Integrated Water Management planning in Melbourne’s growth corridors (IRP3)

Introduction

The Integrated Water Management (IWM) Forums established for the Werribee and Yarra catchments within Greater Melbourne identified a need for more integrated water and urban planning at the growth corridor or ‘sub-catchment’ scale, to better link high level strategic goals and local or place-based outcomes. A number of Forum participants have initiated and helped facilitate two IWM planning projects in relation to the Upper Merri Creek sub-catchment and the Western Growth Area.

The CRC for Water Sensitive Cities' IRP3 team undertook an evaluation of these two projects. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of collaborative efforts, which play a crucial role in the success of IWM planning. A two-stage approach to evaluation was undertaken. The first stage involved an assessment of each case, based on interview and survey data. The second stage commenced with a comparative analysis of case findings to draw out process design principles for collaborative IWM planning. Ideal attributes and broader implications for Victoria were then explored through a workshop with practitioners.

Workshop

Formalising sub-catchment IWM planning workshop, December 2020

This workshop sought to explore the ideal scope and attributes of IWM planning at the sub-catchment scale, with a focus on infill and greenfield growth areas. It was informed by lessons from recent Upper Merri and Western Growth IWM planning experiences.

Further reading

Evaluation of collaborative integrated water management planning in Melbourne’s growth regions: Lessons from the Upper Merri Creek sub-catchment and Western Growth Area (IRP3). Report available here.