13 April 2007

LAKES PROVIDE A VITAL SUPPLY FOR LOCAL ORCHARDS

Due to the ongoing drought and dry conditions, pumping of water for irrigation purposes from Lake Wyangan has been increased in recent weeks. A joint press release with Griffith City Council (GCC) and Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is being issued today to clarify the situation.

Griffith City Council (GCC) is responsible for caretaking the lake on behalf of NSW Maritime which will monitor the lake levels to ensure the safety of recreational users.

GCC is also monitoring water quality and the environmental effects of the pumping and will be liaising with the NSW Department of Natural Resources and Murrumbidgee Regional Algal Coordination Committee if required.

Managing Director of Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI), Mr Brett Tucker, said that "there have been concerns in recent days of water being pumped from the large North Lake for irrigation purposes. The lake is historically a natural drainage reserve for farms in this area and in later years has also become a local recreational area."

"In normal rainfall years we work with GCC to try and maintain lake levels for recreational needs. With no relief from the worst drought in 114 years of records, additional pumping of water from Lake Wyangan to supply permanent plantings in the Lake View section of the system was now essential."

"We have been working closely with GCC in our intention to pump additional water from the lakes. The volume required will be around 500 megalitres at approximately 15 megalitres per day for high security users in this part of the system."

GCC General Manager Peter Brooks said MI had met with GCC managers regarding the pumping and that council was confident all avenues had been covered.

"While the water activities provided by the lake are an important part of the lifestyle of the city, and an important drawcard for the tourist dollar, we must also support the long term agricultural future of our region, including our irrigators," Mr Brooks said.

"There is likely to be an impact on those people who use the lake for recreation - whether that is boating, sailing or skiing - however, we are in a drought situation which hasn't been experienced in more than a century."

Environmental clearances were obtained by MI through the Department of Natural Resources well in advance of pumping commencing late March. Mr Brooks said GCC was also in regular contact with NSW Maritime, who was monitoring water levels for recreational activity as levels reduce.

"In consultation with NSW Maritime, the figure 1000 mm below the lake's full capacity level has been set as the trigger point to start considering limiting recreational access to the lake. Currently the North Lake is sitting around 700mm below capacity," said Mr Brooks.

The first stage will be closure of the lake to power boats with greater than five horsepower. Advertising and signage will be in place to ensure all recreational users are aware of the situation."

Mr Tucker advised that "the water was strictly for irrigation purposes. Even though the pumped water is being mixed with channel water in the MI delivery system, it is not considered suitable for stock and domestic purposes without the normal treatment by GCC."

Anyone with specific concerns regarding the quality of the water should make contact with GCC.

Pumping is expected to finish around early May.