A long-term project to protect one of the region’s most important waterway systems has marked five years of action with some impressive results.

A Healthy Coliban Catchment (AHCC) is a joint project between Coliban Water, Djaara, and North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

Beginning in 2018, its aim is to protect water quality, fauna and flora, and the cultural history of the Coliban River and its tributaries upstream of Malmsbury Reservoir.

AHCC works to revegetate and fence stream banks, remove weeds, and build off-stream watering systems for landholders, along waterways throughout the Coliban River catchment.

Over the past five years, the project has managed or funded:
•    37 kilometres of fencing
•    296 hectares of weed control
•    76 hectares of revegetation
•    78 off-stream watering systems

Project Manager Tess Grieves from the North Central CMA said the program was returning impressive results.

“We’re really excited with what has been achieved by working together with, and alongside, councils, landholders, and community groups, especially given the challenges of COVID-19,” she said.

“These waterways are important ecologically, culturally, and economically. They provide an essential raw water supply that is turned into drinking water for more than 130,000 people from Kyneton to Bendigo, and are home to a range of key species and culturally significant areas.

“So doing what we can to protect, restore, and enhance them is important.”

Coliban Water Manager Land, Water and Environment Phillip Fasham said the benefits from the project continue to enhance our environment and ensure long-term sustainability of the Upper Coliban catchment. 

“This really has been a joint effort for the region and it demonstrates the commitment of the local community and partners,” he said. 

“AHCC is a 20-year plan with a strong vision and we’re excited to see what else we can achieve in coming years.” 

The program is also supporting Dja Dja Wurrung people to reconnect with the landscape and waterways which hold significant cultural value. 

The AHCC project plan has been developed for implementation over 20 years, with an estimated cost of $10.81 million over the first 15 years.

The AHCC is funded by the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities program, Coliban Water, and the North Central CMA.