From 1 July 2013 landholders along the Campaspe River, from the Wombat State Forest to Echuca, can apply for environmental incentives as part of ‘Caring for the Campaspe’ – a project working to improve the condition of the river’s riparian vegetation.

Mrs Angela Gladman, Project Manager with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), said the incentives would contribute to fencing, weed control, revegetation and off-stream watering and would be available each year until June 2016.   “Participating landholders will enter into a works agreement with the North Central CMA to ensure works are maintained in a satisfactory condition for a minimum of ten years.

“The project is the first large-scale on-ground works project for the Campaspe River.  In addition to environmental water being made available for the river downstream of Lake Eppalock, the on-ground works project forms part of an integrated and holistic approach to improving river health which will benefit local urban communities and visiting recreational users who enjoy fishing, boating and camping. 

“The works will also complement recent flood recovery activity, the great work our Landcare groups do along the river and the ongoing delivery of environmental flows," said Mrs Gladman.

A 12-member project reference group has been established to guide the North Central CMA in the planning of community engagement activities and prioritisation of on-ground works throughout the life of the project.

“Given the broad geographic area through which the river winds, the project reference group has attracted representatives from community groups, Indigenous groups, local governments and Goulburn-Murray Water," she said.  

Mrs Gladman also confirmed that the current level of funding will allow a further 20 per cent of the river to be fenced as a result of the project. Depending on the level of interest received the geographic distribution of works will be based on prioritisation criteria.

Expressions of interest are being sought until 30 June 2013. With assistance from local councils, all landholders along the Campaspe River will receive an expression of interest survey by direct mail. Alternatively, landholders can complete an online survey by visiting www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Water/Rivers/Campaspe_River.

‘Caring for the Campaspe’ is a $3.73M project funded from the Victorian Government’s Securing Priority Waterways program and managed by the North Central CMA. 

For further enquiries, contact Mrs Angela Gladman on (03) 5440 1825 or email angela.gladman@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