Residents should not be concerned by the recent change in the colour of water in Seven Creeks and the Goulburn River, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Strategic River Health Co-ordinator Simon Casanelia said today.
Residents should not be concerned by the recent change in the colour of water in Seven Creeks and the Goulburn River, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Strategic River Health Co-ordinator Simon Casanelia said today.
“Sediment levels in the Honeysuckle Creek increased as a result of heavy rainfall in February in the fire-affected Violet Town-Boho area,” Mr Casanelia said.
“This sediment-enriched water has slowly made its way down the waterway into the Seven Creeks and Goulburn River near Shepparton, 70km away, causing the water to look black in some stretches.
“While the dissolved oxygen level has dropped, it’s not likely to affect fish and other aquatic life.”
Mr Casanelia said water quality in the affected waterways would continue to be monitored by Goulburn Valley Waterwatch staff.
“Expected cooler and wetter conditions will help improve the water quality in the Seven Creeks and strong base flows will dilute the black water in the Goulburn River,” he said.
Goulburn Broken CMA is working with the CFA, local government and the Department of Primary Industries to help with the Boho-Violet Town fire recovery process. About 1300ha was burnt when a large bushfire swept through the area in late January.
Planned recovery works include the rehabilitation of tracks, control lines and stream crossings as well as measures to address pasture loss and erosion.
“We know the recovery process will take a while and appreciate the efforts of landholders and agency staff,” Mr Casanelia said. “This ongoing monitoring of the waterways will help inform us about the effectiveness and progress of those rehabilitation efforts.”
For more information about waterway health, phone Simon Casanelia on 5820 1100 or email simonc@gbcma.vic.gov.au.