Consultation has just opened for the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which guides how we will sustain Victoria’s waterways, while balancing the many ways we use and value them.
Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, supporting our health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as providing critical habitat for Victoria’s native wildlife and plants.
This will be the third iteration of the 10-year waterway management strategy and will build on more than 20 years of learnings and achievements in waterway and catchment management across Victoria.
The new strategy is needed to guide the protection of waterways as our population grows and our climate changes. Refining and adapting our approach will ensure waterways continue to be enjoyed and valued.
The strategy provides the framework for the management of waterways. Catchment management authorities and Traditional Owners play a key role in caring for waterways in working with regional communities, landholders and other partners who live, work and play on waterways.
Caring for our waterways requires everyone to work together, with community knowledge, stewardship and partnership vital for success.
Traditional Owners have managed waterways and Country for countless generations and continue to hold valuable ecological knowledge to care for waterways. The strategy’s management approach seeks to embed and support this ongoing connection.
We are hosting online webinars to share information about the new strategy. Feedback can be provided through an online survey or written submission at Engage Victoria before 29 June 2026.
To read the draft strategy, provide feedback or register to attend a webinar, visit: The Third Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.
Page last updated: 01/06/26