THE North Central Catchment Management Authority is leading the update of two plans in the coming years to help manage the long-term future of Gunbower Creek and guide the delivery of water for the environment at Gunbower Forest.
And it wants your help.
North Central CMA acting chief executive Tim Shanahan said the Gunbower Creek Waterway Action Plan and the Gunbower Forest Environmental Water Management Plan aim to protect the ecological, economic, and cultural values of the creek and the forest.
“We know locals and visitors love Gunbower Creek and the world-renowned floodplain forest, and we also know they want to have a say about how they are managed,” he said.
“So, before we start updating the plans, we want to hear from them. We want to know their visions for Gunbower Forest and Gunbower Creek, and how we can contribute to it.
“Now’s the time to pitch in and protect the creek and the forest, to ensure our valued plants and animals are around for a long time to come.
Mr Shanahan said the current Gunbower Forest EWMP was more than 10 years old.
“It has guided the delivery of water for the environment to Gunbower Forest through the Living Murray project for a decade, and it’s time for renewal,” he said.
“An updated Gunbower EWMP will ensure what has been learnt is reflected upon and included, along with the latest science and Traditional Owner knowledge.
“An updated EWMP is not a decision on whether or not to water the forest, but a guideline on how and when to do it, to get the best results for the future.”
Mr Shanahan said Gunbower Creek was facing a range of issues that impact both water delivery and the creek’s health.
“The Gunbower Creek Waterway Action Plan will create a common goal for management of the creek, to ensure all users are catered for and the creek’s health is a priority,” he said
“Issues such as sedimentation, erosion, capacity, tree-fall, and in-stream weeds and vegetation have been concerns for a long time.
“This plan will look at ways to balance the creek’s function and operational flexibility for irrigators and the community, with the need to keep it healthy so it can support the plants and animals that rely on it to survive.”
Key government bodies will meet with community groups, forest and creek users, and other stakeholders over the next six months to make sure they have their say.
“Locals tell us they want to be involved in the protection of Gunbower Island,” Ms Shanahan said.
“These projects will play a big part in that protection over the next decade, so now is the time for locals to pitch in, have their say, and protect.”
Locals can find out more at www.nccma.vic.gov.au/pitchinandprotect and have their say via a short survey.
