While Serpentine Creek, off the Loddon River, is important to the irrigators who rely on it to pump water onto their pasture, most Central Victorians probably haven’t heard of it.

However, to river blackfish, platypuses and water rats, Serpentine Creek is more than just important, it’s a lifesaver.

“Serpentine Creek is the only waterway in the lower part of the Loddon catchment that has river blackfish in it,” North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Environmental Water Manager Louissa Rogers said.

“The numbers of blackfish in some of our rivers have declined since European occupation, on the back of irrigation-induced siltation, de-snagging and competition from introduced species such as redfin and trout.

“So, where we have a population that is doing well, we have to do what we can to keep it going, which is why Serpentine Creek is so important.”

The North Central CMA began putting healthy-river flows down Serpentine Creek in 2016, to help the blackfish, as well as mammals such as platypuses and water rats, and keep the creek healthy.

“Water quality in Serpentine Creek and that part of the Loddon can sometimes be variable, so keeping pools connected and water flowing is important,” Ms Rogers said.

“Given the recent lack of rain, we want to keep the creek fresh, and give the vegetation a much-needed drink. With irrigation season set to close soon, watering the banks is important as well.

“Healthy vegetation means healthy waterbugs, which are what platypuses, water rats, blackfish and other native fish eat. We’ll put a flow down Serpentine Creek in the coming weeks to give the creek, and everything in it, a boost.”

About 40 megalitres a day for three days will be released from Cairn Curran or Tullaroop reservoirs, and will make its way down Serpentine Creek.

“These kinds of flows are not just about putting water down a waterway,” Ms Rogers said.

“It is important to put the right amount of water down at the right time, while protecting vegetation from stock and making sure there are enough places for fish to live and breed.

The flow is in line with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s Seasonal Watering Plan 2017-18 is available to download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, and regular updates are posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au