The effects of salinity continue to be a major environmental issue in Australia with far-reaching impacts. Salinity has a number of damaging effects including: loss of farming land productivity, increased stream salinities, increased erosion rates, infrastructure damage and loss of biodiversity.

Salinity problems occur throughout northern and western Victoria and are increasing in severity. Significant areas have already been affected by the problem, with the most concentrated problems occurring in the Murray-Goulburn Irrigation District, where a shallow watertable threatens about 385,000 hectares of productive land.

In meeting the challenges of salinity the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) continues to support important research, policy development and on-ground works, as well as education and community engagement.

Salinity education and community based salinity monitoring are delivered through the North Central Waterwatch Program and the Community Stream Sampling Project. In partnership with Waterwatch Victoria they help deliver the state-wide 'Saltwatch' program.

Saltwatch is an environmental monitoring program that helps communities better understand the salinity problem. Saltwatch began in 1987, and through increased awareness of salinity issues, which includes actively involving the community in salinity 'snapshot' monitoring and salinity education activities, it is now Australia's longest running community water monitoring program.

During 'Saltwatch Snapshot Week', May 4th-10th, North Central Waterwatch will be running a number of school based sessions, where students and other participants from throughout North Central Victoria will test the salinity of water samples collected from local waterways. 

For further information regarding Saltwatch, Waterwatch or the Community Stream Sampling Project contact Melanie Barrot on 0427 887 254 or melanie.barrot@nccma.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact:

Communications Officer
North Central Catchment Management Authority
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

Schools and session times

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