Mokoan - return to wetland



		$20 million funding for Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy Lake Mokoan Diverters Pipeline Update Lake Mokoan decomissioning to proceed

$20 Million for Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strartegy
June 2008
The Victorian Government committed up to $20 million to restore the former Winton wetlands after Lake Mokoan is decommissioned.

The implementation of the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy will create an outstanding recreational and tourism asset for Benalla and surrounding communities. The $20 million to the Future Land Use Strategy will ensure that the community-inspired vision for this site can be realised in its entirety.

No irreversible decommissioning works will be undertaken at Lake Mokoan before offset measures are implemented for irrigators.

A Steering Committee for the project will need to be established which will include, community representatives. The Committee will oversee the planning, design, allocation of funds, and implementation of the Future Land Use Strategy.

The Future Land Use Strategy will take up to eight years to complete and will include:
· restoring the former Winton wetlands;
· developing bike paths, boardwalks, signage and picnic facilities;
· the first stage of a visitor interpretative centre at the tourism precinct; and,
· ongoing maintenance and monitoring works

The DSE thanks the community-based Future Land Use Steering Committee for their hard work and commitment in the development of the Future Land Use Strategy.

Lake Mokoan Diverters Pipeline Update
June 2008
In its latest newsletter (click here) to Lake Mokoan customers, Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) has updated the construction timetable for the diverters' pipeline, outlined the new and much improved supply arrangements for Thoona residents and details the design of the pump station and the domestic and stock outlets.

Lake Mokoan Decomissioing to proceed
December 2007
An independent review has found the alternative proposals to the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan are not sustainable solutions. The proposal, submitted by the Justice for the Broken Valley irrigator group, was considered at great length.

The comprehensive six-month review, conducted by several independent technical specialists, assessed the Justice for the Broken Valley Group’s alternative storage option and another similar option. Both options would have meant higher construction costs, significant water losses and increased operating costs.

The irrigators’ proposal has shown it would cost $35 million to $50 million more than decommissioning, with the water savings reduced by 12,000 ML. The independent review process has confirmed that full decommissioning is the best solution. In all cases, the storage options have been shown to be much more expensive and do not achieve sufficient water savings to be acceptable. To view in more detail the decision on the Modified Mokaon Proposal please click to view the fact sheet and frequesntly asked questions (FAQ) on the decision regarding the Alternative Proposal. Detailed reports on the decision are available in the Publications webpage of this website.

The decommissioning project would provide a sustainable irrigation system in the Broken Valley. Lake Mokoan will be returned to a natural wetland and would be one of the most significant restoration projects in Victoria’s history. This will create a unique, environmentally sustainable asset that will provide significant economic benefits to the region including a boost to environment-based tourism opportunities.”

Archived Issues

Indigenous Surveys
July 2007
The Future Land Use Strategy for Lake Mokoan identifies the need to understand the cultural heritage of the area. In 2006 an initial heritage survey was conducted to assess the site. The current low level of the Lake has made it possible to undertake further survey work to assess cultural heritage.

Cultural heritage surveys were conducted recently by archaeologists and representatives from the various indigenous communities. The survey confirmed the importance of the Lake Mokoan area to indigenous people.

Artefacts found included axe heads, grinding stones, scatters and numerous scar trees. Also identified were a number of non indigenous sites such as remnants of old homesteads and associated structures. The identification of cultural heritage sites is important to ensure their protection during the implementation of the Future Land Use Strategy.

Sale of Water Entitlements and Basin Pricing
May 2007
Goulburn-Murray Water has contacted Broken System water users regarding water entitlement purchase and basin pricing through correspondence and a several media releases (March and April).

A letter (Click here to view), requesting an Expression of Interest to sell water entitlements was sent to water users in March.

The further letter (Click here to view) outlining basin pricing and an extension of the Expression of Interest period to sell water entitlement was sent to water users in May. The submission period for Expressions of Interest to sell water entitlement has been extended until 31st May 2007.

