THE Wimmera Catchment Management Authority has welcomed new state government funding to better protect Lake Albacutya.
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The government has announced $2 million for catchment management authorities to care for Victoria’s 11 internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands.
Ramsar sites are wetlands that are listed as having international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international wetland treaty.
Lake Albacutya is the region’s only Ramsar site.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said the money would help the authority continue to monitor and minimise risks to Lake Albacutya.
He said risks included weeds, rabbits and foxes.
”The money will help us make sure Lake Albacutya is in a fantastic environmental state, so when water does return to the lake, all the attributes that made it a Ramsar site originally still exist,” he said.
“It’s about making sure migratory birds and other animals continue to thrive there.”
Mr Brennan said the funding came after an inquiry into the management of Ramsar sites made a number of recommendations.
“If we have healthy wetlands, it’s good for the entire region as it provides many social aspects that people can enjoy,” he said.
“The more money we can put towards wetlands and waterways in the region, the better.”
Mr Brennan said Lake Albacutya was currently dry.
“For it to fill, water has to flow from Lake Hindmarsh,” he said.
“Lake Hindmarsh is Victoria’s largest wetland, so it takes a lot of water to fill it.
“We need a good few years of above average rain and floods before water will get into Lake Albacutya.”
Ramsar sites across Victoria attract international migratory waterbirds from as far away as Russia, China and Alaska.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said protecting Ramsar wetlands across the state was good for the environment, tourism and jobs, and provided recreational opportunities for the community.
“We’re delivering an investment to look after these internationally important wetlands to ensure they stay protected for future generations,” she said.