New partnership supports community initiatives
22 September 2017
A new partnership between the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (GHCMA) and Wannon Water aims to foster vibrant communities across the south-west.
The boards of both organisations today signed a formal agreement that will see them collaborate on a range of new initiatives over the next three years.
Wannon Water Chair Jacinta Ermacora and GHCMA Chairperson Antony Ford welcomed the partnership, which aligns with the Victorian Government’s strategic plan Water for Victoria. The plan reinforces the government’s confidence in the water sector and in the ability of Victorians to collaborate, and to embrace water efficiency, stronger planning, strategic investment and smarter ways of doing more with less water.
“The new partnership allows us to work together on future projects and ideas that will continue to strengthen the wellbeing of our region,” Ms Ermacora said.
“We already cooperate on projects of mutual benefit, such as waterways, biodiversity and land management. More recently, GHCMA and Wannon Water have both adopted vision statements that focus on creating healthier communities.
“The new agreement covers key themes including regional leadership, integrated water management, climate change, business excellence and joint advocacy.”
Mr Ford said the region’s catchments continue to face significant pressures such as climate change and a growing population.
“Working together to strengthen collaboration, partnerships and accountability is important to combatting these challenges,” Mr Ford said.
“While celebrating the achievements of the past 20 years, we are very focused on the future, using our past experiences to inform our future management decisions.”
Under the agreement, the two organisations will be considering joint initiatives, such as employee leadership, urban waterway improvement, sharing community education and engagement plans and identifying areas for carbon neutrality and biodiversity programs.
Improving partnerships with the indigenous community through programs such as traineeships has also been identified as a priority.
