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 worked in consultation with Traditional Owners, local government authorities, catchment management authorities, partnering stakeholders, special interest groups, local community members and recreational visitors to develop the first 10 of 18 Recreational Area Management Plans.

The plans are public facing operational documents developed to support the day-to-day management of recreation areas in accordance with the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023.

The first 10 recreational area management plans have been completed and are now available on the GMW website along with new recreational area maps to download via the links below.

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 plan includes existing operational arrangements in place in accordance with the Water (recreational area) regulations that came into effect from 2023.

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.