The 2021-27 North Central Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) is the overarching strategy for all involved in land, water and biodiversity management within the north central region. Through its vision – ‘working in partnership for a healthy catchment’ – it provides a roadmap for our collective efforts to care for our catchments over the next six years.
Our region is rich in natural assets, boasting internationally recognised wetlands, large areas of intact forests, and significant threatened species like the Plains Wanderer. Equally rich is the variety of land and soil types that sustain a range of productive agricultural enterprises – irrigation in the north, large-scale cropping in the west and mixed farming in the mid and upper catchments to the south. And there is significant commitment to a sustainable future amongst the 250,000 people that call the region home whether they are Traditional Owners, work a farm or live in a rural community or call urban Bendigo or one of the larger regional towns home.
Development of the North Central RCS for 2021-27 has been a collaborative process involving government and non-government organisations, Traditional Owners, and the broader community. This RCS builds on the achievements and lessons from the past and looks forward to the next six years and beyond, considering challenges and opportunities.
For the first time the RCS is online and we invite you to explore the RCS, learn about our region, and get involved.
2013-19 North Central Regional Catchment Strategy
2003-07 North Central Regional Catchment Strategy
Catchment management authorities (including Melbourne Water) are responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of regional catchment strategies with their partners, communities and Traditional Owners under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The strategies reflect community priorities for catchment values and align with relevant state and federal policies and program priorities.
Regional catchment strategies are a cornerstone to improve catchment stewardship under the Our Catchments, Our Communities: Building on the Legacy for Catchment Stewardship policy statement and investment program. These initiatives support delivery of Water for Victoria Action 3.3 Invest in integrated catchment management.
