An integrated planning framework
The Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) is developed by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA) as a requirement under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act), which is the primary integrated planning framework for the management of land, water and biodiversity resources in the catchment. It has also been developed in accordance with requirements to support, reinforce and integrate a range of international, national, state and regional legislative, policy and strategic frameworks that guide and influence integrated catchment management.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a common overarching framework to deliver community wellbeing and a more sustainable future for all people of the world. Under the framework, environmental, social and economic development are indivisible. The goals aim to reduce poverty and inequality, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment and address climate change, and encourage good governance, peace and security. The RCS may be a regionally based document, but it contributes to the broader global sustainable development movement.
The diagram below shows how the RCS adopts a whole-of-system policy approach for land, water and biodiversity management.
International agreements
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – is a comprehensive, progressive and innovative agenda that responds to the many challenges faced by the world today and into the future. It aims to integrate the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development by reducing poverty and inequality, promoting prosperity and well-being for all, protecting the environment and address climate change, and encourage good governance and peace and security.
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention) – aims to promote cooperation among nations to protect heritage around the world that is of such outstanding universal value that its conservation is important for current and future generations. States that are parties to the Convention agree to identify, protect, conserve, and protect World Heritage properties.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to Indigenous peoples.
China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and Republic of Korea and Aust Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) – are bilateral migratory bird agreements that provide for the protection and conservation of migratory birds and their important habitats, protection from take or trade except under limited circumstances, the exchange of information, and building cooperative relationships.
Convention on Biological Diversity – the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations, including Australia.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands – the first modern treaty between nations aimed at conserving natural resources. The Ramsar Convention’s broad aims are to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, those that remain. This requires international cooperation, policy making, capacity building and technology transfer.
Australian Government
National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development – provides broad strategic directions and framework for governments to direct policy and decision-making. The strategy facilitates a coordinated and co-operative approach to ecologically sustainable development and encourages long-term benefits for Australia over short-term gains.
Australia’s Strategy for Nature – is the overarching framework for all national, state and territory and local strategies, legislation, policies and actions that target nature. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Act – is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation which provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places. Threatened Species Strategy – delivers a framework for action to protect and recover our nation’s threatened plants and animals across Australia, spanning terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Australian Pest Animal Strategy – provides national guidance on best practice vertebrate pest animal management, in striving towards the national vision of protecting Australia’s economy, environment and social wellbeing from the impact of pest animals. Australian Weed Strategy – provides national guidance on best practice weed management by guiding coordination of effort across all jurisdictions and affected stakeholders and to inform plans and actions by state and territory governments, local governments, regional natural resource management (NRM) agencies, as well as by industry, landholders and the wider community. The National Landcare Program – is the Australian Government’s commitment to working in partnership with governments, industry, Indigenous and local communities and individuals to protect and conserve Australia’s water, soil, plants, animals and ecosystems, as well as support the productive and sustainable use of these valuable resources.
National Carp Control Plan – an integrated strategy for the control of carp impacts in Australia, build around biological control that is being developed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
National Drought Agreement – sets out a joint approach to drought preparedness, responses and recovery, with a focus on accountability and transparency. The agreement recognises the need to support farming businesses and farming communities to manage and prepare for climate change and variability. It focuses measures across all jurisdictions on bolstering risk management practices and enhancing long-term preparedness and resilience. Australian Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan – is a whole of government approach to supporting farmers and families through periods of on-going drought and to build resilience into the future, including initiatives such as the Future Drought Fund. National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy – the Australian Government’s approach to managing the risks of a variable and changing climate. National Soil Strategy – sets out a roadmap for how the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments and working with other partners, can use policy and actions to achieve common goals to secure and protect Australia’s soils for the future.
Closing the Gap – is a partnership between the Australian Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments to work together to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians. Native Title Act 1993 – is a law passed by the Australian Parliament that recognises the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs.
