Climate change threatens beautiful Strathbogie Ranges

Climate change threatens the
beautiful creeks the run through
the Strathbogie Ranges.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is seeking expressions of interest in a bid to protect the Strathbogie Ranges from the harmful effects of climate change.

GBCMA strategic landscape planner Jenny Wilson said the authority was seeking expressions of interest for workshop participants from a diverse range of people.

‘‘The Strathbogie Ranges are a critical area for water with many of our catchment waterways starting in the Strathbogies,’’ she said.

‘‘Changes to climate could potentially threaten these waterways.’’

The project, Bogies and Beyond, will involve asking members of the community what they think are the important aspects of the Strathbogies and how they think climate change will affect them.

‘‘It’s a learning process,’’ Ms Wilson said.

She said they were seeking applicants from farmers, weekenders, bush block owners and anyone in between.

Ms Wilson highlighted a previous example where the effects of climate change had impacted on Hughes Creek, one of the waterways in the Strathbogies.

‘‘The Hughes Creek is home to the Macquarie perch which are a threatened species,’’ she said.

After a drought incident, Ms Wilson said the creek dried up to just patches of water and fish health was in danger.

‘‘They were skinny little things because they had no food,’’ she said.

She said although it rained the following day and the creek was restored to almost full capacity, drought caused by climate change had serious consequences for the wildlife in the Strathbogies.

Bogies and Beyond encourages participants to think about the aspects of the Strathbogie Ranges that are important in creating its identity.

Ms Wilson said the aspects might range from green, productive farmland to clear spring water and a healthy lifestyle among a natural environment. 

● To express interest in the project, phone Ms Wilson on 5822 7700 or email jennyw@gbcma.vic.gov.au.