Flows will ramp up in mid-November to target a peak flow of around 7000 megalitres a day by November 16 before receding to a base flow of about 1000 megalitres a day by November 24.
The increased flow is to promote fish spawning.
This decision has raised questions about the timing, necessity and consequences of such an environmental release.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder 2023-24 seasonal watering plan, under the Goulburn River section, outlines and defines a “late spring fresh”.
This involves releasing water from Eildon to the Goulburn during the October/November period to stimulate golden and silver perch spawning, scour bed sediments to maintain pools and improve habitats for water bugs as well as increase food availability.
In the scenario planning section of the document, it says golden and silver perch do not need to spawn every year to maintain good populations, but actions to improve native fish populations will be taken where possible.
It goes on to say late spring freshes are known to trigger spawning in the lower Goulburn River, and water for the environment may be used to deliver freshes in spring 2023 as long as their “timing does not compromise the re-establishment of bank vegetation”.
Trelly’s Outdoor owner and Shepparton resident Steve Threlfall said the vegetation at the bottom of the river hadn’t seen normal flow for 12 months.
This affects the life cycles of all life in the river, from fish to plants.
“I’m not a scientist, but without the river getting low enough to allow the vegetation to get sunlight, it becomes like a desert, for lack of a better term,” he said.
“They don’t get that growth, and it’s unfavourable conditions for all life in the river.”
Mr Threlfall pointed out that there was a new hatchery in Arcadia that would produce millions of fish for the Goulburn and that the environmental flow would lead to poor acclimation for the newly born fish.
The $7 million hatchery was built in 2022 and was part of the Victorian Government’s Go Fishing plan.
The Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body supported the initiative, and chair Rob Loats said it was expected to produce more than half a million Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch and other native fish once at full capacity.
Mr Loats echoed concerns about the timing of the environmental release.
With the rivers already at high levels, he questioned the necessity of this flow when recreational users had finally gained the opportunity to enjoy the river.
He emphasised the importance of giving the river, its banks and vegetation time to recover, arguing that the decision disrupts regional tourism and affects the social and economic value of the area.
“It’s bad for camping and fishing, and the river needs a rest,” Mr Loats said.
“It needs a lot more thought regarding the timing, and they need to take into account the recent history.”
As a local business owner, Mr Threlfall said the potential economic consequences of this decision could not be overstated.
He said it threatened to spoil the upcoming cod season opening on December 1, discouraging families from engaging in river-related activities and negatively affecting local outdoor businesses.
“Without that talk at the table over November heading into Christmas time, it could really affect the businesses,” Mr Threlfall said.
“With my 35 years of experience in this industry, I could see profits falling up to 50 per cent, and that’s not an exaggeration.”
He also stressed that the environmental flow could lead to further erosion and destruction of riverbank vegetation, which was crucial for the river’s ecosystem.
In total, Mr Threlfall said there was likely no more than a month over the past year when riverbanks were dry enough for boat access and riverside paths were open for recreational activities and camping.
VR Fish executive officer Ben Scullin recognised the difficulty in balancing the need for a healthy river alongside recreational fishing.
Mr Scullin referred to the seasonal watering plan and emphasised that, according to the plan, the environmental release should only happen if specific criteria were met, including months of stable base flow to not damage river vegetation.
“The banks are still wet, so I see the perspective of recreational fishers,” Mr Scullin said,
“We want the best possible conditions for spawning, recruitment, all of that.
“Environmental flow is essential, there’s no doubt about that.
“But the position of VR Fish is right now it’s not necessary.”
The News brought these concerns to the attention of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and offered it an opportunity to respond.
The CMA did not answer specific questions but indicated it would have a media release out later in the week with more details about the environmental flow.
