News & Events

Money to improve corridor 2005-3-9

Money to improve corridor
March 9 2005

Benalla Ensign

The health of the Broken River is set to improve, with a major investment in corridor work announced last Tuesday afternoon.

Parliamentary secretary for environment Elaine Carbines visited Benalla to discuss the funding boost with Benalla Rural City Council Mayor John Brownstein and chief executive Tony McIlroy.

Goulburn Murray Catchment Management Authority riverine strategies manager Wayne Tennant was also present to welcome Ms Carbine's announcement.

Forming part of a $2.7 million statewide investment, the Broken system project will be directed towards significant on-ground work on some of the region's highest priority waterways in an effort to restore river corridors.
Ms Carbines said river corridors were important public assets, providing habitat for terrestrial flora and fauna, and a food source for fish and other aquatic life.

"Their condition has a significant impact on water quality and health of the river and the restoration of river corridors are vital," she said.

"The government has targeted to significantly improve the environmental condition of 4800 km of river corridors by 2011."

Taking the opportunity to inspect Lake Benalla's successful fish ladder - which has guided some 25 000 fish upstream through barrier guides - Ms Carbines said rivers were the lifeblood of Victoria.

"They provide vital water for our homes, towns, farms and businesses," she said.

"Their overall significance for the economy, environment and recreational use is immense."

Ms Carbines said improving the health of rivers in order to secure water for Victoria's future was a key objective of the government's white paper on water, which also called for the decommissioning of nearby Lake Mokoan.

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