Environment
Caring for wildlife and the environment
GMW operates water systems across two-thirds of northern Victoria and subsequently plays a significant role in maintaining the wellbeing of the local environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Keeping waterways healthy benefits the plants and animals that rely on them for food and habitat
GMW aims to maximise water resource availability for customers, while delivering activities that meet key environmental goals and contribute to a sustainable and productive natural environment.
Activities and initiatives include catchment management (including salt interception management), surface and sub-surface drainage support, water quality (including Blue-Green Algae monitoring) and land management planning.
We similarly seek to ensure the recreational offerings at our various storages do not negatively affect the environment by making visitors aware of their responsibilities when using our storages, including respecting GMW bylaws and taking their rubbish with them.
GMW also delivers water for the Victorian, opens in new windowand Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders, opens in new windowwho make decisions about watering sites with the aim of maintaining healthy environments.
Planning ahead
We take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We also recognise that to continue harvesting, storing and delivering water services, we are dependent on natural systems and we need to protect our environment for current and future generations.
GMW’s environmental goals include:
- Creating a culture of environmental awareness and protection
- Protecting the natural environment
- Reducing our net carbon emissions
- Minimising waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling
Weather and climate
At GMW, we are acutely aware of the effect of climate change and committed to do what we can to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment.
In 2022, we committed to the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035. It is an ambitious target, but one we have already taken some significant steps towards.
For more information, read our Closing in on net zero Country News column.