Werribee STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT SEPTEMBER 2018

Integrated Water Management Forums Acknowledgement of ’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 ’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/

Printed by Finsbury Green,

ISSN 2209-8232 - Print format ISSN 2209-8240 - Online (pdf/word) format

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 fl aw 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.

Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email [email protected] or via the National Relay Service on 133 677, www.relayservice.com.au.

This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Cover photograph Werribee South coastline. Photographer: Greg Brave 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

Chapter 1 The way forward 3 Introduction 4 Overview 4 What is a Strategic Directions Statement? 4 Enduring collaboration 5 How we’re working together 5 Recognising Aboriginal values in water planning and management 5 Guiding principles for collaboration 6

Chapter 2 IWM in the region 7 Regional context 8 Population 8 Climate change 10 Vision and strategic outcomes 11 Collaboration to develop the shared vision and strategic outcome areas 11 Strategic outcomes for IWM 12 The case for IWM in the Werribee catchment 14

Chapter 3 IWM opportunities 21 Priority Portfolio 22 Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum’s strategic outcomes 23 IWM opportunities: An overview of projects and strategies 24 Priority Portfolio of IWM opportunities 28 Strategic enablers to put IWM into practice 35 Success stories 36 Continued success through collaboration 38

Appendix 40 Additional IWM opportunities in the Werribee catchment 40 Understanding the catchment as a system 41 Glossary of terms 43 Foreword

The Integrated Water Management Forums position Victoria as a leader in collaborative, state-wide water system planning and decision-making.

For the fi rst time, Victoria’s water The IWM Forums will help us better As Lead Chair of the Metropolitan sector, together with local and state adapt to our changing climate while and Regional IWM Forums, I would government agencies and Traditional we seize opportunities to grow and like to acknowledge the tremendous Owners, have committed to work prosper in a sustainable water future. contribution of the IWM Forum Chairs as one to address some of the most and Forum Partners across Victoria They create an environment for IWM urgent challenges of our time. who have worked together to forge a advocacy and eff ective governance to path to achieve meaningful and long- In the face of climate change, facilitate collaboration and innovation term change that we can be proud of. population growth and rapid in water cycle management, service urbanisation, we recognise our delivery, urban design and planning. Together with our regional and shared responsibility to plan for metropolitan IWM Forum partners, As Chair of the inaugural Werribee water diff erently if we are to position we look forward to delivering IWM Forum, I would like to Victorian cities and towns to be on our commitment to achieve acknowledge the deep commitment the most liveable and resilient transformational change in Victoria. of all Forum members and the hard places in the world. work of the Working Group members Through the work of the Werribee IWM and DELWP staff to produce this Forum, we acknowledge that climate Strategic Directions Statement. change is no longer a future problem. The Statement demonstrates an Rob Skinner Our climate adaptation planning ambitious commitment to protect Chair of the Werribee IWM Forum must progress ahead of the pace Melbourne’s exceptional western Lead Chair of the Metropolitan of change and growth that we now region and enhance the way and Regional IWM Forums see spreading through our cities, we live within our environment. our catchment and across the state.

Western Port Strategic Directions Statement 1 Acknowledgements

The inaugural Werribee Integrated Water Management Forum was convened in December 2017 with subsequent Forums meeting throughout 2018 to discuss and prioritise integrated water planning and management in the Werribee Forum Area.

The Forum Area covers some of reserves and ecologically significant Owners as traditional custodians Victoria’s fastest urbanising greenfield extending from the western who have managed land and water areas and will be the site of substantial shores of Bay. Preservation sustainably over thousands of population growth in the coming and management of the catchment’s generations and maintain an years. Situated on the eastern extent landscapes will have a positive impact active connection to Country. of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, a vast on the long term health and security geographic area characterised by of the region’s waterways. The Werribee Integrated Water sweeping grasslands, stony rises and Management Strategic Directions shallow lakes, the Werribee catchment The Forum Area covers the traditional Statement has been developed contains a breadth of iconic Victorian lands of the , Wadawurrung by the Werribee Integrated Water landscapes expressive of the volcanic and Bunurong people of the Kulin Management Forum. Members of creation of the region and the cultural Nation. This region is abundant in this Forum include the Chief Executive history of early settlement. The Forum Aboriginal cultural sites with a majority Officers and Managing Directors Area includes a major food bowl of these found near waterways and of the following organisations: for Victoria and Australia, numerous the coast. The Werribee IWM Forum nature conservation and wildlife acknowledges these Traditional

The Werribee IWM Forum is grateful to the Werribee IWM Working Group for the time and expertise they dedicated to guide the development of this Strategic Directions Statement.

2 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1

Chapter 1 The way forward

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

Melton, Victoria. Photographer: Craig Moodie Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 3 Introduction

Overview The way in which land use and water planning occurs will be fundamental to Integrated Water The Werribee catchment spans a ensuring these aspirations are realised. vast geographic area encompassing Management some of Victoria’s most distinctive The water cycle in the Werribee IWM is a collaborative landscapes. Windswept agricultural catchment is overseen and managed approach to water planning plains and native grasslands meet by several agencies. Enhanced and management that brings expansive natural forests throughout communication and collaboration together organisations with the catchment. A mosaic of wetlands is required to ensure plans and an interest in all aspects of and coastal environments dot the investments are optimised to enable the water cycle. It has the western shores of Port Phillip Bay shared community outcomes. potential to provide greater into which most of the region’s This approach is Integrated Water value to our communities by rivers and creeks fl ow. Management (IWM). A central premise identifying and leveraging The Werribee Forum Area contains of IWM is the overall acceptance opportunities to optimise several densely populated urban that achieving liveability and outcomes. areas and some of the fastest resilience is a shared responsibility. developing suburbs in Victoria. The Integrated Water Management Considered alongside challenges Framework for Victoria 2017 is What is a Strategic posed by global climate change, designed to help local governments, Directions Statement? the rapid transformation of the west water corporations, catchment is impacting on the water cycle and This Strategic Directions Statement management authorities, Traditional the health of waterways, including the (SDS) articulates the regional Owners and other organisations Werribee River and other Forum Area context, shared vision and work together to ensure the water rivers and creeks that fl ow directly to strategic water-related outcomes cycle effi ciently contributes to Port Phillip Bay. Balancing the needs for the Werribee catchment. the urban liveability of the region, and function of Werribee’s water cycle with communities at the centre with future growth and development It includes a prioritised list of of decision-making. is a complex and urgent challenge IWM opportunities developed in collaboration by the Werribee requiring careful management. To assist with this, IWM Forums have IWM Forum partners. been established across the state The region’s water sector, local to identify, prioritise and oversee governments and Traditional Owners Partners of the Werribee IWM the implementation of critical are working collaboratively to plan Forum are committing their collaborative water opportunities. and deliver projects and strategies best endeavours to: that will enhance the resilience and • Ensure priority opportunities are liveability of the Werribee catchment progressed in line with the shared and deliver enduring environmental, vision and strategic outcomes of economic and social benefi ts to the Werribee catchment; and local communities. Through ongoing engagement with their communities, • Support the Department of these organisations have heard that Environment, Land, Water and thriving waterways are inextricably Planning to progress priority strategic linked to community identity, amenity, enablers for IWM in Victoria. value and sustained economic benefi t for the Werribee catchment. It is envisaged that the SDS will be a living document which will be updated to refl ect the Werribee IWM Forum’s current priorities and opportunities.

4 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1

Enduring collaboration

How we’re working together Each organisation has an important Recognising Aboriginal role to play in the decision-making values in water planning The Werribee IWM Forum identifi es, and management of the catchment’s and management coordinates and prioritises areas water, resources and assets. that would most benefi t from The Werribee IWM Forum is collaborative and place-based water Collaboration across IWM Forum committed to working in partnership management planning and projects. partners will ensure balanced with across consideration of the complex landscapes, communities and The Forum brings together 15 economic, environmental, cultural natural resources. organisations with an interest and community benefi ts and impacts in water cycle management associated with the range of proposed The Forum recognises that Traditional across the Werribee catchment. IWM opportunities. This collaborative Owners throughout the metropolitan These organisations include four process allows for integrated solutions Melbourne catchments, including water corporations, seven local that respond to individual business the Wurundjeri, Bunurong and governments, the Port Phillip needs, as well as the needs of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin and Westernport Catchment broader catchment. Nation, are unique to Country and Management Authority, their involvement in IWM planning will representatives of Bunurong, The Werribee IWM Forum partners be specifi c to each planning area. Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri will continue to work together to build Traditional Owner interests, the inter-organisational trust and develop Organisations involved in IWM have Department of Environment, Land, productive, enduring relationships to obligations to involve Traditional Water and Planning (DELWP) and realise the shared vision for integrated Owners and consider Aboriginal the Victorian Planning Authority. water management and delivery values in their organisational activities. in the Werribee catchment. The Forum will continue to work with To ensure IWM is successful and Traditional Owner groups to determine enduring across the region, the Further information on the IWM the appropriate approach and level Werribee IWM Forum partners commit Forum’s governance and planning of involvement in the broader IWM to promote a collaborative and framework is outlined in the Integrated planning process for each Forum Area. shared values culture within their Water Management Framework for own organisations and through their Victoria 2017, available on the internet work with local communities and at www.delwp.vic.gov.au. water cycle delivery partners.

The Werribee IWM Forum is governed by an open and transparent IWM planning process.

This process assumes a holistic, whole-of-cycle approach to determine water cycle solutions, considering regulatory accountabilities and service delivery responsibilities.

Werribee River Trail. Courtesy Zarnell Photography

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 5 Guiding principles for collaboration

The purpose of the Werribee IWM Forum is to provide a collaborative IWM Forum platform for overseeing, supporting and, where necessary, facilitating water’s contribution to resilience and liveability in Victoria.

Applying an IWM approach, the Forum will: IWM Working Group • Consider the collective community needs in the regional context and develop an overall strategic direction accordingly.

• Complement and feed into existing water and land planning processes, collaborative networks, forums IWM Project IWM Project IWM Project and associations. Group Group Group • Commit best endeavours to facilitate multi-stakeholder initiatives, share IWM Forum governance structure organisational expertise and Further information on IWM Forum collaboration advance sectoral learnings. and planning can be found in Chapter 3 of this SDS.

• Respect Traditional Owner rights in water management planning.

• Ensure multiple benefi ts can be delivered to the community and the economy.

• Optimise investment in water management projects and strategies to deliver multiple benefi ts and best community value solutions.

Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) wetlands. Photographer: David Paul 6 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 1

Chapter 2 IWM in the region

Understanding why an integrated approach to water planning and management is critical to achieve better economic, environmental, cultural and community outcomes for the Werribee catchment.

The Werribee River fl ows through agricultural land. Photographer: Greg Brave Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 7 Regional context

The Werribee IWM Forum Area encompasses some of Victoria’s most iconic waterways and landscapes. The catchment covers an area of approximately 2,715 km2, extending along the southern reaches of the Great Diving Range at the , south across dry, fl at to gently undulating plains scattered with volcanic features, to where grasslands join wetlands on the western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay.

