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Corporate Plan2016-2020

2 Corporate Plan 2016–2020

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Photo credits

Cover photo: Serra Skyline © Glenn Rudolph 2016

Page 7: San Remo Project © Mick Dortmans 2016

Page 11: Wimmera Fires © Jonathon Almond 2016

Page 19: Smoke © Glenn Rudolph 2016

5: Melbourne Skyline © Helen Blazek 2016

Page 27: Fairy Houses Grampians National Park © Leah Wheatley 2016

Page 29: Altona Powerlines © Reema Bharj 2016

Page 31: Great Otway National Park © Clare Laine 2016

Page 33: Ovens River Porepunkah © Dean Ogden 2016

Page 35: Flinders Street © Dean Ogden 2016

Page 37: Thornbury Milkbar Residential Redevelopment © Fiona McKenzie 2016

Page 39: Geerak Heath © Glenn Rudolph 2016

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2016

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

ISBN 978-1-76047-391-4 (print)

ISBN 978-1-76047-392-1 (pdf/online)

DisclaimerThis publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

AccessibilityIf you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186, or email [email protected], or via the National Relay Service on 133 677, www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal communities and pays respect to their Elders both past and present. The department acknowledges the richness of Aboriginal cultures in Victoria and their connection to country.

3Corporate Plan 2016–2020


Contents

Secretary’s foreword 4

Our ministers 5

Machinery of Government Change 5

Delivering for government 6

Our role 6

Our structure 9

Partnerships and service excellence 10

Our Community Charter 10

Our integrated place-based approach 13

Our culture 14

Diversity and inclusion at DELWP 16

Safer Together – a new approach to reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria 17

Challenges and opportunities 18

DELWP 2020 – our strategic framework 22

DELWP's public value outcomes 24

Zero emission, climate-ready economy and community 24

Healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment 26

Reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services 28

Productive and effective land management 30

Safe and sustainable water resources 32

A quality built environment 34

Sustainable and effective local governments 36

Reduced impact of major bushfires and other emergencies on people, property and the environment 38



Secretary’s foreword

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) aims to support liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities and thriving natural environments throughout Victoria. Since the department’s creation on 1 January 2015, we have made progress in forging a unique identity with our values and organisational culture. We are now building on this foundation and are committed to being a high performing organisation, able to address the challenges and opportunities that have been identified for our department.

A key focus for DELWP is putting the community at the centre of our work. Community expectations are clear. Communities are looking for a partner in DELWP that is: responsive to their needs; can bring people and stakeholders together; and can support and empower people to achieve shared outcomes. Our Community Charter outlines the promises we make to all Victorians: that we will be available and easy to contact; we will speak clearly and honestly; we will actively listen and seek to understand; and we will be timely and consistent in taking action. This has been evident in how we have consulted with the community in relation to: Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2036; Water for Victoria; Our Catchments, Our Communities; Better Apartments guidelines and the reform of the Local Government Act 1989.

The DELWP Corporate Plan 2016-20 sets out eight public value outcomes to guide our role in implementing the Andrews Labor Government’s vision for a stronger, fairer and better Victoria, supporting people, jobs and growth. Our priorities include: responding to climate change; re-establishing Victoria as a leader in renewable energy; transitioning to a clean energy economy; implementing the Water for Victoria plan; refreshing Plan Melbourne; and strengthening the integrity and governance of local government in Victoria. We are establishing a new Suburban Development portfolio to drive a collaborative approach to strengthen economic, social and environmental planning across Melbourne and we are implementing the government’s Safer Together strategy to reduce the impact of fire and other emergencies on people, property and the environment.

On 23 May 2016, the Premier announced Machinery of Government changes, which brought the energy portfolio into DELWP. We welcome this change and the opportunities and benefits this brings to DELWP’s approach to climate change action and our work across the environment, planning, water, suburban development and local government portfolios.

We are committed to reflecting the communities we serve through a diverse, inclusive and gender equitable workforce, where our people are empowered to work flexibly and encouraged to think innovatively.

We care for the landscapes, environments and heritage that make Victoria a special place, and this gives us a unique shared purpose with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the State. Working in partnership with these communities to achieve our shared purpose is at the heart of our Aboriginal Inclusion Plan 2016–2020.

DELWP is proud of our work that helps to protect, enhance and strengthen the resilience and quality of our built and natural environments, assets, resources and energy services, for the benefit of all Victorians. We are committed to measuring our performance and to holding ourselves accountable to our goal of achieving positive change for communities across Victoria.

Adam Fennessy Secretary Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning



The Hon Lisa Neville MP, Minister for Water (Lead Minister)

Our ministers

Machinery of Government Change

On 23 May 2016, the Premier announced Machinery of Government changes, which brought the energy portfolio into DELWP. A new portfolio for Suburban Development was also created. The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP was allocated responsibility of the new portfolio for Suburban Development, a cross-portfolio coordination role, which will focus on ensuring that Melbourne’s residents have affordable and reliable access to jobs, services and infrastructure, no matter where they live, and the new portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change. The Hon Lisa Neville MP retained the portfolio for Water to ensure continuity in the drought response and the delivery of the government’s water projects, as well as retaining the lead minister role for the resettlement of Wye River and Separation Creek. The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Natalie Hutchins MP and the Minister for Planning, the Hon Richard Wynne MP continued in their ministerial portfolios.

The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Suburban Development

The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Local Government

Anthony Carbines MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Parliamentary Secretary for Water

The Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Planning



Delivering for government

Our role

DELWP manages Victoria’s natural and built environments to create and maintain liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities. We protect our natural assets and support a growing economy while meeting the challenges of climate change and population growth. With Energy, Environment and Climate Change; Water; Planning; Local Government and Suburban Development all housed in the one department, we are able to respond to the impacts of climate change in a far stronger and more coordinated way. Climate change presents opportunities for attracting investment and jobs through supporting the development of new, low-carbon industries.

Reflecting the connectivity between our portfolios, DELWP takes an integrated approach to meeting the needs of our communities. We recognise the competitive advantage for business that comes from sound environmental management and regulation, the opportunities for new industry that can come from innovation in environmental and energy services, and the importance of all communities sharing equally in environmental benefits such as clean air and water and access to natural places.

We seek to prepare the Victorian economy for a more sustainable future, including delivering on Victoria’s renewable energy targets and improving energy efficiency and productivity outcomes for households and businesses. We work to increase our competitiveness in energy markets, reduce household and business energy costs and ensure that energy consumer protection is effective for the vulnerable in the community.


We plan for the future growth and transformation of our cities and regions. We support local governments with providing quality services to their growing communities, including effective local infrastructure. We will establish new approaches to suburban development that will engage local government, businesses and communities in ensuring Melbourne’s future prosperity and liveability. We manage the State’s eight million hectares of public land for the benefit, safety and enjoyment of all Victorians. We also provide land information services, including property and land titles.

We manage Victoria’s water resources in partnership with water corporations, catchment management authorities and a network of government agencies to meet the needs of urban and rural communities for safe and secure water supplies while preserving ecosystems. With broad ranging water sector expertise, we manage groundwater, catchments and waterways, infrastructure, integrated water planning and water efficiency programs, flood management, governance and legislation.

