Barwon masterplan

THE Victorian Government has launched its plan to protect and commemorate the traditional Aboriginal history of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers, with a Wadawarrung smoking ceremony on the Fyansford Common attended by the region’s local MPs.

Kitjarra- dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut is the name Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have given to the project that was previously known as the Barwon Rivers Parklands Masterplan and translates to “places of many stories”.

Extending from the Moorabool River near Meredith, through the Barwon River in Geelong and out to Barwon Heads, the $1.65 million project sets out Traditional Owner plans for creating a well-connected, diverse and healthy waterway.

“Our yulluks (waterways) are the spine of Wadawurrung dja (country). A living entity and the source of all life,” Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and Gobata dja officer (Caring for country officer) Sarah Eccles said.

“This partnership will provide a way to care for our yulluks and keep them healthy for all that depend on them, now and for future generations.”

The project is designed to improve community access, waterway health and visitor experiences throughout areas that include large sections of river frontage in Wadawurrung Country, including the internationally recognised Lake Connewarre wetlands and the Barwon River estuary.

“The Barwon and Moorabool Rivers are culturally, environmentally, and socially significant to the region and ensuring Traditional Owner aspirations drive its future planning is key to it thriving for years to come,” Water Minister Lisa Neville said.

The plan includes connected parklands and open green spaces, walking and running pathways, weed control, revegetation and improved access to facilities such as platforms to support fishing, boating, rowing and canoeing.

Throughout the process engagement is being sought with various stakeholders including government, river user groups, sporting clubs, environmental groups and the general community.

As the largest catchment outside Metropolitan Melbourne, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said upgrades to the Barwon Catchment will be an important addition to green spaces for the community as the region continues to grow.

“This project will help improve the amenity and access to the Barwon River, giving the community more opportunity to enjoy this much-loved natural Geelong asset,” he said.

A strategic advisory committee has been established to oversee the process, as has a working group to deliver the project actions, with administration and project management provided by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

For more information head to: www.ccma.vic.gov.au/project/barwon-river-parklands/