The Wimmera catchment comprises the Wimmera River and Millicent Coast basins. The Wimmera River is the region’s largest waterway, rising on the north-western slopes of Mount Buangor in the south-east Wimmera and terminating in Lakes Hindmarsh and Albacutya in the northern Wimmera.
A large number of tributary streams drain into the river from sections of the Pyrenees and Grampians ranges. Under periods of higher flow, the Wimmera River feeds Dunmunkle and Yarriambiack creeks which flow north into the Mallee.
The Millicent Coast Basin in the west of the region contains most of the Wimmera’s 3000 wetlands and a number of small streams that flow west into South Australia.
Why it is important to keep our rivers and streams healthy
It is important to keep Wimmera rivers and streams healthy because they provide:
Unfortunately, many Wimmera rivers, creeks and wetlands are under threat from reduced flows, sedimentation and erosion, invasion by pest plants and animals and declining water quality.
Gully and land erosion occurs extensively throughout the catchment, particularly in the upper Wimmera, and is contributing significant sediment to waterways. The associated decline in water quality is further exacerbated by grazing pressure on the bed and banks of waterways.
Changes in flow regimes and increasing sedimentation are leading to significant changes in aquatic vegetation growth and, combined with a history of snag removal, are having a significant impact on aquatic habitats.
How the CMA improves the health of Wimmera waterways
The Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy Summary (4.53 MB) is the guiding document for the long-term management of the region’s waterways. The strategy sets out actions for improving the health of the region’s rivers, creeks and wetlands and aims to achieve this through the following key methods and activities:
If you would like a copy of the full Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy document on CD, please contact the Wimmera CMA
Connecting the Catchments
Wimmera CMA is part of a cross-border partnership between Victorian and South Australian water resource management agencies called 'Connecting the Catchments'.