Improving The Health Of The Gellibrand River

30 November 2016

The Andrews Labor Government is examining ways to improve the health of the Gellibrand River and its ecosystems.

A reference group will investigate using groundwater as a substitute for river water during summer – reducing demand on the river’s supply, supporting riparian and instream health, and providing water security for towns like Warrnambool.

Wannon Water is working in partnership with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) and Southern Rural Water (SRW).

The trial will determine if the use of groundwater leads to improved flows and environmental benefits. Landholders and community leaders will provide feedback on the project and recommended options.

It’s hoped the project will maintain populations of river and estuary species such as blackfish, Otway spiny crayfish, black bream and estuary perch.

Wannon Water currently pumps water from the Gellibrand River at two locations near Carlisle River and Chapple Vale to supply urban water to Warrnambool and other towns including Camperdown, Terang, Koroit, Mortlake and Allansford.

A report prepared by Wannon Water in May recommended reducing the dependence on river water extractions over the low-flow period by using high quality groundwater, sourced from either new or existing bores near the current river extraction sites.

For the last two years, the Labor Government has helped water corporations work closely with communities to maintain liveable communities, and support local rivers and the environment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“Local communities depend on the health of the Gellibrand River – that’s why this trial aims to improve environmental health and secure water supplies for local towns.”

“We can achieve shared benefits from healthy waterways – which is a key focus of Water for Victoria, the new state water plan.”

Wannon Water will be hosting a public information session to outline the summer flows improvement project to interested people from the Gellibrand River catchment.

Representatives from Wannon Water, CCMA, DELWP, SRW and the consultant hydrogeologists will be present to answer questions about the trial and listen to feedback from the community.

The session will be held at the Carlisle River Hall on Wednesday December 7, starting with a presentation at 2pm, followed by a drop-in listening post which finishes at 6pm.