It is a geologically and ecologically The Werribee catchment includes The municipality of Wyndham is diverse catchment with a rich areas of signifi cant value where one of the fastest growing urban cultural history and, in recent Aboriginal people have lived for areas in Australia with a population times, the site of signifi cant urban thousands of years. Werribee is a word that is expected to reach 400,000 growth on Melbourne’s fringe. derived from both the Wadawurrung by 2050. Much of this growth will and Boonwurrung words for backbone occur in Point Cook, among the fi ve Agriculture dominates much of the or spine. The name is thought to have fastest growing Australian suburbs, Werribee catchment with 67 per cent its origin in the tree-lined course of the as well as the suburbs of Tarneit and of the area devoted to the production Werribee River, which punctuated the North . In the middle of leafy vegetables, fruit and turf, as landscape in contrast to the fl at, bare catchment, the will well as poultry, large scale grazing plains surrounding the area. Many experience a population growth rate and crop operations. Only fi ve per Aboriginal artefacts, fi sh traps and of nearly 150 per cent over the next cent of the catchment is currently burial sites have been found along 20 years. Protecting the Werribee zoned for urban land use, though the the region’s waterways, including region’s ecologically-diverse and region will undergo major residential the Werribee River, which remains fertile lands and waterways will and economic development in the a place of signifi cant cultural value be a priority to ensure long term coming years. to the Wurundjeri, Wadawurrung community liveability and resiliency. The Werribee catchment sustains and Bunurong people. a range of recreational activities, Climate change including nature-based tourism, Population bushwalking, fi shing, cycling and The Werribee catchment presents swimming. Commercial activities in The Werribee IWM Forum Area has several opportunities to demonstrate the catchment include agriculture, an estimated population of 575,000 regional growth planning and manufacturing and wholesale trade, people and is predicted to grow development that is resilient to as well as notable industries in to 1.35 million by 2040. The region climate-related impacts. By 2040, health, education and high-tech encompasses a major urban growth average temperatures across the research. The catchment hosts corridor and signifi cant greenfi eld Werribee catchment are expected the , residential development in Melbourne’s to rise by an average of 1.3°C operated by , west will occur here over the next under a medium climate change which treats a signifi cant proportion 20 to 30 years. Several towns in the scenario, according to the Victorian of Melbourne’s wastewater region have already transitioned Government's Guidelines for Assessing and produces recycled water. from a primarily rural to a primarily the Impact of Climate Change on urban municipality, including Melton Water Supplies in Victoria 2016. and , while further This will increase the impact of densifi cation and urban renewal the urban heat eff ect across is anticipated for Altona, Werribee the region, with higher density urban and Sunshine West, which borders areas experiencing greater heat the Werribee and Maribyrnong vulnerability than more forested catchments. areas in the upper catchment.

8 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Maribyrnong

Yarra Werribee

Dandenong

Western Port

POPULATION GROWTH THE REGION 575,000 NOW (2018) 1,350,000 BY 2040 URBAN AREAS 5% 2,715km2 135% CATCHMENT FORESTED 28% AREA INCREASE AGRICULTURE 67%

14,000 110% INCREASE VOLUME OF RECYCLED OLYMPIC SIZED SWIMMING POOLS STORMWATER WATER PRODUCED WORTH OF WATER NEEDED TO PRODUCTION* COULD FILL THE MCG MEET RESIDENTIAL DEMAND* 11 TIMES*

* Anticipated change in water demand and production in greenfi eld growth areas from 2013-2050 Source: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Healthy Waterways Strategy 2013/14-2017/18, Melbourne Water Victoria in future 2016

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 9 Extreme heat waves, wildfi res heavy rainfall events will aff ect water and drought will pose signifi cant quality and the health of waterways To meet the challenge of challenges for this characteristically from the upper reaches downstream climate change and prepare dry country. Projections for Victoria’s to Port Phillip Bay. Coupled with Victoria’s water system for future climate indicate an increase fast-growing residential populations, a range of possible climate in the frequency and intensity of greenfi eld development and industrial futures, climate change bushfi res for the Werribee catchment demands, climate change impacts mitigation and adaptation and neighbouring regions in Australia’s will place increased pressure on water actions will be embedded southeast. The increased risk of services in the catchment. The region’s in all IWM Forum decisions. bushfi re poses a serious threat water security has declined over to the catchment’s communities, recent decades, negatively impacting infrastructure and high-value native productivity within the catchment’s increased storm surges will increase grasslands, forests and ecosystems. two irrigation districts that together the costs and impacts of coastal support major producers of fruits and fl ooding and shoreline erosion on Whilst the catchment is predicted to vegetables in Victoria. Opportunities communities and marine ecosystems. see a reduction in average annual to improve effi ciency and tap The Western Treatment Plant, rainfall over the next 20 years, the alternative sources of water will help an ecologically signifi cant frequency and intensity of short mitigate climate related pressures listed under the , duration rainfall events is expected and better manage future risks. is at risk under climate change to rise, increasing the risk of soil conditions due to sea level rise. erosion and movement, riverine and Australia’s changing climate will pose Protection and improved resilience fl ash fl ooding and high volumes of a serious threat to the wetlands and of this and other environmental stormwater discharging pollutants coastal environments of the Werribee and economic assets is a priority to waterways. Increased fl ows from catchment. Rising sea levels and for the Werribee catchment.

Understanding the Werribee catchment as a system

WASTEWATER LERDE RD TREATMENT PLANT ER G RIV ER MAIN SUPPLY PIPES

K E E WATERWAY R C

H R R A WERRIBEE FORUM AREA PYRITES CREEK IW R SUNBURY R E J D PYKES CREEK RESERVOIR WATERBODY DJERRIWARRH RESERVOIR GREENVALE RESERVOIR MERRIMU RESERVOIR IRRIGATION DISTRICT W ER R IB E BACCHUS MARSH E R IV E R MELTON MELTON RESERVOIR

WERRIBEE

PIPELINE TO

WESTERN TREATMENT PLANT

Illustration indicative only. Not to scale.

10 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Vision and strategic outcomes

The Werribee catchment is resilient and thriving. Our growing communities are supported and the health of our diverse environment is enhanced.

Collaboration to develop the shared vision and strategic outcome areas

The IWM Forum demonstrates a robust and transparent process of collaboration amongst local governments and a range of stakeholders with an interest in water.

Central within this process are the community values, local interests and place-based opportunities represented by each Forum Member organisation.

The IWM Forum recognises the valuable contribution of these many and diverse actors in supporting a transformative approach to the planning and management of our wider water cycle. Each of these organisations played a leading role in determining a shared vision for IWM unique to each of the fi ve metropolitan Melbourne catchments.

The seven primary strategic outcome areas to achieve this vision, as well as the secondary outcome areas nested beneath each primary area, were developed collaboratively by the IWM Forum partners.

These outcomes acknowledge . Photographer: Christian Pearson. the breadth of water plans, Courtesy Melbourne Water environmental strategies and land use plans developed by each partner organisation.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 11 Strategic outcomes for IWM

Outcomes

Safe, secure and aff ordable Eff ective and aff ordable Opportunities are optimised Healthy and valued waterways supplies in an uncertain future wastewater systems to manage existing and future and marine environments fl ood risks and impacts

Strategically balanced Meets or exceeds public health Appropriate levels of fl ood Management of the catchment catchment-based and environmental standards management across the is integrated and includes hierarchy of use catchment considering the whole water cycle climate change impacts Maximise the use of recycled Development considers water for benefi cial use Impacts from urban, peri urban, precinct scale water balances Community and property irrigation and industrial activities and servicing solutions resilient to local fl ood risk are mitigated to protect our Waste-to-resource across the catchment and waterways and the bay opportunities are maximised coastal environment Fit for purpose water quality for benefi cial outcomes meets regulatory standards Ramsar wetlands are and community expectations Development in the Werribee protected and sustained Best practice centralised catchment recognises and decentralised septic and mitigates exacerbated Demand management and and sewerage systems and The health of waterway reaches fl ooding risks water-wise communities optimised onsite domestic and tributaries are improved systems to deliver whole-of- catchment benefi ts Coordinated urban and Water available to maintain Waterways across the fl ood management planning valued passive and active catchment are improved and processes across stakeholders green community assets managed to maintain and and organisations protect coastal and marine ecosystems in Port Phillip Bay Climate-resilient fi t for purpose alternative sources of water, such as stormwater and Reduced nutrient and sediment recycled water, for a diverse discharges to both waterways range of uses, including and Port Phillip Bay agricultural and industrial use, human consumption, ecological Traditional Owner and and cultural purposes, and Aboriginal values, knowledge recreational amenity and practices are integrated and protected in waterway management and planning

12 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

The Werribee catchment is seeking to achieve seven strategic outcomes through IWM. Each of these will have Low-emissionLow-emission sosolutionslutions a signifi cant role in shaping the liveability, prosperity and IWMIWM opportunities that minimise the rereleaselease resilience of Victoria’s cities and towns. These outcome ofof greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions will be areas provide a guide to identify and prioritise the various consideredconsidered by the Forum as solutions are evaluatedevaluated for impimplementation.lementation. IWM opportunities included in Chapter 3 of this SDS.

Valued landscapes for Strengthened community Jobs, economic benefi ts health and wellbeing knowledge and local values and innovation refl ected in place-based planning

Active and passive recreation Diverse landscapes that refl ect Jobs and economic growth supported by water local conditions, community values supported by water and willingness to contribute

Urban landscapes retain moisture Innovative planning delivery and operation for cooler, greener cities and towns Empowered, engaged and supported by feasible funding models water literate community

Waterways and coastal environments Strong governance, collaboration, are accessible as valuable open space Local water related risks and issues performance and accountability understood, managed and mitigated

Aboriginal cultural values associated Alternative water is used benefi cially with waterways are protected Aboriginal values are understood to drive regional economic growth and recognised early and included in project planning and delivery Biodiversity supported through Traditional Owner and Aboriginal connected habitats within and along consultation, engagement, participation, waterways and across landscapes Community values communicated to employment and economic development IWM partners are incorporated into have been comprehensively implemented the objectives and water cycle decision making for place based projects Secure alternative water to enable long term investment Planning and development refl ects the regional landscape The regulatory environment supports fi t for purpose water in industry Communities value the unique regional landscape

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 13 The case for IWM in the Werribee catchment