Victorian Government
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) – is the legislation that promotes and enables integrated catchment management across Victoria including establishment of catchment management regions, catchment management authorities and the requirement for Regional Catchment Strategies. Our Catchments Our Communities – confirms the Victorian Government’s commitment to managing our catchments to benefit our environment, our community, and our economy. It focuses on how we manage our natural resources by ensuring catchment management partners work better together.
Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework – is the Victorian Government’s overarching framework for working with Aboriginal Victorians, organisations and the wider community to drive action and improve outcomes. Pupangarli marnmarnepu ‘owning our future’ (Aboriginal Self-determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025) – is a 5-year roadmap that enables self-determination by fostering an environment that honours the rights and dignity of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians. Munganin – Gadhaba ‘Achieve Together’ (DELWP Aboriginal Inclusion Plan) – is about building inclusiveness into all aspects of DELWPs work and culture to improve recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff and more effectively engage Aboriginal people and communities in the design and delivery of work. Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Action Plan – presents an overarching framework to connect and support councils and Aboriginal communities across Victoria, by recognising, celebrating and growing good practices. Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 – allows different organisations, groups and bodies to connect and better enforce and preserve policies and the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria. Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 – provides a framework for negotiating an out-of-court settlement of native title for a Traditional Owner group without the need for the lengthy and costly processes that are usually required under the Native Title Act.
Water Act 1989 – provides the legal framework for managing Victoria’s water resources. Water for Victoria – is a plan for a future with less water as Victoria responds to the impact of climate change and a growing population. The actions set out in the plan support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy with growing agricultural production, and thriving communities. Victorian Waterway Management Strategy – aims to maintain or improve the condition of our waterways so they can support environmental, social, cultural and economic values that are important to communities. It provides direction for regional decision-making, investment and management issues for waterways, as well as the roles and responsibilities of management agencies. Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy – identifies potential challenges for water management and opportunities to secure water resources for the next 50 years. It outlines policies and actions to ensure sustainable water supply and management over that period. Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy – ensures appropriate response and action is taken in the event of a flood. Many communities and authorities are involved in such events, and efficient handling and communication is crucial in protecting from and using floods effectively. Integrated Water Management Framework for Victoria – helps government, the water sector and the community work together to better plan, manage and deliver water in Victoria’s towns and cities. Central Highlands, Great South Coast and Wimmera Integrated Water Management (IWM) Strategic Directions – highlight the key challenges in each region and also identifies collaborative IWM opportunities that can improve resilience and liveability in cities and towns.
Environment Protection Act 2017 – provides the legislative framework for the protection of human health and the environment from pollution and waste. The general environmental duty at the centre of the Environment Protection Act 2017 applies to all Victorians. It means that businesses must manage their activities to avoid the risk of damage to human health and the environment, from pollution or waste.
State Environment Protection Policy (Waters) – ensures that Victoria has a contemporary statutory policy for the protection and management of surface water and groundwater in Victoria.
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 – is the key piece of Victorian legislation for the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes. Wildlife Act 1975 – works in conjunction with the Amendment Act by providing regulatory mechanisms to ensure the protection and sustainable use of wildlife and their habitat in Victoria. Protecting Victoria’s Environment, Biodiversity 2037 – is Victoria’s new plan for the future of Victoria’s biodiversity. The Biodiversity Plan embraces transformational developments in thinking about conservation and the sustainability of human civilisation and economic development.
Agriculture Victoria Strategy – is backing a stronger, more innovative and sustainable agriculture industry with a ten-year strategy to drive Victoria’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and bolster the economy. Digital Agriculture Strategy – outlines the Victorian Government’s plan to support Victorian farmers harness digital technologies to build a more efficient, sustainable and productive agriculture sector in Victoria. Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy – sets out rules, protocols and support mechanisms to enable landholders and government agencies to overcome past barriers to the repair and management of degraded rural drainage systems.
