Download Water for Victoria Plan - Municipal Association of Victoria

Release of the Victorian Government’s Water for Victoria
Plan
Overview
In October the Victorian Government released Water for Victoria, its state-wide plan for
water management, now and into the future. The MAV provided a submission to the Water
for Victoria discussion paper in May 2016.
Responsibility for actions arising from the plan has primarily been allocated to the
Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP), water corporations and
catchment management authorities. Councils have however been identified as a delivery
partner for a number of actions (refer to attachment 1 below).
Key themes in the plan that will directly impact councils include:
 Planning reforms to enable stronger management control of stormwater.
 Building resilient towns and cities to be able to cope with both increases to population
and climate change
 More collaboration and collective planning between councils and water authorities,
particularly for integrated water management (IWM)
 Development of a Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy
 Clarification of roles and responsibilities e.g. emergency waters supply points
The primary message is that projected increases in population and greater urban
densification in a changing climate mean that high levels of stewardship, innovation and
forward planning now are essential to ensure agricultural areas remain viable and cities and
towns are both liveable and resilient.
Declining supply of water from rainfall
Increasing demand for water
Predicted average annual stream flow in 2065.
Councils have touch points with most of Water for Victoria’s chapters, including in their roles
as:
 infrastructure providers, such as stormwater management
 regulators, such as planning controls and on-site domestic wastewater regulation
 significant users, such as needing to water public spaces, parks and gardens
 supporters of many committees of management for recreational areas near
waterways and coastal areas
The MAV gratefully acknowledges the funding support from the Victorian Government to employ a dedicated staff resource for
12 months to assist engagement with councils and policy support on Water for Victoria and integrated water management.


