More than 150 local grade 3 and 4 students from Echuca Primary school have learnt more about the environment thanks to an education program titled ‘Campaspe Wonderland’.

Cass Davis from the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Waterwatch program together with officers from Parks Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment visited the school as part of the program. 

Ms Davis explains, “The Waterwatch program runs a fun and educational session called ‘Water Bugs’.  With water samples taken from the nearby Campaspe River students were able to see first hand the different types of bugs that lurk below the water.  The session also hopes to educate students about the health of our waterways and what can be done to enhance and maintain water quality.”

Students also heard from Shane Warne, ranger from Parks Victoria who spoke about local fauna and Teri Williams, threatened species officer from the Department of Sustainability and Environment who took the children for a walk along the Campaspe River to identify flora species.

The North Central CMA Waterwatch program commenced in 1993 and receives funding from the Victorian State government’s Healthy River Program plus the Natural Resource Investment Program and also relies on funding from key partners such as the Shire of Campaspe.  

North Central CMA acting chief executive officer, Emer Campbell said “The Waterwatch program supports over 80 Waterwatch volunteer monitors from the North Central CMA region and educates local primary school students.

“This type of support would not be achievable if the program did not receive funding from the Victoria Government and our partners.  The Shire of Campaspe has been supporting the program over many years and we are grateful for their ongoing contribution.”

Waterwatch volunteer monitors collect samples from their local waterway and record important data on water quality to assist the North Central CMA in prioritising works to protect and improve rivers and the natural environment in North Central Victoria.  To find out more about the Waterwatch program 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