August 12, 2025
Supplied by West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
This month, West Gippsland CMA will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Thomson River Environmental Entitlement. That means that for 20 years, water has been released into the Thomson River (Carran Carran) with the primary aim of improving the environmental condition of the river for the plants and animals that live there. We think that’s something worth recognising!
After the devastation of the Millenium drought, legislation was put in place to protect waterways from stress and ensure the survival of aquatic ecosystems.
In August 2005, a legal right was created to take and use water to keep the Thomson River (Carran Carran) healthy – water for the environment!
Since then, around 240 gigalitres of water for the environment has been delivered to 170 km of the river, supporting the health of the river and the broader Lake Wellington catchment, which includes sensitive Ramsar-listed wetlands.
We’ve achieved many things with the delivery of water for the environment, including:
- helping native fish such as the endangered Australian grayling breed and increase their populations
- connecting rivers to help fish move throughout the system
- providing flows to improve water quality for aquatic animals during dry times
- sustaining wetland habitats during dry periods
- maintaining wetland habitat for nesting waterbirds.
To celebrate the anniversary, you are invited to a free lunchtime webinar on Wednesday 27 August at 12 – 12.45pm
Register here: 20 years of water for the environment in the Thomson River.
Environmental Water Officer Dr Stephanie Suter will talk about the Thomson Environmental Entitlement – how it came about and everything it’s achieved over the past 20 years. Waterways Project Officer David Stork will talk about the fishways on the Thomson River (Carran Carran) – how they work and why they are important.
So, if you love your fishing or just love rivers, sign up below.
