Securing Our

WaterFuture Together ’s Action Plan for a Secure Water Future OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE

OurWater Our Future

Victoria’s prosperity depends on a customers (in recognition of the The Our Water Our Future action secure water supply for our homes, impact of the droughts). Legislation plan brings the Bracks “ must work today to secure water farms, environment and industry. will be introduced to require water Government’s total investment in authorities to contribute this water initiatives to over $800 In this, our eighth year of low for tomorrow. Victoria’s historic plan of action amount, and to ensure that every million. This includes $320 million rainfall, with a growing dollar of it will be invested in water from the 10 year Victorian Water population, climate change and will help rescue the State’s stressed rivers, initiatives outlined in Our Water Trust, our $202 million commitment degrading river systems, the State Our Future. to the Snowy River, a $77 million needs new and better ways to reduce the amount of water we use, and meet commitment to the proposed secure water for the future. Its groundbreaking actions will: Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, and our recycling target so that we have enough While water is scarce, we can use it • Repair rivers and groundwater $225 million for the Our Water Our more wisely. systems – the natural source of all Future White Paper initiatives. water for future generations.” our fresh water – by giving them Victoria’s water reform package, Some of the highlights of this legal water rights and conducting Our Water Our Future, is an action landmark water reform are Premier Steve Bracks restoration works. plan to enable smarter water use outlined here. and management across the State. • Price water to encourage people to use it more wisely. This action plan will be funded through a $225 million contribution • Permanently save water in our from water authorities over the first towns and cities, through “Our Water Our Future sets out 110 new four years, which will result in an common sense water saving and expected average price rise of five recycling measures. initiatives to secure water for the next per cent in urban water and • Secure water for farms through sewerage bills, and an average two pioneering water allocation and 50 years, for our homes, farms, businesses per cent increase for rural water trading systems. and the environment.” Minister for Water John Thwaites

1 OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE

Securing Our Water Future Together

Demand-Supply Balance for 's Drinking Water Supplies

“If Melbourne grows at this rate and does nothing more to conserve water, there will not be enough water to meet its needs by 2020. Regional Victoria is already adjusting to the impacts of eight years of low rainfall.” (Source: Resources Strategy, 2002)

Doing more with Our Water Our Future The proposals outlined in it build Projected Rainfall and Temperature on several existing water initiatives Changes in the Murray Darling Basin less water In August 2003, the State including: Low rainfall, a growing population Government asked all Victorians and an increasingly stressed natural to give their input into shaping • the Ministerial Statement environment are changing the way a strategy to help secure our on Water; water future. Victorians use water. • the $320 million Victorian New data shows that inflows into There was an overwhelming Water Trust; and our freshwater storages could fall by response from the public, to the • Melbourne’s successful around five per cent in the next 20 extent that the State Government water saving behaviour years, while population projections decided to extend the submission change campaign. predict that by 2030 regional deadline by an extra month to Our Water Our Future provides a Victoria will have another 350,000 allow time for more Victorians framework to encourage smarter people and Melbourne will grow by to contribute. use of water for people, farms, an extra one million residents. More than 670 written submissions businesses and our environment. If Melbourne grows at this rate and were received from individuals and It brings the Government’s does nothing more to conserve interest groups, including ordinary investment in water to over $800 water, there will not be enough Victorians, farmers, irrigators, million, reinforcing Victoria’s water to meet its needs by 2020. environmental groups, scientists and position as a national leader in Source: Ayers G (2003):CSIRO Climate and the Murray Darling Regional Victoria is already adjusting water management experts. Basin, MDBC Climate Change Workshop Rainfall (mm). water management. to the impacts of eight years of low The resulting White Paper, Our rainfall. Climate change will only Water Our Future, creates a This brochure explains some of the add to this challenge. comprehensive program for change. key initiatives in the White Paper. The message is clear: We need to find smarter ways to use and manage our water supply. We must ensure that all Victorians are able to do more with less water. 2 3 OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE

