In an area ravaged by drought Little Lake Boort is an oasis providing a key refuge for threatened birds and wildlife.

To maintain this important refuge through summer, the lake received 100ML of water from the Loddon River Environmental Reserve Bulk Entitlement last week, on October 23.

"North Central CMA staff have been undertaking detailed scenario planning for the Loddon River system for which we are the Environmental Water Reserve Manager," said North Central CMA Chair, Ian MacBean.

"This watering is a critical 'top-up' to an important drought refuge in our region and has great community support."

North Central CMA staff and the community have been monitoring the bird life on the lake. At least 30 bird species have been recorded in one afternoon, including Royal and Yellow billed Spoonbill's. Straw-necked and Sacred Ibis were also seeking refuge at the lake.

Boort resident Greg Currie said Little Lake Boort was of great value to locals and birdlife including crakes, rails, terns and dotterels. "In these dry times it is very special to look over the water and appreciate the birdlife and wildlife that depend on the lake. The community get a lot of pleasure from it."

Little Lake Boort District Management Chair, Neal Beattie, said the lake was a "fantastic" community resource.

"Although we probably won't see water-skiing this season, I am sure the community will be very grateful for this water allocation from the environmental reserve managed by North Central CMA," said Mr Beattie.

Other waterways in the Boort district have been dry for more than five years. Little Lake Boort is the only drought refuge between Laanecoorie and Kerang, a distance of about 128 kilometres. While the North Central CMA believes all of the dry Boort District Wetlands would benefit from water supply this season, given the small amount of water available, Little Lake Boort was the highest priority because it is still wet and supports significant, water-dependent environmental values through the drought.

Last week's water deployment is a priority action of the 2008/09 Loddon River Annual Watering Plan endorsed by the Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. The water comes from a specific environmental entitlement which does not affect the water allocations of other water users.

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