Wimmera CMA is inviting people with an interest in the long-term health of the region’s land, water and environment to review a blueprint for action for the next 20 years.

The draft Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy 2021-2027 is open for public comment until May 3, 2021. All 10 CMAs across Victoria are reviewing their regional catchment strategies.

The Wimmera strategy considers how to best work together to create a ‘healthy’ catchment that supports agriculture, tourism and recreation.

It brings together the vision and priorities of the First Nations People, Local Government, Landcare and farming groups and the broader community.

Photo above: The Wimmera RCS includes recommendations to ensure the long-term health of the river for future generations like Jonny, who spends all his spare time fishing in the Wimmera River.

Wimmera CMA Chair Peter Hilbig said regional catchment strategies were the cornerstone of an integrated approach to regional planning and action.

“Land, water and biodiversity are all part of connected systems. To successfully achieve environmental, social, economic and cultural outcomes, each CMA is going to their community to ensure individual strategies reflect community values and priorities at the local level,” Mr Hilbig said.

“We encourage the Wimmera community to review the draft document and provide us with their views.”

Mr Hilbig said the strategy mapped out values and priorities in context of state and federal legislation, policies and programs. Key themes are water, land, biodiversity and community.

“It’s vital for everyone to work together for the ongoing improvement of our catchment, at both a practical and strategic level, and this document is an important guide for integrated regional projects.”

The strategy aims to improve rural and regional liveability and community wellbeing, address the challenges of climate change and to ensure the Wimmera is at the forefront of innovation.

You can read and review the draft Wimmera strategy online at www.wcma.vic.gov.au/rcs2021 or phone the CMA on (03) 5382 1544 for a copy.