Central Highlands STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT - SEPTEMBER 2018 - Water and catchments
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Central Highlands
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
STATEMENT
SEPTEMBER 2018
Integrated Water
Management Forums
Acknowledgement of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges Victoria's Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays its respects to their Elders past and present. The government also recognises the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country and acknowledges their contribution to the management of land, water and resources. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first 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, Melbourne ISBN 978-1-76077-336-6 (Print) ISBN 978-1-76077-337-3 (pdf/online/MS word) Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. 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 customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au 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 Lake Daylesford Courtesy Hepburn Shire Council
Integrated Water Management is a collaborative approach to water planning and management that brings together organisations with an interest in all aspects of the water cycle. It has the potential to provide greater value to our communities by identifying and leveraging opportunities to optimise outcomes.
Contents Foreword 1 Acknowledgements 2 At a glance 4 IWM Opportunities 5 Chapter 1 The way forward 6 Introduction 7 Enduring collaboration 8 Chapter 2 IWM in the Region 10 Vision and outcome areas for the Central Highlands IWM Forum Region 12 Regional context 14 The case for IWM in the Region 18 Success stories 21 Chapter 3 IWM opportunities 24 State-wide and region specific initiatives 25 IWM opportunities: How were they selected? 26 Impact of IWM opportunities on the Forum's strategic outcomes 27 IWM project & strategy opportunities - overview 28 Priority Portfolio of IWM projects and strategies 32 References 42
Foreword
The Central Highlands region prides itself as a leader in Integrated Water
Management (IWM) with an active group of stakeholders who understand
the importance of collaboration. The collective benefits of IWM in terms
of economic prosperity, environmental improvements and enhanced
liveability are key strategic goals for the region.
Accordingly, these benefits are water planning framework that is which offer a multitude of resilience
well-recognised in the plans and underpinned by the award-winning and liveability opportunities. These
strategies of the organisations Ballarat IWM Plan. With momentum opportunities range from closed-
represented in the Central Highlands building from a range of IWM loop alternative water supplies to
IWM Forum and are known priorities activities and rapid growth frontiers support local economies in centres
for the communities that they in Ballarat West, the city is set such as Beaufort, to joint investments
represent. The Forum has benefited to further advance its reputation to enhance to local catchments and
greatly from representation from as an exemplar regional centre water bodies such as Burrumbeet
Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung for IWM in Victoria. Creek and Lake Burrumbeet which
Clans Aboriginal Corporation to provide important ecological, tourism,
The connectivity between urban
highlight traditional owner goals recreational and cultural values for
and rural environments also brings
and opportunities connected to the region.
opportunities to harness urban water
water management, as well as
resources such as recycled water and As a forum, we look forward to
setting strong foundations for
stormwater to support a range of achieving our vision of “working
ongoing collaboration in identifying
outcomes. As the most flow-stressed together to leverage opportunities
and delivering IWM projects across
waterway in Victoria, the Moorabool across the water cycle to deliver
the region.
River is a priority for our region, a healthy, resilient and prosperous
Our future focus lies in addressing and our forum is poised to explore future for the region and its
the two major challenges of opportunities for innovative and communities”.
population growth and climate collaborative water management
change while seizing opportunities initiatives to achieve better outcomes
to enhance the liveability of our cities for key catchments by taking a
and towns through the management big-picture view.
of water. The largest city in our Jeff Haydon
The region is also home to the Chair of the Central Highlands Region
region, Ballarat, has a long history of
significant urban centres of IWM Forum
successfully delivering IWM projects
Maryborough, Daylesford, Ballan,
for the community and a mature
and a large number of small towns
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 1
Acknowledgements
The Central Highlands Region IWM Forum area includes Dja Dja Wurrung
and Wadawurrung country, whose ancestors and their descendants are
the Traditional Owners of this country.
The Forum wishes to acknowledge Planning will work with both groups Collaboration and cross-pollination
that these two groups have greatly to assist them to participate more has been a key outcome of the Forum,
contributed to the development of this fully in the future. with ideas being shared and improved
Strategic Directions Statement from by input from project partners.
The meetings of the Forum, working
an early stage, despite challenges
group and individual meetings with
with resourcing. The Forum members,
project sponsors have developed
and in particular the Department
initiatives from ideas into mature
of Environment, Land, Water and
project themes.
The Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement has been developed in collaboration with:
*
* In-principle support for this SDS pending formal endorsement at a forthcoming Council meeting.
2 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement
Water bugs survey, Mooroobull Yaluk Kuwin River Day with Wadawurrung Community. Courtesy: Wadawurrung
At a glance
The Central Highlands IWM Strategic Directions Statement highlights the key
challenges in the region and also identifies collaborative IWM opportunities
that can improve resilience and liveability in cities and towns in the region.
Maryborough
Region wide 1 3
4
Avoca
Vision
9
Working together to leverage
opportunities across the water
Lexton Clunes
cycle to deliver a healthy, resilient
and prosperous future for the
Daylesford
region and its communities. 8
5
Beaufort Creswick
Strategic outcomes:
• Safe secure and affordable
7 Ballarat
supplies in an uncertain future
Ballan
• Effective and affordable
wastewater systems
Central Highlands 6
Buninyong
• Avoided or minimized
existing and future flood risks 2
• Healthy and valued waterways,
wetlands and waterbodies 11
• Healthy and valued landscapes
Wendouree
• Community values reflected
in place-based planning.