We are working with the Country Fire Authority, Emergency Management Victoria, communities, land managers and fire agencies to implement Safer Together, to maintain the residual risk of bushfire in the Victorian landscape at 70 per cent or less. We manage bushfire risk by balancing local knowledge and expertise with the latest research and modelling to protect people, property and biodiversity. We will continue to protect Victoria’s electricity network infrastructure through the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program, to prevent powerlines causing bushfires in high-risk areas across the State.

DELWP employs more than 3,000 staff, in 101 locations across the State. DELWP is a key manager of Victoria’s public estate and directly manages a $9.8 billion asset portfolio with 69 per cent comprising various categories of public land. The department owns and manages a further $1.6 billion of other assets including 40,000 kilometres of roads and tracks, office buildings, depots, public toilets, picnic shelters, recreational facilities, firefighting and road maintenance equipment, crossings, water bores and mobile plant. A further $48.7 billion of assets is managed by DELWP’s portfolio agencies.




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Our structure

Our ministers and their portfolios are supported by DELWP’s six business groups (see Figure 1):

• Corporate Services – delivers support and advisory services that enable the provision of critical services to communities across Victoria. The Group aims to be a core enabler of a high performing DELWP and leads the Digital First initiative to become an organisation known for service excellence, innovation and leveraging digital services to better meet our customers’ needs. The Group plays a key role in building an inclusive culture within DELWP, as well as delivering financial, legal, communications and information technology support services.

• Energy, Environment and Climate Change – provides high quality policy advice to government on directions, principles, strategies and actions to protect the environment, mitigate harmful impacts and identify ways the environment, economy and society can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. The Group also provides policy advice on the provision of reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services and leads programs on renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and productivity and powerline bushfire safety. The Group leads a whole-of-Victorian Government response to climate change.

• Forest, Fire and Regions – provides high quality policy advice to government on forest, fire and emergency management; and delivers integrated, accessible and high-quality departmental programs and services in partnership with local communities. The Group also helps communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from fire and other emergencies, and provides valuable intelligence to decision makers on how policy and program design can be shaped to better meet the needs of the Victorian community.

• Local Infrastructure – works with local government to support the delivery of services and infrastructure and build stronger communities across the State. The Group also provides administration and information services for the Victorian property industry and the community. On 23 May 2016, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP was allocated responsibility for the new portfolio of Suburban Development (in addition to her other portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change). The new Office for Suburban Development was established within this Group to provide dedicated support and advice to the Minister for Suburban Development.

• Planning – manages the State’s planning, building and heritage systems including: developing long-term, integrated land use strategies and policies; administering statutory responsibilities; and facilitating urban development. Under Victoria’s planning system, local councils and the Victorian Government develop planning schemes to control land use and development, and to ensure the protection and conservation of land. The Group works collaboratively with local government and other key public and private stakeholders to lead state and metropolitan development, strategic and statutory planning, development regulation and environmental assessment.

• Water and Catchments – works to ensure that Victoria has safe and sustainable water resources to meet future urban, rural and environmental needs. The Group works in partnership with water corporations, catchment management authorities, government agencies, industry and the community to balance the economic, environmental and social values of water. This helps to deliver secure water supplies, greener and liveable cities and towns, healthy waterways and aquifers. The Group is responsible for the development and implementation of the new Water for Victoria plan, which sets the strategic directions for the State’s water management for decades to come.




Partnerships and service excellence

DELWP’s purpose is to shape and support liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities and thriving natural environments throughout Victoria. To make a real and lasting economic, social and environmental impact, we must truly understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Our Community Charter (see Figure 2) will ensure that we truly understand the needs of Victorian communities.

Our Community Charter

The DELWP Community Charter describes what Victorians can expect from DELWP. DELWP promises Victorians to be available and easy to contact, to speak clearly and honestly, actively listen and seek to understand, and to be timely and consistent in taking action. The Community Charter brings together everything we have learned since forming as a department, and is an important part of how we are setting ourselves up to put the community at the centre of all that we do.

The Charter guides our formal and informal interactions with communities. This includes connecting with local networks, building capacity and improving the way we communicate. These changes will help us to achieve our objectives for our shared environment, and improve outcomes for local communities. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Community groups – We work to build better relationships, involve the community to reach decisions through HaveYourSay at DELWP, improve the capacity of community members and DELWP staff to actively engage, enhance liveability and decrease bushfire risk. We will continue to support participation in environmental works by a diverse range of local community groups through Landcare and other not-for-profit and volunteer organisations across the State.

• Victorian local governments – We work with Victoria’s 79 local governments to support effective local governance, plan for growth and provide infrastructure in accordance with the Victorian State-Local Government Agreement. We administer the Local Government Act 1989 and support councils and their peak bodies to build the sector’s capacity to plan and deliver services and infrastructure.

• Metropolitan Partnerships – We will establish and support six Metropolitan Partnerships across Melbourne’s regions. These will bring together State, Local and Commonwealth Governments, and industry and community leaders, to identify opportunities for driving improved social, economic and environmental outcomes and advise government on actions that can make a real difference to the liveability and prosperity of Melbourne’s suburban communities.

• Portfolio partners – We collaborate with a wide range of portfolio partners to create liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities. Our activities to protect the natural environment and ensure reliable ecosystem services are delivered through a range of public sector entities, including the Environment Protection Authority, Parks Victoria, Sustainability Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens, Zoological Gardens, Trust for Nature, water corporations, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, catchment management authorities and waste and resource recovery groups. We partner with a wide range of public entities to protect and enhance the built environment. These include Development Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority, the Victorian Planning Authority, the Heritage Council of Victoria, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria.

• Victorian Government departments and agencies – We work with all departments in joint strategic planning and infrastructure development. The DELWP Secretary has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources to implement the government’s Plan for Jobs and Growth, as well as developing the government’s climate change and energy strategies. We work with Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police and other emergency management agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and



other emergency events. We work closely with Energy Safe Victoria, the Essential Services Commission, national institutions, the Australian Energy Regulator, the Australian Energy Market Operator and the Australian Energy Market Commission to ensure efficient, sustainable, reliable and safe energy services for households and businesses in Victoria.

• Commonwealth Government – We work with the Commonwealth to deliver major infrastructure projects and support national agreements and initiatives developed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and portfolio-based national ministerial councils, including the COAG Energy Council and its Senior Committee of Officials.

• Industry and business – We work with industries and businesses to identify and facilitate opportunities to improve the State’s productivity, attract new investment and generate jobs and growth. This includes engaging the private sector on infrastructure planning and delivery, attracting investment in innovative renewable energy generation technologies, supporting energy efficiency for small and medium businesses, delivering sustainable industrial and housing development, improving regulatory processes and streamlining the State’s planning, building and heritage systems.

• Ministerial advisory bodies – We work with ministerial advisory bodies across their portfolio areas of responsibility. These include the Victorian Coastal Council, Victorian Environment Assessment Council, a range of advisory committees established by Planning Panels, a Four-Wheel Drive Advisory Committee and a Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel.

• Peak bodies – We work with statewide organisations, industry bodies, policy institutes, and universities. These relationships include research, policy development, program implementation and funding support. Our key partners include VicWater, Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities, Victorian Mineral Water Committee, the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, Law Institute of Victoria, Planning Institute of Australia, Victorian Planning and Environmental Law, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Property Council, Australian Property Institute, land surveying, conveyancing, planning and environmental organisations.

