The Nagambie Waterways (comprising parts of the Goulburn River, Lake Nagambie, the backwaters, and the Goulburn Weir pool) are an important tourism and recreation asset in northern Victoria. The waterways are extremely popular with both locals and tourists for a variety of boating activities and pursuits such as fishing, swimming, cycling, walking, hunting, and camping. Several major sporting events are held annually on the waterways, including rowing regattas and water-skiing.

Improved and diverse boating technologies, increased leisure time and proximity to Melbourne has increased the number of powered and non-powered vessels sharing the waterways. This has triggered safety concerns from the community and the visiting public. A review of waterway rules is needed to better meet the demand for water access, improve the safe sharing of the waterways and responsibly plan for sustainable growth.

The recreational values of the Nagambie Waterways need to be managed against its primary role of regulating the Goulburn River for consumptive (i.e. irrigation, urban, domestic and stock purposes) and environmental uses.