North East Catchment Management Authority

The North East CMA Region covers approximately 19,500 km² and comprises three major catchments: the Upper Murray, Kiewa and Ovens. It is bounded by the River Murray in the north, the Victorian Alps in the south, the NSW border in the east and the Warby Ranges in the west. The region is rich in natural resources; alpine landscapes, lifestyle and agricultural valleys, and forested hills and waterways. More than 55% of the North East consists of public land encompassing over 200 parks and reserves that are vital for regional biodiversity. The length of streams in the region is 10,602 km which provides 38% of the total water to the Murray Darling Basin.

The region comprises the local council municipalities of Wodonga, Indigo, Wangaratta, Alpine and Towong, plus parts of the Moira and East Gippsland shires. Approximately 102,000 people live in the north east. The major urban centres are Wodonga and Wangaratta, but cross border towns along the Murray, such as Albury, also contribute to the region’s access to services. Key industries include agriculture (dairy, beef, wool, cropping and horticulture), forest industries, tourism and value-added processing industries, particularly around Wangaratta and Wodonga cities. The region’s rivers and streams offer some of the best recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria and the alpine region has two of Australia’s major ski fields; Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. Despite the general accessibility of services, the region has some remote and low population areas such as the Omeo-Benambra area and the Upper Murray.

There are about 40 Waterwatch volunteers supporting stream health monitoring in the region. In addition, the North East CMA in partnership with the North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group has supported the SEED (School Environment Education Directory) program to facilitate engagement and participation of schools in waterway monitoring and education.