The Great Dividing Range geographically splits Victoria. Valuing Our Water – North of the Divide, the Where Our Water majority of available water comes from river systems that flow into the Murray River. Comes From a New Pricing System As well as supporting The Differing Victoria’s northern water per year for the River Murray, The value of water Rising block tariffs for Melbourne Sources of no contributions will be required communities, this water is Current water prices do not reflect Victoria’s Water from Goulburn Murray Water used to irrigate valuable the full cost to the environment of customers until 1 July 2007. our water use. It is time to properly farms and crops. South of Water sources the Divide, water is used for north of Great value our water. How the $225 million Dividing Range Our Water Our Future and by the large As part of this will be invested reform package, water bills are urban populations in cities Legislation will ensure that every expected to increase by an average dollar raised in this package will be Water sources and towns, particularly along of five per cent. This will raise $225 directed towards initiatives to secure south of Great million over four years, all of which the coastal fringe. Dividing Range sustainable water supplies for our will be invested in water projects to future by investing in infrastructure secure our water future. upgrades and water efficient better monitor their water use over time and compare their The Government’s water reform, result, if new were built, or From 1 October 2004, the average technology, and repairing and A catchment approach consumption with households in Our Water Our Future will now existing dams expanded for towns, five per cent price increase will protecting our water resources. All Victorians get their water from their local area. ensure that we take a holistic water would have to be purchased apply to businesses as well as one of 10 major catchment areas approach in managing all water from somewhere else, most households across Victoria. For A new smarter water In Melbourne, the first block (40 across the State (see map, inside resources – rainwater, river flows, probably from farmers. households, new smarter water pricing system kilolitres per quarter) will be priced back cover). natural , public and private pricing systems will be introduced A smarter water pricing system will below the current price, as it is A new would take water from These catchments are the dams, water supply systems, (from 1 October 2004 in Melbourne be introduced for households, to based on an estimate of essential the Gippsland or geographic regions that collect sewerage and drainage, aquifers and from 1 July 2005 in regional encourage water conservation, indoor use. For usage above this up farmers who depend on irrigation rainfall and feed water to local and estuaries. Victoria). The average five per cent involving a ‘rising block’ structure. to 80 kilolitres per quarter (the for their livelihoods. creeks, lakes, rivers and . price rise will be incorporated into second block), the price will rise to The Bracks Government’s proposals Rising block tariffs, where a higher It would also take water from these new pricing systems, rather 88 cents per kilolitre to reflect more Each has its own Catchment have been developed after price per kilolitre applies above a stressed rivers. This would not only than in addition to them. discretionary use, and for the largest Management Authority responsible extensive consultation with specified level of consumption, are harm the habitat of our native usage block (80 kilolitres and above), for overall planning and waterway communities and water experts in The exception to the expected five widely regarded as the fairest and plants, fish and animals, but also the price will be $1.30 per kilolitre. protection, while water authorities each catchment and provide an per cent price increase is rural water most effective way to price water threaten our waterways tourism and deliver services to towns and farms. overall plan for all catchments to customers, who have been for conservation. Not only do they The Government will implement a recreation industry. Taking more use water more efficiently. significantly affected by the encourage water conservation, but number of measures to manage the water for Melbourne from The water from these prolonged drought and are working they also recognise the need to potential impacts of rising block Everyone is now able to play a Gippsland would also be likely to towards better environmental provide water for essential domestic tariffs, including assisting customers in catchments: part in securing Victoria’s water harm the , which outcomes. Their price increase will use at an affordable price. reducing their bills and arrangements • provides drinking water for future, together. are vital for the region’s economy. be an average two per cent and will which assist large families. all Victorians; commence from 1 July 2005. In This system will include more A new dam for Melbourne would information on water bills to help • supports high value, efficient A new dam will not recognition of the historic Increased concessions be expensive, costing Victorians households be smarter with water agriculture and other industries; create new water about one billion dollars. These agreement with Victorian farmers From 1 October 2004, the resulting in 145 billion litres of use. This will enable households to • generates recreation and tourism; Upgrading dam and pipeline costs are not justified when there Government will increase the infrastructure is appropriate in some are great opportunities to use water current maximum water concession • is home to a diverse array of locations. However a new dam is not already available to Melbourne Water initiatives funded by the environmental contribution to $146 per year, from $135. This plant and aquatic life; and a solution to our water challenges. will be the first time the cap has more wisely. Water initiatives Indicative allocations over four years • holds important cultural value for been raised since 1983. The New dams do not create new water. Finally, existing water supply indigenous Victorians. Contribution to Victoria’s $115 M commitment to the maximum will be increased to $150 infrastructure can be used to per year from 1 July 2005 and will These competing demands pose If a new dam were built for Living Murray Initiative $35 M Melbourne, it would need to be harness more drinking water then be indexed for inflation, particular challenges for the Smart Urban Water Initiatives and recycling $50 M supplies, such as reconnecting annually, to ensure that its value environment and communities in filled with water currently used by the existing Tarago . doesn’t erode over time. each catchment. rural and regional communities and Protecting and repairing our water sources $100 M the environment. Boosting the Water Smart Farms and Sustainable Irrigation The concession is available to all North of the divide, there is a cap and Land Management Initiatives $13 M eligible pensioners and Health Care on further allocations from the Card holders, who will receive 50 Water security for cities, farms and the environment $27 M Murray Darling River systems. As a per cent off their total water and sewerage bill, up to the maximum. 4 Total $225 M 5 OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE

