THE Loddon River is set to receive a much-needed boost in the new year.
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The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has announced it will release up to 100 megalitres of water per day to top up low flows in the north central catchment.
These flows will target the Loddon River, located below Loddon Weir, as part of its environmental watering for the 2012-2013 year.
North Central CMA environmental flows officer Philip Slessar said conditions were right for the CMA to release the water, acquired through Australian Government buybacks from irrigators and savings from infrastructure upgrades.
Mr Slessar said the water would build on natural high flows experienced in recent months.
“Tullaroop and Laanecoorie Reservoirs have been spilling, leading to high flows in Tullaroop Creek and the mid to lower Loddon River,” he said.
Mr Slessar said the water would also help to support biodiversity in the catchment.
“Now that these flows have receded, this environmental water delivery will help maintain the health of riparian vegetation, reducing the chances of trees and shrubs (such as river red gums) establishing in the river channels,” he said.
“It will also help to maintain good water quality and provide an environment that supports the fish and animals of the river.”
North Central CMA will work in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and Goulburn-Murray Water during the delivery.
The delivery is part of ongoing Murray-Darling Basin reforms where the Australian Government is acquiring water entitlements in a bid to return more water to the environment.