Lake
• Jobs, economic benefits Wendouree
River
and innovation wee
Ya rro
Ballarat
13
10
12
4 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement
IWM opportunities
Partners of the Forum have committed their best endeavours to ensure priority projects and strategies are progressed
in line with the shared vision and strategic outcomes of the Central Highlands Region IWM Forum. Thirteen priority
opportunities have been identified in the region and these have been grouped into four themes – regional enablers,
prioritising action in major urban centres, delivering benefits in key regional locations and building momentum in Ballarat.
Regional enablers Daylesford Integrated Building on momentum
5 Water Management Plan
Mapping of Cultural
in Ballarat
1
Values of Waterways An IWM Plan will be developed for Breathing Life into the
Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and
10 Yarrowee River: Works
There is an opportunity for Traditional surrounding townships to articulate Prioritisation Masterplan
Owners to work with other stakeholders to a community vision and identify IWM
identify and map cultural sites and values opportunities to deliver the vision. The A Master Plan will engage community
along waterway corridors in the region. IWM plan will outline priority projects for members, key stakeholders and Traditional
This will drive significant improvements to implementation by Hepburn Shire Council, Owners to develop a prioritised plan of
waterway management processes and Central Highlands Water and North Central future investments to reinvigorate and
create a knowledge base which can be Catchment Management Authority. breathe life into the urban reaches of the
managed by Traditional Owner groups. Yarrowee River corridor. This will ensure
Ballan Integrated Water that future projects can be implemented
Enhancing flows to the 6 Management Plan
2 in the context of a holistic community
Moorabool River and the vision that delivers maximum benefit.
Leigh River An IWM Plan will be developed for Ballan
to articulate a community vision and Expanding Ballarat’s
The Moorabool is the most flow-stressed identify IWM opportunities to deliver the 11 Alternative Water Network
waterway in the state and it is a regional vision. The IWM Plan will outline priority
priority for action. This project will complete projects for implementation by Moorabool The existing non-potable network in
initial studies to ascertain the volume and Shire Council, Central Highlands Water Ballarat has potential for expansion to
flow characteristics of urban flows entering and Melbourne Water. support irrigation of sporting grounds and
the Yarrowee-Leigh River and understand parks. The priority connections in the short
potential to harness those resources to Delivering benefits in key term are sporting grounds at Wendouree
enable additional flows to be released to regional locations West Reserve and Ballarat Secondary
the Moorabool River. These studies provide College (Mt Rowan Campus).
key information to inform the Central Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet
7 and Burrumbeet Creek Ballarat West Stormwater
Region Sustainable Water Strategy and
should be considered with other options 12 Harvesting Hubs
to enhance flows. There is an opportunity to revitalise sections
of Burrumbeet Creek and improve Lake Ballarat West is growing fast. An
Central Highlands Small Towns Burrumbeet through collaborative planning opportunity exists to create stormwater
3 Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan and investment, bringing great benefit to harvesting hubs with multiple schemes
communities in Ballarat and Traditional utilising treated urban stormwater to
The Central Highlands region has many Owners as well as visitors, protecting and irrigate open spaces in new development
small towns that function as community enhancing natural and cultural values areas. Proactive funding, planning and
hubs, tourism centres and regional and improving these priority assets. design can lead to widespread on-ground
attractions. This plan recognises the implementation where infrastructure is
significance of these towns and provides Beaufort Closed Loop
8 Recycled Water Scheme
installed in a cost effective manner to
a process to review and prioritise derive greatest community benefit.
IWM investments to drive green-blue
This project will enable a closed loop
outcomes for key community assets. Victoria Park (Ballarat)
recycled water scheme to manage all of 13 Green Space Transformation
the Beaufort community’s wastewater within
Management
Prioritising action in major the urban environment through irrigation
urban centres for the local golf course, school, recreation Feasibility assessments have been
reserve, numerous sporting facilities. completed to harness an alternative water
Maryborough Integrated source to provide irrigation to Victoria Park,
4 Water Management Plan Integrated Management
9 the key green space in Ballarat. The scheme
of the Tullaroop catchment
would transform this key community asset
A comprehensive review of IWM
Through collaboration, shared objectives into a year round green space and attract
opportunities for Maryborough and
will be formed and management actions events as well as enhancing existing lakes
Carisbrook, will identify priority actions
outlined to respond to catchment stressors and public amenity.
and projects and develop concept
designs for key options that can contribute and enhance the health of Tullaroop
to the community’s vision for “a resilient Creek. The Tullaroop Creek catchment
Maryborough with a thriving community, is a closed system of a manageable
a prosperous economy, and a healthy scale where multiple tangible benefits
environment”. can be delivered in the short term
to support longer term objectives.
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 5
Chapter 1 The way forward An unprecedented opportunity to progress water cycle planning and management in Victoria through collaboration. Lake Wendouree. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water
Chapter 1
Introduction
The Integrated Water Management (IWM) Framework for Victoria
(September 2017) is designed to help regional stakeholders to work
together, ensuring the water cycle contributes to the liveability of towns
and cities in Victoria, with communities at the centre of decision making.
