Project Update - March 2011

The submission period for the Draft Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy has ended, with over 80 submissions received. Individuals, community groups, businesses and other organisations are among those who have provided feedback on the draft strategy for securing Gippsland’s water resources.

Submissions covered a broad range of topics including water availability for food & fibre production, protecting the Gippsland Lakes, management of Blue Rock Reservoir’s unallocated water, groundwater management, increasing alternative water sources and the impact of land use changes.

The submissions are currently being considered as part of preparing the Final Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which is expected to be released in mid 2011.

Prior to the close of the submission period last year, regional stakeholder forums were held in Leongatha, Traralgon, Orbost, Bairnsdale and Maffra to discuss the proposed policies and actions contained in the draft strategy. Over 250 people attended the forums to hear how the Draft Strategy plans to help secure Gippsland’s water resources for farms, towns and the environment for the next 50 years.

• View the submissions for the draft Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy
• View the media release - water strategy receives more than 80 public submissions