The state government has set up a consultative committee, to advise it on Victoria's proposed constraints measures program.
The Committee will examine the feasibility of allowing higher environmental water flows in the Goulburn River from Lake Eildon to the River Murray, and in the River Murray downstream of Lake Hume.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said the committee, to be chaired by Patrick McNamara, would include members from environmental, farming and Traditional Owner groups, who would oversee the development of a study exploring benefits and risks of the program.
"Victoria's position has always been that we won't flood private land without consent, or compulsorily acquire land or easements - and that position won't be changing," Ms Neville said.
"We've said that any constraints measures need comprehensive and detailed community input - and this will take time."
"Before any measures are put in place communities need to be appropriately engaged, cost and benefits clear and any risks to communities or river health managed."
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Across the Murray-Darling Basin, dam and weir construction has reduced natural flooding events resulting in river channels becoming disconnected from the floodplain.
A 'constraint' is a technical term for anything that reduces the ability to deliver water for the environment.
Constraints can include physical restrictions such as low lying bridges, crossings or private land.
Ms Neville said while ecological benefits of re-instating environmental water to lower floodplains and wetland habitats could be significant, there were concerns about the impacts to public and private assets such as roads, bridges, fences, pumps and private land.
This work is expected to be completed by December 2022.
It's been funded by the Australian Government as part of the Basin plan.
Constraints programs are also underway in NSW and South Australia.
