Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority

Regional Catchment Strategy

A primary function of a Catchment Management Authority is to prepare a regional catchment strategy for its region and coordinate and monitor its implementation. The Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy describes the natural assets of the region, and how they are interrelated. It outlines what needs to be done to manage and use the assets in a sustainable way.

The Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) was accredited by the Victorian and Australian Governments in December 2004.

The RCS is an important planning and working document for all organisations and people involved in natural resource management in the region, including government agencies and councils, water authorities and Landcare and community groups. Its main focus is the land, water and biodiversity in the region including coastal and marine areas. It provides a framework for effort, an investment guide, a means of integrating policy and an action plan for catchment works.

It allocates tasks – defining roles for many stakeholders in the delivery of environmental programs across the region. It is also a regional investment guide, informing the allocation of Victorian and Australian Government investment in natural resource management in the region.

Open documents (pdf)
Cover and Acknowledgements
Foreword and Contents
Chapter 1 - Overview
Chapter 2 - Perspective on the Region
Chapter 3 - Context for the RCS
Chapter 4 - Methodology and Strategic Framework
Chapter 5 - Water
Chapter 6 - Land

Chapter 7 - Biodiversity
Chapter 8 - People and Organisations
Chapter 9 - Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting
Chapter 10 - Prioritisation and Implementation
Chapter 11 - Linkages across Objectives Targets and Actions
Chapter 12 - Renewal of the RCS
Chapter 13 - Bibliography

RCS summary document

Submissions

PPWCMA submission to the "Victorian Land and Biodiversity at a Time of Climate Change" Green Paper

Download the document

PPWCMA submission to the "Victorian Land and Biodiversity at a Time of Climate Change" Consultation Paper

Download the document

Other Regional Strategies and Plans

Native Vegetation Plan

The Native Vegetation Plan has been prepared to protect, manage and restore native vegetation within our region in a strategic and coordinated way. The plan is consistent with the statewide approach to native vegetation management outlined in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management: A Framework For Action, released in 2002. Both documents aim to achieve a net gain in the quality and extent of native vegetation. The Native Vegetation Plan was launched on 5 December, 2006. Subsequent amendments were issued 1 February 2008

Native Vegetation Plan 2006 PDF document (43 Mg in size)

Addendum: Explanation of the change to the PPWCMA Native Vegetation Plan - 1 February 2008

Addendum: Pages 49 and 50 of the Native Vegetation Plan

Addendum: Table showing changes to the Bioregional Conservation Status in Victoria (11 April 2008)

Regional Rabbit Action Plan

The long-standing impact of rabbits on biodiversity, farm profitability, soil stability, native vegetation, parks, gardens and water quality are recognised by the PPWCMA as one of the major land management issues in this region.

Large scale community commitment and effective management of rabbits by all land managers is essential to reduce the impacts.

The Regional Rabbit Action Plan clarifies the responsibilities of all land managers in regard to this issue and prioritises how resources will be allocated for rabbit control works.

Open documents (pdf)
Cover
pages 1-7
pages 8-14

Regional Weed Action Plan

Weeds are recognised by the PPWCMA as one of the most important land management issues in this region. The impacts of weeds on agricultural production, biodiversity and social and recreational areas make it very important for all land managers to adequately address the weed problem.

The extent to which land managers recognise the importance of controlling weeds on their properties varies markedly. This Weed Action Plan clarifies the responsibilities of all land managers and provides advice on priorities for Government investment and how resources will be allocated for work on priority weeds.

Open documents (pdf)
Cover
pages 1-10
pages 11-22

Landcare plans

Strategy for the Support and Coordination of Landcare and Community Groups

The PPWCMA recognises and appreciates the contribution of time and effort from volunteers in protecting and enhancing the environment of the region. Without the commitment and support of community groups, most catchment restoration programs could not be undertaken.

Over 480 Landcare, Friends and community groups across the region are active in natural resource management and the viability of these groups is critical if we want to maintain their passion and energy. This strategy identifies the issues impacting on their future needs and sets the foundations for their long term viability.