How is the changing climate being included in the Regional Waterway Strategy development?
The Glenelg Hopkins CMA is developing a Regional Waterway Strategy (RWS) to guide collaborative efforts in improving waterway health amid accelerating climate change. Climate change is already reshaping Victoria’s hydrology and ecosystems, with observed trends including:
- Temperature rise: +1.2°C since 1910; hotter, more frequent heatwaves.
- Rainfall decline: >10% reduction in cool-season rainfall over 30 years; step-change reduction in streamflows.
- Extreme events: More intense short-duration rainfall, longer dry periods, rising sea levels, and increased bushfire severity.
These changes threaten waterway health, biodiversity, and community values. Key impacts include:
- Reduced streamflows and runoff (median projection: 14% decline under 1.5°C warming).
Increased algal blooms, invasive species, and estuary closures.
- Higher flood magnitudes east of the Grampians and severe erosion risks.
- Transformation of river flow regimes (e.g., perennial streams shifting to intermittent or ephemeral).
- Rising estuary salinity and acidification risks.
- Potential reductions in environmental water entitlements for regulated systems like the Glenelg River.
Adaptation is essential. The RWS will focus on three approaches:
- Resilience: Maintain and restore current ecosystems.
- Transition: Support gradual shifts to new states.
- Transformation: Manage irreversible changes with innovative solutions.
Healthy waterways are more resilient, supporting ecological, cultural, and recreational values. Management will continue core activities (revegetation, fencing, pest control) but adapt species selection, scale, and timing. Flexible, region-specific planning will be critical to address ongoing and future climate challenges.
A copy of the full paper can be found here:
