An overview of the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy integral to the success of the waterway management The Victorian Waterway Management program Strategy (the Strategy) provides the in Victoria. The Strategy also describes the institutional framework for government, in partnership arrangements for waterway management in Victoria. with the community, to maintain or improve Specifically, the Strategy establishes: the condition of rivers, estuaries and a vision, guiding principles and management approach wetlands so that they can continue to a transparent, integrated waterway provide environmental, social, cultural and management framework that: economic values for all Victorians. The facilitates regional framework is based on regional planning with community input processes and decision-making, within the sits within an integrated broader system of catchment management context integrated catchment management in comprehensively integrates Victoria. waterway management activities The Strategy is intended for State government, an adaptive management framework and waterway managers, land managers, local flexible approach to manage through the government, other regional agencies or authorities challenges of drought, flood, bushfire and the and management potential impacts of climate change partners, Traditional Owners, landholders and aspirational Strategy targets that summarise key community groups involved in waterway management regional management activities over the next eight or activities that may affect waterway condition. It years that aim to maintain or improve the condition of outlines the Victorian on regional Government’s policy waterways decision- making, investment, management activities and specific management issues for waterways. It clear policy directions for waterway management issues provides clear guidance on the development and specific actions that will deliver more effective implementation of the and efficient management of waterways. regional strategies and management plans that are An overview of the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy 1
An overview of the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy The Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (the Strategy) provides the framework for government, in partnership with the community, to maintain or improve the condition of rivers, estuaries and wetlands so that they can continue to provide environmental, social, cultural and economic values for all Victorians. The framework is based on regional planning processes and decision-making, within the broader system of integrated catchment management in Victoria. The Strategy is intended for State government, waterway managers, land managers, local government, other regional agencies or authorities and management partners, Traditional Owners, landholders and community groups involved in waterway management or activities that may affect waterway condition. It outlines the Victorian Government’s policy on regional decision- making, investment, management activities and specific management issues for waterways. It provides clear guidance on the development and implementation of the regional strategies and management plans that are integral to the success of the waterway management program in Victoria. The Strategy also describes the institutional arrangements for waterway management in Victoria. Specifically, the Strategy establishes: a vision, guiding principles and management approach a transparent, integrated waterway management framework that: facilitates regional with community input sits within an integrated catchment management context comprehensively integrates waterway management activities an adaptive management framework and flexible approach to manage through the challenges of drought, flood, bushfire and the potential impacts of climate change aspirational Strategy targets that summarise key regional management activities over the next eight years that aim to maintain or improve the condition of waterways clear policy directions for waterway management issues specific actions that will deliver more effective and efficient management of waterways. An overview of the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy 1