GWMWater actively participates in community-driven plans relating to catchment and salinity improvements. We are involved with local catchment management authorities and have representatives on a number of committees. GWMWater is a partner of Project Platypus, a community Landcare initiative based in the upper Wimmera catchment.

GWMWater was a partner in the Diversity in Piped System Project managed by the Birchip Cropping Group. The project assessed the impact on biodiversity of the transition from a channel system to a piped system. The research concluded that the change had serious implications for some species and demonstrated the value of woodland habitat in association with open water. The project successfully trialled constructed wildlife ponds for enhancing biodiversity values in pipelined areas. The project was a recipient of a 2007 Banksia Environmental Award – Land and Biodiversity Category.

GWMWater is also a partner in a new project to extend the knowledge of new web 2.0 technologies for the use of enhanced biodiversity on farm. Technologies which fall into this category include: blogs, image-based interfaces, video sharing, information mash-ups and virtual worlds. Participants in the Web 2.0 tools and emerging technologies supporting engagement and monitoring of enhanced biodiversity values project will learn how to use these new tools and technologies, to collaboratively monitor, record and communicate the impacts of wildlife ponds in a piped rural water system. Visit the project site.