• Aboriginal Victorians – We work inclusively with Aboriginal Victorians to manage the public estate and its natural values. Through Traditional Owner Land Management Boards and other forms of joint management, Victoria’s Traditional Owners are partners in managing public land and in creating a shared vision for managing natural and cultural values. Aboriginal communities have many interests and roles within the environment, land, water, planning, heritage, energy and local government and communities.

• Native Title Holders – We work to ensure that Native Title Holders, as Traditional Owners, are recognised through Recognition and Settlement Agreements and land management agreements. We also partner and work closely with registered Aboriginal parties. These partnerships ensure that both Traditional Owners and registered Aboriginal parties maintain a strong connection to Country and work collaboratively with the department on policy, planning and approvals for the activities that we and our portfolio partners control.


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Our integrated place-based approach

As set out in our Community Charter, our aim is to embed a community-centred approach within DELWP that includes:

• Actively engaging communities and stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them to co-design and co-deliver services and programs.

• Implementing a place-based model of leadership that recognises challenges and opportunities are not uniform across the State, while drawing upon DELWP-wide knowledge and experience.

• Cross-portfolio collaboration, planning, prioritising and decision making, which is reflected in the integrated delivery of programs and services across the whole of DELWP.

Figure 3: DELWP’s new operating model to deliver on our promise

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, LAND, WATER AND PLANNING

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Our culture

At DELWP, we believe the way we work and behave with each other, our stakeholders, ministers and the community is as important as the outcomes we achieve for the Victorian community. Together, we have developed an agreed set of behaviours to bring our values of Service Excellence, Teamwork, Ownership, and Wellbeing and Safety to life (see Figure 4). By living these values, we create a high performing, positive culture that makes DELWP a great place to work. As members of the Victorian Public Service, we agree to work by the Victorian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct, which sets the expectations for how we behave as public servants.

DELWP is committed to building an inclusive workplace that uses the full potential of all employees, embraces differences and uses diversity of thought as a catalyst for innovation and improved service delivery. In March 2016, DELWP established a Diversity and Inclusion Council to expand and enhance our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, creating a stronger link to DELWP’s business priorities. The strategy provides a roadmap for how we make inclusion a part of everything we do, grow diversity of thought across our teams and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to become an integral part of our department.

Our Aboriginal Inclusion plan Munganin – Gadhaba, sets out DELWP’s approach to inclusion for 2016–20. The name Munganin – Gadhaba is a Taungurung phrase, meaning ‘Achieve Together’ and brings to life the plan’s aim to work in partnership with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the State1. The plan outlines about 60 actions to achieve the outcomes of Recognition and Respect, Opportunity and Prosperity, and Participation and Collaboration. DELWP is developing partnerships to increase opportunities for Aboriginal employment, cultural wellbeing and economic prosperity while bringing knowledge of Country to our management of land, water, and the natural landscape and built environments. Our vision is to increase the involvement of Aboriginal Victorians in land, water, natural landscape and the built environment to ensure economic growth and liveable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

1

1 We gratefully use this title with the permission of the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation



Figure 4: DELWP’s values

Wellbeing and Safety

We will create an environment where it is ok to speak up and where issues can be raised and resolved constructively.

We will each take personal responsibility for our own wellbeing and safety, and that of our colleagues.

We will lead by example and be an active role model in how we treat ourselves and others.

We will think before acting, be caring, supportive and show empathy towards others.

Service Excellence

We will set clear objectives, be honest, transparent and timely.

We will take pride in our professional service delivery and engender excellence into everything we do.

We will look for opportunities to connect and work together to provide better service outcomes.

We will encourage innovation and different ways of working to improve service delivery.

We will understand the customer’s and communities needs by stepping into their shoes.

Teamwork

We will respect and welcome different perspectives.

We will listen to others, give and actively seek constructive feedback.

We will lead, empower and trust others.

We will support and constructively challenge our colleagues.

We are flexible when dealing with change and ambiguity.

Ownership

We will create a safe environment that encourages people to show initiative, learn from mistakes and grow.

We will support, trust, equip and empower people to make decisions.

We will value the experience and ideas of our people.

We will take pride in our work and the organisation, leading by example.

We will own our actions and decisions.



Diversity and inclusion at DELWP

We have developed our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2016-20 because we recognise that it will help us to fulfil our mandate to support liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities and thriving natural environments. By working together in a respectful, supportive and actively engaged manner, we will build a culture of diversity and inclusion. This in turn supports our commitment to being a high performing organisation: one that delivers for government, has a positive culture, promotes partnerships and provides service excellence. Building and managing workplace diversity and inclusion is a key strategy in improving services to the Victorian community.

Diversity encompasses all the differences between people in how they identify in relation to their age, caring responsibilities, cultural background, disability, gender, Indigenous background, sexual orientation and socioeconomic background (social identity), as well as their profession, education, work experiences and organisational role (professional identity). Inclusion is when a diverse range of people (e.g. different ages, genders) feel valued and respected, have access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute their perspectives and talents to improve their organisation.

Our vision and principles

Our departmental vision for diversity and inclusion is a workplace culture that embraces individual differences in all forms and fosters innovation and inclusion. We will live our diversity and inclusion values when our people embrace the following principles:

• leverage the experience and ideas of others

• embrace different viewpoints

• feel they belong and know their unique contribution is valued

• have equal opportunity in the workplace

• connect effectively with our diverse customers and communities to understand their needs.

Our Objectives and targets

The following objectives will guide the implementation of our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2016-20:

1. Improve service delivery and decision making through strong, inclusive leadership and training and development opportunities.

2. Foster attitudes and practices that better support diversity and inclusion.

3. Create opportunities to recruit from diverse groups in the community and retain those recruited within DELWP.

We have set high-level targets that will be monitored to evaluate our success:

• Aboriginal people comprise 3 per cent of our workforce.

• 50 per cent of our executive leadership positions are filled by women.

• Everyone who wants and needs to work flexibly at DELWP is able to work to a flexible arrangement.

• Our organisation becomes more representative of the Victorian community we serve.

We will review progress annually against our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2016-20 and a report will be prepared on progress for the DELWP Diversity and Inclusion Council to allow them to evaluate progress and recommend changes as needed.


Safer Together – a new approach to reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria

In November 2015, the Andrews Labor Government launched Safer Together - a new approach to reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria. This new approach to bushfire management involves land and fire agencies working together in partnership with local communities to manage bushfire risks and protect what communities value most.

Bushfire risk is the likelihood of a fire starting, spreading and impacting on people, property and the environment. Victoria is particularly susceptible to large, intense bushfires due to its terrain,

vegetation type and frequent exposure to hot, dry, windy weather. Bushfire risk is not evenly distributed across the Victorian landscape but is related to where communities and assets are located, the size of those communities as well as the types and arrangements of vegetation and topography. Residual risk (see Figure 5) is a measure of the potential impacts on life and property that remain after planned burning, other fuel management treatments and bushfires. If the residual risk is 100 per cent – there has been no fire in the landscape and no fuel reduced. We are at maximum risk only where fires spread and impact the landscape. If residual risk is at 70 per cent – the impacts to life and property will be reduced by about a third.

