THE FUTURE OF THE LOWER MOORABOOL RIVER AND LOWER BARWON RIVER CORRIDOR

Share your thoughts on the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan

On behalf of our project partners, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has developed a draft masterplan for the lower Moorabool River and lower Barwon River (Parwan) corridor stretching from near Meredith in the north to the Barwon Heads Estuary in the south.

This project’s name, Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut, was provided by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and translates to “places of many stories.”

The draft masterplan presents a long-term vision for the river corridor including a program of infrastructure, environmental and cultural projects to further connect the community to the corridor, while protecting and enhancing the environmental and cultural assets. The draft masterplan proposes new public open space in growth areas along the river corridor and a number of new and extended walking/cycling trails to provide greater access and improved river experience. The plan also proposes actions to improve the on-water experience providing greater boating facilities and access.

The draft masterplan presents the vision for the river corridor based on engagement with a large range of stakeholders including the project partners, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, and the general community (through a community survey undertaken in September 2022).

The draft masterplan is now available for public viewing and consultation for a period of five weeks until 9am 14 August 2023 via https://engage.vic.gov.au/kitjarra-dja-bul-bullarto-langi-ut-masterplan.

Drop-in sessions are also available to allow the community to speak directly to the project team about the masterplan:

Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-utis an initiative to connect people to the lower Moorabool and lower Barwon River corridor by supporting appropriate opportunities for public access, recreation, commerce, and education while enhancing the area’s unique cultural and environmental values. The project area encompasses an extensive corridor of yaluk/riverine tract on Wadawurrung Country, including the internationally recognised Lake Connewarre (Kunuwarre) wetlands and the Barwon River (Parwan) estuary.

The vision for Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut is for a well-connected, diverse, and healthy waterway landscape, that balances recreation, conservation, and respect of place and culture, that also provides for everyday enjoyment of nature, community, liveability, and wellbeing.

The Corangamite CMA is leading the project on behalf of the following project partners: Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, Barwon Coast Committee of Management, Barwon Water, City of Greater Geelong, G21 Region Alliance, Golden Plains Shire, Parks Victoria, Tourism Greater Geelong and Bellarine, and the Victorian Government (through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions).

*The masterplan is funded by the Victorian Government through the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan.

-ENDS-