From pioneering native fish recovery to strengthening drought resilience. This year, Wimmera CMA delivered impactful environmental and community outcomes, from our projects of native fish breeding investigation to strengthening drought resilience and cultural partnerships. Our team’s dedication continues to shape a healthier, more sustainable catchment for future generations.
Key Highlights for the Wimmera:
- World‑first River Blackfish recovery – Successfully bred River Blackfish in captivity and released 40 juveniles, launching a three‑year program to prevent extinction and restore native fish populations.
- Drought and climate resilience leadership – Identified priority drought‑resilient green spaces across six municipalities and advanced innovative water planning to protect communities and waterways during dry conditions.
- Practical support for farmers – Delivered trusted carbon, emissions and soil health training to 141 land managers, supporting informed, future‑focused farm decision‑making.
- Statewide leadership in soil science – Led Victoria’s field delivery of the National Soil Monitoring Program, strengthening climate‑smart agriculture and long‑term soil health knowledge.
- Strong partnerships and recovery response – Worked with Traditional Owners, landholders and agencies to deliver bushfire recovery, waterway protection and integrated catchment management outcomes.
Celebrating partnership and progress—VFA, BGLC and Wimmera CMA working together
for the release of River Blackfish, showcasing the economic and cultural benefits
of healthy waterways.
📸 VFA
Why It Matters
These projects are more than numbers—they represent deep partnerships with Traditional Owners, local landholders, schools, and community groups. They reflect a shared commitment to healing Country, protecting biodiversity, and preparing for a changing climate.
Read the Full Report
Explore the stories, stats, and together will Victoria’s other 9 CMAs statewide impacts in the full 2025 Actions and Achievements Report.
Water is the lifeblood of the Wimmera. In a region defined by its dry climate, the Wimmera River and its connected waterways are vital for cultural, environmental, social, and recreational wellbeing.
In 2023–24, Wimmera CMA delivered a series of impactful projects that strengthened these connections and supported community resilience. These achievements are featured in the 2024 Actions and Achievements Report.
Key Highlights for the Wimmera:
- Cultural Water Leadership: In partnership with Barengi Gadjin Land Council, we constructed a 163m pipeline reconnecting the culturally significant Ranch Billabong to the Wimmera River (Barringgi Gadyin). This empowers Traditional Owners to manage water levels and care for Country.
- Native Fish Recovery: River Blackfish were successfully translocated from Mt Zero Channel to the MacKenzie River, and rare species like Olive Perchlet and Southern Purple-spotted Pygmy Perch were introduced to local wetlands. Students from St Brigid’s College joined the effort, learning hands-on conservation.
- Flagship Waterways – Clearwater Revival: 13 erosion control structures were built across 7 high-priority sites in the upper Wimmera catchment. Over 15km of fencing and nearly 9ha of revegetation were delivered in partnership with landholders and Landcare.
- Protecting Malleefowl Habitat: More than 48ha of high-quality habitat was protected, and 134,000ha of fox baiting was undertaken in partnership with Parks Victoria to support this iconic species.
Why It Matters
These projects are more than numbers—they represent deep partnerships with Traditional Owners, local landholders, schools, and community groups. They reflect a shared commitment to healing Country, protecting biodiversity, and preparing for a changing climate.
Read the Full Report
Explore the stories, stats, and statewide impact in the full 2024 Actions and Achievements Report.
💧 For more than 25 years, Victoria’s CMAs have worked with Traditional Owners, partners and community to deliver land, water and biodiversity programs that not only protect and enhance landscapes but support thriving communities.
🐟The past 12 months were challenging and all CMAs have been proud to use our trademark reliability, leadership and innovation to support organisations, communities and individuals to keep moving forward for a better future.
In 2021-22, CMAs:
- Undertook 640,000 hectares of pest plant and animal control
- Created 1,300 publications to share knowledge and inspire
- Established native vegetation across 13,000 hectares
- Worked with landholders to improve environmental outcomes covering over 3,000 hectares of agricultural land
- Installed 176 kilometres of fencing
- Established 227 waterway structures to stabilise banks and improve habitat
- Attracted 30,000 people to events and workshops that focused on environmental education, sustainable agriculture and community action
- Maintained and established 1,000 partnerships with organisations, businesses and landholders
- Provided advice and approvals in response to 6,951 requests for permits, licences, leases and planning referrals.
😀😀 We’ve achieved a lot together and are only just getting started.
💙 The Victorian CMAs’ Action & Achievements Report 2022 is full of facts & stories of the people working for Victoria’s catchments.
