July 7th, 2026Walking together to protect the Coliban River
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation) have joined forces in an historic move to protect the stressed Coliban River, known by Dja Dja Wuurrung People as Dindilong Yaluk.
The two organisations have submitted a successful Seasonal Watering Proposal to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder to jointly manage environmental flows down the waterway for the 2026-27 year.
It’s the first time such an agreement has been reached in the catchment, and it brings together Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples’ deep knowledge of caring for Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) and Gatjin (water) for thousands of years and the North Central CMA’s contemporary expertise in managing environmental water in the Coliban system.
The partnership creates a joint vision for the Coliban River that articulates cultural objectives alongside ecological objectives, shares decision making, and ensures co-design and co-delivery of community engagement and proposes a cultural and ecological monitoring program.
North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said the partnership strengthens how the Coliban River is cared for.
“Integrating cultural knowledge and river ecology benefits everyone, as well as the river and the plants and animals that rely on it to survive,” he said.
“This partnership is a positive example of how joint planning can deliver outcomes that are robust, thoughtful, and responsive to both environmental and cultural objectives, as well as community expectations.
“The lower Coliban River is one of the most stressed waterways in our region and is being starved of the water it needs.
“With potential dry conditions on the way, the sharing and bringing together of knowledge will add even more expertise into the battle to keep the waterway alive.”
Acting Dja Dja Wurrung Group Chief Executive Officer Harley Douglas said the joint management of environmental flows on the Coliban River was a significant milestone.
“Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) know the river as Dindilong Yaluk. It’s a place our Ancestors lived, so it has great cultural significance for us. And we know many people feel a connection with the Coliban – including those who live and farm in the catchment.,” he said.
“Djaara have a cultural responsibility to care for Dja Dja Wurrung Country, including its waterways. But we can’t do that if others make management decisions without us. That’s why this joint Seasonal Watering Proposal is significant: it provides a mechanism for Dja Dja Wurrung People to contribute to decisions – to speak for Dindilong Yaluk.
“Decisions about environmental water that are informed by both traditional and Western scientific knowledge systems will lead to better outcomes for Dindilong Yaluk.
“A healthier river will be better able to support the plants, animals and people who depend on it for life, livelihood, health and wellbeing – whether that’s physical, mental and cultural.”
The VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2026-27 is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.