Figure 5: Projected trend in Victoria’s bushfire residual risk trend

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As part of the Victorian Government’s bushfire management strategy, Safer Together has set a statewide target to maintain bushfire residual risk at or below 70 per cent. DELWP will focus its fuel management activities in the areas known (through fire modelling) to have the greatest impact in terms of risk reduction for people, property and the environment. DELWP’s new residual risk target means the department will be burning smarter, but not necessarily less. DELWP anticipates that it will need to treat between 225,000 and 275,000 hectares in 2016-17 to keep the bushfire residual risk at or below 70 per cent. Bushfire residual risk across Victoria is currently at 65 percent. Without effective intervention, it is likely to return to pre-2002 levels (almost 90 per cent) by 2020.

As a result of Safer Together, and Victoria’s Regional Statement, DELWP established a new Forest, Fire and Regions Group to provide end-to-end management of forests, fire and other emergencies by bringing everything under a single Deputy Secretary, with a direct reporting line to the Secretary for fire response and planned burning operations. The new Group provides a clear line of responsibility for bushfire management operations, including planned burning, from local to state levels under the Chief Fire Officer. It ensures that community needs are reflected at state, regional and local levels within DELWP, demonstrating our commitment to developing effective partnerships at place to deliver better outcomes.



Challenges and opportunities

Current and emerging national and global conditions pose challenges and opportunities for Victoria and have implications for achieving our outcomes.

Challenges Opportunities

Planning for and responding to climate change

Victoria is already experiencing impacts from climate change, including higher than average temperatures, lower than average rainfall, more frequent and intense heatwaves, extreme fire conditions, storm surges and coastal erosion. These impacts are projected to worsen in the coming decades with serious implications for Victorians, the natural environment and the economy. Global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also creates challenges and opportunities for Victoria, necessitating a transition to a carbon constrained economy. The Andrews Labor Government’s goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and it will set five-yearly interim targets to establish a clear pathway to the 2050 target.

DELWP is leading whole-of-Victorian Government action on climate change, including developing pledges to reduce emissions from government operations, preparing the second Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and overhauling the Climate Change Act 2010 so that it provides a strong, durable foundation for state action over the coming decades. DELWP is supporting the integration of climate change into government planning, policies and programs, to foster low emissions growth and build Victoria’s resilience to climate impacts. For example, the Minister for Planning has approved the development of new windfarms at Kiata in North East Victoria and Dundonnell in Victoria’s South West.

Supporting and building governance and capacity of local government

Councils across Victoria are facing increasingly complex challenges associated with rising community expectations regarding accountability, transparency, services, amenity and infrastructure within a constrained financial environment. In particular, councils face increasing scrutiny of their decisions by individuals and calls for more community engagement in the setting of strategic directions. At the same time, participation in local government elections is falling. There is more public scrutiny of elected councillors than ever before.

DELWP will actively partner with, and drive a Local Government Reform Agenda including continuing improvements to the legislative framework for councils. This will include the review of the Local Government Act 1989 and updating regulations. We will support greater transparency and accountability of councils through the Fair Go Rates system and the Know Your Council website. We will partner with councils to optimise funding and outcomes for library services and assist them to undertake their emergency management role. We will provide targeted financial assistance to councils and support local government to implement programs to further develop sustainable business practices and improve procurement practices.




Threatened species and native vegetation

Victoria’s natural environment faces a range of pressures, including fire, invasive species, resource use, extreme weather events and changing land use. Victoria’s growing population increases these pressures, which can have substantial impacts on the State's unique flora and fauna. Protecting and restoring biodiversity underpins the wellbeing of the environment and economy.

DELWP is partnering with councils, communities and industry to develop a 20-year plan to arrest the decline of Victoria’s biodiversity. The plan, Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2036, together with reviews of the native vegetation clearing regulations and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, will help protect Victoria’s unique flora and fauna in the context of a changing climate.

Population growth and distribution

Melbourne is the nation’s fastest growing capital city with population growth totaling 91,600 in 2014-15, compared to 83,300 in Sydney. Victoria in Future projects that Melbourne and Victoria will experience strong population growth in the coming decades. Melbourne’s population is projected to grow to 8 million by 2051. This will require the construction of up to 1.6 million new homes and the creation of 1.5 million jobs.

DELWP is refreshing Plan Melbourne and developing new planning controls to guide the future development of Melbourne’s CBD to enhance its liveability. The housing and development industry is a key driver of investment in Victoria. DELWP will support the State’s sustainable growth by: delivering smart planning reforms; initiatives that encourage and support housing affordability; establishing the Victorian Planning Authority with a statewide remit to manage integrated land use and infrastructure planning in priority precincts; and delivering annual 5 year Jobs, Services and Infrastructure Plans for Melbourne’s Regions.

Urban/rural interface

Melbourne’s interface councils have rapidly growing populations, productive rural land and some of Victoria’s most vulnerable conservation corridors and face some of Victoria’s greatest infrastructure challenges.

DELWP will support interface councils to plan for the right infrastructure and services to be in place on the urban fringe. In 2016-17, the government’s Growing Suburbs Fund will support Victoria’s outer suburbs to build much needed community facilities and spaces. DELWP will support interface councils to develop the parks, playgrounds, community centres and libraries they need to keep in pace with their growing populations.




Renewable energy

The Victorian Government has set a renewable energy target of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025, which will require up to 5,400 megawatts of new renewable generation capacity, including wind and solar farms, to be built in Victoria. This is equivalent to the existing amount of renewable energy generation capacity in Australia today.

DELWP’s Driving Growth in Renewable Energy program will help increase renewable energy generation in Victoria and create $2.5 billion in new investment and 11,000 jobs in construction projects. DELWP will attract and facilitate investment in renewable energy and support the development of new low emission energy technologies via a series of government auctions. DELWP will also work to transition the economy by implementing the New Energy Technologies sector strategy.

Community engagement

Increasing community demands and expectations of service quality and accessibility are driving governments to reform their service delivery offer. Scarce resources means community expectations for digital government transactions are not always met.

DELWP’s Community Charter guides all our interactions with communities and puts the community at the centre of everything we do. We will use local networks to build capacity and improve the way we communicate. We will build better community relationships (including establishing Metropolitan Partnerships), involve the community to reach decisions and improve the capacity of our staff to actively engage to enhance Victoria’s liveability.

Waste recovery

If current waste trends continue, Victoria will be generating 21 million tonnes of waste per annum by 2045 or double the volume in 2015. Waste and resource recovery systems are an essential service for Victorians, and can contribute to jobs, enhance economic productivity and liveability.

DELWP will partner with state, regional and local government bodies to reduce the environmental impact of waste and increase resource recovery, including through the implementation of an Organics Strategy. We will develop policies to ban e-waste from landfill and improve management of hazardous waste.

Adaptable water resource management

Water is a public resource that is essential for the environment, community health and wellbeing and economic sustainability. Climate change means that the medium to long-term outlook for Victoria is for a drier future with increased temperatures and highly variable weather patterns. A drier climate, growing population and changing economy will increase the demand for water from industrial, residential and agricultural users and to support liveable, recreational and Aboriginal values.

DELWP's Water for Victoria is a new water plan to: improve urban and rural water security; and provide for productive agriculture, industry, liveable, sustainable and growing communities and a healthy environment. Priorities for the water plan include: responding to climate change; managing waterway and catchment health; managing water for agriculture; developing resilient and liveable cities and towns; recognising and managing for Aboriginal and recreational values; strengthening our water management frameworks; realising the potential of markets; and supporting jobs, economic growth and innovation.




