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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]