New committee will help protect Barwon River

A NEWLY-created body will protect and improve the Barwon River.

Minister for Water and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville joined Geelong MP Christine Couzens and Labor candidate for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman earlier this month at the South Geelong Rowing Precinct to announce the new Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) for the Barwon, Moorabool and associated waterways.

The MAC will develop recommendations for the Minister for Water and Minister for Planning in 12 months to develop a community vision for the river, associated waterways and their landscapes – building on recent community engagement and focusing Aboriginal cultural heritage and recreation, among other priorities.

The MAC will be led by independent chair Christine Forster – who has significant experience in natural resource management – to oversee governance and engagement processes that support the plan over the next 18 months.

Labor has announced it will also improve visitor facilities and recreational access to the Barwon River, as part of a new initiative to improve the health of the river.

In partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, $480,000 will fund the building of all-ability platforms for fishing, paddling, pet-swimming and small boat access through various sites of the Geelong section of Barwon River.

The River was selected as one of nine priority areas receiving funding as part of the Labor Government’s $3.2 million Boosting Recreational Water Use Initiative to protect and enhance waterways across Victoria.

The Barwon MAC process mirrors the announcement made in August to develop a Waterways of the West Action Plan for the urban rivers in the west of Melbourne.

“The new Action Plan will lay out comprehensive and meaningful steps to ensure the iconic Barwon River can thrive and be enjoyed as a natural treasure for many years to come,” Ms Neville said.

For more information about the Ministerial Advisory Committee and Barwon River Action Plan, head to water.vic.gov.au.