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 12 November, for up to three weeks.

Ms Emer Campbell, North Central CMA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, said the water will be released from Loddon River storages. 

"The target volume of 650 ML per day will provide a pulse of water to the river, similar to a natural flow that would result from spring rain events. The main purpose of the freshening flow is to achieve environmental outcomes by triggering fish movement, flushing organic material and watering riparian vegetation in the lower part of the river. 

"The water comes from an environmental water entitlement for the Loddon River established with savings from the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline. The release is made in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and Goulburn-Murray Water.” 

Ms Campbell said that as the water is delivered, landholders adjacent to the Loddon River may notice a rise of about 0.7 metres downstream of Laanecoorie Reservoir and a rise of about two metres downstream of Loddon Weir, including Twelve Mile Creek. 

“These rates are well below the flood threshold of the river and will be carefully monitored during the environmental release to prevent flooding of private land,” she said. 

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 <br>

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