The EDO is investigating opportunities and constraints on community participation in the governance of water resources in the State. Water law and regulation is complex, crosses jurisdictions and is the source of competing demands and pressures.

With a review of Victorian water law being completed and a revised Water Act coming out, it is timely that the EDO has received funding from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund to investigate opportunities and constraints on community participation in the governance of water resources in the State. Water law and regulation is complex, crosses jurisdictions and is the source of competing demands and pressures. Historically, water regulation has focused on water supply issues, especially for urban communities and for agricultural development. Over the last twenty years, in the face of ecological problems such as salinisation of land and protracted drought as well as growing environmental awareness, environmental dimensions to water magement have received greater attention and important legislative reforms, such as provision for ‘environmental water.’

The EDO’s project is based on an ‘exploration grant’ to look at community involvement in governance to further the achievement of healthy water ecosystems. We will be producing an initial discussion paper early in the New Year and then undertaking social research with community organisations. We’ll keep you updated on our progress, but if you are keen to discuss the project with us further, please drop me a line at [email protected] or 03 8341 3100.