The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is on the lookout for drought refuge pools – natural bodies of water that stay full, even during dry times.

These refuge pools are often fed by groundwater and provide a valuable home for our native species, particularly small-bodied fish, water bugs, and platypus.

North Central CMA Strategy and Partnerships Executive Manager Rohan Hogan said such refuges were worth protecting.

“Climate change is making drought refuges even more important, and we want to create a register of them and find out as much information as we can,” he said.

“Drought refuges can be anywhere. They may be on your property, near your home, or next to your favourite camping spot.

“We want to know where they are and find out as much about them as we can.”

Once drought refuges have been identified, the CMA hopes to work with landholders and governments to source funding for their protection.

“Landholders are under no obligation to tell us what’s on their land, but if they’re interested in restoring one of these refuges and adding to the lifestyle benefits of their property, we’re willing to help,” Mr Hogan said.

“If you think you may have a drought refuge on your property, or know of one, we’d love to hear from you.

“We have an online survey available at www.bit.ly/droughtrefuges where you can tell us all you know about the pool, including where it is.”

The survey closes on November 30.

Community members can also nominate drought refuges by calling North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or by emailing asha.bannon@nccma.vic.gov.au.

The project is part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over four years (2020-2024) to improve catchment and waterway health across regional Victoria.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 24 November 2023.