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CCMA Climate Change Response

Corangamite CMA delivers on climate action

December 2024

Addressing climate change and providing leadership on climate adaptation is both a regional and global priority. From Ballarat in the north, to the Otway Forest in the south, and the coastline from Peterborough to Corio Bay, climate change will affect every part of the Corangamite region.

In 2021 we developed the Corangamite CMA Carbon Neutrality Action Plan 2021 – 2026, setting a voluntary and ambitious target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our operations by 2024. We were one of the first catchment management authorities in Victoria to do so.

We are pleased to be making meaningful and measurable progress in reducing our emissions, with 41 of 44 actions in the plan achieved or underway.

Key highlights since 2021 include:

  • Reducing our actual emissions by approximately 27% compared to our 2021 baseline.
  • Achieving our target of sourcing 100% green power.
  • the installation of an electric vehicle charging station at our Colac office and purchase of five electric or hybrid vehicles, supporting the transition of almost half of our vehicle fleet to lower emissions options.

What does Climate Change mean for the Corangamite Region:  

Native Vegetation

It is expected that climate change will impact the region’s native vegetation, for example loss of plant species because of higher temperature and lower rainfall, changes to natural fire and flooding regimes and climatic conditions favouring new and established weed species.

Many flora and fauna species have evolved over thousands of years and may not have the ability to adapt to what will be a rapidly changing climate. A climate that is hotter and drier will lead to other indirect impacts such as changes to natural fire and flooding regimes.

Our native vegetation will play a significant role in climate change mitigation, through its role in carbon sequestration but also in helping our landscapes become more resilient to climate change. We need to help flora and fauna populations adapt to a changing climate, as well as create more climate adaptive landscapes.

Waterways

The region’s waterways are expected to be impacted through projected increases in temperature and overall decrease in rainfall. However, extreme rainfall events will also mean more frequent flooding. On top of this, many of our waterways have undergone decades of stress and it is expected that waterways such as the Moorabool, Leigh and waterways along the Otway Coast will suffer the greatest.

Climate change will impact both the region’s extent and quality of wetlands. A reduction in the frequency and duration of rainfall events, combined with an increase in the duration of drier periods will lead to the drying of shallow wetlands.

Projected sea level rise, temperature increase, reduction in rainfall and an increase in extreme natural events (i.e. flooding) are all expected to impact the ecology and dynamics of the region’s estuaries. Existing threats, such as acidification, changes to natural estuary openings and nutrient levels may also be exaggerated by the indirect impacts of climate change.

Sea level rise will impact the region’s 175km of coastline with increasing inundation and erosion as well as direct impacts on coastal habitats and biodiversity. Projected increases in storm surges will also directly impact many of the region’s coastal assets. Coastal habitats such as seagrass meadows and mangrove communities also play a significant role in carbon sequestration and must be protected.

Opportunities for the Corangamite Region

We are exploring a partnership on blue and teal carbon sequestration options across the Barwon South West region. In 2025 we will commence feasibility and due diligence studies for self-generating carbon sequestration projects on land that we own with the aim to generate high integrity carbon credits (ACCUs) by 2030.

Regional Climate Change initiatives

  • Barwon South West Climate Alliance. A regional partnership working to increase effective climate adaptation, reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, share knowledge and experience, and to co-ordinate a range of mutually beneficial climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
  • The Barwon South West Carbon Offset Program. A joint initiative to support the region’s Councils to offset their carbon emissions locally, through aligning carbon offsets with local natural resource management outcomes coordinated by the region’s two CMAs (Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins).
  • Moorabool River Environmental Flows. Developing and negotiating better environmental flows for the Moorabool River and its tributaries
  • Bunanyung Landscape Alliance – Biolink Project. Working with the community and landholders to link the landscapes through strategic biolinks to support native fauna between Enfield and Wombat State Forests
  • Blue Carbon Projects. Ongoing coastal wetlands projects (including Karaaf) that align with blue carbon offset opportunities.
  • Teal Carbon Projects. Research to quantify carbon offset opportunities at the western District Lakes and Farm Dams, through future teal carbon methodologies
  • Soil Carbon Projects. Linking carbon offset markets with soil management outcomes, a partnership project between Landcare and the carbon market industry
  • Adaptation Pathways. Developing adaptation strategies for the region’s most impacted natural asset, the Western District Lakes, under climate change

Where can I find more information?

Contact Us

Colac Office

64 Dennis Street, Colac VIC 3250
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday

T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au

Geelong office

BARWON WATER OFFICES
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
All mail must be sent via our Colac office
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250

T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au