A steering committee established to discuss concerns arising from low water availability on the Campaspe system held a productive inaugural meeting today.
The committee was formed by Goulburn-Murray Water in response to successive years of severe drought and consequent low water levels in Lake Eppalock leading to water allocations below 100%, and is part of a wider review of the allocation policies that seeks to address concerns about security of water supply.
The committee comprises representatives from, Coliban Water, the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Campaspe Shire, City of Greater Bendigo , Department of Sustainability and Environment, Rochester-Campaspe Water Services Committee, Lake Eppalock Action Group and Goulburn-Murray Water.
G-MW Acting Manager Planning and Environment Graeme Hannan said the basis of today's meeting was to establish the range of issues to be addressed and the consultative process to be adopted.
""Following several years of very dry conditions on the Campaspe system, Goulburn-Murray Water is looking at reviewing allocation policies to ensure it can provide sustainable services for the many demands for water in the area,"" Mr Hannan said.
""Goulburn-Murray Water recognises that the management of the Campaspe system is vital to the region and has formed this committee to ensure that community views are represented in the review.
""There are many needs for water that need to be balanced in the Campaspe system, including irrigation, town supplies, recreation and the environment. However, the steering committee will focus on issues relating to management of water which is allocated to consumptive use.""
The committee will address community concerns about water supply and assess the impact of any proposed changes to allocation policies.
Wider consultation with stakeholders is proposed for 2006 after the committee has identified interim options and once preliminary data is available.
""Any proposals to change allocation policies will be rigorously tested by the committee in consultation with the wider community,"" Mr Hannan said.
The committee aims to conclude the review process before the 2006/07 irrigation season.