Central Highlands STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT

SEPTEMBER 2018

Integrated Water Management Forums Acknowledgement of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities

The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges Victoria's Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays its respects to their Elders past and present. The government also recognises the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country and acknowledges their contribution to the management of land, water and resources.

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s ﬁ rst peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2018 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Cover photograph Lake Daylesford Courtesy Hepburn Shire Council Integrated Water Management is a collaborative approach to water planning and management that brings together organisations with an interest in all aspects of the water cycle. It has the potential to provide greater value to our communities by identifying and leveraging opportunities to optimise outcomes. Contents

Foreword 1 Acknowledgements 2

At a glance 4 IWM Opportunities 5

Chapter 1 The way forward 6 Introduction 7 Enduring collaboration 8

Chapter 2 IWM in the Region 10 Vision and outcome areas for the Central Highlands IWM Forum Region 12 Regional context 14 The case for IWM in the Region 18 Success stories 21

Chapter 3 IWM opportunities 24 State-wide and region speciﬁ c initiatives 25 IWM opportunities: How were they selected? 26 Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum's strategic outcomes 27 IWM project & strategy opportunities - overview 28 Priority Portfolio of IWM projects and strategies 32 References 42 Foreword

The Central Highlands region prides itself as a leader in Integrated Water Management (IWM) with an active group of stakeholders who understand the importance of collaboration. The collective beneﬁ ts of IWM in terms of economic prosperity, environmental improvements and enhanced liveability are key strategic goals for the region.

Accordingly, these benefi ts are water planning framework that is which off er a multitude of resilience well-recognised in the plans and underpinned by the award-winning and liveability opportunities. These strategies of the organisations Ballarat IWM Plan. With momentum opportunities range from closed- represented in the Central Highlands building from a range of IWM loop alternative water supplies to IWM Forum and are known priorities activities and rapid growth frontiers support local economies in centres for the communities that they in Ballarat West, the city is set such as Beaufort, to joint investments represent. The Forum has benefi ted to further advance its reputation to enhance to local catchments and greatly from representation from as an exemplar regional centre water bodies such as Burrumbeet Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung for IWM in Victoria. Creek and Lake Burrumbeet which Clans Aboriginal Corporation to provide important ecological, tourism, The connectivity between urban highlight traditional owner goals recreational and cultural values for and rural environments also brings and opportunities connected to the region. opportunities to harness urban water water management, as well as resources such as recycled water and setting strong foundations for As a forum, we look forward to stormwater to support a range of ongoing collaboration in identifying achieving our vision of “working outcomes. As the most fl ow-stressed and delivering IWM projects across together to leverage opportunities waterway in Victoria, the Moorabool the region. across the water cycle to deliver River is a priority for our region, a healthy, resilient and prosperous Our future focus lies in addressing and our forum is poised to explore future for the region and its the two major challenges of opportunities for innovative and communities”. population growth and climate collaborative water management change while seizing opportunities initiatives to achieve better outcomes to enhance the liveability of our cities for key catchments by taking a and towns through the management big-picture view. of water. The largest city in our Jeff Haydon The region is also home to the region, Ballarat, has a long history of Chair of the Central Highlands Region signifi cant urban centres of successfully delivering IWM projects IWM Forum Maryborough, Daylesford, Ballan, for the community and a mature and a large number of small towns

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 1 Acknowledgements

The Central Highlands Region IWM Forum area includes Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung country, whose ancestors and their descendants are the Traditional Owners of this country.

The Forum wishes to acknowledge Planning will work with both groups Collaboration and cross-pollination that these two groups have greatly to assist them to participate more has been a key outcome of the Forum, contributed to the development of this fully in the future. with ideas being shared and improved Strategic Directions Statement from by input from project partners. The meetings of the Forum, working an early stage, despite challenges group and individual meetings with with resourcing. The Forum members, project sponsors have developed and in particular the Department initiatives from ideas into mature of Environment, Land, Water and project themes.

The Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement has been developed in collaboration with:

* In-principle support for this SDS pending formal endorsement at a forthcoming Council meeting.

2 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Water bugs survey, Mooroobull Yaluk Kuwin River Day with Wadawurrung Community. Courtesy: Wadawurrung At a glance

The Central Highlands IWM Strategic Directions Statement highlights the key challenges in the region and also identiﬁ es collaborative IWM opportunities that can improve resilience and liveability in cities and towns in the region.

Maryborough Region wide 1 3 4 Avoca Vision 9 Working together to leverage opportunities across the water Lexton cycle to deliver a healthy, resilient Clunes and prosperous future for the Daylesford region and its communities. 8 5 Beaufort Creswick Strategic outcomes: 7 • Safe secure and aff ordable Ballarat supplies in an uncertain future Ballan • Eff ective and aff ordable 6 wastewater systems Central Highlands Buninyong • Avoided or minimized existing and future ﬂ ood risks 2

• Healthy and valued waterways, wetlands and waterbodies 11

• Healthy and valued landscapes Wendouree • Community values reﬂ ected in place-based planning. Lake • Jobs, economic beneﬁ ts Wendouree ive and innovation ee R r row Ballarat Yar 13

4 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement IWM opportunities

Partners of the Forum have committed their best endeavours to ensure priority projects and strategies are progressed in line with the shared vision and strategic outcomes of the Central Highlands Region IWM Forum. Thirteen priority opportunities have been identiﬁ ed in the region and these have been grouped into four themes – regional enablers, prioritising action in major urban centres, delivering beneﬁ ts in key regional locations and building momentum in Ballarat.

Daylesford Integrated Regional enablers 5 Building on momentum Water Management Plan in Ballarat 1 Mapping of Cultural Values of Waterways An IWM Plan will be developed for Breathing Life into the Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and 10 Yarrowee River: Works There is an opportunity for Traditional surrounding townships to articulate Prioritisation Masterplan Owners to work with other stakeholders to a community vision and identify IWM identify and map cultural sites and values opportunities to deliver the vision. The A Master Plan will engage community along waterway corridors in the region. IWM plan will outline priority projects for members, key stakeholders and Traditional This will drive signifi cant improvements to implementation by Hepburn Shire Council, Owners to develop a prioritised plan of waterway management processes and Central Highlands Water and North Central future investments to reinvigorate and create a knowledge base which can be Catchment Management Authority. breathe life into the urban reaches of the managed by Traditional Owner groups. Yarrowee River corridor. This will ensure Ballan Integrated Water 6 that future projects can be implemented 2 Enhancing fl ows to the Management Plan in the context of a holistic community Moorabool River and the vision that delivers maximum benefi t. Leigh River An IWM Plan will be developed for Ballan to articulate a community vision and Expanding Ballarat’s The Moorabool is the most fl ow-stressed identify IWM opportunities to deliver the 11 Alternative Water Network waterway in the state and it is a regional vision. The IWM Plan will outline priority priority for action. This project will complete projects for implementation by Moorabool The existing non-potable network in initial studies to ascertain the volume and Shire Council, Central Highlands Water Ballarat has potential for expansion to fl ow characteristics of urban fl ows entering and Melbourne Water. support irrigation of sporting grounds and the Yarrowee-Leigh River and understand parks. The priority connections in the short potential to harness those resources to Delivering benefi ts in key term are sporting grounds at Wendouree enable additional fl ows to be released to regional locations West Reserve and Ballarat Secondary the Moorabool River. These studies provide College (Mt Rowan Campus). Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet key information to inform the Central 7 Region Sustainable Water Strategy and and Burrumbeet Creek Ballarat West Stormwater should be considered with other options 12 Harvesting Hubs to enhance fl ows. There is an opportunity to revitalise sections of Burrumbeet Creek and improve Lake Ballarat West is growing fast. An Central Highlands Small Towns Burrumbeet through collaborative planning opportunity exists to create stormwater 3 Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan and investment, bringing great benefi t to harvesting hubs with multiple schemes communities in Ballarat and Traditional utilising treated urban stormwater to The Central Highlands region has many Owners as well as visitors, protecting and irrigate open spaces in new development small towns that function as community enhancing natural and cultural values areas. Proactive funding, planning and hubs, tourism centres and regional and improving these priority assets. design can lead to widespread on-ground attractions. This plan recognises the implementation where infrastructure is Beaufort Closed Loop signifi cance of these towns and provides installed in a cost eff ective manner to 8 Recycled Water Scheme a process to review and prioritise derive greatest community benefi t. IWM investments to drive green-blue This project will enable a closed loop outcomes for key community assets. Victoria Park (Ballarat) recycled water scheme to manage all of 13 Green Space Transformation the Beaufort community’s wastewater within Management Prioritising action in major the urban environment through irrigation urban centres for the local golf course, school, recreation Feasibility assessments have been reserve, numerous sporting facilities. completed to harness an alternative water Maryborough Integrated 4 Integrated Management source to provide irrigation to Victoria Park, Water Management Plan 9 of the Tullaroop catchment the key green space in Ballarat. The scheme would transform this key community asset A comprehensive review of IWM into a year round green space and attract opportunities for Maryborough and Through collaboration, shared objectives events as well as enhancing existing lakes Carisbrook, will identify priority actions will be formed and management actions and public amenity. and projects and develop concept outlined to respond to catchment stressors designs for key options that can contribute and enhance the health of Tullaroop to the community’s vision for “a resilient Creek. The Tullaroop Creek catchment Maryborough with a thriving community, is a closed system of a manageable a prosperous economy, and a healthy scale where multiple tangible benefi ts environment”. can be delivered in the short term to support longer term objectives.

