The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) announced the release of 100 million litres of Loddon River Wetland Entitlement water to Little Lake Boort as part of identified environmental outcomes to wetland areas in the Boort District.

The release of this water, which has been endorsed by the Victorian Government, will be important for the habitat, feeding and breeding areas for significant and endangered plants and animals surrounding Little Lake Boort.

North Central CMA CEO, Mr Gavin Hanlon said that the release follows a review with a number of agencies to deliver the best possible environmental outcomes for the district.

In September 2007 a 5% allocation was announced by Goulburn-Murray Water for the Loddon River system, which ensured that 100 million litres was made available to the Boort district wetlands.

"Since then we have been actively engaging with the Boort community to ensure that Little Lake Boort provided a beneficial drought refuge. Little Lake Boort is the only drought refuge between Laanecoorie and Kerang, a distance of approximately 128km,"said Mr Hanlon.

"Despite the welcome recent rain events, the ongoing effects of the drought continue to place considerable stress on the region, the environment and its people".

Little Lake Boort does not have a natural catchment and requires around 600 million litres of water a year to counter evaporation. The lake, which was annexed from Lake Boort in the early 1920s, dried up in 2002/03.

Local resident Mr Paul Haw welcomed the news of the release of water.

"Little Lake Boort is a very important refuge in times of drought, especially for tortoises, water rats, a number of species of frogs, bats, native fish, and waders. Any water that can help maintain this important eco-system is great for the region and the people who use it," he said

Cr Neil Beattie (Chair Little Lake Boort Management) added that the Loddon Shire welcomes the release of environment water to little Lake Boort to help maintain the only wetland left in the area because of severe drought.

"The lake continues not only to provide habitat for wildlife, but also a pleasant social venue for country people in these difficult times, "said Cr Beattie.

"Numerous families from surrounding districts frequent the lake and its shores which provide the social link communities need to survive; the North Central CMA's decision is congratulated". 

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