The Coliban River downstream of Malmsbury Reservoir will receive a small environmental flow to protect the river and its environment.  The flow is being provided under a joint management program implemented by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Coliban Water.

Damian Wells, North Central CMA’s Chief Executive Officer said while there had been some good spring rains,  conditions remained dry and continue to have a severe impact upon North Central Victoria, particularly its people and the region’s rivers

“While these dry conditions continue, we continue to work hard to support the Coliban River. 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 Coliban system,” said Mr Wells.

“Recent water quality monitoring completed along the Coliban River downstream of Malmsbury Reservoir indicates that water quality has deteriorated due to the recent hot weather.  The decline in water quality has placed the river and its water-dependent plant and animal populations at risk. To manage these risks, we will release a small reserve of water to the Coliban River,” Mr Wells continued.

A temporary Qualification of Rights, which has changed water sharing arrangements in the Coliban system in recent years has secured additional water for towns in the Coliban system and established a small reserve of water in the Coliban storages for the River.

As the region’s lead agency in environmental water management, the North Central CMA is pleased to collaborate with Coliban Water in providing environmental flows to the Coliban River.

Coliban Water Managing Director, Gavin Hanlon, stated that maintaining the health of river systems with environmental water is essential for the long-term quality of water supplies.

“Coliban Water and the North Central CMA continue to work together in planning for water security and river health,” said Mr Hanlon. “We have obtained independent scientific advice to help us plan and manage protection of the Coliban River’s environment.” 

The North Central CMA works with the community to protect and improve rivers and the natural environment in North Central Victoria, while Coliban Water is an urban water corporation that manages, maintains and operates over 50 reservoirs and water storage basins across the region. The North Central CMA and Coliban Water partnership seeks to improve water security, water availability and the river environments throughout the ongoing dry 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