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West Gippsland CMA celebrates 20 years protecting Thomson River and supporting Gippsland communities on 27 August

West Gippsland CMA celebrates 20 years of environmental water deliveries, keeping the Thomson River alive, supporting native fish breeding, restoring ecosystems, and providing vital flows for communities, wildlife, and recreation across Gippsland.

By news@gippsland - 18th August 2025 - Back to News

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is celebrating 20 years of delivering water to keep the much-loved Thomson River (Carran Carran) alive, flowing and healthy. After the devastation of the Millenium drought, legislation was put in place to protect Victorian waterways from stress and ensure the survival of these precious aquatic ecosystems.

Join our free 20th anniversary webinar, Wednesday 27 August, 12pm, with experts discussing Thomson Environmental Entitlement achievements and vital fishways

Keeping rivers alive

In August 2005, a legal right was created to take and use water from the Thomson Dam with the primary aim of improving the environmental condition of the Thomson river for the plants and animals that live there.

"The Thomson entitlement was the first of its kind in our region and one of the first in the state. Known as water for the environment, it's water that's released into the river to support the environment and triggers native fish to breed. It literally keeps the river and wetlands alive - especially in dry times. We definitely think that's worth celebrating!" explained Dr Stephanie Suter, Environmental Water Officer for West Gippsland CMA.

Celebrating river success

What's also worth celebrating are the impressive stats over 20 years. Since 2005 we have:

• Delivered 240 gigalitres of water to the river
• Kept the river alive during eight years of drought
• Released water to 170 kilometres along the river

"These water deliveries are just one of the important ways we support Thomson. Other key measures include construction of fishways at Cowwarr and Horseshoe bend to reconnect the river for native fish and ongoing restoration works to remove weeds, install stock exclusion fences and plant native vegetation along the river and its tributaries. All these activities are part of the recipe for river and wetland health," Dr Stephanie Suter said.

Connecting through rivers

Healthy, flowing rivers are also enjoyed by kayakers, canoe clubs, anglers, walkers, birdwatchers, campers, photographers, four wheel enthusiasts and more. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, we are hosting a free lunchtime webinar on Wednesday 27 August at 12pm.

• Environmental Water Officer, Dr Stephanie Suter will talk about the Thomson Environmental Entitlement - how it can 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 - how they work and why they are important

So, if you love your fishing, swimming, kayaking or just love rivers, sign up at West Gippsland CMA website.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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