Basin pricing is method of pricing that ensures the actual costs of harvesting and storing water in a river basin are shared amongst the water users within that same basin. One of the triggers for the introduction of basin pricing is major capital investments. The decommissioning of Lake Mokoan will require major capital works and water entitlement purchase; therefore basin pricing is being introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Water Entitlement Purchase can be viewed on Fact Sheet 18.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Basin Pricing can be viewed on Fact Sheet 19.

Finalisation of the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy
May 2007

The Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Steering Committee has met with Minister for Water and Climate Change, John Thwaites, to progress the finalisation of the Future Land Use Strategy. Committee representatives met with the Minister in Shepparton also to present community submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft strategy.

The community feedback (click here to view summary), which generally supported the directions outlined in the Strategy, will assist with the restoration of the wetlands. The majority of the issues raised by the community, and by the committee, will be covered through the implementation of the Future Land Use Strategy and the development of a more detailed management plan for the area.

The Strategy, which will help guide the restoration of the wetland, and assist in the development of community, recreational and tourism opportunities, is now with the Minister for determination.

Environmental assessment
March 2007

Environmental assessments of the project have been submitted to the Federal and Victorian Governments. The project has been referred to the Victorian Minister for Planning under the Environment Effects Act and to the Federal Minister for Environment and Water Resources under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. These assessments looked at a broad range of environmental issues for all components of the project including protected species listed under Victorian and Federal legislation. They were supported by several detailed technical investigations undertaken to clarify potential environmental impacts. The EPBC refferral can be view on the Department of Environment and Water Resources website.

Fox Control at Lake Mokoan
March 2007

The Carpet Python is an endangered python that lives exclusively in the Warby/Chesney area. The Carpet Python Project began in 2005 to control foxes in order to protect the Carpet Python and involves the Warby range Landcare group, DPI, Parks Vic and DSE. A total of 70 landholders will be baiting this year through the program. A local contractor was engaged through the Mokoan Project to lay baits around Lake Mokoan in conjunction with adjacent landholders as part of the Carpet Python Project.

Collaboration between groups and agencies is ideal, as it ensures that the programs are complementary to each other, and we work together towards a common goal.

Alternative Water Supply to Mokoan Diverters Progressing well December 2006

The design of an alternative water supply scheme for diverters at Lake Mokoan is progressing well, and expressions of interest are now being sought from contractors to manage its construction. The alternative scheme, being developed by Goulburn-Murray Water, is a key part of the Mokoan - return to wetland project and will ensure that diverters' water supply access is maintained once the lake is returned to wetlands. Follow this link for more information.

Offset Packages
September 2006

Possible offset measures that maintain the reliability of supply to Broken system irrigators have been released by Goulburn-Murray Water. These Offsets follow 18 months of investigations and further consultation is now appropriate with Broken system and other water users on a number of Offset Package options.

Investigations have narrowed down the extensive range of individual options into four Offset Packages. The packages detail a range of potential infrastructure, efficiency improvement and water purchase options, including:

Remote control and monitoring of supply structures and stream flow stations
Dynamic real time monitoring of irrigation diversion flow meters
Supply into Broken River downstream of the East Goulburn Main Pump station and pipelines to supply areas upstream of the East Goulburn Main Pipelining of part of the Major Creek system
Re-regulation storages on Lake Mokoan Inlet Channel and adjacent to Broken Creek
Water entitlement purchase
Operational improvement options

Water users and associated groups to make submissions on the individual offset measures proposed in each of the four packages by 8 November 2006. During the consultation process, Goulburn-Murray Water will provide written information to all irrigators (click here to view), together with briefings for the VFF, irrigator representatives, Water Service Committees and the Benalla Rural City.

Issues raised in the consultation process will be considered in the development of a draft final Offset Package, which will be submitted to the Minister for Water later this year.

