11. Pilot: Engaging Community in Lake and Waterway Management

The Catchment Partners Forum has identified a strong sense of community ownership of rivers and lakes. People recognise the social, cultural and environmental benefits of healthy bodies of water. ​

This project will tap into local pride and use a new model which will support communities to develop and implement shared management plans. ​The project will show how local people can shape their treasured community asset into a place to enjoy while still having an emphasis on biodiversity. ​

The pilot project is in Maryborough, one of Victoria’s most economically challenged communities. The town is well known for innovative and inclusive plans to address social issues and this project will tie in well with these.

Once the concept is proved, the Catchment Partners Forum will work on other priority sites including the rivers in Donald and Charlton, and offline reservoirs including Sugarloaf, Homebush and Redbank.

Proposed actions

Donald: Investigation project to understand water resources and potential use. Identify options for multiple benefits (environmental and economic development).

Lake Victoria: Design and build water sensitive urban design approach to manage blue green algae.

Design an engagement process/ framework to consistently understand and manage contentious issues.

For more information contact:
North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124

The North Central CMA and our Catchment Partners Forum have developed several options for you or your organisation to contribute to this exciting project including: 

  • In-kind support (such as donation of goods, services or volunteer work).
  • Strategic support (such as becoming a project partner in the delivery or planning).
  • Making a financial contribution (such as contributing to the contribution (such as contributing to the costs of project delivery).

For more information contact: North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124

Project details

$101-$500K

Tourism/ Recreation

Government Efficiency/ Red Tape Reduction

Community Safety/ Risk and Climate Change

ThemeWetlands
BenefitsGovernment Efficiency/Red-tap Reduction, Tourism/Recreation, Community Safety/ Risk and Climate Change
Lead partnerNorth Central CMA and Central Goldfields Shire Council
Delivery PartnerCentral Highlands Water, Goulburn Murray Water, Campaspe Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Loddon Shire, Buloke Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, VFA, Dja Dja Wurrung, DEECA, Parks Vic
StakeholdersCommunity groups, Victorian Fishing Authority, Yorta Yorta, GWM Water
and Wooroonook Committee of Management
StatusProject Proposal
LocationLake Victoria, Maryborough, Donald
Investment$101K-$500K
UN Sustainable Development Goals3. Good Health and wellbeing, 6. Clean water and sanitation, 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life below water, 15. Life on Land, 17. Partnerships for the goals