Partnerships keep Moorabool River flowing

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, or Corangamite CMA, is working with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to maintain flow on the lower reaches of the Moorabool River.

The construction of reservoirs, extraction for drinking water supply and irrigation, and farm dams in the catchment contribute to the river being flow-stressed.

There has been below average rainfall in the Moorabool catchment since April 2024 and the lowest reach of the river at Batesford is vulnerable to cease-to-flow events.

When a river stops flowing, it can create poor water quality and damage the ecosystem.

“As our population has grown, many of our rivers and wetlands have been modified to provide water for towns, industry and agriculture,” said project officer of estuaries at Corangamite CMA Jake van Dam.

“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.”

Corangamite CMA manages water for the environment on the Moorabool River with the support of Central Highlands Water.

Water is released from Lal Lal Reservoir throughout the year.

Varied flow within a river is important as higher flows allow native plants to grow while water bugs need lower flows.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has used water supplied by Central Highlands Water and Barwon Water in the past two years to support cultural values along the river, known as Wadawurrung water.

“There have been many instances over the past six months when most of the water in the Moorabool River flowing past Batesford has been water for the environment,” Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said.

“It is really encouraging to see what can be achieved with strong regional partnerships.

“The Moorabool has continued to flow during some really challenging times.”

The Moorabool River includes reservoirs that provide drinking water for the Geelong region.

When water is transferred from Lal Lal Reservoir to the water treatment plant at She Oaks by Barwon Water, some water stays in the river, expanding the impact of environmental and Wadawurrung water.

“Being able to deliver and maintain flow in such a dry year is a great example of what Traditional Owners, water corporations and CMAs are doing behind the scenes to protect and restore our rivers for their long-term health,” Mr van Dam said.