Call for CMA members

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is seeking new members for its community engagement network.

This is a great opportunity for community members who want to be a part of the management and car of West Gippsland’s catchments.

WGCMS partnership and engagement project officer Tash Marty Cripps said community engagement and partnerships were a key area of focus for the CMA and pivotal in achieving natural resource management outcomes and delivery of the Regional Catchment Strategy.

“The intention of the network is to provide a modern and flexible approach to community engagement, and we aim to engage a wide cross section of the community to exchange information about NRM issues in our region.

“The network gets together several times a year in one of West Gippsland’s beautiful catchment areas to take a look at the work we do and discuss issues facing the community. In between gatherings, we will link members and provide them with opportunities for input to relevant plans and strategies,” she said.

Tash has personal experience of the benefits of being a part of this community forum being a member before joining the team.

“The CEN was my gateway to working at

WGCMA. It facilitated my learning about their fantastic work around the region, allowed me to meet the friendly staff and helped me understand the natural resource issues being managed. It was also a lot of fun! I mean, who doesn’t want to sit on a picnic rug in a grassy area of the Powlett River and listen to a talk about estuary management or Traditional Owner engagement before an informative beach walk and a delicious lunch?” said Tash.

“It tied in with my interests, allowed me to network with other passionate locals and gave me a voice, for example allowing me to provide my feedback during community engagement workshops for the development of the Regional Catchment Strategy.

“It was those three years with the CEN that convinced me that WGCMA is a place I’d love to work, to contribute more to the management of our land and water resources across West Gippsland,” she said.

Applications are now open for new members to join for a period of three years. Applications close on March 4.

For more information and to register your interest, visit https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/ getting-involved/what-you-can-do