The Victorian water industry provides services to in excess of 4.6 Million people encompassing 100% of the State’s population. Water businesses’ customers continue to benefit from the improved levels of service and investment to protect public and environmental health.
The Victorian water industry covers the metropolitan and regional sectors of the State. All Victorian water businesses are State Government Business Entities (GBEs). Water businesses are guided by skills based Boards of Directors.
The framework governing the conservation, allocation and supply of water in Victoria has undergone significant change over the last 25 years. Major changes to the water industry occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s resulting in the number of water authorities declining from 400 to 120. This was quickly followed by further changes in 1994 with the number being reduced further to 24 water businesses across the State . On 1 July 2004 Wimmera-Mallee and Grampians Water amalgamated to form Grampians-Wimmera Mallee Water, and Sunraysia and Lower Murray Water to form Lower Murray Water. From 1 July 2005 Glenelg, Portland Coast and South West Water merged to form Wannon Water from. As a result there are now 20 water businesses in Victoria.
Regulators play a key role in setting economic, environmental and social obligations upon water businesses. The Minister for Water is the portfolio Minister for the Victorian water industry.
There are 10 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) who are primarily responsible for managing catchment resources.
