This project will help to implement new water management arrangements in northern Victoria required to ensure that Victoria can meet its obligations under the Commonwealth Government's Murray-Darling Basin Plan, approved in late 2012 to take full effect from mid-2019. This project provides policy, legal and community engagement support and coordination to enable a smooth transition to the new arrangements under the Plan.

Total EC3 investment to date: $2.25 m

2012-13 expenditure: $0.298 m

2013-14 expenditure: $0.386 m

2014-15 expenditure: $0.646 m

2015-16 expenditure: $0.920 m

Progress

Funding has been allocated into the following activities in 2015-16:

  • The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has continued to provide technical and policy input into the MDBA's General Review of Salinity Management in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), which provides the basis for ongoing management to meet Basin Plan salinity objectives.
  • Funding has been provided to Mallee CMA to start the review of the Land and Water Management Plan, as part of supporting improved water quality and water use efficiency.
  • Goulburn Broken CMA, in conjunction with Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, is undertaking investigations into irrigation re-use dams in the Shepparton Irrigation Region, looking at current use and behaviour. The aim is support improved guidance on management of these systems, to lead improved water quality and water use outcomes.
  • Both North Central and Goulburn Broken CMAs are undertaking work to update understanding of 'Legacy of History' issues and impacts in the Murray Darling Basin portions of their catchments.
  • DELWP has continued to engage with northern Victorian indigenous stakeholders to scope the work required with regard to cultural objectives, values and uses of water, which is a requirement of the Basin Plan.

Page last updated: 30/10/18