Evaluation of collaborative integrated water management planning in Melbourne’s growth regions

Summary

This report documents the evaluation findings of two recent examples of collaborative IWM planning in Melbourne’s growth corridors: the Upper Merri Creek IWM sub-catchment planning pilot project, and the Western Growth IWM master planning project. Each case was individually assessed, based on interview and survey data. Then a comparative analysis of case findings was undertaken to draw out process design principles for collaborative IWM planning. The principles were organised under four key themes:

1. Scope the project to clearly define its parameters
2. Design the collaborative governance structure in response to context
3. Collaborate effectively by creating spaces for quality interactions
4. Authorise the collaboration by building shared commitment.