VEWH’s Sarina Loo said a recent assessment showed all priority environmental watering actions could be achieved this year and that the VEWH had enough carryover and new allocations forecasted for 2022-23 to meet priority demands next year.
“With the help of our partners, we have delivered significant volumes of water for the environment across northern Victoria this year, to maximise the environmental outcomes that come with wetter conditions,” Dr Loo said.
“Our northern rivers and places like the Hattah Lakes, Barmah and Gunbower forests, the Kerang Lakes and other wetlands are showing some great results from our environmental watering over the past year.
“We’ve seen terrific wetland and aquatic vegetation growth during spring and summer, which is critical habitat for waterbugs, frogs, waterbirds, native fish and many other animals.
“Water for the environment has also supported successful waterbird breeding events and we are looking to enhance native fish dispersal following successful breeding in spring.”
Dr Loo said the sale was the first since autumn 2019 and followed a return to higher water availability for all water users over the past two years.
The VEWH flagged that it would consider selling water in northern Victoria in its annual trading strategy released in July 2021.
The revenue from the sale of water will be used to improve the outcomes of environmental watering in Victoria, in line with the VEWH’s statutory obligations.
