Waterways

Our waterways are made up of rivers, wetlands, floodplains, and estuaries. They are integral to the health, culture, and prosperity of our communities.

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Victorian Waterway Management Strategy

A strategy to guide how we manage Victorian waterways into the future.

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Etiwanda Wetlands is a man-made a nature preserve located in Mildura.

In this section

blue green algae floating on top of a lake

Blue-green algae

Background on blue-green algae and links to other resources. Blue-green algae outbreaks sometimes occur in the summer in the Gippsland Lakes region.

World Trade Centre and Melbourne city skyline viewed from across the Yarra River.

Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo, Yarra Strategic Plan

A 10-year plan to protect and enhance the Yarra River for Victorians to enjoy.

Wetland in Gippsland with trees and blue sky

Estuaries

Estuaries are partially enclosed water bodies that may be permanently or periodically open to the sea. There are more than 100 estuaries in Victoria.

Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve near Mildura in northern Victoria. Kings Billabong borders a wide stretch of the Murray River and is home to wetlands of international significance.

Flagship waterways

Delivering 19 Flagship Waterway projects across Victoria.

Snakehead fish in the water - invasive species

Invasive species in waterways

Invasive species in waterways are an increasing threat to the health of waterways in Victoria.

trees above a river at dusk

Managing vegetation in and around waterways

Large wood and native vegetation play an important role in the health of waterways.

view of a person kayaking in a river

My Victorian Waterway Survey

The My Victorian Waterway Survey 2022 looked at the Victorian community’s connection to our waterways.

Melbourne skyline with the Yarra river in the foreground

Protecting the Yarra Birrarung

Protecting the Yarra River, Birrarung and its corridor as one living and integrated entity through landmark initiatives.

Two bridges over the Barwon Heads

Rivers of the Barwon / Barre Warre Yulluk Action Plan

A new approach to protecting the Rivers of the Barwon / Barre Warre Yulluk for future generations.

A small creek with large wood and boulders sitting in the water. Green reeds line the edge of the creek and a large tree hangs overhead.

Technical guidelines for waterway management

2024 guidelines help waterway managers in Victoria select, design, and implement health measures.

river from above showing oxbows

Types of waterways

Rivers, wetlands and estuaries are known collectively as waterways. Some waterways have adjacent floodplains which play an important role in the ecosystem.

Sunlight through trees at Jacksons Creek, Sunbury

Waterways of the West Action Plan

A transformational approach to protecting the iconic waterways and landscapes of Melbourne’s west.

Water for the environment

Learn about water for the environment and how it is used to maintain and improve the environmental, cultural, recreational and economic values of rivers.

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Image of wetlands at Barmah Forest, Australia.