community advocates for safe and secure water supplies for drinking, tourism
activities and economic production
emergency managers seeking to protect their communities from the impacts when
there’s too much water, such as flooding events.
DELWP and MAV have hosted sessions for councils on Water for Victoria across Victoria,
including Melbourne, Bendigo, Traralgon and Warrnambool. At these sessions DELWP has
been keen to identify how it can support councils to better plan for resilient and liveable cities
and towns.
Background
Water is fundamental to the Victorian community, and its efficient and sustainable
management is vital to Victoria’s social and economic prospects. In the next 35 years
population growth in Victoria is expected to almost double in size to over 10.1 million people,
while climatic conditions will be more extreme, including drought, floods, heatwaves, and
rising sea levels.
The water related benefits of resilient and liveable cities and towns is a strong theme
throughout the plan. In particular there is emphasis on how thinking innovatively and
undertaking collaborative planning can provide efficient service delivery while offering
multiple benefits including:
 improved urban design
 protection of waterways and coastal waters by treating water on-site and reducing
stormwater flows to waterways
 cooler greener urban spaces that improve:
- health and wellbeing
- increase property value
- help to provide spaces for people to meet and connect.
There are ten chapters, including:
1. Sharing Victoria’s water
2. Climate change
3. Waterway and catchment health
4. Water for agriculture
5. Resilient and liveable cities and towns
6. Recognising and managing for Aboriginal values
7. Recognising recreational values
8. Water entitlements and planning
9. Realising the potential of the grid and markets
10. Jobs, economy and innovation.
To assist councils scan the main initiatives of each chapter, DELWP’s overview is available
in Attachment 2.
Specific Actions
The plan describes 69 actions. Councils have been identified as delivery partners for 18 of
these, and responsible for one (5.1 Use diverse water sources to protect public spaces).
Responsibility has primarily been allocated to DELWP, Water Corporations and Catchment
Management Authorities.
The MAV gratefully acknowledges the funding support from the Victorian Government to employ a dedicated staff resource for
12 months to assist engagement with councils and policy support on Water for Victoria and integrated water management.
We have provided comment on each action in attachment 1. Actions which we perceive will
have significant effect on councils have been sign—posted in red.
Investment
A total of $537 million over 4 years has been announced to accompany the plan. The
breakdown of funding includes:
 $221 million to improve the health of waterways and catchments
 $25 million to prepare Victorians for floods and emergencies.
 $58 million for rural water system upgrades in Wedderburn, Werribee and Bacchus
Marsh
 $59.6 million to support irrigation modernisation projects and help irrigators improve
on-farm water use.
 $30 million to extend the water grid in South Gippsland
 $4.7 million to ensure Aboriginal values and knowledge are included in Victoria’s
water management
 $14.1 million in additional funding to deal with rising groundwater in Bendigo
 $33 million to invest in practical programs to kick-start improvements to how we use
Victoria’s water resources, such as preparing for climate change and drought, better
water resource information and assessment, improving urban water management,
the use of the water grid, and better recognising recreational water values.
$447.5 million of this funding was allocated in the 16/17 budget. The remaining $90 million
is still to be allocated.
No major water supply augmentation projects, such as building new dams, reservoirs or
desalination plants are included in the plan. The Infrastructure Victoria draft 30-year strategy
suggested major augmentation projects should be delayed as long as possible to maximise
the benefits that accrue from tighter water governance, usage efficiency measures and water
trading systems. Water for Victoria does, however, acknowledge that some predicted
climate change scenarios and population growth will mean Melbourne may need additional
supplies by 2035 (p86).
Further information
For more information on Water for Victoria, visit the Department of Environment Land, Water
and Planning (DELWP) website http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/water-for-victoria
MAV contacts:
Manager- Water & Public Health
Senior Policy and Engagement Officer Water
Rosemary Hancock
Email – [email protected]
Nicky Kindler
Email – [email protected]
The MAV gratefully acknowledges the funding support from the Victorian Government to employ a dedicated staff resource for
12 months to assist engagement with councils and policy support on Water for Victoria and integrated water management.
Attachment 1 – Water Plan Actions
Set out below are the actions identified in the Water Plan, and the MAV’s assessment of the impact for councils. Please note the MAV’s
comments reflect our preliminary view – we welcome any council feedback. For further information, contact Nicky Kindler, Senior Policy and
Engagement Officer - Water, MAV – email [email protected]
Legend
Likely to significantly impact councils
Potential impacts
No direct impact / minimal impact for councils
Actions marked with a  indicate councils have been identified as a delivery partner. Councils have been identified as having responsibility for
Action 5.1 ()
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
Water corporations and catchment
management authorities will contribute to
climate change mitigation by reaching netzero emissions.
Unclear impact for
councils – there is
potential for increased
user charges
Achievement of net-zero emissions
by the water sector is supported in
principle, noting that affordability and
security of water supply are also
important policy drivers.
More opportunities for
knowledge exchange will
be beneficial to councils
The investment in climate change
research and knowledge sharing is
supported.
Ch 2 Climate change
2.1 Achieve net-zero emissions
in the water sector (p. 31)
The four metropolitan water corporations will
work towards achieving net zero emissions by
2030. Others will set targets for 25% by 2020
and 40% by 2025, with an aim of zero
emissions by 2050

2.2 Understand and apply
climate science to water
management (p. 33)
Investment in climate change research with a
commitment of 1.6 million in the first year.
Share knowledge and apply research to policy
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
The impact for councils is
unclear – potential
increases to the cost of
water.
The new Climate Change
Adaptation Plan is due to be
released in early 2017. The MAV will
consider the potential impacts on
councils after its release.
Clearer guidance for
planning controls along
the Yarra River, which
may be rolled out to other
urban waterways.
The MAV supports in principle
greater collaboration and
consistency between agencies
involved in managing land along the
Yarra River system.
planning and practice.

2.3 Lead climate change
adaptation across Victoria’s
water system (p. 34)
Water corporations will apply the Guidelines
for Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change
on Water Supplies in Victoria in the short
term.
The Water sector will lead climate change
adaptation actions in the Climate Change
Adaptation Plan once it has been released.
Ch 3 Waterway and catchment health
3.1 Improve planning
arrangements for
urban waterways (p. 46)
The Yarra River Protection Ministerial
Advisory Committee (YRPMAC) will provide
recommendations to the Victorian
Government. Stronger planning controls and
collaborative planning are likely to be
proposed as part of their recommendations.
The YRPMAC’s recommendations
have not yet been released. The
MAV will be able to have a more
detailed view once
recommendations have been
released.

