The Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy is aligned to the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program. The development of the strategy lines up with the aspirations of the program and the catchment is currently delivering 5 projects under the program. Click the tabs below for further details:
Regional Land Partnerships projects
The strategy is strongly aligned to the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program. The Goulburn Broken CMA is currently implementing 5 key projects across the catchment, which support the implementation of the strategy. An outline of the projects is provided below.
Barmah Country: working with Traditional Owners to strengthen resilience of the Barmah Forest Ramsar site
The ecological character of Barmah Forest Ramsar site is threatened by incursions of high priority pest plants and animals. This project focuses on addressing pest plant and animal issues.
The project is designed to complement actions undertaken by Parks Victoria to address large herbivore grazing (including feral horses) in line with the final Strategic Action Plan – Protection of floodplain marshes in Barmah National Park and Barmah Forest Ramsar site 2019-2022. Work will be undertaken in partnership with Parks Victoria, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, contractors and landcare groups. Outcomes to be delivered over the 4 years include a 40% reduction in fox, feral pig and priority weed populations.
This project contributes the Australian Governments Land Term 5 year outcome: By 2023, there is restoration of, and reduction in threats to, the ecological character of Ramsar sites, through the implementation of priority actions
Mending Mountains for the Pygmy-Possum: enhancing habitat for the endangered mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus)
The Mending Mountains for the Pygmy-Possum project will work with Mount Buller Resort Management, Taungurung Land and Waters Council and ecologists to tackle threats from predation by cats, weed invasion, decline in resource availability, habitat fragmentation and loss of genetic diversity to the small population of endangered mountain pygmy-possums at Mount Buller.
This project will address key aspirations of Taungurung people to take a lead role in threatened species management by engaging the Taungurung Land and Waters Council where possible throughout the project, in cat control, targeted revegetation, weed mapping, weed control and monitoring. Data collected during project delivery will be used to adapt and inform future management decisions. Actions delivered under this project have been designed to align with key actions in the Mountain Pygmy-possum National Recovery Plan 2016, to result in the stabilisation or improvement in the trajectory of this Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 endangered species.
This project contributes the Australian Governments Land Term 5 year outcome: By 2023, the trajectory of species targeted under the Threatened Species Strategy, and other EPBC Act priority species, is stabilised or improved.
Linking landscapes and communities
This project will deliver actions to improve the condition of 1,449 hectares of the threatened Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands by addressing key threats outlined in conservation advice. They are: reducing fragmentation through revegetation and improving remnant condition, allowing for natural regeneration through fencing and grazing control, and reducing invasive pests and weeds.
This project will increase community awareness of the values and management of this threatened community and associated species to reduce threats of incremental clearing, firewood collection and declining health of paddock trees. Community networks and Traditional Owners are key delivery agents, which also builds their capacity to engage with local communities to participate in conservation land management. Monitoring will result in a better understanding of condition change and measure knowledge and practice change by landholders.
This project contributes the Australian Governments Land Term 5 year outcome: By 2023, the implementation of priority actions is leading to an improvement in the condition of EPBC Act listed Threatened Ecological Communities.
From the Ground Up: Integrating agricultural and environmental practices to improve farm production and biodiversity
The From the Ground Up project will work with farmers, industry and community groups to improve soil health, native vegetation and biodiversity on farm to boost the region’s agricultural productivity and profitability and the natural resource base on which it depends in a changing climate.
The project will deliver practical soil and farm management information. This will be done through activities ranging from demonstration sites showcasing new and innovative farm practices for large-scale primary producers, to handy tips and advice on regenerative agriculture practices, farm planning, water planning, biodiversity, soil improvement and animal and pest management for new landholders. Topics are driven by regional agricultural, Landcare communities and industries providing opportunities to address local issues and priorities that also contribute to broader regional and national environmental, economic and social outcomes.
This project contributes the Australian Governments Land Term 5 year outcome: By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation.
Buxton Silver Gum Revival
The Buxton Gum Revival project will increase the knowledge of current extent of Eucalyptus crenulata in the Acheron Valley by undertaking surveys to locate remnant trees in the riparian zones of the Acheron River. This increased understanding will support an improved genetic diversity of plants in the seed production area near Marysville.
Surveys will also aim to identify riparian or floodplain areas with suitable environmental and management conditions for targeted reestablishment of Eucalyptus crenulata populations through revegetation for the long term resilience of this endangered species. Engagement will occur with landholders through the survey and revegetation works to raise the profile of the species and encourage protection of remnant and new sub-populations. Delivery of these actions will be in consultation with Euroa Arboretum and Taungurung Land and Waters Council.
This project contributes the Australian Governments Land Term 5 year outcome: By 2023, the trajectory of species targeted under the Threatened Species Strategy, and other EPBC Act priority species, is stabilised or improved.
Strategic alignment with Regional Land Partnerships
The following information outlines how the development of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy aligns with the aspirations of the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program. The Regional Land Partnerships program provides significant investment in NRM projects in the catchment, refer to Regional Land Partnership projects above.
Investment and outcomes
The Regional Land Partnerships 5 year outcomes for the Goulburn Broken Catchment, and links to the how they have been addressed in the strategy, are outlined below.
“By 2023, there is restoration of, and reduction in threats to, the ecological character of Ramsar sites, through the implementation of priority actions”
Regional outcomes, priority directions and actions aimed at addressing this outcome can be found in the Biodiversity and Water sections of the strategy.
“By 2023, the trajectory of species targeted under the Threatened Species Strategy, and other EPBC Act species, is stabilised or improved.
Regional outcomes, priority directions and actions aimed at addressing this outcome can be found in the Biodiversity sections of the strategy.
“By 2023, the implementation of priority actions is leading to improvement in the condition of EPBC Act listed Threatened Ecological Communities”
Regional outcomes, priority directions and actions aimed at addressing this outcome can be found in the Biodiversity sections of the strategy.
“By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation.”
Regional outcomes, priority directions and actions aimed at addressing this outcome can be found in the Community and Land sections of the strategy.
By 2023, there is an increase in the capacity of agricultural systems to adapt to significant changes in climate and market demands for information on provenance and sustainable production.”
Regional outcomes, priority directions and actions aimed at addressing this outcome can be found in the Community and Land sections of the strategy.
Stakeholder aspirations
During the strategy renewal process and through extensive engagement with the Goulburn Broken community visions for the natural resource themes of biodiversity, community, land and water, as well as each of the 6 local areas, were described. The visions capture what the diverse catchment community would like the future to look like in 2040. The tables below show the alignment between these visions and the outcomes of Regional Land Partnerships.
Catchment vision
Resilient landscapes, thriving communities.
Local area visions
Table 135: The visions for the 6 local areas of the Goulburn Broken Catchment and alignment with Regional Land Partnership (RLP) outcomes.
| Local area | Vision | RLP outcomes that align to community aspirations |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Floodplains | The Agricultural Floodplains community leads Australia in producing food in harmony with the environment. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 5: By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. The desire to produce food in harmony with the environment can be achieved by an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. This vision also has some alignment with the RLP outcomes relating to Ramsar wetlands, threatened species, ecological communities and agriculture systems adapting to change in climate and market demands. |
| Commuting Hills | A safe, sustainable future and a great quality of life, while protecting and enhancing the wonderful natural environment. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 5: By 2023, there is an increase in the awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. The desire for a safe, sustainable future while protecting and enhancing the wonderful natural environment can be achieved by an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. This vision also aligns with the RLP outcomes relating to threatened species, ecological communities and agriculture systems adapting to change in climate and market demands. |
| Productive Plains | In a changing climate, the Productive Plains actively balance land productivity, access to quality water and native vegetation quantity and condition through strong and supportive community networks. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 6: By 2023, there is an increase in the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate and market demands for information on provenance and sustainable production. The desire to actively balance land productivity, access to quality water and native vegetation quantity and condition in a changing climate can in part be achieved by increasing the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate. The vision also aligns to the RLP outcomes relating to threatened species and communities, and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. |
| Southern Forests | With the community, balance the ecological, economic, cultural and recreational needs to preserve the health of the natural resources. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 2, 4 and 5. The desire to preserve the health of the natural resources of the Southern Forests can in part be achieved by undertaking priority actions to improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations. The vision’s desire to balance ecological, economic, cultural and recreational needs also aligns to Outcome 5 and can be achieved by an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. |
| Upland Slopes | A climate resilient socio-ecological system, supported by a strong sense of place and pride in our engaged, knowledgeable and adaptive community. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 6: By 2023, there is an increase in the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate and market demands for information on provenance and sustainable production. The desire for a climate resilient socio-ecological system can in part be achieved by increasing the capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to significant changes in climate. The vision also has some alignment to the RLP outcomes relating to threatened species and communities, and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. |
| Urban Centres | Urban Centres offer employment, facilities and services for residents while valuing the natural environment. | This vision aligns to RLP Outcome 2, 4 and 5. The desire to value the natural environment of Urban Centres can in part be achieved by undertaking priority actions to improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations. The vision’s also has some alignment to Outcome 5 and can be achieved by an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices on properties bordering urban areas that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. |
Theme visions
Table 136: The visions for the 4 themes of the Goulburn Broken Catchment and alignment with Regional Land Partnership outcomes
| Theme | Vision | RLP outcomes that align to community aspirations |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | Biodiversity is valued, resilient and flourishing. | This vision closely aligns to RLP Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5. The desire for biodiversity to be valued, resilient and flourishing can be achieved by: undertaking priority actions to restore the ecological character of Ramsar sites; improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations; and an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation. |
| Community | A motivated and connected community leading positive change for the catchment’s people, land, water and biodiversity. | This vision has some alignment to RLP outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Positive change for the catchment’s people, land, water and biodiversity can be achieved by: undertaking priority actions to restore the ecological character of Ramsar sites; improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations; an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation; and increased capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to changes in climate and market demands. |
| Land | A diverse and productive landscape with healthy, functioning soils. | This vision closely aligns to RLP outcomes 5 and 6. The desire for a diverse and productive landscape with healthy, functioning soils can be achieved by an increase in awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation; and increased capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to changes in climate and market demands. |
| Water | Water resources are sustainably managed to deliver the agreed cultural, environmental, economic and social values today and for future generations. | This vision aligns to RLP outcomes 1, 2 and 3. The desire for water resources to be sustainably managed for agreed environmental values can in part be achieved by undertaking priority actions to restore the ecological character of Ramsar sites; and priority actions to improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations. |
Strategic directions
This section documents how the renewal of the strategy identified and prioritised NRM actions based on knowledge of:
- location and condition of natural resources, including the RLP investment priorities
- describes/outlines threats to, or impacts on, natural resources
- prioritisation methods for determining the most cost-effective management actions, including decision support and spatial mapping tools
- methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of management actions.
Method
The actions have been prioritised using a resilience framework. A resilience approach was used to guide the strategy renewal and prioritise actions. It continues the catchment’s proud history of resilience thinking and uses the global Wayfinder resilience guide. The approach involved:
- Increasing buy-in and collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders
- The developed of the Regional Catchment Strategy involved a 3 phase community engagement process, early engagement about community values, then engagement about the systems and sustainability dilemma’s and finally extensive engagement on the Draft RCS and associated back ground papers
- The strategy is community driven and place based. It reflects community input through extensive engagement and development of aspirations. The Goulburn Broken CMA and key partners recognise that the success of this strategy will be determined by community participation. The Goulburn Broken CMA has worked to build the capacity of the community to engage in stragegy planning and implementation. See A resilience approach and partners for more information.
- In the application of a resilience approach, an important aspect is an understanding the community and planning based on that community. The Goulburn Broken CMA undertook a social economic analysis to better understand the community and assist developing the Local Area plans. These plans provide a scale of planning and engagement that aligns with the community.
- The strategy also offers the whole community an opportunity to engage in its implementation through a pledge process. This innovation will allow anyone in the community to be involved in implementation, from individual landholders, private businesses through to government departments.
- Understanding system components and connections, including community values and sustainability challenges
- a Regional Insights paper was developed to engage the broader community on systems, community values, and sustainability challenges.
- the conditions of the natural resource Themes and at a Local Area scale
- key functional elements of the natural resource Themes
- critical attributes identified for the Local Areas
- key drivers of change and the impacts on the natural resource Themes and the Local Areas
- Identifying system tipping points and possible future trajectories
- data driven tipping points for the natural resource Themes and community identified tipping points for the Local Areas were identified
- Developing and prioritising actions for change.
