Cultural assessment highlights path to healthier creeks

Gippsland Water and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) are collaborating to enhance the health of a Drouin creek, following the completion of a new cultural values assessment. 

The assessment focused on identifying the cultural significance of Shillinglaw Creek near Drouin wastewater treatment plant.  

Managing director Sarah Cumming said it was the first assessment of its kind that the organisation has completed on any of its catchments. 

“This is another wonderful piece of work stemming from our growing relationship with BLCAC,” Ms Cumming said.  

“We’re actively working to enhance biodiversity and integrate traditional knowledge into our environmental management practices and are pleased to have BLCAC guide us in the right direction. 

“Our wastewater treatment process is incredibly stringent, and we know the treated wastewater we’re releasing is of the highest standard. 

“However, we also know the surrounding waterways have been impacted by various invasive plant species and changing land uses over the years.” 

“This assessment details the cultural significance of the land the Drouin wastewater treatment plant is situated on, as well as the surrounding area and wider township and makes recommendations for the ongoing management of land,” Ms Cumming said. 

To find out more about Gippsland Water’s environmental stewardship role and its Caretakers for tomorrow education campaign, visit www.gippswater.com.au/caretakers