The central premise of an IWM framework (2014). The Framework
approach is the overall acceptance set out a vision to create “a greener,
Integrated Water
that managing urban liveability and more liveable and prosperous water
Management
resilience is a shared responsibility future” for the region. Community
and that water is a key enabler to engagement was expanded in the IWM is a collaborative
achieving these shared aims. largest urban area in the region, approach to water planning
through the development of the that brings together
To facilitate this, IWM Forums have Ballarat City IWM Plan (2017) which organisations that influence
been established across the state prioritised IWM opportunities for all aspects of the water
to identify, prioritise and oversee the city. cycle. It has the potential to
the implementation of critical
provide greater value to our
collaborative opportunities. This Regional IWM is also strengthened
communities by identifying
Strategic Directions Statement by the formation of Catchment
and leveraging opportunities
has been produced by the Central Partnership areas under the
to optimise the outcomes
Highlands IWM Forum to capture and Government’s Our Catchments, Our
of water cycle.
communicate those opportunities. Communities Integrated Catchment
Management Strategy for Victoria
IWM seeks to build on existing (2016-19). The Traditional Owners of
partnerships and planning land are active participants in water
processes. In the Central Highlands and waterway management across Partners of the Forum have committed
region, stakeholders such as local the region. For example, the Dja Dja their organisations to apply their best
government, catchment management Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034 sets endeavours to:
authorities and water corporations out goals for river and catchment
engage with their communities • Ensure priority projects and
management as well as community
regularly to improve service delivery strategies are progressed in line
well-being which can be enabled
and urban planning. Community with the shared vision and strategic
through water management.
aspirations are embedded in the outcomes of the Central Highlands
strategies and operational plans Region IWM Forum; and to
for organisations. These aspirations What is a Strategic
reflect a desire for liveable and Directions Statement? • Support DELWP to progress
priority strategic enablers for
productive places and vibrant This Strategic Directions Statement IWM in Victoria.
communities. The way in which we (SDS) articulates the regional context,
plan and use water is fundamental to the shared vision and the strategic It is envisaged that the SDS will
ensuring these aspirations are realised. water-related outcomes for the be a living document which will be
Central Highlands Region IWM updated to reflect the current Central
Alongside local plans and strategies,
Forum region. Highlands Region IWM Forum priorities
communities in the Central Highlands
and opportunities.
region have also been strongly This SDS includes a list of IWM
engaged in the shaping of IWM opportunities, including projects and
through the development of the strategies, developed in collaboration
Ballarat and Region’s Water Future: A by the Central Highlands Region IWM
whole-of-water-cycle management Forum partners.
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 7Enduring collaboration
IWM is an evolving process that seeks to coordinate and balance many
views and interests in the water sector around common goals and agreed
outcomes. IWM Forums collaborate and oversee ongoing IWM planning.
The IWM Forum cycle is summarised on the next page.
How we’re working together The Central Highlands Region IWM Continued success through
Forum partners will continue to work collaboration
The Central Highlands Region IWM together to build inter-organisational
Forum identifies, coordinates and trust and develop productive, Phase One of the IWM Forum
prioritises areas that would most enduring relationships to realise cycle has established an enabling
benefit from collaborative and the shared vision for the region. environment for Victoria’s water
place-based water management sector stakeholders to develop
planning and delivery. Further information on the IWM Forum’s shared IWM objectives and overcome
governance and planning framework sectoral, institutional and geographic
To ensure IWM is successful and is outlined in the Integrated Water boundaries through collaboration. This
enduring across the region, Forum Management Framework for Victoria, phase was guided by the experience
partners have committed to the available at https://www.water.vic.gov. and knowledge of the Forum Members
promotion of a collaborative and au/liveable/resilient-and-liveable- and resulted in the delivery of this
shared values culture within their own cities-and-towns/iwm-framework. Strategic Directions Statement (SDS).
organisations and beyond through
their work with key water cycle delivery Recognising Aboriginal Phase Two of the IWM Forum cycle will
partners and local communities. values in water planning and assume a more strategic approach
management to successful IWM implementation
The Central Highlands Region IWM and planning for the Forum Area.
Forum is governed by an open and The Central Highlands Region IWM It is anticipated that the IWM Forum
transparent IWM planning process. Forum is committed to working in collaborative partners will continue
This process assumes a holistic, partnership with Aboriginal Victorians use their best endeavours to advance
whole-of-cycle approach to across landscapes, communities and priority IWM opportunities through
determining water cycle solutions, natural resources. regular meetings and future Forums.
considering regulatory accountabilities Forum Members will also continue to
and service delivery responsibilities. The Forum recognises that Traditional
assess the feasibility of additional IWM
Owners throughout the region
Each organisation plays an important opportunities identified in Phase One.
are unique to Country and their
role in the decision-making and involvement in IWM planning will be Phase Two will create an opportunity
management of the water resources specific to each planning area. to evaluate and share learnings
and assets for the entire catchment. from Phase One. It will also
Organisations involved in IWM have
Collaboration across Forum partners optimise resources and explore the
obligations to involve Traditional
ensures balanced consideration of development of innovative tools
Owners and consider Aboriginal
the complex economic, environmental, and approaches that plan for,
values in their organisational
cultural and community benefits and respond to, water supply
activities, particularly where there
and impacts associated with the and demand in the future.
is a Recognition and Settlement
range of proposed IWM projects Agreement in place. The Forum will
and work programs. continue to work with Traditional
Owner groups to determine the
appropriate approach and level
of involvement in IWM planning
process and projects.