- The GB CMA followed a process for prioritising actions outlined in the “Wayfinder – A resilience Guide”
- 1. Preparing the ground for innovative solutions – the GB CMA undertook workshops with staff contributing to the RCS, partners organisation and the broader community focused on innovative thinking, these were facilitated by resilience expert Paul Ryan.
- 2. Developing specific Actions to address dilemmas and options space.
- The GB CMA held over 40 sessions with community and partner organisations during the engagement process focused on the identified sustainability dilemma and actions.
- These partners were asked to identify actions at 3 levels, established actions, pathway actions and transforming actions. All of these discussion were informed by the information outline in the Regional Insights paper, which outlined community values, current condition, drivers of change, trends, potential tipping points and opportunities for change.
- The project team then went through the process of prioritising based on the 3 Horizons model. It is a framework that helps people to think and plan for the longer term rather than being so stuck in the here and now that they miss opportunities, don’t spot risks or make decisions that don’t stand the test of time. The identification of the 3 action areas, established, pathways and transform is a tool that has been used to articulated cost effective and feasible actions (established) at this point of time, whilst not limiting the innovations (pathways and transforming)
- The GB CMA followed a process for prioritising actions outlined in the “Wayfinder – A resilience Guide”
The Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy (strategy) is a vision for the integrated management of natural resources in the catchment. It is a blueprint for improving catchment health and builds on achievements and lessons from the past. The strategy describes the current condition of the natural resources, principles to guide change, priority actions and what success looks like in 2040. Supporting the RCS is a range of strategies, that are often a lower scale. These strategies included the Barmah Forest, the Joint Management Plan for Barmah National Park and threatened species and communities recovery plans, these has been a key input in the RCS.
Methodologies for assessing the effectiveness
All management actions outlined below have been assessed for effectiveness based on the following methodology;
- Do the management actions align with the priority actions outlined in the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment (GB RCS) Strategy? The GB RCS priority actions have undergone an extensive process to be identified in line with the methodology outlined above.
- Are the Management Actions identified in relevant Plans specific to the RLP Priority e.g. Recovery Plans and/or Joint Management Plans? Management actions identified in relevant plans (where possible) were identified as effective through their development processes. Management actions below link to key threats and actions in the majority of recovery plans or Joint Management Plans.
- Are the management actions identified in the relevant Plans specific to the RLP Priority e.g. recovery plans or Joint Management Plans relevant in the Goulburn Broken Catchment? Management Actions identified in the relevant Plans are effective and relevant in the Goulburn Broken Catchment.
- Are the management actions proven to address the threat to the RLP Priority?Have the management actions been proven through previous monitoring, research or experience to address the threat to the RLP Priority. Experimental/ innovative management actions may also be included, these would be supported extensive MERI.
- Do the actions support the applications of the resilience principles? Do the Management Actions integrate a complex, systems view of the world including accommodating different scales and perspectives, factoring in an uncertain future and knowledge and anticipating and adapting to change.
Management actions for investment priority threatened species have been further prioritised as ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low’ priorities using the above method, and by considering their contribution to the RLP 5 year outcomes.
The location and condition of natural resources and threats to, or impacts on, natural resources
The following outlines location and condition of natural resources and threats to, or impacts on, natural resources in relation to the the Regional Land Partnerships investment priorities, and also includes details of priority actions relating to the RLP investment priorities.
The information in the tables below have been developed to align with the Regional Land Partnership agreement and should be considered in the broader context of the RCS. The Regional Land Partnership platform can also enable consideration of boarder Australian Government policies focused on such things as; resilience, climate change, carbon sequestration, stewardship, industry sustainability standards, drought resilience, bushfire recovery, emergency response and implementation of soils strategies.
Ramsar Wetlands – Barmah Forest
| Investment Priorities | Condition | Threats and impacts | Management Actions |
| Barmah Forest | The condition of the following environmental conservation assets are used as indicators for the health of the Forest: River red gum forest and woodland extent – Very good River red gum forest and woodland condition – Good Floodplain marshes – Poor Colonial nesting waterbirds – Good Superb Parrot – Good Australians Bittern – Very good Native fish – Good Turtles – Good | – Changes to the natural water regime including operational constraints in the delivery of environmental flow components, affecting the frequency, timing, duration, depth, variability and extent of flooding. – Grazing, browsing and trampling pressure on wetlands and cultural sites by feral horses, feral pigs, rabbits, feral goats, feral deer, feral sheep, and kangaroos. – Invasive wetland plants, including introduced species (eg Arrowhead) and invasive native species (Giant Rush and River Red Gum seedlings) – Inappropriate fire regimes (consecutive high-intensity bushfires, fuel reduction burns, suppression. – Predation by non-native terrestrial animals (foxes and cats) Eexotic fish, mainly Common Carp – Illegal recreation activities, causing soil erosion, water contamination and damage to vegetation – Allowable recreation activities, causing bank erosion, sedimentation and disturbance. | – The health of Country and the ecological character of the Barmah Forest Ramsar Site in the park are maintained or improved, with increased application of Yorta Yorta knowledge and approaches. (e.g. Maintain and improve Barmah’s ecological character as defined in its Ramsar site listing, prioritising the protection of environmental values at highest risk, currently floodplain marshes.) – The current water regime is maintained or improved. (e.g Implement watering strategies and control introduced predators to protect wetland-dependent birds especially threatened species including Australasian Bittern and Nankeen Night Heron, and to promote colonial nesting events, particularly for ibis, egrets and spoonbills. Monitor breeding success) – Impacts on the park’s floodplain marshes are reduced and marsh plant communities are restored. (e.g. Re-instate Moira Grass thatch in areas of floodplain marsh to at least its 1982 extent) – Threats to the park’s forests and woodlands are controlled and the ecological health and structure of forests and woodlands is improved. (e.g. Control and, where practical eradicate, invasive animal and plant threats to the River Red Gum and Box forests and woodlands of the park, focusing on priority threats identified in the Barmah National Park and Ramsar Site Pest Plant and Animal Strategy: invasive predators (foxes, dogs and cats), invasive herbivores (pigs, deer, goats, rabbits and sheep), invasive plants (particularly plants identified as Priority One threats in the Strategy) – Plant and animal species that are threatened and/or culturally important are protected and where possible their populations increase. (e.g. Protect turtle nesting habitat from disturbance and control foxes in and around nesting locations) – Alterations to the natural ecological processes in the park are reduced, including Walla and fire regimes. (e.g Develop knowledge and skills in cultural burning and incorporate into fire management in the National Park through partnership between Yorta Yorta and fire management agencies.) |