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 5 Chapter 1 The way forward

An unprecedented opportunity to progress water cycle planning and management in Victoria through collaboration.

Lake Wendouree. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water Chapter 1

Introduction

The Integrated Water Management (IWM) Framework for Victoria (September 2017) is designed to help regional stakeholders to work together, ensuring the water cycle contributes to the liveability of towns and cities in Victoria, with communities at the centre of decision making.

The central premise of an IWM framework (2014). The Framework approach is the overall acceptance set out a vision to create “a greener, Integrated Water that managing urban liveability and more liveable and prosperous water Management resilience is a shared responsibility future” for the region. Community and that water is a key enabler to engagement was expanded in the IWM is a collaborative achieving these shared aims. largest urban area in the region, approach to water planning through the development of the that brings together To facilitate this, IWM Forums have Ballarat City IWM Plan (2017) which organisations that infl uence been established across the state prioritised IWM opportunities for all aspects of the water to identify, prioritise and oversee the city. cycle. It has the potential to the implementation of critical provide greater value to our collaborative opportunities. This Regional IWM is also strengthened communities by identifying Strategic Directions Statement by the formation of Catchment and leveraging opportunities has been produced by the Central Partnership areas under the to optimise the outcomes Highlands IWM Forum to capture and Government’s Our Catchments, Our of water cycle. communicate those opportunities. Communities Integrated Catchment Management Strategy for Victoria IWM seeks to build on existing (2016-19). The Traditional Owners of partnerships and planning land are active participants in water processes. In the Central Highlands and waterway management across Partners of the Forum have committed region, stakeholders such as local the region. For example, the Dja Dja their organisations to apply their best government, catchment management Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034 sets endeavours to: authorities and water corporations out goals for river and catchment • Ensure priority projects and engage with their communities management as well as community strategies are progressed in line regularly to improve service delivery well-being which can be enabled with the shared vision and strategic and urban planning. Community through water management. aspirations are embedded in the outcomes of the Central Highlands strategies and operational plans Region IWM Forum; and to for organisations. These aspirations What is a Strategic • Support DELWP to progress refl ect a desire for liveable and Directions Statement? priority strategic enablers for productive places and vibrant This Strategic Directions Statement IWM in Victoria. communities. The way in which we (SDS) articulates the regional context, plan and use water is fundamental to the shared vision and the strategic It is envisaged that the SDS will ensuring these aspirations are realised. water-related outcomes for the be a living document which will be updated to refl ect the current Central Alongside local plans and strategies, Central Highlands Region IWM Highlands Region IWM Forum priorities communities in the Central Highlands Forum region. and opportunities. region have also been strongly This SDS includes a list of IWM engaged in the shaping of IWM opportunities, including projects and through the development of the strategies, developed in collaboration Ballarat and Region’s Water Future: A by the Central Highlands Region IWM whole-of-water-cycle management Forum partners.

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 7 Enduring collaboration

IWM is an evolving process that seeks to coordinate and balance many views and interests in the water sector around common goals and agreed outcomes. IWM Forums collaborate and oversee ongoing IWM planning. The IWM Forum cycle is summarised on the next page.

How we’re working together The Central Highlands Region IWM Continued success through Forum partners will continue to work collaboration The Central Highlands Region IWM together to build inter-organisational Forum identifi es, coordinates and trust and develop productive, Phase One of the IWM Forum prioritises areas that would most enduring relationships to realise cycle has established an enabling benefi t from collaborative and the shared vision for the region. environment for Victoria’s water place-based water management sector stakeholders to develop planning and delivery. Further information on the IWM Forum’s shared IWM objectives and overcome governance and planning framework sectoral, institutional and geographic To ensure IWM is successful and is outlined in the Integrated Water boundaries through collaboration. This enduring across the region, Forum Management Framework for Victoria, phase was guided by the experience partners have committed to the available at https://www.water.vic.gov. and knowledge of the Forum Members promotion of a collaborative and au/liveable/resilient-and-liveable- and resulted in the delivery of this shared values culture within their own cities-and-towns/iwm-framework. Strategic Directions Statement (SDS). organisations and beyond through their work with key water cycle delivery Recognising Aboriginal Phase Two of the IWM Forum cycle will partners and local communities. values in water planning and assume a more strategic approach management to successful IWM implementation The Central Highlands Region IWM and planning for the Forum Area. Forum is governed by an open and The Central Highlands Region IWM It is anticipated that the IWM Forum transparent IWM planning process. Forum is committed to working in collaborative partners will continue This process assumes a holistic, partnership with Aboriginal Victorians use their best endeavours to advance whole-of-cycle approach to across landscapes, communities and priority IWM opportunities through determining water cycle solutions, natural resources. regular meetings and future Forums. considering regulatory accountabilities Forum Members will also continue to The Forum recognises that Traditional and service delivery responsibilities. assess the feasibility of additional IWM Owners throughout the region opportunities identifi ed in Phase One. Each organisation plays an important are unique to Country and their role in the decision-making and involvement in IWM planning will be Phase Two will create an opportunity management of the water resources specifi c to each planning area. to evaluate and share learnings and assets for the entire catchment. from Phase One. It will also Organisations involved in IWM have optimise resources and explore the Collaboration across Forum partners obligations to involve Traditional development of innovative tools ensures balanced consideration of Owners and consider Aboriginal and approaches that plan for, the complex economic, environmental, values in their organisational and respond to, water supply cultural and community benefi ts activities, particularly where there and demand in the future. and impacts associated with the is a Recognition and Settlement range of proposed IWM projects Agreement in place. The Forum will and work programs. continue to work with Traditional Owner groups to determine the appropriate approach and level of involvement in IWM planning process and projects.

