Wetland and waterways are widespread throughout the region and cover a range of habitats including lakes, rivers, springs, swamps, marshes and even farm dams. Wetlands and waterways are an essential part of the landscape providing a range of ecosystems services including flood mitigation and recharge of aquifers. They are also significant contributors to the regional economy by providing resources for agriculture, urban and industrial uses and provide scenic amenity and recreational values for the tourism industry and community

While these issues are important the Wetlands and Waterways programme focuses on the biodiversity values of these systems which is significant. The freshwater habitats of the region support tremendous biodiversity , 80 of Australia's 190 species freshwater fish are found here and are also home to a wide range of species including frogs, birds, reptiles and arrange of aquatic insects and plants.

Wetlands and waterways are part of the cultural landscape of the region and as such are a valued resource for traditional owners who have special links with these areas based around lifestyle and religious custom and beliefs.

Existing and changing landuses are the biggest threat to wetlands and waterways and their values. Current farm practice and urban expansion has and continues to see wetlands and waterways impacted through removal of vegetation, changed hydrology, siltation, weed invasion and agricultural and urban runoff.

The wetland and waterways program seeks to improve the condition of these systems through management and rehabilitation of these areas and by linking across all other program areas to ensure improved management of these important natural assets.