The Victorian Waterway Management Strategy

Abstract Victoria was the first state in Australia to develop an integrated policy framework for improving river health. The 2002 Victorian River Health Strategy (VRHS) outlined the vision for managing rivers in Victoria, statewide targets and a regional decision-making model with community input. As part of the adaptive management approach, a review of the VRHS was undertaken in 2010 to inform development of the next-generation strategy. Following this review a new policy, the Victorian Waterways Management Strategy (VWMS), was developed for the management of Victoria's waterways. New management issues addressed in the VWMS included: wetland, estuary and urban waterway management, Traditional Owner involvement, management of invasive species, and recreational use of waterways. The successful development and implementation of this new policy was underpinned by clear management arrangements, a dedicated fund source, political authorization and partnership with communities. Several challenges remain to be addressed in further iterations of the policy framework.