Waterways of the Torbay Catchment.

Whose responsibility is it to manage waterways?

Management of most drains and creeks on private property remain with the landowner, giving them certain rights and responsibilities. For example a landowner may have a right to use water from the waterway, but the volume may be restricted to ensure it does not affect downstream users. landowners also have a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not have a negative impact on vegetation, bank stability or water quality.

Many of the catchment drains are managed by the Water Corporation (WC) as part of the Albany Drainage District. While the drains are managed by the WC they often pass through private property. In these cases the landowner has a responsibility to ensure their activities do not damage the drain, while the WC has a responsibility to control declared weeds in the reserve and maintain water flow in the drain.

The Department of Water is the State Government lead agency for water and waterway management. The Marbellup brook, identified as a potential drinking water source, has an additional level of management and protection from the Department not given to other waterways in the catchment.

The Department of Water also shares the implementation of the Torbay Catchment Restoration Plan with the Torbay Catchment Group (TCG). The TCG works with landowners to help them manage their waterways and improve nutrient management practices.

Some waterways, most notably parts of Marbellup Brook, flow through Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) reserves, in which case management lies with the DEC.