Protect and restore Victoria’s natural capital

Victoria’s natural ecosystems and landscapes support jobs, wildlife and liveability. Our national and marine parks provide economic benefits for regional communities and support key ecosystem services and recreational opportunities, but they are also public assets that rely on government intervention for their preservation. Victoria’s natural environment is being impacted by three major interacting pressures: climate change, human population growth and the demands of supporting human lifestyles.

We will continue to modernise our public land management approach so that all Victorians have access to safe and appropriate infrastructure and ensure that all development takes full account of community, environment, and economic values. This includes: a major upgrade of the Visitor Centre at Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade; and revitalising Parks Victoria’s infrastructure to encourage more visitors. We will continue to tackle weeds and pests by targeted actions, and support local community groups, Landcare and catchment management authorities to deliver on-ground works to protect and restore our natural capital.

Managing Victoria’s bushfire risks

Our changing climate is bringing more hot days and less rainfall which is increasing our bushfire threat. Almost a third of our 5.6 million-strong population live in regional Victoria, thousands more make a tree-change every year, and the number of visitors to our coasts and rural areas continues to grow, exposing more people to bushfire threat. Bushfires over the past decade have highlighted the need to build community resilience and adopt a risk-based approach to managing emergencies, where government, community and business work together to protect people, property and the environment.

DELWP has adopted all the recommendations from the Inspector-General for Emergency Management’s review of performance targets for fuel management on public land, including moving from a hectare-based to a risk-reduction performance target. As part of the Victorian Government’s bushfire management strategy Safer Together, DELWP has set a new statewide target to maintain bushfire residual risk at, or below, 70 per cent. DELWP will focus its fuel management activities in the areas known (through fire modelling) to have the greatest impact in terms of risk reduction for people, property and the environment.

DELWP is also managing the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program that is implementing the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission in relation to powerlines causing bushfires. The program will continue to underground, insulate or apply new technologies to further reduce the incidence of powerlines causing bushfires in Victoria.



Our state outcome

The Andrews Labor Government aspires towards a stronger, fairer, better Victoria. This is underpinned by the government’s commitment to a shared outcome of liveable, inclusive, sustainable communities and thriving natural environments.

Our public value commitment

DELWP is committed to supporting Victoria’s natural and built environment to ensure economic growth and liveable, sustainable and inclusive communities that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Our public value outcomes

The department’s eight public value outcomes provide the broader context within which the department operates and sets our focus and key directions over the medium term. This includes our contribution to shared government objectives in collaboration with other key departments and agencies:

• Zero emission, climate-ready economy and community

• Healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment

• Reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services

• Productive and effective land management

• Safe and sustainable water resources

• A quality built environment

• Sustainable and effective local governments

• Reduced impact of major bushfires and other emergencies on people, property and the environment.

Our promise to the people of Victoria

Our promise to the people of Victoria is that we will listen to them, work alongside and partner with them in everything we do.

The achievement of DELWP’s outcomes and strategic priorities will be enabled by our commitment to becoming a high performing organisation:

1. Delivering for government: we will be clear about what we are delivering, how we will deliver it and how it will advance government’s policy agenda

2. Positive culture and leadership: we will build a positive culture that drives a high performance through strong leadership, diversity, collaboration, innovation and developing our people

3. Partnerships and service excellence: we will deliver service excellence through building strong relationships with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and the community, as well as collaborating with each other, other departments and organisations.

DELWP 2020 – our strategic framework

DELWP is the government’s authorising agency for Victoria’s natural and built environment and balances economic growth with ‘liveability’ to ensure that Victoria remains an attractive place to live, work and invest. Our strategic framework (see Figure 7) describes the broader context within which the department operates to contribute to the Victorian Government’s state outcome.



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DELWP’s public value outcomes

Zero emission, climate-ready economy and community

DELWP leads a whole-of-Victorian Government response to climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts and supporting the economic and social transition to a zero emission climate resilient future. This includes reforming the Climate Change Act 2010, integrating climate change into government planning and decision making, driving emissions reductions across government operations, and developing the second statewide Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

The Andrews Labor Government has set ambitious renewable energy targets to cut the State's greenhouse gas emissions. By 2020, 25 per cent of electricity generated in the State will come from renewable energy (currently 14 per cent), rising to 40 per cent by 2025.

We lead the modernisation of legislative, regulatory and governance arrangements in the environment portfolio and use economic, research and scientific expertise to develop policy responses to harness Victoria’s current and emerging sustainability opportunities.

The key government initiatives to deliver on this outcome include:

• amending the Climate Change Act 2010, so it provides a strong and enduring basis for Victorian climate change action and embeds our long term target of net zero emissions by 2050

• developing and implementing Victoria’s second Climate Change Adaptation Plan

• administering the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund to drive jobs in the new energy economy.



Public value outcome indicators

DELWP is currently determining an appropriate indicator to measure our progress towards achieving a zero emission, climate-ready economy and community.

During the next four years, DELWP will deliver against these strategic outcomes and priorities:

Strong and effective policies and programs to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change

We will restore Victoria to a position of leadership on climate change action, working across the Victorian Government and with community, business and local government on effective mitigation and adaptation actions. We will work with the water and catchment management sector to contribute to climate change mitigation targets, and better understand and adapt to the impacts of climate change on our water resources and infrastructure. We will lead and support local action on climate change, partnering with communities, businesses, local government and stakeholders.

Re-establishing Victoria as a leader in renewable energy and transitioning Victoria to a clean energy economy

We will deliver on Victoria’s renewable energy targets, contributing to more than 11,000 two-year construction jobs and $2.5 billion investment in the sector. We will facilitate and streamline planning approvals and processes in order to support the Andrews Labor Government targets for renewable energy. We will work with local government and suburban communities to transition to renewable energy and continue to reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change at the local level.

Outputs

DELWP will achieve a zero emission, climate ready economy and community by successfully delivering the following outputs:

• Climate change – Lead the development and implementation of strategic, whole-of-government climate change policy and programs that contribute towards Victoria’s 2050 target of zero net emissions.

• Energy – Influence and advocate for the provision of reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services through national forums and State-based energy programs to support the development of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and facilitation of new investment opportunities.



Healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment

DELWP works with portfolio partners and external stakeholders to develop effective, evidence-based policies, programs and regulatory responses for improved outcomes across a range of areas. These include environment protection, ecosystem resilience, native vegetation management, threatened species and land management practices.

DELWP will provide support for local communities and landholders engaged in environmental works; improve the transparency and delivery of environmental regulation; provide effective governance and investment in environmental programs; and provide effective policy for environmental outcomes and resource efficiency. The department leads the development and implementation of strategic regulation and investment in environmental and natural resource programs, working with partners and local communities to deliver outcomes across Victoria.


• developing and implementing Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2036

• reviewing Victoria’s native vegetation clearing regulations

• targeting on-ground actions to protect Victoria’s threatened species

• reviewing the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

• working with Trust for Nature to protect and rehabilitate private land, and supporting Landcare facilitators who protect our environment

• leading the government’s response to the review of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

• implementing the Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan

• working with key state, regional and local government bodies and industry to reduce the environmental impact of waste while increasing productivity and innovation through resource recovery.

Our regulatory frameworks are delivered as efficiently as possible to avoid unnecessary regulatory costs. In addition, we work with communities and businesses to make policy and regulation, including the administration processes that underpin them, easier to understand.

