The state government launched the Waterways of the West Action Plan last week, which covers an area including Werribee River.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas welcomed the action plan after two years of consultation with traditional land owners, community groups and water stakeholders.
“We’re caring for Werribee rivers, creeks and riparian landscapes as unique, interconnected living systems, protecting them from pollution and overdevelopment,” Mr Pallas said.
The action plan recognises that that the Bunurong, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi wurrung traditional land owners are the “voices” of waterways in the west.
“These new approaches to waterways management will embed traditional owners voices that have been ignored and marginalised in the centre of decision-making,” a statement from the state government read.
“The Bunurong, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi wurrung traditional owners are better empowered to self-determine their involvement in the planning and decision-making for waterways so that their aspirations for country and culture are realised.”
Under the management plan, regional planning policies and new planning controls have been developed to protect waterways from inappropriate development.
An independently-chaired Waterway Pollution Prevention Taskforce will be established to support the action plan, bringing together representatives from traditional owners, Melbourne Water, the Environment Protection Authority, councils to address waterway pollution in the west.
The state government has committed $3.6 million to deliver the Waterways of the West Action Plan.
Melbourne Water has more than $40 million in investment planned across the next five years for stormwater management, 1000 hectares of revegetation and ongoing maintenance.
Details: www.water.vic.gov.au/waterways-and-catchments/wow.