Hill Slope Erosion, Soil Acidification, Soil Carbon, Vegetation and Biodiversity on farm
| Investment Priorities | Condition | Threat and impacts | Priorities |
Hill Slope Erosion Soil Acidification Soil Carbon Vegetation and Biodiversity on farm | Catchment condition for land is rates as satisfactory and has remained stable since 2009. While there was an upward trend in land health during the 1990s and early 2000s as soil erosion, salinity and fertility issues were addressed and agricultural management practices evolved, this trend has plateaued. This is in part due to historical land management practices (such as vegetation clearing and fuel reduction burning), current land management practices not alleviating soil structural issues (such as compaction and low soil carbon), emerging issues (such as subsoil acidity) and the increasing impact of climate change. Land health can be assessed by looking at the following 4 focus areas which are connected and influence each other: species diversity, groundcover, soil organic carbon and soil acidity. The condition of these focus areas is largely based on the diversity of plant species grown, the percentage of ground cover, building soil organic carbon and soil pH levels. This are aligned to the four priority investment areas. Hillslope Erosion Ground cover across the catchment’s slopes varies depending on seasonal conditions and land management practices. It is critical in the prevention of hillslope erosion, as it protects the soil from erosion, as well as providing a number of other land health benefits (e.g., supporting water infiltration, improving soil structure). Management practices that increase ground cover on hillslopes include use of perennial pastures, rotational grazing, and land class fencing. Soil Acidification Soil acidity, or pH, has a strong influence on the chemical environment of the soil. It also impacts soil biological activity and organic carbon. Soils with low pH may lack ground cover and perennial species and have low productivity, influencing soil organic carbon. Many of the catchment’s soils are naturally acidic, with agricultural production further exacerbating this. Soil Carbon Soil organic carbon levels in soils used for agricultural production are acceptable above 2%, and where possible, increasing. This level is appropriate given what can be achieved in conventional cropping and pasture management with the catchment’s soil types and climate. However, it is indicative only as it does not capture land use or the spatial or temporal variability that influences soil organic carbon levels. Land managers who test their soil regularly will have a good understanding of their 0-10 cm soil organic carbon levels and how they relate to management. Vegetation and biodiversity on-farms The diversity of both native and introduced plant species on private land is poor and/or declining, but on public land is good and declining. This negatively impacts soil biology | – Difficulty maintaining ground cover with more frequent droughts and/or bushfires. – Increased risk of soil erosion from storms and rainfall events after bushfires. – Risk of ground cover dropping below the required 70% to prevent water erosion and 50% to prevent wind erosion. – Practice change required to include carbon retention, resulting in soils with higher water holding capacity, on private and public land. – Changing range and distribution of species and land use, for example, incursions of new pests and diseases or changing climatic zones for fruit trees. – Reduced availability of irrigation water supplies and increasing water price, influencing land use. – Risk of ground cover dropping below the required 70% to prevent water erosion and 50% to prevent wind erosion. – A need for practice change so farmers can still manage land for health and function, and capture new income sources for ecosystem services provided on-farm such as carbon offsets. – Potential for inappropriate use of land beyond its capability. | Strategic directions, and example priority actions, of the RCS that relate to national agricultural priorities include: (1) Strategic direction – Increase the diversity and area of ground cover on public and private land. Example priority actions relating to this strategic direction include: – Address the impacts of historical land management through extension and engagement of practices such as: the establishment of multi-species corridors in farmland, development of steep hill grazing and drought management plans, monitor and highlight areas of low ground cover to target for ground cover management plans. – The adoption of technologies, such as virtual fencing, temporary solar fencing and remote monitoring, is used to increase ground cover and species diversity on-farm. – Every property larger than 10 acres sets targets and actions, and is monitoring practices to maintain and improve ground cover and plant species diversity. (2) Strategic direction – Understand the tipping points for ground cover diversity and the practices needed to increase species diversity. Example priority actions relating to this strategic direction include: – Better understand the relationship between species diversity, land health and tipping points. – Public and private landholders and managers understand the impact of their actions on the critical attributes, their responsibilities and how to remain below critical attribute thresholds. (3) Strategic direction – Understand the rates of soil acidification across different land uses and soil types. Example priority actions relating to this strategic direction include: – Undertake subsoil baseline testing for soil acidity across the catchment. (4) Strategic direction – Build partnerships, awareness and skills of climate change scenarios and the implications. Example priority actions relating to this strategic direction include: – Harness the diversity of landholders and approaches to build capability and an understanding of options to adapt to climate change. – Describe land capability and health across the catchment under different climate change scenarios. – Build the partnership, awareness and skills of the community about climate change scenarios and possible technologies, services and land use that may become relevant, for example climate analogues. (5) Strategic direction – Increase the implementation of practices that adapt to and mitigate climate change, while improving land health. Example priority actions relating to this strategic direction include: – Strengthen awareness and investigate new technologies and practices to adapt to and mitigate climate change. – Adopt technologies and land management practices that support adaptation to climate change. – Adopt land management practices that focus on cooling the soil to maintain or increase soil moisture content. Climate change mitigation is an integral part of all land management. |
Primary Investment Priority – Supporting agriculture systems to adapt to change
| Investment Priority | Condition | Threats and Impacts | Priorities |
