While the decision to start on the repair immediately is welcomed and appreciated, it is entirely unfair to expect the Loch Garry ratepayers to stump up funds for the work.
Loch Garry ratepayers have been diligently paying rates to Goulburn-Murray Water for years. In my case, since 1967 and my father for 30 years previously.
It is not the ratepayers’ fault that G-MW failed to maintain the loch outlet structure in keeping with current OH&S legal requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a safe workplace.
Had G-MW done so, it is more than likely that the high flows experienced in the recent flood event could have been released in a timely manner in accordance with the long standing operating rules, thereby relieving pressure on the levees and thus preventing over-topping and breaching.
The Goulburn River system, of which Loch Garry is an integral part, is a vital component of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.
It beggars belief that, with more than $2 billion spent on irrigation modernisation over the last decade, that remotely operated gates, similar to those installed throughout the GMID channel network, were not fitted to the outlet structure on Loch Garry.
Had the outlet been so equipped, it is highly likely that the outlet would have performed as intended, the earthen banks would have held and the current rectification works would not be required.
On that basis I rest my case. The public purse should foot the bill for the failings of a statutory authority, not the entirely blameless Loch Garry ratepayers.
I have made a submission to that effect to the Parliamentary Flood Inquiry and I hope to appear before the committee when it sits in Shepparton in September.
Bill Baxter, Nagambie
