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.

GMW has been working in consultation with Traditional Owners, local government Authorities, catchment management authorities, special interest groups, local community members and recreational visitors to develop a series of draft Recreational Area Management Plans. The plans aim to manage and support the sustainable use and protection of water resources at the determined recreational areas we manage.

Image credit: Gab Connole

The first 10 draft plans are now open for review and comment. We are also seeking feedback on the recreational area maps these can be found on page 12 or 13 of the draft plans..

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.

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.

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