Natural Resources
The North Central North Central Catchment Management Authority region (almost 3 million hectares, or 13% of Victoria) is situated in north central Victoria, Australia, and is bordered by the Murray River to the north, the central highlands to the south and Mt Camel Range to the east. The western border runs west of Swan Hill and Donald and its southernmost boundary is approximately one hours drive from Melbourne.
| The regional climate in North Central is generally warm throughout the year, but temperatures can be extreme during summer and winter. Maximum temperatures are highest in the northern parts of the catchment all year round (~21-22°C) and mean annual rainfall decreases significantly moving from south to north within the catchment. The highest average annual rainfall in the region is in Creswick (765 mm), while mean annual rainfall is lowest in Kerang (377 mm). | |
| In the upper catchment, landform is characterised by flat to gently undulating plains on recent unconsolidated sediments with evidence of former stream channels (the former DNRE, 1997). The region is enclosed within the Victorian Riverina and adjoins the Murray River. In the southern part of the catchment (north of the Great Dividing Range) lies the Goldfields, which are dominated by rolling plains and hills. | |
| Landuse in the region consists mainly of cropping, pasture and irrigated holdings. The flatter and more fertile areas within the catchment have been substantially cleared for dryland agriculture, principally sheep and beef cattle grazing (DNRE, 1997), while crops include grains - such as cereals, legumes, oil seed and hay. Irrigation districts provide for dairying, vegetables, horticulture and viticulture. These areas produce the bulk of agricultural production in the region. | |
| There is a diversity of soils in the region due to the variation in geology, parent material and climate. While some areas have deep, fertile and robust soils, the majority of the region’s soils have poor fertility, are fragile, prone to degradation and are relatively shallow (NCCALPB, 1997). | |
| Water resources of the North Central catchment are enclosed within the Victorian Riverina, adjoining the Murray River. The surface water resources are comprised of four sub-catchments, including the Avon-Richardson, Avoca, Loddon and Campaspe, while water is also transported into the region via the Goulburn River catchment. Reservoirs in the region include the Upper Coliban, Lauriston, Cairn Curran, Tullaroop and Laanecoorie, all of which are situated in the lower catchment area. Groundwater resources are generally of significantly higher quality in the Campaspe and Loddon sub-catchments and its uses are more diverse than in the other North Central sub-catchments. Groundwater is extensively utilised for stock and irrigation purposes and, increasingly, for town water supplies. | |
| Major vegetation features in North Central include the Barmah and Gunbower forests. The upper North Central catchment region is part of the riverine plains land system which was largely covered by grasslands and grassy woodlands prior to European settlement. The lower catchment is characterised by patches of woodland and forest, interspersed with a rural landscape. | |
| Major land and water management issues in the region include catchment management and planning, water quality and river health, floodplain management, salinity, catchment condition monitoring, land use and restrictions, and land degradation (including water and wind erosion). | |
| Opportunities to invest in the natural resources of the North Central region lie within viticulture, horticulture and farm forestry, including eucalyptus oil production and a variety of wood products. Other agricultural enterprises also represent significant investment opportunities for the region. | |
References:
The former Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity: Directions In Management, Melbourne.
North Central Catchment & Land Protection Board (NCCALPB), (1997). Regional Catchment Strategy.
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