Burrendong strategy update

20 December 2010

State Water will manage releases from Burrendong Dam in line with downstream tributary levels to further reduce the storage level and achieve downstream flow targets.

The next phase of the strategy was decided in conjunction with the Flood Mitigation Zone Reference Panel in a meeting this afternoon, Monday 20 December 2010.

State Water’s water delivery manager centre valleys Sri Sritharan said the plan had two specific aims.

“We are looking to take Burrendong from its current level of 121% gradually down to around 110%,” Mr Sritharan said.

“At the same time we aim to achieve a flow rate of 23,000ML/day at Baroona and Gin Gin.”

The specific 23,000ML/day figure was agreed to because it will continue providing relief to those downstream while drawing the storage down to gain further airspace, he said.

“The amount of water being released will be adjusted depending on the downstream tributaries – if they are flowing higher we will release less from the dam, if they aren’t flowing as much we will release more from the dam.”

Current inflows to Burrendong Dam are averaging a rate of 7,000ML/day.

“Once the storage gets down to around 110% we will review our plans again.”

Media contact: Jane Urquhart (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711