About us
Catchment management is balancing the use and conservation of natural resources on a whole of catchment basis.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (Wimmera CMA) aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment through integrated catchment management.
Our vision is for ‘a healthy Wimmera catchment where a resilient landscape supports a sustainable and profitable community‘
Responsibilities
The prime responsibilities of Wimmera CMA are the health of land and water in the catchment region and promoting sustainable and productive land use practices. This is achieved through local programs that identify and address improvements in the region’s natural assets.
Statutory functions
Wimmera CMA is directly accountable under the Water Act 1989 for licensing works on waterways and planning referrals on floodplains. The Authority also provides advice and information on other river health related issues including comment on farm dam applications, and input to wider environmental strategies.
Wimmera region’s natural resources
Wimmera’s natural resources are the building blocks of healthy and resilient environments and the focus of integrated catchment management.
Working together
Wimmera CMA works in partnership with the community, stakeholders, government and partners to deliver advice & services to improve and enhance the condition of the region’s environment.
Catchment management is achieved through these combined efforts. Some of the ways this is achieved 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 enquires
- 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
