Community members with an interest in the Gunbower Forest and Gunbower Creek are invited to apply to become members of the Gunbower Island Community Reference Group (CRG) and turn their knowledge and passion for one of the region’s most significant natural gems into action.

Gunbower Island is internationally recognised for its valuable habitat and includes one of the most significant remaining areas of river red gum forest in Australia.

The forest is home to many endangered plants and animals, and it also contains sites rich in Aboriginal and post-occupation cultural heritage.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) manages projects in Gunbower Forest and Gunbower Creek, including The Living Murray Program and the Gunbower and Lower Loddon Native Fish Recovery Plan (NFRP).

“Both of these projects focus on the health of Gunbower Forest and Creek, which we know are important to the local community,” North Central CMA Project Officer Sophia Piscitelli said.

“The NFRP project for example, has recently screened off the Cohuna No. 3 Irrigation Channel to prevent fish and fish larvae being lost to the irrigation system.

“This means more fish are left in Gunbower Creek and, along with other actions like maintaining flows over winter, the local native fish population is showing signs of improvement.”

“Gunbower Island is a special place for the local community and joining the Gunbower Island CRG is a great way for community members  to contribute to these projects. Being a member of the CRG enables you to learn about the projects first hand, provide feedback and share your knowledge with staff and the wider community.

“We really value local knowledge and input into these types of projects, which is why we’re inviting interested community members to express their interest in joining the Gunbower Island CRG.”

To find out more, click here. Application forms and terms of reference are online.

Applications can be emailed to Ms Piscitelli at sophia.piscitelli@nccma.vic.gov.au.

Expressions of interest close noon Friday 8 February 2019. The North Central CMA will offer a field trip for successful candidates prior to the first meeting of the CRG to be held on Friday 22nd February 2019.