When shaping policy, we ensure that contemporary standards of policy and regulation are maintained, and that our objectives and supporting logic are clear. The same standards of transparency underpin our investment programs and the delivery of environmental regulation.





We will measure our progress towards achieving a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment by monitoring our performance against the following indicators:

• Participation in community-based environmental programs

• Reduction in pollutants from priority hotspots.

During the next four years, DELWP will deliver against this strategic outcome and these strategic priorities:

Effective, science-based environment policy, programs, investment and regulation

We will partner with the community and our stakeholders to develop a long-term vision for biodiversity in Victoria and take action to ensure that we value our environment and continue to gain environmental, social and economic benefits from it. We will review Victorian legislation to proactively manage the conservation of threatened species and ensure that native vegetation is sensibly protected.

We will develop and implement a risk-based, intelligence-led regulation and compliance framework for the protection of Victoria’s natural assets and resources. We will understand and tackle the environmental protection, waste and resource recovery challenges though targeted policy and regulatory interventions. We will protect Victoria’s natural assets and resources for current and future generations.

Outputs

DELWP will achieve a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment by successfully delivering the following outputs:

• Environment and biodiversity – Lead the development and implementation of strategic, whole-of-government environmental policy and deliver investment, regulatory and research functions that support Victoria’s diverse and resilient natural ecosystems.

• Statutory activities and environment protection – Regulate pollution through statutory and non-statutory tools and settings, conduct enforcement activities and undertake environmental condition monitoring and research.



Reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services

DELWP leads the provision of policy advice to Government on the delivery of efficient, sustainable, reliable and safe energy services to household and business consumers, as well as leading programs on renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and productivity.

The Victorian energy sector is undergoing significant change with the introduction of new renewable and sustainable energy technologies and more engaged energy consumers wanting to take advantage of the new opportunities these technologies will provide. Within this context, the Andrews Labor Government is seeking to drive the State towards a more sustainable energy economy that increases jobs, facilitates energy affordability and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. DELWP is leading the development and implementation of initiatives to achieve these outcomes.

DELWP will seek to attract and facilitate investment in renewable energy and support the development of low emission energy technologies through a series of government auctions. DELWP will work with the renewable energy industry, electricity networks and retailers, and consumer groups to refine the details of the auction scheme, with the first auction of contracts to begin in 2017.


• implementing a New Energy Technologies sector strategy to ensure Victoria is ready for a sector transformation

• working with the Essential Services Commission of Victoria on the outcomes of its reviews into distributed generation and energy hardship arrangements for Victorian energy consumers

• leading the development of an Energy Demand Management Framework that drives the development of demand management in Victoria and that reduces costs to consumers through more efficient network operation

• leading the delivery of the Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety Program to implement the recommendations from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission in relation to powerlines causing bushfires

• working alongside industry and emergency management sector colleagues to lead responses to energy emergency events

• leading advocacy for, and implementation of, reforms to east coast gas market arrangements to drive greater competition and reduce gas prices

• continuing to promote Victorian Energy Compare as an independent energy price comparison tool to assist consumers in getting the best deal from electricity and gas retailers

• reviewing the licence exemptions framework governing the sale of electricity to ensure it is providing fair outcomes for Victorian consumers

• working with COAG’s Energy Council and its Senior Committee of Officials to ensure that national energy regulatory frameworks are keeping pace with the significant changes occurring in the energy sector.





We will measure our progress towards achieving reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services by monitoring our performance against the following indicator:

• Relative share of Victorian energy sourced from renewables.

During the next four years, DELWP will deliver against this strategic outcome and these strategic priorities:

Deliver reliable, efficient, accessible, safe, and environmentally sustainable energy services that are valued by Victorians

We will work to increase competitiveness in energy markets, reduce household and business energy costs and ensure that energy consumer protections remain effective and accessible, for all Victorians. We will work towards ensuring that regulatory and governance frameworks drive improved safety outcomes. We will facilitate Victoria leading the transition to a more sustainable energy sector by ensuring regulatory frameworks and institutions remain fit-for-purpose and by supporting industries, businesses and communities to adopt sustainable energy solutions.

We will deliver on the government’s commitment to improving energy efficiency and productivity outcomes for Victorian households and businesses through the Saving Energy, Growing Jobs initiative. We will implement the New Energy Technologies sector strategy to ensure Victoria is ready for sector transformation and to capitalise on new and developing technologies including renewable energy and energy storage, and energy efficient products and services. We will ensure that our knowledge of local communities and environments facilitates the transition to sustainable energy services.

Output

DELWP will achieve reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services through successfully delivering the following output:

• Energy – Influence and advocate for the provision of reliable, efficient, accessible, safe and sustainable energy services through national forums and State-based energy programs to support the development of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and facilitate new investment opportunities.




Productive and effective land management

DELWP effectively manages Victoria’s public land to protect its social, economic and environmental values and maximise its use by all Victorians. We partner with public land managers, including statutory agencies, management committees and Traditional Owners to ensure that our public land and water assets are used in a sustainable manner, and that their natural and built assets continue to be maintained and improved.

Victoria’s public land including its parks, forests, coasts and Crown land reserves has significant economic, environmental, cultural and recreational value. Effectively managing public land is pivotal in protecting high-end environmental and biodiversity values. We will continue to develop a modernised approach to public land management to deliver optimal outcomes for Victorians. We will partner and work closely with Traditional Owners and registered Aboriginal parties to ensure their connection to Country, recognise existing rights under agreements and incorporate Aboriginal knowledge and culture into management of land and natural values. We will ensure that all Victorians and visitors to the State have access to safe and appropriate infrastructure and that development, particularly along Victoria’s coastline, is appropriate and takes full account of community, environmental, and economic values.

DELWP supports economic development by providing land administration and information services to property buyers and sellers, developers, councils, conveyancers, surveyors and financial institutions. We provide a wide range of property information services to the public including title, survey and property sales data on a cost-recovery basis. We also protect property rights by maintaining the land and water registers to ensure that ownership changes and subdivisions are accurately

recorded and registered. DELWP’s land title systems, which minimise transaction costs, are a key aspect of Victoria’s attractiveness for new private investment in commercial and residential developments.


• creating modern and flexible legislative and administrative systems for Crown land management

• upgrading the Penguin Parade visitor centre at Phillip Island Nature Parks

• delivering the 144-kilometre Grampians Peak Trail in the Grampians National Park

• revitalising Parks Victoria’s infrastructure to encourage more visitors and nature-based tourism opportunities

• incorporating Anglesea Heath into the Great Otway National Park

• implementing joint management arrangements in partnership with Traditional Owners for 17 significant parks and reserves across the State

• replacing and upgrading coastline infrastructure to renourish beaches and reduce erosion; increasing monitoring to manage the impacts of climate change on our coastline

• establishing Land Use Victoria to bring together a number of existing land information functions and a new strategic land assessment function to facilitate improved government decision making for public land

• developing a new Marine and Coastal Act, and new management and oversight for Victorian marine parks, coasts and bays

• supporting the delivery of Stage 1 of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.




DELWP will measure progress towards achieving productive and efficient land management by monitoring our performance against the following indicators:

• Efficient provision of timely and authoritative land administration and property information services

• Number of visits to the public land estate managed by the department’s portfolio agency: Parks Victoria

• Bay and park assets rated in average to excellent condition.


