As the hot and dry summer continues, North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is continuing to focus on protecting our river and wetland environments through the summer environmental watering program.

The targeted program is aimed at helping plants and animals cope with climate change and environmental pressures.

“Water for our wetlands and rivers at times like this provide a refuge for birds and fish and help build resilience in the entire ecosystem to cope with dry times if they continue,” North Central CMA Program Delivery Executive Manager Rachel Murphy said.

“If you’re enjoying your local waterway this summer, it’s probably the result of water for the environment.”

The summer program plans for flows down the Campaspe, Coliban and Loddon rivers, and Gunbower Creek.

 “The program is targeted ensuring environmental watering is taking place in the areas that will make the biggest difference,” Ms Murphy said.

The seven small Wimmera Mallee Pipeline wetlands are expected to receive water between now and the end of summer. Top ups may be required at a few Loddon Murray Wetlands such as the Wirra-Lo Complex, Lake Murphy and Lake Meran.

“Detailed delivery timing and volumes of water for the environment are adjusted to fit with the timing and volume demands for irrigation water,” said Ms Murphy.

“Some of the flows will be used in conjunction with irrigation water to get the best outcomes for our rivers and wetlands, and the environmental water will be reused as it flows downstream and into the River Murray.”

“We work closely with local communities and stakeholders such as fishing, tourist and bird groups, and have community members, including farmers, on all our water advisory groups.

“The Current Flows section of our website (www.nccma.vic.gov.au) is updated weekly, so locals can click on that for the most up-to-date information.”

Managing water to look after our valuable rivers and wetlands is part of the State Government’s broader $222 million Water for Victoria initiative to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria.

The flows are authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2019-20, which is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

ENDS –

For further information please contact
Anthony Radford, Communications Coordinator

t: 03 5440 1884 m: 0409 720 610 e: anthony.radford@nccma.vic.gov.au

As the hot and dry summer continues, North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is continuing to focus on protecting our river and wetland environments through the summer environmental watering program.

The targeted program is aimed at helping plants and animals cope with climate change and environmental pressures.

“Water for our wetlands and rivers at times like this provide a refuge for birds and fish and help build resilience in the entire ecosystem to cope with dry times if they continue,” North Central CMA Program Delivery Executive Manager Rachel Murphy said.

“If you’re enjoying your local waterway this summer, it’s probably the result of water for the environment.”

The summer program plans for flows down the Campaspe, Coliban and Loddon rivers, and Gunbower Creek.

 “The program is targeted ensuring environmental watering is taking place in the areas that will make the biggest difference,” Ms Murphy said.

The seven small Wimmera Mallee Pipeline wetlands are expected to receive water between now and the end of summer. Top ups may be required at a few Loddon Murray Wetlands such as the Wirra-Lo Complex, Lake Murphy and Lake Meran.

“Detailed delivery timing and volumes of water for the environment are adjusted to fit with the timing and volume demands for irrigation water,” said Ms Murphy.

“Some of the flows will be used in conjunction with irrigation water to get the best outcomes for our rivers and wetlands, and the environmental water will be reused as it flows downstream and into the River Murray.”

“We work closely with local communities and stakeholders such as fishing, tourist and bird groups, and have community members, including farmers, on all our water advisory groups.

“The Current Flows section of our website (www.nccma.vic.gov.au) is updated weekly, so locals can click on that for the most up-to-date information.”

Managing water to look after our valuable rivers and wetlands is part of the State Government’s broader $222 million Water for Victoria initiative to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria.

The flows are authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2019-20, which is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

-ENDS –

For further information please contact
Anthony Radford, Communications Coordinator

t: 03 5440 1884 m: 0409 720 610 e: anthony.radford@nccma.vic.gov.au