Background
The Authority is one of ten Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) throughout Victoria established under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and the Water Act 1989. The CMAs report to the Minister for Water (The Hon Harriet Shing MP). The CMAs were established to provide for the integrated management of land, biodiversity and water resources within their region.
The Authority consists of:
- A board of management responsible for the strategic direction of natural resource management in the region;
- A chief executive officer reporting directly to the Board and managing the day-to-day activities of the Authority and the staff.
Community and Government Stakeholder Engagement
The Authority disseminates Government policy and information to the community of East Gippsland and provides strategic leadership on current and emerging government initiatives in natural resource management. It acts as a conduit between government and community to build cooperative connections between the two. The Authority recognises the importance of establishing strong partnerships with the community, government, business and stakeholders which assist in building a sustainable economic, social and ecological future for the region.
Integrated Regional Planning and Coordination
The Authority provides government with the collective strategic views of this region. The responsibilities under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 include development of the Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) and associated action plans. The Authority maintains a clearly structured and highly effective strategic planning framework related to the implementation, monitoring and reporting of projects against strategic targets, taking into account state and federal policy.
Strengthening the implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy
The Authority seeks to maximise the impact and coordination of on-ground works by supporting agencies, individuals and community groups. The focus within the Authority is to foster project delivery through partnerships with stakeholders. This principle reflects the RCS objectives of strengthening relationships with, and the capacity of landowners, land managers and the community.
Fulfilling Statutory Functions
The Authority is directly accountable under the Water Act 1989 for licensing works on waterways and planning referrals on floodplains. The Authority also provides advice and information on other river health related issues including farm dam applications, and input to strategies and plans being developed by agencies, groups and individuals.
