A strategic plan that looks after the region’s land and water in the irrigated landscape is nearing completion.
The updated Shepparton Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (SIRLWMP) is being drafted and will be released to the public early next year.
Plan stakeholders met in Numurkah last week to sign off on the plan’s critical attributes, fine-tune its detail and focus into the future.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority CEO Chris Cumming said the good turn-out at the session reflected how highly the plan was regarded by the community.
“This plan has managed the delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars over its 30 years and has been central to the region’s success over generations,” Ms Cumming said.
“It is a complex piece of work and it’s crucial that it reflects our changing landscape and predicts the challenges the region will face in coming years.”
Ms Cumming said the plan was developed to lay down solid foundations for future generations.
“Who knows what challenges the future holds for the region but this plan is about safeguarding its viability and sustainability and how to take the opportunities when they arise.”
The plan is being developed by the Shepparton Irrigation People and Planning Integration Committee (SIRPPIC), a community-led group that provides advice to the government.
SIRPPIC community member Heather Du Vallon said the Shepparton Irrigation Region was one of Australia’s most important food bowls and its viability needed protection.
“We have the best soil, climate, access to water and transport but we still have to be flexible enough to cope with challenges when they arise and they always do.
“There has been plenty of lively discussion today about the region’s highest priorities and challenges and we’ll continue to have these discussions until the plan is delivered early next year.”
“The next step is to build more detail into the plan and then present a draft to the broader community and we look forward to keep moving the region forward in the face of change.”
Current and former SIRPPIC chairs Kelvin Bruce (left) and Allen Canobie (right)