Stated purpose:
On 19 October 2016, the Government released Water for Victoria, a strategic plan for the Management of Victoria's water resources. It establishes a new long-term direction for managing Victoria's water resources as Victoria deals with the impacts of climate change and a growing population. The Bill provides for the implementation of actions set out in Water for Victoria which require legislative amendments to the Water Act 1989 (Vic) and the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic).
Native title implications:
The Bill will embed in law the recognition and involvement of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians and their cultural values in the management of, and planning for, water, waterways and catchments. This Bill will ensure that wherever possible, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians will have a voice at the table to impart their knowledge and share their values.
To ensure consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners becomes standard practice, the Bill will amend the Water Act 1989 and the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to make it mandatory for the relevant statutory bodies:
to incorporate Aboriginal cultural values and uses of water and traditional ecological knowledge in the management of waterways and catchments;
as a statutory duty, to look for opportunities to provide for Aboriginal cultural values and uses of waterways when carrying out their other statutory functions;
to include, where possible, Traditional Owners or Aboriginal Victorians in consultative committees and on the Victorian Catchment Management Council; and
to consult with Traditional Owner Groups, native title holders and specified Aboriginal parties for the preparation of management plans and strategies for waterways and catchments.
For more information see the Explanatory Memorandum.