Richardson’s Lagoon, a cut-off meander of the River Murray north-west of Echuca, also known locally as Baillieu’s Lagoon, is set to receive 2,000ML of environmental water during winter 2010.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will commence the release in mid-June in partnership with Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The release will continue over the next two months, taking the delivery into the next water year.   

Bridie Velik-Lord, environmental flows officer for the North Central CMA said that Richardson’s Lagoon a wetland of regional significance and an important wildlife reserve has been dry since 2007-08.

“Under the state-wide environmental watering program, the wetland has been flagged to receive this water delivery.  Richardson’s Lagoon is significant for the region as it provides refuge and habitat for waterbirds in the area. Filling the lagoon may also result in breeding and roosting activity during spring. 

“When there has been water at the site in the past, waterbirds of state and national significance have flocked to the wetland.  Cormorants (Pied, Little Pied, Great and Little Black), Great Egrets, White-necked Herons, Nankeen Night Herons, Ibis, Royal and Yellow Spoonbills and Brolgas have all been recorded on the site.  The wetland also supports numerous duck species when holding water.”

Historically Richardson’s Lagoon remained full as part of the irrigation system.  In 2002 the wetland was allowed to dry and began the current and important regime of wetting and drying.

Ms Velik-Lord confirmed the water being delivered will not completely fill the wetland. This initially lower level will provide important waterbird habitat and also prepare the site for a spring top-up watering event.   

“While spring environmental water cannot be guaranteed at this stage, there is a good chance of receiving an additional allocation for Richardson’s Lagoon,” concluded Ms Velik-Lord.

The water is sourced from water entitlements 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