Victorian Stormwater Action Program: 
Environment Protection Authority, Victoria.

Extract, December 2000:

Victorian Stormwater Action Program (VSAP)

The Victorian Stormwater Action Program (VSAP) was launched by the Victorian Government in June 2000. The Government has allocated up to $22.5 million dollars over the next three years to improve the environmental management of ‘urban stormwater’ in metropolitan Melbourne and urban areas in regional Victoria, and to reduce adverse impacts on water environments.

A key component of VSAP is a three year Grant Program to assist local government with the implementation of their ‘approved’ Stormwater Management Plans. Funding assistance is to be matched by Local Governments on a dollar for dollar basis, for ‘priority projects’ in Stormwater Management Plans.

Goal

To improve the quality of Victoria’s water environments through better environmental management of urban stormwater.

VSAP Principles

  • VSAP requires the adoption of best practice environmental management - ie. Urban Stormwater BPEMG published by CSIRO, 1999.
  • VSAP will demonstrate the benefits of effective environmental management of urban stormwater.
  • VSAP encourages the development of Stormwater Management Plans at the local government level.
  • VSAP will support an urban stormwater management cultural change both to:
    • ensure ongoing ownership and commitment to incorporating environmental management into core business; and
    • improve general community awareness and behaviour.
  • VSAP advocates partnerships and collaborative ventures.
  • VSAP encourages maximum funding leverage.
  • VSAP advocates practices and measures which reflect urban stormwater as a valuable resource.

  

VSAP Principles for Stormwater Management Planning

VSAP advocates Stormwater Management Planning, that:

  • is consistent with VSAP principles;
  • is carried out within the context of regional catchment management;
  • incorporates integrated management;
  • supports the prevention of environmental problems;
  • supports preservation and enhancement of natural drainage and waterway elements;
  • supports ‘at source’ management rather than ‘end of pipe’;
  • incorporates and is complementary to other programs and information;
  • considers multiple benefits (environmental, social and economic); and
  • engages all stakeholders (community & friends groups, government, industry and private sector).

 

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