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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.

kids holding fish near barwon river
Above: Two children fishing at Barwon (Parwan) Heads Estuary

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

  1. 2023: Exploring issues and opportunities

    Prepare discussion starter
    Public and stakeholder consultation to explore issues and opportunities for the new strategy

  2. 2023-2024: Policy development and drafting the strategy

    Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders on policy development
    Prepare draft strategy

  3. 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