June 7, 2023
The Department for Energy, Environment & Climate Action (DEECA) has developed new regulations for recreational areas managed by water corporations under the Water Act 1989 – the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023. These regulations are needed to replace the Model By-law: Recreational Areas (2012) which sunset in August 2023.
The new regulations will apply to 40 of Victoria’s water storages, which have been determined as Recreational Areas under section 122ZA of the Water Act 1989. Water corporations manage these storages to supply water for irrigation, urban, rural and environmental use while also providing a broad range of opportunities for recreation and tourism. Many are high visitation sites with significant infrastructure for camping, boating, fishing, picnics and barbeques.
A community consultation process is being held on the public Engage Victoria platform from Tuesday 6 June 2023 to Tuesday 4 July 2023. This will consist of a multiple-choice and short answer survey. Two online community information sessions will also be held to learn more about the draft Regulations and answer any questions.
Further information, to provide feedback and to register for the information sessions, please visit this link.