8 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1 Forum process: Summary of planned phases

Outcomes Participants Phase I

Establish Preliminary work on regional characterisation Local governments and collaborative governance Organisational leaders Catchment come together Agree vision, objectives and goals Management Authorities in collaborative IWM Forums and Agree criteria for selection and prioritisation Water corporations of IWM opportunities Working Groups to Traditional Owners discuss integrated IWM opportunities identiﬁ ed and prioritised water management Department of challenges, Collaboratively develop and endorse Strategic Environment, Land, opportunities Directions Statement for each region Water and Planning and priorities Chair for each region Others as relevant

Phase II

Planning Co-design and agree on Terms of Reference, Collaborative partners governance structure, stakeholder engagement and/ Cultivate a collaborative or community participatory planning guidance for Community culture to progress IWM project/strategy representatives IWM opportunities Others as relevant

Progress IWM Project Groups initiate work as per identifi ed Collaborative partners project/strategy status, including: feasibility Forum Members use assessment; technical and economic analysis; Individual organisations best endeavours cost allocation; business case development who have committed to to progress IWM a project/strategy Next 12-18 opportunities Strategic enablers for IWM progressed by months to next stage DELWP with support from Forum Members Community representatives The feasibility IWM Project Groups report progress to IWM Forums of IWM Relevant stakeholders opportunities will be Incorporate IWM Project Groups to take IWM commitments Individual organisations continually (projects and strategies) to their Board or Councils who have committed reviewed and Collaborative for investment endorsement to deliver a project/ assessed Partner organisations strategy incorporate relevant IWM Project Groups incorporate elements into their in Phase II elements of IWM in their own organisational planning systems, e.g. Council to confi rm own plans, guidelines or and corporate plans, Construction Guidelines, etc. the need for frameworks specifi c IWM Report back to IWM Forum projects/ strategies Realise Application of practical IWM tools and innovative Collaborative partners approaches IWM benefi ts are Individual organisations realised following Additional community value added through who have committed to implementation of participatory planning a project/strategy project/strategy Monitoring and evaluation of key measures and outcomes Community representatives Economic savings through shared resources, costs, etc. Others as relevant Improved resilience and liveability of cities and towns

Phase III

Prepare Collaborative partners prepare for next round Collaborative partners of IWM Forums IWM Forums prepare to refresh the Strategic IWM Forums collaboratively review key learnings and Directions Statement outcomes from Phase I & II, including catchment-scale IWM Strategy and progress on strategic enablers

Next round of IWM opportunity identiﬁ cation and prioritisation

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 9 Chapter 2 IWM in the Region

Understanding why an integrated approach to water planning and management is critical for the Central Highlands IWM Region now and for the future.

Wadawurrung site visits on the conﬂ uence of the Barwon and Leigh Rivers. Courtesy: Wadawurrung Aerial view of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. Courtesy City of Ballarat Vision and outcome areas for the Central Highlands IWM Forum Region

Outcomes

Safe, secure and aff ordable Eff ective and aff ordable Avoided or minimised existing Healthy and valued waterways, supplies in an uncertain future wastewater systems and future ﬂ ood risks wetlands and water bodies

Objectives

A diverse range of water Meets public health and Communities and Improved water quality supplies and resources environmental standards properties that are resilient which are ﬁ t for purpose to local ﬂ ood risk

Water quality meets regulatory Effi cient and eff ective Appropriate levels of ﬂ ood Improved stream standards and community wastewater systems with protection and mitigation ﬂ ow patterns expectations servicing needs aligned including adaptation for with future town and land climate change use planning

Effi ciently and eff ectively Waste-to-resource Proactive planning to prepare Improved biodiversity manage water usage opportunities are maximised for and manage ﬂ ood risk and amenity of riparian and demand corridors and edges

Secure and adaptable water supply portfolios

12 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Working together to leverage opportunities across the water cycle to deliver a healthy, Low-emission resilient and prosperous future for the region solutions and its communities. IWM opportunities that minimise the release of greenhouse gas (GHGs) The region is seeking to achieve seven key outcomes through IWM. emissions will be considered by the Each of these will have a signiﬁ cant role in shaping the liveability, prosperity Forum as solutions are evaluated for implementation. and resilience of our cities and towns. These outcome areas provide indicators to assess the eff ectiveness of the various IWM opportunities, recognising that these outcomes are in themselves co-dependant.

Healthy and valued landscapes Community values reﬂ ected in Jobs, economic beneﬁ ts and innovation place-based planning

Active and passive recreation Diverse landscapes that reﬂ ect local Jobs and local economies, including supported by water conditions and community values industry, tourism and agriculture, supported by water

Improved connectivity and Traditional owner values, needs and Strong governance and collaboration access for active transport links aspirations associated with water models that evolve to deliver innovative protected, enhanced and reintroduced solutions

Urban landscapes retain moisture Water sensitive communities that for cooler, greener cities and towns are empowered and engaged

Local water related risks and issues are understood and managed by community

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 13 Regional context

The Central Highlands IWM Forum region covers an area of approximately 9,275 square kilometres, extending from Rokewood in the south to Redbank in the north, reaching as far as Ballan and Daylesford to the east and Navarre in the west. Ballarat is the largest city in the region by a substantial margin, though other large towns include Maryborough, Daylesford and Ballan. The region includes more than 60 smaller towns, making the region and its water opportunities very diverse.

The Central Highlands region is the prevalence of darker and harder This presents a challenge for the positioned on high ground, and surfaces, leading to environmental region, as there will be an increased occupies the top of the catchment and human health impacts. Ensuring demand for urban water resulting of nine major river systems. This the provision of fi t for purpose water from population growth together gives the region unique challenges for the region’s urban greening will be with a hotter drier climate. The and opportunities in terms of water a key priority in enhancing liveability average annual rainfall is predicted management. Average annual rainfall and resilience for the community to decrease by fi ve per cent by 2070 varies signifi cantly across the region, and environment. (median value) – primarily impacting from near 800mm east of Ballarat to the ‘cool’ season – while there is only 400mm in the north of the region. The average annual rainfall is also an expectation of a year-round predicted to decrease by 6-7 per cent increase in temperatures. This presents Population by 2070 (median value) – primarily a challenge for the region, as there impacting the ‘cool’ season – while will be an increased demand for urban The region has an estimated there is also an expectation of a water resulting from population growth population of 160,000, which is year-round increase in temperatures. together with a hotter drier climate.ii forecast to grow to 225,000 by 2040. This growth will be felt across a majority of the major urban centres of the region, with the highest growth predicted in Ballarat.i Ballarat’s population is expected to more than double in the next 50 years, with the majority of growth expected in large growth areas in the west of Ballarat and further growth areas being investigated.

Climate Change

The Central Highlands Region faces a warmer and drier future. By 2070, average annual temperatures across the region are projected to rise by 1.4°C to 2.5°C (median value). This will be ampliﬁ ed in urban centres due to

Irrigator spraying onto crops. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water

14 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Central Highlands

POPULATION GROWTH THE REGION 160,000 NOW (2018) DRYLAND PASTURE 63% 225,000 BY 2040 1 NON-FARMLAND 20% (RURAL LIVING, ROADS AND 9, 275 km2 WATER BODIES) BROAD ACRE CROPPING 8% CATCHMENT AREA NATIVE VEGETATION 5% 40% HORTICULTURE 3% INCREASE URBAN 1%

CHANGE IN RAINFALL TEMPERATURE WATERWAYS 50% CORANGAMITE 6-7% 1.4-2.5˚C 46% DECREASE INCREASE NORTH CENTRAL BY 2070 2 BY 2070 3 IN ‘MODERATE' STREAM CONDITION 4

1 Victoria in Future

2 Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies in Victoria (2016)

3 Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies in Victoria (2016)

4 Corangamite CMA Waterway Strategy and North Central CMA Waterway Strategy

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 15 Dalwhinnie Wines, Moonambel. Courtesy: Pyrenees Shire Council

The case for IWM in the Region

Safe,Safe, secure Eff ective and and aff ordable aff ordable ssuppliesupplies in an wastewater uncertauncertainin futurfuturee systems

