The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), in partnership with Coliban Water, has commenced a small but important environmental water flow downstream of the Malmsbury Reservoir.  The flow is to complement significant natural flows to the Coliban River received over recent months.

The flow of 10 megalitres per day will connect pools in the river, helping to preserve water quality, aquatic vegetation and habitat for recovering macroinvertebrate (water bug) populations.

North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, Damian Wells, explained that despite the wet year experienced across the region, inflows to the Coliban River water storages have now reduced. This has resulted in Coliban River water storages ceasing to spill, leading to a reduction in river flows downstream of Malmsbury reservoir.

“Elevated rainfall across our catchment has provided high flows to the Coliban River for the first time in a number of years,” said Mr Wells.

“Whilst these flows have gone a long way to revive the Coliban River after years of low flows, it is now important to follow up on nature’s good work. This environmental release will build upon those natural flows to further rejuvenate the river, benefiting riverside vegetation and native plants and animals that depend upon a healthy river system in order to rebuild,” he said.

Mr Wells was quick to assure the community that the delivery of any environmental water will not increase the risk of flooding downstream of the Malmsbury Reservoir.   “Comparatively this is a small flow release for the Coliban River.  This flow and any planned for the future will immediately cease in the event of significant rainfall or should the storage commence to spill again.” 

Coliban Water Managing Director Gavin Hanlon said supporting environmental health objectives was an important aspect of region wide sustainability.

“We recognise that although it has been the wettest year on record in our catchments, the health of the river system is dependant on these additional flows,” Mr Hanlon said.

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 maintained.

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