News

Celebrating 40 years of landcare across north east Victoria

This year marks a remarkable milestone – 40 years since Landcare’s humble beginnings in 1986.

North East Landcare groups and networks, supported by North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), are planning a major celebration on 9 August 2026 in Beechworth that will recognise the commitment of volunteers and reflect on the achievements of the Landcare groups and networks that have grown and thrived in north east Victoria in the past 40 years.

Back in 1986, under the leadership of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and Heather Mitchell, former Victorian Farmers Federation President, Landcare in Victoria was born. What began as a simple, yet powerful idea has grown into one of Australia’s most inspiring community-led movements.

Comment on the Sandhill Pine Woodlands by 10 August

The draft assessment and conservation advice for the Sandhill Pine Woodlands in the Riverina, Murray Darling Depression and NSW South Western Slopes bioregions ecological community is open for public consultation until 10 August 2026.

Information about the consultation period and the consultation documentation is available at https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/draft-conservation-advice-woodlands-murray-darling-nsw-slopes

The committee's final Conservation Advice is due for completion by 30 October 2026.

Nominate your favourite North East waterway

Photo Story Competition  - My Favourite North East Waterway

North East CMA is running a competition asking the public to nominate their favourite North East waterway as part of the renewal of the North East Regional Waterway Strategy.

Portray through an original photo, your connection to the environment of the region. Celebrate the North East’s amazing natural environment through your image and story explaining why the place is special for you. Is this a site you visit often, has personal or family connection or you just want people to know about?

We will select up to six of the best images and short stories to receive a prize voucher to a local nursery or agricultural shop.

Entries close 7 August 2026 and should be sent to info@necma.vic.gov.au

Funding secured to restore waterways impacted by January 2026 bushfires

The North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) has welcomed funding to support the recovery of waterways and catchments impacted by the Victorian bushfires in January 2026. 

The fires caused significant damage to rivers, creeks and surrounding landscapes across Victoria, affecting important natural assets managed by Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). The impacts were exacerbated by a significant rainfall event (200-250mm in 4 hours) that occurred over the northern part of the bushfire impact area, around Shelly and Koetong.  

North East CMA CEO Katie Warner named among IPAA Victoria top 50 women

North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Katie Warner, has been recognised as one of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria’s Top 50 Women for 2026.

IPAA Victoria is Victoria’s peak public purpose sector professional association. Each year the IPAA Victoria’s Top 50 Women Awards recognise outstanding women whose leadership, dedication and impact are strengthening Victoria’s public purpose sector. The awards are made in two categories – Established Leader and Emerging Leader.

A recipient in the Established Leader category, Ms Warner has extensive experience in business development, policy development, and strategic planning. She has worked across government and regional organisations, leading strategy and major initiatives.