Waterway

Creek run-off causing Goulburn River discolouration

Run-off from creeks after heavy rain on January 3 was causing sections of the Goulburn River to look darker than usual, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) River and Wetland Health Program Manager Mark Turner said.

 

“We have had some reports from the community of the Goulburn River looking discoloured near Toolamba and Murchison,” Mr Turner said.

“Our staff have been out monitoring dissolved oxygen levels - a measure of water quality - at various sites along the Goulburn River and found the levels are fine at this time.”

On January 3 there were reports of up to 50mm of rain falling in areas around Pranjip, Hughes and Whiteheads creeks.

“These creeks are tributaries of the Goulburn River. Water from the creeks, which includes leaf litter and other debris, is making its way down the Goulburn River, causing the water to look darker in some stretches. The dark creek water will move down the river and slowly dissipate.”

Mr Turner said Goulburn Broken CMA staff  would continue to work with Goulburn-Murray Water and Goulburn Valley Water to monitor water quality.

“Water is currently being delivered along the Goulburn River from Goulburn Weir to the Murray River for irrigation and urban consumption,” Mr Turner said.

“En route to these water users, this water is also meeting the river’s base flow of 500ML/day to help maintain water quality and to support native fish, water bugs and vegetation.”

Mr Turner thanked people for reporting the change in the Goulburn River’s water colour.

Goulburn Broken CMA can be contacted on 5822 7700 or email reception@gbcma.vic.gov.au

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