Natural to Protect Rivers

At the recent Net Nature Positive Forum, held as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival, a compelling message rang clear: the future prosperity of Geelong is inseparable from the health of its rivers.

The Moorabool and Barwon rivers are vital lifelines for our region's economy, environment, communities, and businesses. These waterways supply our drinking water, support agriculture, attract tourism, and underpin the wellbeing of communities across Greater Geelong, Ballarat, and beyond. Yet, they are under increasing pressure from water extraction, climate change, and rapid urban expansion.

Globally, there is growing recognition that nature is not just a scenic backdrop to economic activity — it is a form of capital just as important as financial capital or human capital. Natural capital refers to both renewable and non-renewable natural assets or resources such as air, water, soils, minerals, plants, animals and ecosystems that provide benefits and value for people and society. Approximately half of Australia’s GDP is moderately or highly dependent on this natural capital, yet there is a growing gap in the finance available to protect and repair nature so it can continue to provide these benefits to society.

Protecting and restoring our natural capital is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a business one. Companies are facing new sustainability pressures, from mandatory reporting and supply chain requirements to shifting consumer expectations. Acting early to address environmental impacts and dependencies can also enhance business performance and resilience.

Encouragingly, significant local river restoration efforts are already underway. Fencing, revegetation, environmental water flows, and fish passage improvements are helping to revive the Barwon and Moorabool rivers. But there’s an opportunity to go further — and faster — by forging stronger partnerships between regional agencies and local businesses.

The Net Nature Positive Forum showcased what makes Geelong unique: strong local leadership, a collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to place. Government bodies, local enterprises, and a globally recognised NGO all came together to showcase how investing in nature is investing in Geelong’s future.

The Net Nature Positive Forum was supported by Committee for Geelong, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, KPMG Australia, Scaada, The Nature Conservancy Australia, Barwon Water and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. 

Nature is a vital form of capital – and we’re ready to partner with local businesses to help protect and grow Geelong’s natural capital.