Blocked culvert worsens flow stress on Moorabool River

SEVERE flow stress in the lower reaches of the Moorabool River has been worsened by the blocking of a culvert at Dollys Creek Road.

The lowest reaches of the river around Batesford and Meredith remain highly vulnerable to cease-to-flow events, when sections of the river stop flowing altogether.

Hot and dry conditions in recent weeks have further intensified the situation, making it increasingly difficult for fish, platypus and other wildlife that depend on the river to survive.

The Moorabool River is considered one of the most flow-stressed rivers in Victoria, with the construction of reservoirs, water extraction and a significant number of farm dams throughout the catchment all contributing to reduced flows.

A Corangamite Catchment Management Authority project officer for estuaries and environment water said the community had an important role to play in protecting the river.

“It’s up to all of us to look after our beautiful, life-giving Moorabool River and an easy way for everyone to do this is to respect the flow,” he said.

“One of the ways we support the health of our rivers and wetlands is through water for the environment — water set aside in storages that is released into rivers and wetlands to support the plants and animals that live, feed and breed in them.

“When people prevent flow from moving from one point to another on the Moorabool River, they are blocking both the natural flows, which are very low right now, and water for the environment.”

Under state legislation, interfering with water flow in a river can result in fines of up to $244,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.