Over the coming years, the pace of urban growth, development and climate change will transform the Werribee region, putting pressure Safe, secure and on the catchment’s water cycle and aff ordable supplies in resources, natural environments, an uncertain future communities and industries. Adapting to change and translating liveability and water management objectives Six water corporations oversee water recovery and use. The West Werribee into practice will involve working across supply for the Werribee catchment. Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) organisational boundaries to achieve These include Melbourne Water, Trial by City West Water investigated the following strategic outcomes. City West Water, Western Water and the possibility of storing volumes Southern Rural Water. Barwon Water of recycled water and stormwater These outcomes are aligned with those and Central Highlands Water oversee to help balance water supply and refl ected in the strategic plans and water supply to a very limited extent demand with future growth in the environmental strategies of the within the catchment and as such, west. ASR is the process of recharging Forum's partner organisations. are not included as standing members water into an aquifer for the purpose of the Werribee IWM Forum. of storage and subsequent withdrawal for other uses, The catchment includes reservoirs including water supply, horticulture, at Pykes Creek, Merrimu and Melton, industries and municipalities. which hold water from both the Werribee and Water security is a concern in the systems. The Werribee and Bacchus north and west areas of the Werribee Marsh Irrigation Districts, two major catchment due to anticipated food production regions in the of the population growth and greenfi eld catchment, receive their irrigation development. Changes to the water supplies from a combination of cycle driven by growth and climate these storages. Part of the Upper change will mean more water will be Reservoir is also located needed across the catchment for within the catchment on its western urban, agricultural and environmental boundary with the Barwon catchment. fl ow purposes. The catchment’s residential population is expected Aquifer Storage and Recovery Groundwater is accessed across the to double in next two decades, (ASR) involves the capture and use catchment and is predominantly emphasising the need to diversify of stormwater or recycled water to used for irrigation. Groundwater is the water supply system and reduce recharge an aquifer for future recovery water that is beneath the earth's dependency on reservoirs. and use. The aquifer provides not surface in pores and crevices of rocks only the mechanism to store the and soil. The layers of soil and rock There is an opportunity to plan for stormwater or recycled water, that contain useable quantities of the provision of secure water sources but can also improve the quality. groundwater are called aquifers to provide reliable and fi t for purpose and these lie beneath all parts of supplies to the Werribee catchment’s ASR schemes provide an alternative Victoria. Groundwater is allocated for growing communities, industries to the construction of new surface consumptive use under the Water Act and developing precincts. reservoirs, which can be expensive 1989. Recent years of low rainfall over and diffi cult where available land is the Werribee catchment have resulted scarce. Water stored underground in low reservoir storage stocks and the through ASR does not experience use of aquifers to store and access loss by evaporation, prolonging the treated recycled water for later availability of water for use when and where it’s needed most.

14 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Opportunities are optimised Eff ective and to manage aff ordable wastewater existing and systems future fl ood risks and impacts

The majority of wastewater is used in either manufacturing Most of the fl ooding in the Werribee generated in the Werribee catchment processes in Laverton or the catchment is a combination of riverine is treated at Melbourne Water’s irrigation of recreational spaces and stormwater fl ooding, though Western Treatment Plant, located within the community. coastal fl ooding and fl ash fl ooding southwest of Werribee, 32 km from can also occur. Riverine fl ooding by The Melton and Bacchus Marsh Melbourne’s CBD. The plant processes the catchment’s major rivers, including Recycled Water Plants treat half of Melbourne’s sewage and the Werribee and Lerderderg Rivers wastewater from their communities produces almost 40 billion litres of and Kororoit Creek, occurs during throughout the Werribee catchment. recycled water to irrigate crops, periods of heavy and prolonged Owned and operated by Western parklands and sporting fi elds. rainfall where water levels rise and Water, these plants supply recycled Recycled water is wastewater that overfl ow the banks of the waterway. water to residential and agricultural has been collected and treated users and generate signifi cant so that it can be used again for a Several low-lying areas in the region liveability, food production and variety of non-drinking purposes. can also experience fl ash fl ooding, economic outcomes for the region. impacting communities, infrastructure The Western Treatment Plant also As the west continues to grow, and amenities. Moorabool Shire in the provides a wetland habitat for tens much of the wastewater generated catchment’s northwest is subject to of thousands of migratory birds. in emerging communities will be riverine fl ooding and fl ash fl ooding in The site is recognised as a wetland treated at these plants. Managing urbanised areas, such as Ballan and of international importance under additional volumes of wastewater Bacchus Marsh. These areas the Ramsar convention. generated from this growth and are particularly susceptible to maintaining the health of waterways overfl ows from the Werribee River The Werribee catchment also into which wastewater is discharged after prolonged periods of rain. contains the smaller Altona Treatment will be a signifi cant challenge for Melton West and Brookfi eld can Plant, operated by City West Water. the Werribee catchment. There is also be aff ected by fl ooding from The facility services over 20,000 an opportunity now for organisations Arnolds Creek or by heavy rainfall industrial and residential properties to collaboratively determine the overwhelming local drainage systems. in the catchment’s southern coastal best use for added volumes of Towards the catchment’s south, communities, including Altona, recycled water produced from the dense suburban development means Altona Meadows and Point Cook. Werribee catchment’s increased that rain water is not easily absorbed Much of the treated wastewater wastewater generation. into the ground, tending to inundate low-lying communities near the coast. The Werribee catchment’s coastal suburbs, including Altona, Seaholme and Williamstown, lie on relatively fl at Ensuring alternative sources are fi t for purpose terrain, with some parts lower than sea level. Over the past decade, damage The use of recycled water is an attractive water management strategy to meet from fl ash fl ooding, storm surges growing needs for water over the long term, particularly in drought prone areas. and tidal fl ows from Port Phillip Bay The use of recycled water and stormwater needs to be ‘fi t for its purpose’ – have impacted on public and private that is, an appropriate quality for the intended use. Appropriate opportunities infrastructure, including The Esplanade for substitution of river and groundwater with treated recycled water foreshore area, which frequently or stormwater include non–drinking uses in households and industry, fl oods due to storm surges. and for agriculture, irrigating open spaces and gardens.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 15 Healthy and valued waterways and marine environments

The Werribee catchment contains an diverse frog populations, a variety There is a need to investigate array of signifi cant and biologically of fi sh species and a range of birds, improved stormwater storage diverse waterways ranging from lizards and butterfl ies. In parts of capabilities across the catchment, expansive rivers, small ephemeral the mid and lower systems, native particularly in areas where creeks and the western shoreline species are on the decline as stormwater harvesting and of Victoria’s iconic Port Phillip Bay. streamside habitat corridors face management could reduce the risk The catchment encompasses a the challenges of urbanisation, and cost of major rainfall events and naturally arid landscape where agricultural and industrial activity minimise impacts, such as pollution, many small waterways run dry and climate change impacts. to the bay’s marine environments. during periods of low rainfall. Vegetation and habitat linking works throughout the mid and The existing environmental Major waterways in the Werribee lower catchment aim to improve entitlements for the Werribee catchment include the Lerderderg, these populations, control pollution River do not fully address the fl ow- Werribee and Little Rivers, as well as and invasive species and stabilise stressed nature of this important river , Kororoit Creek, Cherry waterway and environmental health system. Improving both the volume Creek, Lollypop Creek, Laverton over the long term. and pattern of water fl ow across Creek and Skeleton Creek. Several the upper and lower reaches is a of these creeks and rivers comprise Water quality is considered fair for complex challenge. This challenge their own sub-catchment through nearly half of the region’s waterways, includes considering water security the broader Werribee Forum Area, indicating some evidence of stress for agricultural initiatives which do and each fl ow directly to Port Phillip is apparent. Rivers and creeks in not compromise river health, as well Bay. The Lerderderg River originates the forested upper reaches of the as understanding and improving in the Wombat State Forest near catchment, including the upper environmental fl ow defi cits. Blackwood, meandering southeast Werribee and Lerderderg Rivers, are There is a need to investigate more before reaching its confl uence with in better condition than those near widespread use of alternative water the Werribee River at the Melton urban and industrial areas. For rural to supplement environmental fl ows Reservoir. One of only two Victorian areas and the lower catchment, in the Werribee catchment. Heritage Rivers found in the fi ve 42 per cent of waterways are in metropolitan IWM Forum regions, poor condition or fl ow stressed, Further, there is an opportunity to the Lerderderg River has retained however there is an overall trend of collaboratively manage the region’s many of its natural features and improvement in water quality since increased development activity, supports a range of environmental, the 2000s. Stormwater is among agricultural demands, increased geological, cultural and recreational the major sources of pollution to stormwater volumes and nutrient values for the Werribee catchment. waterways within the catchment. discharge to rivers and creeks, According to the State of the Bays to ensure the health of the Several small creeks join to form the 2016, 95 per cent of litter on Port catchment’s waterways and Werribee River in the Wombat State Phillip Bay’s beaches, including Port Phillip Bay can be improved Forest, on the southern slopes of those along the catchment’s for future generations. the . The river western bay shoreline, was On the eastern boundary of the fl ows approximately 110 km, meeting transported from suburban streets Werribee catchment, wetlands, the Lerderderg River and farmlands through the stormwater system. through Bacchus Marsh along sandy beaches and rocky shores the way, before it eventually joins Wetlands play a key role in the span the coast from Williamstown, Port Phillip Bay. The river supports treatment of stormwater within the 9 km southwest of Melbourne, important agricultural districts and lower catchment. Most of the major to Point Wilson on the northern provides water entitlements for rural rivers and creeks fl owing through shores of . Many of the communities and urban centres the region drain to wetland areas, major waterways within this part throughout the catchment. Native including the Truganina Swamp, of the catchment fl ow through animals at home in or near the Cheetham Wetlands and the coastal wetlands before draining Werribee and Lerderderg systems Spit Wildlife Reserve, before to Port Phillip Bay. include , meeting Port Phillip Bay.

16 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

WERRIBEE RIVER

K E E R C

H R R LERDERDERG RIVER A IW R PYRITES CREEK R E J PYKES CREEK RESERVOIR D DJERRIWARRH RESERVOIR A designated Ramsar site along the MERRIMU RESERVOIR bay’s western shoreline links wetlands W ER R near Altona and Werribee, through IB E E KOROROIT CREEK R IV the Western Treatment Plant to Lake E R Connewarre, south of Geelong. The Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) MELTON RESERVOIR WERRIBEE RIVER and Ramsar site

spans more than 22,000 hectares S CHERRY CREEK

and encompasses the Point Cook K

E

L E

Marine Sanctuary, the largest marine T

O

N sanctuary in Victoria, and the Spit C R

E LITTLE RIVER E Wildlife Reserve. The sanctuary’s LOLLYPOP CREEK K richly diverse marine ecosystem hosts numerous species of fi sh, invertebrates, molluscs, planktonic and pelagic species, as well as 44 threatened bird species and 30 internationally important migratory LITTLE RIVER bird species. In addition to their WESTERN TREATMENT PLANT important ecological function, the wetlands and nearby coastline Port Phillip Bay are a signifi cant recreational resource, providing an important open space that is highly valued by local communities.

