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Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

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Colac, VIC
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

For links visit: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/links/

Working with community, Traditional Owners and other partners to improve the health and sustainable productivity of catchments and waterways in the Corangamite region. Corangamite CMA is committed to healthy catchments and the protection of natural resources from Geelong to Ballarat and along the coast to Peterborough.

04/09/2026

💧 Have your say on the future of our catchment's waterways

Public consultation is now open on the draft 2026-2036 Corangamite Regional Waterway Strategy.

This strategy will help guide how we protect and improve the health of our rivers, wetlands, estuaries and creeks over the next decade. Now we want to hear from you!

Whether you live, work, farm, visit or simply care about our waterways, your feedback will help ensure the strategy reflects what our community values most.

✅ Read the draft strategy
✅ Complete the survey
✅ Upload a submission

To view the draft strategy and provide feedback, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/corangamite-regional-waterway-strategy

03/09/2026

🎉 Welcome back, Nick!

We're excited to welcome Nick McCristal back to Corangamite CMA as an Estuaries & Environmental Water (EEW) Project Officer.

Nick will spend the next year supporting strategic initiatives across our EEW program, bringing more than 30 years of experience in natural resource management, project delivery and leadership.

Many in our region will know Nick from his previous roles with Corangamite CMA, where he worked for over 14 years as both Integrated Catchment Management Manager and Biodiversity Manager. Since then, he has continued his work in the environmental sector, most recently with DEECA in the threatened species state-wide policy space.

Nick's extensive experience across waterways, wetlands, estuaries and coastal biodiversity management will be a tremendous asset as we continue delivering positive environmental outcomes across the catchment.

Please join us in welcoming Nick back to the Corangamite CMA team!

📸Nick today and in 1992, showing "the impacts of working in the sector for 30+ years🤪"

02/09/2026

Last week, Corangamite CMA was proud to be part of a genuinely inspiring gathering of brilliant minds and passionate people committed to protecting the future of the Otways.

The annual Otways Ecological Research Forum, presented by the Conservation Ecology Centre, filled the main auditorium at COPACC with Traditional Owners, researchers and land managers sharing knowledge, insights and experiences. Together, they explored how we can better protect the Otways' incredible forests, waterways, cultural values and unique wildlife.

We were delighted to have two of our team present on how citizen science through is helping improve flood modelling and support safer coastal communities. The vital contribution of volunteers and community groups, from Painkalac to Peterborough, in protecting and enhancing our environment was also a strong theme throughout the forum.

Beyond the presentations, one of the greatest strengths of the event was the opportunity for researchers and on-ground practitioners to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen the links between science, knowledge and action.

A huge thank you to the Conservation Ecology Centre for continuing to bring this important forum together. We're already looking forward to next year's event.

EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch Victoria

01/09/2026

🌿 A different perspective on the Moorabool River

One of the privileges of working in catchment management is experiencing those occasional "pinch me" moments.

Recently, members of the Our Life-Giving Moorabool project team were invited to explore a stunning stretch of the Moorabool River near She Oaks, a section that few people have the opportunity to see thanks to the generosity of local landholders.

The visit formed part of the project's latest yarning circle, bringing together representatives from Corangamite CMA, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Barwon Water, Central Highlands Water, Southern Rural Water, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Landcare Network and People for a Living Moorabool (PALM).

These opportunities to walk the river together, share perspectives and learn from one another are at the heart of the Our Life-Giving Moorabool partnership.

Our Life-Giving Moorabool is about working together to protect and improve the Moorabool River through a whole-of-catchment approach that builds on the work already underway through the Living Moorabool Flagship project.

💙 Because caring for the Moorabool River is something we can achieve together.

31/08/2026

💧 30+ years of caring for our waterways 💧

Our amazing volunteers are the eyes and ears on local rivers, streams and wetlands, collecting valuable water quality data that helps protect and improve waterway health across the Corangamite region.

Some of our dedicated volunteers have been monitoring the same sites since the program began more than 30 years ago. 👏

To our 70+ WaterWatch Citizen Scientists – thank you for your passion, commitment and contribution to healthier waterways for our communities and environment.

Interested in joining our citizen science community? Find out more: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/get-involved/citizen-science/

EstuaryWatch and WaterWatch Victoria

28/08/2026

🚧 Breaking the bottleneck

Improving connectivity is an important step towards healthier waterways and thriving native fish populations.

In the latest edition of the Barwon Flagship e-newsletter, read about a project helping address barriers within the river system and supporting the movement of fish and other aquatic species.

Find out how collaboration and on-ground action are helping improve the health of the Barwon River system.

👉 Read the latest edition here: https://mailchi.mp/ccma/the-latest-edition-of-the-barwon-flagship-e-newsletter-is-here?

Barwon Water

27/08/2026

H5N1 avian influenza has now been detected across the Corangamite region from Peterborough to the Bellarine.

We acknowledge that many people will be feeling deep sadness about the arrival of H5N1 Bird Flu to Victoria and the impending loss of our wildlife.

If you come across a sick or dead bird, please don’t touch it or move it. The best thing you can do is avoid, record and report.

➡️ AVOID: Keep away from sick or dead birds, wildlife and their environment.

➡️ RECORD: Take note of what you see and where. If it’s safe, take a photo or video.

➡️ REPORT: 5 or more sick or dead wild birds together, or any single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal.

🔗 Report to Agriculture Victoria: agriculture.gov.au/birdflu
📞 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888

Keeping pets safe:

Keep dogs on lead and away from wild birds, whether alive or dead. Avoid areas where large numbers of wild birds gather. If your dog becomes unwell after contact with wild birds, contact your vet.

For the latest information and reporting guidance, visit the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website: agriculture.gov.au/birdflu

26/08/2026

🌱 Small Blocks Big Dreams – Ballarat Bush Blocks Workshop #2

What does it take to turn a grazed paddock into a thriving haven for wildlife?

Earlier this month, our Small Blocks Big Dreams Ballarat cohort toured an 8-hectare property in Mt Edgerton to learn about biodiversity and native vegetation, and the role they play in supporting healthy landscapes.

We explored remnant bushland and revegetated areas on a guided walk, seeing firsthand how native vegetation can create valuable habitat, shelter and wildlife corridors for local species.

We left with practical ideas for supporting biodiversity on our own properties and a deeper understanding of the important role small landholders play in creating connected habitats across the Ballarat region.

A huge thank you to Elspeth and John for welcoming us onto your beautiful property and sharing your inspiring restoration journey. 🦋🐦🌱

The Ballarat region workshops are delivered in partnership with Leigh Catchment Group and funded by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

25/08/2026

The inaugural RARE e-news has landed!

Keep up to date with the Reimagining the Anglesea River and Estuary (RARE) project and the collaborative work underway to support the future health and resilience of this unique coastal environment.

In our first edition, you'll find an introduction to the project, updates on river health, the Anglesea River Flood Study and Alcoa's groundwater licence application, plus a feature exploring why the Anglesea River estuary is sometimes open and sometimes closed.

🔗 Sign up and read the first edition today: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/reimagining-the-anglesea-river-and-estuary/

24/08/2026

🌿 Strengthening environmental stewardship along the Great Ocean Road 🌊

Corangamite CMA and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) have formalised a new five-year partnership to strengthen how we care for the region's coast, catchments, waterways and communities. Together, we'll work on shared priorities including climate resilience, coastal adaptation, estuary management and community connection to the environment.

By combining our expertise, sharing knowledge and working more closely together, we can achieve stronger environmental outcomes and help ensure the Great Ocean Road region remains healthy and resilient for future generations.

Read more: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/news/partnership-strengthens-environmental-stewardship-along-the-great-ocean-road/

📸Libby Mears, Chair GORCAPA & Michael Watson, Chair Corangamite CMA

Address

64 Dennis Street
Colac, VIC
3250

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800002262

Website

http://ccma.vic.gov.au/

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