Business & Rural
5 April, 2026
Sustainability at centre of new water strategy
The strategy will cover the western third of Victoria, extending from the south-west coast, across the Wimmera and to the southern Mallee. This includes the Avoca and Avon-Richardson catchments and towns such as Charlton, St Arnaud, Wycheproof, Donald and Avoca.
THE PROCESS for managing and maintaining local water resources has begun.
The Consultative Committee for the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS) met for the first time this week in Ararat, marking the beginning of collaborative work in this space.
The SWS will work with local communities on long-term water sustainability and the management of water resources in the region for the next fifty years, in response to ongoing dry conditions, particularly in south-west Victoria.
The strategy will cover the western third of Victoria, extending from the south-west coast, across the Wimmera and to the southern Mallee.
This includes the Avoca and Avon-Richardson catchments and towns such as Charlton, St Arnaud, Wycheproof, Donald and Avoca.
The SWS will address challenges such as changing climates and water availability to plan for how our local waterways can continue to support the community’s economic, cultural, environmental, and social values.
The committee also includes regional agencies with responsibilities for managing water, including urban and rural water corporations, Catchment Management Authorities, and Traditional Owners.
The Consultative Committee will be supported by working groups made up of community representatives from sectors with water interests including agriculture and environment.
The new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is funded under the Victorian Government’s drought response package.
Mark Wootton AO has been appointed as the Chair of the Consultative Committee, which will guide the development of the SWS.
“Mark brings extensive experience that will be pivotal to delivering a new water strategy for the western region – ensuring our local waterways can support community needs now and into the future,” State Water minister Gayle Tierney said.
Mr Wootton said he was keen to make a start.
“I’m honoured to be taking up this role and looking forward to working with the Consultative Committee members, who bring a wealth of talent and knowledge,” he said. “Drought and dry conditions in recent years, particularly in south-western Victoria, has highlighted the need for a new blueprint for the region’s long-term water resources.”
The working group is expected to meet approximately four to six times from mid-2026 to late 2027.
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