8 December 2011
Enviro Flows to Boost Health of Jacksons Creek
Jacksons Creek is this week receiving an environmental flow release from Rosslynne Reservoir, helping to improve the health of the northern waterway.
The 200-million litre release from Rosslynne Reservoir is the most significant since 1996 when the reservoir overflowed.
Flows from the reservoir were virtually non-existent throughout the recent drought, during which Rosslynne was one of the most heavily impacted storages.
The release is required under Southern Rural Water’s Bulk Entitlement, who will manage the release as the Storage Operator of Rosslynne Reservoir.
Planning has been undertaken jointly with the region’s retail water company, Western Water, and river health manager, Melbourne Water.
Melbourne Water Waterways Manager for the Western Region, Gavan O’Neill, said the flows would enhance the benefits of recent heavy rains.
“As we head into summer with good drinking water storage levels, it is fantastic that we are able to make this small investment in the health of Jacksons Creek through the release of additional flows,” Mr O’Neill said.
Southern Rural Water's Water Supply West Manager, Edward Smith, said the increased flows would continue for around 10 days.
“In order to mimic the natural streamflows, we started with a small increase and will gradually increase that to an average of about 20 million litres a day.
“Careful creek watchers may notice the water level in Jacksons Creek slightly higher than usual, but most of the benefits will be under the surface.
“The 200 million litres in flows is just a fraction of what has been harvested into Rosslynne Reservoir this year, but it’s a very important part of improving the health of the waterway.”
Western Water’s Managing Director, John Wilkinson, said Western Water works closely alongside Melbourne Water on programs to improve the health of local waterways and encourage biodiversity.
“We’re pleased to see another step that, along with weed removal and indigenous plantings, will help to boost the health of Jacksons Creek,” he said.
Media Contact: Jess Wurf (03) 9235 1587; 0427 171 274