April 1st, 2026Consultative Committee set to shape Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is pleased to be part of the Consultative Committee for the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS), which met for the first time this week in Ararat.

The new Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is funded under the Victorian Government’s drought response package.

The SWS will work with local communities on long-term water sustainability and the management of water resources in the region for the next fifty years, in response to ongoing dry conditions, particularly in south-west Victoria.

Mark Wootton AO has been appointed as the Chair of the Consultative Committee, which will guide the development of the SWS.

Mr Wootton brings extensive leadership experience to the role, including serving as Chair of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.

He owns and manages Jigsaw Farms, a carbon‑neutral grazing and agroforestry enterprise north of Hamilton.

“I’m honoured to be taking up this role and looking forward to working with the Consultative Committee members, who bring a wealth of talent and knowledge,” Mr Wootton said.

“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.”

The Consultative Committee also includes regional agencies with responsibilities for managing water, including urban and rural water corporations, Catchment Management Authorities, 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.

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 Ballarat, Colac, Warrnambool, Portland, Port Campbell, Cobden, Timboon, Camperdown, Hamilton, Ouyen, Horsham, Avoca, Stawell, Ararat and Edenhope.

The SWS 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 CEO, Dr. Amber Clarke said “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.

“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.”

Learn more about the Strategy: Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy