Four key regional organisations have today agreed to work together to better manage the impacts of dams within the Upper Campaspe Catchment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

"Eleven years of low inflows have highlighted the need for a more coordinated and collaborative approach by natural resource managers and land-use planners. Recent scientific modelling estimates that during this record dry period 29% or almost a third of inflows have been captured by dams" Ms Jenny Williams, Deputy Chair of North Central Catchment Management Authority said.

This reduction in water runoff has occurred at a time of increasing demand on water resources with the population of north central Victoria continuing to grow. At the same time authorities face the significant challenge of balancing environmental, economic and social requirements for water against a backdrop of climate change and increased water scarcity.

Water running off the upper parts of the Catchment plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Upper Campaspe and Coliban Rivers and the communities that depend on them for water. This river system is the main source of water for the people of Bendigo and is relied on by farmers and rural landholders for stock and domestic, and irrigation use.

The signatories to the MoU are the North Central Catchment Management Authority, City of Greater Bendigo, Coliban Water and Goulburn-Murray Water.

The document commits the parties to stronger collaboration in seeking ways to reduce the impacts of dams on water yield and the health of the Campaspe River system. 

"It is a great example of regional organisations working together to manage a significant natural resource management issue" said Ms Williams.

The MoU will lead to coordinated regional leadership and local solutions to managing this issue. The agencies plan to work with Government to achieve the necessary regulatory and legislative changes, and the development of an integrated action plan to manage the impact of dams.

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