RESIDENTS of the small Wimmera community of Toolondo are ecstatic after iconic trout fishery Lake Toolondo received an eleventh hour reprieve due to a State Government approved water allocation of 5000 megalitres.
Prior to the inflows, which began on Saturday, the lake was holding just 7000ml or 16pc of its capacity and water levels were getting dangerously low for the lake’s iconic brown trout population.
The announcement of the allocation was made at the lake on Saturday, with the Victorian Government bringing up its big guns to deliver the good news, with Premier Daniel Andrews, Water Minister Lisa Neville and Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford all in attendance.
The allocation was made possible by a donation of a water entitlement of 5000ml by miner Iluka, which formerly operated a sand mine in the south-west Wimmera near Toolondo.
The State Government will chip in with $100,000 which will be used to pay local water authority Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater) transportation costs.
Along with the local community, strong lobbying from Victoria’s angling community was central to winning the water.
Minister Neville said she was first made aware of the plight of the lake during a rally held in Geelong, where she is based, by anglers.
The ALP made an election promise to help Lake Toolondo leading into last year’s State election.
Speaking on Saturday Trevor Holmes, spokesman for the Save Toolondo group, congratulated Mr Andrews on following through with the pledge.
“Whatever side of politics you sit on, it is great to see Mr Andrews deliver on what he promised so quickly.”
Mr Andrews said the allocation was the first step in a push to lift the fortunes of the lake, which is revered by anglers for its unique micro-climate which leads to phenomenal growth rates in trout.
“We want to raise the profile of this lake across the state and across the country.”
The previous Coalition Government refused the emergency allocation to lake, saying directing water to Toolondo would jeopardise the Wimmera-Mallee’s water security and potentially threaten farmers’ stock and domestic water allocations.
Former Napthine Government Water Minister and State Nationals leader Peter Walsh said there were two major concerns with the decision to put water into Toolondo.
“Firstly, if there is a drought, who will pay for water to be pumped out of the lake.
“Secondly, this means the headworks operating rules have effectively been changed by the Premier.
“Those rules are now out the window and decisions can be made at the behest of the premier of the day.”
The GWMWater reservoir network currently sits at only 34pc of capacity, however since the implementation of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline the region’s water security is regarded as being among the best in the State in spite of it being situated in one of the State’s most arid zones.
Local residents at the announcement celebrated what they say is a recognition of their right to recreational water.
“We have no problem with other places getting water for recreation or with water being used for environmental purposes,” said Charlie Officer, Toolondo.
“We just wanted our fair share and it’s fantastic that we’ve got this result.”
Along with the allocation, the Government has formed a Lake Toolondo Recreation Fishing Advisory Group, headed by former State Agriculture Minister Joe Helper, to help set policy for the lake’s future.
