A NEW audit report has found the existing approaches to catchment management in Victoria are inadequate.
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Auditor-general John Doyle said the statewide approach was fragmented and short-term focused, while catchment condition and changes over time were poorly understood.
“Despite these issues, Catchment Management Authorities have developed regional catchment strategies that promote long-term catchment management for their regions,” Mr Doyle said.
“I have made seven recommendations aimed at addressing the issues identified in the audit, and DEPI and CMAs have committed to implementing improvement initiatives.”
Greens candidate for Ripon Rod May said something needed to be done to stop the deterioration of Victoria’s environment.
“There is no evidence of a statewide strategic approach to integrated catchment management and even the regional strategy which has been recently completed lacks consistent prioritisation of tasks.”
He said the major concern was landscape restoration and the overarching strategy.
“The confusion over weeds and their status as new Australians examined in recent weed society meetings and also the subject of internal DEPI rethinking, plus the urgency of restoring functional landscapes, suggests that much of the effort in weed control may be futile and a waste of resources,” Mr May said.
“Other concerns are the consistency of the authorities, and with their composition the subject of political will through the appointment process, I think the time has come when we need to consider election of these boards, much as local government, through a democratic process.”