Bellarine Catchment Network

Community driven projects to protect and enhance the environmental values of the Bellarine

The Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) comprises representatives from key catchment and coastal organisations (both government and non-government) with an integrated catchment management focus. This includes environment groups, 'Friends Of', Landmanagers, Landcare and Coastcare groups. BCN employees seven officers to implement the projects of the committee.

The Beginning (1997)

A grass-roots, community-driven project to protect Swan Bay, a marine Ramsar wetland, began in the Swan Bay Catchment in 1997 with the formation of the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee.

The project brought together government and non-government organizations to plan and initiate combined action by community, schools, government and industry to tackle major environmental and land management issues across the catchment, coastal and marine environments of the Swan Bay Catchment. The Swan Bay Catchment Action Plan was developed by the committee as the primary focus document for committee activity and direction. The Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee changed to the Bellarine Catchment Network.

Our Vision

Healthy, flourishing and diverse ecosystems cared for by an aware and engaged community.

Our Mission

To be an integrated, inclusive and collaborative network that educates, facilitates, connects and empowers groups and individuals to care for the living things of the land and water of the Bellarine catchment.

Our Purpose

The purposes of the Association are to work on behalf of its members towards:

1.  Healthy, well-connected and resilient wetlands, waterways and native vegetation ecosystems;
2.  Sustainable agricultural and land management practices;
3.  Healthy marine and coastal environments; and
4.  A community which is engaged in protecting the natural environment and minimising threatening processes. 

5-year Strategic Plan

Bellarine Catchment Network created an inspiring strategic plan to help drive our vision and goals for the next 5 years, covering financial years from 2023-2028. 

To read our Strategic Plan, click here.