Highlights:

Healthy Water R esources • $100 million to protect and repair the health of Victoria’s rivers and aquifers.

• A new Environmental Water Reserve, giving rivers a legal right to water for the first time.

• 169 billion litres of water to help revive the Murray River (including 24 billion from Mokoan) – a first step for the national Living Murray Initiative. “All the fresh water that we use – in homes, on farms, for industry • 25 billion litres of water returned to the Thomson and and commerce – originally comes from rivers and underground Macalister River system. • 20 billion litres of new water for the Snowy River as part water storages. of returning man-made to a . Our rivers and other water resources need to be protected if we • Caps on extractions from all currently uncapped rivers that are to continue to have a sustainable and healthy supply of water feed into the Gippsland Lakes. to support our communities. • Development of five regional Sustainable Water Strategies for long-term planning and management of Because we have removed so much water from our natural water water resources. sources many of our major rivers, such as the Murray and Snowy, • Climate change research to analyse impacts on our are stressed, two thirds of our wetlands are lost or degraded and water supply. • Strengthened Catchment Management Authorities, the less than 25 per cent of our rivers are in good condition.” local caretakers of river health.

The man-made Lake Mokoan, The State Government will also limit Groundwater which loses high volumes of water the amount of water that can be Improving the Health of Major Rivers Groundwater is no longer the to evaporation and has poor water extracted from all rivers that lead forgotten resource. The bore quality, will be returned to a into the Gippsland Lakes. This will observation network that “We will Even water levels in underground The water set aside will be known The Murray wetland, and the water saved will strengthen our efforts to protect the monitors the health of storages have been seriously depleted as the Environmental Water provide 20 billion litres to the lakes and communities that rely significantly Victoria will contribute $115 underground water storages and and some are now threatened by Reserve and will be legally Snowy River in addition to the flows upon them. improve the million towards the joint $500 the interaction with surface water deteriorating water quality and the protected by legislation. to the Murray. The reliability of million Council of Australian will be upgraded and expanded. Up health of our infiltration of salt water. irrigators’ water supplies will be Other rivers When establishing the Governments’ investment to help to $13 million of the $100 million rivers by 2010.” maintained through a program of We all need to make adjustments to Environmental Water Reserve the improve the health of the River Considerable stress is placed on for rivers and aquifers will be works. the way we use water to help rights of other water users – people Murray, with funds from the 'unregulated' rivers (rivers without invested to achieve this. protect and restore our rivers and in cities and towns, industry, Victorian Water Trust and the Our dams controlling flow), by water other water resources. commerce and farmers – will be Water Our Future package. The Thomson and being taken out in summer – the Sustainable Water taken into account. Macalister time the river needs water. The Government will invest an extra As a result of an historic agreement Strategies As a first step to improve the $100 million over the next four with Victorian farmers, 145 billion Over the next four years, the Regional Sustainable Water Strengthening the role of Thomson and Macalister Rivers, an years to protect and repair our litres of water per year will now be Government will provide significant Strategies will be prepared by the our Catchment extra 25 billion litres of water will be water sources. provided to improve flows in the incentives for farmers to divert Government with vital input from returned to the river systems to Management Authorities River Murray. In addition, a further water in winter. This will reduce the water authorities, CMAs and the boost their flows. Securing water for Catchment Management Authorities 24 billion litres for the Murray will pressure on many of our priority community. The strategies will our rivers (CMAs) are the caretakers of our be made available through savings This volume of water will achieve a river systems. outline priorities and projects for from Lake Mokoan. Water will be set aside specifically rivers and creeks and they will be substantial amount of the ecological investment so we can better to secure the long-term health of given extra powers to manage the benefits outlined in recommendations manage and improve the health of waterways. This will help the Environmental Water Reserve. The Snowy by the Thomson Macalister water resources across the State in a Environmental Flows Task Force. coordinated way. future of irrigation, tourism and Alongside these new responsibilities The State Government will continue its leadership in improving the recreation industries and to will be increased accountabilities and These rivers provide vital freshwater health of our national icon, the enhance cultural values. funding to ensure CMAs are capable for the natural environment, the Snowy River. of performing this new function. Gippsland Lakes, towns, businesses, irrigators and tourism. 6 7 OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE

