The Glenelg Hopkins region is a varied and productive region renowned for its agricultural industry, rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, dramatic coastline and unique biodiversity.
The region includes 220 km of coastline and extends three nautical miles out to the sea. It is characterised by flat volcanic plains in the south, while the Dundas Tablelands, Gariwerd (Grampians) and Central Highlands dominate the north. Landscapes of the region include plains, hills and rugged ranges, bushland, native grasslands, wetlands, coastal cliffs, kelp forests, seagrass beds and reefs.
It also includes the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, 2 Ramsar sites, 22% of Victoria’s total number of wetlands; the endangered Victorian Volcanic Plains ecosystem; one of 15 Nationally recognised Biodiversity Hotpots and a number of priority threatened species of animals, birds and fish.
The climate of the Glenelg Hopkins Region is generally characterised by warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Rainfall is greater near the coast, except for the mountains of the Grampians National Park. Average annual rainfall ranges from 500mm to more than 910mm per year across the catchment.
The average annual daily maximum temperature of the region is 19 degrees Celsius.
In the future we can expect:
The Glenelg Hopkins region is a diverse landscape ranging from ancient sandstone and granite mountains to expansive grassy plains, woodlands and forests, and a coastline of exposed cliffs and sandy beaches.
Collectively, these areas provide habitat for a recorded 1,391 native plant species and 483 native animal species across the region (although some animal groups are substantially underrepresented in records e.g. invertebrates). Nationally significant bioregions captured within the Glenelg Hopkins region include 69% of the Greater Grampians and 53% of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP). The VVP, and areas of Bridgewater and the Glenelg Plain, make up two of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots, and the only nationally recognised biodiversity hotspots in Victoria.
The region has a diverse range of soil types, reflecting the ancient and different geology of parent material and climatic conditions under which soils were formed. Healthy soil is a critical asset for the region’s agricultural productivity and natural biodiversity.
The Glenelg Hopkins region is Australia’s most reliably productive agricultural region with 81% under agricultural production and is the largest producer of sheep and wool in Australia, cattle and calves in Victoria and Australia’s third largest dairy industry region.
The Glenelg Hopkins region has approximately 22 percent of Victoria’s total number of wetlands, which mostly occur on private land.
The region supports a diverse array of species, ecological communities and ecosystems, including 205 native species currently considered to be threatened with extinction. A further 92 of the region’s species are considered either ‘near threatened’, rare or poorly understood.
The region has a number of priority threatened species under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan, and other high profile species, including the Australasian Bittern, Glenelg Freshwater Mussel, South-Eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Hooded Plover, Southern Bent-wing Bat, Adamson’s Blowngrass, Growling Grass Frog, platypus, koala, brolga and large numbers of plant species, many of which are also culturally important.
Water is a critical asset for the people and natural biodiversity of the region. The Glenelg and Hopkins Rivers and their tributaries are the major rivers in the region, with smaller rivers and creeks in the Millicent and Portland Basins.
The region has eight estuaries, providing essential habitat for many species and are highly valued for recreation. Six contain salt-wedge Estuary communities, recognised as nationally endangered.
The Glenelg River has been the focus of a 20-year-long investment in removal of fish barriers and landholder engagement which has seen over 300km of passage opened for fish species from the river mouth near Nelson to the Rocklands Reservoir. The project was recognised for the significant outcomes in waterways, communities and the environment with the awarding of the International River Foundation Australasia Riverprize in 2013.
Four Traditional Owner groups help manage the unique cultural landscape of the Glenelg Hopkins region – Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, representing Boandik Traditional Owners, also has interests and connections to Country in the western part of the Glenelg River catchment.
There are 11 local Government areas in the Glenelg Hopkins region.
Glenelg Hopkins works with the communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and partners to deliver projects to improve the land, water and biodiversity of our region.
Glenelg Hopkins’ contributions to our national NRM snapshots
