The Campaspe River, downstream of Lake Eppalock, will receive environmental water releases during spring 2012.  The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will manage the water on behalf of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO).   

Ms Emer Campbell, Acting Chief Executive Officer with the North Central CMA, said the release of water builds upon flows experienced in the Campaspe River over recent months.   

“The releases will benefit native fish movement and water quality.  It will also help to maintain in-stream and bank vegetation and inundate snag habitat, important for the survival of macroinvertebrates (water bugs) which are a source of food for fish and other animals of the river.”   

Ms Campbell was quick to point out that towns along the Campaspe River will not be impacted by the increased flows.   

“Landholders adjacent to the river, local residents and visitors may notice a change in water flow and appearance, and a rise in the water level. The flow will be well below the minor flood level and contained within bank capacity as it passes to the junction of the Murray River.”   

“Water delivery to the Campaspe is in line with the VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13, based on scientific environmental flow recommendations for the system - winter base flows combined with intermittent higher flows,” concluded Ms Campbell.   

Further releases are planned over summer to mitigate potential water quality issues and build on the benefits of the releases in spring.   

The water is sourced from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, The Living Murray Program, and from the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections project.

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