Securing Water for Our Growing Communities

Highlights: • A blueprint to reduce Melbourne’s • Permanent commonsense water restrictions drinking water use by 15 per cent by to stop needless water waste, such as hosing 2010, through leak reduction, community down driveways. education and rebates. • Extend the Water Smart Homes and • Mandatory water efficient measures for new Gardens Rebates scheme. houses from 1 July 2005 (subject to a • A ‘smart’ water pricing system designed to regulatory impact statement). reward water savers. • Funding support for recycling and stormwater reuse schemes. “Under the smart pricing • Funding for regional local councils to produce water conservation plans. • Securing water supplies with upgraded, interconnections over the next 50 years, system, water conservation • Research into visionary water e.g. reconnecting will be rewarded.” recycling schemes. for Melbourne.

“We will create a Rebates extended Saving water in buildings “We will create Permanent water saving A range of proposed measures for Recycling and stormwater Melbourne will be formally advertised sustainable future 63,000 Victorians have already A water saving target of 25 per cent a sustainable measures The State Government will support for public comment until 15 August for our water received Government rebates for will be set for new housing innovative recycling and water future for our When current water restrictions end, 2004. For further information, purchasing water saving devices. The developments, apartment complexes conservation projects through: resources in water the Government will introduce contact the Department of successful Water Smart Homes and and commercial buildings. permanent water savings measures Melbourne by Gardens Rebates scheme will now resources in Sustainability and Environment’s • investing in major State and Entire suburbs will be more water across the State to ban thoughtless reducing per be extended to support households Customer Service Centre on 136 regional recycling projects; efficient, too. Town planning Melbourne by water wasting, such as cleaning to use water more wisely. 186). Community consultation on • extending the successful capita drinking schemes will be guided to enable recycling 20 pavements by hosing instead of possible measures in regional Victoria metropolitan Smart Water Fund water use by 15 Rebates for household water saving new residential developments to using a broom. A number of per cent of will also occur before savings program to regional Victoria to items will apply from 1 July 2004 include water efficient urban design regional urban water authorities per cent by 2010.” treated water measures are implemented. further support smaller scale pilot until 30 June 2006. More and better quality stormwater and have already introduced permanent water projects; and information will be available on the water use systems. by 2010.” water savings measures. Water efficient business website at The Government will seek and industry • providing funding support across The water efficiency of new and the State for new programs which Average Residential Water Use www.dse.vic.gov.au/waterfuture community comment on proposals existing buildings will be upgraded The business sector will identify will ‘harvest’ and reuse stormwater Rebates will now also be extended through the introduction of water for permanent water saving measures opportunities for increasing water such as: and reduce effluent discharges Kitchen to not-for-profit organisations, with efficient plumbing standards. efficiency through water conservation entering our rivers and seas. 5% up to $250 available for water and recycling. In addition, all new homes in • limiting sprinklers and microspray efficiency improvements. or drip systems between the hours Laundry Victoria will be five-star efficient. Industry and commerce use almost 15% This requires every new home to of 8.00am and 8.00pm; one third of Melbourne’s drinking have efficient shower roses and • fitting automatic watering systems water – and this percentage can be Garden fittings from 1 July 2004 and either with rain or soil moisture sensors; much higher in regional towns. Under 35% a solar hot water or a rainwater the Pathways to Sustainability • banning fountains that do not tank from 1 July 2005. program, water authorities will work recycle water; and Toilet with Melbourne’s top 200 commercial 19% • ensuring hoses are fitted with water users to prepare Water trigger nozzles. Management Plans. As the work Bathroom 26% progresses the program will be extended to other significant 8 Source: Water Resources Strategy for Melbourne, 21st Century 9 Melbourne: a WaterSmart City water users. OUR WATER OUR FUTURE OUR WATER OUR FUTURE Water Trading Securing Water for “Irrigation water rights Components of a Water Entitlement have traditionally been linked to, or ‘bundled’ Growth in Agriculture with, land titles. Now, it is possible to own land and water rights separately.” “Victoria’s agri-food sector generated $5.7 billion in exports in 2002-2003. Highly efficient water use gives Victorian farmers an edge over competitors interstate and overseas.”

