Plan to guide future flow

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority has released a waterway management plan for the Barwon River.

The plan, which outlines the next 30 years of management and protection for the area, was developed with Barwon Water and The Upper Barwon Landcare Network.

It guides the delivery of the Barwon flagship project, which is about large-scale, long-term rehabilitation.

The project began in 2021 and Amy Leith, general manager of strategy and planning services at the authority, said the initial focus area was the upper Barwon.

“This focus area has been prioritised due to the significant impact of weeds, specifically willows and Glyceria which cause choke points along the river,” she said.

“These chokes inhibit water flow downstream and currently restrict our ability to deliver important environmental water releases to the Barwon River.”

The Barwon River flows more than 160 kilometres through diverse landscapes.

“The Barwon River is important to both Traditional Owners and local communities,” said Ms Leith. “It is a critical drinking water supply catchment for the Geelong region, and it is an important ecosystem for diverse plant and animal species.”

The project allows collaboration between local landholders, key agencies and community groups.

“Together we are working towards a well-connected, healthy and accessible river and wetland corridor that supports fish and platypus populations, a river that continues to be a treasured place for locals and visitors to enjoy now and into the future,” said Ms Leith.

To view the full plan, visit the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority website.