The Central Highlands region During the drought, Ballarat sought There are reticulated sewage systems sources water from a number of to harness stormwater as a new to nearly 59,000 properties across catchments both locally within the water source for the City, and the region. These systems collect region, and from outside the region created a network of wetlands and treat sewage at 13 wastewater via the Goldfi elds Superpipe. The to treat stormwater for reuse and management facilities.iv In addition Goldfi elds Superpipe is an important to supplement Lake Wendouree. to these facilities there are many element of the Victorian water grid, Recycled water and groundwater small towns in the region which which provides water from northern supplies were also harnessed to make typically use onsite septic systems Victoria to ensure security of supply Ballarat an example of integrated to treat their wastewater. Small for urban customers in Ballarat. The water management in action. Central town wastewater management is primary source of water for the region Highlands Water has also committed an important issue across the region is surface water and groundwater to developing an IWM Plan for from an environmental, health, supplies along with local utilisation of Maryborough, Daylesford and Ballan. technical, governance and fi nancial recycled water and urban stormwater. perspective. The most eff ective Partners in the region are currently strategy for wastewater management Potable water services are currently working to consider the viability of a combined with town planning and provided to cities and towns in the new reticulated potable water supply the provision of other infrastructure region via 15 water supply systems. to support economic development needs is being investigated through The Region faces several challenges at Moonambel and a potential partnerships between local councils over the next 50 years from climate upgrade to improve water quality and Central Highlands Water in change impacts on supply and a at Amphitheatre. towns including Talbot, Wallace and steadily increasing population. Urban Bungaree. A major upgrade program water supply is relatively secure, to the Blackwood septic management though some scenarios could result scheme is also being delivered by in shortfalls in some towns if future multiple partner organisations. actions are not implemented. The provision of alternative water sources There are currently 18 water and demand management are key reclamation schemes in the Central strategies to avoid shortfalls.iii Highlands region. These deliver Class A, B and C water to sites operated both by Central Highlands Water and third-party customers.v Recycled water is primarily utilised for irrigation of agricultural land and local sporting facilities and parks. Recycled water use in the region totals around 1.6 gigalitres (GL), while additional treated wastewater is reused for operational purposes. The remainder of treated wastewater (approximately 7 GL), primarily originating in the Ballarat area, is returned to waterways. Future ‘excess’ treated wastewater is an important potential resource for the region. Passive irrigation of street trees with stormwater. Courtesy: e2Design Lab

18 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Avoided or HealthyHealthy mminimisedinimised aandnd valuedvalued eexistingxisting waterwawaterways,ys, aandnd future wetlands and ﬂ ood risksrisks wwaterater bodbodiesies

Floodplains are a valued part the Positioned high in a number of Waterways, wetlands and ecosystem in the Central Highlands catchments, the region incorporates waterbodies of the region are region. The ‘fl ooding’ process areas managed by four catchment embraced by the urban and rural provides essential nutrients to management authorities - communities for their aesthetic, the region’s agricultural land, North Central, Glenelg Hopkins, recreational, tourism and restorative but major fl ood events can also Corangamite and Wimmera. Each appeal. These values are challenged have signifi cant impacts on has identifi ed priority waterways by poor water quality and are agricultural economies. their respective Regional Waterway suff ering from degradation due to Strategiesvi, including the Yarrowee- surface water runoff from impervious In an urban context, fl ooding is Leigh, Moorabool, Avoca and Loddon surfaces, untreated stormwater more of a challenge. The major River as well as a number of important and wastewater discharges. Some urban centre of Ballarat as well as smaller waterways such as Tullaroop waterways are also suff ering from many smaller centres are located Creek and Burrumbeet Creek. Some fl ow stress due to water extractions on waterways and fl oodplains. waterways are also important for for urban supply, agricultural and Signifi cant economic damage has urban supplies and have signifi cant stock water. been experienced from fl ooding public health benefi ts. The Leigh on several occasions, with notable and Moorabool Rivers are also There is a need to take a whole of events eff ecting Ballarat CBD, Miners key contributors to RAMSAR listed catchment approach to waterway Rest and Delacombe, as well as wetlands in the Barwon region. There health, recognising both the urban the towns of Carisbrook, Clunes are a series of important waterbodies and rural impacts on waterways and Creswick. Climate change is and wetlands in the region that and waterbodies and the varying predicted to bring more intense provide ecological, amenity and needs and values connected to rainfall events which may create recreational benefi ts, including waterways. Many of the waterways further fl ooding challenges. It is Lake Burrumbeet, Lake Wendouree, and wetlands in the area contain a essential to manage the economic, Lake Victoria and Daylesford Lake. rich and diverse range of important social, environmental and cultural In many cases, waterbodies and cultural heritage sites and form a values from fl oodplains in a waterways provide a centrepiece to culturally important and signifi cant balanced way whilst also having the towns in the region, infl uencing part of country for Traditional Owner regard for their inherent risks. This the identity, character and economic groups in the region. Empowering will be particularly relevant in the success of local communities. The Traditional Owners to restore and context of increased extreme rainfall well-documented drying of Lake enhance waterways and riparian land events, urban growth and increased Wendouree in Ballarat had serious will support passing on of healthy imperviousness in catchments. economic eff ects for local businesses water to neighbouring groups and and communities. the restoration of signifi cant sites. Projects to reduce fl ood risk to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal homes and businesses often provide Corporation already have an active an opportunity to support IWM. Care for Country team, and this is a Retention basins in open space focus for Wadawurrung to develop areas can also be utilised as water in the medium-term. treatment areas or providing dual storage for fl ood retention and water harvesting. Integration of green infrastructure also contributes to reduced fl ows to drainage systems, helping to reduce fl ood risk in urban areas.

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 19 Healthy Community Jobs, economeconomicic and valued values refl ected bebenefinefi ttss aandnd landscapes in place-based iinnovationnnovation planning

Healthy landscapes are valued in the The relationship between public Major industries in the region Central Highlands region, playing a health and wellbeing, and include manufacturing (including key role in the success of urban and the environment is becoming food processing), mining and rural communities. increasingly recognised as an agriculture. One of the economic area of importance. The creation strengths of the region is its The support of well-connected of greener neighbourhoods and diversity. The regional economy is public open space and recreational providing residents with access to projected to grow, and education, areas within the urban environment waterways and green space has the tourism and hospitality display are important for liveability, health potential to support environmental, higher growth in recent times than and well-being. The landscapes social and economic outcomes. traditional industries. adjoining waterways are often important for active transportation Development of new areas and Several studies have captured and recreation. Corangamite CMA redevelopment of existing areas the potential for the region to and City of Ballarat have actively provides an opportunity to actively develop innovative food production invested in improving parts of the engage communities in planning systems to meet the demands of Yarrowee River corridor through the and design, helping to increase a growing population. These could Breathing Life into the Yarrowee dialogue to aid understanding include increased utilisation of project, and the Living Moorabool and education around water. Key hydroponics and aquaculture as Project brings focus to improving development areas such as Ballarat well as expansion of the diversity the health of the Moorabool River. West provide opportunities to of primary production to include enhance local waterways, deliver more viticulture and horticulture. A Many of the Councils in the region recreational space and harness new sustainable water supply will be an are actively promoting healthy and water sources to achieve benefi ts asset to the region in developing valued landscapes that integrate for communities, including health and expanding these industries. land use and water planning. The and well-being. Given the diversity award-winning Greening Ballarat: of urban areas in the region, there Water plays a key role in A Green-Blue City Action Plan aims is a need for a similarly diverse supporting industry and economic to green Ballarat while harnessing approach to engage and development in the region. The stormwater as a key resource. The recognise community needs. potential for reticulated water and City of Ballarat has a target for 40% sewerage services in some small tree canopy cover for the city which towns has been highlighted as outlines its ambition. Other councils a potential catalyst for regional in the region have similar plans and growth and development. The recognise greening as a key strategy signifi cant tourism and recreation to underpin economic activity economy in the region is also and well-being outcomes. strongly linked to the health and amenity provided by the region’s Healthy rural landscapes are also waterways, lakes and towns. Raw a priority in the region, and there is and recycled water supplies also often a close connection between support agricultural economies urban and rural land and water in the region. As water supply management. Agriculture is a key challenges emerge, there is support industry for rural towns opportunity for innovation and and also a large water user. Urban collaboration with industry to areas generate recycled water and ensure economic development and stormwater which can be utilised to water planning are coordinated. support nearby rural water needs in some areas, creating a mutually benefi cial relationship between economies.

