The Snowy River is a vital water resource that supports the region’s environmental, social and cultural values. Maintaining the river’s health through environmental releases and ongoing monitoring is essential.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) continues to work closely with the community and Government agencies to improve the flow and health of the Snowy River.
As part of the program, we are undertaking monitoring for assessing changes in estuarine vegetation over time, tracking fish presence, abundance and evidence of breeding events, evaluating the condition and availability of important fish habitat such as refuge pools, and undertaking ongoing monitoring of the estuary mouth.
“A trial conducted during late summer and autumn of 2025 monitored the estuary mouth in response to varying environmental water release volumes over specified time intervals,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
“The monitoring captured changes in the estuary entrance in response to flow and other drivers, such as wave conditions. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to these influences.”
Remote solar-powered cameras have been installed at four locations across East Gippsland to capture daily images of estuary mouths, including one at Marlo. They provide the ability to record and track changes in estuary conditions which can be further analysed in conjunction with historical records, to understand long term trends.
At a recent community event, the Snowy Advisory Committee and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) presented an overview of environmental water delivery to the Snowy River, along with updates on recent monitoring of frogs and platypus in the NSW reach and the utilisation of eDNA sampling in the upper catchment.
Snowy Hydro Limited also provided an overview of its operations and a summary of the Annual Water Operations Plan, including Trigger Flows delivered in 2025-26 and those planned for 2026-27.
“Together, these efforts reflect a strong commitment to protecting the long-term health of the Snowy River and ensuring it continues to support the communities, flora and fauna, and cultural values that depend on it,” added Bec. The trials were funded by the Victorian Government as part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments.
Students from Tambo Upper Primary School kicked off a perfect winter’s morning on the Tambo River. The day began with the sight of two White-bellied Sea Eagles, a Pelican, and mist rising gently off the water.
It was here that the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), alongside Fishcare, joined the students for a hands-on session exploring the importance of fish habitat.
“The students spent the day at Battens Landing and learnt about the importance of fish in rivers and habitats. The students also cast a line and tried their hand at fishing, unfortunately only a few snags were caught, better luck next time,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland CMA.
“They were an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of students who wowed CMA staff with their knowledge of the river, the fish that live there and the importance of habitat in a river”.
For more than 20 years, large timber structures have been installed across East Gippsland’s waterways to create habitat to improve the availability, density and connectivity of shelter for native fish species.
These long running programs are a collaborative effort between the East Gippsland CMA, Victorian Fisheries Authority, angling clubs, community groups, and partner agencies, all sharing a commitment to improving waterways for native fish and recreational fishing.
The East Gippsland CMA recently completed the installation of log structures throughout the Tambo and Mitchell River estuaries to enhance habitat for key native species such as black bream, estuary perch and Australian Bass. This project was funded by the Fish Habitat Improvement Fund, which is part of the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan.
Students across East Gippsland learned about the environment and catchments through an engaging mix of wildlife encounters and creative art, as the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) presented its Catchment Connections roadshow.
The program travelled across the region visiting schools in Swifts Creek, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Newmerella and Mallacoota, bringing hands on environmental learning directly to local students.
Delivered in partnership with Black Snake Productions, the program featured live native animals including endangered frog and snake species, turtles, goannas, a sugar glider, bandicoot, masked owl, swift parrot and a fruit bat as part of an interactive presentation focused on biodiversity, waterway health and a special emphasis on threatened species found in East Gippsland.
The East Gippsland CMA teamed up with the East Gippsland Art Gallery to incorporate a creative element into the program. Students took part in guided art sessions, where they decorated a threatened species while learning about it, combining science and creativity to deepen their understanding.
“East Gippsland CMA is always keen to support schools and provide opportunities for students to develop a deeper understanding of the environment,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA CEO.
“This program highlights the vital role that healthy habitats play in supporting threatened species, while making learning fun, interactive and memorable.”
By combining wildlife experiences with hands on art activities, the Catchment Connections program continues to inspire the next generation to value and protect East Gippsland’s natural environment.
