Waterways

Our waterways are made up of rivers, wetlands, floodplains, and estuaries. They are integral to the health, culture, and prosperity of our communities.

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Victorian Waterway Management Strategy

A strategy to guide how we manage Victorian waterways into the future.

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Etiwanda Wetlands is a man-made a nature preserve located in Mildura.

In this section

blue green algae floating on top of a lake

Blue-green algae

Background on blue-green algae and links to other resources. Blue-green algae outbreaks sometimes occur in the summer in the Gippsland Lakes region.

Wetland in Gippsland with trees and blue sky

Estuaries

Estuaries are partially enclosed water bodies that may be permanently or periodically open to the sea. There are more than 100 estuaries in Victoria.

Snakehead fish in the water - invasive species

Invasive species in waterways

Invasive species in waterways are an increasing threat to the health of waterways in Victoria.

Aerial photo of regional waterway management

Regional waterway management

An overview of the regional waterway management framework for Victoria.

Riparian land - Franklin reach

Riparian land

Riparian land plays a unique role in the landscape. Learn more about riparian land and its management in Victoria.

trees above a river at dusk

Managing vegetation in and around waterways

Large wood and native vegetation play an important role in the health of waterways.

Thermal image of landscape

Monitoring waterways

Learn about the different programs improving waterway management in Victoria.

Two bridges over the Barwon Heads

Rivers of the Barwon / Barre Warre Yulluk Action Plan

A new approach to protecting the Rivers of the Barwon / Barre Warre Yulluk for future generations.

A small creek with large wood and boulders sitting in the water. Green reeds line the edge of the creek and a large tree hangs overhead.

Technical guidelines for waterway management

Guidelines to help waterway managers select, design and implement on-ground options to manage and protect waterway health

Precast concrete plan ford crossing over Frenchmans creek

Authorising works and activities on waterways

Authorisation will generally be required for all works and activities within the bed and banks of waterways.

Sunlight through trees at Jacksons Creek, Sunbury

Waterways of the West Action Plan

A transformational approach to protecting the iconic waterways and landscapes of Melbourne’s west.

Wetlands

Wetlands are distinctive parts of our landscape and home to unique plants, animals and are also places of cultural significance and recreation.

Water for the environment

Learn about water for the environment and how it is used to maintain and improve the environmental, cultural, recreational and economic values of rivers.

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Image of wetlands at Barmah Forest, Australia.