20 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Success stories

The Central Highlands region has many examples of successfully delivering integrated water management plans and projects through collaboration between state and local government, regional agencies, communities, planning bodies, education institutions and the private sector. The two case studies below highlight a proven ability to work collaboratively, respond to challenges, identify opportunities, plan for success and deliver outcomes across the region.

Evolution of waterway care in the Central Highlands Region

Stakeholder collaboration, strategy development and implementation of on-ground works has evolved considerably for waterways across the Central Highlands region. A coordinated eff ort and a strong focus on integration, community participation, values and aspirations has enabled priorities to be set, regional work programs to be outlined and investment to be guided by clear strategies for our rivers and wetlands.

The Regional Waterway Strategies utilise community involvement to deﬁ ne outcomes and actions for Yarrowee River. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water our waterways. They align with the directions and policies of the Victorian Authorities and community groups • Connected Landscapes Project Waterway Management Strategy work together to achieve multiple and the objectives and actions from outcomes. A range of collaborative • Implementing seasonal Regional Catchment Strategies. initiatives have also shaped on- watering proposals They also build on and replace the ground action to deliver key waterway • Delivering detailed work programs foundation work that was created projects and improvements, including: within catchment zones with the development of River Health Strategies in the mid-2000s. • Living Moorabool Project • Using partnership delivery models with public and private land Increasingly, the management of • Breathing Life into the managers, water corporations, local waterways considers the range of Yarrowee Project government and the community economic, social, environmental • Harnessing Ballarat’s Stormwater (e.g. Landcare networks, Friends and cultural values a waterway can groups and Waterwatch) under provide. Waterways are often a • Victorian Volcanic Plains and the framework of integrated focal point for collaboration where Land Stewardship Project catchment management. Catchment Management Authorities, Traditional Owners, Councils, Water

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 21 Ballarat Urban Water planning has culminated in an • Ballarat North Class A Supply Journey ongoing commitment to utilising Recycled Water Facility integrated water management • Greening Schools Project At the height of millennium drought, approaches to create green-blue Ballarat was a city in water crisis with community infrastructure. • Ballarat West Groundwater Project dry lakes, brown recreational areas, dusty sporting grounds, ﬂ oundering In 2005 a long term solution was • Greening Ballarat, gardens and community event developed for Lake Wendouree A Green-Blue City Action Plan cancellations. It was a city struggling comprising the provision of 600ML/ to maintain its basic drinking water year of recycled water from the • A Greener More Vibrant needs. The impact of the loss of Ballarat North Wastewater Treatment and Connected Ballarat aquatic recreational events and Plant and 250ML/year from • Flood Risk and Opportunity Mapping tourism due to a dry or depleted Lake stormwater harvesting. Following the Wendouree and restricted irrigation of success of this solution, the City of • Central Highlands Water Urban the Ballarat Botanical Gardens during Ballarat identiﬁ ed that lake water Water Strategy the drought had an $18.9 million per could be used for irrigating not only year impact on the local economy. the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, • Ballarat Integrated Water but a range of sporting facilities Management Plan Over the past decade, the planning and local parks. As a result, an Moving forward the focus remains paradigm has shifted from responsive enlarged stormwater harvesting and around implementing integrated water crisis mode to a systematic planning distribution scheme was progressively management actions, investigations approach. This evolution of planning implemented from 2010 to 2012, to and projects to deliver on the maturity initially created a series of provide a secure supply of non- community’s vision of “a greener, collaborative projects and initiatives drinking water to maintain Ballarat’s more liveable and prosperous water that alleviated drought impacts and major gardens and sports venues. generated support and leverage to future for the city and towns of the create long term plans and build a Since then Ballarat has furthered Ballarat region”. secure water future. This commitment its integrated water management to strengthening the community journey with the delivery of key through collaboration and sustainable strategies, plans and projects for the Ballarat community, including:

Greening Schools Project. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water

22 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Ballarat North Class A Recycled Water Facility. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water Chapter 3 IWM opportunities

A portfolio of IWM projects and strategies for which IWM collaborative partners have committed themselves to applying their best endeavours to progress.

Beaufort Lake. Courtesy: Pyrenees Shire Council Chapter 3

State-wide and region speciﬁ c initiatives

This document outlines priority IWM opportunities for the Central Highlands region. This includes strategies that will direct IWM in the region and speciﬁ c projects that will deliver outcomes on-the-ground. To ensure IWM opportunities are successful and delivered effi ciently, work is also being done at a state-wide level.

Across Victoria, IWM Forum members A Resilient Cities and Towns (RCT) are identifying a range of strategic Reference Group has been established policy and framework enablers to support the implementation of to address barriers to integrated integrated water management water management and planning and planning across the state. The and achieve water related beneﬁ ts Reference Group provides advice in priority areas. A prioritised list of to DELWP on the development and enabling policies and frameworks implementation of key initiatives is being consolidated by DELWP. in relation to policy, processes or knowledge gaps.

IWM framework at a State-wide and regional level State-wide initiatives

Enabling Policy Enabling Principles or rules that Frameworks put IWM into practise Guidance on analysis, design and delivery of IWM opportunities Region speciﬁc opportunities

Strategies Projects High-level directions designed to Planned set activities to be executed achieve IWM outcomes over a over a defined period and within defined time-period for a defined certain cost to achieve a goal. geographic location.

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 25 IWM opportunities: How were they selected?

IWM opportunities that link to and address IWM challenges for the region were identiﬁ ed and developed by the nominated practitioners of participating organisations. The process was an iterative, transparent and inclusive approach, as outlined below.

This list of opportunities is dynamic and will be reviewed and updated as required to reﬂ ect the Forum’s priorities.

The IWM opportunity prioritisation process

1 2 3 4

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Opportunity Opportunity Evaluation of Selection of priority Identiﬁcation development Opportunities opportunities A series of stakeholder Stakeholders completed A workshop was held The priority opportunities meetings were held to further work to develop with stakeholders to were then further identify IWM and reﬁne the evaluate opportunities reviewed by considering: opportunities. opportunity concepts. by considering: • The distribution of • contribution to IWM opportunities across strategic outcomes, the region; and • The likelihood of • level of urgency. funding; Priority projects and • The likelihood of strategies were then implementation; selected from the list • The spread across of opportunities based strategic outcome on the evaluation. areas; and • The distribution of short, medium and long term projects.

26 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum’s strategic outcomes

Mapping of Cultural Values of Waterways Enhancing ﬂows to the Moorabool River and Leigh River Central Highlands Small Towns Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan Maryborough Integrated Water Management Plan Daylesford Integrated Water Management Plan Ballan Integrated Water Management Plan Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet and Burrumbeet Creek Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Water Scheme Integrated Management of the Tullaroop Catchment Breathing Life into the Yarrowee River Works Prioritisation Masterplan Expanding Ballarat’s Alternative Water Network Ballarat West Stormwater Harvesting Hubs Victoria Park (Ballarat) Green Space Transformation

01 234567 Total impact score

Safe, secure and affordable supplies in an uncertain future Effective and affordable wastewater systems

Avoided or minimised existing and future ﬂood risks Healthy and valued waterways, wetlands and waterbodies

Healthy and valued landscapes Community values reﬂected in place-based planning

Jobs, economic beneﬁts and innovation

Safe, secure and aff ordable supplies in an uncertain future 1 0.9 0.8 Jobs, economic beneﬁ ts 0.7 Eff ective and aff ordable and innovation 0.6 wastewater systems 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0

Community values reﬂ ected Avoided or minimised in place-based planning existing and future ﬂ ood risks

Healthy and valued Healthy and valued waterways, landscapes wetlands and water bodies

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 27 IWM project & strategy opportunities – overview

IWM opportunity Strategic outcomes Location Scale

Mapping of Cultural Values Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Inter-forum of Waterways Wurrung Country

Enhancing ﬂ ows to the Moorabool Ballarat and Moorabool River Inter-forum River and Leigh River

Central Highlands Small Towns Region-wide Forum area Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan

Maryborough Integrated Water Maryborough and Carisbrook Town/City Management Plan

Daylesford Integrated Water Daylesford Town/City Management Plan

Ballan Integrated Water Ballan Town/City Management Plan

Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet and Burrumbeet catchment Sub- Burrumbeet Creek catchment

Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Beaufort Town/City Water Scheme

Integrated Management of the Tullaroop Creek catchment Sub- Tullaroop Catchment catchment

Breathing Life into the Yarrowee Yarrowee River Sub- River Works Prioritisation catchment Masterplan

Expanding Ballarat’s Alternative Ballarat Lot scale Water Network

Ballarat West Stormwater Ballarat West Lot scale Harvesting Hubs

Victoria Park (Ballarat) Green Ballarat Lot scale Space Transformation

The status of each IWM opportunity included in the Priority Portfolio reﬂ ects the phase of work to be undertaken in this time period.

