Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is Australia’s largest rural water corporation. We are responsible for managing 23 water storages under the Victorian Water Act (1989). These storages supply water for irrigation, and urban, rural and environmental use.

Of the 23 storages managed by GMW, 18 are determined recreational areas and provide benefits including:

• access to recreational enjoyment on land and water
• enhanced liveability, social connection, and health and wellbeing, and
• creating opportunities for tourism and economic activity.

Image credit: Recreation at Lake Hume
Courtesy of Visit Albury Wodonga

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) recently developed the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 (the Regulations).

They apply to recreational areas that are registered and managed by water corporations. These areas are Determined Recreational Areas under the Water Act 1989 and apply to 40 of Victoria’s water storages.

They provide for the control, management, and use of recreational areas.

The Regulations help protect:

• water quality
• water corporation facilities
• Aboriginal cultural heritage, and
• environmental values.

A key feature of the Regulations is the need for water corporations to develop Recreational Area Management Plans (RAMPs) for the Determined Recreational Areas we manage.

A Recreational Area Management Plan (RAMP) is a comprehensive document designed to manage and support the sustainable use and protection of water resources at a water storage that is used for recreation.

Each RAMP includes detailed information on area management, public access rules, and permitted activities.

The objectives of the RAMPs are to:

• protect the land, services and facilities in the area
• protect and maintain water quality in waterways in the area
• conserve and preserve flora, fauna and habitat in the area, including the biodiversity of that flora, fauna and habitat
• protect the health and safety of visitors to the area
• promote the enjoyment and recreation of visitors to the area
• support the management, maintenance and regular review of any lease and licence that may be required by clubs, caravan parks and other appropriate organisations in the delivery of recreational facilities to the community
• protect and promote Aboriginal cultural heritage and Aboriginal intangible heritage in the area
• protect and promote any other heritage features in the area
• facilitate the participation of Traditional Owner groups in the management of that area, including in accordance with any agreements under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 that apply to the area, and,
• ensure that the area is managed and used in a way that respects and upholds the rights and aspirations of Traditional Owner groups who have a connection to the area.

GMW has commenced the development of Recreational Area Managment Plans (RAMPs) for the 18 Determined Recreational Areas we manage.

The RAMPs are being developed in consultation with Traditional Owners (TOs), local government Authorities (LGAs), catchment management authorities (CMAs), special interest groups (SIGs), local community members and recreational visitors.

The RAMPs are being developed in two stages.

Plans currently in development:

• Goulburn Weir
• Greens Lake
• Laanecoorie Reservoir
• Lake Buffalo
• Lake Dartmouth
• Lake Eildon
• Lake Eppalock
• Lake Hume
• Waranga Basin
• Yarrawonga Reservoir (Mulwala – Vic side)

The aim is to have these 10 management plans completed by August 2025.

Plans to be developed later:

• Cairn Curran Reservoir
• Hepburns Lagoon
• Lake Nillahcootie
• Lake William Hovell
• Mildura Weir
• Newlyn Reservoir
• Torrumbarry Weir
• Tullaroop Reservoir

The RAMPs are living documents and will be updated as conditions and stakeholder needs change. They will be formally reviewed every 10 years.

Have your say

We are seeking your feedback to help inform the development of the RAMPs and the future of GMW-managed recreational areas.

You can provide feedback in a number of ways including:

How will your feedback be used?

Feedback captured through the recreational values survey will help inform future action plans and the development of GMW's Recreational Area Future Service Approach.

This Future Service Approach is an internal planning tool that guides the ongoing management/maintenance requirements of GMW’s recreational areas.

It assists in the prioritisation of public recreational amenities and facilities.

The RAMPs are being developed over time and there are a number of ways to be involved and have your say.

Privacy collection statement

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is committed to protecting personal information provided by you in accordance with the privacy principles in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). The information you provide will be used in the development and review of Recreational Area Management Plans (RAMPs). The information you provide will be made available to members of the RAMPs project team including representatives from GMW, the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), and RMCG Consulting. You may access the information you have provided to GMW by contacting Alice Milner, Project Manager via email alice.milner@gmwater.com.au