North Central Victoria is already facing the challenge of climate change evidenced by recent high temperatures, reduced rainfall and increased frequency of extreme weather events. The proposed project will develop a detailed understanding of the potential impacts in irrigated landscapes across the range of asset classes and trial the implementation of a decision framework that assists Catchment Managers to better plan and respond to a "new climate". The project will build on previous and existing work encompassing landholder perceptions, mitigation and adaptation responses across the regional landscape and around the state.

This project will ensure that the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) meets its state and basin obligations relating to salinity management reporting and accounting.

The Wetlands of this region are regionally, nationally and internationally recognised for their biodiversity values. However, many wetlands are highly modified as a consequence of earlier management decisions and use. They suffer from unclear management objectives and poorly defined stakeholder roles and responsibilities, as well as being exposed to salinity impacts that pose risks to water quality and biodiversity. The project's priorities are documented in a 5 year Wetland Action Plan that outlines wetland planning and implementation works for all agencies involved. Its aims are: - to minimise risks to wetlands while maximising benefits to environmental values. - focus on developing integrated Wetland Operational Plans that identify and implement appropriate water management in wetlands. This ultimately maintains or improves wetland condition in the region, while a monitoring program helps to measure this change.

The North Central CMA is responsible to the Victorian Government to account for all works and measures implemented that either reduce or increase salinity impacts on the River Murray. The project is investigating opportunities to reduce salt loads entering the River Murray which will have benefits to all downstream communities of the Murray catchment. However, this will result in salt accumulation in the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region threatening all water and land assets in the area. The challenge will be to manage this accumulation, and explore opportunities to confine and harvest salt, without impacting on the area's assets and productivity.