Quality land administration and information services

We will deliver innovative and authoritative land administration and land information services, including a review of legislative and policy arrangements for land data. We will enhance spatial information services that assist government and the private sector to make more informed land use choices that support the growth and sustainability of the Victorian economy.

Effective management of public land for community and environmental benefits

We will modernise legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the development of a new Marine and Coastal Act and a flexible legislative system for the management of Crown land. We will deliver effective management of our state forests and ensure sound management of Crown land to provide for a broad range of community uses and values. We will deliver improved information and advice on the Victorian Government’s land holdings and opportunities.

Outputs

DELWP will achieve productive and efficient land management by successfully delivering the following outputs:

• Land Victoria – Deliver high quality and authoritative land administration and property information services, including the registration of land titles under the Torrens system, survey, valuation and property sales and planning and property certificates.

• Management of forests, parks and public land – Provide improved stewardship of Victoria’s public land estate including forests, parks, coasts and Crown land reserves for the enjoyment and sustainable use by all Victorians.




Safe and sustainable water resources

DELWP works to ensure that Victoria has safe and sustainable water resources to meet future urban, rural and environmental needs. The department partners with water corporations, catchment management authorities, government agencies, industry and the community to balance the economic, environmental and social values of water. This helps to deliver healthy waterways and aquifers, secure water supplies across Victoria, and ensure sustainable irrigation and agriculture along with greener and more liveable cities and towns.

Over the next four years, the Andrews Labor Government will provide $468 million from the Environmental Contributions Fund for investment in the State’s water infrastructure. This includes extending the water grid, improving waterway health and securing water supplies for homes and businesses, as outlined in the Water for Victoria plan. Environmental contributions are funds collected from water supply authorities under the Water Industry Act 1994 and are a means of funding the environmental costs associated with the provision of water-based services.


• implementing the Water for Victoria plan

• implementing Our Catchments, Our Communities and improving the health of waterways and catchments by investing in integrated on-ground works tailored to the meet local community’s needs, such as the Riparian Action Plan

• delivering, with water corporations, rural water infrastructure projects, including in Macalister, Werribee, Bacchus Marsh, and South West Loddon

• delivering a newly reset Connections Project in Northern Victoria

• developing and implementing an integrated water management framework

• better realising the potential of the State’s water grid and improving transparency of the water market

• implementing the Victorian Flood Management Strategy to improve flood mitigation measures and build preparedness in floodplain areas

• ensuring Aboriginal values and knowledge are included in Victoria’s water management planning

• providing Nyora, Loch, Korumburra and Poowong with a secure water supply

• tackling rising groundwater in Bendigo.

DELWP will continue to deliver robust governance and provide performance oversight of the water sector. Fundamental elements of the water management system (including information provision, planning, the entitlements framework and the water market) will continue to be strengthened.




We will measure our progress towards achieving safe and sustainable water resources by monitoring our performance against the following indicators:

• Proportion of properties completely connected to the modernised irrigation delivery system (in the Goulburn-Murray, Macalister, Werribee and Bacchus Marsh irrigation districts)

• Number of river reaches/wetlands with maintained or improved environmental condition.


Effective water and catchment management to support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy and thriving communities

We will deliver and implement Victoria’s water plan, focusing on improved economic, environmental, social, Aboriginal and recreational outcomes for the community. We will protect the health of waterways and catchments through investment, regulation, and strengthening the capacity of our catchments sector. We will strategically implement Victorian agreements in the Murray-Darling Basin to deliver outcomes that protect the environment and support agricultural industries and for the community. We will work with the farming sector as it adapts to changes in water availability and the impacts of climate change, through investment in rural water infrastructure. We will collaborate with the Victorian water and catchments sector to deliver priority regional water projects to meet the needs of local communities.

Robust governance of water and catchments sectors

We will develop and implement a robust framework for the water sector’s role in resilient and liveable cities and towns, encompassing water supply; wastewater; flood resilience; and healthy urban waterways and landscapes. We will strengthen water entitlements, information, planning and governance frameworks to ensure that Victoria is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century, with a focus on water security.

Output

DELWP will achieve safe and sustainable water resources by successfully delivering the following output:

• Effective water management and supply – Develop policies, provide strategic advice and oversee regulatory systems and institutional arrangements to effectively manage Victoria’s water resources.




A quality built environment

DELWP leads cities and regional growth policy to deliver positive outcomes for everyone who lives, works, invests in and visits Victoria. We reform policy, legislation, regulation and systems to: help protect our heritage and environment; build productive, sustainable and resilient communities; and achieve better outcomes for consumers and industry.

We shape the agenda and engage stakeholders in conversations and creative problem solving to develop innovative and practical approaches to maintaining Victoria’s liveability. We manage heritage issues in Victoria in a holistic manner to ensure consistency across neighbourhoods and the State. We identify opportunities to support future industries that the Government has identified as having the potential to drive jobs growth and investment. An integrated approach to managing our built and natural environments is crucial to accommodating population growth and change in a way that maintains our world class liveability and that protects our heritage. The quality of our built and natural environments influences Melbourne and Victoria’s ability to attract jobs, investment and skills. As our built and natural environments face increasing demands, it is critical that we conserve, and where possible improve, our natural, cultural and heritage assets.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $25.5 million in Smart Planning reforms, which will streamline and improve the State’s planning system. Since the last reform 23 years ago, planning provisions and schemes have expanded to 75,000 pages and 15,000 PDF maps. Streamlining planning rules, implementing online systems and improving access to the planning system as well as offering new ways for people to engage with the planning process will deliver significant benefits statewide.


• refreshing Plan Melbourne

• streamlining and simplifying the State’s planning process for residential and commercial applicants

• introducing new planning controls to guide development and support the long-term liveability of Melbourne’s central city

• implementing measures to better protect and advocate for building industry consumers

• protecting the Yarra River corridor from inappropriate development

• reviewing residential zones implementation

• developing guidelines for the Better Apartments project

• facilitating planning approvals for major infrastructure and transport projects.

We will ensure community views are incorporated into our long-term strategies to accommodate the challenges and opportunities presented by population growth. Through the Plan Melbourne refresh, we will ensure the vision and priorities of Victorians are reflected in the long-term planning strategy for Melbourne and its regions. This will complement other work to guide infrastructure provision and facilitate economic development.




We will measure our progress towards achieving a quality built environment by monitoring our performance against the following indicators:

• Efficient provision of timely and authoritative information on population and land use

• Efficient administration of Victoria’s planning, building and heritage systems.


Effective planning for future growth and transformation of cities and regions

We will facilitate city and regional growth and lead land use policy to deliver positive outcomes for people who live, work, invest in and visit Victoria. We will reform policy, legislation, regulations and systems to: help protect our heritage; build productive, sustainable and resilient communities and achieve better outcomes for consumers and industry. We will shape the agenda and engage stakeholders in conversations and creative problem solving to develop innovative and practical approaches to maintaining Victoria’s liveability. We will ensure that our understanding and engagement with local communities is used to inform planning for our cities and towns.

We will facilitate growth in future industries that Government has identified as having the potential to drive jobs growth and investment. We will establish and lead the Metropolitan Partnerships initiative including the required institutional and functional arrangements. We will develop a Ministerial Statement and policy actions to underpin the Suburban Development portfolio.

