The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will again deliver environmental water to Little Lake Boort to maintain the lake as a drought refuge for waterbirds across the coming summer and autumn, however cannot guarantee future environmental water allocations to the lake.

North Central CMA Natural Resource Management delivery manager Brad Drust says the environmental water delivery to Little Lake Boort is in addition to that being delivered to Lake Yando located approximately 10km north-east of Little Lake Boort.

Mr Drust said that working with Loddon Shire Councillor Neil Beattie and the Little Lake Boort Committee of Management to maintain the level and quality of water in Little Lake Boort for another year remains important for species that depend on the wetland in the dry conditions. Our plan is to make periodic deliveries to the Lake to maintain a low level suitable for waterbirds.

“During previous seasons, good numbers of waterbirds have been observed utilising Little Lake Boort, including: Black-winged Stilt; Great Cormorant; Little Cormorant; Straw-necked Ibis; Sacred Ibis, Nankeen Night Herons, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Swans, Red-necked avocets.

“We expect that the Lake will remain an important drought refuge this year while Lake Yando responds to the water delivered to it recently. Over time, as the plants and animals respond to the recent watering we expect increasing numbers of waterbirds to seek refuge at Yando – in fact, we have already seen a good response there.   

“Each year the North Central CMA undertakes a process to identify which sites will receive environmental water based on the environmental condition of the Loddon system rivers and wetlands, the amount of water in them and the amount of water available.  This process is undertaken with the advice of a community and Agency reference group. Whilst Little Lake Boort is remains a priority for the 2009-10 season we cannot guarantee an environmental water allocation to the Lake next year. 

Environmental water to be used in Little Lake Boort is set aside specifically for the environment and does not affect water allocations to farmers or town supplies

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