The Campaspe River will be the focus of a new large-scale project aiming to improve the health of 400 hectares of riparian vegetation. The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will implement this four-year project with funding from the Victorian Government’s Securing Priority Waterways program.   

Ms Emer Campbell, North Central CMA Executive Manager, said the Caring for the Campaspe River project is a first for the river and will focus on its entire length from the headwaters near Ashbourne to the Murray River at Echuca.   

“The river contains several threatened vegetation communities and aquatic life. It provides habitat for many terrestrial species, such as the threatened Swift Parrot and Squirrel Gilder. It is important to improve the condition of riparian vegetation so that this leads to improvements in the aquatic and riparian ecosystem health.”   

Ms Campbell said the first stage is to raise awareness of the project and gain community support. “We are currently seeking membership from the community, Registered Aboriginal Parties and a range of agency stakeholders to form a Project Reference Group.  This group will play an important role in guiding the on-ground works priorities and community engagement activities of the project.”   

The Campaspe River provides fantastic recreational opportunities for the community and supports horticultural and agricultural activities throughout its catchment. Ms Campbell added “The Campaspe River also provides water to a number of townships (domestic and stock) and is a major carrier of irrigation and environmental water from Lake Eppalock.”   

On-ground works are expected to commence in July 2013 following further engagement of Campaspe River landholders and community groups.   

Further information can be found at http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Water/Rivers/Campaspe_River/index.aspx or by contacting the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124. 

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