3.2 Improve planning
arrangements for urban
waterways (p. 47)
Review of the State Environmental Protection
Policy (SEPP) (Waters)and alignment with
response to the EPA enquiry.
- Confirm beneficial uses of groundwater and
surface water
- Setting water quality objectives, targets and
indicators
May result in changed
responsibilities for
councils. Higher
expectations of the water
quality of waterways will
increase pressure to
reduce the effects of
stormwater pollution.
The MAV supports consideration of
reforms to the SEPP (Waters) policy
to improve water quality and
manage unlicensed point and diffuse
pollution sources. At this stage it is
early days in the review. MAV will
consult with councils as the review
progresses.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
- New framework for unlicensed point and
diffuse pollution sources.


3.3 Invest in integrated
catchment management (p. 48)
3.4 Provide long term
investment to improve
waterway health (p. 49)
3.5 Improve environmental
water management in a
changing climate (p. 54)
No major impact for
councils’ role.
$90 million will be invested in 36 prioritised
waterways over the next 30 years. Page 52 –
53 provides a map of prioritised waterways.
No major impact for
councils’ role. Existing
arrangements will
continue for lower priority
waterways.

Future environmental water recovery
will be influenced by sustainable water
strategies.

Existing environmental water
commitments will be delivered as
MAV comment
Positive for environment
and communities.
$22 million will be invested over four years to
improve waterway, wetland and catchment
health, creating more liveable environments
for communities.
Investment for Waterways and wetlands
include:
 $90 million over four years to
implement regional waterway
strategies and improve waterway
health.
 $30 million over four years to
implement the Regional Riparian
Action Plan
 $10 million over four years to support
the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating
Committee.

Impact for councils
MAV welcomes the additional
funding to catchment management
authorities.
Positive for environment
and communities.
Investment in waterway health is
supported by the MAV.
Opportunities to improve
lower priority waterways
in urban environments
will exist through IWM
forums see Action 5.7
Minimal impact to council
role.
The environmental water
management initiatives are
supported by the MAV.
Consultation with councils on
sustainable water strategies will be
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
planned.

MAV comment
essential to ensure a local and
community perspective is provided.
The Victorian Environmental Water
Holder will be reviewed and
strengthened.
3.6 Better monitor and report
on the benefits of
environmental watering (p. 55)
Increased monitoring and reporting
requirements on the benefits of environmental
flows.
Minimal impact to council
role.
Supported in principle.
3.7 Ensure clear and
transparent charging
arrangements (p. 55)
Charging arrangements for environmental
water will be guided by a set of principles and
level of service.
No perceived impact
Supported in principle.
3.8 Support community
partnership and citizen science
(p. 57)
Community partnerships through Landcare,
Waterwatch, Estuary Watch and citizen
science initiatives.
Committed investment includes $30 million
towards the Regional Riparian Action Plan;
and $1 million in partnerships between
catchment management authorities and
recreational anglers.
No perceived impact
Supported in principle.
3.9 Improve knowledge and
information about waterways
and catchments (p. 59)
An investment of $20 million for the
monitoring, evaluation and reporting of
waterways.
Minimal impact to council
role.
Supported in principle.
Will provide knowledge
sharing opportunities
between council,
organisations and
community.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
4.1 Support regional
development and change (p.
65)
Water corporations will help inform regional
opportunities and constraints for agricultural
developments.
No perceived impact to
council role.
Supported in principle.

4.2 Invest in rural infrastructure
(p. 66)
Investment in rural infrastructure will based on
long term viability, net public benefit, value for
money.
Minimal impact to council
role. Will have impact for
communities where a
case is hard to make.
Supported in principle.

