Bundalong Lagoon has long been a swimming, boating and fishing hot spot but residents are concerned it is dying of unnatural causes.
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A number of local Bundalong residents are urging local authorities to help after they have become increasingly concerned with weeds becoming more prolific, swimming now being hazardous and fishing and boating becoming impossible.
In 2009 it is believed an inlet from the Murray River near the Pasley Street boat ramp into the Bundalong Lagoon was closed off to construct a footpath and a larger seating/fishing spot as well as walking access to Jackson Creek Island.
This construction then blocked the entrance of the first, and deepest of the creeks, that run into the lagoon with these works meaning the water has stagnated, creating even more weed growth.
Long term Bundalong resident and spokesperson for the concerned residents Nikki Timmermans said prior to 2009, there were two creek openings from the Murray River and a flowing creek that ran along the foreshore providing freshwater flow through the Bundalong Lagoon.
“This summer, thirteen years after the creek was blocked and sand bagged, the long-term effects of closing off the natural water flow to the lagoon is evident,” Ms Timmermans said.
“The lagoon has become so clogged with weeds (Egeria Densa, introduced to Australia via fish aquariums) that it is now almost impossible for swimming, fishing, and boating—and there is little chance that the once prolific Murray Cod will survive under such conditions.
“We believe flow to the lagoon can be restored by the environmental restoration of Jacksons Creek.
“Parts of the creek can be gently dredged, and large logs and weeds removed. Ideally the walking path is replaced with a small, simple bridge over the mouth of the creek or a large rectangle culvert to give water access to the creek again.
“Once natural flow is restored to Bundalong Lagoon, the breeding ground for Egeria Densa will be seriously disabled. Other nearby lagoons with better flow have seen much lower levels of Egeria.
“It is vital that this weed be controlled in the Bundalong Lagoon or there will be a feedback loop of more silting, reduced water depth and more weed growth over the coming years.
“The restoration of flow to the original creek would inhibit this feedback loop and improve water quality in the lagoon.
“It would also assist Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) in reducing downstream propagation of Egeria caused by fragmentation.”
Through speaking with an independent riverbank restoration engineer and professional plumber, the group have found that their once picturesque lagoon can be restored however an environmental assessment needs to be completed and works to restore the lagoon may not occur until next time the river is lowered.
“I met with a river engineer recently and we walked the damaged creek. He confirmed that the creek was shutting down and dying but it could easily be restored and repaired,” Ms Timmermans
“He gave me a quote for doing that and said we would need permission from GMW and a Cultural Heritage assessment – which we have, and we would also need permission from Moira Shire Council.
“I had a councillor at the meeting, and he agreed that the creek needed to be restored.
“When the environmental study is complete, maybe in a few months, we could see what could be done next time the Murray River is drawn down, in 2026.
“The lagoon and creek may have died off beyond repair by that stage.”
GMW Asset Planning Water Storages manager Sam Green said that GMW is currently conducting their ecological assessment on a section of Jacksons Creek at Bundalong but no works will be done until the assessment is completed and recommendations are in place.
“The assessment is likely to be completed by early August,” Mr Green said.
“The ecological assessment will include recommendations for actions to maintain the creek’s environmental health.
“No works will be undertaken before the assessment is complete.
“It is important the ecological assessment is finalised before any works are undertaken.”
Concerned residents are hoping the assessment can be completed in a short time frame so works may be able to take place now while the river is lowered so further damage can be halted.
“Our independent engineer has said he could undertake the work now and residents have even indicated they would be prepared to contribute towards the works,” Ms Timmermans said.
“The Bundalong residents whom I support are happy to pay for this work to be completed. We have pledged $50,000 already.
“The residents have with one voice demanded the restoration of Jackson Creek to its original state; no fill, no sandbags no pipes and we are begging the authorities to work with us to get this work done by the end of July for the sake of the beautiful Bundalong Lagoon.
“We need Moira Shire and Murray Darling Basin Authority to support this and work with GMW to ensure the works are done now, otherwise the creek will slowly die and with it an iconic and irreplaceable gem of the Murray River/Lake Mulwala system.”