Small steps to protect waterways

CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority staff are encouraging residents to protect local waterways like the Yarrowee, Leigh, Moorabool and Barwon rivers by undertaking six actions.

Community members are asked to rethink plastic by refusing, reusing and recycling, to become citizen scientists as estuary watch volunteers, to join the River Detectives program, or to join a grassroots group within the region’s local Landcare networks.

Residents can also implement sustainable agriculture principles such as fencing off livestock from waterways or maintaining groundcover, and prevent the speed of invasive weeds or diseases.

The community is also encouraged to stay informed through authority newsletters, attending events and following the authority on social media.

“Healthy waterways – such as our rivers, creeks, lakes, estuaries and wetlands – are the lifeblood of vibrant and thriving communities,” said Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke.

“Traditional Owners have been caring for waterways on Country for tens of thousands of years, and we all rely on the benefits that healthy waterways provide including clean drinking water, habitat for native plants and animals plus incredible places for recreation, tourism and enjoyment.”

For more information, visit the CCMA website.