MYRTLEFORD and District Landcare and Sustainability Inc. (MDLS) has recently completed its 'Strategic Plan for Myrtleford's Riverine Areas'; a document which outlines its plan for the upkeep and improvement of nearby waterways.

"This project has taken two years in total," said MDLS president, Paul Reser.

"At first we applied for funding and received a grant from Victorian Landcare Grants, which is our major contributor.

"We also received supplementary funding from the Myrtleford Lions Club and the Alpine Shire Council.

"We aim to intersect with interested parties like NECMA and Indigenous communities and liaise with them on the maintenance and health of Myrtleford's riverine areas."

The MDLS's main aims listed in the plan include: enhancing threatened native vegetation and wildlife habitat, restoring degraded areas, promoting river health by reducing pollutants and stabilising riverbanks and engaging the community through recreational activities and environmental education.

"The next step is for the public to read the finished report," said MDLS vice president, Phil Prior.

"Copies will be available on Landcare's Facebook page and there will be a few hardcopies to borrow at the library.

"We welcome new members to continue our ongoing works.

"The overall goal is to improve the riverine and creek-side areas in Myrtleford and areas abutting Myrtleford by coordinating with the main number of groups and agencies in the area."

MDLS management committee member, Ron Janas, said the plan was a tremendous group effort.

"Including this strategic plan, MDLS members have put in over 2000 work hours towards Landcare projects in 2024 alone," Mr Janas said.

"Recognition goes to Gayle South, who is on the sub-committee and an integral part of our team and a valuable source of knowledge as we worked to get this document together.

"Thanks also go to Ty Caling from Conservation Collaborators, who was engaged to help us to produce a professional and informative document which meets the future strategic thinking for the MDLS."

Mr Reser said going forward, MDLS wants to ensure continuity in its efforts to look after the rivers around Myrtleford and coordinate with other agencies and the community.