As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
Multiple projects are underway across the region to safeguard the critically endangered Redgum Grassy Woodlands and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands thanks to strong collaboration between partner agencies and local landholders.
The Moormurng and Bengworden Reserves, the key focus areas of the project, support some of the largest remaining patches of these unique ecosystems. Conservation works are currently being carried out across 15 sites.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
“As part of this work, Trust for Nature staff, alongside East Gippsland CMA staff, recently planted 300 species listed in the Threatened Ecological Community across one of two sites identified. This contributes to a broader 35-hectare revegetation effort to be delivered over four years,” East Gippsland CMA’s CEO Bec Hemming said.
“These sites are protected under Trust for Nature covenants, an important step in ensuring these unique ecosystem’s survival long into the future,” added Bec.
The planting included a range of species including the Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana), Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), and multiple threatened grass species. The East Gippsland CMA is working with other partners Greening Australia and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to deliver the four-year project, which combines ecological restoration with strong community and Traditional Owner involvement.
Recent monitoring of the Buchan River near the fishway has confirmed it is successfully supporting native fish passage, with strong increases in fish numbers and species found.
“The fishway was constructed in 2023 to overcome the barrier created by a large log structure, which had restricted fish movement,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“A comprehensive summary of monitoring results from 2022 to 2026, commissioned by the East Gippsland CMA, has improved our understanding of how fish populations have responded since construction of the fishway.”
The results show clear improvements in movement both upstream and downstream, along with a substantial increase in abundance. The most recent surveys recorded a total of 2,371 individual fish; significantly higher than pre-construction surveys, where numbers were in the hundreds.
This increase indicates suitable environmental conditions and good quality habitat in the Buchan River, and suggests the fishway is being actively used.
“As well as high numbers of individuals, a diverse range of species was observed including smelt, common galaxias, longfin eel and tupong, Australian bass and the threatened Australian grayling.”
The fishway now reconnects the river, allowing fish to migrate up to 127 kilometres through the upper reaches of the Buchan River, restoring access to important habitat that was previously out of reach.
Ongoing monitoring will help determine whether these high fish numbers are sustained across different seasons and flow conditions.
“Beyond the significant environmental benefits, the Buchan River is a popular destination for residents and visitors, supporting a range of recreational activities. The area around the fishway is well used, and the project contributes to the long-term enjoyment and health of the river,” added Bec. As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will soon begin works on the lower Mitchell River at the Barrier as part of its Platy Patch project, aimed at improving waterway health and providing better habitat for local platypus.
Platypus are known to live in this area, and the project has been carefully planned to protect and enhance their habitat. Works will include the removal of invasive willow infestations, installation of timber habitat structures, and revegetation with native plants. Together, these actions will help create more stable riverbanks, improve water quality, and provide shelter and feeding opportunities for platypus and other native species.
The project forms part of the landmark $24 million Platy Patch Project, a four-year, statewide initiative receiving significant joint funding from the Australian Government, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water.
An investment of $1.2m has been secured to support and protect platypus habitat in the Mitchell River, one of 14 project areas across Victoria.
Residents and visitors may see crews and machinery working at the site as the project progresses. To allow works to be carried out safely, the affected area will be closed to the public from mid-May. Exclusion fencing will be in place, and the area will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
The project is jointly funded by the Australia Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water, under the guidance of the Arthur Rylah Institute, with the support of One Tree Planted, City of Ballarat, Coliban Water, Zoos Victoria, and Catchment Management Authorities.
This project is being delivered in collaboration with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), East Gippsland Shire Council and East Gippsland Water.
Local primary schools swapped the classroom for the riverbank recently as Marlo and Newmerella students took park in a hands-on learning experience at an event hosted by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“Some of the activities offered were sustainable fishing talks with Fishcare, bug identification with Wildlife Unlimited, fish identification with Arthur Rylah Institute scientists, and the opportunity for all students to have a go at throwing a line,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
Students were also thrilled to take home local plants grown and supplied by local Moogji Nursery in Orbost.
