During April and May, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is coordinating the delivery of up to 1,850 megalitres of environmental water into Lake Meran, near Kerang, that will increase lake levels by around 1.5 metres.

The environmental water release is identified as a priority in the Seasonal Watering Plan 2013-14 of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, who makes decisions about the State’s environmental water entitlements, based on proposals by CMAs. 

Brad Drust, Executive Manager Loddon and Avoca Catchments with the North Central CMA, said that the release would provide deep-water habitat for the lake’s plants and animals, and support the health of surrounding trees. “It is part of a longer-term watering regime that aims to vary water levels in the lake.

“We have used the best available information on the needs of the plants and animals at Lake Meran to plan this event.  This is the first time environmental water is being delivered to the lake, it provides an opportunity to learn more about environmental responses, water levels and salinity over the next 12 months and will help inform future environmental watering decisions,” said Mr Drust.

Mr Drust said that it is important to highlight that future environmental water deliveries to the lake are not guaranteed and will be subject to the North Central CMA and Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s annual prioritisation process.  “Future decisions will also be informed by our observations following this watering event,” he said.

Denis Flett, Chairperson of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, said environmental watering decisions are based on achieving the best value for the environment over time.

“We understand that Lake Meran is also highly valued by the local community for its recreational uses such as boating, swimming, fishing and camping.  We recognise that environmental water can often contribute to recreational benefits when water is being delivered to meet our program of watering priority sites.   

“At Lake Meran this year, our environmental water delivery will support these recreational values, while targeting the environmental objectives of protecting plants and animals and improving the health of surrounding vegetation, which is a good outcome all round,” Mr Flett concluded.

For more information, visit the North Central CMA website at 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