Managing Victoria's Catchments

1. Victorian Catchment Management Framework

Established under the Catchment and Land Protection (CALP)Act 1994

9 Catchment Management Authorities and one CALP Board

Objectives:

• Community involvement and commitment to natural resource management
• Maintenance and improvement
• Prevention and reversal of land degradation
• Conservation and protection of the diversity and extent of natural ecosystems
• Minimisation of damage to public and private assests from flooding
• Minisation of the economic and environmental impact of pest plants and animals

Principles:

• Community empowerment
• Integrated management
• Tergeted investment
• Accountability
• Administrative efficiency

5 Rural Water Authorities responsible for the management and distribution of irrigation and stock and domestic water supplies

2. Working within the MDBC Cap

• 1989 Water Act provides the framework for bulk entitlements to water, property rights and trading regime
• Significant land use change stimulated demand for water in the upper catchment
• Farm Dams Review
• Draft River Health Strategy
• Streamflow Management Plans - Community Consultative Committees

3. National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality

Key elements

• Targets and standards for natural resource management
• Integrated catchment plans
• Capacity building for communities to implement plans
• Improved governance arrangements including property rights, pricing and regulatory reforms
• Clearly articulated roles for Commonwealth, State/Territory, local government and community
• Public communication program

4. Participating in water resources processes

• Membership of water boards and their consultative committees
• Active participation in development of regional catchment strategies and plans
• Membership of Streanflow Management Planning consultative committees
• Become informed about the issues involved with managing our scarce water resource