8 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 1
Forum process: Summary of planned phases
Outcomes Participants
Phase I
Establish Preliminary work on regional characterisation Local governments
and collaborative governance
Organisational leaders Catchment
come together Agree vision, objectives and goals Management Authorities
in collaborative
IWM Forums and Agree criteria for selection and prioritisation Water corporations
Working Groups to of IWM opportunities
Traditional Owners
discuss integrated IWM opportunities identified and prioritised
water management Department of
challenges, Collaboratively develop and endorse Strategic Environment, Land,
opportunities Directions Statement for each region Water and Planning
and priorities
Chair
for each region
Others as relevant
Phase II
Planning Co-design and agree on Terms of Reference, Collaborative partners
governance structure, stakeholder engagement and/
Cultivate a collaborative or community participatory planning guidance for Community
culture to progress IWM project/strategy representatives
IWM opportunities
Others as relevant
Progress IWM Project Groups initiate work as per identified Collaborative partners
project/strategy status, including: feasibility
Forum Members use assessment; technical and economic analysis; Individual organisations
best endeavours cost allocation; business case development who have committed to
to progress IWM a project/strategy Next 12-18
opportunities Strategic enablers for IWM progressed by months
to next stage DELWP with support from Forum Members Community
representatives The feasibility
IWM Project Groups report progress to IWM Forums of IWM
Relevant stakeholders opportunities
will be
Incorporate IWM Project Groups to take IWM commitments Individual organisations
continually
(projects and strategies) to their Board or Councils who have committed
Collaborative reviewed and
for investment endorsement to deliver a project/
Partner organisations assessed
strategy
incorporate relevant IWM Project Groups incorporate elements into their in Phase II
elements of IWM in their own organisational planning systems, e.g. Council to confirm
own plans, guidelines or and corporate plans, Construction Guidelines, etc. the need for
frameworks specific IWM
Report back to IWM Forum projects/
strategies
Realise Application of practical IWM tools and innovative Collaborative partners
approaches
IWM benefits 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 identification
and prioritisation
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 9Chapter 2 IWM in the Region Understanding why an integrated approach to water planning and management is critical for the Central Highlands IWM Region now and for the future. Wadawurrung site visits on the confluence of the Barwon and Leigh Rivers. Courtesy: Wadawurrung
Aerial view of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. Courtesy City of Ballarat
Vision and outcome areas
for the Central Highlands
IWM Forum Region
Outcomes
Safe, secure and affordable Effective and affordable Avoided or minimised existing Healthy and valued waterways,
supplies in an uncertain future wastewater systems and future flood risks wetlands and water bodies
Objectives
A diverse range of water Meets public health and Communities and Improved water quality
supplies and resources environmental standards properties that are resilient
which are fit for purpose to local flood risk
Water quality meets regulatory Efficient and effective Appropriate levels of flood Improved stream
standards and community wastewater systems with protection and mitigation flow patterns
expectations servicing needs aligned including adaptation for
with future town and land climate change
use planning
Efficiently and effectively Waste-to-resource Proactive planning to prepare Improved biodiversity
manage water usage opportunities are maximised for and manage flood risk and amenity of riparian
and demand corridors and edges
Secure and adaptable
water supply portfolios
12 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 2
Working together to leverage opportunities
across the water cycle to deliver a healthy, Low-emission
solutions
resilient and prosperous future for the region
and its communities. IWM opportunities that minimise the
release of greenhouse gas (GHGs)
The region is seeking to achieve seven key outcomes through IWM. emissions will be considered by the
Forum as solutions are evaluated
Each of these will have a significant role in shaping the liveability, prosperity
for implementation.
and resilience of our cities and towns. These outcome areas provide
indicators to assess the effectiveness of the various IWM opportunities,
recognising that these outcomes are in themselves co-dependant.
Healthy and valued landscapes Community values reflected in Jobs, economic benefits and innovation
place-based planning
Active and passive recreation Diverse landscapes that reflect local Jobs and local economies, including
supported by water conditions and community values industry, tourism and agriculture,
supported by water
Improved connectivity and Traditional owner values, needs and Strong governance and collaboration
access for active transport links aspirations associated with water models that evolve to deliver innovative
protected, enhanced and reintroduced solutions
Urban landscapes retain moisture Water sensitive communities that
for cooler, greener cities and towns are empowered and engaged
Local water related risks and issues are
understood and managed by community
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 13Regional context
The Central Highlands IWM Forum region covers an area of approximately
9,275 square kilometres, extending from Rokewood in the south to Redbank
in the north, reaching as far as Ballan and Daylesford to the east and Navarre
in the west. Ballarat is the largest city in the region by a substantial margin,
though other large towns include Maryborough, Daylesford and Ballan.
The region includes more than 60 smaller towns, making the region and
its water opportunities very diverse.
The Central Highlands region is the prevalence of darker and harder This presents a challenge for the
positioned on high ground, and surfaces, leading to environmental region, as there will be an increased
occupies the top of the catchment and human health impacts. Ensuring demand for urban water resulting
of nine major river systems. This the provision of fit for purpose water from population growth together
gives the region unique challenges for the region’s urban greening will be with a hotter drier climate. The
and opportunities in terms of water a key priority in enhancing liveability average annual rainfall is predicted
management. Average annual rainfall and resilience for the community to decrease by five per cent by 2070
varies significantly across the region, and environment. (median value) – primarily impacting
from near 800mm east of Ballarat to the ‘cool’ season – while there is
only 400mm in the north of the region. The average annual rainfall is also an expectation of a year-round
predicted to decrease by 6-7 per cent increase in temperatures. This presents
by 2070 (median value) – primarily
Population a challenge for the region, as there
impacting the ‘cool’ season – while will be an increased demand for urban
The region has an estimated there is also an expectation of a water resulting from population growth
population of 160,000, which is year-round increase in temperatures. together with a hotter drier climate.ii
forecast to grow to 225,000 by 2040.
This growth will be felt across a
majority of the major urban centres
of the region, with the highest growth
predicted in Ballarat.i Ballarat’s
population is expected to more
than double in the next 50 years,
with the majority of growth expected
in large growth areas in the west
of Ballarat and further growth
areas being investigated.
