The North Central CMA in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water has announced that small but important flows will be released to the Campaspe River this summer. 

Through the use of an inter-valley transfer, a summer base flow of 10 ML per day has commenced in the lower Campaspe River downstream of the Campaspe Siphon near Rochester. Later this season, freshening pulse flows will also be delivered to the river.

A flow of approximately 5 ML per day has commenced, targeting the Campaspe River downstream of the Campaspe Weir through to Rochester. 

North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, Damian Wells, said that these flow events were identified in the North Central CMA’s environmental water planning undertaken at the start of this season, and respond to river conditions recently observed and the current water resource position in the Campaspe system.

“The North Central CMA recognises that the continuing dry conditions and poor water resource position in the Campaspe system continues to impact upon the local region, particularly its people,” he said. “During such dry and extreme conditions the Campaspe River is also placed under stress.”

Mr Wells said to be able provide beneficial environmental outcomes with water destined for use downstream is a win-win for both the community and the environment.

Water delivered to the Campaspe River downstream of the Campaspe Weir comes from an account available to the North Central CMA for use in managing the river’s environment. This account has become available in response to the inflows received into Lake Eppalock over winter and spring.

“At present all other environmental flows in the Campaspe system have ceased due to the temporary qualification of rights, with Goulburn-Murray Water and the North Central CMA continuing to monitor the water quality of this system and make the most effective and efficient use of water possible.

“The North Central CMA has worked with Goulburn-Murray Water and other agencies to achieve the best environmental result for the lower Campaspe system through the inter-valley transfer”, concluded Mr Wells.

Goulburn-Murray Water Managing Director, David Stewart, explained that this is the sixth year that the inter-valley transfer has been put in place, where water to be transferred to the Murray River has been retained in the Goulburn system and is being delivered via the lower Campaspe River to reduce the stress on the river and protect its environment through summer. 

Mr Stewart stressed that these deliveries of water will see no reduction in the water available for consumptive use in the Goulburn, Campaspe or Murray systems.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au