North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is putting the call out to landholders along the Box and Pyramid creeks from the Box Creek regulator to the Lower Loddon Rd in Kerang and landholders along the Loddon River from downstream of Boort Yando Rd interested in applying for fencing, revegetation and weed-control grants.  

Under the Native Fish Recovery Plan, the North Central CMA is offering incentives aimed at improving fish populations and habitat in the two creeks and river and is particularly interested in the areas where snags have been reinstated.   

Project Manager Carl Gray said fencing off waterways is good news for everyone.   

“The main goal of this project is to improve the local fish population,” he said.   “These works will benefit our endangered fish such as the silver perch and the iconic Murray cod.   

“The aim of this project this financial year is to build 15 kilometres of fencing, control woody weeds (primarily box thorn) and build off-stream watering points for livestock to keep them out of the waterways,” he said.   

“The riparian, or creek-side, zone  can be significantly impacted by stock, with large areas of bare soil and heavily grazed vegetation occurring. Lack of vegetation on the banks can lead to erosion and poor water quality.   

“Riparian vegetation is particularly important for native fish species, with leaf litter and insects that fall into the water providing important food sources for macroinvertebrates and little fish, which in turn provide food for the bigger fish.  

“Once the livestock access is restricted, we can begin to revegetate, but at the moment we want to focus on fencing and building alternative watering points for the livestock."  

Victoria’s peak recreational fishing body — VR Fish — has supported the program.   

VR Fish Board Chair Rob Loats said the program is beneficial for the creek, the fish and anglers.  

“These incentives follow on from work that has been done to put snags in Pyramid Creek,” he said.   

“Riparian and aquatic vegetation is a food source for fish, and revegetation goes a long way to improving stream quality and increasing fish numbers.   

“It benefits landholders, the environment and the local economy.”   

The project is funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and is part of the North Central CMA’s component of the Victorian Government's Regional Riparian Action Plan.   

To apply for the incentives, contact the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or email info@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