PARTNERSHIP GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH MoU SIGNING

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Central Highlands Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) have strengthened their long-standing partnership with the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The three organisations last formalised their collaboration in 2021. The partnership has continued to grow since then delivering shared benefits for waterway health, communities and integrated catchment management.

On Monday 30 March 2026, the Chairs of the three organisations came together to sign the updated MoU, reaffirming their commitment to working collaboratively on challenges and opportunities relating to water, climate resilience, community engagement and the long‑term health of catchments.

The MoU outlines strategic areas of mutual interest, including:

• Integrated catchment management
• Integrated water management planning
• Building climate resilience, strengthening natural capital and achieving net‑zero emissions
• Implementation of Victorian Government Traditional Owner policies, including Water is Life
• Environmental water entitlements
• Protecting and improving water quality
• Community and stakeholder communications and engagement
• Enhancing organisational and regional leadership capacity

The agreement also commits the organisations to a strong joint work program focused on shared action, transparent communication and a coordinated approach to catchment and waterway health. Key priorities include jointly securing funding, sharing data and expertise, and developing a Joint Action Plan that will be reviewed annually.

Central Highlands Water and each CMA will continue to work together in a way that supports timely communication, respect for each organisation’s statutory responsibilities and practical collaboration such as shared office space, integration of GIS and data systems, and the recognition of each organisation’s technical knowledge and experience.

Quotes attributable to:

Angeleen Jenkins, Central Highlands Water Board Chair

“Our ongoing partnership with catchment management authorities continues to be vitally important to CHW, from the famous Water Bugs and educational events that we deliver to our community together, to collaborating on projects to protect and restore land and priority waterways.

“Together, our three organisations will continue to collaborate to achieve shared outcomes that protect our water catchment areas and build resilience in a warming climate.”

Michael Watson – Board Chair, Corangamite CMA

“Our organisations have a long history of collaboration, and this renewed MoU reflects how our partnership has matured into a powerful force for regional sustainability.

“By aligning our efforts, sharing knowledge and planning collaboratively, we are strengthening climate resilience, protecting waterway and catchment health, and creating long‑term benefits for our communities and the environment. This agreement sets out a clear pathway for coordinated action, deeper community engagement and continued progress together in the years ahead.”

North Central CMA Board Chair Sally Mitchell

“Partnerships such as these are a core part of delivering benefits for the region’s communities and protecting the places we all love.

“They help us deliver on works such as the Tullaroop Catchment Restoration Project, protecting environmental, social, economic, and cultural values, while continuing to supply safe drinking water for Maryborough and surrounding townships.”