Bellarine Catchment Network
Project Profile
| Name of Project | Catchment 4 Coasts – Community Engagment and On Ground Works |
| Name of group involved | Bellarine Catchment Network |
| Location | Queenscliff |
| State | Victoria |
| NRM Region | Corangamite |
| What industry does the group belong to? | Landcare / Coastcare Network |
| Corporate Partners involved | CitiPower Powercor |
| Level of Funding from LAL | Approx $10,000 per annum |
| Funding from other sources | Approx $10,000 per annum (in kind labour for seed collection, planting, booklet design, project co-ordination) |
Issues
Swan Bay is recognised as an area of international significance by the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for the extraordinary diversity of migratory bird life it supports, as well as the abundance of marine fauna and flora through its varied ecosystem of seagrass beds, sheltered intertidal mudflats, intertidal sandy beaches and rocky shores, subtidal soft substrata and rocky reefs, as well as the open water environment.
However, increasing populations in many coastal towns put further strain on an already fragile coastal habitat and like other coastal areas, Swan Bay has been challenged by the impact of agricultural and recreational activities. Issues include poorly connected habitats weed problems and poor water quality due to farming practices.
Project Detail
| Background to Project | Prior to 1997 a number of community groups were working in isolation to conserve and protect this important area, but the community recognised that if it was to have a more widespread impact, it needed an integrated conservation effort across the entire catchment.Wetland groups, landcare groups, schools, government agencies, Alcoa and individuals came together to form the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Project (SBICMC). The group has since grown to become the peak community environmental organisation on the Bellarine Peninsula. The project team developed a detailed plan which supports the Bellarine Peninsula community to link remnant vegetation, coordinate integrated weed control, improve water quality, protect waterways and introduce sustainable farming practices. It led the community by raising awareness of environmental issues and continually inspiring participation in on-ground conservation projects. |
| Key Objectives | 1.Protect and enhance Ramsar wetlands and connecting wetlands 2.Promote and apply Ramsar values and guidelines 3.Protect, enhance and link remnant vegetation 4.Protect indigenous fauna and enhance existing habitats 5.Facilitate community awareness and participation 6.Advocate for adaptive management to climate change 7.Rehabilitate and protect watercourses and improve water quality (in-stream & stormwater) 8.Increase the adoption of sustainable agricultural and land management practices 9.Promote pest plant and pest animal control 10.Be an active, engaged and well-supported network |
| Description of Project | Long-term funding has supported a variety of projects, including: •Revegetation of key waterway and biodiversity areas (Yarram Creek) •Flora and Fauna Banners produced to guide revegetation and educate on weed control. These are used in approximately 10 workshops and displays per year. •Funding for water tank development at the Landcare nursery •Creation and production of Bellarine Landcare and Coastcare brochures to be used by community groups, school and towns over an area of 34,000ha •Propagation, germination and growing indigenous plants for the Bellarine Peninsula •Purchase and laying of Jute matting over eroded coastal cliff to protect and enhance fragile coastal vegetation •Hosting the Coastal Forum, Catchment 4 Coasts |
| Project Outcomes – Qualitative | •Distribution of Bellarine Landcare and Coastcare brochures. •The Coastal Forum attracted 150 registrations over the two days with 6 local primary and secondary schools, 2 tertiary institutions, two councils, 15 community groups, 13 government and corporate organizations and individual community members represented. |
| Project Outcomes – Quantitative | •2000 indigenous species planted (Ecological Vegetation Community 175 H). •Two 100000 L water tanks installed at nursery. •Approximately 2000 Bellarine Landcare and Coastcare brochures produced. •Three Flora and Fauna Banners produced. •Propagation, germination and growing of 50,000 indigenous plants for the revegetation of approximately 30ha. •Purchase and laying of Jute matting to protect and enhance 2ha of fragile coastal vegetation. |
| Further Opportunities | Further on-ground and community communication programs throughout the Bellarine area |
Photography
Landcare Nursery water tanks being installed, 2008, Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee Report
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association at a community event with Inland Flora Banner in use, 2008, Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee Report