4.3 Help irrigation districts
adapt (p. 69)
Rural water corporations will actively respond
to the changing needs of their customers to
enable irrigation districts to remain affordable
and attractive to new businesses.
Minimal impact to council
role.
Supported in principle.
4.4 Reduce barriers to change
and support communities in
irrigation districts (p. 69)
The government will reduce barriers by:
 Investing in the Sustainable Irrigation
Program, including $59 million over
four years.
 Reducing unnecessary administrative
barriers for development.
May be impacts on
planning permit
approvals to consolidate
land parcels.
Supported in principle.
4.5 Improve water delivery
efficiency in irrigation districts
(p. 69)
The government will improve monitoring and
reporting of farm water use and will implement
water saving protocols.
Minimal impact to council
role.
Supported in principle.
4.6 Manage salinity,
waterlogging and water quality
(p. 72)
Water corporations and CMAs will:
 Invest in management and monitoring
of dryland farming areas.
 Develop priorities for the Victorian
Irrigation Drainage Program.
Minimal impact to council
role.
Supported in principle.
Ch 4 Water for Agriculture
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]

Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
4.7 Manage irrigation
development (p. 73)
The government, water corporations and
CMAS will:
 Update regional irrigation guidelines
 Review the timeframe of water use
licences and ensure licence
conditions remain relevant
Minimal impact to council
role
Supported in principle.
4.8 Improve salinity
management in the Mallee (p.
73)
The government will continue to improve the
current approach to managing salinity in the
Mallee
Minimal impact to council
role
Supported in principle.
There is potential for
significant impact for rural
councils, with the
discussion paper stating
that councils take on the
management of
emergency water supply
points.
The MAV is pleased that the
Government has agreed to review
its decision that emergency water
supply points will automatically be a
council responsibility. We will be
monitoring the review to ensure that
a needs assessment is undertaken
and proper identification of the
issues before a decision is made to
make councils responsible. MAV
will advocate this issue be
considered under the Victorian State
Local Government Agreement
Councils may be
significantly impacted,
given that the
Government’s response
to the Parliamentary
inquiry suggested
councils be the lead rural
drainage manager.
The development of a state-wide
drainage strategy is supported by
the MAV. We are participating in the
reference committee established to
advise DELWP about the contents
of the strategy, and will be
advocating for a workable
framework that considers the
4.9 Improve management of
emergency water supply (p. 75)





4.10 Develop a rural drainage
strategy (p. 75)
Improve information on the availability
of emergency water supply points
Clarify roles and responsibilities
Clarify pricing principles
Evaluate the emergency water supply
network
A Rural drainage strategy will be developed
by 2017.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
capacities of councils for any
proposed new roles
4.11 Balance water recovery
for the Murray-Darling Basin (p.
77)
The government in partnership with water
corporations and CMAs will work to achieve
the implementation of the Murray Darling
Basin Plan in Victoria.
Minimal impact for
council role.
Supported in principle.
As managers of open
space, councils will be
asked to help prioritise
spaces to keep watered
during drought periods
and to look for
opportunities to reduce
urban heat island effects.
Councils are also likely to
be involved in improving
the understanding of the
cost of water restrictions
to the community.
The MAV supports the government’s
commitment to protect public green
spaces. We are disappointed that
no funding has been announced as
part of this commitment.
Ch 5 Resilient and Liveable Cities and Towns

5.1 Use diverse water sources
to protect public spaces (p. 88)





Priority parks, gardens, public open
space and playing fields will be
prioritised for maintenance of water
supply during drought.
Clarification and improved regulation
for recycled water and stormwater
A greater understanding of the costs
of water restrictions to the community
will be explored.
Opportunities will be sought to
promote urban cooling.
5.2 Better urban water planning
to address key challenges (p.
88)
Urban water corporations will develop urban
water strategies
Minimal impact for
council role.
The development of urban water
strategies is supported. The MAV
will be encouraging Water
Corporations to engage with
councils to understand local needs.
5.3 Reinvigorate water
efficiency programs for
Melbourne and regional
Victoria (p. 89)
Campaign to reduce water usage including
the reintroduction of ‘Target 155’ in Melbourne
and ‘Target Your Water Use’ in regional
Victoria. The ‘Schools Water Efficiency’
program will be expanded to include more
Council have been
identified as a delivery
partner. The specific role
has not been specified.
MAV support this initiative in
principle, but await further
information on what aspects of the
program councils are being asked to
deliver.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
Impact for councils
unclear.
MAV supports reform of on-site
domestic wastewater regulation,
however councils’ interests will need
to be considered if any changes are
proposed. If there are to be new
roles and responsibilities, the
Victorian State Local Government
Agreement should be utilised.
schools and other government buildings.

5.4 Make the most of our
investment in wastewater (p.
90)
Prioritisation of actions to improve on-site
domestic wastewater management
Water corporations will be required to develop
long term bulk sewage strategies.

5.5 Improve stormwater
management for greener
environments and healthier
waterways (p. 91)
Review and amend planning provisions and
related building regulations, including Clause
56.07-4.
Lead place based targets for stormwater
management
Likely to be an impact on
councils meeting and
implementing
amendments to local
stormwater management
targets.
The MAV supports the review of
planning provisions and relevant
building regulations. We will be
working closely with government to
ensure councils practically can
accommodate any proposed
changes.

5.6 Work across government
for healthy and resilient urban
landscapes (p. 92)
Planning for water related benefits will be part
of all future major projects and relevant
strategies.
Implementation of urban
land use planning
instruments and
Environmental
Sustainable Design
(ESD) for buildings.
MAV supports the move towards
resilient and liveable cities and
towns and the commitment to
improve Environmentally
Sustainable Development
performance standards.
Councils will be
encouraged to participate
in the Integrated Water
Management (IWM)
forums.
The MAV supports the collaborative
structure of the new Integrated
Water Management Framework.
We will be monitoring whether
smaller councils will need financial
State local planning framework and
Environmentally Sustainable Development
performance standards for buildings will be
aligned with water related benefits that
support resilient and liveable cities and towns.

5.7 Represent community
values and local opportunities
in planning (p. 93)
A new integrated water management planning
framework has been developed. The
framework will bring together different
organisations, including council to jointly
progress integrated water management
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
initiatives which have multiple benefits such
as flood mitigation, urban cooling, clean air,
healthy streams and recreation.

5.8 Put integrated water
management into practice (p.
95)
A number of initiatives such as:
 Capacity building.
 A common economic evaluation
 Sharing information and developing
guidelines and tools
 Research.
MAV comment
support to effectively collaborate
with the water corporations. The
MAV will provide a submission to the
Integrated Water Management
Framework in consultation with
councils.
Capacity building support
for councils.
The MAV supports DELWP
providing greater support to
strengthen IWM within regional and
rural councils.
Minimal impact for
council role.
Supported in principle.
Minimal impact for
council role.
Supported in principle.
Minimal impact for
council role.
Supported in principle.
Ch 6 Recognising and managing for Aboriginal values
6.1 Recognise Aboriginal
values and objectives of water
(p. 102)
6.2 Include Aboriginal values
and traditional ecological
knowledge in water planning (p.
105)
The government will incorporate Aboriginal
values and expertise into water management
with an investment of $4.7 million over four
year.



