Victorian Auditor-General's report tabled - Irrigation Water Stores: Lake Mokoan and Tarago Reservoir 10 March 2010.

The audit involved examination of two projects; the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan and the reconnection of Tarago Reservoir.

Lake Mokoan decommissioning and its return to wetlands was announced in the 2004 white paper Securing Our Water Future Together.

The reconnection of Tarago Reservoir to Melbourne’s water supply was announced as a possible water augmentation project in the 2004 white paper Securing Our Water Future Together .

The audit found that the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan and the reconnection of Tarago Reservoir were the most appropriate options to pursue on environmental and cost grounds. Both projects proceeded based on sound technical advice.

For read more of this report (click here).
 

 Contract awarded for Mokoan inlet channel decommissioning works.

The Contracts tendered for Mokoan inlet channel decommissioning Works were awarded today to Max Bright & Sons P/L of Lilydale, for works to commence in 2 weeks and for completion by mid 2010.
 
 Contract awarded for final decommissioning works of the Mokoan  project.

A contract has been awarded to Extons P/L of Benalla for the final works decommissioning component of the Mokoan project.  This component involves the decommissioning of the weir  on Hollands Creek which in the past was used to divert flows into Lake Mokoan. The decommissioming of this structure, which is expected to be completed over the next 3 months, will allow the return of natural fish passage along this stream.

Archived Issues

  Manager - Wetland Restoration: being sought by Winton Wetlands Committee of Management
 
A once in a lifetime opportunity exists to join the leadership team with the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management as Manager Wetland Restoration. This diverse role will lead the delivery of infrastructure, restoration and community projects. 
 
The Committee is looking for a dynamic individual with strong project management skills, experience in environment and land management and a passion for and understanding of ecological restoration. To view the advertisement (click here) and the position description (click here).
 
Applications by midday 10th May to ceo@fmconsult.com.au or fmconsult, PO Box 1488, Collingwood VIC 3066.
 
 Dam wall coming down to help save Victoria's rivers.

Excavators today broke through the dam wall on Victoria's most inefficient water storage as part of a project to provide 50 billion litres of water a year for stressed rivers, including the Goulburn, Murray and Snowy Rivers.

Inspecting work at the site, Mr Holding said breaching the dam embankment was an important milestone to return Lake Mokoan to a natural wetland.

"This is one of the most significant restoration projects in Victoria's history and will provide an economic boost to the region," Mr Holding said. For more on the Embankment Breach at Lake Mokoan (click here).

 CEO of Winton Wetlands Committee of Management appointed.

Bill Hill, Chairman of the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Vanderzee to the position of Chief Executive Officer. For more on this appointment (click here).
 

Tenders invited for works to decommission the Mokoan Inlet Channel.

Following decommissioning of the section of the Inlet Channel from Holland's Creek through to the future Winton Wetlands, all drainage inlets which flow into the current Inlet Channel will continue to drain into the section of channel downstream of Holland's Creek. The decommissioned channel will tak the form of a shallow drainage depression which will carry all drainage flows through to the Winton Wetlands.

Tenders are now being invited for contractors to undertake the decommissioning works. Works will include the reshaping of the channel banks to retain drainage capacity, make available the opportunity for a future pedestrian access way from Benalla through to the Winton wetlands, provide for flatter, more stable slopes and allow for the grazing of some sections

Works will also include grass seeding of the entire 12km corridor and significant revegatation of the Benalla to Winton Wetlands section.
 
 

 Contract awarded for embankment breach and outlet works decommissioning.

Following a call for tenders in late 2009, a contract for the Embankment Breach was awarded to Terry Plant Hire of wangaratta in Late Janbuary 2010.

The approximate contract timeline is for the contractor to commence on site mid February with breach excavations starting shortly thereafter.

The actual scope of work includes a range of activities, these comprise:-

• The excavation and removal of breaching rock.
• Bulk earthworks to remove over 23,000 cubic metres.
• The demolition and removal of the exiisting outlet tower and access bridge.
• The filling of existing concrete pipes with concrete.
• Construction of a concrete base, so as to avoid future build up of debris and other material.
• Construction of an access culvert across breach banks.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the nine-member committee, made up of community and stakeholder representatives, would oversee one of the most significant environmental restoration projects of its kind in Victorias history (click here). 
 

