Wimmera CMA is responsible for the integrated management of land, water and biodiversity management.
Agriculture is the dominant land use, economic driver and employment sector, with a quarter of the population relying on agriculture for income.
The Wimmera contains the Wimmera River, Lakes Hindmarsh and Albacutya, and 25% of Victoria’s wetlands.
The Wimmera includes the traditional lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk People represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Eastern Maar represented by Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
The majority of soils in the Wimmera are used to support a large agricultural industry as well as the biodiversity and vitality of native flora and fauna.
Sustainable management of soils on private land is just as important as on public land, because it influences the health of other natural assets, such as native vegetation and waterways.
A highlight we achieved is the Wimmera Soil Moisture Probe Network, which gives farmers free access to a broad range of real-time data from soil moisture probes and weather stations across the region.
The Wimmera is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a range of habitats and species, nature-based tourism and local enjoyment.
We have 3,974 species recorded within the Wimmera region, including 3,169 plants, 61 invertebrates and 744 species of vertebrate fauna. Of these species, 766 are introduced, 124 are endemic to the Wimmera.
In the last decade our focus of protection has been aimed towards South-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, Glenelg Spiny Crayfish, Malleefowl, Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse, Platypus, Rakali and more recently River Blackfish.
Rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwater all play an important part in providing economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits to the Wimmera.
A great benefit we have is the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. It ensures secure water management, balancing natural ecosystems, human consumption, and industry needs.
The Wimmera contains 25% of Victoria’s wetlands. Some of our notable rivers, streams and wetlands in the Wimmera:
The Wimmera includes the traditional lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk People represented by:
We work closely with our Traditional Owners to help achieve their goals and to improve our knowledge and management of the land.
A highlight we have achieved is empowering BGLC to assist in managing of water for the environment at Ranch Billabong at Dimboola to improve community and environmental health.
We work closely with our Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to achieve united goals to improve the environment for all to enjoy through joint projects.
We are accountable under the Water Act 1989 for planning referrals on floodplains and working with LGAs to manage floodplains and assist during flood events providing expert information.
We focus on the Wimmera’s health of land and water and promoting sustainable, productive land use practices. We do this through programs that identify and address improvements in our natural assets.
Wimmera’s contribution to our national NRM snapshots
