For more information and to view the report, visit water.vic.gov.au.External Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“Our Riparian Action Plan has seen a huge investment in the health of waterways and rivers across regional Victoria.”

“We’re improving the health and vitality of local waterways, because they offer recreational opportunities and are essential to the health and wellbeing of communities.”

“Landholders and community groups have been involved in improving the environment and their local areas – it’s good for business, regional jobs and the economy.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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