| 16 June 2010
Southern Rural Water (SRW) is proposing changes to its Maribyrnong River Bulk Entitlement in response to ongoing low flows. The changes will allow SRW to preserve a critical water reserve in Rosslynne Reservoir for use during environmental or urban supply emergencies.
SRW has worked with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and other bulk entitlement holders, Western Water and Melbourne Water, to manage extreme water shortages in the Maribyrnong River.
For the past six years, all parties have agreed to temporarily amend the bulk entitlement or qualifying rights to reduce passing flows, in an effort to conserve water to maintain the Maribynong River’s environmental habitat.
General Manager Water Supply said that without the temporary amendments to the bulk entitlement, Rosslynne Reservoir would have emptied some years ago and would not have recovered as inflows have been very small.
“This proposed permanent amendment includes Low Flow Management Plans to recognise the current management of low inflows during prolonged drought periods.
“This proposed amendment is seen as the best outcome for all parties on the Maribyrnong system, and will help sustain the river’s environmental qualities,” he said.
Without an amendment, SRW would have to release sufficient water to meet passing flow requirements of 1 megalitre per day at both Sunbury and Gisborne monitoring sites. To achieve this, SRW would have to release at least 8 megalitres per day continually from Rosslynne Reservoir, which would empty the storage quickly. This would leave no back up supply for the townships of Sunbury and Gisborne and leave no water available to maintain river health.
Section 51 licence holders will not be affected by the proposed changes.
ENDS.
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