Have your say on region’s rivers

THE Corangamite Catchment Authority, or CMA, are looking for community input on the future of the Moorabool River and Lower Barwon River corridor.

A draft plan, called the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan, has been released, and the CMA staff are seeking public feedback.

The plan name was provided by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and means ‘places of many stories.’

The draft document presents a range of ideas for the future of the river corridors such as infrastructure, environmental and cultural projects which work to connect residents to the areas while maintaining preservation.

“This is an initiative created by the Barwon Ministerial Advisory Committee to further connect the community to the river,” said project manager Andrew Harrison.

“It’s important for people to understand the environmental and cultural values of the river.”

The plan also suggests new public open spaces in areas with growth as well as new walking and cycling tracks and was developed with the input of stakeholders, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, and the community.

“In terms of recreation, people get a lot of benefit from physical recreation on the river whether walking, running, swimming, boating or picnicking,” said Mr Harrison.

“We want the master plan to reflect community views.”

Feedback can be given online until Monday 14 August at bit.ly/3rtVYGN.

As part of the feedback processes are community drop-in session planned on Tuesday 1 August at 5.30pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

Following the feedback period, findings and suggestions will be collated and analysed to form a final masterplan.