Joint
Media release
3 September 2009
The internationally recognised Hattah Lakes
near Mildura will receive more than $20
million in new environmental works to help
bring water to areas of Redgum, Black box
and Lignum that are struggling under the
current drought.
Minister for Climate
Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced
the funding today during a visit to the
Hattah Lakes with Parliamentary Secretary
for Water, Dr Mike Kelly.
"Subject to environmental,
planning and other approvals, the proposed
works will include a permanent pumping station,
levees and regulators to manage flows within
the lakes," Senator Wong said.
"The works will
enable the watering of 6,000 hectares of
lakes, Redgum, Black box and Lignum communities.
"In addition to
these funds for Hattah Lakes, approvals
for a $6.1 million package of works to maximise
the benefits of environmental watering at
nearby Mulcra Island are nearing completion
and construction is expected to commence
this year.
"These works at
Mulcra Island will enable 800 hectares of
floodplain to be inundated and an increase
in flows in 20 kilometres of associated
creeks and anabranches which are important
habitat for waterbirds, fish, frogs and
turtles."
Victorian Water Minister
Tim Holding said these major environmental
works programs were a sign of the times.
"With prolonged
drought and the climate change outlook,
we have to find ways to maximise the use
of the water we do have," Mr Holding
said.
"The Victorian
Government is undertaking record investment
in water recovery and works programs, to
deliver the best outcomes for the environment
and communities."
Funding will be provided
through the $275 million works program of
The Living Murray initiative, two-thirds
of which is funded by the Australian Government
and the rest from the New South Wales, South
Australia and Victoria.
Senator Wong's tour
of the lakes enabled her to see firsthand
the benefits of environmental watering,
provided in part by the Rudd Government's
water buyback program.
"As we work to
tackle the effects of drought and climate
change, it is encouraging to be here to
see firsthand the transformation we have
collectively brought to this nationally
significant wetland."
Dr Kelly said the environmental
works and watering were helping to deliver
on one of the priorities of the Rudd Government's
$12.9 billion Water for the Future initiative:
supporting healthy rivers.
"Another priority
of Water for the Future is securing a strong
future for Murray-Darling Basin irrigators,
industries and communities through investing
in irrigation infrastructure and local water-saving
initiatives."
Environmental water
for the Hattah Lakes was contributed by
the Rudd Government, the Victorian Government,
The Living Murray initiative and by a private
donation. Water delivery to the site is
managed by the Mallee Catchment Management
Authority in conjunction with Parks Victoria
and local community groups who assist in
monitoring environmental outcomes at the
site.
