A comprehensive review and strategic reset of the Hume to Yarrawonga River Works Program, the largest in the Murray Darling Basin, was recently completed to address critical knowledge gaps and the need for an updated strategic direction after two decades of implementation. The review aimed to align the program with contemporary investment drivers and integrate it with a more holistic view of the river reach.
Using a two-stage approach, the review first conducted a quantitative analysis of the program’s performance, followed by a qualitative evaluation of its governance, planning, and delivery mechanisms. The findings revealed a strong need for a new Strategic Plan, focusing on the entire reach scale rather than sub-reach segments. This approach ensures enhanced flexibility of program implementation and improved prioritisation of projects.
Key outcomes included the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, an updated works management standard, detailed standard engineering design drawings for a range of river works intervention techniques, a H2Y Program Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Improvement (MERI) plan, and a revised governance model providing clarity for program partners. Additionally, an annual and multi-year planning and reporting framework, coupled with a communication and engagement plan were established. The significant work that has comprised this strategic reset not only addresses the immediate needs of the H2Y River Works Program but also offers insights and adaptable strategies for other river works programs in similar contexts.