The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is coordinating environmental water releases to the Loddon River between Loddon Weir and Kerang Weir in the week commencing Monday 4 February, for up to three weeks.   

Mr Damian Wells, North Central CMA’s Chief Executive Officer, said the water will be released from Loddon River storages.    

“The target volume of 100 megalitres per day will provide a pulse of water to the river. The main purpose of the freshening flow is to achieve environmental outcomes by freshening water quality and maintaining connectivity in the river. This helps to maintain a suitable habitat for fish and water bugs, as well as watering fringing vegetation.   

“The water comes from an environmental water entitlement for the Loddon River established with savings from Goulburn-Murray Water’s Connections Project, which will be complemented by savings associated with the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline.  The release is made in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and Goulburn-Murray Water.”   

Mr Wells said that as the water is delivered, landholders adjacent to the Loddon River may notice a rise of about 0.3 metres downstream of Loddon Weir, including Twelve Mile Creek. However, flows downstream of Laanecoorie Reservoir will remain within normal summer operating ranges.    

The environmental water release is authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13.  The Loddon system section of the plan was developed in collaboration with the North Central CMA in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries, Goulburn-Murray Water and community representatives.   

The VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13 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