Shade scale

No Impact Impact

28 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

A summarised list of priority IWM The projects are grouped in four opportunities is shown in the table themes, but are not ranked. Partners below, with more detail in the of the Forum are committing their best following section. Please note that endeavours to ensure priority projects this list is dynamic and will continue and strategies are progressed in line to be updated to reﬂ ect the current with the shared vision and strategic Central Highlands Region IWM Forum’s outcomes of the IWM Forum. priorities and opportunities.

Lead agency for collaborative opportunity Quick win Status

Wadawurrung AC and Dja Dja Wurrung AC Y

Corangamite CMA, Wadawurrung AC N

Central Highlands Cluster of Councils N

Central Highlands Water Y

Central Highlands Water N

DELWP Grampians and Glenelg Hopkins CMA Y

Pyrenees Shire Council Y

North Central CMA Y

City of Ballarat Y

Central Highlands Water Y

City of Ballarat Y

Project opportunity status

Concept & feasibility Business case Detailed design Implementation Commission Beneﬁ t realisation

Strategy opportunity status

Concept Commitment Prepare draft Consult & ﬁ nalise Implement Evaluate

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 29 Priority Portfolio of IWM projects and strategies

Regional enablers Three projects have been identiﬁ ed which would enable the delivery of IWM across the region. These are highly collaborative opportunities with broad reach that will beneﬁ t a large number of stakeholders and support and elevate integrated water management.

ACTION CH1

Mapping of the Cultural Values of Waterways

There is an opportunity to identify and map cultural sites and values along waterway corridors in the region. This will create a knowledge base that can Status be managed by traditional owner groups and used to inform management Lead Wadawurrung + Dja Dja of waterways and water bodies. Agency Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

This knowledge base can feed into Cultural Heritage Management Plans to Implementation North Central Catchment streamline the process, but can also provide a clear pathway for traditional Partners Management Authority, owner involvement and management of information. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Glenelg Hopkins A similar process has been piloted by the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Catchment Management Nations (MLDRIN) group of Traditional Owners to facilitate collaboration. Authority, DELWP Grampians, Central Highlands Water, Local This project is an initial stage whereby Traditional Owners can build a knowledge Councils base and resources to ultimately support Care for Country teams taking an Location Wudawurrung and Dja Dja active role in waterway management. Priority reaches will be identiﬁ ed as ﬁ rst Wurrung Country projects, and these may include other waterway projects listed in this document. Cost To be estimated

Timeframe Complete initial waterway Next steps mapping in 1-3 years

1. Assemble stakeholders and secure commitment to an agreed Scale Inter-forum initial scope of works

2. Secure funding and resources

3. Identify initial waterways for survey and mapping

Mooroobull Yaluk Kuwin River Day with Wadawurrung Community. Courtesy: Wadawurrung

30 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION CH2

Enhancing ﬂ ows to the Moorabool River and the Leigh River

The Moorabool and Leigh River are on the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung people who have had an ongoing connection with the Status river for thousands of generations. Lead Corangamite CMA, Agency Wadawurrung The Moorabool River is one of the most stressed waterways in the state, and the Implementation Central Highlands Water, Leigh River is heavily infl uenced by stormwater and treated wastewater infl ows Partners City of Ballarat, Moorabool from Ballarat. Both rivers fl ow into the Barwon and Lower Barwon River which Shire Council, Southern contains RAMSAR listed wetlands. Climate change and growing populations Rural Water, DELWP, Barwon Water in both Ballarat and Geelong will continue to place further pressure on these signifi cant river systems. Improvements to the volume and timing of infl ows to Location Moorabool and Leigh River Catchments these rivers will protect the plants and animals dependent on them. Protecting the diversity of life dependent on the rivers is critical to maintaining both Cost <$100,000 for system modelling environmental and cultural values into the future, particularly as climate $100,000 for improved change and other impacts infl uence natural fl ows. monitoring Timeframe Short-term investigations The Ballarat IWM Plan examined possible long term options to capture and to be completed within 2 harness both recycled water and stormwater fl ows from urban Ballarat to years to support the long- term options supplement fl ows in the Moorabool River, either via off sets supplied from Lal Lal Reservoir in lieu of local alternative water supplies in Ballarat, or by Scale Inter-forum direct transfer. This management of urban fl ows from Ballarat could also benefi t the Leigh River. The following actions were recommended by the plan to determine a preferred strategy, in the next 2-3 years:

• Undertake a study for the Yarrowee-Leigh to understand the cultural and environmental ﬂ ow needs of the river. Flow recommendations and water recovery targets are already in place for the Moorabool River.

• Once new local diverse supply options have been identiﬁ ed and the corresponding water recovery volumes and timing are calculated, environmental and cultural outcomes to the Moorabool and Yarrowee/Leigh Rivers will be able to be assessed against the ﬂ ow requirements of these important river systems.

The Long Term Water Resource Assessment (LTWRA) and Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS) will consider the overall strategy for the rivers and associated supplies across the broader area, but this project will produce important information to feed into the SWS.

Next steps Moorabool River. Courtesy: Corangamite CMA 1. Secure resources and/or funding

2. Complete investigations required to underpin feasibility of off set or transfer options

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 31 ACTION CH3

Central Highlands Small Towns Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan

While the major urban areas in the Central Highlands Region (Ballarat, Maryborough, Daylesford and Ballan) will be the subject of dedicated IWM Plans, Status there are many other smaller towns across the region where there are excellent Lead Central Highlands opportunities to deliver IWM outcomes, especially green-blue infrastructure. Agency Councils Victoria (CHCV)

Implementation Hepburn Shire Council, This plan for small towns in the region would identify, review and prioritise Partners Moorabool Shire Council, opportunities against a consistent set of criteria and then include case studies Golden Plains Shire and design templates for delivery of common types of green-blue infrastructure Council, City of Ballarat, Central Goldﬁ elds that are appropriate to small towns. By developing this plan at a region wide Shire Council, Pyrenees scale, it will become an effi cient analysis, and allow the best investments to be Shire Council, Central Highlands Water, DELWP, taken forward by partners. It is also an opportunity for capacity building and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans knowledge sharing in shire councils. As this is a collaborative project across Aboriginal Corporation, Wadawurrung councils in the region, seed funding is needed to support the project. Location Region-wide It is expected the key green-blue infrastructure opportunities in small towns will include: Cost $50,000 - $100,000

Timeframe Medium-term • Urban water alternative supply schemes for ovals, parks and local industry; Scale Forum area • Street tree and urban greening projects supported by water;

• Urban waterway restoration and improvement;

• WSUD and stormwater management projects;

• Planning controls and policies to infl uence developments in greenfi eld and infi ll areas.

Next steps

1. Develop scope with partners

2. Obtain funding for collaborative project and assign project offi cer

3. Assemble project control group

The town of Clunes. Courtesy: Hepburn Shire Council

32 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Prioritising action in major urban centres Alongside Ballarat, where prioritisation of IWM projects has recently been done under the Ballarat IWM Plan, there are three major urban areas in the region where opportunities need to be scoped and prioritised for action. IWM Plans are planned for each town, with work already underway in Maryborough.

