The corridor along the Barwon River will receive new vegetation thanks to funding from the state government.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) received $1.77 million from the 2023-24 $10 million Green Links Grant Program for its Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan.
Corangamite CMA senior strategy project officer Andrew Harrison said native plants would be replanted and the soil rebuilt around the Moorabool River, Barwon River and Waurn Ponds Creek.
“This corridor and these rivers are important to the local community and Aboriginal Traditional Owners,” he said.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding, as it signifies a significant stride towards enhancing our environment. “
The Golden Plains Shire received $28,950 to remove close to 1200 square metres of introduced Dutch Elms and Box Privet within an area of the Moorabool River Reserve in Batesford.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative also received funding under the grant for its Native Grasses Revival in Little River.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing said the funding was “particularly important” as the population grew.
“We are enhancing our urban rivers and creeks to protect native wildlife and make them places of pride for people to enjoy year-round,” she said.
“This funding is all about improving amenity and access and encouraging people to be more active and connected to our beautiful environmental landscapes.”
The program will bring together community groups, Traditional Owners and councils to maintain the management of waterways and the surrounding land.
The state’s waterways feature more than 1800 native plant species and 600 species of native animals and hold significant social, cultural, environmental and economic values.
More information about the Green Links Grants Program and future funding opportunities are available at water.vic.gov.au/grants/green-links-grants
