Ovens Basin Draft Water Quality Strategy
The Strategy is similar in scope to that of the Upper North East. It is needed to maintain the relatively favourable water quality conditions that exist in the Basin today and because of the contributions it makes to Murray River flows and loads. The strategy is also required to address blue-green algal blooms in Lake Mulwala and downstream, nutrient concentrations, turbidity and salinity levels.
Strategy objectives include:
1) To maintain or improve water quality of the surface and groundwaters of the Ovens Basin.
2) To reduce the risk of blue-green algal blooms within the Ovens Basin and downstream.
3) To reduce nutrient and sediment load contributions from the Ovens Basin to the River Murray.
4) To maintain and improve riverine environments throughout the Ovens Basin.
5) To foster regional development through ensuring supplies of high quality water for industries and communities.
The total estimated cost of the proposed Strategy actions, in terms of 1998 dollars (Net Present Value discounted over a thirty year period at 8%) is $64 million. This includes capital, operational, maintenance and other costs. The Victorian Government is expected to invest 16% of this total with the other sources of funding coming from Federal Government (18%), Local Government (23%) and private industry/landholders.
Benefits expected from the Strategy include:
- Reduced risks and associated costs of toxic blue-green algal blooms.
- Reduced costs for water treatment.
- Product quality and economic benefits accruing to agricultural and secondary industries.
- Attraction of new industries requiring high quality water supplies to the region.
- Regional market advantages associated with a ‘clean and green’ image.
- Flow-on employment and regional development benefits.
- Reduced risk of damage to public and private infrastructure through stream and gully erosion.
- Public health benefits resulting from high quality water supplies.
- Enhanced asthenic, public amenity and recreational values.
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2012.
This document was last reviewed on 18/09/2008