A six-year strategy for the region's land, water and environment has been given approval from the Victorian government following a review process that started in 2020.
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The Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-27, created by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, was approved by Victoria's water minister Lisa Neville at the start of the year.
This comes as all 10 catchment management authorities across the state lead a review of their regional catchment strategies, with Wimmera's the first to be approved.
The strategy outlined what the major threats and drivers of change were in the Wimmera for environmental water, land and biodiversity, as well as provided 6-year and 20-year goals for the CMA to work towards.
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For environmental water, some of the goals include maintaining the Wimmera River's heritage values, reducing stock access to rivers and streams, and increasing the proportion of native fish in the Wimmera's waterways.
There was also a focus on stabilising groundwater levels and the decommissioning of unused groundwater bores.
Biodiversity was another key focus of the strategy, with an aim to increase the extent of native habitat on private land in the region, and conserve species via the translocation of locally extinct and vulnerable species.
Throughout the strategy, there was also an emphasis on an ongoing collaboration with First Nations people.
Wimmera CMA Chair Peter Hilbig said the regional catchment strategy was the cornerstone of an integrated approach to regional planning and action.
"As land, water and biodiversity are all part of connected systems, to successfully achieve environmental, social, economic and cultural outcomes we need locally relevant actions that are strongly supported," Mr Hilbig said.
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"Pleasingly we had great input from regional stakeholders and the community and the strategy brings together the vision and priorities of First Nations People, Local Government, Landcare, farming groups and the broader community."
Mr Hilbig said the strategy identified priority actions in local government areas and aligned with state and federal legislation, policies and programs.
"It's vital for everyone to work together for the ongoing improvement of our catchment, at both a practical and strategic level, and this document is an important guide for integrated regional projects."
The strategy aims to improve rural and regional liveability and community wellbeing, address the challenges of climate change and ensure the Wimmera is at the forefront of innovation.
The strategy is available online at https://wimmera.rcs.vic.gov.au/.
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