The Brumby Labor Government will invest $2.7 million to improve the health of rivers and irrigation practices in the North East Region.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today announced the funding for the North East Catchment Management Authority to implement a wide range of water programs.
“The North East Region is home to many significant rivers and ecosystems providing water for homes, towns, farms and businesses,” Ms Broad said.
“The funding will go to projects for priority river health activities and/or sustainable irrigation practices on high value waterways to improve stream condition.”
The projects include:
- 1 sustainable irrigation, 4 river health projects
- Program to significantly improve the health of the Ovens River and significant contribution to state and regional targets
- Facilitate the adoption of practises and the implementation of onground works to reduce salt, sediment and nutrient contributions to the Murray River. Assist in maintenance of the environmental health of the Murray River
- Employment of environmental water reserve officer
- Sediment management, management of seeding willows and other pest plants, river stabilisation, fencing and revegetation to improve health of waterways
Ms Broad said the funding is part of $37 million dollars for Catchment Management Authority Regions across the state to improve river health and encourage sustainable irrigation practices and part of a larger government commitment of around $65 million for investment in regional Victoria.
“An added benefit of these projects is job security in local regions. The Catchment Management Authorities are partnering with community and landholder groups to achieve water savings and environmental benefits,” Ms Broad said.
“River health and smarter use of irrigation water are priorities outlined in the Brumby Labor Government’s Our Water Our Future water plan.
“We are working together to save water, create new water through desalination, develop a pipeline system to move water to where it is needed most and create a more sustainable Victoria for future generations.”
Government funding in previous years has restored the health of thousands of kilometres of waterways, provided specialist habitat for animals and plant life, and protected and enhanced wetlands.