Regional environmental water planning

Environmental Water Matters Forum

www.malleecma.vic.gov.au

OverviewMore than 280 GL of environmental water has been delivered across the region since 2003/04

• Includes allocated and donated water

Working with the community is central to the success of environmental watering

• Planning

• Delivery

• MonitoringCredit: Kerry Whitelegg

Hattah Lakes Case StudyWatering began in 2004/05

Prompted a negative reaction in some parts of the community

• Negative media coverage

• Vandalism to pump infrastructure

Intense and targeted community engagement over many years has helped improve general community acceptance of watering

Taking action

Individuals closest to site

Communities of interest

Broader community

Working with the communityIndigenous stakeholders – on-site visitsLandholders and irrigatorsLicense holders - apiarists, tourism operatorsLandcare and environment groupsIndustry groups Community Groups – progress associations,

Rotary, schools, bird watchers etcMedia – local and national Online communication – e-newsletters, Twitter etc

One-on-one discussions/site visits

Community tours/events

General community

Direct engagementHattah Lakes construction:

• Engaged more than 4500 people in 2011/12 alone

• Focusing on construction of environmental infrastructure and watering

Current Hattah Lakes watering event:

• Engaged approx. 3500 people since May 2014

• Working directly with people to discuss issues such as changes to access and water quality

Incorporating a range of interests and views

Direct community input into regional strategies

• Regional Catchment Strategy

• Mallee Waterway Strategy

• Environmental Water Management Plans

Consultations with groups such as:

• Wetland Evaluation Team (WET)

• Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG)

• Land and Water Advisory Committee (LWAC)

• Landholders consultation (private land)