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Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland

West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.

By news@gippsland - 24th September 2026 - Back to News

On World Rivers Day, Sunday 27 September, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is joining the world in celebrating and caring for rivers with a new initiative bringing people together to take action for the Tarwin River.

Victorian government funding supported workshops shaping a shared Tarwin River vision and prospectus featuring nine projects across land, community, water and biodiversity

Tarwin River vision

Joel Kilgour, Catchment & First Nations Partnership Officer for West Gippsland CMA said, "Together for the Tarwin is a collaborative partnership that unites organisations and communities to care for the catchment as a connected system. It builds on many years of collaborative effort from community, Landcare, government and land management organisations."

Funding from the Victorian government's Our Catchment Our Communities program supported the collaborative process with partners getting together to attend four workshops and a bus tour to capture the dreams the community and partners hold for the river.

This led to a shared vision and the development of a prospectus which showcases nine, collaborative and 'shovel ready' projects just waiting to be funded. Projects sit within four themes of land, community, water and biodiversity and are located across the catchment from its source in the mountains to the sea.

Tarwin projects funded

CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller said, "The work in the Tarwin is a great example of the place-based work CMAs have supported for nearly 30 years. Seeing the history of work and enthusiasm in the area, it's exciting to be part of the next phase of action."

West Gippsland CMA Board supports the vision and contributed funding to kick start on ground works. These initial projects will demonstrate the capacity to deliver projects and the benefits they bring with the hope of attracting additional funding in the future. "We've now landed at a really exciting phase with six projects being funded over the next 18 months, which is going to be a great start to work in Tarwin," said Joel.

Tarwin river projects

The funded projects being delivered are:

• Reviving the Black Spur Wetland through revegetation and weed control
• Weed control and community planting along Battery Creek
• Removing weeds, fencing and replanting in the Tarwin Headwaters
• Efficient effluent planning through a Fert$mart project to reduce nutrients entering the river
• Celebration of 30 years of community stewardship with Arawata Landcare Group
• eDNA monitoring to develop a baseline understanding of the river's fauna through eDNA monitoring

South Gippsland Landcare Network is one of the initiative's key drivers and contributors. President Jillian Staton is passionate about the river and delivering on the vision. "I love that we've got so many partners and that everybody's now clearly working together."

"The CMA has put together an amazing prospectus and we're just starting to tick things off. It's very much a long-term vision, but we're getting the foundations going. It shows a whole catchment approach and there's something everybody can do in their little patch," said Jillian.

Community partnership grows

Project partners also include South Gippsland Landcare Network, South Gippsland Shire Council, Parks Victoria, Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, Trust for Nature, South Gippsland Water, Prom Coast Ecolink, Agriculture Victoria, GippsDairy and HVP.

Community members wishing to read the prospectus and get involved are encouraged to join a Landcare group, follow the South Gippsland Landcare Network and West Gippsland CMA websites. You can also donate to the Tarwin project through the South Gippsland Land Care Fund. "Together for the Tarwin is a partnership at their best. These projects wouldn't be possible without working together," Joel concluded.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.