Climate Change
The Central Highlands Region faces
a warmer and drier future. By 2070,
average annual temperatures across
the region are projected to rise by
1.4°C to 2.5°C (median value). This will
be amplified in urban centres due to
Irrigator spraying onto crops. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water
14 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 2
Central
Highlands
POPULATION GROWTH THE REGION
160,000 NOW (2018) DRYLAND PASTURE 63%
225,000 BY 2040 1 NON-FARMLAND 20%
(RURAL LIVING, ROADS AND 9,275km2
WATER BODIES)
BROAD ACRE CROPPING 8% CATCHMENT
AREA
NATIVE VEGETATION 5%
40%
INCREASE
HORTICULTURE 3%
URBAN 1%
CHANGE IN RAINFALL TEMPERATURE WATERWAYS
50%
CORANGAMITE
C
6-7% 1.4-2.5˚ 46%
DECREASE INCREASE NORTH CENTRAL
BY 2070 2 BY 2070 3
IN ‘MODERATE'
STREAM CONDITION 4
1
Victoria in Future
2
Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies in Victoria (2016)
3
Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies in Victoria (2016)
4
Corangamite CMA Waterway Strategy and North Central CMA Waterway Strategy
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 15Dalwhinnie Wines, Moonambel. Courtesy: Pyrenees Shire Council
The case for IWM in the Region
Safe, secure Effective and
and affordable affordable
supplies in an wastewater
uncertain future systems
The Central Highlands region During the drought, Ballarat sought There are reticulated sewage systems
sources water from a number of to harness stormwater as a new to nearly 59,000 properties across
catchments both locally within the water source for the City, and the region. These systems collect
region, and from outside the region created a network of wetlands and treat sewage at 13 wastewater
via the Goldfields Superpipe. The to treat stormwater for reuse and management facilities.iv In addition
Goldfields Superpipe is an important to supplement Lake Wendouree. to these facilities there are many
element of the Victorian water grid, Recycled water and groundwater small towns in the region which
which provides water from northern supplies were also harnessed to make typically use onsite septic systems
Victoria to ensure security of supply Ballarat an example of integrated to treat their wastewater. Small
for urban customers in Ballarat. The water management in action. Central town wastewater management is
primary source of water for the region Highlands Water has also committed an important issue across the region
is surface water and groundwater to developing an IWM Plan for from an environmental, health,
supplies along with local utilisation of Maryborough, Daylesford and Ballan. technical, governance and financial
recycled water and urban stormwater. perspective. The most effective
Partners in the region are currently strategy for wastewater management
Potable water services are currently working to consider the viability of a combined with town planning and
provided to cities and towns in the new reticulated potable water supply the provision of other infrastructure
region via 15 water supply systems. to support economic development needs is being investigated through
The Region faces several challenges at Moonambel and a potential partnerships between local councils
over the next 50 years from climate upgrade to improve water quality and Central Highlands Water in
change impacts on supply and a at Amphitheatre. towns including Talbot, Wallace and
steadily increasing population. Urban Bungaree. A major upgrade program
water supply is relatively secure, to the Blackwood septic management
though some scenarios could result scheme is also being delivered by
in shortfalls in some towns if future multiple partner organisations.
actions are not implemented. The
provision of alternative water sources There are currently 18 water
and demand management are key reclamation schemes in the Central
strategies to avoid shortfalls.iii Highlands region. These deliver Class
A, B and C water to sites operated
both by Central Highlands Water
and third-party customers.v Recycled
water is primarily utilised for irrigation
of agricultural land and local sporting
facilities and parks. Recycled water
use in the region totals around 1.6
gigalitres (GL), while additional treated
wastewater is reused for operational
purposes. The remainder of treated
wastewater (approximately 7 GL),
primarily originating in the Ballarat
area, is returned to waterways.
Future ‘excess’ treated wastewater
is an important potential resource
for the region.
Passive irrigation of street trees with stormwater. Courtesy: e2Design Lab
18 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 2
Avoided or Healthy
minimised and valued
existing waterways,
and future wetlands and
flood risks water bodies
Floodplains are a valued part the Positioned high in a number of Waterways, wetlands and
ecosystem in the Central Highlands catchments, the region incorporates waterbodies of the region are
region. The ‘flooding’ process areas managed by four catchment embraced by the urban and rural
provides essential nutrients to management authorities - communities for their aesthetic,
the region’s agricultural land, North Central, Glenelg Hopkins, recreational, tourism and restorative
but major flood events can also Corangamite and Wimmera. Each appeal. These values are challenged
have significant impacts on has identified priority waterways by poor water quality and are
agricultural economies. their respective Regional Waterway suffering from degradation due to
Strategiesvi, including the Yarrowee- surface water runoff from impervious
In an urban context, flooding is Leigh, Moorabool, Avoca and Loddon surfaces, untreated stormwater
more of a challenge. The major River as well as a number of important and wastewater discharges. Some
urban centre of Ballarat as well as smaller waterways such as Tullaroop waterways are also suffering from
many smaller centres are located Creek and Burrumbeet Creek. Some flow stress due to water extractions
on waterways and floodplains. waterways are also important for for urban supply, agricultural and
Significant economic damage has urban supplies and have significant stock water.
