Securing lake Toolondo for summer
by Matthew Dixon on 28 Aug 2017
Brown trout Carl Hyland
An extra 5,000 megalitres of water is being transferred to Toolondo Reservoir, boosting one of Western Victoria’s premier trout fishing spots.
The allocation builds on the 5,000 megalitres announced earlier this month and is expected to keep the levels in Toolondo to above the minimum level for fisheries until late in 2018.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water will transfer the water to Toolondo Reservoir from Rocklands Reservoir, where water storage levels are above the required trigger point.
Shifting the water to Toolondo is also best practice water management, with Toolondo a more effective storage site heading into summer.
Storing the water in Toolondo at current water levels means less evaporation across the Grampians Wimmera Mallee system.
The Andrews Labor Government’s state-wide water plan – Water for Victoria – acknowledges the recreational values of our water resources and the need to consider these in how we manage water. It’s Target One Million plan also recognises the lake as an important fishery.
Toolondo remains a great place to fish thanks to transfers in recent years supporting water levels and providing security for trout, which have limited tolerance to warm water temperatures.
Drawing recreational fishers to the lake attracts valuable tourism, boosting local business and jobs in the region.
The Labor Government secured an initial 5,000 megalitre allocation for Lake Toolondo in 2015, fulfilling an key election commitment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“Lake Toolondo is important for fishing, the local community and the economy and this allocation will ensure it has the water it needs to keep it that way.”
“This transfer will securing water levels for fishing and will reduce evaporation, securing water levels across the region.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Toolondo is one of Victoria’s premier fishing destinations and this is yet another great boost for recreational anglers in our Wimmera region.”
“Getting more people, fishing more often is all part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan.
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