About the Strategy

What is the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Waterway Strategy (RWS)?

The RWS is the region’s ten‑year plan for managing, protecting and enhancing rivers, wetlands and estuaries. It aligns with Victorian Government policy and sets regional priorities for investment, collaboration and on‑ground action.

Why is the RWS important?

Healthy waterways support the environmental, cultural, social and economic wellbeing of the region. The RWS helps to:

  • Protect waterways that support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
  • Strengthen Traditional Owner leadership and cultural connection to Country.
  • Guide climate change adaptation for waterways and communities.
  • Support liveability, recreation and tourism.
  • Ensure public investment is targeted, transparent and aligned with long‑term priorities.
  • Enable coordination across agencies, landholders and communities.

Is this the first Waterway Strategy for the region?

No. This is the third Glenelg Hopkins RWS and builds on two previous strategies that delivered significant outcomes for rivers, wetlands and estuaries.

What’s new in this strategy?

What are the key features of the new RWS?

The updated strategy includes:

  • Increased Traditional Owner self‑determination and leadership.
  • Stronger emphasis on climate adaptation, mitigation and long‑term resilience.
  • A strategic, high‑level direction supported by detailed implementation planning.
  • A continued focus on collaboration and building on past investment and community feedback.
  • Greater focus on risk management to ensure the strategy is achievable.

What is out of scope for the RWS?

The strategy does not cover:

  • Water allocation (covered by the Sustainable Water Strategy).
  • Floodplain and flood management responsibilities.

Engagement and Collaboration

How will communities and partners be involved?

A multimethod engagement process will shape the strategy, including:

  • A Reference Group of regional partner organisations.
  • Workshops and targeted discussions with Traditional Owners and stakeholders.
  • Broader community feedback via Social Pinpoint.
  • Public consultation events, including drop‑in sessions.
  • Input from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA Community Advisory Committee and Board.

How can the wider community have their say?

People can contribute through:

  • Connecting with GHCMA and other regional partner agencies
  • Online engagement (this platform).
  • Community workshops - Ararat, Hamilton, Warrnambool
  • Public consultation (online and drop-in sessions) when the draft strategy is released for comment

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