Beyond the Ramsar boundary at The Werribee catchment contributes IWM outcomes to achieve healthy Williamstown, the Jawbone Marine most of the total amount of nitrogen and valued waterways and marine Sanctuary provides an important entering Port Phillip Bay. This nutrient environments in the Werribee feeding and roosting habitat for is considered among the greatest catchment complement Melbourne 36 threatened bird species and 24 threats to the health of the bay Water’s draft Healthy Waterways internationally important migratory and the marine species it supports, Strategy 2018. The strategy focuses bird species. Basalt reefs, shallow leading to higher instances of algal on protecting and improving inshore waters, mudfl ats and growth and phytoplankton blooms waterways in the Port Phillip and seagrass beds encourage a variety aff ecting water quality and the Westernport region on behalf of planktonic, pelagic and fi sh function of marine ecosystems. of the community. It identifi es species to visit and breed in these The Western Treatment Plant a range of priority areas and shallow waters in the upper northwest contributes 54 per cent of total management actions for waterways, corner of Port Phillip Bay. nitrogen to the bay, whilst the and many of these align with the remaining areas of the Werribee strategic outcome areas and IWM The bay continues to off er high water catchment contribute approximately opportunities identifi ed by the quality and an abundance of marine 6 per cent of total nitrogen to the Werribee IWM Forum Members fl ora and fauna, despite the four bay from runoff . and further detailed in Chapter 3. million people residing near its 333 km coastline. Along the coast, There is an opportunity to water quality tends to be lower than incorporate improved planning in the protected marine sanctuaries and waterway protection controls, within the bay, and this is largely as well as strategies to manage related to urban, industrial and nutrients, sediment and pollution, agricultural infl uences on stormwater as the Werribee catchment runoff to the bay. continues to urbanise.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 17 Landscapes for health and wellbeing

Many of Victoria’s most iconic Only about one quarter of the The Western Grasslands Reserve, landscapes are found throughout Werribee catchment refl ects its a 15,000 hectare vegetation the Werribee catchment. From natural vegetation before settlement community, aims to restore some of expansive forests and vast dry plains and most of this is confi ned to the the last remaining native grasslands scattered with volcanic stony rises, upper Werribee catchment where that once covered much of the to marshy wetlands and sandy fern gullies and dry open forests Werribee catchment. The reserve beaches on the western shores shelter hundreds of native and links the You Yangs to the Werribee of Port Phillip Bay, the catchment threatened species. Grey kangaroos, River across the Victorian Western characterises a variety of culturally wombats, wallabies, echidnas and Plains, a vast and largely fl at and historically signifi cant settings. are at home in the bushland plain studded with stony volcanic of the Wombat State Forest, located rises. The area supports several The Werribee catchment covers an 50 km west of Melbourne. The forest threatened plant and animal species 2 area of approximately 2,715 km and provides an important breeding of national signifi cance, such as the 67 per cent of this land is devoted habitat for many migratory birds. Growling Grass Frog, the Golden to agriculture. Only fi ve per cent of More than 350 species of native Sun Moth and the Southern Brown the catchment is zoned as urban, plants, including boldly coloured Bandicoot. Councils, communities though recent years of development fungi and 25 rare and threatened and water industry partners are in cities and towns on Melbourne’s plant species, can be found in the working to further restore native fringe have dramatically changed forest. The 300-m deep Lerderderg vegetation through the west through the landscape of the area. The west River gorge is a dominant feature sustainable land use management is now one of the fastest growing of the , practices that balance the dry, regions in Australia, presenting new a haven for bushwalkers on the rocky landscapes typical of challenges for the conservation of southeast corner of the Wombat the region with the necessity natural environments for ecological State Forest. Both the Lerderderg to provide urban cooling. and community benefi t. There is an and Werribee gorges are recognised opportunity to improve connections as landscapes of international and Increasing temperatures will place through residential areas, linking state geomorphological signifi cance. greater emphasis on the necessity green corridors and parklands for Coupled with the Brisbane Ranges of green infrastructure to cool improved community health and National Park, Victoria’s richest western landscapes and improve wellbeing. Cycling and walking wildfl ower environment, these near- community liveability in this tracks along the Werribee River natural forested regions contribute historically arid and rocky region. Trail and the are enormous environmental value to In contrast to naturally lush and examples of two well-used and well- the west and provide excellent forested neighbouring regions, loved recreational assets connecting recreation opportunities for suburbs in the Werribee catchment communities in the west. locals and visitors alike. have tree canopy coverage of only fi ve to 10 per cent, compared to between 10 and 30 per cent in other areas of metropolitan Melbourne. Water is required to increase and sustain canopy cover over the landscape with vegetation that may not naturally thrive in these dry conditions.

18 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Strengthened community knowledge and local values refl ected in place-based planning

The Werribee catchment area holds Sunshine West, new employment Creek, Friends of Maribyrnong Valley a wide range of values for Victorians, precincts will attract more residents and the Werribee River Association including nature-based tourism, and further growth. are also working to improve planning cultural heritage and recreation on and environmental protection in and near rivers and Port Phillip Bay. Water demand will continue to grow the Werribee catchment. The Rivers with the expansive newly planned of the West campaign aims to The catchment encompasses the suburbs emerging in the west. There achieve legal reform in the planning Traditional lands of the Wurundjeri, is an opportunity to integrate water and management of the west’s Wadawurrung and Bunurong people planning and management with waterways. of the . More than 3,500 urban design and development to Aboriginal cultural sites have been ensure innovative water infrastructure Other cross-government and water recorded across the catchment, can service growing communities sector initiatives that seek to elevate including scarred trees, fi sh traps, and deliver secure water supplies community priorities include the camp sites, burials and ceremonial to homes, businesses and facilities. Greening the West and Greening the sites. A majority of these are found Examples include water-sensitive Pipeline initiatives. Greening the West close to waterholes, wetlands and urban design in new residential brings together 23 organisations to rivers, including the Werribee River, estates, recycled water and improve urban greening, cooling and which remains a place of signifi cant stormwater harvesting to irrigate amenity by planting over one million cultural value. The Werribee parklands and sporting fi elds and trees across western metropolitan catchment derives its name from other public and private spaces, the Melbourne. In the catchment’s both the Wadawurrung and provision of community amenities with southwest, the Greening the Pipeline Boonwurrung words meaning water features and the maintenance project at has backbone or spine, and is believed of open space and green wedges transformed an underutilised stretch to refer to the tall trees that lined to support recreation and cooling of the heritage listed Main Outfall the banks of the Werribee River in this naturally dry landscape. Sewer pipeline reserve into water- in contrast with the fl at, grassy sensitive parklands to better connect plains of its surrounding area. The catchment’s local governments, the new communities of the west. communities and water industry Maintaining community liveability and partners are working together to The Western and Inner Metropolitan enhancing cultural, social, ecological improve connections between Partnerships brings together and recreational values of regional people and the landscape during community and business waterways, parks and forests remain this period of change. Collaborative representatives with state and local areas of focus as growth planning initiatives to strengthen community governments to identify priorities continues in the west. The region knowledge of land and waterway for jobs, services and infrastructure already encompasses some of the values are abundant and there within the region. Among a range largest and fastest growing suburban are numerous community-led or of priorities, the Partnerships populations in Australia, with new co-designed projects in the region provide advice to ensure ongoing communities emerging in Point Cook, working to protect natural assets, environmental benefi ts and Tarneit, Bacchus Marsh and North restore vegetation and improve connections to the environment Wyndham Vale. Rural townships will community health and wellbeing. within each region. continue to urbanise, transforming Notable examples include the Grow the region with a network of satellite West project, which aims to enhance cities on Melbourne’s fringe. In the native vegetation, create biolinks municipality of Melton, the amount and protect natural landscapes of urbanised area will triple by 2040, in the upper Werribee catchment. while in already developed suburbs Groups including Environmental such as Werribee, Altona and Justice Australia, Friends of Steele

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 19 Jobs, economic benefi ts and innovation

The Werribee catchment covers a Planning is underway for the The Werribee National Employment major growth corridor in Melbourne’s Western Irrigation Network (WIN), and Innovation Cluster (NEIC) is west, one of the fastest growing an alternative water scheme led by a major employment hub for the regions in Australia. It includes several Western Water for the catchment's catchment, providing around areas designated for population agricultural region. The WIN will 8,400 jobs across health, and economic growth, signifi cant support future recycled water education and research industries. transport and freight infrastructure customer supply to enable high The Werribee NEIC has the capacity and fertile agricultural lands value agriculture, regional economic to host up to 50,000 more jobs comprising a major Australian growth and liveability in the west. as the region matures, presenting food bowl. new opportunities for economic The Werribee catchment’s strong development and regional The Werribee Irrigation District and industrial and manufacturing roots self-sustainability. Secure water the Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District have contributed to the growth of supplies and adequate water support two of Australia’s most Victoria’s largest State Signifi cant management infrastructure for productive food growing regions Industrial Precinct (SSIP). Spanning the water, wastewater and stormwater and provide Victorians with fresh Altona, Laverton and Derrimut region, to support the catchment’s key leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, the West SSIP provides strategically industries will be critical to its broccoli and caulifl ower, stone and located land for major industrial continued economic growth pome fruit, market garden plants and developments linked to key freight and success. turf. Water for agricultural irrigation and transport gateways, including is derived from several reservoirs Melbourne’s second international in the catchment and is further airport, Avalon Airport, the West Gate supplemented by recycled water Freeway, and the from the Western Treatment Plant. Western Ring Road. Wholesale trade Piping infrastructure modernisation accounts for around one quarter of projects are underway to return water all industries in the West SSIP, back to the environment and make followed by manufacturing (20 per these regions more effi cient, reliable cent) and transport and warehousing and resilient to the drier climate (16 per cent). Several petrochemical facing the Werribee catchment. and petroleum refi ning industries are also located in the Werribee Beyond the irrigation districts, catchment, as well as extractive agricultural land in the catchment is resource industries, including Victoria’s used for livestock grazing and crop largest producer of hard rock for production. Ensuring the provision building and road construction. of secure water supplies, including Managing the impact of these recycled water for sustainable industries on waterway health agriculture and irrigated cropping, is a central concern for the will be vital to the catchment’s Werribee catchment. ongoing productivity.

20 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 2

Chapter 3 IWM opportunities

A portfolio of priority IWM projects and strategies that the Werribee catchment’s collaborative partners have committed their best endeavours to progress.

Skeleton Creek retarding basin. Photographer: Chris Kapa Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 21 Priority Portfolio

The following portfolio In addition, consideration was partners in the IWM Priority Portfolio given to the urgency of taking have been identifi ed by the Forum of priority projects and such actions, particularly where Members as important stakeholders strategies represents opportunities could be lost if no to progress the IWM opportunities. a suite of IWM action was taken, as well as the For opportunities in initial stages opportunities for which level of commitment demonstrated of development, additional by partner organisations to progress stakeholders may be included as the Werribee IWM IWM opportunities over the next the project or strategy progresses. Forum's collaborative 12-18 months. By co-delivering a range of water partners are committed The projects and strategies within planning and management initiatives, to progress within the acknowledge a number of existing the Werribee IWM Forum seeks to build next 12 to 18 months. metropolitan-wide strategies and on the strengths of the community, plans, such as the Melbourne Water the water sector and governments The status of each IWM opportunity Systems Strategy and the draft to achieve better value and long included in the Priority Portfolio Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018, term shared benefi ts for the region. refl ects the phase of work to be as well as the clear and measurable The Werribee IWM Forum presents undertaken in this time period. targets identifi ed in the existing an unparalleled opportunity for strategies. Targets may include these organisations to build lasting Additional opportunities that require alternative water use and stormwater partnerships across sectors and further assessment are included harvesting and infi ltration. Further, geographical boundaries to enhance, in the Appendix of this SDS. climate change mitigation goals, accelerate and generate greater including low emission IWM solutions In developing this portfolio, visibility for water cycle initiatives and those that support urban cooling the collaborative governance of that will improve Victoria’s resilience and greening, will be considered the Forum recognises the water and liveability. by the Forum during the evaluation cycle complexities of the region and of projects and strategies. considers the balance of outcomes, opportunities, roles and responsibilities The IWM Forum recognises that the for Forum Members and their contribution of this Priority Portfolio communities. to the seven strategic outcomes, including the targets identifi ed in the A Forum Area (or catchment-wide) existing metropolitan-wide strategies, IWM Strategy is yet to be developed, has not yet been quantifi ed. It is the however the Werribee IWM Forum has intention of the Forum to consider agreed to initiate development of a a targeted evaluation of these IWM strategy over the next 12-18 months. opportunities where the Forum agrees The IWM opportunities listed within this is necessary. This work may occur the Priority Portfolio have not been in tandem with the development guided by an existing IWM Strategy, of a catchment-wide strategy. rather they were developed based on The Forum acknowledges that this is the experience and knowledge of the a dynamic list of IWM opportunities Forum Members, and in consideration and is subject to further assessment of their potential to impact on the by the IWM Forum Members. The Grasslands. seven strategic outcomes for IWM organisations listed as collaborative Photographer: Chris Kapa sought for the Werribee region.

