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About the Project

About the Project
Project  Background
History of Lake Mokoan
Frequently Asked Questions
Future Timelines
 
Mokoan - return to wetland

As part of the Our Water Our Future action plan, Lake Mokoan will be returned to its natural state as an important wetland system.

This project is part of an integrated program of water saving measures being undertaken by the Victorian Government to create a more efficient irrigation system and increase important environmental flows in Victorian rivers.

The project consists of two main parts, the work needed to maintain a reliable water supply to water users reliant on the Lake, and the rehabilitation of the site following decommissioning of dam infrastructure and reinstatement of a more natural water regime to the area.


Project  Background

Victoria's water is a precious resource. Demand is increasing and there is growing recognition regarding environmental needs. Faced with low water levels in Victoria's reservoirs and predictions of less rain with climate change, the Victorian Government decided to develop a new approach to water management to secure Victoria's water resource into the future.

The Green Paper, a broad discussion paper containing 80 proposals was released in 2003. After 670 submissions and over 60 meetings with the public and peak organisations, the Government produced the Our Water, Our Future action plan, also known as the White Paper which includes 110 new initiatives to efficiently manage Victoria's water resources.

Project  Background
One of the initiatives of the strategy was the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan. The decision followed a comprehensive 18-month study and community and industry consultation.

Click here to read the final report
of the Lake Mokoan Study.
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History of Lake Mokoan & Winton Swamps
History of Lake Mokoan
History of Lake Mokoan History of Lake Mokoan

Prior to the late 1960s, the area occupied by Lake Mokoan was a wetland system consisting of two main wetlands, Winton and Green Swamps and several smaller swamps; Ashmeads, Humphries, Saddlers, Taminick, Black and Lindsays.
In 1971 the dam was built and flooding of the wetland system created Lake Mokoan, with the storage becoming operational in 1972. Lake Mokoan was originally designed to serve the Murray and Goulburn irrigation areas, however, the infrastructure needed to serve the Goulburn irrigation area was never built. The reason for this was due to ongoing concerns regarding water quality and blue-green algae outbreaks.

Indigenous History
Archaeological surveys conducted in the region indicate that Indigenous people once inhabited the wetland area. A range of heritage sites have been identified and scarred trees have also been found. A scarred tree is where the bark has been removed to make a canoe, container, shield or shelter.

It is believed that the wetland area would have once provided a reliable water source and hunting ground for Indigenous tribes. Birds, fish and shellfish would have been plentiful while plant food and traditional medicines would also have been available for gathering.

The wetlands and its surrounds would have offered good shelter and materials for making tools. A range of stone resources for flaked tools (hornfels, quartz, chalcedony and possibly silcrete and basalt) and grinding tools (sandstone and granite) would have been available. There is evidence that raw materials were brought to the area from other locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions
I have heard reports that Lake Mokoan is going to be decommissioned, but nothing is happening?

While the decision to decommission Lake Mokoan has been made, several outcomes need to be achieved before the Lake can be returned to a wetland system, the main one being alternative water supply. Currently, there are a number of irrigators using water from the Lake. Alternative arrangements need to be in place for these irrigators before the Lake can be drawn down.
Why is Lake Mokoan being decommissioned, aren't we short of water?

Lake Mokoan is a very inefficient storage facility. It loses about 50,000 megalitres of water every year through evaporation. The Mokoan - return to wetland project will deliver 44, 000 megalitres of water every year to Victoria's rivers for environmental flows.
Who will look after the area after the decommissioning?

Options for the future use of the wetland system and surrounding land are being investigated. This investigation is being led by the Future Land Use Steering Committee. The tenure of the land and the managing authority has not been decided at this stage. But a range of options will be identified in the future land use strategy.
What will you be able to do at Lake Mokoan when it is returned to a wetland?

The future use of the Lake Mokoan site is the current focus of a major study. When completed the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy will recommend what types of activities will be suitable to occur at the site.
Will it be locked up and closed from the community?

A key focus of the project is to ensure that the future wetland is a significant asset for the regional community. Opportunities for tourism, recreation, monitoring and research are currently being investigated.
Will local landholders who rely on the Lake be left without water?

The Victorian Government has made a commitment to irrigators that their existing reliability of water supply will not be affected. A new system, which will provide improved water quality, is being developed by Goulburn-Murray Water.
How will the wetland system be rehabilitated?

The vision for the future wetland is currently being developed as part of the Mokoan Future Land Use Study. The Project Team, through consultation with the community, will develop a rehabilitation program.
Without Lake Mokoan, will Benalla be at increased risk from flooding?

Lake Mokoan plays a very minor role in reducing Broken River floods in Benalla. A number of studies have been completed to investigate any potential impacts. Findings are presented in a fact sheet and can be found by visiting the GBCMA website at www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
Will firefighting be affected when the lake is returned to a wetland?

The wetlands will remain a source of water for firefighting requirements in the future.
When will the lake be drained?

Draw-down of Lake Mokoan is not scheduled to take place until 2009 after which the rehabilitation of the wetland system will commence.
Why is rehabilitating the Mokoan wetlands so important?

Water savings from the Lake will help improve the health of the Broken, Goulburn, Snowy and Murray Rivers. Healthy rivers are the lifeblood of our community, providing vital water for homes, towns, farms and businesses. Healthy rivers also support habitats for native animals and fish. The wetland itself will also play an important role in improving the local habitat for a number of endangered flora and fauna species.
What is the current state of our rivers in Victoria?

One third of Victorian rivers are in poor condition. When our rivers deteriorate, so does the quality of water supply.
What is Our Water Our Future?

Our Water Our Future is the Victorian Government's action plan to manage the state's water resource. The Mokoan - Return to Wetland project is one of 110 new initiatives to secure water for the next 50 years.
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Future Timelines
Time lines for the Lake Mokoan Return to Wetland Project
Future Timelines
Mid 2006
 
Draft Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Plan to be released with opportunity for community review
Announcement of supply offset options and community consultation
Early 2007
 
Construction for offset measures and supply to lake diverters scheduled to start
Early 2009
 
Scheduled draw-down of Lake Mokoan
Wetland rehabilitation
 
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