We will continue to work with customers and landholders as they transition to the Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program.
If you are a private landholder, you can now apply for new projects under Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways.
If you have an existing project, there are no changes and we will continue to support you in delivering it.
All activities that were eligible under the Stream Frontage Management Program and Rural Land Program are eligible under Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways.
What can landholders apply for under Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways?
We are looking for projects that provide value to Melbourne Water, our customers, partners and community by aligning with at least one of the following themes:
- Connected habitat and catchments
- Integrated water management (IWM) enablers
- Science, innovation and technology
- Liveable cities
You can find more information on these themes in our Program Guidelines.
Please see the diagram below for an indicative list of projects you could apply for. We always encourage you to discuss your project idea with us and we also welcome your new ideas.
Please visit our Resource Hub on our website to read case studies of past projects.
Our Funding Contribution
We will contribute to the cost of a broad range of activities designed to improve the quality of the water leaving rural properties, including labour and materials.
For fencing, the further you set back your fence from the riverbank, the greater the proportion of the fence costs we can contribute to. The minimum average setback we will fund is 10 metres.
For more information, refer to our Private Landholders Fact Sheet or speak to your Assessor.
Preferred Applicants
To be eligible for consideration, your project or proposal must be located within Melbourne Water’s operating area. If you are considering activities that improve water quality or biodiversity, we give preference to projects that fall in the priority areas, shown on our interactive map. You can apply for a combination of activities on the one application form.
For more information on the types of projects we give preference to, please read our Private Landholders Fact Sheet and Program guidelines.
How do I apply?
When you are ready to apply, please visit our How to Apply page. We will contact eligible applicants to arrange a site assessment.
The site assessment enables us to further develop the project with you to meet your objectives and Melbourne Water’s objectives. Once we have approved a suitable project, we will ask you to enter into an agreement with Melbourne Water that details the works, funding and timelines. We will complete an onsite audit at the end of the project.
Questions and support
If you have any questions about the Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program or your need help with your application, please contact us.