Today’s launch of the Wodonga Regional Waterway Action Plan at Killara celebrated improving the health of local waterways through a unique collaboration between the community and government organisations.
The Waterway Action Plan provides guidance for restoring and managing waterways in the municipality of Wodonga and was developed in response to community interest.
The development of the plan was led by Wodonga Urban Landcare Network (WULN) in partnership with Wodonga Council and the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
President of Wodonga Urban Landcare Network Julie Hind said the collaboration was unique in being community-led and in covering all the waterways in a local government area.
“The plan provides not only an overview of the health of Wodonga’s waterways but also a creek-by-creek summary,” she said.
“It captures the environmental and cultural values of the waterways, the threats and issues, as well as best practice management techniques to restore and improve them.”
CEO North East CMA Katie Warner said the waterway action plan provides an opportunity for all the interested parties, including Wodonga Council, the CMA and community groups, to develop and understand the priorities and to work together to care for our waterways.
Wodonga Council’s Director Planning and Infrastructure Leon Schultz noted many activities to implement the plan’s actions were already underway.
“The council is pleased to be supporting community-led waterway projects, through community impact grants, providing resources and labour to assist ‘Friends Of’ groups and co-ordinating the removal of woody weeds along waterways.”
The launch and community celebration included a morning tea and a guided walk to view the restoration works in progress on the Kiewa River.
The restoration of the Kiewa River is a testament to the work of many community volunteers, students and local organisations, supported by governments at all levels over the years.
The Wodonga Regional Waterway Action Plan can be accessed at wodongalandcare.org.au/wrwap.
The project meets many of the Water for Victoria objectives and is supported by the Victorian Government’s $222 million investment over four years to improve the health of waterways and catchments.
Top image: Ceremonial tree planting by the Kiewa River at Killara
Below, attendees from North East CMA, Wodonga Council, Wodonga Landcare and the community celebrated the launch of the plan by the Kiewa River at Killara.
Parklands Ranger, Dan Jones, leads a walk along the Kiewa walking track.
