Oyster Harbour Catchment Group members and guests.
In 2017 the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group (OHCG) celebrated 25 years of operation. In those 25 years, the group has attracted many millions of dollars in funding for on-ground activities and coordinated many hours of volunteer labour. Importantly, beyond the on-ground works, the OHCG has committed to raising awareness of environmental issues with landholders and the wider community, and promoting the benefits of conservation and good land management.
In 2016, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation entered into an agreement with OHCG to improve the quality of water flowing into Oyster Harbour through the Regional Estuaries Initiative (REI). The agreement, worth $605k plus OHCG in-kind contributions over four years, provides the support needed to deliver the following REI programs:
- In partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, farmers, industry and OHCG, reduce the nutrient runoff from farms while supporting farm productivity.
- Work with OHCG to restore stream function, move stock away from waterways and improve water quality by implementing river action plans.
- In partnership with Western Dairy, farmers and OHCG, reduce nutrients lost from dairy sheds by providing technical and financial support through the DairyCare program.
Heather Adams, Chair of the OHCG, said that a major contributing factor to the success of OHCG has been the strong working relationships with government agencies that have developed over many years, and the partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has been one of the most enduring and successful.
“The Regional Estuaries Initiative has provided much needed resources to address complex issues in the lower catchment, and I am confident that together we can assist landholders to implement on ground works that will be the catalyst for significant change,” said Heather.
For more information on the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group visit their website.