Supporting agriculture systems to adapt to change | Agriculture systems and land management practices are continuing to adapt across the catchment, and in some cases transform. The diversity of agricultural systems is increasing across the catchment with growth in areas such as horse studs, wineries, and glasshouse horticulture tourism. This is transforming the identity of agriculture in some local areas, and provides more flexibility in land use. Irrigated agriculture is adapting and transforming as water trade, irrigation modernisation, and commodity values influence irrigation practices and products. This has resulted in the adoption of more efficient irrigation practices, a reduction in the area of irrigated land in the catchment and major transformations within some of the industries reliant on irrigation. All agricultural systems are starting | Changing land use and ownership: – Opportunities to work with larger family farms, corporates and new landholders on accountability for land health. – Opportunities to implement planning schemes to ensure land is managed within its capability. – Requirement for ongoing extension programs to meet the demands of new landholders. Climate change: -Difficulty maintaining ground cover with more frequent droughts and/or bushfires. – Increased risk of soil erosion from storms and rainfall events after bushfires. – Risk of ground cover dropping below the required 70% to prevent water erosion and 50% to prevent wind erosion. – Practice change required to include carbon retention, resulting in soils with higher water holding capacity, on private and public land. – Changing range and distribution of species and land use, for example, incursions of new pests and diseases or changing climatic zones for fruit trees. – Changed rainfall patterns may reduce soil salinization. – Reduced availability of irrigation water supplies and increasing water price, influencing land use. Technological innovation: – Opportunities for improved and more efficient land management. – Opportunities for improved monitoring of land condition. – Intensification of agriculture where it can be carried out most efficiently and effectively considering soil health and system function. – Diversification of farming systems due to new technologies and changing climates. Increasing role and recognition of Traditional Owners in land management: – Opportunities to improve understanding of potential cultural and economic benefits of integrating more indigenous species on productive land. – Opportunities to improve awareness and understanding of the potential role of indigenous land management practices in private land management. For example, cultural heritage assessments, cultural burns and healing of Country through the reintroduction of native plants and animals. Declining terms of trade for agriculture: Risk of ground cover dropping below the required 70% to prevent water erosion and 50% to prevent wind erosion. – A need for practice change so farmers can still manage land for health and function, and capture new income sources for ecosystem services provided on-farm such as carbon offsets. – Potential for inappropriate use of land beyond its capability. – Opportunities for different business structures (such as corporates, co-ops and so on) to invest in land health projects at a large scale. – Opportunities for improved land health as farmers meet consumer | Example priority actions relating to Long-term outcome 1: Improved land health for enhanced resilience across the catchment by 2040: – Increase the activities and connections between new, lifestyle, peri-urban, family farms and corporate private land managers. – Build an understanding of how traditional ecological knowledge can guide land management, for example, identify specific practices. – Promote land stewardship, incorporating Traditional Owner values where permitted, and opportunities to incentivise practice change. – Educate new landholders about suitable property design and management practices when there is a land use change from agriculture to lifestyle properties. Example priority actions relating to Long-term Outcome 2: Land management is mitigating climate change across the catchment by 2040: – Strengthen awareness and investigate new technologies and practices to adapt to and mitigate climate change. – Describe the future management practices required for different land use under climate change. – Adopt technologies and land management practices that support adaptation to climate change. – A regional carbon exchange and stewardship fund enables the community and visitors to offset their climate change impacts and contribute to funds for rural land managers to regenerate biodiversity, native vegetation and soil health. – Adopt land management practices that focus on cooling the soil to maintain or increase soil moisture content. |
Threatened Ecological Communities
| Investment Priorities | Condition | Threats and Impacts | Priorities (Strategic directions from the RCS and relevant actions from the recovery action plans relevant to the GB catchment and the CMA) |
Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens (endangered) | Very Poor | Key Drivers of Change (RCS) climate change – increasing nature-based tourism and recreation – pest plants and animals, and overabundant native animals Threats and impacts (Action Plan) – Direct destruction by feral animals – Weed incursion reduces species diversity – Pest plants and animals reduce species diversity, and disrupt ecological processes, through drying and exposure. – Altered hydrological regimes results in drying out and death of sphagnum. – Wildfire and Climate Change, destroys system function and kills plants directly. – Infrastructure, recreation and neglect destroys bogs. | Relevant strategic directions form RCS: – Increase the diversity of species and structures in remnant and revegetation sites in priority landscapes including threatened communities – Understand and describe the structural diversity required for priority landscapes including threatened communities Relevant actions from recovery plan that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS: Deliver actions in ‘National Recovery Plan for the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens – a threatened ecological community listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999’ through: – Surveys: Specific management of high priority bogs and fens through characterization of bogs and fens to identify relevant threats (as per ‘Aligning protocols for assessing the status of Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens of the Australian Alps’ (Anita Wild & Regina Magierowski Wild Ecology Pty Ltd & University of Tasmania February 2015). – Working with relevant land managers, and DELWP ARI, to better manage degrading bogs within their land management area (eg Alpine Ski Resorts, Parks Victoria, Graziers). – Increase awareness of the importance of these communities. – Use indigenous works crews to carry out management actions such as weed control. |
| Buloke Woodlands of the Riverina and Murray-Darling Depression Bioregions | Very Poor | Key Drivers of Change (RCS) – climate change – pest plants and animals, and overabundant native animals – Clearing/ Inappropriate management Threats and impacts (Action Plan – extensive clearing for agriculture grazing by domestic stock, native and feral herbivores. -Fragmentation -Highly degraded | Relevant strategic directions form RCS: – Increase the area of priority landscapes by protecting remnant vegetation and planting native vegetation (to reduce fragmentation) – Reduce populations of pest animals and weeds, and overabundant native species in priority landscapes. Relevant actions from recovery plan that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS: – Surveys to determine their extent and identify high value remnants, and potential linkage areas with other remnants. – Incentives to land managers to fence off remnants, weed, and control pest animals, and guard individual plants from herbivores to increase quality and allow for natural regeneration. – Incentives to landholders to develop corridors and restore areas where these communities once occurred to reduce fragmentation. – Work with Indigenous works crews to manage areas using traditional methods (eg fire) to control weeds and increase native diversity of ground layer. |
| Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland Natural Grasslands of the Murray Valley Plains (rare in the GBC) (Note these communities are grouped because condition, threats and actions are similar for each community) | Poor | Key Drivers of Change (RCS) – climate change – pest plants and animals, and overabundant native animals – Vegetation clearing (fragmentation) Threats and impacts (Action Plans required) – clearing for agriculture grazing by domestic stock, native and feral herbivores. – Fragmentation – Changed fire regimes – Weeds – Lack of clearance regulations and enforcement (particularly derived and natural grasslands) | Relevant strategic directions form RCS: – Increase the area of priority landscapes by protecting remnant vegetation and planting native vegetation (to reduce fragmentation) – Reduce populations of pest animals and weeds, and overabundant native species in priority landscapes. Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS: Incentives to land managers to fence off remnants from stock, control weeds and pest animals . – Incentives to landholders to develop corridors to reduce fragmentation in surrounding landscapes. – Partner with TO’s to manage some sites using traditional techniques including burning. – Monitor change to quality of remnants and revegetation sites over time to deliver on outcomes. – Identify and assess the most valuable remnants to prioritise sites and actions. – Ongoing community engagement to increase awareness of these ecological communities, threats and actions to restore. – Promote other opportunities (apart from government incentives) that result in better protection and management of these communities (eg covenants, carbon markets, offsets, etc). |
| Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands (Freshwater) of the Temperate Lowland Plains | Very poor | Key Drivers of Change (RCS) – climate change – pest plants and animals, and overabundant native animals – Vegetation clearing (fragmentation) Threats and impacts (Recovery plan required) – Changed hydrological regimes – Inappropriate grazing regimes – Weed invasion – Ploughing – Draining and water pollution (eg salinization) – Climate change (encroachment of associated Eucalypts and shrubs) – Fragmentation | Relevant strategic directions form RCS: – Increase the area of priority landscapes by protecting remnant vegetation and planting native vegetation (to reduce fragmentation) – Reduce populations of pest animals and weeds, and overabundant native species in priority landscapes. Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS: – Incentives to land managers to fence off remnants from stock, control weeds and pest animals, and manage annually depending on weather (eg some grazing may be appropriate in early spring or summer to reduce weeds) . – Incentives to landholders to develop corridors to reduce fragmentation in surrounding landscapes. – Partner with TO’s to manage some sites using traditional techniques including burning. – Monitor change to quality of remnants over time to ensure adaptive management. – Identify and assess the most valuable remnants to prioritise sites and actions. – Ongoing community engagement to increase awareness of this ecological communities, threats and actions to restore. Build on past projects. |
Threatened Species
| Investment priority | Condition | Threats and Impacts | Priorities |
| All threatened species in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. This includes the following priority species: Swift Parrot (Bird) (Lathamus discolor), Regent Honeyeater (Bird) (Anthochaera phrygia), Leadbeater’s Possum (Mammal) (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), Spiny Rice-flower (Plant) (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens), Australian Painted-snipe (Bird) (Rostratula australis), Australasian Bittern (Bird) (Botaurus poiciloptilus), Mountain Pygmy-possum (Mammal) (Burramys parvus), Buxton Gum (Plant) (Eucalyptus crenulata), Stiff Groundsel (Plant) (Senecio behrianus), Mountain Swainson-pea (Plant) (Swainsona recta), Turnip Copperburr (Plant) (Sclerolaena napiformis), Lima Stringybark (Plant) (Eucalyptus alligatrix subsp. limaensis), Superb Parrot (Bird) (Polytelis swainsonii), Painted Honeyeater (Bird) (Grantiella picta), Grey-headed Flying Fox (Mammal) (Pteropus poliocephalus), Striped Legless Lizard (Reptile) (Delma impar), Growling Grass Frog (Amphibian) (Litoria raniformis), Golden Sun Moth (Insect) (Synemon plana), Clover Glycine (Plant) (Glycine latrobeana), Euroa Guinea-flower (Plant) (Hibbertia humifusa subsp. erigens). | Key Drivers of Change (all species) – climate change – Vegetation clearing (fragmentation) – Habitat loss | Relevant strategic directions form RCS (all species): – Threatened species management includes targeted works for species – Targeted projects in threatened species habitats and vegetation communities result in multiple benefits for the catchment. – Threatened species are used to engage the public in biodiversity conservation. – The best available science is used to develop/implement recovery plans. – The community is actively carrying out actions that reduce the risks to threatened species and climate change. – Increase funding to landscapes where works and increased knowledge will improve the extent and quality of habitat for a large number of threatened species and communities. – Build an understanding of the impacts of climate change on threatened species and fauna communities. – Develop contingency plans for species most at risk of extinction for high risk events, such as cease to flow, drought, and collapse of particular ecosystems due to wild fire and so on. – Identify the tipping points for the long-term viability of threatened species and fauna communities. – Investigate possible management options to influence the trajectory of threatened species and fauna communities in light of tipping points. – Increase habitat area in priority landscapes by protecting remnant vegetation and planting native vegetation (to reduce fragmentation) – Reduce populations of pest animals and weeds | |
| Australasian Bittern (Bird) Botaurus poiciloptilus | Rarely sighted in GBC. (Recovery Plan required) | Threats and impacts (listing advice) – Loss of freshwater wetlands – Drainage, urbanization, agriculture and other land uses reduce areas of habitat. – Changed land use from rice to cotton, Bitterns cannot breed. – Climate change/drought results in reduction in suitable habitat in many/some years. – Changed hydrological regimes reduces habitat area Reducing ability to move through regions. – Water pollution including salinity (relies on freshwater wetlands). – Grazing by stock reduces habitat, introduces weeds. – Loss of dense nesting vegetation due to stock, urbanization, changed fire regimes, etc. | Relevant actions from listing advice that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – Manage key sites to ensure habitat is suitable for Australasian Bitterns, including wetlands that have environmental water delivery. – Reduce weed species and grazing animals at sites to improve wetland structure and function. – As a sacred bird, involve traditional owners in management actions. Medium priority: – Identify the key sites where Australasian Bitterns occur/are likely to occur/where potential suitable habitat occurs eg (recorded at Waranga Basin). – Engage community and stakeholders in Australasian Bittern conservation. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, applicable land managers, community, CMAs, researchers, BirdLife Australia, MDBA, Recovery Team. |
| Leadbeater’s Possum (Mammal) Gymnobelideus leadbeateri | Restricted range of a small area of habitat in GBC | Threats and impacts – Logging removes habitat trees (directly and indirectly). – Changed fire regimes/wildfires directly destroys habitat/ability to move through landscapes. – Small population sizes reduces genetic health. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. Medium priority: – Work in Partnership with DELWP and other relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of the threats to this species. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, applicable land managers, CMAs, researchers, DELWP, Recovery Team. |
| Mountain Pygmy-possum (Mammal) Burramys parvus | Restricted range fund in Mount Buller in the GBC | Threats and impacts – Clearing for infrastructure. – Loss of/reduced food source of Bogong Moths. – Fragmentation of habitat resulting in reduced movement. – Lack of alternative food sources. – Genetic inbreeding, stochastic breeding events (eg mostly males born). – Predation by cats. – Habitat loss due to weeds and pest herbivores. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – Continue to monitor populations of Mountain Pygmy Possums and Bogong Moths. – Revegetate to provide food and linkage pathways. – Control cats. Medium priority: – Control weeds in associated areas. – Continue to work in partnership with recovery team, DELWP, Parks Victoria, Alpine Resorts commissions, community, school groups and other CMAs. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, Alpine Resorts Victoria, Parks Victoria, CMAs, community, researchers, Recovery Team. |