Through smart and efficient farming Smarter water delivery Timely water delivery Water trading The new system will manage the practices, Victoria produces foods perceived threat of ‘water barons’ by The State Government and rural In some areas of Victoria, irrigators Victoria’s innovative water market and wines widely regarded as some non-water users only being allowed water authorities will ensure that are currently required to order water leads the nation. Several new of the best in the world. The use of to own up to 10 per cent of the the State gets the best out of its four days in advance. However, due initiatives will give farmers and high quality fresh and recycled total water volume held by each water delivery network. This could to channel congestion, the timing of irrigators more choice in the way water plays a crucial part. Produce supply system. mean closing down some irrigation actual delivery can be unreliable. they use water while recognising its such as cheese and butter, fruit and channels in areas where they are Through the new water trading true value. wine would not be available On top of their existing water no longer economically or system, irrigators will have a without secure and reliable entitlements, farmers in some areas environmentally viable. In separated water delivery right. This Water entitlements will be separated irrigation. Farmers’ water supply have traditionally been allocated developing such proposals, water will allow farmers to easily trade into three components: must be reliable and secure to extra water, or ‘sales water’, when authorities will work to identify and tailor their own deliveries, so ensure they can compete globally • a water share; it is available. Now, for the first feasible, smarter ways of supplying that they are timely and efficient. and meet Victoria’s agricultural • a share of delivery capacity; and time, as part of an historic Highlights: water to irrigators who are affected export target of $12 billion by 2010. agreement, farmers in northern • Landmark agreement to convert the current by any changes. Water Smart Farms • a licence to use water on a site. Victoria will be able to trade their Goulburn Murray sales pool access to a new Using new technology The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline is an The $10 million Water Smart Farms These entitlements will have legal own, legally recognised sales water separate tradeable entitlement, funded out of program will be extended by a status. Farmers will be able to buy, sell entitlements independently. This The State Government is investing example of a smarter supply option. Victoria’s $115 million commitment to the Living further $5 million to improve or use them as collateral for loans. ‘sales water’ will become an in the future by improving irrigation The current irrigation system in Murray Initiative. This will include: on-farm water efficiency. The four important, new capital asset. efficiency via the $320 million Victoria’s north-western district Irrigators and farmers will be able to year program will help irrigators - $50 million infrastructure funding to improve Victorian Water Trust. This initiative supplies 5,500 primary producers lease water from other water A new Water Register will list all implement water management off-farm water efficiencies. provides funding for upgrading and 29,000 urban customers in 36 owners, or to other irrigators, whole, water entitlements and usage and plans, install drainage reuse infrastructure and projects to help towns across the region. The new or in part, if they choose. This will track water trading. The Register will - $30 million towards dam safety improvements. systems, and upgrade on-farm set new directions in water use. pipeline will save 103,000 give people more choice in deciding provide government guaranteed • $5 million extension of the Water Smart irrigation technology. megalitres and efficiently deliver a how much, if any, water they need titles and ensure open and Farms program. Irrigators have traditionally been consistent water supply to users. for specific uses. It will make water a transparent management of water. supplied with water by rivers and • $8 million extension of the Sustainable Irrigation This project can begin when Federal more valuable asset for farmers and open channels. Channel systems can funding is allocated to match the These key actions are just part of a and Land Management program. provide flexibility in farming and Our Water Our be inefficient, losing water through State Government’s $77 million Water Use in Victoria suite of actions in the irrigation practices. Future • Upgrade of the State’s groundwater bores evaporation, leaks and overflows. commitment. The Bracks White Paper to secure water network, plus 30 new bores. Stock and domestic water entitlements for farmers and irrigators. For further New channel automation technology Government will consider increasing Rural Stock and Domestic will be merged with irrigation water information visit • A more flexible water market, which now has the potential to save up to 30 this commitment depending on the 6% entitlements and all existing water www.dse.vic.gov.au/waterfuture separates water shares from land. per cent of water, normally wasted outcomes of the final business plan. Regional Urban entitlements will continue. • A new public Water Register, listing all water in delivery. A $1.3 million channel 9% entitlements and significant water usage. automation trial already underway in the Macalister Irrigation District, Metro • Meter installations for all significant water users, with and further studies in Tatura, will Melbourne subsidies for existing users not currently metered. 8% add to development of this • A new process for closing unused irrigation channels. technology, which can then be Irrigation • Protection from ‘water barons’. applied across the State. 77% 10 11 Source: National Land and Water Audit (2000) Summary of key initiatives in Our Water Our Future White Paper