22 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum’s strategic outcomes

IWM Plan for Western Growth Western Water’s Development IWM Plan Guidance Western Irrigation Network Werribee Catchment IWM Strategy Reimagining Arnolds Creek Reducing Salinity in Recycled Water from WTP Recycled Water Network Extension Melton Potable Water Supply Augmentation for Western Growth Nature Links Across the Catchment Landscape Melton Waste to Energy Irrigation District Modernisation Extension of Recycled Water Network for Werribee City Centre Expansion of Greening the Pipeline Environmental Flows for the Werribee River Enhancing the Port Phillip Bay Ramsar Wetlands Designing for Alternative Water Opportunities Brimbank Water Sensitive Urban Design Prioritisation Strategy Brimbank Water Sensitive Urban Design Asset Audit Black Forest Road Stormwater and ASR scheme Bacchus Marsh IWM Plan

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 Relative impact on strategic outcome (highest total impact = 1)

Safe, secure and affordable supplies in an uncertain future Effective and affordable wastewater systems Opportunities are optimised to manage existing and future risks and impacts Healthy and valued waterways and marine environments Valued landscapes for health and well-being Strengthened community knowledge and local values reflected in place-based planning Jobs, economic benefits and innovation

Safe, secure and aff ordable water supplies 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

Strengthened Opportunities are community knowledge optimised to manage and local values existing and future refl ected in place- fl ood risks and impacts based planning

Landscapes for health Healthy and valued and well-being waterways and marine environments

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 23 IWM opportunities: An overviewverview of projects and strategies

IWM opportunity Strategic outcomes Location Spatial scale

Bacchus Marsh IWM Plan Bacchus Marsh Growth area

Black Forest Road Stormwater Greenfi eld and ASR Scheme subdivision

Brimbank Water Sensitive Sub-catchment Urban Design Asset Audit

Brimbank Water Sensitive Urban City of Brimbank Sub-catchment Design Prioritisation Strategy

Designing for Alternative City of Melton Sub-catchment Water Opportunities

Enhancing the Port Phillip Bay Port Phillip Bay Forum area Ramsar Wetlands Ramsar site

Environmental Flows Werribee Forum area for the Werribee River catchment

Expansion of Greening Along the Main Sub-catchment the Pipeline Outfall Sewer

Extension of Recycled Water Werribee Growth area Network for Werribee City Centre

Irrigation District Werribee Forum area Modernisation

IWM Plan for Western Growth Sub-catchment Western Growth Area

Melton Waste Melton Recycled Sub-catchment to Energy Water Plant

Nature Links Across the Werribee Forum Forum area Catchment Landscape Area

Potable Water Supply Western Water Inter-forum Augmentation for Western Growth Service Region

Recycled Water Network City of Melton Sub-catchment Extension Melton

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 Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact.

Low High

24 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Collaborative partners Status

Western Water, Moorabool Shire Council, Melbourne Water, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation (L&CCHCAC), Victorian Planning Authority (VPA)

City West Water, Wyndham City Council, Melbourne Water, Wadawurrung, VPA

Brimbank City Council, Melbourne Water, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (LCAC), Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation (L&CCHCAC)

Brimbank City Council, Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, Bunurong LCAC

Melton City Council, VPA, MW, WW, CWW, Councils, developers, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA), , Melbourne Water, Wadawurrung, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, City Council, Friends of Hooded Plover, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Birdlife Australia

Western Water, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, PPWCMA, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, Bunurong LCAC

Melbourne Water, Wyndham City Council, City West Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, Greening the West, Vic Roads

City West Water, Wyndham City Council, Melbourne Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Southern Rural Water, Melbourne Water, Western Water, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Melbourne Water, Melton City Council, Wyndham City Council, City West Water, Western Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, VPA, DELWP

Western Water, Sustainability Victoria, Department of Treasury and Finance, Environment Protection Authority, Dept. Health and Human Services, Melton City Council, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, water utilities, waste groups and associations, local hospitals

PPWCMA, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, Parks Victoria, Moorabool Shire Council, Lead West, City of Greater Geelong, Wyndham City Council, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, local Landcare groups

Western Water, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Western Water, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity.

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

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 25 IWM opportunities: An overviewverview of projects and strategies

IWM opportunity Strategic outcomes Location Spatial scale

Reducing Salinity in Recycled Werribee Inter-forum Water from the Western Treatment Plant

Reimagining Arnolds Creek City of Melton Sub-catchment

Werribee Catchment Werribee Forum Forum area IWM Strategy Area

Western Irrigation Gisborne, Sunbury, Inter-forum Network Melton, Bacchus Marsh

Western Water's Development Western Water Greenfi eld IWM Plan Guidance Service Region subdivision

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 Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact.

Low High

26 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Collaborative partners Status

Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, Western Water, Wadawurrung

Melbourne Water, Melton City Council, Western Water

Werribee Forum partner organisations

Western Water, Moorabool Shire Council, Melton City Council, City Council, City West Water, Southern Rural Water (advisory), Melbourne Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Western Water, Moorabool Shire Council, Melton City Council, Hume City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Melbourne Water, VPA, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity.

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

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 27 Priority Portfolio of IWM opportunities

The impact of climate change and All IWM opportunities included in the Some IWM opportunities in the Priority population growth in the Werribee Priority Portfolio demonstrate value for Portfolio off er unique additional values. catchment are primary considerations the Werribee catchment. Most projects These include benefi ts derived from for the Werribee IWM Forum. The and strategies will be enhanced or additional resources and support opportunities contained in this IWM accelerated by collaboration and gained through the IWM Forum Priority Portfolio aim to manage the visibility through the IWM Forum process, as well as the ability to be challenges presented by rapid growth, process. Many demonstrate the a mechanism for IWM advocacy as well as adapt to climate change potential to generate, enhance, and policy innovation. and avoid further exacerbating its or benefi t from, new cross- drivers. Together, these actions organisational learnings and Some IWM opportunities demonstrate will improve the region’s resilience, capacity-building opportunities. potential to contribute substantial ensure the long term health of benefi ts to the Werribee region, its environment, and enrich the or specifi cally to its iconic natural liveability of its communities. assets, such as Werribee River and its tributaries, and Port Phillip Bay.

ACTION 1

Bacchus Marsh IWM Plan

The population of Bacchus Marsh is projected to double from 20,000 to 40,000 residents by 2041. An integrated approach to water planning and management in this growing Status region, including the Merrimu and Parwan Station areas, will benefi t from secure supplies Location Bacchus Marsh and water sensitive community amenities, such as open space reserves. The Bacchus Marsh IWM Plan will explore integrated water options to address the challenges of climate Collaborative Western Water, Moorabool Shire Council, Melbourne change and rapid growth in the west. The use of alternative local sources of water, such as Partners Water, Wadawurrung, stormwater and recycled water, will be a key focus of the plan. The plan will also explore Wurundjeri Land and opportunities to protect local ecological values within waterways from the impacts of Compensation Cultural excess urban stormwater generated in new developed suburbs. Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation (L&CCHCAC), Victorian Planning Authority (VPA)

Spatial scale Growth area ACTION 2

Black Forest Road Stormwater and ASR Scheme

This project involves harvesting approximately 3 GL of treated stormwater from a proposed Status manmade lake in the City of Wyndham and supplying this water to the Western Growth Corridor recycled water network through the existing recycled water system. The lake is Location City of Wyndham proposed to be a major amenity asset for new developed suburbs in the west. The area also shows high potential for Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) to better manage harvest Collaborative City West Water, Partners Wyndham City Council, yield with availability from rainfall events. Melbourne Water, Wadawurrung, VPA

Spatial scale Greenfi eld subdivision

28 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 3

Brimbank Water Sensitive Urban Design Asset Audit

Brimbank City Council will conduct an audit of WSUD assets, including wetlands, Status to ensure they are performing as per design intent. This includes both physical and structural asset elements. Maintenance schedules informed by audit results Location City of Brimbank will be developed and may assist other Councils in ensuring their assets are performing at their optimum. Collaborative Brimbank City Council, Partners Melbourne Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

ACTION 4

Brimbank Water Sensitive Urban Design Prioritisation Strategy

Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Hume City Councils undertook a pilot study to develop a Status methodology and develop a multi-criteria framework to prioritise locations for stormwater interventions. Brimbank has subsequently undertaken designs for three stormwater Location City of Brimbank harvesting installations and has expanded the assessment to include the Sunshine Brimbank City Council, National Employment and Innovation Cluster, an area of jobs growth and strategic Collaborative Partners Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri infrastructure investment on the border of the Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments. L&CCHCAC, Bunurong LCAC Brimbank proposes to build on this work to undertake assessment of all sub-catchments within the municipality to develop a prioritised list of projects for construction, subject to Spatial scale Sub-catchment a budget being available. There is potential for this work to be expanded across the Werribee catchment.

