Water has started to flow into the Anglesea River to maintain water levels that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for the local community.
Since 1969, Alcoa has operated the Anglesea power station, during which time groundwater was extracted for use in the power generation process and subsequently discharged into the Anglesea River. With the station’s closure, river levels would be expected to drop considerably over summer periods.
In August, the Andrews Labor Government struck a deal with Alcoa and Barwon Water to pump water from an existing water storage pond into the Anglesea River between December and March.
Water has this week begun to flow as we head into another hot, dry summer when levels would have otherwise dropped quickly.
The Labor Government worked closely with the local community through the Anglesea Futures Community Conversation forums to shape this management option.
Local residents and businesses were clear about their desire to maintain water levels in the river.
Alcoa made the storage pond available for use and Barwon Water has installed and will operate the necessary infrastructure on behalf of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The short-term plan will run as a trial over the upcoming summer period, and if successful will continue to operate until a long-term management solution is developed.
Appropriate water releases will be determined through daily monitoring of water levels.
The existing water in the pond is treated groundwater and safe to discharge into the river. During the trial Barwon Water will conduct water quality monitoring on the pond to ensure there are no negative impacts on the river.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“It’s great to see the management solution supported by the local community start to deliver for the town and the environment.”
“These water releases will ensure the river remains a vibrant draw card for the area and support local jobs during the hot summer ahead.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020