Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today encouraged Victorians to have their say on the Andrews Labor Government’s draft water plan ‘Water for Victoria.’

The plan is now released for community feedback to ensure Victoria has the best possible plan to prepare for critical challenges such as climate change, population growth, an increased demand for water and water security.

Water for Victoria outlines the need to balance agricultural, industrial, recreational and environmental needs, to get the most out of one of our most precious resources.

The plan recognises that the sector needs to work closer with local communities when making critical decisions about their water supplies.

For the first time, the plan proposes to establish an Aboriginal Water Program which will help identify Aboriginal values and uses of water and help build the capacity of the sector to ensure the involvement of Traditional Owners.

The Government will work to ensure we respect and recognise the cultural connections Aboriginal communities have to land, water and resources through their associations and spiritual relationships with Country.

The Government will not change entitlements but wants to work with farmers to identify the best way to support them adapt to reducing water availability and build resilience of water supply.

The plan will now be tested with Victorian communities over the next six to eight weeks through online and face to face consultations.

To have your say or join a community session, visit haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/water-for-victoria

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We know that by 2051 Victoria’s population will almost double, that we will continue to face drying conditions and that there will be an increased demand for water.”

“Water for Victoria is about community and government working together to plan for those challenges – recognising how critical water security is to our economy, jobs and our liveability.”

“It’s about how we can best balance agricultural, industry, urban, recreational and environmental uses – maximising shared benefits wherever possible and recognise the economic importance of the agricultural sector, environmental and community values.”