ACTION 5

Designing for Alternative Water Opportunities

The City of Melton will explore collaboration opportunities with planning authorities, Status developers and neighbouring Councils to ensure urban planning and design considers alternative water sources at the earliest stages prior to development. This project will Location City of Melton identify opportunities to reduce potable water usage, improve resilience to extreme fl ooding or drought events, and support high-quality open space using alternative Collaborative Melton City Council, VPA, Partners supplies, such as stormwater, in several new greenfi eld developments occurring within MW, WW, CWW, Councils, developers, Bunurong the municipality over the next two decades. The potential outcomes of designing for LCAC, Wurundjeri alternative water opportunities could be replicated in other urban and regional growth L&CCHCAC* areas where climate change and stormwater management will be a challenge. Spatial scale Sub-catchment

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 29 ACTION 6

Enhancing the Port Phillip Bay Ramsar Wetlands

Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) is recognised globally as a 'Wetland of International Status Importance' under the Ramsar Convention. The site regularly sustains more than 20,000 waterbirds and supports vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species or Location Port Phillip Bay Ramsar site threatened ecological communities of plants and animals at critical stages in their lifecycle. Collaborative This important ecological area currently faces increased pressures and stressors, such as Port Phillip and Westernport Partners Catchment Management invasive species, urban development, climate change and pollution. To address these Authority (PPWCMA), Parks threats and maintain this complex and important wetland, management interventions Victoria, Melbourne Water, and conservation actions are required. This project builds on the work of an established Wadawurrung, Bunurong network of groups and landowners working collaboratively to protect and enhance the LCAC, Wurundjeri ecological values of the Port Phillip Bay Ramsar wetlands. Through a range of conservation L&CCHCAC*, Hobsons Bay activities, including weed control, revegetation, habitat protection and augmentation, City Council, Friends of and community education activities, this project will assist in improving the condition of Hooded Plover, Conservation Volunteers wetlands and coastal saltmarsh vegetation communities, as well as help support and Australia, Birdlife Australia stabilise a range of bird species. Spatial scale Forum area

ACTION 7

Environmental Flows for the Werribee River

Environmental fl ows support a healthy river environment. Critical to protect the plants, Status animals and overall health of rivers, wetlands, fl oodplains and estuaries, environmental fl ows also provide social, cultural and economic benefi ts. This project investigates Location Werribee catchment opportunities to improve the ecological values of the Werribee River, including Western Water, Melbourne environmental fl ow and quality, with the introduction of off sets and alternative Collaborative Partners Water, Southern Rural Water, water sources, such as recycled water and stormwater, and the timing of water PPWCMA, Wadawurrung, releases to the river. Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, Bunurong LCAC

Spatial scale Forum area

ACTION 8

Expansion of Greening the Pipeline

This project explores opportunities to transform the heritage-listed Main Outfall Sewer Status (MOS) reserve, located along the Federation Trail bike path, into a parkland to service a growing population in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Location Werribee catchment

The project envisions the creation vibrant community social and recreation spaces Collaborative Melbourne Water, that will connect neighbourhoods, enhance active transport options for residents, Partners Wyndham City Council, City West Water, manage water sensitively for urban greening and cooling benefi ts, and provide a Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri unique space to meet, play and relax. L&CCHCAC*, Greening the West, Vic Roads The project’s collaborative partners are presently focused on Zone 5 of the broader Greening the Pipeline initiative. This 4 km section is one of nine zones along the Spatial scale Sub-catchment MOS that together form part of a larger, long term place activation project.

30 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 9

Extension of Recycled Water Network for Werribee City Centre

This project investigates the extension of the recycled water network to supply the Status suburbs of , Wyndham Park and growth across Werribee’s city centre. High quality recycled water is currently being supplied to around 3,750 homes in Werribee, Location Werribee Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes. It will soon be connected to homes in the Cornerstone, City West Water, Wyndham Kings Leigh and Vineyard estates. The recycled water originates from Melbourne Water’s Collaborative Partners City Council, Melbourne Western Treatment Plant to City West Water’s plant, where it is further processed to Water, Bunurong LCAC, improve its quality and then sent to homes and open spaces in the Wyndham area Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC* through a dedicated ‘purple pipe’ recycled water system. An extension of the recycled water network in Werribee’s city centre and surrounding communities will support Spatial scale Growth area liveability in the region and ensure high quality open spaces can be maintained for future greening and cooling benefi ts.

ACTION 10

Irrigation District Modernisation

This project will modernise the Werribee Irrigation District by replacing 40 km of old Status channel with new pipelines, saving approximately 5 GL of water per year. This is a jointly funded project by Southern Rural Water and the State Government. Water saved from the Location Werribee fi rst three stages of this multi-staged project will be split equally between irrigators and Southern Rural Water, environmental fl ows to the Werribee River. Pending funding support, the fi nal two stages Collaborative Partners Melbourne Water, Western of the project are scheduled for 2020-21. There is an opportunity for the Werribee IWM Water, Victorian Forum to consider the value of investment into the fi nal phases of work and whether further Environmental Water investment in the project will realise value in further water for the environment or other uses. Holder, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Spatial scale Forum area

ACTION 11

IWM Plan for Western Growth

The impact of urban growth on the water cycle in the Werribee catchment is signifi cant. Status Additional water demand is expected to exceed 35 GL/year, while an additional 21 GL/year of stormwater and 17 GL/year of recycled water will be generated. Location Western Growth Area, This IWM Plan for the Western Growth area will identify and evaluate options to service including Werribee the region and manage the impacts of increased volumes of water on the environment. Collaborative Melbourne Water, Melton Partners City Council, Wyndham City Council, City West Water, Western Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, VPA, DELWP

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 31 ACTION 12

Melton Waste to Energy

The Melton Recycled Water Plant will enhance its energy production by repurposing Status heat and electrical power from biogas generated in the processing of organic waste. The facility will include a dedicated anaerobic digester that will create additional heat Location Melton Recycled Water and electrical power from the existing biogas co-generation capabilities at the plant. Plant

The facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing the use of coal-fi red Collaborative Western Water, Partners Sustainability Victoria, generated electricity. The anaerobic digester will also enhance the digestion process Department of Treasury to reduce volatile suspended solids and produce a biosolids product with added value, and Finance, Environment reducing the costs associated with treating and diluting high-strength organic waste Protection Authority, Dept. loads, as well as redirect problematic trade waste and regional waste streams that Health and Human impact on sewer networks and the water recycling process. Services, Melton City Council, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, water utilities, waste groups and associations, local hospitals

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

ACTION 13

Nature Links Across the Catchment Landscape

Nature Links cultivate vegetation corridors across the landscape to support the Status movement and health of native animal species and increase landscape resilience to future climate pressures. In doing so, Nature Links improve landscape amenity Location Werribee Forum Area and recreation opportunities for local communities. Collaborative PPWCMA, Melbourne Water, Partners This project builds on the work of the Grow West project over the past 12 years that has Southern Rural Water, Parks undertaken major revegetation action with many community and funding partners to Victoria, Moorabool Shire rejuvenate degraded landscapes around Bacchus Marsh. Working alongside landholders Council, Lead West, City of to create new vegetation corridors across public and private land, this project extends Greater Geelong, Wyndham the Grow West Nature Link between the Brisbane Ranges and the Lerderderg State Park, City Council, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC, local and extends the concept to initiate new Nature Links along the length of the Werribee Landcare groups River and between the Brisbane Ranges and the You Yangs. Spatial scale Forum area

ACTION 14

Potable Water Supply Augmentation for Western Growth

Signifi cant population growth projected for the Western Water service region, in combination Status with low infl ows to local reservoirs, is placing pressure on the region's potable water supplies. Western Water is becoming increasingly reliant on Melbourne’s water supply system. Location Western Water Service However, its current entitlements will likely be insuffi cient to meet the growing demand for Region service in the region. This project involves exploring potable water supply augmentations Collaborative using an IWM approach. Options include further optimising local supplies, creating new Western Water, Melbourne Partners Water, Southern Rural local supplies, extending the water grid to access supplies from outside the region, Water, Bunurong LCAC, and trading water allocations. Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

32 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

ACTION 15

Recycled Water Network Extension Melton

The lack of access to fi t for purpose recycled water has been identifi ed as a barrier Status to the productive use of green wedge land and public open space irrigation. This project will explore the opportunity to supply Class B recycled water to public open space in the Location City of Melton western growth corridor in the City of Melton. The Class B recycled water supply that will Western Water, Melbourne transfer Class B recycled water to the Western Irrigation Network will be augmented Collaborative Partners Water, Southern Rural to enable supply through the growth area and green wedge. Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Spatial scale Sub-catchment

ACTION 16

Reducing Salinity in Recycled Water from the Western Treatment Plant

The reliability of irrigator entitlements has decreased since the Millennium Drought. Status To improve water security for irrigators, the Western Irrigation District has a bulk supply of 11 GL of Class A recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant. However, the water Location Werribee has high levels of sodium, which impacts crop growth and causes sodicity issues in the Melbourne Water, Southern soils that reduce permeability and cause soil dispersion. Sodicity issues add signifi cant Collaborative Partners Rural Water, Western cost to production and could threaten the sustainability of the Western Irrigation District. Water, Wadawurrung

This project aims to analyse options to reduce the salinity of the water, including reverse Spatial scale Inter-forum osmosis, shandying with other streams of recycled water, and shandying with potable water. Reducing the salinity of the recycled water by 30 to 50 per cent would enable sustainable use of recycled water, reduce costs of production for irrigators and potentially free up river water for other uses, including potable use or environmental fl ows.

ACTION 17

Reimagining Arnolds Creek

The Reimagining Your Creek project aims to create a vibrant and beautiful linear park and Status open space reserve for Melton residents to connect and interact with nature. At present, neighbourhoods in the region are divided by the existing Arnolds Creek concrete drainage Location City of Melton channel, an unsightly, dry and underutilised parcel of land with little shade or amenity. Alongside community partners and stakeholder representatives, Melbourne Water has Collaborative Melbourne Water, Partners Melton City Council, co-designed a plan to re-naturalise the creek environment and revitalise more than one Western Water kilometre of land at the heart of Melton. The old drainage channel will be transformed with vegetation and high-quality landscaping to cool the region, new community amenities, Spatial scale Sub-catchment such as benches and tables, and shared use bicycle and walking paths to better connect neighbourhoods to nearby schools, shops and community services.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 33 ACTION 18

Werribee Catchment IWM Strategy

An IWM strategy at the catchment-scale will guide the Werribee Forum Members Status to eff ectively contribute to achieving the Forum’s vision and strategic outcomes. The Forum will fi rst defi ne a plan to deliver an IWM strategy in collaboration with Location Werribee Forum Area all Werribee IWM Forum Members and Working Group members. The plan will be executed by the Forum and supported by agreed governance. Collaborative Werribee Forum partner Partners organisations

Spatial scale Forum area

ACTION 19

Western Irrigation Network

The signifi cant population growth taking place through the Sunbury and Melton growth Status areas will create a substantial volume of recycled water, which will need to be managed to minimise impact on the environment. The Western Irrigation Network is exploring the Location Gisborne, Sunbury, Melton, use of this recycled water to create a new agricultural irrigation district. The utilisation of Bacchus Marsh the recycled water in this way will not only protect the environment while keeping costs Collaborative Western Water, Moorabool to customers low, but it will also add to the local economy and improve the agricultural Partners Shire Council, Melton City productivity of the region. Council, Hume City Council, City West Water, Southern Rural Water (advisory), Melbourne Water, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Spatial scale Inter-forum

ACTION 20

Western Water's Development IWM Plan Guidance

Western Water has issued guidance for land developers across their region to put together Status IWM Plans at the development scale. Development IWM Plans facilitate a more holistic approach to urban water management that enables development and the increased Location Western Water Service demand for water services while also mitigating environmental degradation and the eff ects Region of climate change. Planning with an IWM approach and implementing IWM solutions aims Collaborative Western Water, Moorabool to ensure the best value infrastructure is provided for customers and the resulting services Partners Shire Council, Melton City will support thriving, liveable communities. Council, Hume City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Melbourne Water, VPA, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC

Spatial scale Greenfi eld subdivision

34 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Strategic enablers to put IWM into practice

The IWM Forums were established The DELWP Water and Catchments Barriers to IWM are reviewed, with in Victoria to identify, coordinate Group is responsible for addressing local implications and potential state- and prioritise place-based and these barriers to implementation wide resolutions, or strategic enablers, catchment-wide opportunities in a holistic manner alongside discussed. These discussions will help that would most benefi t from relevant government organisations DELWP determine potential options collaborative water cycle involved in land use planning for policy reform and associated planning and management. and land management. areas of impact for industry sectors and organisations. Alongside these opportunities, Advisory groups drawing on industry the IWM Forum Members identifi ed and independent expertise support Advisory groups provide advice a range of barriers that could DELWP in the development and regarding areas where planning, prevent eff ective implementation implementation of strategic initiatives water, local government and other of IWM across metropolitan to fi ll knowledge gaps and address arms of government need to work Melbourne and regional Victoria. issues identifi ed through the more collaboratively to maintain and IWM Forum process. enhance the liveability and resilience of Victoria’s cities and towns.

