Barmah Strategic Action Plan
Parks Victoria released the Strategic Action Plan: Protection of floodplain marshes in Barmah National Park and Barmah Forest Ramsar site [2020-2023] on Friday 21 February 2020. The plan outlined a four-year program to address threats in the Barmah Forest and protect it for current and future generations.
In October 2023, the plan was extended through to June 2024, pending a review to assess progress towards the threat management objectives and conservation outcomes it outlines. This review was completed and the evaluation report uploaded to the website in July 2024. It provides an evaluation of the plan’s goals and provides recommendations for future management.
Barmah Forest supports nearly 300 native species of birds, fishes, reptiles, frogs and other animals and more than 500 native plant species. This includes endangered or vulnerable species such as: Australasian bittern, Superb parrot, Murray cod, Silver perch, Trout cod, Mueller daisy and Swamp wallaby grass. This plan will better protect the ecosystem that supports these species in the internationally significant wetland areas.
The Strategic Action Plan was developed following extensive consultation with government agencies like Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, as well as Traditional Owners, community members, environmental groups and other stakeholders.
Major threats to the Barmah wetlands were addressed by proposed changes to flooding regimes, through the removal of feral horses and other invasive animals, and through control of invasive plants.
The impacts of feral horses on wetland areas in the park are considered large-scale, and long-lasting. Horses degrade the wetlands through grazing, trampling vegetation, dispersing weed seeds, disturbing the soil and creating openings for weed invasion and enriching nutrient levels.
Expert input was provided in development of the plan by specialists in veterinary science, natural resource management, animal welfare and horse behaviour.
In response to strong community feedback regarding improving opportunities for rehoming of horses, Parks Victoria has been facilitating trapping and re-homing where feasible, safe and humane to do so, and where there has been sufficient demand from organisations or individuals that can suitably care for the captured horses. Read about the rehoming process, and how to submit an expression of interest.
The Strategic Action Plan was extended through to June 2024 to continue improving the health of the floodplain marshes of Barmah Forest within Barmah National Park.
In July 2024, Parks Victoria completed its evaluation of the Strategic Action plan. The review found the Strategic Action Plan has largely achieved its purpose to improve the health of the floodplain marshes of Barmah Forest, by addressing each of the threatening processes impacting them.
While the recovery of the Moira Grass plains is at the beginning stage, the ongoing actions and the accepted recommendations from the evaluation report that are required to maintain this progress can now be managed through the implementation of the Barmah Ramsar Site Management Plan (as part of the Goulburn Broken Waterway Management Strategy), the Barmah National Park Joint Management Plan, and associated operational plans. The full evaluation report of the Strategic Action Plan can be found below.
Download a copy of the Strategic Action Plan Evaluation Report - July 2024:
Steamer Plain in Barmah National Park in 2019
This aerial view of Steamer Plain, taken in January 2019, shows the trampling and grazing impacts of feral horses prior to the Strategic Action Plan's implementation.
Steamer Plain in Barmah National Park in 2024
This photo, taken in March 2024, shows the recovery of the Moira Grass on Steamer Plain in Barmah National Park. The inset photo shows what Steamer Plain looked like in December 2015 from the same location.
Download a copy of the Strategic Action Plan 2020-2023:
Strategic Action Plan: Protection of floodplain marshes in Barmah National Park and Barmah Forest Ramsar site [2020-2023] (accessible document)
Parks Victoria would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the Draft Strategic Action Plan. To view the engagement summary report visit: www.engage.vic.gov.au/barmah-strategic-action-plan