Initiatives for the Initiatives for towns Initiatives for farmers Initiatives for business environment and cities • Landmark agreement to convert • Security for the $650 million the current Goulburn Murray tourism industry in the Murray • $100 million to protect and • Strengthened powers for sales pool access to a new River and Gippsland Lakes regions, repair the health of Victoria’s Catchment Management separate tradeable entitlement, as waterway health is restored. rivers and aquifers. Authorities, the local caretakers funded out of Victoria’s $115 • Strengthened recognition for • A new Environmental Water of river health. Initiatives for million commitment to the Living local tourism by requiring Reserve, giving rivers legal towns and cities. Murray Initiative. This will include: recreational use of water to be protection for the first time. • Permanent commonsense water - $50 million infrastructure recognised in management of restrictions to stop needless • 169 billion litres of water to help funding to improve off farm water storages. revive the Murray River (including water waste, such as hosing water efficiencies; and • New water recycling projects, 24 billion litres from Lake down driveways. - $30 million towards dam providing opportunities Mokoan) – a first step for the • Continue the Water Smart Homes safety improvements. for industry investment national Living Murray Initiative. and Gardens Rebates scheme. • $5 million extension of the Water and innovation. • 25 billion litres of water returned • A ‘smart’ water pricing system Smart Farms program. • Extension of the Smart Water to the Thomson and Macalister designed to reward water savers. • $8 million extension of the Fund to regional Victoria to River systems. • A blueprint to reduce Sustainable Irrigation and Land support industry development of • 20 billion litres of new water Melbourne’s drinking water use Management program. water, biosolids, recycling and for the Snowy as part of by 15 per cent, through leak water savings innovations. returning man-made Lake reduction, community education, • A more flexible water market, • Industry water conservation Mokoan to a wetland. and rebates. which now separates water shares from land. support to extend beyond • Caps on extractions from all • Funding for regional local Melbourne’s top 200 industrial currently uncapped rivers that councils to produce water • A new public Water Register, water users. feed into the Gippsland Lakes. conservation plans. listing all water entitlements and significant water usage. • New opportunities for irrigation • Development of five regional • Research into visionary water technology industry to help Sustainable Water Strategies for recycling schemes, such as the • Meter installations for all Victoria meet its target to the long term planning and Gippsland Recycling project. significant water users, with improve irrigation efficiency by subsidies for existing users not management of water resources. • Mandatory water efficient 25 per cent by 2010. currently metered. • Climate change research to analyse measures for new houses • Case-by-case investigations impacts on our water supply. from 1 July 2005. • A new process for closing unused for third pipe systems in irrigation channels. • Funds support for recycling and new development. stormwater reuse schemes. • Protection from ‘water barons’.

