Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) is developing separate ‘land and on-water management plans' for all its water storages across northern Victoria that focus on what people value and enjoy about using storages, from boat ramps to picnic tables and water sports to wildlife habitat.
G-MW A/Manager Dams Andrew Reynolds said Land and On-Water Management Plans will guide how G-MW and other agencies manage activities, facilities and development on and around the storages and now it's Cairn Curran and Lake Eppalock's turn.
"The Cairn Curran and the Lake Eppalock Land and On-Water Management Plans will focus on cultural, recreation, environmental and water quality management issues, but are not designed to make recommendations on storage operations such as water levels and releases," said Mr Reynolds.
"Management Plans have already been completed for Lake Hume, Lake Mulwala, Lake Nillahcootie, Waranga Basin and Lake Boga and now a plan for Cairn Curran and Lake Eppalock is underway and we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us," Mr Reynolds said.
"Cairn Curran Reservoir and Lake Eppalock users, community members, local government and other partner agencies will establish a vision for the future based on community and user values and will identify areas for improvement," Mr Reynolds said.
"The Land and On-Water Management Plan for Cairn Curran and Lake Eppalock will be critical documents, guided by a long term vision with some key actions around managing activities, facilities and development - now and into the future," said Mr Reynolds.
"Community members, landholders, licensees, recreational users, stakeholders, government and agency groups will be invited to participate in focus group meetings, interviews and a number of ‘Have a Say' sessions over summer, including an online survey that is now available from G-MW's website," said Mr Reynolds.
The first ‘Have a Say' session for Lake Eppalock is scheduled for 17 January 2012 while the first ‘Have a Say' session for Cairn Curran will take place during February and March 2012.
To complete the Cairn Curran survey visit www.g-mwater.com.au/cairncurranreservoir and to complete the Lake Eppalock survey visit www.g-mwater.com.au/lakeeppalock
Surveys take only 5-10 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. Both surveys will close on Sunday 11 March, 2012.
"Community involvement and ownership of these Plans are integral to their success and we encourage anyone with an interest in Cairn Curran Reservoir and Lake Eppalock to have their say by attending one of the community information sessions or completing the survey," said Mr Reynolds.
To subscribe to G‑MW's free e-storage update - an electronic newsletter updating subscribers on all Land and On-Water Management Plans progress across Northern Victoria subscribe at www.g-mwater.com.au/storages
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