LCC Rivers and Streams Special Investigation (1987-1991)

Progress

Overview

In June 1987, the government directed the LCC to carry out a special investigation of the social, recreational, cultural and ecological values of rivers and streams in Victoria, and to make recommendations on the use of these rivers and how their identified values can best be protected.

Notices announcing the commencement of the investigation were published in the Victoria Government Gazette and in Victorian newspapers in November 1987.  A descriptive report was published in September 1989. The Council received 75 submissions following the publication of this report. After considering these submissions, the Council formulated its proposed recommendations, which were published in November 1990. The Council received 177 submissions commenting on the proposed recommendations. The Council published its final recommendations in June 1991.

While welcomed by many, the study cut across the interests of other groups and was perceived to be particularly threatening to water authorities. The investigation resulted in a legislated system of 17 heritage rivers (with significant natural, recreational, scenic and heritage values) and natural catchment areas across Victoria.

The descriptive report, proposed recommendations and final recommendations are available from this page.

Government decisions on the final recommendations can be found on this website here.