been experienced from flooding public health benefits. The Leigh
on several occasions, with notable and Moorabool Rivers are also There is a need to take a whole of
events effecting Ballarat CBD, Miners key contributors to RAMSAR listed catchment approach to waterway
Rest and Delacombe, as well as wetlands in the Barwon region. There health, recognising both the urban
the towns of Carisbrook, Clunes are a series of important waterbodies and rural impacts on waterways
and Creswick. Climate change is and wetlands in the region that and waterbodies and the varying
predicted to bring more intense provide ecological, amenity and needs and values connected to
rainfall events which may create recreational benefits, including waterways. Many of the waterways
further flooding challenges. It is Lake Burrumbeet, Lake Wendouree, and wetlands in the area contain a
essential to manage the economic, Lake Victoria and Daylesford Lake. rich and diverse range of important
social, environmental and cultural In many cases, waterbodies and cultural heritage sites and form a
values from floodplains in a waterways provide a centrepiece to culturally important and significant
balanced way whilst also having the towns in the region, influencing part of country for Traditional Owner
regard for their inherent risks. This the identity, character and economic groups in the region. Empowering
will be particularly relevant in the success of local communities. The Traditional Owners to restore and
context of increased extreme rainfall well-documented drying of Lake enhance waterways and riparian land
events, urban growth and increased Wendouree in Ballarat had serious will support passing on of healthy
imperviousness in catchments. economic effects for local businesses water to neighbouring groups and
and communities. the restoration of significant sites.
Projects to reduce flood risk to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal
homes and businesses often provide Corporation already have an active
an opportunity to support IWM. Care for Country team, and this is a
Retention basins in open space focus for Wadawurrung to develop
areas can also be utilised as water in the medium-term.
treatment areas or providing dual
storage for flood retention and water
harvesting. Integration of green
infrastructure also contributes to
reduced flows to drainage systems,
helping to reduce flood risk in
urban areas.
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 19Healthy Community Jobs, economic
and valued values reflected benefits and
landscapes in place-based innovation
planning
Healthy landscapes are valued in the The relationship between public Major industries in the region
Central Highlands region, playing a health and wellbeing, and include manufacturing (including
key role in the success of urban and the environment is becoming food processing), mining and
rural communities. increasingly recognised as an agriculture. One of the economic
area of importance. The creation strengths of the region is its
The support of well-connected of greener neighbourhoods and diversity. The regional economy is
public open space and recreational providing residents with access to projected to grow, and education,
areas within the urban environment waterways and green space has the tourism and hospitality display
are important for liveability, health potential to support environmental, higher growth in recent times than
and well-being. The landscapes social and economic outcomes. traditional industries.
adjoining waterways are often
important for active transportation Development of new areas and Several studies have captured
and recreation. Corangamite CMA redevelopment of existing areas the potential for the region to
and City of Ballarat have actively provides an opportunity to actively develop innovative food production
invested in improving parts of the engage communities in planning systems to meet the demands of
Yarrowee River corridor through the and design, helping to increase a growing population. These could
Breathing Life into the Yarrowee dialogue to aid understanding include increased utilisation of
project, and the Living Moorabool and education around water. Key hydroponics and aquaculture as
Project brings focus to improving development areas such as Ballarat well as expansion of the diversity
the health of the Moorabool River. West provide opportunities to of primary production to include
enhance local waterways, deliver more viticulture and horticulture. A
Many of the Councils in the region recreational space and harness new sustainable water supply will be an
are actively promoting healthy and water sources to achieve benefits asset to the region in developing
valued landscapes that integrate for communities, including health and expanding these industries.
land use and water planning. The and well-being. Given the diversity
award-winning Greening Ballarat: of urban areas in the region, there Water plays a key role in
A Green-Blue City Action Plan aims is a need for a similarly diverse supporting industry and economic
to green Ballarat while harnessing approach to engage and development in the region. The
stormwater as a key resource. The recognise community needs. potential for reticulated water and
City of Ballarat has a target for 40% sewerage services in some small
tree canopy cover for the city which towns has been highlighted as
outlines its ambition. Other councils a potential catalyst for regional
in the region have similar plans and growth and development. The
recognise greening as a key strategy significant tourism and recreation
to underpin economic activity economy in the region is also
and well-being outcomes. strongly linked to the health and
amenity provided by the region’s
Healthy rural landscapes are also waterways, lakes and towns. Raw
a priority in the region, and there is and recycled water supplies also
often a close connection between support agricultural economies
urban and rural land and water in the region. As water supply
management. Agriculture is a key challenges emerge, there is
support industry for rural towns opportunity for innovation and
and also a large water user. Urban collaboration with industry to
areas generate recycled water and ensure economic development and
stormwater which can be utilised to water planning are coordinated.
support nearby rural water needs
in some areas, creating a mutually
beneficial relationship between
economies.
20 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 2
Success stories
The Central Highlands region has many examples of successfully delivering
integrated water management plans and projects through collaboration
between state and local government, regional agencies, communities, planning
bodies, education institutions and the private sector. The two case studies below
highlight a proven ability to work collaboratively, respond to challenges, identify
opportunities, plan for success and deliver outcomes across the region.
Evolution of waterway care in
the Central Highlands Region
Stakeholder collaboration, strategy
development and implementation
of on-ground works has evolved
considerably for waterways across
the Central Highlands region. A
coordinated effort and a strong
focus on integration, community
participation, values and aspirations
has enabled priorities to be set,
regional work programs to be outlined
and investment to be guided by clear
strategies for our rivers and wetlands.
