THE Glenelg River is receiving a rejuvenating “spring clean” ahead of the warmer summer months with native plants, fish and recreational river users set to reap the benefits.
A flow of water from Rocklands Reservoir near Balmoral will improve conditions in the river as far downstream as Dartmoor.
Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority is managing release of around 2000 megalitres of environmental water over a two-week period.
“This flow will support the growth of aquatic plants which underpin so much of the life we see in the Glenelg,” waterways and biodiversity executive manager Chris Solum said.
“Supporting river plants boosts aquatic insect abundance and helps to sustain predatory species that people love, such as platypus and estuary perch.”
Mr Solum said the timing of the flow and subsequent rising water levels would bring benefits to river communities.
“River levels will be up along much of the Glenelg during the flow, which makes activities like canoeing or kayaking down the river much easier,” he said.
“Water levels could rise by 35cm, but more likely around 15cm, depending on conditions.
“This will have the Glenelg River primed to enjoy over summer and we encourage people to get out there and make the most of the fishing, walking trails, platypus spotting, bird watching and boating.”
The increased flow is expected to reach Harrow around December 8 and Dergholm a few days later before reaching Casterton around December 13.
Glenelg Hopkins CMA has managed environmental watering for the Glenelg River for the past decade in collaboration with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and Rocklands Reservoir manager GWMWater.
Water is delivered to the environment as part of the Victorian Government’s $222m investment to improve the health of waterways and catchments.
