Wild Otways Initiative set to commence

THE Corangamite Catchment Authority (CCMA) is commencing work across five sub-projects set to improve the protection and management of threatened species in the Otways’ region.

The Wild Otways Initiative is funded through the federal government’s $6 million commitment over a three-year period and will work in partnership with public and private land managers.

In support of the initiative, the CCMA will deliver cross-tenure threatened species management research as well as on-the-ground programs targeting priority species and supporting habitats.

The projects will focus on protecting native plants and species located throughout the Otway Ranges, Bells Beach Ironbark Basin and Great Ocean Road Hinterlands.

Two of the projects will be led by the Conservation Ecology Centre focusing on feral pig and deer control as well as a Fox and Cat Management Program in planned-burn landscapes.

Barbara Wilson Pty Ltd is set to lead the Phytophthora Management Program focusing on plant and animal biodiversity from ‘dieback caused by the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomic, as well as the Small Mammal Conservation project.

The fifth sub-project is the development of a Rewilding Program for threatened species that will be implemented with technical specialists from universities, Zoos Victoria and land management agencies.

CCMA chief executive officer John Riddiford said the collaboration between industry professionals will be critical to ensuring the success of the Wild Otways Initiative.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with both the Conservation Ecology Centre and Barbara Wilson Pty Ltd to lead these ambitious and significant projects,” he said.

“The five projects build on significant works already undertaken by both organisations and will achieve a step-change in scientific knowledge and applied management of threatened species in the Otways region.”

In addition to the five projects, the federal government is offering a $1 million Community Environment Grants Program to support community driven investment into protecting and restoring native plants, wildlife and coastlines located in the Otways.