September 25th, 2026The annual Victorian game duck abundance survey

The Game Management Authority will begin its annual Victorian game duck abundance survey on Monday, October 5.

The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 860 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewage treatment plants, streams and rivers. Most sites will be surveyed by helicopter. Ground counts will be used where the helicopter is unable to operate. The abundance estimate is a key input to support Adaptive Harvest Management for setting sustainable duck hunting arrangements each year. Link: www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/duck-research The DEECA 2026 ResourceSmart Schools student photography competition – Sustainability Through Your Own Lens – is now open for entries from schools which are members of the program.

The competition encourages students to discover, document and celebrate the species, habitats and natural places that make Victoria unique. This year’s theme is Backyard Biodiversity – discover your local icons, and the competition has been timed to coincide with September being Biodiversity Month. Schools enter on behalf of students across three age categories: Prep to Year 4, Years 5 to 8 and Years 9 to 12. Winners will receive $200, a photo and certificate and be recognised at the 2027 ResourceSmart Schools Awards ceremony.