Williams Landing parkland. Courtesy: Melbourne Water

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 35 Success stories

Alternative water supports stakeholders collaborated to integrate To complement the Stormwater liveability and resiliency in water management solutions into the Harvesting Scheme, water and the west early planning stages of Toolern. sustainability targets were included within Toolern’s Precinct Structure The suburb of Toolern, in Melbourne’s In partnership with Melbourne Plans to ensure land developers would outer west, is one of several growth Water, Southern Rural Water, Melton invest in water to add value to their areas earmarked for signifi cant City Council, State Government, development, increasing the area’s suburban development in the coming developers and the community, liveability and resilience to climate years. By 2030, more than 50,000 new Western Water conceived the Toolern extremes. Blue-green infrastructure, residents will make Toolern their home. Stormwater Harvesting Scheme. such as wetlands and rain gardens, With the incoming growth, secure This scheme reduces drinking water helped provide enhanced biodiversity water supply is a challenge due to a use and increases alternative outcomes and micro-climate naturally occurring rain shadow eff ect water supply solutions in the region. benefi ts to keep the Toolern that creates unreliable regional rainfall Through the scheme, urban region cool and green. patterns and dry land conditions. stormwater water run-off is captured, With strong integration to its natural To ensure incoming residents could reducing the impact of the stormwater water environment, Toolern now benefi t from social amenities, such on local waterways and the proudly stands as one of Victoria’s as recreational green spaces, and environment. The stormwater is then fi rst water neutral suburbs. reduce the need to draw water supply supplied to agriculture, freeing up from potable sources outside the potable water for its highest value region, Western Water and a range of use as drinking water in Toolern and other Western Water communities.

Toolern wetland. Courtesy: Western Water

36 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

Williams Landing parkland (Greening the Pipeline). Courtesy: Melbourne Water

Greening the Pipeline Pilot The Greening the Pipeline Pilot Park assets to capture, fi lter and reuse Park, Williams Landing at Williams Landing has transformed local stormwater to irrigate grass, a portion of the old reserve into a well- shrubs and trees along the reserve. The Main Outfall Sewer (MOS) is used public space that celebrates The result is a cooler, more comfortable a 27 km heritage-listed sewerage heritage and links communities in microclimate and new habitats for channel that runs through several the west. A partnership between native species. of Melbourne’s western suburbs. Melbourne Water, Wyndham City Solar lights through the park demand Built in the 1890s, it was the largest Council, City West Water, VicRoads little energy and keep the area active civil engineering project ever and State Government, the linear park and safe, while a shared use bicycle undertaken in Victoria. In 1993, responds to local needs for improved and pedestrian path links suburbs the MOS was decommissioned and connectivity, active transport and from Brooklyn to Werribee, improving what remained of the unused concrete vibrant open spaces for health and liveability and providing physical lined channels created a physical wellbeing, providing a unique place and mental health benefi ts. barrier and potential safety hazard for social engagement and for local communities. Located in an recreational activities in a once Thanks to the success of the urban growth region with few existing isolating and underutilised area. Greening the Pipeline collaborations, green spaces and high heat stress investigations are underway to vulnerability, the MOS pipeline To counteract the risk of heat stress, co-design the entire length of the reserve was ripe for revitalisation. shady vegetated spaces line the MOS reserve into a world-class old channel. As a demonstration site linear park. for best practice integrated water management, the park is fi tted with

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 37 Continued success through 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 Phase Two of the IWM Forum cycle Forum Members will also assess ongoing IWM planning. The IWM will assume a more strategic approach the feasibility of additional IWM Forum cycle is summarised at right. to successful IWM implementation opportunities identifi ed in Phase and planning for the Forum Area. One (refer to Appendix). Phase One of the IWM Forum This phase will include the development cycle has established an enabling of catchment-wide IWM strategy to Phase Two will create an opportunity environment for Victoria’s water inform IWM investments. to evaluate and share learnings sector stakeholders to develop from Phase One. It will also shared IWM objectives and overcome Phase Two will also provide an optimise resources and explore sectoral, institutional and geographic opportunity for IWM Forum Members the development of innovative boundaries through collaboration. to update relevant organisational tools and approaches that plan This phase was guided by the policies, plans and strategies to refl ect for, and respond to, water supply experience and knowledge the outcomes of the IWM Forum. and demand in the future. of the Forum Members. It is anticipated that the IWM Forum Phase Three prepares the Forum collaborative partners will continue to refresh the Strategic Directions use their best endeavours to advance Statement and review the progress priority IWM initiatives through regular of strategic enablers for IWM. meetings and future Forums.

Western Treatment Plant wetlands. Photographer: David Paul

38 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Chapter 3

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 and Directions Statement for each region Water and Planning priorities for each Chair region Others as relevant

Phase II

Planning Co-design and agree on Terms of Reference, Collaborative partners governance structure, stakeholder engagement Cultivate a collaborative and/or community participatory planning guidance Community culture to progress IWM for IWM project/strategy representatives 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 who have committed to cost allocation; business case development Next 12-18 to progress IWM a project/strategy months opportunities Strategic enablers for IWM progressed by DELWP Community to next stage with support from Forum Members The feasibility representatives of IWM IWM Project Groups report progress to IWM Forums 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 in Phase II incorporate relevant IWM Project Groups incorporate elements into their to confi rm elements of IWM in their own organisational planning systems, e.g. Council the need for own plans, guidelines and corporate plans, Construction Guidelines, etc. specifi c IWM or frameworks projects/ Report back to IWM Forum 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

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 39 Appendix Additional IWM opportunities in the Werribee catchment

The following list of additional IWM Further assessment will be required opportunities was identifi ed by the by the collaborative partners to Werribee IWM Forum in the fi rst progress these opportunities phase of the IWM Forum cycle. through the IWM Forum.

The list captures potential future priorities for the Werribee IWM Forum.

IWM Opportunity Collaborative partners Strategic outcome areas

Environmental Accounts Port Phillip and Westernport CMA, for Werribee Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability (Victoria), Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, local councils, Wadawurrung, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, Wentworth Group

Healthy Waterways Strategy Melbourne Water, Councils, Environment Stormwater Management Protection Authority, Victorian Opportunities Planning Authority, water corporations, Wadawurrung, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*, industry stakeholders, VicRoads, Victorian Environmental Water Holder

Improving Soil and Land Port Phillip and Westernport CMA, Management to Protect Councils, Wadawurrung, Bunurong LCAC, Waterways Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Substitution of Irrigation Western Water, Melbourne Water, Demands with Fit for Purpose Southern Rural Water, Wadawurrung, Alternative Water Supplies Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

Urban Cooling Program for Melbourne Water, Councils, community Bike and Pedestrian Paths groups, Wadawurrung, Bunurong LCAC, Wurundjeri L&CCHCAC*

* The Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation will remain informed of progress related to this IWM opportunity.

Shade scale Level of shading refers to the degree of impact the IWM opportunity has on each strategic outcome area. Dark shading represents highest impact.

Low High

40 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

Understanding the Werribee River catchment as a system

The Werribee River crosses four municipal regions – Hepburn Shire, Moorabool Shire, City of Melton and Wyndham City. As it fl ows downstream from its origin in the Wombat State Forest, water is taken out of the river system to supply urban and rural centres, irrigation districts and private diverters licensed to use water for agriculture. The Werribee River is also used for leisure fi shing, water sports and other recreational uses.

There has been signifi cant Balancing the health of the many North Wyndham Vale IWM Analysis work completed to develop an interlinked creeks and tributaries be concluded and further analysis understanding of the Werribee through the Werribee River system is be commenced for other growth River catchment as a holistic a complex challenge. The Werribee and infi ll areas to enable clarity system requiring integrated water River’s lower reaches are currently for planning and development management and balanced fl ow stressed, with rapid development on water-related assets. distribution to support its diverse in areas such as Melton and North Other work to date on this user groups. Southern Rural Water, Wyndham Vale further altering issue includes: Melbourne Water, Western Water fl ows and negatively impacting the and the Department of Environment, ecological health of waterways in • IWM analysis for the Werribee Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) the system into which wastewater River system, comprising: have collaboratively initiated and treatment plants discharge and progressed this work, consulting stormwater drains fl ow. - Stage 1: Opportunity Identifi cation: other stakeholders at various stages. Identifi ed various IWM options, The Melton and North Wyndham Options to improve water security not mutually exclusive, which could Vale IWM Analysis (2015) sought for the Werribee and Bacchus Marsh increase irrigation water security to address water servicing options to Irrigation District have been examined, and improve waterway health. meet growing demands in urbanising as have investigations to manage the areas where additional volumes increased volumes of wastewater and of recycled water and stormwater stormwater generated in growth areas presented environmental challenges west of Melbourne and opportunities to the Werribee River system. This work to address fl ow defi cits in the was not pursued to its conclusion. Werribee System. The Werribee IWM Forum has developed a statement of urgency to address growth area scale integrated water planning in the west. Among its recommendations was that work undertaken in the Melton and

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 41 - Stage 2: Opportunity the health of the Werribee River. An integrated approach to water Development: Developed four of Water, sewerage and recycled water planning and management will the IWM Opportunities identifi ed for urban areas are managed by City ensure the balance of supply security in Stage 1 to understand feasibility. West Water and Western Water, whilst for urban and irrigation needs with These opportunities were: Southern Rural Water manages the the management of stormwater Werribee River system’s main storages: and recycled water discharges to > Provision of Recycled Water to Pykes Creek Reservoir, Melton Reservoir waterways and the provision of Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District and Merrimu Reservoir and the supply environmental fl ows for ecological > Modernising the Bacchus Marsh of water to irrigation districts. Irrigation health. The Werribee IWM Forum Irrigation District district water entitlement holders can facilitate further analysis of the also play a signifi cant role in the system’s interactions and decision- > Supply of recycled water (from management of the Werribee River making by providing an oversight Melton Recycled Water Plant) system. Local government has a role view that considers the costs and or stormwater to Werribee River in stormwater management, land-use impacts for the whole community planning and irrigation of public and environment across the > Piping the Werribee Irrigation open spaces. Werribee River system. District

• Werribee River Impacts Study: An ecological risk assessment of the impact alternative water (stormwater or recycled water) delivery to the Werribee River might have on waterway health (positive and negative).

• Werribee River Waterways Investigation: Assessed the conditions under which alternative water delivery to the Werribee River might satisfactorily comply with the risks assessed.

• Western Irrigation Network (WIN) business case and feasibility reports.

