Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is calling for expressions of interest from Broken River landholders. They can be part of a committee that will help guide the future of the system. It is part of the upcoming Broken System Reconfiguration Feasibility Study.
The Broken system encompasses an area of over 7000 square kilometres. It includes the section of the Broken River between Lake Nillahcootie and the Goulburn River, as well as part of the Upper Broken Creek.
A review of the Broken system was conducted from 2020-2022. It followed concerns about the sustainability of the system by entitlement holders and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF). The review was led by a project steering group of local entitlement holders, along with representatives from GMW and other relevant stakeholders.
The group identified that annual average inflows to the system have declined. It showed that there was a clear need to consider how to manage the system better in the face of a drying climate. As a result, the group recommended conducting a study to identify feasible ways the system could potentially be reconfigured to ensure long-term sustainable outcomes for the catchment and the community.
The study will include a consultative committee of community members and other key stakeholders. Those stakeholders will provide advice on local issues and consultation processes. The goal is to get as many insights as possible from the community.
GMW’s expressions of interest support long-term goals
GMW Water Delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth encouraged water entitlement holders from the Broken system to apply to be part of the committee.
“The consultative committee will be a key driver of the feasibility study,” he said.
“It will help co-design options for how the infrastructure and management of the system can be improved to ensure its long-term viability and provide greater certainty for water users.
“Local knowledge will be invaluable to the committee. We are eager to see entitlement holders from the system to put their name forward.”
The study is anticipated to take a year to complete. This is given the need for technical input on a range of aspects, suitable consultation processes, and analysis of the economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes from various options.
Expressions of interest for the consultative committee will close on Sunday, 13 August.
People can apply by heading to the GMW website: https://yoursay.gmwater.com.au
For more information on the findings from the project steering group, head to the Engage Victoria website: https://engage.vic.gov.au/broken-review
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