The Index was developed using information that could be easily understood, collected at the regional scale and fed directly into regional planning exercises. In addition, the methodology had to be accurate, easy to use, cost effective, based on good science and able to be undertaken by CMA staff, Waterwatch Victoria monitors and others associated with natural resource management.

Since its introduction, the ISC has allowed for:

• A consistent statewide picture of the environmental condition of rivers and streams
• A consistent approach to the identification of river values and threats
• A consistent approach to the setting of strategic objectives and targets for river health at the river or river reach scale
• A clear way to communicate all the aspects of rivers that contribute to river condition and that need to be managed together to maintain or improve river health
• A way to assess the long-term effectiveness of river health programs.