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.
 
 

Water for Rivers seek expressions of interest for water entitlement buy back
 

Water for Rivers is seeking expressions of interest from irrigators within the Broken System willing to sell, part, or all of their water entitlement. The purchase of between 2170 ML and 5000 ML forms part of the government commitment to reinstate reliability of water supply following decommissioning of Lake Mokoan(Click here to view). Irrigators wishing to sell their water entitlements to Water for Rivers, must complete an Expression of Interest form (Click here to view) by COB Tuesday 30th June 2009.

For any questions relating to water entitlement purchase, please refer to Fact Sheet 20a.

Lake Mokoan Decommissioning 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 Groups 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 Mokoan Proposal please click to view the fact sheet and frequently 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 Victorias 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. 
 

-Acceptance letters mailed to 54 irrigators
 

Water for Rivers is sending letters offering to purchase 8,307 megalitres of high reliability and 1,745 megalitres of low reliability  water entitlement holders, after a better than expected response to the call for expressions of interest.
 

The purchase is about 3,000 megalitres more than the minimum required to maintain system reliability and avooids the need for further infrastructure, thereby helping to contain future operations and maintenance costs for irrigators. (Click here to view).

75ML Operational Pondage Facility Tested
 
The operational pondage facility, located at the north eastern end of Lake Mokoan has been completed, and water flows through the Diverters Pipeline tested.
 
This is a significant step in the delivery for the Diverters Pipeline aspect of the over all Lake Mokoan Return to Wetlands project. This pondage has been incorporated into the final Diverters Pipeline design to aid in operational flexibility, maintaining continuous service and buffering of peak demands. This facility can also backfill the pipeline in the event that the main pump station is out of service, as an added service measure, for those diverters along the pipeline.
 
The capacity of the pondage is 75L, or around 3 days of total peak use for the main diversions points from the lake.
 
Click here to see the footage of the system being tested. 
   

Winton Wetlands Committee of Management announced
 

The Brumby Government today announced the appointment of the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management to oversee the $20 million restoration of Lake mokoan to wetlands.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the nine member committee, made up of community and stakeholder representatives, would oversee one of the most significant environmental restoration projects of its kind in Victoria's history (click here). 
 

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.
 
 

Water for Rivers seek expressions of interest for water entitlement buy back
 

Water for Rivers is seeking expressions of interest from irrigators within the Broken System willing to sell, part, or all of their water entitlement. The purchase of between 2170 ML and 5000 ML forms part of the government commitment to reinstate reliability of water supply following decommissioning of Lake Mokoan(Click here to view). Irrigators wishing to sell their water entitlements to Water for Rivers, must complete an Expression of Interest form (Click here to view) by COB Tuesday 30th June 2009.

For any questions relating to water entitlement purchase, please refer to Fact Sheet 20a.

Lake Mokoan Decommissioning 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 Groups 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 Mokoan Proposal please click to view the fact sheet and frequently 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.

$20 Million for Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy 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: 
a)   restoring the former Winton wetlands; 
b)   developing bike paths, boardwalks, signage and picnic facilities; 
c)   the first stage of a visitor interpretative centre at the tourism precinct; and, 
d)   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.
 
A number of reports have been completed which provide a full understanding of the impacts of decommissioning on flooding in the Benalla District. These reports are available by following this link. 
 

Impacts of decommissioning on flooding  
December 2008
 

An independent study commissioned by Benalla Rural City Council has found that the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan will not decrease the flood mitigation benefits of Lake Nillahcootie. 
 
Consultants Cardno Lawson Treloar were engaged to complete the Lake Nillahcootie Flood Study following concerns raised by the Benalla and District Flood Awareness Group on behalf of the community. 
 
The study found that even if Benalla had a repeat of the major 1993 flood event, decommissioning would not lead to increased flooding or additional houses being impacted.  

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 further 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 referral 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.