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.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been working with NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to incorporate environmental flow recommendations aimed at improving the condition of the lower Snowy River and its estuary.
These recommendations focus on maintaining an open entrance during late summer and autumn, a period when the estuary has historically closed due to reduced catchment and environmental water releases.
“As part of the 2024-25 environmental water release plan, the NSW Government implemented the planned environmental water releases from Jindabyne Dam, informed by advice from the Snowy Advisory Committee and other organisations. The daily release schedule is prepared 12 months in advance to ensure effective planning and coordination,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’s CEO.
A trial was undertaken to monitor estuary mouth behaviour in response to varying environmental water release volumes over specified time intervals.
“Monitoring successfully captured estuary entrance changes in response to both flow and other drivers, such as wave conditions. This provided valuable insights into how the estuary responds to different drivers, as well as impacts on water quality in adjacent connected wetlands and waterways during late summer and autumn of 2025,” added Bec.
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 find out more about these trials, the East Gippsland CMA is hosting a community event on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at the Marlo Angling Club from 12pm to 6pm. There will be multiple activities during this time, including two talks from CMA staff – one at 1pm and another at 5pm about the Snowy flows trial.
The East Gippsland CMA welcomes all community members to join in the activities, listen to the presentation, and ask any questions about the Snowy River. More information about the day can be found on the East Gippsland CMA’s Community Events page.
Great news for fish: the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has received a further $98,000 to build on long-running fish habitat programs across East Gippsland’s waterways.
For more than 20 years, large timber structures have been installed throughout the region to create complex habitats that improve the availability, density and connectivity of shelter for native fish species. These enhancements have helped build healthier fish communities across major river systems, estuarine areas and the Gippsland Lakes.
Thanks to the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Recreational Fishing Grants Program, this new round of works will take place towards the end of 2026, with potential sites including the Mitchell, Tambo or Nicholson Rivers.
“The structures are designed to mimic natural fallen timber. Piles are driven into the riverbanks for support, with logs secured to create stable, long-lasting habitat. Previous installed structures have proven highly successful, with monitoring showing fish and other aquatic species making the most of them,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland CMA’S CEO.
These long running programs are a collaborative effort between the East Gippsland CMA, VFA, angling clubs, community groups, and partner agencies, all sharing a commitment to improving waterways for native fish and recreational fishing.
“Timber in rivers is natural and plays a vital role in creating diversity and structure within the river system. It provides shelter and food sources for fish and aquatic invertebrates, which in turn support other species, including platypus.” “Recreational fishing is extremely popular in East Gippsland, and improving fish habitat not only benefits the environment but also supports thriving fish populations for fishing enthusiasts to enjoy,” said Bec.
The Redgum Grassy Woodlands and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands are special parts of Gippsland’s landscape, stretching from the Latrobe Valley to Bairnsdale. Both are Critically Endangered and need help to survive.
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) with partners Greening Australia, Trust for Nature and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) are working on a four-year project to protect and restore these unique environments.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
On ground work is being carried out by Traditional Owners and environmental specialists, with strong input from local groups and agencies including landholders building on their years of restoration work and investment.
The Moormurng and Bengworden Reserves, the key focus areas of the project, are home to some of the largest remaining patches of these ecosystems. There are currently 15 sites, where conservation works are being undertaken.
“This project is about giving threatened ecosystems a better chance to survive and thrive. We’re working to improve their health, connect habitats, and protect important areas for the future,” said Bec Hemming, CEO of EGCMA.
“This includes mapping where these communities are, checking their condition, and restoring sites that need help by planting seeds and seedlings of important species. We’ll also tackle threats including weeds and fencing off critical areas.”
Greening Australia has sown native species directly in a targeted area of over 30 hectares at Bengworden including Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. Mediana). These seeds were given a good head start following the decent spring rainfall the region has received. In other areas, grassland seed mix was sown to restore important ground and shrub layer species that were noticeably absent. “At the end of the project, we’ll have a big picture plan to guide future work,” said Bec.
Watch this video to see and hear all about the Gippsland Lakes, the rivers that flow into it, habitat, species that call the lakes home and current threats.