Leadership and advice on heritage protection and the built environment

We will manage Victoria’s heritage in a holistic manner to ensure its protection and enjoyment by current and future generations.

Output

DELWP will achieve a quality built environment by successfully delivering the following output:

• Planning, Building and Heritage – Deliver programs that address the future growth and transformation of cities and regions through strategic and integrated land use planning; urban development, design and renewal; land supply; heritage conservation and management and regulatory reform.




Sustainable and effective local governments

DELWP supports effective and efficient local governance and service provision, and supports communities to manage change and growth at a local level. We work with local governments to support their annual delivery of services ($7 billion) and infrastructure ($2.2 billion) to build stronger communities across the State, while managing $78 billion in public assets.


• a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act 1989

• implementing the new Growing Suburbs Fund to build community facilities in Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs in 2016-17, such as community centres, parks and playgrounds

• upgrading and improving council libraries and regional library services across Victoria

• creating a local government finance and accounting support team for councils in rural and regional areas

• implementing the Victorian Aboriginal Local Government Action Plan to help councils and Aboriginal Communities to work together to improve employment opportunities.

We will deliver these initiatives within the context of a broader local government reform agenda that focuses on Integrity and Good Governance – an initiative to clarify local government roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, and better define their relationship with State Government. This includes a review of the Local Government Act 1989 with a view to drafting a new bill in 2017-18. We will partner with the local government sector to support effective and efficient governance and service provision through the Know Your Council website, the Fair Go rating system and the Victoria Grants Commission.

On 23 May 2016, the Victorian Premier announced the new Minister for Suburban Development responsible for developing and implementing the government’s emerging suburban development policy and reform agenda. This new DELWP portfolio coordinates suburban development-related activities across all of Melbourne’s suburbs, with a high-priority focus on the outer suburbs that are dealing with high levels of population growth.




We will measure our progress towards achieving sustainable and effective local governments by monitoring our performance against the following indicator:

• Satisfaction with the performance of councils as measured through the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.


Supporting effective and efficient local government

We will actively partner and drive a local government reform agenda, including reviewing the Local Government Act 1989, delivering new governance arrangements for Geelong, implementing the Fair Go rating system and improving transparency through Know Your Council. We will deliver funding to local governments to support the infrastructure needs of communities including library services.

Enhancing local government through support and programs

We will work with local governments to implement programs for disadvantaged job seekers and increase social procurement by councils. We will actively partner and support local government at place to deliver improved outcomes for Victorian communities.

Partnering to support effective local infrastructure planning and delivery for growing communities

We will continue to drive positive investment in community facilities and spaces across interface council areas through our delivery of the Growing Suburbs Fund. We will provide targeted support to rural and regional councils. We will strengthen the coordination of infrastructure and service planning investment and delivery through supporting initiatives such as Delivery Partnerships Broker program, Strategic Resource Planning and Regional Partnerships.

Output

DELWP will achieve sustainable and effective local governments through successfully delivering the following output:

• Local government – deliver activities in partnership with the local government sector to support effective and efficient governance and service provision.




Reduced impact of major bushfires and other emergencies on people, property and the environment

DELWP is one of several Victorian government departments and agencies with responsibilities for emergency management. DELWP’s responsibilities include the management of fire on public land; dam safety; whale and dolphin stranding or entanglement; and the impacts of emergencies on the environment and energy network infrastructure.

DELWP delivers an integrated approach to reducing the risk of bushfires to protect people, property and the environment. This includes overseeing Victoria’s bushfire management strategy, Safer Together, by developing robust evidence-based emergency management policy and strategy for Victoria’s public land. We work together with land and fire managers and the community to plan and deliver bushfire management across public and private land, using world-leading science to manage fire and ecosystems.

In November 2015, the Andrews Labor Government launched Safer Together - A new approach to reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria. This new approach involves land and fire agencies working together in partnership with local communities to manage bushfire risks and protect what communities value most. DELWP established its Forest, Fire and Regions Group in March 2016 as a result of the new approach, Victoria’s Regional Statement and the independent investigation into the Lancefield-Cobaw fire. This new group provides end-to-end management of forests, fire and other emergencies by bringing everything under a single Deputy Secretary, but with a direct reporting line to the DELWP Secretary for fire response and planned burning operations.

DELWP guides sustainable forest management by developing sound policy, planning and regulatory frameworks for our state forests. We design efficient and effective services and programs that build healthy and resilient communities and landscapes by

providing advice and making decisions regarding the development and use of public land for the benefit of Victorians. DELWP is protecting Victoria’s natural environment on private and public land by undertaking targeted actions to enhance the health of our landscapes, waterways and biodiversity. The key government initiatives to deliver this outcome include:

• implementing an integrated approach to planned burning using a range of different management actions to protect people, property and the environment across Victoria

• improving community-based emergency planning

• increasing interoperability across the emergency management sector, including common approaches to capability development and procurement

• implementing a digital upgrade to radio communications

• increasing aerial surveillance detection activities

• undertaking crucial maintenance of fire towers, fire trucks, bulldozers and other equipment

• increasing access to heavy plant equipment to assist with the clearing of hazardous trees

• leading the delivery of the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program to implement the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

Victoria’s emergency management arrangements are evolving as the Andrews Labor Government undertakes major reform to create a safer, more disaster-resilient Victoria. The emergency management capabilities of DELWP and its portfolio agencies span prevention, preparedness and response and recovery functions, and are crucial to our Safer Together approach to emergency management. All staff in emergency management roles will receive the support, equipment and training that they need; we will engage with communities to ensure our actions are focused on protecting the things that are valued most.




We will measure our progress towards reducing the impact of fires and other emergencies on people, property and the environment by monitoring our performance against these indicators:

• Percentage of bushfires contained at first attack and/or under five hectares to suppress bushfires promptly, keep bushfires small and minimise loss

• Area treated through planned burning and other treatments to maintain the statewide bushfire risk at or below 70 per cent

• Adoption of consistent systems across the department to support efficient and effective emergency management

• Percentage of agreed departmental emergency management obligations met on time and to standard.


Managing risk to life, property and the environment

We will work alongside our emergency management sector partners to contribute to Victoria’s emergency readiness and build the resilience of communities and the environment. We will implement an ‘all communities, all emergencies’ model for emergency management before, during and after an emergency event. We will continuously improve our approach to emergency management, assessing and learning from our performance. We will work with the water sector to reduce risks, and support the emergency management sector to respond to emergency events including blue green algae outbreaks, floods and dam safety. We will work alongside industry and Victorian Government emergency management sector colleagues to lead responses to energy emergency events.

Enhancing community and ecosystem resilience

We will complete our transition to a community centred, risk-based approach to managing bushfire in accordance with Safer Together, continuously improving our bushfire modelling capabilities to understand and mitigate risk in the landscape. We will work alongside industry and our Victorian Government emergency management sector colleagues to lead responses to energy emergency events. We will deliver reduced risks of powerlines causing bushfires in high risk, high consequence areas, in accordance with the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations. We will implement the Victorian Wildlife Emergency Management Strategy and respond to wildlife emergency incidents under the Emergency Management Act 2013.

Output

DELWP will reduce the impact of major bushfires and other emergencies on people, property and the environment by delivering the following output:

• Fire and emergency management – Plan and deliver integrated bushfire management across public and private land and use world-leading science to manage fire and ecosystems.

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