Minister
The Ministers responsible for administering Catchment Management Authorities in the State of Victoria are the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Water.
Legislation
The structure, functions and operations of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA are broadly governed by the establishing legislation. A mandatory requirement of the Authority is to comply with this legislation.
Government policy sets the firm direction of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA and through this, internal policy and procedure are set. All internal policies are endorsed by Directors to ensure compliance and relevance.
The obligations of the Authority are primarily contained in:
- Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
- Water Act 1989
- Financial Management Act 1994
- Public Administration Act 2004
- Freedom of Information Act 1982
- Audit Act 1994
- The Information Privacy Act 2000
Board
Glenelg Hopkins CMA is governed by a Board of nine community representatives. Directors are selected by Ministerial appointment following a public call for people with skills and experience relating to our catchment.
The Board is responsible and accountable for the good governance, strategic direction and effective and efficient operation of the organisation.
The current Board comprises nine Directors, including the Chairman.
Key Regional Catchment Strategy Objectives for the Board
- Represent the interests of the community in natural resource management
- Achieve integrated catchment management (as measured by improvement in resource condition)
- Act as a steward for the natural resource base
- Create effective partnerships
- Develop appropriate action plans and support their implementation, including through development of targets and measurement of achievement
- Provide regional leadership in natural resource management
Community Engagement
The current Governance structure reflects a stronger focus in regard to community engagement.
Two Advisory Groups provide advice to management of Glenelg Hopkins CMA:
- Biodiversity and Land Health
- Wetland and River Health
The Advisory Groups are one of the vehicles by which Glenelg Hopkins CMA can engage the community in the development and adaptive management of the Regional Catchment Strategy, sub strategies and action plans. They assist by providing advice to senior management of Glenelg Hopkins CMA. Advisory Groups communicate with and access people in the community with an interest in a particular resource management issue.
Their membership and method of operation are designed to facilitate these outcomes. Advisory Groups provide advice on and are kept informed of strategic direction; monitoring and reporting of achievements; and review direction in an adaptive management cycle in their respective area and cooperate with other advisory groups where issues integrate and overlap.
The Advisory Groups reflect the importance Glenelg Hopkins CMA places on the value of collaborative and constructive relationships and culture.
The Audit Committee will continue to be a sub-committee of the Board, reporting to the Board on a quarterly basis, as required.
Structure of the Internal Staff
Glenelg Hopkins CMA employs 43 FTE staff, comprising the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Assistant and staff working within one of four programs: Waterway and Catchment Health, Business and Finance, Partnership and Investment and Statutory Water. The Program Managers report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.