The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is coordinating environmental water releases to the Loddon River, between Loddon Weir and Kerang Weir during winter commencing on 13 May.

Mr Brad Drust, North Central CMA’s Executive Manager of Loddon and Avoca Catchments, said the water will be released from Loddon River storages. 

“The target volume of 100 Megalitres per day will provide a consistent flow to the river. The main purpose of the flow is to maintain water levels in the river for fish and water bugs, and provide water to vegetation that has been dry throughout the summer.

“The water comes from an environmental water entitlement for the Loddon River.   The release is made in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) and Goulburn-Murray Water.”

Mr Drust said that as the water is delivered, landholders adjacent to the Loddon River may notice a rise of about 0.3 metres downstream of Loddon Weir, including Twelve Mile Creek. However, flows downstream of Laanecoorie Reservoir will remain within normal operating ranges. 

Landholders along the river between Loddon Weir and Kerang Weir are encouraged to contact the North Central CMA for further information or to be placed on an e-mail list to receive advice about when and where environmental flows will be delivered to the river.

The environmental water release is authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13.  The Loddon system section of the plan was developed in collaboration with the North Central CMA in partnership with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Goulburn-Murray Water and community representatives.

The VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13 is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, and regular updates are posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au

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