The Curdies River restoration showcases how coordinated community partnerships can deliver strong social, environmental and economic outcomes for southwest Victoria. Led by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in collaboration with the community, land managers and a wide multi-agency coordinating committee, the project forms part of the broader Curdies River Strategic Plan, an integrated program to improve river health from headwaters to sea.
The Curdies River Coordinating Committee, established in early 2022, provides an effective platform for community representation, knowledge-sharing and long‑term planning to guide rehabilitation and protect waterway values.
The visual improvements and ecological gains shown in these before (2015) and after (2019) photos highlight why continued investment in river restoration is essential for long‑term community and economic prosperity. The project also demonstrates strong value for money through effective leveraging of community partnerships and on‑ground stewardship, including sustainable farming practices. It represents one step in a landscape-wide program of work that reinforces the link between healthy ecosystems, productive agriculture, thriving regional tourism and recreational fishing.
“This Strategic Directions Plan sets the directions for the Curdies River Coordinating Committee as a platform for collective impact for the next five years. This plan recognises that everyone who lives, works and recreates in the Curdies River catchment has a role in improving its health. A healthy river and catchment will benefit Traditional Owners, residents, land managers, anglers and other recreational users, local business, farmers, citizen scientists, Landcare volunteers and other community interests. By working together, we can achieve more.”
