Barwon Water commits more than $350,000 to Moorabool catchment restoration program

Barwon Water has committed $353,600 to support the Moorabool Catchment Restoration Program (MCRP), a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing water quality and riverside vegetation within the Moorabool River catchment.

The program is a partnership between Barwon Water, the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group, private landholders, and community stakeholders, focused on creating a sustainable future for the region.

The program’s work will commence on 30 June 2024 and is set to be completed by 30 June 2028.

The MCRP’s key deliverables include stock exclusion fencing, weed control, pest animal management, and extensive revegetation efforts.

These initiatives aim to improve water quality, promote riparian (on the banks of the river) vegetation health, and increase community awareness of sustainable land management.

Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the initiative was important to protecting and improving water quality in the Moorabool River.

“Barwon Water understands that managing and protecting the catchments in our region is essential to maintaining high quality, safe drinking water for our community.

“We are pleased to see Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group’s commitment to protecting the local environment and public health within the Moorabool River catchment through this program, which is set to benefit the local environment and community.”

Jackson Cass, Landcare Coordinator of the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group, expressed excitement about the project’s potential impact and thanked Barwon Water for their funding commitment.

“We’re very excited to launch the Moorabool Catchment Restoration Program, an initiative aimed at improving water quality and waterway vegetation.

“By collaborating with Barwon Water, private landholders, and community stakeholders, we aim to create a sustainable future for the Moorabool River catchment.”

Mr Cass highlighted the crucial role of the local Landcare community in making the project possible.

“This project would not be possible without the support of our Landcare community. All works will be completed on private land, giving us access to some amazing sites. Without their support, these waterway improvements would not be possible.”

The program aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents while addressing critical environmental issues.

“Our community is deeply invested in the health of the Moorabool River catchment. This project not only addresses critical environmental issues but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents.”

The MCRP builds on previous works by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Barwon Water, and the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group.

It further supports current programs delivered as part of the Corangamite CMA’s Living Moorabool Flagship Waterway project, and Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut project, by supporting river health within the Moorabool and Barwon River catchments.

“The MCRP has allowed us to target tributaries in the Moorabool River catchment which were not eligible for funding previously but still play a very important part in the health of the river system as a whole,” Mr Cass said.

Barwon Water's substantial funding contribution underscores its commitment to regional environmental sustainability and community health.

This collaborative effort is expected to make a lasting positive impact on the Moorabool River catchment and its surrounding communities.

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group President Andrew Wells, Coordinator Jackson Cass, and Barwon Water Catchments and Waterways Team Leader Brigid Creasey and General Manager Planning Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher on the banks of the Moorabool River.