Southern Rural Water on behalf of the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA) is reviewing the current water management arrangements of the Wangangarra/Wy Yung (Mitchell River).
The Review will progress a key action (Action 4-12) from the Victorian Government’s Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which is to:
- Review current management arrangements for the Wangangarra/WyYung (Mitchell River) to ensure arrangements are fit-for-purpose and consistent with other systems across the state.
- Investigate if additional entitlements could be made available to support further consumptive use, without compromising environmental and cultural values.
River systems and how we interact with them change over time, and it is critical that strategic reviews are undertaken periodically to ensure we protect beneficial uses into the future.
About the Wangangarra/Wy Yung (Mitchell River)
The Wangangarra/Wy Yung (Mitchell River) is the largest remaining river system in Victoria that does not have a large on-stream dam. It is highly valued by the community for its unique social, environmental, cultural and economic significance, as well as its freshwater contribution to the Gippsland Lakes.
Water is allocated for consumptive use, comprising irrigated agriculture, cultural water and supply to towns, including Bairnsdale, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance.
Current water management arrangements go some way to protecting low flows over summer, through the use of passing flows, irrigation rosters and restrictions. However, the impacts of climate change on water availability during the summer months mean that the current arrangements may not adequately protect low flows over summer now and into the future.
Community engagement
We are working closely with local stakeholders and the community to better understand the unique social, environmental, cultural and economic values of the river, including if current water arrangements could be improved.
Key stakeholders include, but are not limited to:
- Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
- East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- East Gippsland Water
- Mitchell River irrigators
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Our engagement approach:
Stage 1
This stage will involve in-depth consultation with key stakeholders about the Wangangarra/Wy Yung (Mitchell River) system to clearly define key issues and opportunities relating to the current water management rules.
Stage 2
Based on Stage 1 feedback, further studies may be required to determine if specific changes to arrangements could improve the way we manage the river.
We will work closely with all stakeholders during the Review.
Engagement - In-progress/completed:
- Initial consultation has been completed with the following organisations:
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, East Gippsland Shire Council (including their Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee), East Gippsland Water, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
Engagement – Upcoming
- Consultation with local irrigators who have water entitlements.
We will be reaching out directly to these stakeholders.
Who can I contact to speak to about the project?
Please call Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510 or email srw@srw.com.au.