JOINT ACTION PLAN TO FLOW FROM NEW SHARED VISION

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Barwon Water have committed to advancing their partnership and implementing a range of shared priorities.

The organisations have struck a new Partnership Agreement, which focuses on improving the health of catchments and waterways across the Barwon region.

Building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, the four-year agreement is guided by a joint vision of: Walking with Traditional Owners to enhance prosperity, by creating a nature and climate positive future for the Greater Barwon region together.

To achieve the vision a new joint action plan is being developed, focusing on areas such as:

• Nature and climate positive initiatives
• Waterway and catchment health
• Integrated water management
• Liveable cities
• Recreational amenity and water quality; and
• Cultural values and Traditional Owner partnerships.

The 2025-2029 Partnership Agreement was yesterday signed by Corangamite CMA Chair Cath Jenkins and Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer.

The organisations already collaborate on a range of river health programs and citizen science initiatives across the region.

This has included large river restoration projects on Dewing Creek, a tributary of the Barwon River, and the East Moorabool River at Bolwarra Weir.

They also work together to deliver environmental flows to the Upper Barwon River and Moorabool River, and to Painkalac Creek from Painkalac Reservoir.

Quotes attributed to Corangamite CMA Chair Cath Jenkins:

“We are excited to be continuing our partnership with Barwon Water.

“We have a great history of working together across communities to make a difference, as well as sharing common goals and values. We know that by working together we can achieve greater things than we can alone.

“It is important for us to continue to build on the work we have already done, foster the great relationships we have, share resources, support each other, and continue to play to our strengths. Our region is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and we need to ensure we continue to support sustainable growth in the area.

“Our new Partnership Agreement strengthens our commitment to continue to work across multiple waterways with Traditional Owners, local communities, to achieve nature and positive climate outcomes.”

Quotes attributed to Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer:

“Barwon Water is committed to applying a caring for Country approach to land and waterways, in partnership with Traditional Owners, other agencies and community members.

“This agreement will strengthen our positive and long-standing relationship, enabling us to work closely together to enhance the prosperity of the region.

“We share a common interest and aligned values in recognising the importance of healthy waterways and catchments.

“We’re keen to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities together, to deliver greater benefits to the environment and our communities.”