The Regional Waterway Strategies
utilise community involvement to
define outcomes and actions for Yarrowee River. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water
our waterways. They align with the
directions and policies of the Victorian Authorities and community groups • Connected Landscapes Project
Waterway Management Strategy work together to achieve multiple
and the objectives and actions from outcomes. A range of collaborative • Implementing seasonal
Regional Catchment Strategies. initiatives have also shaped on- watering proposals
They also build on and replace the ground action to deliver key waterway • Delivering detailed work programs
foundation work that was created projects and improvements, including: within catchment zones
with the development of River Health
Strategies in the mid-2000s. • Living Moorabool Project • Using partnership delivery models
• Breathing Life into the with public and private land
Increasingly, the management of
Yarrowee Project managers, water corporations, local
waterways considers the range of
government and the community
economic, social, environmental
• Harnessing Ballarat’s Stormwater (e.g. Landcare networks, Friends
and cultural values a waterway can
groups and Waterwatch) under
provide. Waterways are often a • Victorian Volcanic Plains and the framework of integrated
focal point for collaboration where Land Stewardship Project catchment management.
Catchment Management Authorities,
Traditional Owners, Councils, Water
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 21Ballarat Urban Water planning has culminated in an • Ballarat North Class A
Supply Journey ongoing commitment to utilising Recycled Water Facility
integrated water management
At the height of millennium drought, • Greening Schools Project
approaches to create green-blue
Ballarat was a city in water crisis with community infrastructure. • Ballarat West Groundwater Project
dry lakes, brown recreational areas,
dusty sporting grounds, floundering In 2005 a long term solution was • Greening Ballarat,
gardens and community event developed for Lake Wendouree A Green-Blue City Action Plan
cancellations. It was a city struggling comprising the provision of 600ML/
to maintain its basic drinking water year of recycled water from the • A Greener More Vibrant
needs. The impact of the loss of Ballarat North Wastewater Treatment and Connected Ballarat
aquatic recreational events and Plant and 250ML/year from
• Flood Risk and Opportunity Mapping
tourism due to a dry or depleted Lake stormwater harvesting. Following the
Wendouree and restricted irrigation of success of this solution, the City of • Central Highlands Water Urban
the Ballarat Botanical Gardens during Ballarat identified that lake water Water Strategy
the drought had an $18.9 million per could be used for irrigating not only
year impact on the local economy. the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, • Ballarat Integrated Water
but a range of sporting facilities Management Plan
Over the past decade, the planning and local parks. As a result, an
paradigm has shifted from responsive Moving forward the focus remains
enlarged stormwater harvesting and
crisis mode to a systematic planning around implementing integrated water
distribution scheme was progressively
approach. This evolution of planning management actions, investigations
implemented from 2010 to 2012, to
maturity initially created a series of and projects to deliver on the
provide a secure supply of non-
collaborative projects and initiatives community’s vision of “a greener,
drinking water to maintain Ballarat’s
that alleviated drought impacts and more liveable and prosperous water
major gardens and sports venues.
generated support and leverage to future for the city and towns of the
create long term plans and build a Since then Ballarat has furthered Ballarat region”.
secure water future. This commitment its integrated water management
to strengthening the community journey with the delivery of key
through collaboration and sustainable strategies, plans and projects for
the Ballarat community, including:
Greening Schools Project. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water
22 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementBallarat North Class A Recycled Water Facility. Courtesy: Central Highlands Water
Chapter 3 IWM opportunities A portfolio of IWM projects and strategies for which IWM collaborative partners have committed themselves to applying their best endeavours to progress. Beaufort Lake. Courtesy: Pyrenees Shire Council
Chapter 3
State-wide and region
specific initiatives
This document outlines priority IWM opportunities for the Central
Highlands region. This includes strategies that will direct IWM in the
region and specific projects that will deliver outcomes on-the-ground.
To ensure IWM opportunities are successful and delivered efficiently,
work is also being done at a state-wide level.
Across Victoria, IWM Forum members A Resilient Cities and Towns (RCT)
are identifying a range of strategic Reference Group has been established
policy and framework enablers to support the implementation of
to address barriers to integrated integrated water management
water management and planning and planning across the state. The
and achieve water related benefits Reference Group provides advice
in priority areas. A prioritised list of to DELWP on the development and
enabling policies and frameworks implementation of key initiatives
is being consolidated by DELWP. in relation to policy, processes or
knowledge gaps.
IWM framework at a State-wide and regional level
State-wide
initiatives
Enabling Policy Enabling
Principles or rules that Frameworks
put IWM into practise Guidance on analysis, design and
delivery of IWM opportunities
Region specific
opportunities
Strategies Projects
High-level directions designed to Planned set activities to be executed
achieve IWM outcomes over a over a defined period and within
defined time-period for a defined certain cost to achieve a goal.
geographic location.
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 25IWM opportunities:
How were they selected?
IWM opportunities that link to and address IWM challenges for
the region were identified and developed by the nominated
practitioners of participating organisations. The process was an
iterative, transparent and inclusive approach, as outlined below.
This list of opportunities is dynamic and will be reviewed
and updated as required to reflect the Forum’s priorities.
The IWM opportunity prioritisation process
1 2 3 4
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Opportunity Opportunity Evaluation of Selection of priority
Identification development Opportunities opportunities
A series of stakeholder Stakeholders completed A workshop was held The priority opportunities
meetings were held to further work to develop with stakeholders to were then further
identify IWM and refine the evaluate opportunities reviewed by considering:
opportunities. opportunity concepts. by considering: • The distribution of
• contribution to IWM opportunities across
strategic outcomes, the region;
and • The likelihood of
• level of urgency. funding;
Priority projects and • The likelihood of
strategies were then implementation;
selected from the list • The spread across
of opportunities based strategic outcome
on the evaluation. areas; and
• The distribution of
short, medium and
long term projects.
