DEECA Barwon South West

DEECA Barwon South West Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action - Barwon South West region Our climate is changing and the effects are being felt around the world.

This page keeps you informed of DEECA's activities in the Barwon South West region. Victoria has set an ambitious climate action agenda with a strong focus on establishing a renewable energy sector, reducing emissions and preparing for a future with less water. At the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, we will lead this exciting work, bringing together the energy, environment, c

limate action, water, agriculture and resources portfolios, in addition to its vital role in emergency management. We are working to meet strong targets to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. We are rapidly progressing work to grow a strong renewable energy sector here in Victoria to support our solar, battery and offshore wind initiatives, ensuring that people have access to reliable and affordable energy. We are supporting our agricultural, water and resources sectors to adapt and become more resilient to the effects of climate change while driving sustainable production and economic growth. Victoria has an unmatched native landscape and we continue to work with Traditional Owners and other partners to protect and preserve it, ensuring a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment. Bringing these portfolios into a single department allows us to draw on knowledge and expertise of these critical sectors and work together to deliver the Victorian Governmentโ€™s leading climate action and environmental protection agenda. Barwon South West region stretches from the You Yangs to the South Australian border. The region encompasses the local government areas of; City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, City of Warrnambool, Moyne Shire, Southern Grampians Shire and Glenelg Shire. We value the comments and contributions we receive on social media. While we encourage people to join the conversation, we will not tolerate disrespectful, offensive, crude, hateful or irrelevant comments, or comments that make another person feel unsafe. Please keep all comments and discussion respectful and courteous. You can view our full social media policy on our website.

One of the best things about this job is the mates you make out in the field. We employ hundreds of seasonal forest fire...
15/06/2026

One of the best things about this job is the mates you make out in the field.

We employ hundreds of seasonal forest firefighters on a full-time basis for a fixed term each year (generally between November and April). They work alongside our permanent firefighting staff and help deliver land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

Register your interest ahead of applications opening on 2 July: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/sffoo

Weโ€™re currently doing planned burning to keep Victoria safer from bushfires.Want to receive a text or email when planned...
12/06/2026

Weโ€™re currently doing planned burning to keep Victoria safer from bushfires.

Want to receive a text or email when planned burns are happening near you?

Sign up for alerts on the Planned Burns Victoria website www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns.

If weather and forest conditions are right, firefighters will light the following burns in the coming days:

๐Ÿ“Anglesea โ€“ Anglesea Heath (417 hectares)

Without planned burning and other fuel management works, bushfires will be bigger and harder for our firefighters to control.

๐Ÿ”ฅYou may see or smell smoke.
๐Ÿ‘€ Watch for our crews and follow their directions.
๐Ÿ“ž If you experience symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, please seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
๐ŸŒDetailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found at www.epa.vic.gov.au

Unexpected weather conditions can mean plans change at the last minute and a burn may not go ahead, even if communities have already been notified. When this happens, our crews will continue to monitor the conditions and re-schedule the burn for a later date.

VicEmergency - Barwon South West
Surf Coast Shire Council
CFA South West

If you buy firewood always ask where it came from.Report suspicious firewood activity to Crimestopers Victoriahttps://ww...
12/06/2026

If you buy firewood always ask where it came from.
Report suspicious firewood activity to Crimestopers Victoria
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CETJt4dn1/

Think twice before you buy firewood this winter, Victoria. We're joining forces with the Conservation Regulator Victoria to tackle the black-market firewood trade that's destroying wildlife habitat across our state. Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/illegal-take-of-firewood

Parkingโ€™s not an issue when the forest is your office. We employ hundreds of seasonal forest firefighters on a full-time...
10/06/2026

Parkingโ€™s not an issue when the forest is your office.

We employ hundreds of seasonal forest firefighters on a full-time basis for a fixed term each year (generally between November and April). They work alongside our permanent firefighting staff and help deliver land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

A seasonal role is the perfect way to shake up your career, and make a difference in the community.

Register your interest ahead of applications opening on 2 July: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/sffoo

๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ ๐ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐›๐ข๐  ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐œ๐ญ ๐Ÿ’ช There are lots of small things you can do around the house to make your home cosy and re...
10/06/2026

๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ ๐ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐›๐ข๐  ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐œ๐ญ ๐Ÿ’ช

There are lots of small things you can do around the house to make your home cosy and reduce your energy bill this winter.

Our top energy saving tips for winter are:

๐Ÿ“… Improve your heaterโ€™s performance and efficiency by cleaning the filters often (every 2-3 weeks is recommended if using your heater regularly)

๐Ÿ”ฅSet your heater to 18-20 degrees and save (your reverse-cycle air conditioner is by far the cheapest way to heat your home)

๐Ÿ”’ Lock in the heat by only heating areas of the house in use, shutting doors to unused areas and closing curtains

๐Ÿ’จ Eliminate any window and door gaps by fitting draught seals

๐Ÿ”ŒTurn-off non-essential appliances at the switch

๐Ÿ’ฆRun a full load of washing on the cold setting

For more energy saving tips visit energy.vic.gov.au/households/save-energy-and-money/top-10-energy-saving-tips

Weโ€™re currently doing planned burning to keep Victoria safer from bushfires.Want to receive a text or email when planned...
09/06/2026

Weโ€™re currently doing planned burning to keep Victoria safer from bushfires.