Planning and Environment Act 1987 – establishes a framework for planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria. This Act enables instruments such as the Victorian Planning Provisions, which set the framework and standard provisions for state planning schemes.
Marine and Coastal Act 2018 – provides a simpler, more integrated and coordinated approach to planning and managing the marine and coastal environment by enabling protection of the coastline and the ability to address the long-term challenges of climate change, population growth and ageing coastal structures and ensuring that partners work together to achieve the best outcomes for Victoria’s marine and coastal environment. Marine and Coastal Policy – the Victorian Government’s policy to guide decision makers in the planning, management and sustainable use of our coastal and marine environment. Marine and Coastal Strategy – is the Victorian Government’s strategy to outline priority actions, and a pathway for achieving long-term outcomes for our marine and coastal environment. Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020 – recognises the state significance of the Great Ocean Road and its landscapes, and establishes a new dedicated coast and parks management authority to protect and manage coastal Crown land along the length of the Great Ocean Road. Great Ocean Road Action Plan – outlines major governance reforms to simplify the complex and fragmented management arrangements of the Great Ocean Road, its land and seascapes.
Climate Change Act 2017 – provides Victoria with a world-leading legislative foundation to manage climate change risks, maximise the opportunities that arise from decisive action, and drive our transition to a climate resilient community and economy with net zero emissions by 2050. Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan – explains how the Victorian Government will support adaptation and coordinate action on different scales (local, regional and sectoral) and how it will embed climate change considerations across Government. The Natural Environment Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2022-2026 will be a strategic document that provides direction for undertaking adaptation for the natural environment across Victorian landscapes. Victoria’s Water in a Changing Climate (findings from the Victorian Water and Climate Change Initiative) – helps to better understand how the climate has and will continue to change and the impacts on Victoria’s water resources, allowing better preparation for the future. Barwon South West and Grampians Regional Adaptation Snapshots – high-level summaries providing a snapshot of impacts, actions, gaps and priorities for climate change adaptation.
Victorians Volunteering for Nature, Environmental Volunteering Plan – is a coordinated and revitalised approach to environmental volunteering that will support and foster a sustainable, modern, effective and valued environmental volunteering sector in Victoria. Victorian Memorandum for Health and Nature – a commitment by the Victorian Government to support and enable an integrated, whole of government approach that recognises the benefits of healthy parks and other natural assets for the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. Victorian Public Health and Well-being Plan – provides a framework for coordinated action, ensuring Victorians of all ages are afforded the opportunity for optimal health and wellbeing so they can participate fully in their community, in education and/or in employment. This includes priorities such as tackling climate change and its impacts on health, and increasing active living through access to open spaces. Victorian Memorandum for Health and Nature – a commitment by the Victorian Government to support and enable an integrated, whole of government approach that recognises the benefits of healthy parks and other natural assets for the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. Parks Victoria, Healthy Parks Healthy People Framework – is driven by Victorian Government policy that recognises the many health and environmental stewardship benefits of being active in the outdoors and connecting with parks and nature. It highlights the critical role that Victoria’s parks can play in encouraging a healthier, more liveable and more connected community.
Victorian Fisheries Authority Strategic Plan – commits to increasing the number and diversity of people fishing and enjoying Victoria’s local seafood, growing healthy and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors and contributing to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity. Victorian Aquaculture Strategy – sets a vision for a productive, growing and sustainable aquaculture industry that is valued by the Victorian community. Better Boating Victoria – has been established to implement boating reforms that will make it safer, cheaper and easier for more Victorians to enjoy a day on the water, including the development of a Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy.
