A small but important environmental flow will be released to the Coliban River downstream of Malmsbury Reservoir, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Coliban Water jointly announced today.

"This release follows on from one made in late December that saw real improvements to the Coliban River environment," Mr Gavin Hanlon, North Central CMA CEO said. "Everyone is feeling the effects of an ongoing lack of water in our region, so while these extreme conditions continue, we continue to manage the Coliban River with the small amount of water available to the environment"

In June, the Victorian Government "Qualified Rights" to water on the Campaspe system, including the Coliban River. Under this arrangement, passing flows to the Coliban River were ceased to save water for consumptive use and a reserve of water was established to manage risks to the river's environmental values.

Managing Director of Coliban Water, Mr Geoff Michell, stated that the North Central CMA and Coliban Water had obtained independent scientific advice to help develop a plan to protect the Coliban River's environment and fish habitat when water quality deteriorates.

A freshening flow was released as part of this plan in December 2007 and resulted in improved conditions in the river.

Mr Hanlon advised that "ongoing monitoring of the water quality in the river indicates that with no passing flows over the summer period the water quality in the Coliban River has again reduced to critical levels, placing the river and its fish populations at risk. This flow is another release under the river protection plan."

"Being able to protect the Coliban River throughout this drought period is very important for our region to be able to quickly recover after drought" stated Mr Michell.

The North Central CMA and Coliban Water will continue to work together to ensure that common interests including water security, water availability and the protection of river environments are maximised in the current drought conditions.

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