A further 20gL of environmental water will flow down the Lower Lakes, following a decision by the independent Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
Climate Change and Water Minister Penny Wong said the 20gL was a welcome addition to the 148gL of Darling River floodwaters announced yesterday.
Ms Wong said the Commonwealth expected the additional water to start flowing into the Lower Lakes from March, providing welcome relief to the ailing Lower Lakes.
“All-up, these two decisions will provide almost 170gL of much-needed water to the Lower Lakes,’’ she said.
Previously the South Australian Government had committed 170gL to return this year to the Lower Lakes Ramsar wetland complex near the mouth of the Murray River. The additional flows of 168gL represents a near doubling in extra water for the Lower Lakes.
“These decisions will deliver nearly 340gL of water to reduce the risk of acidification and improve habitat for waterbirds and other species,’’ Ms Wong said.
“These flows will also benefit the River Murray by improving water quality and reducing the threat of further riverbank slumping.’’
In addition to securing additional flows to the Lower Lakes, the CEWH has also decided to deliver a further 26.2gL to five sites: 8.2gL to Chowilla Floodplain and Katarapko wetlands in SA, and 18gL to Lake Wallawalla and Hattah Lakes in Victoria.
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