General News
1 April, 2026
Corangamite CMA part of water consultation committee
CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has announced it is among voices focused on water sustainability as part of the consultative committee for the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which met for the first time last week in Ararat.
The new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is funded under the Victorian Government’s drought response package and aims to work with local communities on long-term water sustainability and water resource management over the next 50 years.
The strategy will cover the western third of Victoria, extending from the south-west coast, across the Wimmera and to the southern Mallee.
This includes the towns of Cobden, Timboon, Port Campbell, Camperdown, Ballarat, Colac, Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Ouyen, Horsham, Avoca, Stawell, Ararat and Edenhope.
The strategy will address challenges such as changing climate and water availability to plan for how our local waterways can continue to support the community’s economic, cultural, environmental and social values.
Corangamite CMA chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Amber Clarke said the organisation is pleased to be part of the strategy development.
“Corangamite CMA is excited to contribute to the development of this important strategy, which will support our region’s waterways and communities to be more resilient and adapt to a changing climate,” she said.
“Working collaboratively across agencies, Traditional Owners and with local communities will be essential given increasing pressure on the shared water resources that we all depend on.”
Mark Wootton AO has been appointed as the chair of the consultative committee, which will guide the development of the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
Mr Wootton said he is honoured to be taking on the role and is looking forward to working with other committee members, including Corangamite CMA.
“Drought and dry conditions in recent years, particularly in south western Victoria, has highlighted the need for a new blueprint for the region’s long-term water resources,” he said.
The consultative committee also includes regional agencies with responsibilities for managing water, including urban and rural water corporations, CMAs and Traditional Owners.
The consultative committee will be supported by working groups made up of community representatives from sectors with water interests including agriculture and environment.