Local landholders, schools and organisations from the Mornington Peninsula joined forces recently to discuss how they could help improve water quality and protect the fragile ecosystem within the Watson Creek Catchment.
The Watson Creek Catchment encompasses the area around Frankston South, Baxter, Somerville, Pearcedale and Tyabb and the creek completes its journey at Western Port Bay, flowing into the Yaringa Marine Park in the bay’s north west corner.
Yaringa Marine Park is 980 hectares in size and is one of Victoria’s 13 Marine National Parks, established to protect the unique marine flora and fauna species that survive within them.
Community members within the Watson Creek Catchment have recognised the need to improve the way both rural and urban land is managed in the area, the quality of water that flows into Western Port, and hope to raise awareness about better ways to manage land as well as attracting new members to the group.
Group President Tracy Westwood says it is important that residents within this area understand the importance of this waterway on the peninsula and do what they can to help.
“The Watson Creek Catchment is home to many unique flora and fauna species and its waters run directly into Yaringa Marine Park. We want to raise the profile of Watson Creek and help both rural and urban residents understand that by taking steps to improving the way they manage their land they can help to preserve both the on land and underwater ecosystems found in this area.”
The Watson Creek Catchment group is going through the process of renewal and is planning to reestablish itself as a source of information and assistance to help land owners improve the health of the catchment. It is anticipated new activities will begin in late Winter or early Spring.
During the meeting (on May 26) the group spoke to members of the community about the unique flora and fauna that are found in the area. Students from Somerville Rise Primary School and Baxter Primary School, Jeff Weir from the Central Coastal Board, Janet Borley, Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Biosphere Reserve Foundation and Marie–Clare Van Besouw from the Watson Creek Catchment Group all gave presentations.
The Watson Creek Catchment group is asking anyone would like to be involved in activities that improve the quality of the catchment on both public and private land or those interested in being part of the group steering committee to contact President Tracy Westwood on 0400 045 971.
The Port Phillip and Westernport CMA provides support to landholders and groups within the region to undertake on-ground works through programs such as CatchmentCare Support and the PPWCMA Community Grants program.
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