Are you interested in your local environment? Would you like to have a say in identifying key environmental features in your area? The North Central Catchment Management Authority is seeking your views on the region’s most valued environmental assets to help prioritise future environmental funding and works and there is still time to be involved.

Chief Executive Officer Damien Wells said the North Central CMA is working with the local community and other stakeholders to renew the six-year Regional Catchment Strategy. A series of nine community meetings is held to involve the community in this process.

“We’re seeking to find out what people value in their local environment, and why these places and things are important,” said Mr Wells.  “Community meetings have been held in Kerang, Raywood, St Arnaud and Echuca.  These meetings have been well attended and have provided us with a community perspective about environmental priorities in these areas.”

There are three remaining community meetings to be held over the coming weeks and the North Central CMA is encouraging all interested people to attend and have their say on identifying the environmental features in their region.

“These community meetings are part of a new process and we will start with a blank sheet,” said Mr Wells. “The environmental features identified through the meetings will become part of a regional list used by North Central CMA and others to build projects and seek funding. There are limited dollars available to protect and improve our environment, so we need to think about how we can get the best results with the funding available.

“Based on our priority environmental assets, projects in some areas will be funded in the near future; others may not receive immediate funding. However, by including them on a list that has community ownership, we can leverage various funding opportunities over the coming years,” concluded Mr Wells.

The following community meeting is scheduled:

Bendigo – 11 November, 6pm–8.30pm, Golden Square Senior Citizens Hall

A light dinner will be provided at each meeting. To attend, RSVP to the North Central CMA for the meeting you are planning to attend, email: info@nccma.vic.gov.au or telephone: 5448 7124.

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