Works on Waterways

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is responsible for the authorisation of works and activities in or over designated waterways in the Corangamite waterway management district. The CMA authorises works on designated waterways via an authority permit in accordance with By-law Number 5 Waterways Protection 2024.

The By-law was developed and approved by Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in consultation with CMAs, Traditional Owner Corporations, energy and telecommunications utilities, and water corporations and included a public consultation process through Engage Victoria at www.engage.vic.gov.au/waterwaysprotectionmodelbylaw.

The types of works that require approval from the CMA include, but are not limited to:

• waterway crossings – bridges, fords, culverts, and repairs to existing crossings.
• stabilisation – erosion management.
• vegetation management – including removal of weed species.
• works – stormwater outlets and service crossings.
• other structures – jetty, boat launching ramp and fishing platforms.
• extractions – sand, rock, or other material.
• waterway clearing – in stream vegetation, silt and sediment build up.

For information on the assessment criteria for different types of works on waterways, click on the hyperlinks above to read.

Some works – including construction of public utilities such as sewers/water mains, gas pipelines and public access structures – do not require a works on waterways permit but authorisation for these works is still required.

People who intend to undertake works exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit must notify the CMA of the works and undertake the works in accordance with Corangamite CMA guidelines. Work must not commence until the CMA has provided written approval.

If you have read the relevant advisory note, and are still unsure if what you want to do requires a permit from the CMA, please contact the Corangamite CMA Floodplain Statutory team on 5232 9100 or at floodinfo@ccma.vic.gov.au

Please note that other approvals may be required whether you are required to get a permit from the CMA or not. Some ground disturbing activities may require the preparation of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) by a suitably qualified Heritage Advisor. It is your responsibility to determine whether a CHMP is required. Further information is available from First Peoples State Relations.