26 Central Highlands Strategic Directions StatementChapter 3
Impact of IWM opportunities on
the Forum’s strategic outcomes
Mapping of Cultural Values of Waterways
Enhancing flows to the Moorabool River and Leigh River
Central Highlands Small Towns Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan
Maryborough Integrated Water Management Plan
Daylesford Integrated Water Management Plan
Ballan Integrated Water Management Plan
Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet and Burrumbeet Creek
Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Water Scheme
Integrated Management of the Tullaroop Catchment
Breathing Life into the Yarrowee River Works Prioritisation Masterplan
Expanding Ballarat’s Alternative Water Network
Ballarat West Stormwater Harvesting Hubs
Victoria Park (Ballarat) Green Space Transformation
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Total impact score
Safe, secure and affordable supplies in an uncertain future Effective and affordable wastewater systems
Avoided or minimised existing and future flood risks Healthy and valued waterways, wetlands and waterbodies
Healthy and valued landscapes Community values reflected in place-based planning
Jobs, economic benefits and innovation
Safe, secure and affordable
supplies in an uncertain future
1
0.9
0.8
Jobs, economic benefits 0.7 Effective and affordable
and innovation 0.6 wastewater systems
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Community values reflected Avoided or minimised
in place-based planning existing and future flood risks
Healthy and valued Healthy and valued waterways,
landscapes wetlands and water bodies
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 27IWM project & strategy opportunities – overview IWM opportunity Strategic outcomes Location Scale Mapping of Cultural Values Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Inter-forum of Waterways Wurrung Country Enhancing flows to the Moorabool Ballarat and Moorabool River Inter-forum River and Leigh River Central Highlands Small Towns Region-wide Forum area Green-Blue Infrastructure Plan Maryborough Integrated Water Maryborough and Carisbrook Town/City Management Plan Daylesford Integrated Water Daylesford Town/City Management Plan Ballan Integrated Water Ballan Town/City Management Plan Revitalising Lake Burrumbeet and Burrumbeet catchment Sub- Burrumbeet Creek catchment Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Beaufort Town/City Water Scheme Integrated Management of the Tullaroop Creek catchment Sub- Tullaroop Catchment catchment Breathing Life into the Yarrowee Yarrowee River Sub- River Works Prioritisation catchment Masterplan Expanding Ballarat’s Alternative Ballarat Lot scale Water Network Ballarat West Stormwater Ballarat West Lot scale Harvesting Hubs Victoria Park (Ballarat) Green Ballarat Lot scale Space Transformation The status of each IWM opportunity included in the Priority Portfolio reflects the phase of work to be undertaken in this time period. Shade scale No Impact Impact 28 Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement
Chapter 3
A summarised list of priority IWM The projects are grouped in four
opportunities is shown in the table themes, but are not ranked. Partners
below, with more detail in the of the Forum are committing their best
following section. Please note that endeavours to ensure priority projects
this list is dynamic and will continue and strategies are progressed in line
to be updated to reflect the current with the shared vision and strategic
Central Highlands Region IWM Forum’s outcomes of the IWM Forum.
priorities and opportunities.
Lead agency for collaborative opportunity Quick win Status
Wadawurrung AC and Dja Dja Wurrung AC Y
Corangamite CMA, Wadawurrung AC N
Central Highlands Cluster of Councils N
Central Highlands Water Y
Central Highlands Water N
Central Highlands Water N
DELWP Grampians and Glenelg Hopkins CMA Y
Pyrenees Shire Council Y
North Central CMA Y
City of Ballarat Y
Central Highlands Water Y
City of Ballarat Y
City of Ballarat Y
Project opportunity status
Concept & feasibility Business case Detailed design Implementation Commission Benefit realisation
Strategy opportunity status
Concept Commitment Prepare draft Consult & finalise Implement Evaluate
Central Highlands Strategic Directions Statement 29Priority Portfolio of IWM
projects and strategies
Regional enablers
Three projects have been identified which would enable the delivery
of IWM across the region. These are highly collaborative opportunities
with broad reach that will benefit a large number of stakeholders
and support and elevate integrated water management.
ACTION CH1
Mapping of the Cultural Values of Waterways
There is an opportunity to identify and map cultural sites and values along
waterway corridors in the region. This will create a knowledge base that can Status
be managed by traditional owner groups and used to inform management Lead Wadawurrung + Dja Dja
of waterways and water bodies. Agency Wurrung Clans Aboriginal
Corporation
This knowledge base can feed into Cultural Heritage Management Plans to Implementation North Central Catchment
streamline the process, but can also provide a clear pathway for traditional Partners Management Authority,
Corangamite Catchment
owner involvement and management of information.
Management Authority,
Glenelg Hopkins
A similar process has been piloted by the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Catchment Management
Nations (MLDRIN) group of Traditional Owners to facilitate collaboration. Authority, DELWP
Grampians, Central
Highlands Water, Local
This project is an initial stage whereby Traditional Owners can build a knowledge Councils
base and resources to ultimately support Care for Country teams taking an
Location Wudawurrung and Dja Dja
active role in waterway management. Priority reaches will be identified as first Wurrung Country
projects, and these may include other waterway projects listed in this document.
Cost To be estimated
Timeframe Complete initial waterway
Next steps mapping in 1-3 years
1. Assemble stakeholders and secure commitment to an agreed Scale Inter-forum
initial scope of works
2. Secure funding and resources
3. Identify initial waterways for survey and mapping
Mooroobull Yaluk Kuwin River Day
with Wadawurrung Community.
Courtesy: Wadawurrung
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