Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville today announced new appointments to Victoria’s catchment management sector.
The new Victorian Catchment Management Council (VCMC) and 10 (CMA) boards will help prepare the state for future environmental and economic challenges such as climate change and population growth, intensifying land use, and natural disasters such as bushfires and floods.
Almost 400 people expressed interest in appointment to the VCMC or a CMA board this year following the expression of interest process announced in March. This was more than double the number of applicants compared to the last appointment process. Women make up over half of all new CMA board members and half the VCMC members.
Minister Neville congratulated those members who have been appointed or re-appointed to the boards and council, and thanked all continuing and departing members for their service to the catchment management sector and the community - particularly outgoing VCMC Chair Mick Murphy OAM who has lead the council for the past nine years.
CMAs will play an important role in helping implement the Andrews Labor Government’s new water agenda, which includes listening and engaging with their communities about catchment needs and priorities during the development of a Victorian water plan.
The VCMC will provide independent advice to the Government on the condition of land and water resources and priorities for catchment management in Victoria.
The make-up of the new CMA boards can be found at and the new VCMC can be found at
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville
“Together, catchment management authorities and the Victorian Catchment Management Council play an important role in making our environment healthy and supporting environmental sustainability, jobs and growth.”
“I’m delighted to announce that women make up over half of all new CMA board members and half the VCMC members, and four new CMA board members identify themselves as Aboriginal.”
“I’m confident these new Boards will play a valuable role in providing direction for our CMAs as we meet the challenges of the future including climate change, population growth and greater demand on the environment.”
“Healthy catchments and waterways are vital to sustaining regional economies and supporting jobs and growth, as well as the recreational and social opportunities that make for vibrant communities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020