VIC governance info

In Victoria, integrated catchment management (ICM) underpins the sustainable management of land and water resources and contributes to biodiversity management.

Through this approach, the Victorian Government and its partners seek to achieve sustainability and ensure the long-term viability of natural resource systems and human needs for both current and future generations.

Victoria’s framework for the integrated management of catchments is established under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (the CaLP Act).

ICM is the coordinated management of land, water and biodiversity resources based on catchment areas. It incorporates environmental, economic and social considerations.

Victoria is divided into 10 catchment and land protection regions:

• Corangamite
• East Gippsland
• Glenelg Hopkins
• Goulburn Broken
• Mallee
• North Central
• North East
• Port Phillip and Westernport
• West Gippsland
• Wimmera

Catchment management authorities and Melbourne Water are responsible for integrated catchment management. They undertake integrated planning and coordinate the management of land, water and biodiversity. 

They also involve the community in decision-making. For example, implementation committees for programs include people from the local community. Each catchment management authority is structured to maximise community involvement in decision-making.

They comprise:

• Board members are responsible for developing strategic direction for land, water and biodiversity management in their region and providing oversight of the management of the authority.
• Committees that act as channels for local community input.
• Staff members who support the board and oversee the development and implementation of programs and work closely in partnership with the community, government and other catchment-focused organisations.