6.3 Support Aboriginal access
to water for economic
development (p. 106)
Changes to legislate the Victorian
Environmental Water Holder to allow
values and knowledge to be included
in planning.
Notify and engage with Traditional
Owners on projects.
Establish Aboriginal water officers in
regional Victoria.
The government will work in partnership and
invest $5 million to develop a roadmap for
access to water for economic development for
Traditional Owners.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
6.4 Build capacity to increase
Aboriginal participation in water
management (p. 108)
A capacity building program will be designed
to increase Aboriginal participation and
inclusive practices in water management
Minimal impact for
council role.
Supported in principle.
7.1 Include recreational values
in water and waterway planning
(p. 115)
The government will incorporate recreational
values in state wide and regional planning
processes. Opportunities will be identified
and prioritised with the community.
Positive impact for
councils to contribute to
options for greater
recreational use of
waterways.
Supported in principle.
7.2 Help communities
understand how to achieve
their recreational objectives (p.
117)
Public land managers will help recreational
users connect with the right people to
progress actions relating to visitor experience
at valued waterways.
Potentially positive
impact for councils by
allowing greater
community access to
waterways.
Supported in principle.
7.3 Support recreation at water
storages through infrastructure
and better information (p. 121)
Water corporations will maintain recreational
infrastructure and facilities at water storages.
They will also be required to prepare a land
and recreational management plan for each
water storage.
Positive impact for
councils to be able to
provide input to the land
and recreational
management plans for
water storages.
Supported in principle.
8.1 Ensure a strong and
responsive water entitlement
system (p. 126)
DELWP will work with water corporations and
the Victorian Environmental Water holder to
make regulatory instruments more streamline
and transparent with clear roles and
responsibilities.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
8.2 Provide greater flexibility
and choice for licence-holders
An investigation will occur on the merits of
converting take and use licences in
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Ch 7 Recognising recreational values
Ch 8 Water entitlements and planning
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
(p. 127)
unregulated surface water and groundwater
systems into water shares and other related
products.
8.3 Investigate increased
flexibility for taking water under
winter-fill licences (p. 128)
Opportunities will be explored for individuals
with winter-fill licences to extract water during
high flow periods in some systems.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
8.4 Better record and report on
emerging significant uses of
water (p. 129)
Investigations will occur on introducing a
‘reasonable use limit’ for domestic and stock
rights under section 8 of the Water Act.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
8.5 Ensure a modern
compliance regime that works
(p. 129)
Water corporations will adopt a consistent
approach to compliance, enforcement and
reporting.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
8.6 Commence the long term
water resource assessment
process (p. 132)
A long term water resource assessment will
occur for Southern Victoria in 2018.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
The long term water resource assessment for
northern Victoria will aim to be legislatively
aligned to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
8.7 Commence sustainable
water strategy reviews (p. 133)
Review of sustainable water strategies will
occur, taking into account different climate
change scenarios and potential for shared
benefits. Traditional Owners will form part of
consultative committees.
No direct role for
councils.
The MAV support this action and will
advocate for councils to be
consulted on local issues and
opportunities for shared benefits.
8.8 Align the sustainable water
strategy and long term water
resource assessment
processes (p. 133)
Processes will be streamlined.
No direct role for
councils.
Councils rely on Water Corporations
to manage.
8.9 Improve rural water supply
Improved rural water supply planning
No direct role for
Councils rely on Water Corporations
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
planning (p. 135)
processes such as:
 Early reserve rules will be examined.
 Development of low flow contingency
plans under different climate
scenarios.
councils.
to manage.
8.10 Provide clear information
about water resources to the
community (p. 136)
Clear and transparent information on the
condition and use of Victoria’s water
resources will be developed. Information will
be accessible and targeted to user needs.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
8.11 Improve water resource
information to support planning
and decisions (p. 137)
Continued investment in monitoring networks,
including improvements to the quality and
accuracy of data
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Ch 9 Realising the potential of the grid and markets
9.1 Develop a grid oversight
function (p. 144)
DELWP will develop a grid oversight function
to inform strategic, regional and system wide
water resource planning and investment
decisions.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
9.2 Plan for future water grid
augmentation (p. 145)
Options for additional connections to the water
grid will be explored.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Consideration should also be given
to options which diversify water
security.
9.3 Improve the effectiveness
of water markets (p. 148)
Government will actively monitor water
markets so they continue to operate
effectively, including a review.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
9.4 Increase water market
transparency and information
sharing (p. 149)
Water market information and systems will be
moved online. Implement relevant
recommendations form the review (see 9.3).
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
9.5 Develop the water market
in south central Victoria (p.
153)
A trial will begin in 2017. DELWP will work
with stakeholders to define the institutional
arrangements and governance for the trial.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
9.6 Improve trading rules in
northern Victoria (p. 154)
DELWP will ensure trading rules are
appropriate given physical and operational
constraints.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
9.7 Develop trading rules in
other water systems (p. 155)
Continue to refine trading rules and develop
markets in western Victoria.
Review unregulated surface water trading
rules.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle by the MAV
where it is relevant to water security.
Watching brief. Council input would
be required if there were any
proposed roles for councils in any
proposed groundwater permit
system would need to be monitored.
Develop policy to facilitate trade in
groundwater systems.
Ch 10 Jobs, economy and innovation

