The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is undertaking a project to improve the natural values of eight public wetlands near Kerang in northern Victoria.   

The eight ‘Central Murray Wetlands’ will benefit by works on adjoining land to reduce the impacts of threatening pests, such as rabbits, foxes and weeds, as well as recovery through fencing and revegetation.   

The collective of wetlands to be protected and enriched comprises Lake Cullen, Hird Swamp, Johnson’s Swamp, Round Lake, McDonalds Swamp, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Murphy and Richardson’s Lagoon. A majority of these wetlands is internationally (Ramsar listed) and nationally important for migratory birds and rare plant life. The project will help to ensure their high priority wetland status.   

Changes made to supply irrigation water have cut off many of these wetlands from natural flooding. However, since 1987 some of the wetlands have received an allocation of environmental water to maintain their health. The environmental water has benefited waterbird numbers in particular.  The December 2012 monitoring results recorded high numbers of Pink-eared Ducks at Lake Cullen (775 individuals), Lake Elizabeth (658 individuals) and Lake Murphy (189 individuals) in response to environmental water. The water has also provided drought refuge for critically endangered fish populations such as the Murray-Hardyhead at Round Lake.   

The new project will complement recent water management by focusing on how land is managed within and adjacent to the wetlands. Over the next four years the project will work with the community and other government agencies to undertake the following: 

• complete wetland condition assessments
• reduce rabbit and fox populations
• protect threatened flora and fauna  species
• protect Cultural Heritage sites
• provide fencing and revegetation
• reduce soil erosion
• raise awareness and offer support
• map and monitor works.

Pest animals and weeds don’t recognise private and public land boundaries. The North Central CMA will be working with a broad range of partners, including Indigenous and community groups, Parks Victoria, Goulburn-Murray Water and surrounding landholders. A well planned and integrated approach to combating rabbits, foxes and weed issues will ensure the job gets done and protects everyone’s interest.   

Wetlands that receive environmental water need a helping hand with on-ground complementary land management works. This project will be a great showcase of what environmental outcomes can be achieved when investment is secured, neighbours talk, and water and land management are coordinated. The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s On Ground Works Program. 

For more information visit  www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au