ACTION CH4

Maryborough Integrated Water Management Plan

An IWM Plan is currently being developed for Maryborough (including the neighbouring areas of Carisbrook and Flagstaff ). The objectives of the Plan Status are to enhance water resources, support urban greening and liveability, Lead Central Highlands Water improve the health of local waterways and water bodies and drive economic and Agency social benefi ts in the area. The Plan considers all aspects of the urban Implementation Central Goldfi elds Shire water cycle and will prioritise a series of IWM projects for detailed analysis. Partners Council, North Central The priority projects emerging from the Plan which will deliver the greatest CMA, DELWP, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal benefi ts to Maryborough include: Corporation

• Creation of a non-potable water supply network to key demands Location Maryborough

across the town. Cost $100,000 (Funded)

• Harnessing stormwater for local irrigation demands and as a strategy Timeframe Completed in 2018/19 for salinity reduction in recycled water. Scale Town/city • Enhancement of Lake Victoria through improvement of amenity and water quality.

• Linking of urban lakes including Lake Victoria, Phillips Gardens and Goldﬁ elds Reservoir to provide additional storage and amenity.

• Support of tree planting through passive irrigation to enhance amenity and greening through utilisation of stormwater.

• Support of ﬂ ood mitigation initiatives prioritised through the Carisbrook and Maryborough Flood Management Plans.

Next steps

1. Complete IWM Plan

2. Release for public comment and ﬁ nalise Plan

3. Implement recommended projects

Maryborough. Courtesy: Central Goldﬁ elds Shire Council

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 33 ACTION CH5

Daylesford Integrated Water Management Plan

Daylesford is the third largest urban area in the Central Highlands region, and a town where ongoing growth is forecast. Daylesford and the surrounding Status communities are an important regional hub with a strong tourism, visitor Lead Central Highlands Water economy and active communities. Agency

Implementation Hepburn Shire Council, An IWM Plan for Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounding townships would Partners North Central CMA, DELWP articulate a community vision and identify IWM opportunities to deliver the vision. Grampians, Goulburn The IWM Plan will outline priority projects for implementation by Hepburn Shire Murray Water, Regional Development Victoria, Council, Central Highlands Water and North Central CMA Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. These IWM projects would enhance amenity and health of green assets, Location Daylesford waterways and waterbodies in the area. Cost $100,000 - $150,000 Building on the methodologies established for the Ballarat and the Maryborough IWM Plan, the Daylesford IWM Plan will be delivered in 2019/20. It will consider Timeframe Planned for 2019/20 the whole water cycle and identify and prioritise IWM projects and actions. Scale Town/city

Next steps

1. Assemble project control group

2. Develop scope of works for Plan

3. Consult with stakeholders and community

4. Develop IWM Plan

Lake Daylesford. Courtesy: Hepburn Shire Council

34 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION CH6

Ballan Integrated Water Management Plan

Ballan is a growing urban area in the Central Highlands Water region, which also lies in the Werribee IWM Forum area. There is opportunity to collaborate across Status

Forum areas to develop a holistic IWM Plan for the town, which is forecast to Lead Central Highlands Water grow substantially. The town’s water supply is drawn from the same network Agency that supplies Ballarat and also impacts on the ﬂ ow-stressed Moorabool River. Implementation Moorabool Shire Council, Partners Melbourne Water, Southern Ballan is an important regional town and a growth area close to Melbourne. Rural Water, Wadawurrung, There is opportunity for IWM projects to enhance amenity and health of green Werribee IWM Forum assets, waterways and waterbodies in the town. Location Ballan

The plan would articulate a community vision and identify IWM opportunities Cost $100,000 to deliver the vision and outline priority projects for implementation by Timeframe Planned for 2020/2021 Moorabool Shire Council, Central Highlands Water and Melbourne Water. Scale Town/city Building on the methodologies established for the Ballarat and the Maryborough IWM Plan, the Ballan IWM Plan will be delivered in 2020/2021. It will consider the whole water cycle and identify and prioritise IWM projects and actions. This project would be coordinated with the Werribee IWM Forum since Ballan sits on the border of the forums.

Next steps

1. Assemble project control group

2. Develop scope of works for Plan

3. Consult with stakeholders and community

4. Develop IWM Plan

Ballan new tank and old basin. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 35 ACTION CH7

Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet and Burrumbeet Creek

There is an opportunity to revitalise sections of Burrumbeet Creek and improve Lake Burrumbeet through collaborative planning and investment, bringing great Status benefi t to communities in Ballarat and Traditional Owners as well as visitors, Lead DELWP Grampians and protecting and enhancing natural and cultural values and improving these Agency Glenelg Hopkins CMA priority assets. Implementation City of Ballarat, Central Partners Highlands Water, Lake Burrumbeet and its feeding creek, Burrumbeet Creek (which runs through Wadawurrung, Southern northern Ballarat) are currently managed and infl uenced by a range of Rural Water, land holders, Parks Victoria, Friends organisations, but no overarching action plan exists. This project will work of Lake Burrumbeet, with the community and key stakeholders to develop a coordinated plan Department of Fisheries, Community Groups for action for creek and the lake. Location Burrumbeet catchment Specifi c actions for Lake Burrumbeet: Cost Project Offi cer funded, • An integrated plan for management and use that will take into account additional costs to be estimated natural, cultural and recreational values and future aspirations for the Lake; Timeframe Opportune time for • Consideration of infl uence of fl ows and water quality from Ballarat North delivery and completion of fi rst planning and Waste Water Treatment Plant and local runoff to determine possible actions prioritisation stage in next for enhancement. 18 months Scale Sub-catchment • A management and enhancement plan for Lake environs, including wetlands on private land.

Speciﬁ c actions for Burrumbeet Creek:

• Prioritisation of sites for waterway stabilisation and ecological restoration based on recommendations in the Ballarat IWM Plan.

• Identiﬁ cation of sites that can incorporate or enhance cultural values and support use by Traditional Owners and off er education for the broader community.

Next steps

1. Appointment of DELWP project offi cer to undertake initial community engagement and develop a management framework for Lake Burrumbeet (underway)

2. Secure funding for collaborative project

3. Appoint collaborative project group

4. Undertake broader engagement with community, Traditional Owners and key stakeholders

5. Undertake management and works prioritisation planning

6. Implementation

Tullaroop Creek. Courtesy: North Central CMA

36 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION CH8

Beaufort Closed-Loop Recycled Water Scheme

This project will enable a closed loop recycled water scheme to manage all of the Beaufort community’s wastewater within the urban environment Status through irrigation for the local golf course, school, recreation reserve and Lead Pyrenees Shire Council numerous sporting facilities. Agency

Implementation Central Highlands Water, This project will utilise recycled water from the Beaufort’s wastewater treatment Partners Beaufort Golf Club, local plant for greening of local community assets. Utilisation of an alternative water schools, Wadawurrung source for irrigation will achieve environmental outcomes, make use of ﬁ t-for- Location Beaufort purpose water and enhance amenity and recreation outcomes for the town. Cost Capital cost of $2.7 million The project is a partnership between Central Highlands Water and Pyrenees (including $300,000 for detailed design) Shire Council. To date, a feasibility study of the scheme has been completed, but further funding is required to complete detailed design. Timeframe Detailed design to be delivered next year and could be implemented within 2 years, funding Next steps dependant.

