WIDE BENEFITS FROM GLENELG RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS

Difficult seasonal conditions in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment area in the last 12 months made decisions around environmental water flows in the Glenelg River challenging. However, the Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s decision to deliver these flows has had benefits to more than just the river, it has also supported farmers and communities.

In a review of the 2024-2025 seasonal water delivery in the Glenelg River, Glenelg Hopkins Executive Manager Waterways, Simone Wilkie, said the CMA was challenged due to the persistent and intensifying dry conditions in the region.

“Winter and spring 2024 saw drought across much of western Victoria, and the situation remained dry through summer which made decisions around the seasonal watering program very challenging because we could see the need for water across many fronts along the Glenelg River,” Ms Wilkie said. 

In response to the dry start to the season, by November 2024, a decision was made for early releases of environmental water and compensation flows, which would also allow landholders access to stock and domestic water supplies.

“These flows countered declining streamflow and rising salinity levels and were critical in sustaining connectivity and improving water quality throughout the system”, Ms Wilkie said.

For landholders along the river, having access to fresh water supplies from the river to support on-farm storages was a significant benefit.

“We got a fright last year when salt levels rose so dramatically (in the river),” Balmoral landholder, Justin Weaver said.

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