The Andrews Labor Government is helping culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities learn and explore their local waterways across Melbourne's west.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today launched the Waterways of the West CALD Engagement Toolkit which provides step-by-step solutions and resources for engaging and educating CALD communities about the waterways in Melbourne's west.
The toolkit was co-designed with local councils, migrant community groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. The toolkit is already being used by the Werribee River Association to engage CALD communities with their local waterways in the Werribee catchment.
Waterways of the west is part of the Andrews Labor Government's $17 million investment towards improving our urban waterways.
The Waterways of the West Action Plan is a five-year plan to improve the health, amenity and sustainability of the waterways of Melbourne's west - including addressing waterway pollution, stronger land use planning and development controls to protect landscapes and guard against inappropriate development.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 has also invested $10 million for the Green Links fund to support revegetation along our creeks, rivers, and waterways to better protect our beloved local waterways and wildlife.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
"Melbourne's west is one of the most multicultural regions in Victoria and this toolkit will help more people to share ideas about their waterways and what they would like to achieve in their local environments now and into the future."
As stated by Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari
"Our natural waterways are so important for local wildlife and we're making sure the whole community can play a role in protecting it for generations to come."
As stated by Member for Tarneit Dylan Wight
"Local community groups do important work to protect and maintain our precious Werribee River, it's great to share this work with the whole community."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"The Waterways of the West CALD Engagement Toolkit will help strengthen the ability of CALD communities to shape the future of the Waterways of the West, enjoy their abundant benefits, and continue to care for them."
