Community involvement in waterway management: Identifying and prioritising community behaviours to protect and enhance Melbourne's waterways

Biodiversity generally, and freshwater ecosystems specifically, are in decline on a global scale. Human behaviour underlies many threats to waterway health, and decision-makers are increasingly recognising the importance of involving community members in waterway conservation efforts. This research utilised an evidence-based protocol to identify and prioritise behaviours that community members could do to protect and enhance waterways in and around Melbourne, Australia. We identified 31 behaviours that are likely to have the most significant impact on waterway health, and prioritised these behaviours according to current uptake and likelihood of adoption (based on perceived mental effort, financial cost, and time cost). Results highlighted behaviours to target as a first priority – those with high impact / high likelihood / low current uptake – such as reporting pollution, construction site sediment, or stormwater waste to the relevant authority, as well as picking up litter. High priority behaviours that may require more targeted support to encourage adoption – those with high impact / low likelihood / low current uptake – include environmental volunteering, (landholders) installing watering stations in paddocks, and using environmentally friendly cleaning and garden products. Additional research is needed to understand key influences – drivers and barriers – for each behaviour. The findings can usefully inform policies and programs to encourage community participation in waterway conservation behaviours. • Freshwater ecosystems are in decline on a global scale. • Human behaviour underlies many threats to waterway health. • Community members can play an important role in improving waterway health. • We identified and prioritised community behaviours to protect and enhance waterways. • Findings can inform policies and programs to improve waterway health.