Other national, statewide and regional frameworks and strategies
Growing What is Good Country Plan, Voices of the Wotjobaluk Nations – is the whole of Country plan prepared by Traditional Owners to express their vision, interests and strategies for maintaining the health of people and Country. Meerreengeeye ngakeepoorryeeyt, Eastern Maar Country Plan – sets the aspirations for Eastern Maar citizens for how they manage their land and waters. Ngootyong Gunditj Ngootyong Mara South West Management Plan – is a strategic guide for managing and protecting the parks, reserves and Indigenous Protected Areas within Victoria’s south west. The plan was developed by Parks Victoria in partnership with the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Paleert Tjaara Dja, Let’s make Country good together 2020-2030 (Wadawurrung Country Plan) outlines how Wadawurrung see Country being cared for and managed over a ten year time frame. Aboriginal Participation Guidelines for Victorian Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) – establishes a statewide approach for use by CMAs to respond to regional variations in cultural diversity, experience in working with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities, and natural resource management priorities. The Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Strategy – articulates long-term goals and objectives at Statewide and Country (regional) levels for the reinvigoration of cultural fire through Traditional Owner led practices across all types of Country and land tenure, enabling Traditional Owners to heal Country and fulfil their rights and obligations to care for Country. Djakitjuk Djanga, Native Foods and Botanicals Industry Development Guidelines – will support Aboriginal Victorians to lead the development of Victoria’s native food and botanicals industry, starting with commercial crop development.
Trust for Nature’s Statewide Conservation Plan – is a statewide conservation planning document that focuses solely on the protection of ecosystems and species on private land in Victoria. It complements Regional Catchment Strategies and biodiversity planning undertaken by the Victorian Government.
Glenelg Hopkins Regional Climate Change Strategy – will be used to inform regional planning through the identification of policy statements, strategic initiatives and adaptation planning approaches. Glenelg Hopkins Waterway Strategy – provides a single planning document for river, estuary and wetland management in the Glenelg Hopkins region. Glenelg Hopkins Regional Floodplain Management Strategy – provides a single regional planning document for floodplain management and a high-level list of regional priorities to guide future investment. Glenelg Hopkins CMA Glenelg River System Environmental Watering Management Plan – sets out objectives for the management of environmental water for priority environmental values along the Glenelg River.
Local Government Authority (LGA) Council Plans – are strategic documents that reflect what LGAs and the community aim to achieve in a four-year period (following a general election) as part of a longer-term sustainable future. LGAs also have a range of other strategic documents and plans including 2040 Community Plans, Roadside Management Plans, Environmental Strategies and Conservation Plans. There are 11 LGAs within the Glenelg Hopkins region:
Great South Coast Regional Strategic Plan – addresses the challenges and opportunities that the region will face in the areas of economic development, connectivity, environment, health and wellbeing, land use and liveability and presents new ways of working together to achieve a shared vision for the future. Great South Coast Economic Futures – outlines suggested new engagement pathways for some of the region’s identified high-value sectors, to grow the economy and skilled job markets. Great South Coast Regional Growth Plan – provides the land use planning framework to underpin a prosperous and sustainable future for the region, including economic and population growth, building on regional strengths and opportunities. Great South Coast Food and Fibre Strategy and Action Plan – outlines the platforms, programs and rationale for needing to continue to grow food & fibre output from the Great South Coast region’s businesses. Wimmera Southern Mallee, Central Highlands and the Great South Coast Regional Growth Plans – translate and integrate emerging statewide regional land use planning policy. They provide the basis for regional coordination and future planning of infrastructure to support regional land use objectives.
Australian Beef Sustainability Frameworks – developed by the industry in collaboration with stakeholders to meet the changing expectations of consumers, customers, investors and other stakeholders to define sustainable beef production that is socially, environmentally and economical responsible. Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework – supports the industry’s commitment to addressing emerging sustainability issues over the long-term and improving the industry’s resilience to meet challenges as they come, including climate change. Sheep Sustainability Framework – Australia’s sheep meat and wool industry is developing a Sheep Sustainability Framework to assist industry to better understand its opportunities, challenges and impacts in key areas such as animal care, the agricultural landscape, economic resilience, and people and community.
