mmg.com.au

The Victorian Government’s latest water policy is aiming to improve liveability and reduce environmental impacts.

Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said the Living Victoria policy for water was a new approach to planning and managing urban water resources.

He said it promoted changing how alternative water supplies — including rainwater, recycled water and stormwater — were used to reduce pressure on the state’s drinking water supplies, improve liveability and reduce damage to the environment.

‘‘This policy aims to establish Victoria as a world leader in liveable cities and Integrated Water Cycle Management, support sustainable communities and provide secure water supplies efficiently,’’ he said.

‘‘The government has established the $50million Living Victoria Fund to help achieve its Living Victoria policy, and registrations of interest are now open as a way of identifying the best ideas and methodologies before making any funding commitments.’’

Mr McCurdy said people with innovative water cycle management projects could apply during the registration-of-interest period, which will end at 2pm on January 21.

‘‘Integrated Water Cycle Management approaches will minimise strain on the existing water systems and help deliver a resilient, flexible, and adaptable water cycle to support growth, prosperity, the environment and green spaces for all Victorians,’’ Mr McCurdy said.

‘‘We need to identify and support innovative projects that make the most of all the water that falls on Murray Valley, including rainwater, stormwater and recycled water.

‘‘The Living Victoria Fund will not only provide financial support for Integrated Water Cycle Management projects — it will also relieve pressure on drinking water supplies now and in the future.

‘‘It will help promote exemplar projects and provide great examples for others to follow nationally and internationally.’’

The fund will be managed by The Office of Living Victoria.