In 2017 and 2019 we collaborated with Deakin University and local landholders to facilitate research site access on private land across the district. This has enabled honours students to gain quality data on frog ecology for their projects. Collaborative projects such as these help to build productive links between the local community and researchers. It has also given us insights into the behaviours of different frog species in our local area.
Landholder engagement research
The Beyond Bolac group is conducting a collaborative project with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA to better understand the values and motivations of cropping farmers in our catchments. We have contracted BehaviourWorks Australia to conduct indepth interviews with landholders. The results will help tailor the development of future wetland projects to match .
Biodiversity blueprint
A grant from The Norman Wettenhall Foundation in 2016 enabled our group to map flora and fauna in the catchment. This mapping exercise helped produce an overview of environmental assets in the area. Knowing what creatures and plants are around will help when seeking investment into conservation activities.
Chinaman Swamp Catchment Salinity Survey
This project was initiated by the H11 and H12 Community Action Group to investigate ground water presence in this sub-catchment in an attempt to quality and quantify a saline intrusion into Fiery Creek, South of Westmere. The preliminary survey was funded by Watershed 2000 with very interesting results. The new stage of the project was funded by the RE Ross Trust Small Victorian Rural Grant Scheme through The Norman Wettenhall Foundation.
