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West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority invites people to participate in community engagement network for three years by 17 Dec 2023

WGCMA invites new members to its Community Engagement Network, fostering local connections and expertise exchange. Join for three years, share knowledge, influence projects, and collaborate for environmental impact. Apply by Dec 17, 2023.

By news@gippsland - 30th November 2023 - Back to News

Do you live in and love West Gippsland's catchments? Would you like to get involved in their management and care? Then this opportunity is for you. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) cares for waterways from Warragul to the Gippsland Lakes and our team lives and works in the Gippsland community. We are seeking new members to join the Community Engagement Network with applications closing on 17 December, 2023.

Join West Gippsland CMA's Community Engagement Network! Connect, share expertise, influence local projects, and expand knowledge. Apply by 17 Dec 2023 for a three-year term

Environmental engagement

Kelsey Tong, Catchment & Community Project Officer for West Gippsland CMA said, "As part of our commitment to working together towards catchment health, we are asking people who have a strong connection to the unique West Gippy environment to consider becoming part of the Network,"

"This is an opportunity for those who are connected to local communities, who advocate for Natural Resource Management issues and have experience and knowledge to become more involved and make a difference," she said.

The Board appointed forum provides a two-way information exchange between the CMA and West Gippsland community members. Network meetings are held on site and online to discuss local issues, partnerships and projects the CMA is working on. Members are encouraged to provide feedback and bring information from their community and area of expertise on topics such as river, wetland and estuary management, climate change and more.

CEN focuses on identifying community needs in resource management, providing input, enhancing reputation. Appointments from 2024-2027, remunerated for meetings

Community expert involvement

Tony Pitt is an agricultural consultant who worked on a number of projects with the CMA before joining the Network."I was keen to be involved at a different level and potentially give back by providing my expertise and knowledge, where appropriate, in helping with new projects. I am now much better informed about the breadth and depth of CMA projects."

Natalie Goodfellow thought the Network would assist in her role as a teacher so she could provide real life examples. "Teachers are rarely supplied with local case studies. I wanted to link my school with local groups such as Landcare groups - knowledge is power."

Over the past few years, members have visited areas with CMA staff and partners and contributed to discussions about Durt'Yowan (Latrobe River) and mine rehabilitation, Powlett River Kugerungmome Partnerships project, Horseshoe Bend fishway, development of the Regional Catchment Strategy, Traditional Owner Cultural Heritage and much more.

If you are interested in learning more about what the WGCMA do and discuss issues facing the local community, send your application and take part of the engagement

Networking for learning

Many of the tropics are chosen upon the feedback that members have provided on their specific interests. "However don't discount attending a Network event just because the topic is not of interest to you, be open to what you might discover because - you don't know what you don't know," said Network member, Deanne Smith who is also Director at Euca Planning.

The CEN is also a great platform for individuals to meet, create and develop professional relationships which help to connect and create opportunities for personal career developments. It is also a space to share knowledge among members to better inform one another on topics of interest.

Jess Obersby was a primary school teacher and is now studying environmental science. "I was new to environmental stuff and joined hoping to learn a lot and take that back to my fellow students. It's really great to be around like minded people who all have the same goal." Applications for new members to join for a period of three years are now open and must be submitted by 5pm, Sunday 17 December 2023.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com