Water quality, plants, animals and recreational users along the Glenelg River during the summer period will receive a welcome boost with a freshening delivery of water to the environment. A release of 265 megalitres per day of water for the environment is currently underway and will continue until January 29. Water levels are tipped to increase between 30 cm to 50 cm reaching Fulham Reserve around January 25, Harrow January 28 and Casterton January 31. Glenelg Hopkins CMA Water Resource Planner Tori Perrin says water from Rocklands Reservoir has been released to the Glenelg River since 2009 to improve water quality and protect native species. “River and wetland systems including the Glenelg River no longer get the water volume and seasonal flow variability once received prior to construction of dams, weirs and reservoirs.
This water is critical in supporting the migration and dispersal of species, their ability to breed and to create new habitat for them to survive,” Ms Perrin said. Increasing river flows in summer helps to flush out salinity along with fine sediments, restore water pools and support species including the threatened Glenelg Spiny Crayfish and Variegated Pygmy Perch. “Environmental water contributes to healthy rivers, wetlands and ecosystems, and makes for a more enjoyable recreational experience for the community, particularly around peak-use months when many people enjoy fishing, canoeing, and sightseeing along the river,” Ms Perrin said. “Increased flows also bring significant benefits to towns and farms by improving water quality and enhancing recreation and tourism potential.”
Keen Glenelg River angler and secretary of the Casterton Angling Society Brian Murrell says the release of water to the environment and associated rising river levels would offer a big boost to fishing over summer. “Fish respond to rising rivers so the release of water from the reservoir will be great. They start feeding more aggressively and the increased flow improves the connection between water holes allowing fish to move about more freely – all of which makes for better fishing,” Mr Murrell said. The health of the Glenelg River has improved dramatically in recent years since the devastating millennium drought and the set back of tough conditions through 2015-16 which saw sections of the Glenelg reduced to a series of saline pools over summer.
Scientific surveys have shown that native fish populations like Blackfish and Variegated Pygmy Perch have increased dramatically in recent years, and key species targeted by anglers such as Estuary Perch and Tupong are moving further upstream. “Improvements are thanks largely to the release of environmental water,” Ms Perrin said. This water release is managed by Glenelg Hopkins CMA 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 $222 million investment to improve the health of waterways and catchments.