| Plains Rice-flower (Plant) Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens | Rare/edge of range in GBC | Action Statement DELWP (FFG Act 1988) Threats and impacts – Roadside management such as ploughing. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – Work with NC CMA to increase populations through propagation and planting. Medium priority: – Trial burning of roadsides where populations may have/currently exist. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, CMAs, applicable land managers, researchers, community, Recovery Team. |
| Regent Honeyeater (Bird) Anthochaera phrygia | Rarely recorded in GBC but potential habitat area is increasing through revegetation projects in and around Winton Wetlands. | Threats and impacts – Loss of habitat. – Competition with Noisy Miners and other aggressive honeyeaters. – Lack of flowering along migratory routes. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – Encourage planting of Autumn winter flowering trees, such as Ironbarks (e. Leucoxylon, E. tricarpa, and E. sideroxylon) and Grey Box (E. macrocarpa) trees where appropriate in revegetation of sites. – Reduce fragmentation through planting linkages between important remnants. Medium priority: – Work with landholders to increase habitat through incentives for revegetation. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, BirdLife Australia, Regent Honeyeater Project, Euroa Arboretum and GB Seedbank, landholders, researchers, CMAs, Recovery Team. |
| Silver Gum (Plant) Eucalyptus crenulata | Restricted range | Threats and impacts – Clearing – Lack of knowledge of propagation techniques – Small populations | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – Continue to work with landholders to improve existing sites and create new populations. Medium priority: – Continue to build knowledge of potential sites through mapping analysis and ground truthing. – Continue to engage the local community in its conservation. – Increase seed genetic fitness through increasing populations of mixed genetics. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, Euroa Arboretum and GB Seedbank, CMAs, landholders, researchers, Recovery Team. |
| Small Purple-pea (Plant) Swainsona recta | Rare, edge of (current) range | Threats and impacts – Clearing – Lack of knowledge of propagation techniques. – Small populations. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. Medium priority: – Trial propagation in the Euroa Arboretum and plant into previously known sites where suitable. Low priority: – Keep up to date with NE CMA about conservation actions. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, Euroa Arboretum and GB Seedbank, CMAs, researchers, Recovery Team. |
| Swift Parrot (Bird) Lathamus discolor | Rare | Threats and impacts – Loss of over wintering habitat, particularly fragmentation of winter flowering species. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. High priority: – In the Box-Ironbark region (eg Rushworth/Heathcote/Greytown) and Riverine Plains, encourage planting of Autumn winter flowering trees, such as Ironbarks (e. Leucoxylon, E. tricarpa, and E. sideroxylon) and Grey Box (E. macrocarpa) trees where appropriate in revegetation of sites. – Reduce fragmentation through planting linkages between important remnants. Medium priority: – Work with landholders to increase habitat through incentives for revegetation. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, BirdLife Australia, Euroa Arboretum and GB Seedbank, CMAs, landholders, community, researchers, Recovery Team. |
| Turnip Copperburr (Plant) Sclerolaena napiformis | Known only along a few roadsides | Threats and impacts – Lack of understanding of where populations occur. – Lack of knowledge of propagation methods. | Relevant actions from recovery plans that deliver on the strategic directions of the RCS. Medium priority: – Work with local communities to increase species profile, as may be found on private land. – Continue to seek out and map plants. – Continue to trial propagation methods so that plants can become part of revegetation projects. Delivery partners: Traditional Owners, applicable land managers, community, CMAs, researchers, Recovery Team. |
Community participation
The strategy is community driven and place based. It reflects community input through extensive engagement and development of aspirations. The Goulburn Broken CMA and key partners recognise that the success of this strategy will be determined by community participation. The Goulburn Broken CMA has worked to build the capacity of the community to engage in stragegy planning and implementation. See A resilience approach and partners for more information.
The in the application of a resilience approach, an important aspect is an understanding the community and planning based on that community. The Goulburn Broken CMA undertook a social economic analysis to better understand the community and assist developing the Local Area plans. These plans provide a scale of planning and engagement that aligns with the community.
The strategy also offers the whole community an opportunity to engage in its implementation through a pledge process. This innovation will allow anyone in the community to be involved in implementation, from individual landholders, private businesses through to government departments.
A specific implementation and engagement plan will be developed once the strategy has been approved.
Traditional Owner participation
The Goulburn Broken CMA is working to integrate Traditional Owner perspectives and knowledge as part of the strategy renewal process. This relates to Traditional Owner physical and spiritual connection to Country. This is in line with the Goulburn Broken CMAs obligations under the CaLP Act and other agreements such as the Aboriginal Participation Guidelines for Victorian CMAs, the Goulburn Brocken CMA Memorandum of Understanding with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) and the Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreement.
Initially, both Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and the YYNAC were consulted in how they would like to be included in the planning, development, prioritisation process and agreement for the strategy. This led to following approach.
- TLaWC and YYNAC input into draft discussion papers and the strategy prior to finalisation and circulation for engagement.
This involved the TLaWC and YYNAC writing their change narrative describing the current situation and opportunities for change to improve the natural resources. Excerpts from these narratives were included in Section 1 (pages 6-7) of the Goulburn Broken Regional Insights Paper and may be included in full in the strategy to better describe Indigenous perspectives and aspirations.
- Ensure that TLaWC and YYNAC have an opportunity to participate in the stakeholder engagement events.
- Hold specific sessions with TLaWC and YYNAC to discuss their aspirations, values, perspectives and feedback on the strategy renewal and associated discussion papers.
- Specific responses to each of the TLaWC and YYNAC aspirations and feedback was documented and provided to TLaWC and YYNAC for consideration and agreement. The agreed responses were then integrated into the overall strategy, the themes or the local area plans. A further round of engagement was held for feedback on the draft strategy to ensure the aspirations and feedback has been included appropriately.
The strategy aims to support YYNAC and TLaWCs strategic plans, such as their respective Country Plans. Priority actions have been included throughout the strategy to:
- build community understanding, respect and support of Traditional Owner knowledge, culture and values
- promote opportunities for traditional ecological knowledge to guide NRM
- strengthen Traditional Owner influence in decision making
- grow Traditional Owner opportunities to deliver NRM.
Actions for the implementation of these priorities are embedded in the Local Areas and Themes.
The projects that the Goulburn Broken CMA is implementing to achieve the Regional Land Partnerships 5 year outcomes support opportunities for the actions listed above.
