Bird

Blackwater update 3

Dissolved oxygen levels in the lower Goulburn River should continue to improve as the environmental water delivered since Sunday from Goulburn Weir and via channels mixes with the blackwater.
  • River levels will continue to rise over the next week as the delivery of environmental water increases as releases from Eildon reach the Goulburn Weir.
  • People may continue to see dead fish in some sections of the Goulburn River as they move downstream.
  • Unfortunately the forecast hot weather and poor water quality may result in further deaths of fish and other aquatic animals.
  • Reports from fisherman on the river have indicated that fish have started to bite and they are also seeing shrimp and yabbies in their bait traps. This indicates that the river is recovering.
  • The ongoing monitoring of native fish tagged as part of a program we’re conducting with Arthur Rylah Institute, Fisheries Victoria, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, MDBA and other agencies, will help determine any potential long-term impacts of this event.
  • We are also considering an environmental water delivery along the lower Goulburn River in early autumn to encourage yellow belly to migrate from the Murray River into the Goulburn River.
  • The blackwater is not due to an environmental water delivery; it is a result of debris-rich run-off from tributaries including Castle, Pranjip and Seven creeks and the Broken River that entered the Goulburn River after more than 100mm of rain fell across parts of the catchment on December 29.
  • The amount of environmental water that can be delivered is limited by river operations and the need to share channel and river capacity with water users such as irrigators and town supplies.
  • The community is encouraged to report fish deaths to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
  • Town drinking water is safe. Please visit the GVW website for more information

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

Shepparton
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752, Shepparton VIC 3630
T (03) 5822 7700
F (03) 5831 6254

Benalla
89 Sydney Road, PO Box 124, Benalla VIC 3672
T (03) 5822 7700

Yea
Shop 5/10 High Street, Yea VIC 3717
T (03) 5822 7700

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