Published by: GWMWater

Date: October 2010

High levels of blue-green algae in water can be toxic to humans and animals and so its important to manage a major outbreak responsibly.

Under the Emergency Management Act 1986, GWMWater has been appointed Regional Coordinator for major blue-green algae outbreaks in the waterways within the Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water boundary below.

As Regional Coordinator, GWMWater coordinates the management of major outbreaks across these areas, while Local Water Managers (LWMs) monitor and manage local blooms under their own emergency plans.

This approach is outlined in the Blue-Green Algae Regional Coordination Plan, which is based on the Victorian Emergency Management Manual. The Plan covers:

• The role and responsibilities of the Regional Coordinator (GWMWater) and Local Water Managers (LWMs).
• How to prepare for, respond to and recover from a blue-green algae event.
• Reporting blue-green algae outbreaks.

 View current supply blue-green algae outbreaks or rec lake and reservoir blue-green algae outbreaks.

 Blue-Green Algae Regional Co-ordination Plan (553 kB, 24 pages)

Published by: Department of Sustainability and Environment

Date: November 2011

The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy maps out our region's water resources and the challenges and opportunities facing water users over the next 50 years.

The Strategy aims to:

• make the best use of water resources in different parts of the region
• protect the environment
• be ready to manage the challenges of a variable climate and future droughts.

Development of the Strategy was overseen by the Western Region Consultative Committee, which was chaired by Daryl Argall and has been meeting since 2009.  Water corporations, catchment management authorities, industry, farming and environmental groups and the broader community helped develop the strategy through wide consultation.

The policies and actions in the Strategy are designed to:

• provide increased certainty for water users and environmental managers
• promote sustainable urban, industrial, and rural water use; and
• protect and improve the health of waterways, aquifers, wetlands and estuaries

 Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy (15MB, 291 pages)

To view the five-yearly assessment relating to the Strategy, visit: https://www.water.vic.gov.au/planning-and-entitlements/sustainable-water-strategies/western-and-gippsland-region-sustainable-water-strategies (external website)

We understand that fire preparedness and prevention are a high priority in the community due to the impact it can have on private and public land. We implement measures to manage the fire risk on the land we own and manage. These measures are outlined in the Fire Prevention Plan.

The Fire Prevention Plan focuses on the protection of life and property and is available as a reference for Municipal Fire Management Planning Committees.

 Fire Prevention Plan (5MB, 19 pages)

A wildlife pond is an inground water source designed to provide habitat for wildlife. Our region can be dry at times and difficult for the local wildlife to thrive in. A wildlife pond is a valuable water source for birds, frogs and even turtles. Wildlife ponds are generally circular with shallow sides, and around 1 metre deep, with plenty of plants and logs to provide homes and perches for local wildlife visitors and residents.

The concept of wildlife ponds was developed by the Birchip Cropping Group. They examined the impact of removal of channels and dams on biodiversity. The project trialled the concept of introducing ponds at several sites and concluded that they could effectively enhance biodiversity, particularly when located in consideration of existing habitat.

Wildlife ponds rebate

A 17 kL water rebate is available to rural landholders who construct and register their wildlife pond. Customers will need to submit an application form agreeing to the terms and conditions, which will be considered and assessed against the eligibility criteria.

Wildlife ponds fact sheet and application form (1.3MB)

Building a wildlife pond

If you decide to build a wildlife pond, you're making a great decision for the local community and our wildlife. The Birchip Cropping Group has produced a great guide to building a wildlife pond, to make getting started a bit simpler.

Farmer’s guide to installing a wildlife pond (560kB, 4 pages)