Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW)
is developing separate ‘land and on water management plans' for all 16 of its
water storages around Victoria to address what people value and enjoy about
using these areas, from picnic tables to boat ramps, water sports to wildlife
habitat.
G-MW Acting Managing Director Shane McGrath said
these Land and On-Water Management Plans will guide how G-MW and other agencies
manage activities, facilities and development on and around the storages.
"The community is invited to comment on the Draft
Plan developed for Lake Nillahcootie. This Plan sets the direction for the
sustainable management of land and on-water issues at Lake Nillahcootie over
the next five years," Mr McGrath said.
"The Plan is guided by a long term vision, and sets
in place broad scale principles and key actions to improve the health of the
lake and its foreshore," Mr McGrath said.
The Draft Plan is based on extensive investigations
and community consultation since November last year, and is a critical document
as it outlines the objectives and the actions for the future of Lake Nillahcootie.
"Over 110 lake users and community members have
been directly consulted, as well as local government and other partner agencies,"
said Mr McGrath.
The consultation process found that while people do
value the lake and hold it in high regard, many were also able to identify
potential areas for improvement.
"Key issues identified related to boating safety,
public access and adequacy of public infrastructure, rubbish management,
monitoring and enforcement of regulations, environment and water quality, erosion
and land management issues on the foreshore," said Mr McGrath.
The Draft Plan addresses these issues, and focuses
on a number of key objectives. Examples
include:
-
a safe, accessible and well managed lake for lake
users and improved standards
of public amenity;
-
improved monitoring and understanding of water
quality, and ultimately improved water quality in the Lake;
-
improved ecological health;
-
responsible land management practices; and
-
greater communication and engagement with the
community and partner agencies
Members of the community can obtain copies of the
Draft Plan from the project website at
www.g-mwater.com.au/nillahcootie or by
contacting Mr Josh Lowe on phone 0407 768 766.
Submissions and comments on the draft Plan will close on 28 January 2011.
"Community involvement and ownership of the plan is
integral to its success, and we encourage anyone with an interest in Lake Nillahcootie to be
involved," said Mr McGrath.
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ENDS -
Media Contact: Sheree
Fitzgerald
Position: Corporate Communications
Adviser
Telephone: 03 5833 5754