Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has welcomed new legislation introduced to parliament to enshrine recreational and Aboriginal water values into law for the first time across Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government has already taken significant steps to implement these values through projects like the Cultural Flows project along the Glenelg River.
Traditional knowledge of the Glenelg River landscape was incorporated into the management of an environmental flow.
This project was delivered by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority in partnership with Barengi Gadjin Land Council and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
By enshrining these values into law the Andrews Labor Government ensures decision makers need to consider the value of our waterways to Aboriginal Victorians for generations to come.
This legislation will also better incorporate recreational water values across the state, recognising how essential rivers, lakes and waterways are to the health and wellbeing of communities in Victoria – supporting activities such as fishing, camping and boating.
The Labor Government has invested $584 million to deliver water initiatives that implement the Plan, including a record $222 million waterway health.
Extensive consultation was carried out in the development of the Bill between Victoria’s water corporations and catchment management authorities, Traditional Owners, the agriculture sector and environmental agencies.
Lines attributable to Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria
“Our water plan, Water for Victoria, is already delivering results for communities in South-West Victoria.”
“Recreational waterways are critical for the wellbeing of communities in South-West Victoria – they are where we relax, explore, and socialise.”
“These reforms ensure the recreational and Aboriginal values of our waterways will be key considerations by our decision makers for generations to come.”