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South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board

The South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage (SEWCD) Board DRAFT Management Plan to 2022 outlines the key activities that will be undertaken to meet the objectives of the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Act 1992 (the Act).

Under the Act, the SEWCD Board has the following functions:

To provide an effective and efficient system for managing the surface water of the non-urban lands in the region, by conserving, draining, altering the flow of or utilising that water in any manner
To carry out works for the purpose of lowering the level of the water table of lands in the region
To undertake, assist or promote research in the fields of water conservation, drainage and management
To give advice and assistance to others in the fields of water conservation, drainage and management
The enhancement or development of natural wetlands and the natural environment generally in the region

South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Act 1992

The high level purpose for management of the drainage network is set out in the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Act 1992, described as:

“An Act to provide for the conservation and management of water and the prevention of flooding of rural land in the South East of the State; and for other related purposes”.

The Act specifies a number of objectives:

the prevention or minimisation of damage to agricultural production and the natural environment caused by flooding within the South East
the improvement of the soil quality and the productiveness generally of rural lands in the region
the enhancement or development of natural wetlands and the natural environment generally in the region.