For further information about the project and the supply reliability offset measures click here or contact the Mokoan Project Office on (03) 5761 1611.

Submissions should be sent to: Lake Mokoan Project Director C/0 DSE 89 Sydney Road Benalla Victoria 3672.


Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy
September 2006

The community-based Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Steering Committee has endorsed its draft plan for the future rehabilitation of the Mokoan wetlands for release for public consultation.

The document provides an inspiring vision for the area following the decommissioning of the lake that encompasses the rehabilitation of the wetland system, and guides complementary activities including agriculture, recreation and tourism.

The strategy has been developed following a community consultation program, which has included public meetings, workshops and stakeholders focus groups and would now be presented to the Minister for the Environment, and placed on public exhibition for comment for a four week period. All written submissions must be received by 4pm Friday 20th October 2006.

The community’s involvement in the process is extremely important in balancing local aspirations for the site with environmental and economic issues.

Copies of the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Draft Strategy will be on view at the DSE Benalla, DSE Wangaratta, Benalla Rural City and Rural City of Wangaratta Offices or from this website (click here). For further information about the draft strategy or the broader Lake Mokoan project contact either Tony Long or Dave Pasztaleniec on 5761 1611.


Lake Mokoan Trial to Impede Spread of Phalaris
March 2006

Trials to control the spread of Phalaris throughout areas of Lake Mokoan in preparation for its return to a natural wetland have commenced.

Lake Mokoan Project Director, David Jeffery, said a 40-hectare controlled burn was successfully undertaken in late May 2006.

The burn was coordinated by Goulburn-Murray Water with the assistance of the Country Fire Authority, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

"The management of pest plants, in particular Phalaris, is an important issue and the trials will allow us to monitor the success of a number of different management regimes leading up to rehabilitation of the wetland system in 2009," Mr Jeffery said.

"It is extremely important to impede the spread of Phalaris into areas identified for the wetland as it is likely to have an impact on native revegetation as the lake recedes."

A combination of controlled burning and grazing will be undertaken within a number of different study areas to monitor the weed's rate of spread.

"Thanks to the combined expertise of the fire services, the burn effectively reduced the amount of Phalaris in the area prior to the reintroduction of grazing."

A number of key weeds of concern were recently identified in an ecological study undertaken by Ecology Australia as part of the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy.

"The establishment of effective, ongoing weed management plans for the control of these weeds, including Phalaris, will be considered as part of the wetland rehabilitation plan," Mr Jeffery said.

"Goulburn-Murray Water will continue to seek specialist advice for immediate actions to bring the further spread of Phalaris under control."

What is Phalaris?

Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) is a winter growing perennial grass. Native to the mediterranean region and a favoured pasture species for sheep and cattle. Phalaris is quite hardy, tolerating moderate levels of salinity, waterlogging and the most drought tolerant pasture grass.
A weed is a plant growing where it is not a native species. Phalaris, while a useful pasture species, is considered an environmental weed in natural areas as it can colonise large areas and out-compete native plant species.

Flooding

The decommissioning of Lake Mokoan has raised concerns regarding the flooding of the Broken River system.

Currently, Lake Mokoan can play only a minor role in reducing floods on the Broken River in Benalla. The return of Mokoan to a natural wetland system will not have a significant impact on flooding regimes. The potential for change in minor flood levels as a result of the Mokoan - Return to Wetland Project has been investigated by the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, the responsible authority for floodplain management in the Broken River Basin. Findings are now being presented to the community for comment.

Flow Regime Fact Sheet – Mokoan – return to wetland flooding impacts.

The variation in river flow, including the minor flooding that may result from returning the natural wetland system is the key in maintaining river and floodplain health and is recognised as an important environmental benefit.

Rehabilitation of the wetlands will have no impact on levels during major flood events.



	Copyright©2006 Mokoan Wetlands. All Rights Reserved.		Web/Handheld Software by CMO Global