News

HVP proves its climate credentials and expects to hit net zero

HVP Plantations released its Climate Commitment Statement in November 2021 (link). The company says the good story it tells is about HVP Plantation’s climate mitigation credentials and how it expects its Victorian operations to have met, and continue to maintain net zero (that is, the annual increase in carbon captured by its plantation estate more than offsets emissions associated with growing and selling logs).

The Climate Commitment Statement will be followed by a detailed Climate Disclosure Report later in 2022. HVP Plantations General Manager Forest Resources, Dr Tony O’Hara, is drafting the report. There is a strong commitment from HVP Plantations’ staff to net zero, that is reinforced by the strong stance on climate change issues held by its main shareholders (US majority shareholder Manulife Investment Management and Australia’s UniSuper), as well as the influence of other shareholders and related companies in Queensland and New Zealand.

North East Regional Catchment Strategy approved by Victorian Government

The new North East Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) provides a long-term vision and blueprint for investment into and management of natural resources for north east Victoria.

It reflects the responses of those living, working, visiting and connecting with the region, who were asked for their vision for north east Victoria’s land, water, biodiversity and community resources.

Cascades Connection forum at Wangaratta

Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung man Damien Saunders, together with Ian Minns and Kelvin Berry from Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability welcomed delegates on Wednesday to Mullinmur Billabongs to kick off the annual Cascades Connections Landcare Facilitator and Project Officer event.

40 Landcare support staff enjoyed the two-day event is organised by North East CMA, North Central CMA, Goulburn Broken CMA and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and drew participants from across all four regions.

Discussions centred around local riparian restoration and education, peer-to-peer learning and conflict resolution training; as well as a special Landcare panel on Wednesday night.

Corangamite CMA will host the next Cascades Connections Landcare Facilitators event.

Healthy Rivers Grant to support Kiewa River project

North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has welcomed a $398,888 grant from the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program to support a project to protect threatened fish species through works undertaken in the Kiewa River.

King River - caring for country

Water for the environment delivered to the King River has been boosted this season, through a partnership between North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC), the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and a dedicated landholder on the King River.