Strengthening Catchment Stewardship in the North East CMA - Kiewa and King Rivers
This project represents a $1.6 million investment by the Victorian Government over four years (2024 to 2028) to support healthier rivers and stronger communities across north east Victoria.
Working in partnership with landholders, Traditional Owners, community groups and government agencies, the project is building long‑term stewardship of the Lower Kiewa and King River catchments. The focus is on empowering communities, improving river health, and strengthening connections to Country.
Two place‑based activities are being delivered:
1. Lower Kiewa River
2. King River catchment
Each is guided by a local Project Steering Group, ensuring priorities reflect local knowledge, community values and on‑ground needs.
What the project is achieving
Across both catchments, the project is:
- Supporting community‑led stewardship and participation
- Delivering on‑ground works to improve river and riparian health
- Building skills and knowledge through workshops and citizen science
- Strengthening partnerships across agencies, Landcare and community groups
- Supporting Traditional Owner connection to and care for Country
- Responding to climate change and environmental pressures through targeted action
The project has now moved from planning into delivery, with strong partnerships established and on‑ground works underway.
Activity 1 – Lower Kiewa River
The Lower Kiewa activity builds on strong, long-standing partnerships to support stewardship in a rapidly changing landscape influenced by urban growth and lifestyle properties.
What we're doing
Working with Landcare, community groups and Traditional Owners, the project is delivering:
- Healthy Hectares workshops supporting lifestyle landholders to improve land management
- Citizen science programs that connect people to waterways and build understanding of river health
- Landholder incentive programs targeting weed control and improved riparian management
- On-ground works, including revegetation, pest animal control and habitat improvement
- First Nations partnerships, supporting on-Country outcomes and ongoing connection to Country
Highlights so far
- Over 60 hectares of weed control works underway through landholder incentives
- Citizen science and community workshops engaging local residents and schools
- Weed control and revegetation delivered at Ryan's Lagoon, alongside landscape-scale pest control
- Strong delivery partnerships with Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups Inc. and Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation
This activity continues to build capability and momentum within the community, supporting practical action and long-term stewardship of the river.
Activity 2 – King River Catchment
The King River activity focuses on building resilience in a dynamic and highly valued river system, particularly in response to flood impacts and climate change.
What we're doing
The project is working closely with landholders, Landcare and community groups to co‑design and deliver activities that reflect local priorities.
Key areas of focus include:
River health and restoration, including weed control and bank stabilisation
- Citizen science, supporting community‑led water quality monitoring
- Improving recreational access, while protecting environmental values
- Landholder grants and incentives for best‑practice land and water
- management
- Partnerships with Traditional Owners to support culturally informed stewardship
Highlights so far
- Establishment of a representative Project Steering Group driving local priorities
- Willow control underway across priority river reaches, addressing erosion and flow impacts
- Planning for riparian restoration, habitat works and platypus habitat protection
- Development of a community water quality monitoring program
- Co‑design of a “Leave No Trace” initiative to reduce waste and improve river amenity
Significant groundwork has been completed to ensure activities are community‑led and deliver lasting outcomes. On‑ground delivery is now scaling up.
King Valley Woody Weeds Incentive Program
The King Valley Woody Weeds Incentive Program provides funding and practical support to help landholders tackle priority invasive woody weeds across the Upper King River catchment.
Eligible landholders can apply for up to $3,000 (ex GST) over two years to carry out. targeted weed control on their property. The program focuses on high priority species such as black willow, grey sallow, blackberry and Chilean cestrum, which impact river health, productivity and native vegetation.
Expressions of interest open Monday 25 May and close Thursday 2 June. To apply online please click on this link.
For information about this project contact Phill Falcke at phillip.falcke@necma.vic.gov.au or on 0429 400 411.