Melbourne is running out of water.

The Central and Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy is now up for review. This strategy is a critical long-term plan that is intended to safeguard the future of Victoria’s waterways over the next 50 years. Unfortunately, community consultation for such a vital strategy has left much to be desired. 

We are in the midst of a water crisis. The availability and quality of water is declining. Our ecosystems are on the brink of collapse and our population continues to grow and demand more and more from our waterways. 

We need careful planning and consideration for the future of our water supply. For the community and for the environment. This requires looking at our water supply from different perspectives, not just commodifying water as a resource to be exploited. The current structure of our water governance fails to recognise the contradiction between protecting the environment and treating water as a commodity. It leaves our water supply prone to over-extraction. This means less water for future generations and continual suffering of ecosystems. 

This is where the Central and Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy should play an important role. It’s supposed to guarantee sustainability in water management and ensure that we do not compromise water ecosystems – so that future generations and the environment are not left short changed. It needs to be well reasoned and identify threats and changes to Victoria’s water supply. 

Together with other community and environmental organisations we are asking to be better included in the development of the new Central and Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy. We’ve sent a Joint Statement to Acting Water Minister, Richard Wynne. This statement outlines our concerns and a series of recommendations for the strategy. We are asking that extra time and care be taken so that there is time for input from the onground environment groups who understand in detail what our waterways need, so the strategy has its best chance of fulfilling its purpose and protects your water supply and environment. 

Please read the statement and send your own letter to the Water Minister expressing your concern about the need for a strong strategy that puts the environment first. 

Thank you for your help in protecting your Yarra and its catchment and the health of the Victorian environment. 

Email info@yarrariver.org.au For any questions about this campaign and how you can get involved.