Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is a statutory authority of the Victorian Government. We are the lead agency for integrated catchment management in the Corangamite region in south-west Victoria, stretching from Ballarat to Geelong and along the coast to Peterborough in the west.
Our purpose is to work with communities, land managers, Traditional Owners and other partners in decision-making and on-ground action to protect and improve the health of the region’s water, soils, and biodiversity, enhancing the health and sustainable productivity of the Corangamite region.
As waterway manager for the Corangamite region, our responsibilities include the regulation of artificial estuary openings, managing the delivery of water for the environment and riparian restoration programs, and management of drainage schemes.
The major waterway systems of the Barwon and associated Leigh and Moorabool rivers, the Western District Lakes and the Great Ocean Road waterways are unique and integral to the environmental, cultural, economic and social values of the region.
The Corangamite region has rich and diverse landscapes, reflecting its geological, climatic and human history. The natural resources of our region are critical to providing important flora and fauna, as well as sustaining the lifestyle of residents and visitors alike.
Corangamite CMA projects work with the region’s dairy, grazing and cropping farmers to support practices of change for land health, sustainable farming and natural resource protection. Changes in soil management and sustainable farming practices have the potential to generate productivity and environmental improvements.
The Corangamite region’s marine and coastal environment extends from Peterborough in the west to Limeburners Lagoon at Geelong in the east. It includes Ramsar listed wetlands of Swan Bay, the Great Ocean Road and marine protected areas. The coastal zone encompasses environmental assets including wetlands, estuaries, native vegetation and threatened species.
The Corangamite region is home to flora and fauna species unique to the area, many of which are dependent on the region’s natural assets. Since European settlement, the region has lost nearly 75% of its original vegetation cover. Unfortunately, the region has over 300 species classified as threatened in Victoria, with 53 threatened on a national level. The survival of threatened flora and fauna and ecological communities depends a great deal on the health of native vegetation and the continuing existence of other important habitats.
Community members are active participants in a range of environmental activities that help improve the condition of the region’s biodiversity, waterways and the way land is managed.
Corangamite CMA has a focus on people working better together to coordinate planning, investment, and on-ground activities to achieve a range of environmental, economic, and social outcomes. This includes supporting Landcare and environmental groups in the region, and facilitating EstuaryWatch and Waterwatch citizen science programs where we work with volunteers to monitor waterway condition and improve environmental education and awareness.
We manage floodplains in the Corangamite region by overseeing any developments that take place on a floodplain or over a waterway. We also provide free floodplain advice to landholders.
Visit our website for more information on what we do and how you can get involved. Learn more about our catchment, flagship waterways, sustainable agriculture, floodplain management, works on waterways and more.
Corangamite CMA’s contributions to our national NRM snapshots
