Victorian communities to guide water management

The Victorian Government has announced that it will put communities at the centre of storm and recycled water management through new forums across the state, as part of an Integrated Water Management Framework released this week.

The framework will help government organisations work with the community on urban water management, water supply, wastewater, flood resilience and waterway health, and to develop healthy recreational spaces. To ensure local voices are central to decision-making, metropolitan and regional water forums will be established.

These forums will identify ways to use recycled water and stormwater as efficiently as possible to ensure outdoor spaces stay green and to reduce demand on our drinking water supplies. They will encourage community discussion and collaboration and involve Traditional Owners in the planning and management of our water sector.

Each forum in the metropolitan catchments will have its own chair appointed to help guide the process. The newly appointed chairs include:

• Chris Chesterfield (Yarra)
• Dr Gillian Sparkes (Westernport)
• Rob Skinner (Lead Chair and Werribee)
• Lydia Wilson (Maribyrnong)
• Shaun Cox (Dandenong)
• Professor Carol Boyle (Barwon)
• Steve McKenzie (Goulburn Valley)

The Integrated Water Management Framework is a part of Water for Victoria — Victoria’s long-term plan to boost water security, protect jobs and agriculture, recognise Aboriginal water values and improve environmental health. The plan seeks to help Victoria address the challenges of climate change and population growth, while supporting healthy, resilient, livable communities.

“This new framework puts communities at the centre of decision-making, allowing local voices to help shape the future direction of local water management,” said Minister for Water Lisa Neville.

“Our catchments continue to face significant pressures from climate change and population growth — that’s why we’re strengthening collaboration, partnerships and accountability to combat these challenges.”