EOIs sought for sustainable water strategy

COMMUNITY input is being sought for the development of a new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) is developing the strategy in recognition of the drought and dry conditions impacting much of western Victoria.

“Sustainable Water Strategies are an important opportunity for the community and stakeholders to shape plans to secure our water supplies, improve efficient use of water, and protect waterways and water values into a drier and warmer future,” said a spokesperson for the CCMA.

“The strategy will cover the western third of Victoria, extending from the south-west coast, across the Wimmera and to the southern Mallee.

“The region has a unique mix of agricultural and urban centres.

“In the Corangamite region, the area extends to the Woady Yaloak and Gellibrand rivers in the east and through the inland Lake Corangamite basin, south to the coastal waterways of the Otway Ranges, and west to the Curdies River and beyond to our border with Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

“Community input is an important part of understanding local feedback, concerns, opportunities, and water values.

“The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) are seeking expressions of interest from community members who have knowledge and experience in water supply and quality matters to participate in working groups to guide development of the strategy.”

The Corangamite CMA was established in 1997 to ensure the protection and sustainable development of land, vegetation and water resources within a boundary stretching from Geelong to Ballarat and along the Surf Coast to Peterborough.

Approximately 520,000 people live in the region.

Expressions of interest to participate in the working groups closes on 16 March 2026.

The groups are expected to meet four to six times through to the end of 2027 with options for in person or online attendance.

For more information about the strategy, how to participate or express interest, email [email protected], visit water.vic.gov.au or contact DEECA’s Customer Service Centre 136 186.