05/01/2006 - The Environment Agency is launching a plan that will define the future of the River Medway. The River Medway Waterway Plan will be unveiled at the London Boat Show on Friday 6 January 2006. The Environment Agency runs the Medway Navigation, which lies between Allington Lock near Maidstone and Tonbridge in Kent. Environment Agency Officers maintain the 31kilometres (19 miles) of river year-round.

The River Medway Waterway Plan includes 45 improvements that the Environment Agency, together with local authorities and local businesses, would like to see happen along the river before 2010. This work will make sure the River Medway is developed and cared for in the future. Plans include building temporary moorings along the river and automating the lock gates at Allington. The Environment Agency has also put plans in place to develop and create habitats on the river and increase public awareness of river wildlife.

The Environment Agency will achieve many of the aims set out in the River Medway Waterway Plan by working in local partnerships.

John Morgan, Kent Waterways Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We’re delighted to be unveiling the River Medway Waterway Plan. Thanks to extra government funding over the next three years we are investing more money in our rivers than ever before. With this money we will be able to modernise our waterways by improving the maintenance of them and providing better facilities. This plan provides a blueprint for the future of the River Medway. We hope you will see and feel the benefits of our work next season.”

The Environment Agency has developed the River Medway Waterway as part of the navigation strategy, Your Rivers for Life. This was launched in January 2004 and sets out how the Environment Agency will restore, conserve and develop its rivers in line with the needs of modern society over the next 20 years. The River Thames Waterway Plan and The Great Ouse Waterway Plan have also been completed and will be launched at the London Boat Show.