Corangamite
About this page
Corangamite Waterwatch began in 1993. The program is hosted by Corangamite CMA in partnership with Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water.
Corangamite Waterwatch program
Corangamite Waterwatch began in 1993. The program is hosted by the Corangaminte CMA in partnership with Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water. Corangamite Waterwatch has been active in its catchment for the past 18 years in both water quality monitoring and education and awareness of river health issues.
In the Corangamite region, Waterwatch supports on average 40 groups with 75 community monitors and 40 schools monitoring more than 150 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 different areas within the catchment and they participate in a biannual quality assurance/quality control program. These sessions provide opportunities for monitors to refresh their skills and to network with others.
Corangamite Waterwatch has several popular educational and awareness resources. These include:
- Coranga-mites Action in the Catchment program for regional schools;
- Two Corangamite Waterwatch self-guided Stormwater Trails in Geelong and Colac; and
- The "Now and Then" aquatic macroinvertebrate identification booklet.
These products complement existing resources such as the Corangamite Waterwatch trailer, which is popular at regional shows and events.
Find out more on the Corangamite Waterwatch Education Resources page.
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
