The Victorian Government established the Wimmera CMA in July 1997 as the peak natural resource management body, in the Wimmera, to develop and oversee the implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy in an integrated and sustainable manner. Our prime responsibilities are the health of land and water in the catchment region and promoting sustainable and productive land use practices. This is a
chieved through local programs that identify and address improvements in the region’s natural assets. We have responsibilities under the CaLP Act 1994 with respect to pests, plants and animals, and land management and we also have statutory functions under the Water Act 1989 with respect to waterway, floodplain, and regional drainage management. Our work force of approximately 30 Staff and Community Board work in partnership with the Wimmera community and a range of organisations and stakeholders to protect and enhance the condition of the region’s natural resources. Some of the ways we are achieving this is through:
• environmental monitoring (surface water, groundwater, vegetation, salinity, and animal species)
• environmental water releases to help vegetation, animals, and water quality that underpins recreational and social activities
• advertising and promoting natural resource management funding and grants programs
• incentive programs that encourages and rewards landholders for environmental stewardship
• providing assistance in recovery after environmental events such as floods and fire
• supporting Landcare groups and local Landcare facilitators to plan and implement a wide variety of actions to meet community needs
• providing a variety of flood information for specific properties – flood extent maps, flood heights and insurance inquiries
• providing advice and permits to conduct Works on waterways.
• restoring waterways to help stabilise erosion
• running events and workshops about current environmental issues to build community capacity
• developing strategic documents for natural resource management based on local knowledge and leading science
• promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices
• developing investment proposals based on the input and involvement of stakeholders, partners, and community