The RLP Outcomes can give effect to some areas of both TLaWC and YYNACs Country Plans, the following provides some examples, however please refer to the Traditional Owner Tab of this RCS to gain a fuller understanding of Traditional Owners aspirations.
Taungurung Land and Waters Council
| Priority actions identified by Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) that align with the Goulburn Broken RCS and RLP Outcomes | RLP Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Goal: To heal and strengthen knowledge and practice and through its application heal Taungurung culture and Country. 1. Healing knowledge – Reactivating Taungurung systems of knowledge and practice transfer and management. – Healing practice: cultural fire and forest gardening (for land management), cultural and environmental flows (for water management), management of culturally important species. – Research programs (including monitoring). 2. Healing Country – Cultural landscape management: healing and management of important landscapes, places and species. – Reading Country: the assessment and development of cultural objectives to guide management of water, forests and biocultural diversity. – Training in cultural practices and conservation and land management. – Management of parks and reserves in partnership with council and state government. – Private land conservation and management. – Cultural NRM enterprise development, such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries. – Contract services on pubic and private land. | TLaWC aspirations to heal and strengthen knowledge and practice and through its application heal Taungurung culture and Country aligns to RLP outcomes 2, 4, 5 and 6. Healing knowledge and Country can be achieved in part by: undertaking priority actions that improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations; increasing awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation; and increased capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to changes in climate and market demands. |
Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation
| Example priority actions identified in Yorta Yorta Whole of Country Plan that align with the Goulburn Broken RCS and RLP Outcomes | RLP Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Woka – Land: Protect and repair the strongholds of Country that have survived land clearance, and push to reverse the decline of cleared Country (examples) – Maintain and improve the ecological character of icon site Barmah-Milewa Forests, as defined in its Ramsar site listing. -Works with partners to implement the Barmah National Park Joint Management Plan and monitor results of the intensive program to remove feral horses and control other invasive animals and plants. Apply on other parts of Country with the required adaptations. – Engage Landcare, Trust for Nature, Land for Wildlife and other progressive landholders and sustainable farming groups in discussions, workshops and training about healthy Country practices and offer Woka Walla contractual services. Yedebila – animals: Conserve abundant wildlife populations; protect and recover culturally important and threatened animals (examples) – Restore the abundance of common wildlife species through better management of land and water, and monitor as a sign of healthy Country. – Work with land management, environmental partners and landhodlers to protect and where possible restore threatened species. | Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation aspirations to protect and repair the strongholds of Country that have survived land clearance; reverse the decline of cleared Country; conserve abundant wildlife populations; and protect and recover culturally important and threatened animals aligns to RLP outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Protect and repairing Country, and culturally important and threatened animals, can be achieved in part by: undertaking priority actions to restore the ecological character of Ramsar sites; undertaking priority actions that improve the survival and condition of threatened species and communities’ populations; increasing awareness and adoption of land management practices that improve and protect the condition of soil, biodiversity and vegetation; and increased capacity of agriculture systems to adapt to changes in climate and market demands. |
Regional partnerships
Table 137: Role of key catchment partners involved in implementing the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy
| Catchment partners | Description | Role | Delivery of Regional Land Partnerships projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community groups and networks | Environmental and agricultural groups and networks such as Landcare, Conservation Management Networks and Friends of Groups. | The catchment’s 100 plus NRM groups mobilise community involvement, attract corporate, philanthropic and government funding and influence and implement significant parts of the strategy in local areas. This is usually with an emphasis on on-ground works. They are represented on many of the CMAs advisory groups and steering committees. | Delivery agent and link to the community for on-ground works and capacity building initiatives. |
| Traditional Owners | Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation. | Custodians of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural heritage across the catchment. They have a key role in NRM and planning, including the protection and enhancement of cultural values and integration of Traditional Owner perspectives, knowledge and cultural management practices. | Provision of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (where appropriate) and the delivery of on-ground works. |
| Private land managers | Farmers, lifestyle landholders and corporations. | With more than two-thirds of the catchment’s landscapes under private ownership, landholders invest significant resources such as time, money and land into NRM and reaching the outcomes of the strategy. | Delivery of on-ground works, on-going maintenance and capacity building. |
| Victorian Government, agencies and statutory authorities | Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, Agriculture Victoria, Parks Victoria, Water Corporation, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Environmental Protection Authority and so on. | The Victorian Government funds many of NRM activities in the catchment. These activities are guided by a range of policies and legislation and are frequently delivered in partnership with other Victorian Government agencies and statutory authorities. | Provision of technical advice, policy advice and direction and the delivery of on-ground works. |
| Australian Government and agencies | Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and so on. | The Australian Government funds a significant number of NRM projects in the catchment through the National Landcare Program. It is also guides efforts around environmental protection and conservation of biodiversity; natural, built and cultural heritage; environmental research; water policy and resources; and large-scale natural disaster recovery. | Provision of funding, policy guidance and administration support for the implementation of projects. |
| Local Government | Benalla Rural City Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, Moira Shire Council, Mansfield Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Strathbogie Shire Council. | Services provided by councils are diverse. They include property, economic, human, recreational and cultural services. In terms of NRM, councils enforce state and local laws relating to land-use planning, environmental protection, public health and animal management. They maintain significant infrastructure and play an important role in local NRM engagement, education and delivery, for example by local area plans. | Support implementation. |
| Non-government organisations | Trust for Nature, philanthropic bodies and so on. | Non-government organisations are playing an increasingly important role as funding and delivery partners in NRM. | Delivery of on-ground works. |
| Education and research | Arthur Rylah Institute, universities and schools. | Support delivery, monitoring and evaluation of NRM activities. | Technical support for the implementation of projects and data to support monitoring progress towards targets. |
| Industry groups | Murray Dairy, Victorian Farmers Federation, Meat & Livestock Australia and so on. | Strongly influence NRM through their networks and advisory roles with regional land managers and government. | Delivery of on-ground works and technical advice. |
| Recreational users | Fishing, birding, 4WD and boating groups. | Diverse interest based groups that don’t necessarily live in the catchment but regularly visit and use the natural resources. Some have significant political influence on government polices and legislation. | Promotion. |
| Other | University of the 3rd Age, health organisations, Goulburn Broken Greenhouse Alliance, Committees of Management for Crown land reserves and so on. | Other local and regional groups and organisations are actively involved in NRM research, planning and implementation. | Technical advice, delivery of on-ground works and promotion of outcomes. |
Monitoring and review
An overview of the strategy’s evaluation process is provided here.
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