1. Secure co-investment funding Scale Town/city

2. Undertake detailed design

3. Implement project

ACTION CH9

Integrated Management of the Tullaroop Catchment

A number of water management challenges and opportunities for enhancement exist within the Tullaroop Creek catchment including water quality management, Status environmental fl ow requirements, fl ood risk management, incorporating Lead North Central Catchment indigenous values, water trading opportunities and groundwater resource Agency Management Authority management. Implementation Goulburn-Murray Water; Partners Central Highlands Water; Through collaboration, shared objectives will be formed, and management Dja Dja Wurrung Clans actions outlined to respond to catchment stressors and enhance the health Aboriginal Corporation; Hepburn Shire Council; of Tullaroop Creek. The Tullaroop Creek catchment is a closed system of a Central Goldfi elds Shire, manageable scale where multiple tangible benefi ts can be delivered in the City of Ballarat short term to support longer term objectives. Location Tullaroop Creek Catchment Discussions between organisations have identifi ed that the challenges can be Cost To be estimated managed through greater collaboration and a more integrated management approach. There is also an opportunity for Dja Dja Wurrung to play a central Timeframe Short-term: 1-3 years, with the business case delivered role in the project as a custodian of the creek. Lessons learned from this project in the next year. could be transferred to other catchment areas. Scale Sub-catchment

Next steps

1. Assemble project control group

2. Develop project scope

3. Secure funding

4. Undertake strategy

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 37 Building on momentum in Ballarat Ballarat is one of the country’s leaders in IWM principles and practice, with a wide range of projects that have been delivered and which are already underway to diversify urban water sources, improve environmental outcomes and enhance liveability and economic value in the City. Four projects have been selected as priorities to extend, complement and enhance IWM activities in Ballarat, to keep driving forward the City as an exemplar of integrated water management.

ACTION CH10

Breathing Life into the Yarrowee River: Works Prioritisation Masterplan The Yarrowee River is the centrepiece of Ballarat. However, it’s a landscape Status and ecological feature which could be greatly enhanced. To date, works have Lead City of Ballarat focussed on river health improvements, but it is now recognised as a prime Agency opportunity to delivery IWM objectives by enhancing ecological systems, Implementation Corangamite CMA, delivering enhanced canopy cover and amenity, enhancing cultural values, Partners Central Highlands Water, revitalising neighbourhoods and commercial areas and supporting active Wadawurrung, DELWP Grampians transport and recreation. The Ballarat Plan (City Strategy) and the Ballarat IWM Location Plan identify the river as a major priority which will deliver multiple beneﬁ ts. Yarrowee River

Cost $150,000 - $200,000 for Work has begun as part of the Breathing life into the Yarrowee River project Master Plan and initial which was funded in 2013, and delivered a series of targeted works to improve phase implementation vegetation, access and water quality. The project has generated high levels Timeframe Ready for delivery in of community interest and engagement and has been highly successful in 2018-2019 delivering community outcomes. Scale Sub-catchment

An opportunity exists to build on existing momentum and develop a Master Plan that will engage community members, key stakeholders and Traditional Owners to develop a prioritised plan of future investments to reinvigorate and breathe life into the urban reaches of the Yarrowee River corridor. This will ensure that future projects can be implemented in the context of a holistic community vision that delivers maximum beneﬁ t along the entire urban reach of the river.

A project working group has been established and a scope of works has been developed.

Next steps

1. Finalise commitment and funding from project partners

2. Commission works prioritisation Masterplan

3. Implement priority works

Yarrowee River. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water

38 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION CH11

Expanding Ballarat’s Alternative Water Network

The existing non-potable network in Ballarat has potential for expansion to support irrigation of schools, sporting grounds, parks and commercial purposes. Status

Lead Central Highlands Water Concept design work has been completed to demonstrate the feasibility of Agency extending the existing recycled water supply network from Ballarat North Implementation City of Ballarat, Mt Rowan Wastewater Treatment Plant to two priority locations for greening in Ballarat: Partners High School, Wadawurrung

• Wendouree West Reserve Location Ballarat

• Ballarat Secondary College (Mt Rowan Campus) Cost $550,000 for Wendouree West Reserve $250,000 for Mt Rowan These schemes will extend non-potable water use in Ballarat and support Campus local communities by providing a ﬁ t-for-purpose irrigation source for key Timeframe Delivery within 2 years recreational spaces. Scale Lot scale Further sites have been identiﬁ ed to be connected to the non-potable water network in Ballarat and the network will continue to expand across the city. These two sites have been selected as immediate priorities.

There is future potential to link to the Ballarat West Employment Zone non-potable supply network.

Next steps

1. Secure co-investment funding

2. Complete detailed design

3. Construct extensions to the network and irrigation systems

Ballarat North Wastewater Treatment Plant. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 39 ACTION CH12

Ballarat West Stormwater Harvesting Hubs

Ballarat West Growth Area is growing signiﬁ cantly in the next 20 years over numerous PSP sub-precincts and the development will almost double the Status urban footprint of Ballarat. The additional stormwater runoff from the new Lead City of Ballarat development areas will have fundamental impacts on Winter Creek (adjacent Agency to development) and the Yarrowee River (downstream). New development areas Implementation Central Highlands Water, will include irrigated open space and recreation areas and stormwater treatment Partners developers, Corangamite wetlands. Due to early intervention in the planning process it has been ensured CMA, Wadawurrung there is opportunity for local stormwater harvesting from wetlands for irrigation, Location Ballarat West by locating recreational areas within 600m of wetlands. Detailed design and Cost $400,000 capital cost for coordination are now required to secure transfer infrastructure to connect Delacombe scheme stormwater supply to the recreation areas during the development process. Timeframe Coordination process between stakeholders to An opportunity exists to create a stormwater harvesting hub with multiple be established in next 6 schemes utilising treated urban stormwater to irrigate open spaces in these months. Detailed design for Delacombe in next 12-18 new development areas. Proactive funding, planning and design can lead to months. widespread on-ground implementation where infrastructure is installed in a Scale Lot scale cost-eff ective manner to derive greatest community beneﬁ t.

In the next 5 years, there are focus areas for co-delivery of stormwater harvesting in new development areas. Delacombe Sports Precinct (on-ground 3-5 years), is a large opportunity, where it would be prudent to complete detailed design in coming 12-18 months to be shovel ready.

Next steps

1. Secure funding for transfer mains and stormwater harvesting systems

2. Develop coordination process between Council, Developer and Central Highlands Water

3. Undertake detailed design for Delacombe Sports Precinct Construct extensions to the network and irrigation systems

Design and layout for local stormwater harvesting. Courtesy: City of Ballarat

40 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION CH13

Victoria Park (Ballarat) Green Space Transformation

Feasibility assessments have been completed to harness an alternative water source to provide irrigation to Victoria Park, the key green space in Status

Ballarat. This project will transform Victoria Park, Ballarat’s key recreational Lead City of Ballarat reserve into a year round green space to support numerous community clubs Agency and attract events as well as enhancing existing lakes and public amenity. Implementation Central Highlands Water, Partners DELWP Grampians, Victoria Park is the major open space for Ballarat and an important asset for Wadawurrung, user groups communities in the region. City of Ballarat recently developed a Master Plan Location Ballarat for the park which identifi ed additional active recreation areas and irrigation needs. The Ballarat IWM Plan identifi ed possible alternative water supplies for Cost $600,000 capital cost irrigation of the park, from either adjoining stormwater drains or the adjacent Timeframe Detailed design can be Lake Wendouree (which is fed by both stormwater and recycled water), utilising delivered in next 18 months, existing lakes in the park for storage. and could be implemented within 2-3 years, funding dependant. Enhancement of the lake storages and natural treatment and conveyance systems in the park could also signifi cantly improve fl ood management and Scale Lot scale amenity in the park. Concept designs and feasibility assessments have been conducted for the proposals.

There is also potential to extend the non-potable water supply network from the park to service other areas.

Next steps

1. Secure funding

2. Detailed design

3. Implementation

Victoria Park. Courtesy: City of Ballarat

Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 41 References

i Central Highlands Water (2017) Urban Water Strategy ii DELWP (2016) Climate Ready Victoria – Loddon Mallee Fact Sheet iii Central Highlands Water (2017) Urban Water Strategy iv Central Highlands Water (2017) Urban Water Strategy v Central Highlands Water (2017) Annual Report 2016/2017 vi North Central Catchment Management Authority (2014) Waterways Strategy, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (2014) Waterways Strategy, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (2014) Waterways Strategy

42 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement

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