FIRST BREWSTER FLOWS IN FIVE YEARS

The Keneally Government is diverting water into Lake Brewster for the first time in five years, following recent rains and major works to improve water management at the lake.

NSW Minister for Water Phil Costa said the flows followed the completion of a $13 million project to improve water efficiency at Lake Brewster.

“I am delighted to confirm water is now being diverted to Lake Brewster for the first time since 2005,” Minister Costa said.

“This is fantastic news for the environment, and follows the recent completion of the Lake Brewster Water Efficiency Project, a $13 million investment to improve wetlands, water quality and water management.

“The first flows into the lake are a critical milestone in this project, and I look forward to seeing the improvements put to the test as we receive further inflows in the coming months.

“The project has received $7.5 million funding from the Australian Government with the rest of the costs being shared by the Lachlan Valley water users, the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority, the NSW Office of Water and State Water via water charges.”

The $13 million Lake Brewster Water Efficiency Project included works to:
• Revitalise 1,100ha of wetlands to improve water quality
• Construct a 5.5km dividing embankment across the lake to reduce evaporation
• Improve outlet works to enhance water flows.

Country Labor MLC for the Murray Darling Tony Catanzariti said the works are expected to save up to 10 billion litres of water a year.

“This means more water for irrigators and for the environment,” Mr Catanzariti said.

“Under the first ever Adaptive Environmental Water Licence and Water Use Plan, 60 percent of water savings will go to the environment, with the remaining water returned to the system for water users.

“This is a win-win – it will allow us to maintain wetlands in Lake Brewster and other environmental assets in the Lachlan, and will improve reliability for water users in dry years.

“The works will also reduce turbidity and blue-green algae, meaning water released into the Lachlan River will be of higher quality. In addition, State Water now also has the capability to drain the lake in future for carp control.

“This project is one of a number of water saving initiatives implemented by the NSW Government, working in concert with the Australian Government and the community.”

Media contact: Elizabeth Lawrence 0428 640 062