NEW WORKING GROUP TAKES FIRST STEP IN REIMAGINING THE ANGLESEA RIVER

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has officially commenced the Reimagining the Anglesea River and Estuary (RARE) Project Working Group, with members coming together for their first meeting in mid-April.

Formed through a community Expression of Interest (EOI) process, the Working Group brings together a diverse mix of local knowledge, community perspectives and technical expertise to help inform the future management of the Anglesea River and estuary.

The inaugural meeting brought together community representatives, agencies and project partners to build a shared understanding of the project, confirm ways of working, and begin identifying key values, issues and priorities.

Ryan Bath, Project Officer – Reimagining the Anglesea River, said the first meeting marked an important step in progressing the project.

“The establishment of this Working Group is a key milestone in ensuring the future of the Anglesea River and estuary is shaped collaboratively with the community,” he said.

“We were pleased to see strong interest through the community EOI process and to bring together a group of people who are passionate about the long-term health of this important waterway.”

During the meeting, members shared their connections to the river, reviewed the draft Terms of Reference and governance arrangements, and discussed the roles of partner agencies, reporting processes and communications.

Initial discussions highlighted the central importance of environmental values, alongside key challenges including altered flow regimes, sedimentation, climate change, water quality and community perceptions of river health.

The group also outlined a forward work program, including upcoming workshops, site visits, citizen science opportunities and economic assessments. These activities will support the identification of values and the assessment of future management options.

Corangamite CMA will continue to work closely with the Working Group this year, with the meetings scheduled monthly for the next six months.

“This is just the beginning of the conversation. The insights and contributions of the Working Group will play an important role in shaping future directions and ensuring outcomes reflect the values of the Anglesea community,” Ryan said.

The Reimagining the Anglesea River and Estuary project is underway until August 2027 and aims to bring together agencies and community to identify both immediate and long-term management options for the river and estuary. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses. For more information visit ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/reimagining-the-anglesea-river-and-estuary.

The Reimagining the Anglesea River and Estuary project is being delivered in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Surf Coast Shire Council, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).