GMW defends Loch Garry review committee appointment process

By Murray Silby

Feb 9, 2023

**Under review:** Loch Garry shortly after last year’s floods had receded. The process for removing the bars during times of flood is outlined in operating rules that will be reviewed by a special committee. Photo by Murray Silby

Goulburn-Murray Water has defended the process taken to appoint a committee that will conduct a post-floods review of Loch Garry’s management.

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Many people living on the floodplain below the loch, which is located on the Goulburn River near Bunbartha, have claimed the impact of the floods was bigger and more widespread because of mismanagement in the lead-up and during last October’s floods.

The loch helps provide protection from minor to moderate flooding for downstream landowners, but it is opened during larger events to allow flood flows to follow their natural course.

The committee appointed by G-MW will review the loch’s operating rules in the aftermath of last October’s floods.

It will meet for the first time on Monday, February 13, but some residents whose properties were damaged in the floods have questioned some of the community representatives on the committee, suggesting they do not live in the Loch Garry area, but GMW has defended the appointments.

“The committee is a diverse group, but they all share a sound understanding of Loch Garry and have strong community ties,” G-MW Incident and Recovery general manager Peter Clydesdale said.

“I am confident they will be good representatives of both the Loch Garry customers and the broader public.

“The Loch Garry Reference Committee includes five G-MW Loch Garry customers (ratepayers) and three community representatives.

“The community representatives were not required to live in the Loch Garry area; however, one of the selection criteria they were assessed on was their involvement in a diverse network enabling an understanding of the needs of local community as it relates to the operation of Loch Garry.”

Mr Clydesdale said the selection process included applicants being given a score based on how well their submissions demonstrated their familiarity with the loch and its operations, their community networks and ability to represent a range of views, and the skills and experience they would bring to the committee.

G-MW says the Loch Garry Reference Committee will provide guidance on the future service requirements and operation of the Loch Garry infrastructure.

More information on the selection criteria can be found in the Loch Garry Reference Committee terms of reference, available at https://yoursay.gmwater.com.au/loch-garry-reference-committee