Want to receive a text or email when planned burns are happening near you?

Sign up for alerts on the Planned Burns Victoria website www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns.

If weather and forest conditions are right, firefighters will light the following burns in the coming days:

๐Ÿ“Anglesea โ€“ Anglesea Heath Gumflats Block (219 hectares)

Without planned burning and other fuel management works, bushfires will be bigger and harder for our firefighters to control.

๐Ÿ”ฅYou may see or smell smoke.
๐Ÿ‘€ Watch for our crews and follow their directions.
๐Ÿ“ž If you experience symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, please seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
๐ŸŒDetailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found at www.epa.vic.gov.au

Unexpected weather conditions can mean plans change at the last minute and a burn may not go ahead, even if communities have already been notified. When this happens, our crews will continue to monitor the conditions and re-schedule the burn for a later date.

VicEmergency - Barwon South West
Surf Coast Shire Council
CFA South West

Everyone associates firefighters with red  โ€“ but did you know our specialist forest firefighters are always in green? We...
08/06/2026

Everyone associates firefighters with red โ€“ but did you know our specialist forest firefighters are always in green?

We employ several hundred seasonal firefighters on a full-time basis for a fixed term each year (generally between November and April). They work alongside our permanent firefighting staff and help deliver land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

Register your interest ahead of applications opening on 2 July: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/sffoo

๐ŸŒ World Environment Day - 5 June - is one of the worldโ€™s largest platforms for environmental action and awareness, and i...
05/06/2026

๐ŸŒ World Environment Day - 5 June - is one of the worldโ€™s largest platforms for environmental action and awareness, and in 2026 the theme is encouraging everyone to act .

๐ŸŒฑ DEECAโ€™s BushBank program is already making a difference, restoring landscapes, capturing carbon and rebuilding habitat across Victoria. From seed collection to revegetation, native plantings are helping draw carbon from the air, support wildlife and create more resilient ecosystems.

And the impact is real:
โ€ข 5,283 hectares being restored and protected
โ€ข 0.56 million tonnes of carbon projected to be removed by 2045 from this restoration
โ€ข $6.8 million supporting Traditional Owners to lead and partner on projects
โ€ข $13.6 million co-investment secured to restore private land

Every action adds up and together we can help protect biodiversity, support Traditional Owners caring for Country, and move towards net zero.

๐Ÿ’š This World Environment Day, letโ€™s restore nature and take action for climate, starting now.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Find out more: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/bushbank

๐Ÿฆž Cray season is here! Letโ€™s protect our Murray spiny crayfish.The crayfish harvest season has officially opened (1 June...
04/06/2026

๐Ÿฆž Cray season is here! Letโ€™s protect our Murray spiny crayfish.

The crayfish harvest season has officially opened (1 June โ€“ 31 August). While itโ€™s a great time to get on the water this long weekend, how we handle these iconic species matters.

The Murray spiny crayfish plays a crucial role within the ecosystem. Numbers have been declining since the 1950s and the species is listed as threatened in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Egg-bearing female crayfish are especially vulnerable, even gentle handling can knock off dozens of eggs, reducing their ability to reproduce. When combined with fishing pressure, this can put local populations at serious risk.

A few simple steps can make a big difference when fishing for crayfish:
โŒ Avoid handling egg-bearing females wherever possible.
๐Ÿ‘€ Use non-invasive checks: look for the genitalia position, instead of unfurling the tail.
๐Ÿ’ง If you catch a female with eggs, carefully return her to the water near logs, snags or structure close to the bank.

By taking care, we can all help ensure Murray spiny crayfish are around for generations to come.

๐Ÿ”— Learn more about Murray spiny crayfish via Arthur Rylah Institute https://www.ari.vic.gov.au/research/threatened-plants-and-animals/animals/murray-spiny-crayfish

๐Ÿ‘‰ Always follows fishing regulations Victorian Fisheries Authority https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/recreational-fishing-guide/catch-limits-and-closed-seasons/types-of-fish/crustaceans/murray-spiny-freshwater-crayfish

๐Ÿ“ทMurray Spiny Crayfish at the rivers edge
๐Ÿ“ทFemale crayfish with hairy ge****ls (gonopores) on middle legs
๐Ÿ“ทMale crayfish with ge****ls (papillae) on bottom legs

Address

Corner Fenwick And Little Malop Streets
Geelong, VIC
3220

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

136 186

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