Waterways and wetlands

3.1 Natural waterways and wetlands are preserved and enhanced to support healthy and diverse aquatic habitats and species:

    a) The preservation and enhancement of diverse in-stream and wetland habitats and floodplain function sustain aquatic biodiversity.

    b) Native vegetation in waterway and wetland riparian areas is protected and restored.

    c) Water quality, hydrological processes, groundwater and floodplain function are maintained or improved.

    d) Aquatic and riparian invasive plants and animals are managed strategically to reduce impacts on native species and habitats.

    e) Viable populations of priority aquatic species are conserved or restored.

    f) The management of waterways and wetlands incorporates the predicted impacts from climate change and natural hazards.

    g) Natural waterways and wetlands are not diverted or modified.

3.2 Constructed waterbodies are minimised and managed efficiently to provide social and economic outcomes and preserve environmental values:

    a) New constructed waterbodies are avoided unless an overriding need in the public interest is demonstrated.

    b) Constructed waterbodies are designed, constructed and funded to minimise public risk and maintenance burdens for their full asset life cycle.

    c) Constructed waterbodies are managed for their designed purpose.

    d) Constructed waterbodies meet conditioned water quality objectives.

    e) Water quality, hydrology and ecological processes are maintained to prevent impacts within waterbodies and on receiving waters.

3.3 Waterways and wetlands are valued, respected and used sustainably to support our lifestyle, livelihoods and sense of place:

    a) Waterway and wetland values and ecosystem services are widely appreciated by the community to ensure ongoing support for their preservation.

    b) Cultural heritage associated with waterways and wetlands is preserved, promoted and celebrated.

    c) Recreational activities and supporting infrastructure in, on or near waterways and wetlands minimise impacts on ecological health.

    d) Commercial activities in, on or near waterways and wetlands complement their values and contribute to the economy.

    e) Urban and rural industries are appropriately located, implement best practice environmental management and maintain or improve waterway and wetland health.

    f) Impacts on private lands and infrastructure from natural processes such as erosion are the responsibility of landowners.

    g) Mitigation works to protect land and infrastructure do not impact on adjacent or downstream land, infrastructure and waterway health.

For technical detail and planning directions for this theme, please read the Environment and Liveability Strategy Part C - Network Plan (PDF, 14916KB).