Content:
Chair’s Message
Essential Services Commission Pricing Review
Background to Recent Pollution Events on the Yarrowee River
Water Releases Through the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme
Update on the Anglesea Borefield
Concerning Findings about Suspected Unlicensed Dams in the Moorabool Catchment
Update on unlicensed Dams: Questions in Parliament
Draft Biodiversity Plan for NWGGA – Open for Feedback
Your Waterways – Your Say
The Draft Masterplan for the Moorabool River Reserve in Batesford Open for Comment
Lake Connewarre Wetlands Restoration Events
BCN Ramsar Education Kit
Barwon Water – Seek Customer Representatives
Opportunities to get more involved with Friends of the Barwon
Membership Renewal Reminder
FOTB Contacts
| Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters |
Chair’s Message
By Trevor Hodson
Issues, that directly or indirectly have the potential to negatively impact on the Barwon River and its tributaries, continue to arise and FOTB are working to achieve the best possible outcomes for the long-term health of our rivers and catchment. Our approach has involved face to face meetings, briefings, correspondence, representation on relevant committees and awareness raising amongst our members and other relevant stakeholders. My summary below is a brief update on matters that FOTB have been actively involved since our last newsletter:
- Essential Services Commissioner to extend monitoring and compliance funding to Southern Rural Water– see article below and extended FOTB article on the ESC review outcomes.
- Yarrowee River – see article below and FOTB article on the Yarrowee River.
- Lough Calvert Diversion Channel – see article below and FOTB article on Water Releases through the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme.
- The Anglesea Borefield – see article below and FOTB article on Update on the Anglesea Borefield
- Boating on the Barwon – The CCMA will shortly be releasing a paper on proposed changes to Boating Regulations in the Barwon. This affects the lower Barwon particularly after the spans of the Ovoid Aqueduct are removed to restore the continuity of the river to power boats and canoes. We should argue for speed restrictions in the area known as the ‘Place of the Brolga’ to ensure damage is not caused to the banks by wash from speedboats associated with the various ski clubs hoping to gain access to longer stretches of the river.
- The CCMA’s Place of Many Stories Masterplan project, being run in conjunction with the Wadawurrung, has been released for comment via Engage Victoria. Contributions to be received by 14th August. A number of drop-in sessions are planned. One of the issues is that none of the possible projects have funding and much of the emphasis is on increasing access to the river without consideration for the river’s health. I was interviewed by the Geelong Independent and expressed FOTB’s concerns.
- Fyansford Motorcycle Facility – There is still no news about the plan for the rehabilitation of the site at Fyansford for the Motorcycle Facility. According to last correspondence with City of Greater Geelong, the plan should have been ready by June 2023.
- Teesdale Subdivisions – We have been notified that the Golden Plains Shire has refused the application for the subdivision at 40 River Drive Teesdale. This subdivision has potential to impact adversely on Native Hut Creek. The developer is appealing the decision at VCAT. We plan to oppose the development at the VCAT hearing, set for February 2024. We have also been alerted to another potential subdivision at 73 River Drive.
- Bendigo Bank grant – FOTB were successful in our application to purchase a printer thanks to the local Winchelsea branch of the Bendigo Bank’s 20th Birthday celebrations.
- Significant Landscape Overlays – I met with Michaela Settle MP in response to our pre-election mail out about gazetted changes to the Significant Landscape Overlays in the Planning Schedules.
- Geelong Sustainability – We have endorsed a letter drafted by Geelong Sustainability encouraging the City of Greater Geelong to take greater action on climate change.
- New CEO for Barwon Water – Shaun Cummings is Barwon Water’s new CEO replacing Tracey Slatter who has taken up the position of CEO at the Transport Accident Commission.
We are also reminding our members (and members-to-be) that subscriptions fees are again due as we work towards membership renewals falling due on at the beginning of the financial year. Happy reading!
Essential Services Commission Pricing Review
The Concerned Waterways Alliance (CWA) attended two ESC meetings in May with Lach Gordon representing Friends of the Barwon. Barwon Water received only very minor reductions of funding for some programs. There was a reduction of $2 million for the upgrade of the Melbourne Geelong pipeline, but Barwon Water were generally satisfied with the ESC determination and should be able to cover any shortfalls. It seems that their submission was highly regarded and their reputation as the premier Victorian Water Corporation has served them well.
The ESC budget reduced Southern Rural Waters operating budget by $6.6 million per annum. The CWA argued as a result of the work undertaken by PALM on the impact of farm dams on the Moorabool that more money should be allocated to SRW for compliance enforcement, not less, to improve performance in these areas. This was achieved – an extra $9.9 million for SRW for compliance.
