The 1022-page draft plan will balance socio-economic impacts while delivering environmental benefits for the river system for the north of the state and Victoria’s share of the Murray River, and outlines how much surface and groundwater can be taken for use on farms, towns, industry, recreation and the environment.
The draft plan also discusses how to manage risk, including from climate change and drought, a plan to manage water quality, arrangements for groundwater trade, and identifying and responding to traditional owner water values and uses.
Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville said the plan would balance the needs of water users.
‘‘This plan shows how Victoria can rely on its existing water management and entitlement frameworks to meet the requirements of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,’’ Ms Neville said.
‘‘We’re delivering on our commitments to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and balancing the needs of all Victorian water users — the environment, farmers, traditional owners and community.’’
The Victorian Government labelled the plan a ‘‘significant step’’ towards implementing the basin plan on time and in full.
While recognising the recent fish deaths on the Darling River, the government said it only underscored the importance of proper planning and water allocation processes, plus ongoing investment in broader river health actions to deliver environmental outcomes for the basin.
The Northern Victoria Water Resource Plan includes the Murray River and its tributaries, including the Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, Ovens, Goulburn, Broken, Campaspe and Loddon river systems — as well as the groundwater beneath them.
Public consultation sessions are being held in Wangaratta on February 12, Shepparton on February 13 and Kerang on February 14 to provide an overview of the plan and the opportunity to ask questions, with additional sessions able to be scheduled as required.
The draft plan is available for community consultation until Monday, March 4 at 5pm.
■To view the plan, make a submission or for more information about when and where public consultation sessions will be held, go to: engage.vic.gov.au
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