More than fifty high profile leaders from North Central Victoria met in Bendigo recently to discuss the ‘big picture’ challenges facing the region and to strengthen relationships between local and state government, water corporations and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

The forum, hosted by the North Central CMA was in response to the recently released state government, Land and Biodiversity White Paper, ‘Securing Our Natural Future’.

According to Emer Campbell, acting North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, the forum was an opportunity to share information and provided a platform to provoke discussion between regional policy makers and planners.

Participants including local government Mayors and chief executive officers, councillors, senior representatives from the North Central CMA, water corporations and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, discussed topical issues such as climate change, water usage, energy consumption and population growth.

“The North Central CMA secured well known and respected key note speakers to present at the forum.  Andrew Campbell of Triple Helix consulting, Trevor Budge, Senior Lecturer, La Trobe University and Kevin Love, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, were amongst the high calibre speakers.

“The presentations led to valuable discussions and shared perspectives amongst local experts and peak bodies regarding future challenges, including proposals, on what needs to be done to secure the future of our region,” concluded Ms Campbell.

The North Central CMA is an environmental agency which leads and coordinates natural resource management for the benefit of the region’s rivers and the communities that depend on them.  Visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au for further information.

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