Photo: Courtesy ESC
Background to Recent Pollution Events on the Yarrowee River
Our attention was brought to the pollution in the Yarrowee following land clearing for a housing development. Thankfully the EPA is taking the developer to task and has various court orders seeking to minimise the pollution occurring from runoff and will require the developer to rehabilitate the stream when the development is completed. A local resident was threatened with legal action and a GoFundMe account has been set up to defray his legal costs. FOTB contributed $150 to this fund.
Photo: Yarrowee creek from George Alexopoulos
Water Releases Through the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme
Given the highwater levels recorded in Lake Colac, the CCMA has given notice that the drainage system will be activated on 21st July to reduce the risk of flooding private land. The rules of operation are determined by the water level in Lake Colac and the salinity of the Barwon at Winchelsea. A briefing was arranged with the CCMA. The indication is that no more than 50 ML will be released per day and this should reduce the risk of erosion in the Birregurra Creek. When the last releases occurred in the 1990’s there were significant impacts on biodiversity in the Barwon due to increased salinity levels. Hopefully this will not be a result of this release and the situation will be monitored. If accepted salinity levels in the Barwon are exceeded the release will stop.
Photo: Fishing on Lake Colac; Courtesy OtwayBiz
Update on the Anglesea Borefield
Friends of the Barwon Committee members were recently briefed, by both Barwon Water and the Friends of the Anglesea River, about issues affecting the Anglesea River and its estuary. In recent times the Anglesea River has experienced prolonged periods with low pH levels, to the detriment of the biodiversity in the waterway. Although the exact cause of this has not been fully settled, the Friends of the Anglesea River suggest a potential cause is an 80% – 90% reduction in flow in Salt Creek over the last 60 years. They claim the reduced flow is evidence of an unacknowledged vertical leakage from the perched aquifer above a cone of depression which underlies the Alcoa mine after 46 years of dewatering pumping.
Photo: Water Testing on Anglesea River. Courtesy Estuary Watch
Concerning Findings about Suspected Unlicensed Dams in the Moorabool Catchment
A recent study of private dams in the Moorabool Catchment, undertaken by People for A Living Moorabool (PALM), has been followed up by the ABC in their report ‘Suspected unlicensed dams multiplying across stressed river system reveal holes in Victoria’s water compliance’. The ABC article and video outlines how supporters of PALM, including downstream stream irrigators and farmers, reliant on the Moorabool River for stock and domestic needs, had expressed concerns that large private dams were being developed in the upper catchment.
Using Google Earth, PALM volunteers looked at dam storages across the catchment. With Google Earth’s capacity to compare historical satellite imagery, the volunteers were able to identify new and enlarged private dams that had been developed, particularly over the last decade. The group were then able to approximate dam volumes based on a recognised formula for Victorian dams.
Photo: ABC News
Update on unlicensed Dams: Questions in Parliament
On the 21st of June Dr. Sarah Mansfield, member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing the Western Region, asked the following questions without notice to Water Minister Harriet Shing:
My question is for the Minister for Water. The ABC recently revealed that 200 new private dams have been constructed along the Moorabool River catchment since 2012. Many appear to be unlicensed, and the water regulator, Southern Rural Water, has failed to enforce the law. In fact, last year Southern Rural Water made not a single prosecution. The proliferation of unregulated dams poses a significant risk to essential inflows to the Moorabool, which is already one of the most flow-stressed systems in the state. Will the government place an immediate moratorium on the construction of new private dams within the Moorabool catchment whilst this issue is being investigated?
Draft Biodiversity Plan for NWGGA – Open for Feedback
The draft Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Plan for the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas (NWGGA) has recently been released. Public exhibition of the draft EPBC Plan, Strategic Assessment Report and associated implementation documents will run until Monday 25 September 2023.
During this time, land owners, community members and other stakeholders are encouraged to give feedback on the draft biodiversity strategic assessment for the NWGGA, or attend one of a number of workshops or drop-in sessions. The draft EPBC Plan follows release of the results of its community consultation which is available on the FOTB website.
Photo: Striped Legless Lizard. Courtesy: Melbourne Museum
Your Waterways – Your Say
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is developing a new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy. It will guide how we manage Victorian waterways into the future.
They want to hear from you about how to improve our waterways for things that matter most to you.
They invite early feedback on a discussion starter to help shape the development of the new draft Strategy. The final Strategy is expected to be released in 2025.
DEECA will work with key stakeholders throughout the project on development of the new Strategy. The next round of formal public consultation will take place when the draft Strategy is released for public comment, expected in 2024.
