30 June 2026
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) has released the Seasonal Watering Plan 2026-27, detailing how environmental water will be used to build resilience in rivers and wetlands during forecast dry periods and expected low inflows.
The plan outlines how the available environmental entitlements will be used across the state under different climate scenarios, so decisions can respond to changing seasonal and local conditions.
“Conditions in 2025-26 have generally been dry and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a higher chance of below-average rainfall and above-average minimum temperatures for all regions through spring 2026,” said Dr Sarina Loo, VEWH CEO.
“We expect water for the environment to be delivered in the northern region under a dry scenario at the start of the water year, unless the VEWH and waterway managers see a change based on forecasts or local conditions,” Dr Loo said.
In the western region, after several years of dry conditions, environmental water is expected to be managed in a very dry or drought scenario, particularly at some locations where water storages have drawn down significantly.
Supply in the central and Gippsland regions is expected to be more variable. In the Melbourne supply system and West Gippsland, water storages are better placed than other areas, however, all systems in these regions remain likely to be managed under a drought or dry scenario during the early stages of 2026-27.
“With dry conditions expected to continue, we’re working closely with waterway managers and storage managers to make the best use of available environmental water and deliver it efficiently and effectively,” Dr Loo said.
“When environmental objectives are achieved, communities also benefit through healthier waterways that can be enjoyed for recreation, connection to nature and overall wellbeing,” Dr Loo said.
Traditional Owner leadership and knowledge continues to strengthen Victoria’s environmental watering program. The 2026-27 Seasonal Watering Plan includes proposed watering actions from Traditional Owner groups, including a joint submission from DJAARA and North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for the Dindilong Yaluk (Coliban River).
The plan includes actions proposed by Taungurung Land and Waters Council to water the Molesworth Billabongs complex off the Goulburn River, which has strong community support and aims to provide refuge for critically endangered flat-headed galaxias.
The First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation also have actions included in the plan to water Neds Corner Central wetlands in the Mallee. These are to support habitat for birds, frogs and yabbies, while keeping fringing black box trees healthy.
“The joint proposal from DJAARA and North Central CMA for the Dindilong Yaluk is another important example of how Traditional Owner leadership can be incorporated into environmental water management and planning”.
“Creating opportunities for Traditional Owner empowerment in planning, decision-making and delivery of water for the environment is central to healing Country and improving waterway health.”
The VEWH and waterway managers from nine catchment management authorities (CMAs) and Melbourne Water engaged with Traditional Owners, storage managers, land managers, other environmental water holders, technical experts and local communities on the proposed watering actions.
The seasonal watering plan shows how waterway managers plan with communities to consider how environmental flows can support activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, camping, relaxing in nature and tourism.
Waterway managers integrate environmental water with other management activities such as pest control, fish barrier removal and streamside vegetation improvements to achieve environmental outcomes from the top to the bottom of Victoria’s catchments.
The VEWH has also released the Allocation Water Trading Strategy 2026-27, an overview of the allocation water trading activities the VEWH may carry out in 2026-27 across Victorian water systems covered in the seasonal watering plan, and interstate. The strategy provides transparency around the VEWH’s potential trade decisions.
Seasonal Watering Plan 2026-27 – Download the Victorian plan or regional sections (web link)
Allocation Water Trading Strategy 2026-27 – Download here (web link)
Fast facts
- The Victorian Environmental Water Holder is an independent statutory body established in 2011 under Victoria’s Water Act 1989 as an ‘accountable, independent guardian’ to transparently manage environmental water entitlements.
- The VEWH decides why, where, when and how available water for the environment is used, carried over or traded to support the health of Victoria’s rivers, wetlands and floodplains.
- Under the Water Act the VEWH can buy, sell or exchange water to meet environmental needs.
- There is more about the VEWH’s allocation water trading strategy here.
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