The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) recently welcomed five senior Chinese delegates from the Jiangsu Water Resources Corporation for International Economical and Technical Cooperation. The delegates are responsible for water supply, water quality and flood management for the entire Jiangsu Province.

Jiangsu is a Sister State to Victoria with an agreement signed in 1979, making it one of the first Sister State relationships between Chinese and Australian States.

Mr Damian Wells, North Central CMA CEO said there have been many sporting and cultural exchanges between Bendigo and Jiangsu in the past as well as visits by study groups and he was pleased to host the five delegates to talk about water and the environment.

“The delegation was very interested to learn about the North Central CMA’s role in river health and topical issues such as flood mapping, water trade and water storage.  As none of the delegates spoke English we were fortunate that local Bendigo secondary teacher Mr Tan See Tuang was able to translate.”

Mr Wells confirmed that the visit was an opportunity to exchange knowledge and for the North Central CMA to learn about water supply and flood management in Jiangsu Province.

“Jiangsu Province is located in the centre of China’s eastern coastline with a population of 75.5 million and covers an area of 102,600 square kilometres.   By comparison it is four times larger than the North Central CMA region and our population is just over 200,000!”

Jiangsu Province is low-lying with many rivers and canals, which has helped make it very fertile and prosperous. For many centuries, Jiangsu has held an important place in China’s culture and economy.

Two further Chinese delegations will visit the North Central CMA this year.

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