DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION

Stock in Waterways Working Group

Terms of Reference

WORKING DRAFT

July2012

1.Title

The working group will be known as the ‘Stock in Waterways Working Group’.

2.Background and context

Grazing animals have the potential to contaminate public drinking water supplies with pathogens. This risk is more acute where stock have unrestricted access to waterways upstream of off-takes to drinking water supplies.

The Department of Health (DH) commissioned a study Public health issues associated with stock accessing waterways upstream of drinking water off-takes(henceforth the pathogen report) which quantifiedthe public health risk of stock access upstream of potable off-takes within a Victorian context. The reportprovided a range of optionsto manage the risks.

The pathogen report was made publicly available on DH’s website in April 2012. The report was made available to assist government agencies, water corporations, catchment management authorities (CMAs) and other stakeholders with the management of risks that may impact on drinking water quality. The reportconcluded that a range of options, including water treatment, fencing waterways to manage stock, and landholder education,could be used, either alone, but more likely in combination, to manage the risk. System-specific assessments need to be undertaken to determine the most cost-effective options to manage identified pathogen risk.

At the release of the pathogen report, Government announced the formation of this working group.

3.Scope

The work of the group is to addressthe issues raised inthe pathogen report, with the focus being on ‘public health issues associated with stock accessing waterways upstream of drinking water off-takes’ (as suggested by the report’s title).

The working group will not consider other impacts of stock accessing waterways, nor will it consider other pathogen risks effecting potable water supplies.

4.Purpose

The working group’s purpose is to consider the issues raised in the pathogen report, principally, public health risks associated with stock access to waterways upstream of potable water off-takes (but may be extended to include other aspects raised by the report). The purpose is to coordinate thedevelopment and initiate the implementation of a work plan that ensures that a suitable management response is implemented by the relevant stakeholders (such as water corporations, CMAs and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)).

5.Membership

Theworking group will be chaired by the CEO of VicWater, or their nominated representative.

The working group includes representatives from:

  • the Victorian Farmers Federation
  • catchment management authorities(2 representatives)
  • regional water corporations(2 water suppliers and 1 water storage manager, as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act)
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Sustainability and Environment (representation from the River and Wetland Health, Water Industry Governance and PublicLandsections)

6.Governance

The working group will report to the Minister for Health (under his responsibilities under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003), the Minister for Water (under his responsibilities under the Water Act 1989) and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change (under his responsibilities under the Land Act 1958.

A final work plan and progress reports on implementationwill also be provided to each Minister for noting. Should the work plan propose completely new actions, these may need approval by the relevant Minister (or the relevant Government Department).

7.Links and liaisons

The working group will ensure its outcomes, such as the proposed works in the work plan, are integrated into existing processes, including CMA regional waterway strategies, water corporation risk management plans and water plans, regional catchment strategies, on-ground riparian management planning, and any other relevant catchment planning processes.

Further linkages will be determined by the working group.

8.Operations

  • The working group will meet as regularly as required to coordinate the development and initiate the implementation of the work plan. It is likely that this will require the group initially to meet every two months but this may become 3 or 4 monthly as the work becomes established.
  • The working groupwill prepare regular reports/briefs for the Ministersfor Health,Water, and Environment and Climate Change.
  • The working groupwill sunset after 12-18 months as the activities become embedded in existing Government and agency programs. Continued oversight of the implementation of the work plan and general oversight of theissue of stock impacts on potable water will then be managed through the VicWater Standing task group on Catchment Management.
  • The working group will be chaired by the CEO of VicWater (currently Mr Tony Wright) or their nominated representative.
  • DSE River and Wetland Health, will provide secretariat support for the working group.

Version 6;Monday 23 July 2012

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DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION