Chapter 9 overview
Chapter 9: Far East Gippsland
This sub-region is characterised by its many near pristine catchments, heritage-listed rivers and forested public land with high conservation value. Most of the available water resources are in forested catchments, and there is a relatively small population with low levels of water demand for industry and agriculture.
Tourism is the key industry with the area providing significant recreational opportunities for tourists drawn to the world renowned beaches, lakes, high country and national parks.
Managing the Snowy River Scheme remains a key challenge in the face of climate change. The Victorian Government will work with the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments, Snowy Hydro, water users and environmental stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the Scheme’s current water-sharing arrangements in the face of climate change. Protecting the environmental values of the iconic Snowy River remains a key focus.
Key issues discussed include:
- protecting the pristine catchments of Far East Gippsland, by using a precautionary approach to any new consumptive water use
- responding to the challenges of bushfire on downstream water quality
- the Snowy River Scheme, and the challenges posed by climate change and climate variability.