The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has confirmed the Loddon River between Loddon Weir and Kerang Weir will receive environmental water releases during late November and December. 

Mr Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer said the water will be released from Loddon River storages commencing in the week beginning Monday 28 November. It will come from an environmental water entitlement for the Loddon River established with savings from the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline. 

“The water is being released in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and Goulburn-Murray Water. 

The target volume of 650 megalitres per day will provide a pulse of water to the River, similar to a natural flow that would result from spring rain events. The main purpose of the freshening flow is to achieve environmental outcomes for the river by triggering fish movement and flushing organic material.”

Over the coming weeks landholders adjacent to the Loddon River may notice a rise of about 0.7 metres downstream of Laanecoorie Reservoir and a rise of about 2 metres downstream of Loddon Weir, including Twelve Mile Creek.  These rates are well below the flood threshold of the river and will be carefully monitored during the environmental release to prevent flooding of private land.

The environmental water release was authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2011-12, developed in collaboration with the North Central CMA in partnership with the Department of Primary Industry, Goulburn-Murray Water and community representatives.

The VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2011-12 is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, and regular updates are posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au

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