Watersmart - developing a sustainable water resources strategy for Melbourne

Abstract

Melbourne's water supply system has developed incrementally since the 1850s in response to the demands placed on it by a growing city. As Melbourne has continued to grow, a number of water supply strategies have been undertaken to identify options for meeting future water demands. The last major strategy review was undertaken in 1992. In October 2000, the Victorian Government, through the Minister for Environment and Conservation, announced the establishment of a Committee to oversee the development of a sustainable 50 year water resource management strategy for Melbourne's water supply system. This paper outlines the process undertaken in developing the strategy, including; the development of the Discussion Starter report which provided background information on the four broad options identified to manage Melbourne's water resources, the consultation process adopted to obtain community views on preferences and the next steps in the development of the strategy.