12 Mallee North Central Goulburn Broken • Improved environmental flows for River • Increased environmental flows for Murray • 165,000 ML environmental water for Murray and Victorian tributaries and Victorian tributaries Murray and Victorian tributaries Water Reform • River Murray icon sites gaining water • Improve environmental flows in • Improved environmental flows in – Hattah Lakes and Lyndsay-Wallpolla Campaspe and Loddon Rivers Goulburn and Broken Rivers • Pipeline providing better water supply for • River Murray icon site gains water • River Murray icon site gains water Wimmera Mallee communities – Gunbower Forest – Barmah Forest Gains, by Catchment • $20 million Sunraysia initiative funded by • Irrigation channel improvements • Lake Mokoan returned to wetlands Victorian Water Trust • Public investment in sustainable • Making ‘sales’ water into secure, • Merger of Wimmera and Grampians water irrigation programs tradeable entitlements Victorians source their fresh water from 10 water authorities, and merger of Sunraysia and catchments across the State. Here’s how each will benefit Lower Murray water authorities, to • Projects to improve on-farm water • Irrigation channel upgrade and new provide integrated expertise efficiencies and reuse systems technology for Tatura from the State Government’s water reform. and services • Converting 80 per cent of ‘sales’ water • Projects to improve on-farm water into secure, tradeable entitlements efficiencies and reuse systems • Pipeline for efficiency of Normanville • Pipeline for efficiency of Tungamah supply, saving 3,600 ML supply, saving 4,000 ML • improvements for recreation • Water recycling projects North East and tourism benefits • $30 million for dam safety and $50 • Improved environmental flows in Kiewa • Daylesford Water Efficient House million for irrigation system and Ovens Rivers demonstration project improvements • $2.9 million for restoration works on • wall improvements Ovens and Broken Rivers benefiting recreation and tourism • Water Smart Farms boosted • Sustainable irrigation initiatives • Extension of Smart Water Fund to regional Victoria

East Gippsland • Protecting and repairing the Gippsland Lakes • 20 billion litres to be returned to the Snowy River from Lake Mokoan savings • Stabilise health of Snowy River by limiting water extraction

West Gippsland • 25 billion litres for environmental flows in Thomson and Macalister Rivers • Improved environmental flows in Avon, Upper Latrobe and Tarra Rivers Port Phillip • Stabilise health of Gippsland Lakes by limiting water extraction Wimmera • Consistent management of waterways • Improved water quality and reduced across region volume of ocean outfalls • Irrigation channel upgrade and new • Improved environmental flows for • Improved environmental flows in technology for Macalister district Wimmera River • Recycling 13,000 ML of water for waterways throughout catchment farmers in Werribee and Cranbourne • Projects to improve on-farm water • Pipeline providing better water efficiencies and reuse systems Glenelg-Hopkins Corangamite • Stabilise health of Werribee and Yarra • Recycling for housing in Carrum Downs supply for Wimmera Mallee Rivers by limiting water extraction communities • Share of water guaranteed for • Stabilise health of Barwon and and Epping and industry in Altona • Feasibility study for major water recycling projects Wimmera and Glenelg Rivers Moorabool Rivers by limiting • Projects to improve on-farm water • Extension of Melbourne Water's • Projects to improve on-farm water water extraction efficiencies and reuse systems efficiencies and reuse systems • Improved environmental flows in responsibility for regional drainage, Glenelg and Merri Rivers • Improved environmental flows in • Piping of recycled water from Sunbury waterway and floodplain management • Merger of Wimmera and Grampians Barwon and Gellibrand Rivers to Melton to include current gap areas in the water authorities, combining • Increased water flows for Upper Maribyrnong and Werribee expertise to provide integrated Glenelg River from proposed • Investigation of beneficial uses of • Increased water efficiency of top 200 catchments and on the Mornington services and eliminate duplication Wimmera Mallee Pipeline savings sewage biosolids industrial water users Peninsula Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment Melbourne, June 2004

Also published on www.dse.vic.gov.au

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. Printed by Vega Press

ISBN 1 74106 856 8

For more information contact: Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 3002

© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004

Disclaimer

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

For more information please call 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/waterfuture