Media Releases

Making a splash about our dedicated Waterwatch volunteers

It's National Water Week and we are celebrating the dedication and hard work of Waterwatch volunteers in our region and the contribution they make to our area.
National Water Week is designed to assist the community to understand and take action to protect and conserve our precious water resources and habitats and the Waterwatch program is a great way to make this happen. Not only does Waterwatch provide opportunities for communities to work together but it is also a great way to learn more about the health of local waterways.

Tributes flow for successful grazier and conservation visionary

Natural Resource Management and conservation agencies are paying respect to the iconic Dockers Plains Pastoral Company, Mr John Paul, who passed away on 9 July.

John Paul had a remarkable love of the Lower Ovens River and he strived to find ways to strike the balance of sustainability and farming, and was committed to managing a sensitive environment while running a grazing operation.

New online facility makes bore applications easier and faster

Landholders and bore drillers can now apply online for a water bore licence through a new service on the Victorian Water Register.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and rural water corporations have developed this initiative, which will make it easier, faster and cheaper to apply for licences to build water bores for domestic and stock use, investigation and observation.

Thanks to our Landcare Volunteers

As part of National Volunteer Week this week we are recognising all those volunteers who have contributed many hours of voluntary work and who make such a difference in our community. The release of the 2013-14 Landcare report card today is just one example of the contribution made by volunteers and the extent of achievements made through Landcare and community groups.

Green Army Team to plant around the Pondage in Mt Beauty

During May the Green Army team will plant some 800 native and deciduous trees planted on the southern foreshore of the Mt Beauty Regulating Pondage and along the western banks of the West Kiewa Power Station’s tailrace channel.

 The Upper Kiewa River Restoration Project is supported by the Australian Government’s Green Army Programme. The North East Catchment Management Authority is the host agency with Conservation Volunteers Australia delivering the on-ground component of the project with a number of local partners. The find out more about the Green Army and the next round of applicants visit www.environment.gov.au/green-army.