Victoria is progressing the third Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (VWMS) at a time of compounding climate, land use and governance pressures. This presentation reports on how emerging policy directions have been further developed, tested and refined through extensive engagement with delivery partners, agencies, Traditional Owners and peak bodies, and outlines the policy propositions now being taken to public consultation.
The presentation focuses on new and strengthened policy directions, including embedding climate adaptation and extreme‑event planning into regional waterway strategies; recognising waterways as living and connected entities; protection of wetlands on private land; and integrating urban waterway management, stormwater and amenity outcomes into the core VWMS framework. It also outlines how the strategy advances commitments to Traditional Owner rights, partnerships and pathways toward increased self‑determination within existing legislative settings.
This presentation may provide a preview of “What We Heard” from further testing of these policy directions through public consultation — including areas of broad support, emerging tensions, and the balancing of environmental, cultural, social and economic values in highly modified landscapes.
Presented by the Director of Waterway Policy and Programs, the session will be of interest to policymakers, practitioners and partners navigating the shift to collaborative and climate‑ready waterway policy.