More than 250 people participated in a range of activities during a week-long celebration of Gunbower Island.  Hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Gannawarra Shire Council, Gunbower Island week was an opportunity to learn more about the unique values of the area.

Damian Wells, CEO, North Central CMA, said the week of events provided many opportunities for the community to learn more about the environmental, social, economic and cultural values of the Island.  

“The week kicked off with a session on the history of Gunbower Forest and finished with a tour of the Hipwell Road Channel construction site.  The community support during the week certainly highlighted the importance of working with the community to build relationships which are vital to the success of our projects in the area.

“Many organisations and community groups work with the North Central CMA to ensure that the vibrant health of this unique landscape and internationally valued wetland continues to flourish for future generations.”

Mrs Dianne Peace, a local community member, congratulated the North Central CMA on the success of the event.  “Those who attended were very impressed and came away with a greater understanding of the projects being delivered to improve the local environment in conjunction with working with local landholders to improve farming outcomes.  Partnerships like this in communities just don’t happen, they are built,” said Mrs Peace.

Mr Wells said one of the highlights was the North Central CMA’s Waterwatch event, the Water Science Forum: A Focus on Fish where attendees heard from a range of expert speakers.  “People gained a fascinating insight into the research that has been conducted on the local fish populations including their current status movement patterns and life cycles. This information has shaped our Native Fish recovery plan for the local area.”

Gunbower Island Week – a  partnership event with Parks Victoria, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc. 

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