Since this work, Southern Rural Water has progressed implementation of modernising the irrigation districts.

Many stakeholders are involved in the decision-making to address the challenges of the Werribee River catchment system. For example, as the waterway manager, Melbourne Water is responsible for managing

Red-necked Avocet at the Western Treatment Plant. Photographer: David Paul

42 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

Glossary of terms

Aboriginal Victorians Biodiversity Climate change mitigation

An Aboriginal Victorian is a person of The numbers and variety of plants, Actions that prevent or reduce Aboriginal descent who identifi es as animals and other living beings, emissions of greenhouse gases an Aboriginal and is accepted as such including micro-organisms, across our that contribute to climate change. by the Victorian Aboriginal community land, rivers and oceans. It includes the in which he or she lives. diversity of their genetic information, Coastal fl ooding the habitats and ecosystems in which Inundation along the coastline they live and their connections with Algal blooms mainly due to fl ooding from the other life forms. sea associated with storm surge. A rapid increase in the population of It may also include additional algae that can occur in waterways, Catchment fl ooding caused by heavy rainfall. often caused by excess nutrients (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen). An area where water falling as rain is Community collected by the landscape, eventually Allocation fl owing to a such as a Includes individuals, public and creek, river, dam, lake or ocean; private landholders, community Water that is actually available to use or into a groundwater system. groups and business owners. or trade in any given year, including new allocations and carryover. Catchment management Connectivity authorities (CMAs) Assets Connections between natural The Catchment and Land Protection habitats, such as a river channel and Assets are resources that provide Act 1994 established 10 catchment adjacent wetland areas. Connectivity benefi t. This includes, for example, and land protection regions, each with is a measure or indicator of whether a infrastructure such as treatment a catchment management authority waterbody (river, wetland, fl oodplain) plants, pipes and pumps, water responsible for the integrated planning has water connections or fl ow assets such as dams, bores and and coordination of land, water and connections to another body. wetlands, and community assets such biodiversity management. as sporting facilities, public gardens Department of Environment, Land, and street trees. Natural assets are Central business district (CBD) Water and Planning (DELWP) assets of the natural environment, for example waterways and vegetation, Melbourne’s original ‘Hoddle Grid’ Supports Victoria’s natural and built also known as natural capital. street layout bounded by the Yarra environment to ensure economic River, Spring Street, La Trobe Street growth and liveable, sustainable Aquifer and Spencer Street, as well as the and inclusive communities. The triangular area to the north bounded department assists the minister, An underground layer of rock or by Victoria, Peel and La Trobe streets. develops and implements state sediment that holds water and policies and programs, and oversees allows water to fl ow through it. Climate change the administration of organisations including catchment management A long term change of the earth’s authorities. Aquifer Storage and Recovery temperature and weather patterns, (ASR) generally attributed directly or Ecosystem The recharge of an aquifer via indirectly to human activities such a well for subsequent recovery as fossil fuel combustion and A dynamic complex of plant, from the same well. vegetation clearing and burning. animal, fungal and microorganism communities and the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 43 Entitlement (or water entitlement) or other water body features. Integrated water management Green-blue infrastructure brings (IWM) Authorisation to take water issued these assets together through in accordance with the Water Act integrated approaches to A collaborative approach to planning 1989. It includes bulk entitlements, deliver community benefi ts. that brings together all elements of environmental entitlements, water the water cycle including sewage shares, and surface water and Greenfi eld land management, water supply, groundwater licences (also known stormwater management and water as take and use licences). Undeveloped land identifi ed for treatment, considering environmental, residential or industrial/commercial economic and social benefi ts. Environmental water development, generally on the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne. Integrated Water Water to support environmental Management Forum values and ecological processes. Groundwater A meeting of urban water Fit for purpose (water quality) All subsurface water, generally management organisations to occupying the pores and identify, prioritise and commit Water of a quality that is crevices of rock and soil. to the investigation of integrated appropriate for its intended use. water management opportunities. Growth areas Flash fl ooding Integrated water Locations on the fringe of management opportunity Sudden and unexpected fl ooding metropolitan Melbourne designated caused by sudden local heavy rainfall in planning schemes for large-scale A servicing need that has the or rainfall in another area. Often transformation, over many years, potential to leverage broader defi ned as fl ooding which occurs from rural to urban use. benefi ts when undertaken within six (6) hours of the rainfall event. collaboratively, using an integrated Heritage River Area water management approach. Floodplain Land in particular parts of rivers and Low-lying land adjacent to a river river catchment areas in Victoria which Irrigation district have signifi cant nature conservation, or stream with unique ecosystems An area declared under the recreation, scenic or cultural heritage dependent on inundation from Water Act 1989 that is supplied values. These areas are identifi ed fl ood events. with water by channels and pipelines and protected under the Heritage used mainly for irrigation purposes. Flow Rivers Act 1992. There are 18 Heritage River Areas in Victoria. Movement of water – the rate of Liveability water discharged from a source, Impervious area A measure of a city’s residents’ given in volume with respect to time. quality of life, used to benchmark A surface or area within a catchment cities around the world. It includes Gigalitre that signifi cantly restricts the socioeconomic, environmental, infi ltration of water. Impervious transport and recreational measures. One billion (1,000,000,000) litres. surfaces can include concrete, One gigalitre is the equivalent road surfaces, roofs and saturated Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) of approximately 400 Olympic ground such as a lake or pond. size swimming pools. The intentional recharge of water Infi ll into an aquifer either by injection or Green-blue infrastructure infi ltration and recovery by planned Development of unused or underutilised extraction. Green infrastructure refers to land in existing urban areas. key vegetation features such as Megalitre (ML) street trees, parklands, grassed Infrastructure sports fi elds and vegetated walls. One million (1,000,000) litres. Blue infrastructure refers to key Basic facilities and networks needed waterways, wetlands, recreational for the functioning of a local lakes, stormwater retarding basins, community or broader society.

44 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement Appendix

Metropolitan Melbourne Ramsar Convention Resilience

The 31 municipalities that make Defi ned by section 4 of the The capacity of individuals, up metropolitan Melbourne, Commonwealth Water Act 2007 communities, institutions, businesses, plus part of Mitchell Shire within as the Convention on Wetlands of systems and infrastructure to survive, the urban growth boundary. International Importance especially adapt and grow, no matter what as Waterfowl Habitat done at chronic stresses or shocks they National employment and Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. encounter. innovation clusters (NEIC) Ramsar wetlands Riparian Designated concentrations of employment distinguished by Wetlands of international Refers to land or vegetation a strong core of nationally signifi cant importance, designated under that adjoins a river, creek, knowledge sector businesses and the Ramsar Convention. estuary, lake or wetland. institutions that make a major contribution to the national Recreational water or Riverine fl ooding economy and Melbourne’s recreational benefi ts Inundation of normally dry land positioning in the global economy. The objectives and benefi ts that occurring when water overfl ows Open space recreational users and community the natural or artifi cial banks of members associate with the use a creek or river. Also called main Includes land reserved for natural of water, reservoirs and waterways channel fl ooding. landscape, parklands, recreation for recreational activities. These and active sports, as well as objectives and benefi ts include Runoff waterways and bays. wellbeing and enjoyment, derived The portion of rainfall which from social interaction, physical actually ends up as streamfl ow, Potable activity and relaxation associated also known as rainfall excess. with activities including sporting Water of suitable quality for drinking. events, fi shing, water skiing and Sewage Productivity rowing, camping, walking and gathering with friends and family. Wastewater produced from The economic value produced It also includes fl ow-on economic households and industry. for an hour of work or a dollar of benefi ts to local communities from investment. Increasing productivity visitors to regional areas to make Sewerage is a key source of economic growth the most of these opportunities. The pipes and plants that and competitiveness. Recycled water collect, remove, treat and Project dispose of liquid urban waste. Water derived from sewerage A planned set of interrelated tasks systems or industry processes State-signifi cant industrial or activities to be executed over that is treated to a standard precincts (SSIP) a defi ned period and within certain appropriate for its intended use. Strategically located land available cost and other considerations, for major industrial development to achieve a goal. Regional Victoria linked to the Principal Freight Rainwater Includes all municipalities Network and transport gateways. outside metropolitan Melbourne Water that has fallen as rain or (except part of Mitchell Shire within Stormwater has been collected from rainfall. the urban growth boundary). Runoff from urban areas. The net Reservoir increase in runoff and decrease in groundwater recharge resulting Natural or artifi cial dam or from the introduction of impervious lake used for the storage surfaces such as roofs and roads and regulation of water. within urban development.

Werribee Strategic Directions Statement 45 Stormwater fl ooding Urban renewal Water sector

Inundation by local runoff . Stormwater The process of planning and Organisations involved in water fl ooding can be caused by local runoff redeveloping underutilised management, including water exceeding the capacity of an urban medium and large-scale urban corporations, local government and stormwater drainage system or by areas, precincts or sites for catchment management authorities. the backwater eff ects of mainstream mixed land-use purposes. fl ooding causing the urban stormwater Water sensitive urban design drainage system to overfl ow. Urban water cycle (WSUD) The cycle of water through urban Strategy Integrating the urban water cycle environments. Distinguished from into urban design to minimise A high-level direction designed the natural urban water cycle by environmental damage and improve to achieve an outcome, or a set the transfer of water through built recreational and aesthetic outcomes. of outcomes related to IWM, infrastructure and the high runoff rates over a defi ned time period for generated by impervious surfaces. Waterways a defi ned geographic location. Use (water use) Rivers and streams, their Traditional Owners associated estuaries and fl oodplains The volume of water diverted (including fl oodplain wetlands) People who, through membership of a from a stream or groundwater and non-riverine wetlands. descent group or clan, are responsible bore. It is not the same as ‘use’ for caring for Country. Aboriginal by the end consumer of the water. Waterway condition/ people with knowledge about waterway health traditions, observances, customs or Wastewater beliefs associated with a particular Waterway condition (or waterway Water that has had its quality area. A Traditional Owner is authorised health) is an umbrella term for the aff ected by human infl uence, deriving to speak for Country and its heritage. overall state of key features and from industrial, domestic, agricultural processes that underpin functioning Urban greening or commercial activities. waterway ecosystems (such as species and communities, habitat, Growing plants wherever possible Water corporations connectivity, water quality, riparian in cities to contribute to urban vegetation, physical form, and vegetation coverage, and Victorian Government organisations ecosystem processes such as nutrient providing a connection to nature. charged with supplying water to urban and rural water users. They administer cycling and carbon storage). Urban heat-island eff ect the diversion of water from waterways Wetlands and the extraction of groundwater. When the built environment absorbs, Formerly known as water authorities. Areas, whether natural, modifi ed traps, and in some cases directly or artifi cial, subject to permanent emits heat, causing urban areas Water infrastructure or temporary inundation, that hold to be signifi cantly warmer than static or very slow-moving water surrounding non-urban areas. Facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning and develop, or have the potential to of a water system. develop, biota adapted to inundation and the aquatic environment. Wetlands may be fresh or saline.

46 Werribee Strategic Directions Statement WTP Ramsar wetlands. Photographer: David Paul Integrated Water delwp.vic.gov.au Management Forums