Masterplan for river corridor released for comment

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has developed a major plan laying out the future of the river corridor between the Barwon Heads estuary and Meredith, and has released it for public comment.

The Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan includes a program of infrastructure, environmental and cultural projects to further connect the community to the corridor, while protecting and enhancing the environmental and cultural assets.

The draft masterplan proposes new public open space in growth areas along the river corridor and a number of new and extended walking/cycling trails to provide greater access and improved river experience.

It also proposes actions to improve the on-water experience to provide greater boating facilities and access.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners supplied the masterplan’s name, which translates to “places of many stories.”

 

The masterplan’s stated vision is for “a well-connected, diverse and healthy waterway landscape that balances recreation, conservation and respect of place and culture; and provides for everyday enjoyment of nature, community, liveability and wellbeing”.

The study area for the masterplan is split into three zones:

• Northern, the Moorabool River from Meredith to Batesford
• Central, the Barwon and Moorabool rivers through Geelong, and
• Southern, from the Sparrovale Wetland in Armstrong Creek to the estuary at Barwon Heads.

There are 15 priority projects to be implemented first, based on their “expected benefits, feasibility, community/agency support, risks and costs”.

However, the masterplan notes most of its projects are “currently unfunded and will require the sourcing of new capital investment to implement”.

As well as the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, partners on the project include Barwon Coast Committee of Management, Barwon Water, City of Greater Geelong, G21 Region Alliance, Golden Plains Shire, Parks Victoria, Tourism Greater Geelong and Bellarine, and the Victorian government.

Corangamite CMA says the draft masterplan is based on engagement with stakeholders including the project partners, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, and a community survey undertaken in September last year.

There will be three drop-in sessions so the community to speak directly to the project team about the masterplan:

• August 1, 5.30-7.30pm, Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street, Bannockburn
• August 2, 5:30-7.30pm, Armstrong Creek Cultural Hub, 46 Central Boulevard, Armstrong Creek
• August 9, 5:30-7.30pm, Nyaal meeting room (level 2), Geelong Regional Library, 51 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

To read the full draft Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan or provide feedback before August 14, head to engage.vic.gov.au/kitjarra-dja-bul-bullarto-langi-ut-masterplan