regional initiatives

The RCS is backed by, and provides guidance to its Supporting Strategies. In the Corangamite Region, these include, but are not limited to:

Draft Corangamite River Health Strategy: identifies and ranks stream reaches requiring management and/ or rehabilitation using the Victorian Index of Stream Condition parameters, and itemises management actions required for each stream reach;

Corangamite Floodplain Management Strategy: identifies strategic management requirements for floodplains, presents flood management and emergency response plans, guides development and land use practices, and provides an integrated floodplain management information system;

Strategic Management Plans for Ramsar Sites: provide a management framework for the Region's wetlands of international importance, the primary goal being to maintain their ecological character through conservation and wise use; Corangamite Regional Landcare Support Strategy (Draft 2002) identifies strategic support processes and tools for community Landcare and environmental volunteer groups;

Draft Corangamite Salinity Action Plan (2003-2008): uses results of a formal Geospatial SHARP Model (2003) to identify 12 key areas for salinity management, covering social, environmental and economic assets threatened by secondary salinity and describes areas of primary salinity assets;

Coastal and Estuary Action Plans: set strategic directions and provide frameworks to support planning and management of the Region's coast, and integrate local Coastal Action Plans, consistent with the Victorian Coastal Strategy (2002);

Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan 2003: strategically directs future programs and actions for achieving a net gain in native vegetation and related biodiversity across the Region, and prioritises management options on a regional basis;

Corangamite Weed Action Plan (2001-2004): sets out a range of actions for the management of priority pest plants, amongst the 58 declared noxious weed species in the Region using a risk management approach;

Corangamite Rabbit Action Plan (2001-2006): sets out strategic priorities for rabbit management in the Region, to abate the detrimental impacts of rabbits on agricultural productivity, soil stability, native vegetation, biodiversity and water quality; and

Marine Fisheries Plans: incorporating the Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan 2002, Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan 2003, and the Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan 2003, which formalise fishery management within a framework of ecologically sustainable development and co-management with all relevant stakeholders.

Within each of the above Strategies and Action Plans, management actions and targets have been developed. These include on-ground and in-stream works, site investigations, monitoring, research and development, policy, planning, regulation, support for ongoing resource stewardship by stakeholders and community groups, and educational and informational activities. All Supporting Strategies pay regard to economic, social and environmental issues, and their management priorities are defined in terms of geographic location where appropriate.

For more information or copies of available Strategies, please contact CCMA on 03 5232 9100 OR via email on info@ccma.com.vic.gov.au