Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) today announced its 2020-21 groundwater allocations for licence holders in the Loddon Highlands Water Supply Protection Area (WSPA).
The Loddon Highlands WSPA extends from Newlyn, Learmonth and Waubra in the south to Maryborough and Dunolly in the north.
The following allocations apply to groundwater licences during the 2020-21 season, from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021:
|
Management Zone
|
Allocation
|
|
1100 – Ullina
|
100%
|
|
1101 – Talbot
|
100%
|
|
1102 – Ascot
|
100%
|
|
1103 – Mollongghip
|
100%
|
|
1104 – Blampied
|
75%
|
|
1106 – Waubra
|
100%
|
|
1107 – Newlyn
|
75%
|
GMW Groundwater and Streams Manager Matthew Pethybridge said allocations were determined in accordance with the Loddon Highlands WSPA Groundwater Management Plan, based on groundwater recovery levels at key monitoring bores between 1 and 13 July 2020.
He said the plan aims to ensure long-term sustainability of groundwater as a resource while balancing the needs of licence holders with environmental values.
“This is the seventh season we have seen allocation restricted to 75 per cent in the Newlyn zone while in the Blampied zone, restriction was last seen in 2018-19,” Mr Pethybridge said.
“We will continue to monitor groundwater recovery levels in the Blampied and Newlyn zones during spring and if sufficient recovery is observed by 30 November 2020, GMW will be in a position to increase those allocations.
“Licence holders should be aware allocation is applied to the groundwater licence volume, but does not impact the volume carried over from the previous season.”
GMW has written to all affected licence holders to advise this year’s groundwater allocation. Letters will be issued to all affected licence holders if allocation restrictions change. For more information about groundwater resources in the Loddon Highlands WSPA, including a copy of the Groundwater Management Plan, please contact GMW on 1800 013 357 or visit the website www.gmwater.com.au