The Glenelg Hopkins Regional Waterway Strategy (RWS) is the region’s ten-year plan for managing, protecting and enhancing waterways. This is the third RWS for the region. The first two strategies delivered significant benefits for the Glenelg Hopkins community, as well as rivers, wetlands and estuaries including:

• 1786 ha revegetation,
• 428 km fencing,
• 13488 ha weed control, and,
• 81 structures to improve aquatic habitat and connectivity.

Healthy waterways underpin the environmental, cultural, social and economic wellbeing of the region. The RWS is important because it:

• Protects rivers, wetlands and estuaries that support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
• Strengthens Traditional Owner leadership and cultural connections to Country.
• Helps communities adapt to climate change impacts such as reduced flows, extreme events and habitat stress.
• Supports livability, recreation and tourism through well managed waterways.
• Ensures public investment is targeted, transparent and aligned with long term regional priorities.
• Provides a coordinated approach across agencies, landholders and communities.

• Increased Traditional Owner self-determination and role in waterway management.
  
• Stronger emphasis on adaptation, mitigation and long-term resilience in response to climate change.
• Builds on past investment, partnerships and community feedback.
• Higher level strategic direction supported by detailed implementation plans.
• Greater focus on risk management to ensure strategy is achievable.

What’s not included in the new RWS as they are covered by other Strategies or agencies:

• Water allocation (covered by the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy).
• Floodplain and flood management responsibilities (Regional Floodplain Management Strategy | Glenelg Hopkins CMA)

The strategy design is collaborative, involves Traditional Owners, agencies and communities including:

• RWS Reference Group involving key regional partner organisations.
• Targeted workshops with known stakeholders and interest groups.
• Community input online via Social Pinpoint platform.
• Community input of the draft RWS through in-person drop-in sessions.
• Glenelg Hopkins CMA Community Advisory Committee and Board.