A series of high summer flows or ‘freshes’ will be released to the Campaspe River downstream of the Campaspe Siphon near Rochester through to it’s confluence with the River Murray at Echuca this summer. 

Building on low flows of 10 ML per day that have been provided to this reach of the Campaspe since November last year, the series of ‘freshes’ are designed to mimic the flow that the river would naturally receive after summer storm rainfall and will be delivered between February and April this year, with the first fresh to commence this week.

North Central CMA Environmental Flows Coordinator, Darren White, said that these flow events were identified in consultation with local community and agency representatives in the North Central CMA’s environmental water planning undertaken at the start of this season. They aim to flush the river with fresh water and improve water quality to benefit the resident fish populations.

Mr White explained that this is the sixth year that an inter-valley transfer has been used to provide summer flows to the River. Under this arrangement water to be transferred to the Murray River has been retained in the Goulburn system and is being delivered via the lower Campaspe River to reduce the stress on the river and protect its environmental values. 

‘Being able provide beneficial environmental outcomes with water destined for use downstream is a win-win for both the community and the environment. With out this water the river would be very low and dry in places over these hot summers’, added Mr White.

‘Residents with land adjoining the Campaspe River downstream of the Campaspe Siphon and in the township of Echuca will notice increased flow in the river and may notice a change in the colour of the water. The murky or black colour of the water is expected to be temporary and gradually lessen as the river is flushed.

These fresh events will see no reduction in the water available for consumptive use in the Goulburn, Campaspe or Murray systems.

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