Gippsland region << BACK TO CONTENTS In late 2016–17 the Victorian Government finalised a commitment to provide extra water to the heritage-listed Thomson River, to protect its environmental and community values. The river will now receive an extra eight gigalitres of water for the environment annually, adding to the ten gigalitres already available. This will help the West Gippsland CMA provide water for threatened Australian grayling, improving their habitat for breeding and growth. Water for the environment in autumn 2017 helped the river endure dry conditions and provided an opportunity to discover more about optimal breeding conditions for native fish. “It provided an opportunity to test whether Australian grayling would spawn at different flow rates,” said West Gippsland CMA’s Minna Tom. “Our monitoring gave us a good overview of the flow rates fish prefer, so we can adjust flows where necessary to give the native fish the best chance to breed.” This year’s autumn flow had an added bonus: it was timed to coincide with the weekend lead-up to Anzac Day, a prime time for those who like to get out for a paddle. The extra water provided excellent conditions for kayakers and canoeists in the upper Thomson River. Whitehorse Canoe Club took to the water, with almost 30 people enjoying the increased river flows. (See page 25 for full story). Waterway manager: West Gippsland CMA Storage manager: Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water Site Thomson River Volume delivered in 2016–17 (ML) 10,326 The Thomson River, by Rachel Millar, West Gippsland CMA 19 | Victorian Environmental Water Holder
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