2.5 GWMWater identify formal functions required to be performed by the Storage Manager and clearly separate these functions from those of the bulk entitlement holder. Formal terms of reference should be updated and published for each group. 2.6 The management of transfer of water to Toolondo Reservoir must also take into account water quality requirements. In particular the risk of salt accumulation over time due to evaporative concentration would need to be managed. Recreational Management Plan 2.7 Fisheries Victoria work with recreational fishers and GWMWater to identify opportunities to improve recreational access and amenity at Toolondo Reservoir. This will be a valuable input to the Lake Toolondo Recreational Management Plan development which will commence in late 2015. Funding will be available under the Target One Million infrastructure/access program (e.g. improve: boat ramps, car parking, camping and recreation amenity and signage). Social values of water 2.8 Clarify the significant social benefits of water and refer to the Water Minister for investigation and further action given the broader state wide implications of this matter and the current study underway, commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Short-term water trading 2.9 Seek to negotiate the trade of unused water allocations to meet short term Toolondo Reservoir Fishery management objectives when there is sufficient system water to satisfy existing recreational water allocations in the Wimmera system. Use of Environmental Water The TRRFAG worked closely with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera CMA’s to understand the rationale, nature and extent of environmental water use in both catchments. An independent review of Toolondo Reservoir environmental values was undertaken by Dr Andrew Sharpe from The scope of this review was limited to published Jacobs P/L. information, interviews with local experts and a site inspection. The review addressed four key areas: 1) The water dependent environmental values at Toolondo Reservoir, 2) An assessment of the water regime to support those values, 3) Comparison of the water-dependent environmental values in Toolondo Reservoir against the Wimmera and Glenelg Rivers and, 4) The merits of water dependent environmental values of man-made versus natural waterways. Key findings: 2.10 Environmental water allocations will have greater environmental benefit in the Wimmera and Glenelg Rivers than Toolondo Reservoir.
2.5 GWMWater identify formal functions required to be performed by the Storage Manager and clearly separate these functions from those of the bulk entitlement holder. Formal terms of reference should be updated and published for each group. 2.6 The management of transfer of water to Toolondo Reservoir must also take into account water quality requirements. In particular the risk of salt accumulation over time due to evaporative concentration would need to be managed. Recreational Management Plan 2.7 Fisheries Victoria work with recreational fishers and GWMWater to identify opportunities to improve recreational access and amenity at Toolondo Reservoir. This will be a valuable input to the Lake Toolondo Recreational Management Plan development which will commence in late 2015. Funding will be available under the Target One Million infrastructure/access program (e.g. improve: boat ramps, car parking, camping and recreation amenity and signage). Social values of water 2.8 Clarify the significant social benefits of water and refer to the Water Minister for investigation and further action given the broader state wide implications of this matter and the current study underway, commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Short-term water trading 2.9 Seek to negotiate the trade of unused water allocations to meet short term Toolondo Reservoir Fishery management objectives when there is sufficient system water to satisfy existing recreational water allocations in the Wimmera system. Use of Environmental Water The TRRFAG worked closely with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera CMA’s to understand the rationale, nature and extent of environmental water use in both catchments. An independent review of Toolondo Reservoir environmental values was undertaken by Dr Andrew Sharpe from Jacobs P/L. The scope of this review was limited to published information, interviews with local experts and a site inspection. The review addressed four key areas: 1) The water dependent environmental values at Toolondo Reservoir, 2) An assessment of the water regime to support those values, 3) Comparison of the water-dependent environmental values in Toolondo Reservoir against the Wimmera and Glenelg Rivers and, 4) The merits of water dependent environmental values of man-made versus natural waterways. Key findings: 2.10 Environmental water allocations will have greater environmental benefit in the Wimmera and Glenelg Rivers than Toolondo Reservoir.
TRRFAG-key-findings-and-recommendations.docx