The Broken Goulburn Implementation Committee (BGIC) of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is pleased to present the 2009 Community Forum: What’s happening with water? The forum will be followed by the 2009 Landcare Celebration.

Chair of the Broken Goulburn Implementation Committee, David Dore, said “In recognition of the extraordinarily high level of community concern about water and with major policy changes afoot, it seems timely to bring the major water players together in a forum so that we can better understand the best ways to deal with the very difficult situation we are faced with.”

The community water forum will be an informed discussion about the state of knowledge, and current and future management of surface and ground water in our catchment. Speakers include: Geoff Earl (GBCMA), Graeme Hannon and Simon Cowan (GMW), and Rick Evans (SKM).

The Department of Sustainability and Environment will be providing an update on the Draft Northern Sustainable Water Strategy and what it means for our Catchment.

“The objective is to provide information for the community on the current state of knowledge about regional ground and surface water supplies in the upper and mid reaches of the catchment; and existing and likely changes to management arrangements. The emphasis of the day won’t be on irrigation and water trading per se, but will include river diversions, domestic and stock entitlements and the rationale and implementation of environmental water reserves,” Mr Dore said.

The Landcare Celebration held straight after the water forum, includes the presentation of the Hubert Miller Trophy; a showcase of group and network projects; and the launch of the GB CMA’s Service to Landcare Honour Roll.

The evening will also include the launch of a book documenting the first 20 years of Landcare in our catchment, entitled “Milestones, Memories and Messages - a history of Landcare in the Goulburn Broken Catchment” by Carole Hamilton Barwick.

“Landcare plays a vital role in the catchment in scaling up the on-ground works that the CMA is able to do. It is also crucial in setting local priorities and bringing a broad cross-section of the community along in the work of improving the health of the catchment,” said Mr Dore.

The water forum and Landcare Celebration will be held on Thursday 15th October at the Benalla Performing Arts and Conference Centre. The water forum will be from 1-5pm and the Landcare Celebration from 5-8.30pm.

All are welcome, but bookings are essential. Please phone Chris Burnett at the GB CMA on 5736 0100 or email chrisb@gbcma.vic.gov.au.