The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is set to top up low flows in the Loddon River (up to 100 megalitres per day) using Commonwealth environmental water. These flows will target the Loddon River, below Loddon Weir, as part of its environmental watering for the 2012-13 year.

Mr Philip Slessar, Environmental Flows Officer with the North Central CMA, said conditions are right for the North Central CMA to release the water, building on natural high flows experienced over recent months.

“Tullaroop and Laanecoorie Reservoirs have been spilling, leading to high flows in Tullaroop Creek and the mid to lower Loddon River.  Now that these flows have receded, this environmental water delivery will help maintain the health of riparian vegetation, reducing the chances of trees and shrubs (such as River Red Gums) establishing in the river channels.  It will also help to maintain good water quality and provide an environment that supports the fish and animals of the river.  .”

Mr Slessar said the flows will continue through to the end of October in line with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13, ceasing if there is significant rainfall in the catchment. 

North Central CMA is working in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and Goulburn-Murray Water during the delivery of environmental water to the Loddon River.

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