The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) recently hosted workshops in Kerang and Cohuna with a focus on pest plant and animal management issues in the area.

Melanie Watts and Trent Gibson, from the North Central CMA coordinated the workshops, held as part of the Kerang Ramsar Wetlands Enhancement project and the Gunbower Ramsar Enhancement project, and were pleased with the community involvement.

“We had a fantastic attendance with approximately 65 community members attending the workshops.  The North Central CMA is very grateful for the information the community provided.  ‘Hot spots’ for pest plants and animals within the project areas were identified and we were able to capture and record valuable information.  Local knowledge and support is a vital part to ensuring the projects success, “said Trent.

Weeds, rabbits and foxes are being targeted through projects to reduce the threat they pose to the values of the Kerang Ramsar Wetlands and Gunbower Ramsar site.

According to Melanie, on-ground works will target areas of high infestation levels to help reduce their threat to native flora and fauna, and assist with reducing current levels to those that are manageable into the future.

“Information that the community provided at the workshops will be combined with the data already collected through past North Central CMA and partner agency projects, and will assist with determining where on-ground works will be undertaken.”

The North Central CMA will also use the information gathered on the location of turtle and bird breeding areas so works can be completed within the project areas to provide protection of these species.

Both projects are being implemented in partnership with Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industries and Goulburn-Murray Water with funding from the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country and the State Government.

For further information contact the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or visit the website at 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