Corangamite

Corangamite Waterwatch began in 1993. The program is hosted by Corangamite CMA in partnership with Barwon Water.

Find out more

Visit the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority website to download a Waterwatch brochure.

Corangamite Waterwatch Coordinators

Deirdre Murphy

Corangamite Waterwatch (Geelong)
Corangamite CMA
PO Box 159
Colac VIC 3250
ph: (03) 5232 9100
fx: (03) 5232 2759
email: deirdre.murphy@ccma.vic.gov.au

Rebecca Callea

Corangamite Waterwatch (Geelong)
Corangamite CMA
PO Box 159
Colac VIC 3250
ph: (03) 5232 9100
fx: (03) 5232 2759
email: rebecca.callea@ccma.vic.gov.au

Brenda Skene

Corangamite Waterwatch (Colac)
Corangamite CMA
PO Box 159
Colac VIC 3250
ph: (03) 5232 9100
fx: (03) 5232 2759
email: brenda.skene@ccma.vic.gov.au

Corangamite Waterwatch program

Corangamite Waterwatch began in 1993. The program is hosted by the Corangaminte CMA in partnership with Barwon Water. Corangamite Waterwatch has been active in its catchment for the past 12 years in both water quality monitoring and education and awareness of river health issues.

In the Corangamite region, Waterwatch supports on average 60 groups with 1000 participants monitoring more than 110 sites. Our monitors include primary, secondary and tertiary schools, Landcare, community groups and interested individuals. Monitoring groups are usually committed, enthusiastic people that have a strong interest in their local waterway - many have been involved with the program since its beginnings.

Each year, monitors attend refresher courses that are held in three areas within the catchment. They also participate in a biannual quality assurance/quality control program. These sessions provide opportunities for monitors to refresh their skills and to network with others.

In 2004, Corangamite Waterwatch introduced two new educational and awareness resources. The first one was the Coranga-mites Action in the Catchment program for regional schools. This was followed by the launch of two Corangamite Waterwatch self-guided Stormwater Trails in Geelong and Colac. These products complement existing resources such as the Corangamite Waterwatch trailer, which is popular at regional shows and events.

The Corangamite Region

This region comprises 13,340 square kilometres of southwestern Victoria, including 17,500 ha of Victoria's coastal fringe area. The region has a temperate Mediterranean climate of warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Rainfall varies from less than 500mm to a state maximum of 2000 mm per year in the Otway Ranges.

Four drainage basins lie within the region: the Barwon, Corangamite, Otway and Moorabool basins. Major rivers include the Moorabool, Leigh (or Yarrowee), Barwon, Woady Yaloak, Curdies, Aire and Gellibrand Rivers. There are 14 proclaimed water catchments and coastal environments of high heritage, recreation and environmental value. The region is renowned for aquatic habitats and wetlands of national and international importance.

From: Corangamite Catchment & Land Protection Board (1997) Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy