The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) has officially integrated into Melbourne Water, following the Victorian Government’s decision in February 2021, and changes to legislation effective from 1 January 2022.
Melbourne Water said the partnership is the beginning of a single, integrated entity with a shared vision for catchment and waterways management across the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
Melbourne Water said that, as part of the integration, the utility welcomes PPWCMA’s employees who deliver a wealth of collaborative projects across the catchment, all of which will actively contribute to Melbourne Water’s goal of Enhancing Life and Liveability.
These projects include The Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy, Regional Landcare Coordination, Ramsar Protection Program, Living Links, Grow West, Yarra 4 Life, and more.
1 January 2022 was the official integration date, whilst a staged and considered transition will continue throughout 2022 to support the combined workforce, customers and key partners.
The integration is an exciting next step for Melbourne Water and natural resource management in Victoria more broadly.