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Why are we developing a new strategy?
The existing Victorian Waterway Management Strategy was released in 2013, providing a detailed policy framework for managing the health of Victoria's rivers, wetlands and estuaries - collectively called waterways.
The strategy has reached the end of its lifespan. A new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (the new strategy) is needed to ensure we have strong policies in place for managing Victoria's waterways, including their floodplains, particularly in the face of our changing population and climate conditions.
An Independent review of the 2013 strategy was completed in 2021 Visit evaluation and reporting for an update.
The Independent Review will inform the development of the new strategy.
Social research, My Victorian Waterway Survey, was conducted in 2022 to understand better community values, aspirations, and concerns in relation to waterway management and to deliver on Action 5.3 of the 2013 Strategy.
This social research will inform the development of the new strategy.
A discussion starter
A discussion starter was released in late 2023, along with online consultation sessions to inform the development of a new draft strategy.
The key themes identified across the consultation were:
- water quality
- riparian and wetland protection
- minimising impacts of extreme weather events
- community engagement, and
- partnership with Traditional Owners in waterway management.
A summary of ‘what we heard’ from this consultation has now been released. We’re working with partners to develop a new draft Victorian Waterway Management Strategy based on the feedback.
The outcomes of this consultation will inform the development of the new draft strategy over the next 12 months.
There will be further consultation on the draft strategy throughout 2024.
The Department and Catchment Management Authorities produce progress reports for the Victorian Waterway Management Program to meet the needs of various stakeholders.
Visit the evaluation of the Victorian Waterway Management Program.
Project timeline
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2023: Exploring issues and opportunities
Prepare discussion starter
Public and stakeholder consultation to explore issues and opportunities for the new strategy -
2023-2024: Policy development and drafting the strategy
Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders on policy development
Prepare draft strategy -
2024-2025: Finalising the strategy
Public consultation on the draft strategy
Prepare final strategy
Government approvals and public release
Victorian Waterway Management Strategy 2013
Page last updated: 26/02/24