Transfers of water between the Goulburn and Murray systems will meet the needs of irrigators while also providing relief to the stressed sections of the Campaspe River following an agreement announced today between G-MW and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

G-MW Managing Director, David Stewart, explained that this is the fourth year that water to be transferred to the River Murray from the Goulburn System will be delivered via the lower Campaspe River to provide environmental benefits to this drought stressed reach. 

"The inter-valley transfer will send the water to the River Murray as intended under trading rules, and we will see no reduction in the water available for consumptive use in the Goulburn, Campaspe or Murray systems," he stressed.

North Central CMA CEO, Damian Wells explained that the North Central CMA has worked with G-MW and other agencies to arrive at the best environmental outcome for the lower Campaspe system through the inter-valley transfer.

Mr Wells described the current climatic circumstances as 'extremely difficult' and highlighted that the continuing drought had placed numerous demands on water.

"The North Central CMA recognises that this drought continues to have a severe impact upon the region, particularly its people," he said. "During such dry and extreme conditions the environment is also placed under considerable stress."

Mr Wells emphasised that "we know that the lower Campaspe is highly flow stressed and suffers from saline groundwater intrusion and poor water quality. In this drought we need to look to water efficient solutions like this wherever we can." 

"Being able to protect environmental values of this part of the Campaspe system is very important, and to be able to do it with water destined for use downstream is a win-win."

Mr Stewart pointed out that G-MW, in conjunction with the North Central CMA, DSE, DPI Fisheries, EPA and Coliban Water, has developed a plan to manage environmental risks within the Campaspe River during times of such limited water supply. 

"Delivering the water for transfer via the lower Campaspe system is one of the actions of the plan," he said.

"The flows in the lower Campaspe will be in line with the scientific environmental flow recommendations for the system of 10 ML each day over the summer months interrupted by intermittent flushes," commented Mr Wells.

At present all other environmental flows in the Campaspe system have ceased due to the qualification of rights with G-MW and the North Central CMA continuing to monitor the water quality of this system.

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