A study into improving the health of Lake George is now under way thanks to funding made available by the State Government and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said it was a haven for wildlife, including large numbers of waterbirds that feed on the lake to build up reserves before returning to their Arctic breeding grounds.
“Lake George is also a popular recreational location for fishing, windsurfing and camping; contributing to the region’s tourism drawcard,” Mr Speirs said.
“Historically, a regular supply of freshwater from the South East drainage network has helped keep Lake George healthy, however, the volume of water in Lake George has declined gradually over the past two decades, threatening the ecological health of the Lake and its recreational value.
“The water discharged through the Reedy Creek Mount Hope drainage system at Southend is contributing to seagrass damage and coastal erosion.
“The study will investigate alternative sources of water to increase the inflows into Lake George. This will include examining diversion of water from the Lake Frome catchment to Lake George and improving the operation of the Lake George outlet to more efficiently and effectively manage water levels.
“The concept of connecting elements of the Reedy Creek Mount Hope drainage system to supplement flows to Lake George will also be assessed.”
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said lower than average water levels in recent decades had caused significant algal bloom outbreaks which have only recovered after large flushing flows in the past five years.
“Average water inflows in the last decade are only a quarter of that seen in the 1980s and there has only been four occasions in the last 20 years when inflows have reached the historic 40 gigalitres per year levels,” Mr McBride said.
“This is yet another example of our valuable environmental assets that were ignored under Labor and I am proud to be part of a government which is looking to deliver solutions.
” Limestone Coast Landscape Board presiding member Penny Schulz said the results would inform future management solutions for Lake George and the surrounding region.
“The health of the lake is critical to the Limestone Coast region, and we expect this study will help us to better understand and manage our valuable water resources and landscape” she said.
The results of the study are expected by early next year.