10.1 Improve engagement with
customers and the broader
community (p. 165)
Engagement practices will be strengthened to
understand and meet the needs of water
customers and the broader community.
Impact for councils
unclear.
It is unclear what will be expected of
councils as a delivery partner.
10.2 Consult business on future
needs and provide information
to support investment (p. 165)
Business customers will be consulted on their
future needs and provided with information
about the best available supply and service
options.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.3 Promote innovation in the
water sector (p. 166)
The government will continue to support in
existing programs such as Water networks
and the Cooperative Research Centre for
Water Sensitive Cities. An innovation award
will be created.
Having improved
information is beneficial
to councils.
Supported in principle
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Impact for councils
MAV comment
10.4 Build capacity and
capability in the water sector (p.
167)
Skill gaps will be identified and associated
programs will be developed to build capacity.
Positive impact to
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.5 Provide third-party access
to existing infrastructure (p.
169)
A third party access regime will be established
for other potential service providers to use
existing infrastructure.
Potentially positive for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.6 Drive strong governance
and performance (p. 170)
The government will continue to maintain a
focus on skill based boards, set clear
expectations and priorities, employ
performance measures and benchmarking
and support a culture of continuous
improvement.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.7 Promote gender equity in
the workplace (p. 171)
The government will continue to promote
gender equity within the water sector through
gender diverse boards, equity in executive
leadership positions, establish a leadership
program and award for women.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.8 Increase Aboriginal
inclusion in the water sector (p.
172)
A program will be developed to build the
capacity of Victoria’s Traditional Owners to
participate on the boards of the water
corporations and catchment management
authorities.
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.9 Support economic
development through
Aboriginal participation (p. 173)
The water industry will be required to explore
and develop opportunities for business
arrangements with Traditional Owners and
Aboriginal enterprises as well as provide
opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
No direct role, but there
is potential for positive
local projects which
councils will be pleased
to support.
Supported in principle.
10.10 Respond to the Royal
Commission into Family
The Customer Service Code will be amended
to list minimum eligibility criteria for access to
No direct role for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Water Plan Action
Description
Violence (p. 173)
hardship programs.
Impact for councils
MAV comment
Guidance and training for staff will be provided
to identify customers experiencing family
violence and financial hardship.

10.11 Find ways to cut red tape
(p. 173)
The government will find opportunities to
reduce red tape, review administrative
practices and make legislative amendments
where appropriate.
Unknown impact for
councils.
Supported in principle.
10.12 Improve emergency
management capability (p. 174)
Relevant legislative changes will occur to
clarify the role of water corporation and CMAs
in emergency management.
Information systems and processes to
monitor, evaluate and communicate will also
be enhanced.
Unknown impact for
councils.
Supported in principle. We note that
the action is narrow in scope only
focussing on CMAs and water
corporations. Councils and other
agencies such as Vic SES also have
a role to play in emergency
management. We will be working
closely with government to ensure
councils are not adversely affected
by any proposed changes to
legislation.
10.13 Deliver Water for Victoria
(p. 175)
A dedicated project office will be established
to oversee, monitor and evaluate initiatives
funded by the Environmental Contribution.
Progress and achievements will be publicly
reported.
Unknown impact for
councils.
Supported in principle.
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler –
[email protected]
Attachment 2 – DELWP Summary Presentation Slides of Water for Victoria
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the
MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler – [email protected]
Please note these are preliminary comments developed by MAV staff – please forward any comments about the
MAV’s response to Nicky Kindler – [email protected]