Curdies and Gellibrand Estuary Management Plans and EEMSS Agricultural Assessment

The Corangamite Waterway Strategy (2014-2022) identifies the development of Estuary Management Plans (EMPs) at the Curdies and Gellibrand estuaries as a priority action. RMCG was engaged by the CMA to prepare EMPs for each estuary. This involved an in-depth review of the relevant scientific and management literature, as well as extensive engagement with stakeholders including agency staff, interest groups and local landholders. The literature review, coupled with input from local stakeholders, informed the goal, objectives and management actions identified for each estuary. The overarching goal for both the Curdies and the Gellibrand estuary is the protection and enhancement of the environmental values, as well as supporting long-term sustainable use.

In parallel to the development of the EMPs, RMCG conducted interviews with local landholders at each estuary that are impacted by estuarine inundation. The Estuary Entrance Management Support System (EEMSS), is a decision-support tool used by estuary managers to determine when to artificially open, or not open, an estuary. Until recently, agricultural impacts have not been well documented and included in EEMSS. The purpose of the landholder interviews was to understand the impact estuarine inundation has on their agricultural productivity and to compile this information in a manner that can be incorporated into EEMSS.