“The special day gave students the chance to learn about the iconic Snowy River that runs through their hometowns, helping build a deeper understanding of its environmental importance and their personal connection to the river in their own backyard.”
The community event, held at the Marlo Angling Club, was open to the public and provided an opportunity to hear about the outcomes from recent Snowy River flow trials led by the East Gippsland CMA.
The trials monitored the estuary behaviour with different environmental water release volumes and timing. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to different drivers, as well as impacts on water quality in connected wetlands during late summer and autumn of 2025.
The trials were funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment into improving the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria.
“To finish the day, Arthur Rylah Institute scientists demonstrated electrofishing techniques which temporarily stun fish so that they can be safely counted, identified and released, helping to understand river health and fish populations,” said Bec.
ABC Landline presenter Pip Courtney was the keynote speaker at the Far East Victoria Landcare Expo, held as part of the Orbost Show at Newmerella over the March long weekend.
This event was supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered for East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel, by Far East Victoria Landcare
A multi award winning journalist, Pip has spent more than 30 years documenting the lives, challenges and innovations of Australia’s agricultural communities. Pip shared her experiences and stories of resilience, adaptation and innovation from across the country, highlighting the importance of strong collaboration between producers, Landcare groups and agencies.
“Pip’s visit was warmly welcomed by the Far East Gippsland community, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable farming, healthy soils and community led land stewardship,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. “Delivered under TopSoils, a multi-partner collaboration supporting sustainable agriculture and improve soil health across East Gippsland, the Landcare Expo was ideally situated within the Orbost Show, bringing together community members, producers and organisations to celebrate agriculture while sharing knowledge and ideas that support the future of farming in Far East Gippsland,” concluded Bec.
Local primary schools swapped the classroom for the riverbank recently as Marlo and Newmerella students took park in a hands-on learning experience at an event hosted by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
“Some of the activities offered were sustainable fishing talks with Fishcare, bug identification with Wildlife Unlimited, fish identification with Arthur Rylah Institute scientists, and the opportunity for all students to have a go at throwing a line,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
Students were also thrilled to take home local plants grown and supplied by local Moogji Nursery in Orbost.
“The special day gave students the chance to learn about the iconic Snowy River that runs through their hometowns, helping build a deeper understanding of its environmental importance and their personal connection to the river in their own backyard.”
The community event, held at the Marlo Angling Club, was open to the public and provided an opportunity to hear about the outcomes from recent Snowy River flow trials led by the East Gippsland CMA.
The trials monitored the estuary behaviour with different environmental water release volumes and timing. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to different drivers, as well as impacts on water quality in connected wetlands during late summer and autumn of 2025.
The trials were funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment into improving the health of waterways and catchments in regional Victoria. “To finish the day, Arthur Rylah Institute scientists demonstrated electrofishing techniques which temporarily stun fish so that they can be safely counted, identified and released, helping to understand river health and fish populations,” said Bec.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been working to protect important seagrass meadows in the Gippsland Lakes.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by East Gippsland CMA, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
The project aims to safeguard one hectare of vital seeding seagrass meadows across two sites, giving these underwater nurseries the best chance to thrive.
“The insights gathered through this project’s initial field surveys are guiding where the protection measures are put in place, ensuring they are targeted to where they are needed most,” said CEO of the East Gippsland CMA, Bec Hemming.
“The protection measures include restricting motorised vessel access to these areas and will be implemented in collaboration with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Gippsland Ports.”
“Seagrass provides vital habitat, food and shelter for fish and other marine life, supporting the ecological character of the Ramsar listed wetland. It is important we understand how effective our management strategies are in protecting and rejuvenating seagrass populations now and into the future.” “The data that is collected during the field surveys will help update and confirm existing maps of seagrass extent and density, giving us a clearer picture of how these vital underwater meadows are growing and changing at each site.” Said Bec.