The purpose of this consultation is to:
- Detail why a new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy is needed.
- Invite input into a new vision for the future of our waterways, which will help us develop the new Strategy.
- Invite early feedback on what the new Strategy needs to achieve.
Read the discussion starter, provide a response to the short survey or lodge a submission. To find out more, join us at one of our community conversation sessions. To contribute visit Engage Victoria
The Draft Masterplan for the Moorabool River Reserve in Batesford Open for Comment
The Draft Masterplan for the Moorabool River Reserve in Batesford is now open for public consultation until the 16th of August, 2023. Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Masterplan from the Batesford community to ensure that the plan meets the needs and aspirations of the community for the reserve. The Draft Masterplan can be found here
Feedback can be provided via Councils webpage at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Lake Connewarre Wetlands Restoration Events
Join Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) on 16th August for a day of wetland rehabilitation at Murtnaghurt Lagoon, adjoining Lake Connewarre. This culturally significant area for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners provides important feeding and breeding habitat for native fish and a number of wetland-dependent bird species, including rare and endangered flora and fauna.
Together with Parks Victoria rangers, CVA will be hosting a day of weed extraction where volunteers can actively help preserve and protect this important wetland. Followed by a morning tea and the opportunity to explore and survey the stunning flora and fauna that call this area home.
Registration essential. For more information, go to: Community Wetland Restoration Day – BCN – Community Events Portal (bgevc.com)
BCN Ramsar Education Kit
Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) are excited to announce a brand new free Ramsar education kit for use by all.
These kits include over 20 different resources on wetlands that cover many topics including plants, animals, language, flyways, migration, as well as linking into art, creativity and puzzles. The BCN Ramsar Education Kit includes:
- Ramsar ‘Hero posters’
- Migratory bird ‘Connie’s’ Cards
- Colouring in sheets (see example attached)
- Fact Sheets (see example attached)
- Online puzzles
- Posters (see example attached)
- Word Search
- DIY puppets and bunting.
Barwon Water – Seek Customer Representatives
Barwon Water are currently recruiting for their Customer Advisory Committee, and are keen to hear from people across our region. Joining the committee provides an opportunity to inform and influence decisions, share community insights and connect with regional leaders and professionals. Their long-standing advisory committees consist of a diverse group of people to assist with our ongoing planning and projects. For more information visit: Our Committees and Advisory Groups | Your Say Barwon Water
You can also contact the Engagement team with any queries on 1300 656 007.
Ongoing opportunities to get more involved with Friends of the Barwon
Our committee continues to put a great deal of voluntary time and effort into FOTB in our fight for a healthier river system. We would love to get more of our Friends actively involved with our work and there are a range of ways that your skills can be put to good work.
We are looking for Friends with skills including;
- computer,
- website and social media management,
- photography,
- research and involvement with relevant advisory committees.
If you would like to get more involved as a Committee member or in other ways that could help, please email Liz Hamilton at friendsofthebarwon@gmail.com or ring 0400 780680 and briefly outline what skills and time commitments you may be able to provide as well as your contact details.
Membership Renewal Reminder
Members are reminded that membership renewal is upon us. The membership year begins on 1st July so subscriptions for 2023 – 2024 are now due. You can become a FOTB member via one of the following membership options:
- Membership – $10.00 per person and voting rights at meetings
- Associate Membership –
- Group Member – for not-for-profit groups aligned with aims of the Association – Annual fee of $50 with up to five nominated individuals accorded voting rights at meetings.
- Corporate Member – to allow for profit organisations that support the aims of the Association – Annual fee of $100 but no voting rights.
- Affiliate Member – for Friends groups and similar working in Barwon catchment to share logos and resources – to be decided by the Committee on receipt of a request from the group wishing to affiliate – No annual fee or voting rights.
- Corporate or Agency Sponsor – To allow for sponsorship of a specific event or work of the association – to be determined by Committee on application.
New memberships and renewals can be made through PayPal or Direct Debit by via the Join Us page on our FOTB website. If you would like to join us as either an Affiliate Member or Sponsor, please email us at friendsofthebarwon@gmail.com
Thanks for your support.
FOTB Contacts
Chair: Trevor Hodson, E: trevor.hodson@friendsofthebarwon.org.au
Deputy Chair: Sarah Brien
Treasurer: Hugh Stewart
Secretary: Vacant
Committee: Lach Gordon (Spokesperson)
Andrea Montgomery
Trent Griffiths
Mary Dracup
Ewen McMillan
Peter McCracken
Executive Officer: Liz Hamilton, Email: friendsofthebarwon@gmail.com
FOTB Website: www.friendsofthebarwon.org.au
Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters
