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East Gippsland Water Media Release

Bore initiative to secure Mallacoota water supplies well into the future Bore initiative to secure Mallacoota water supplies well into the future

By East Gippsland Water - 16th March 2011 - Back to News

East Gippsland Water has invested more than $400,000 in additional groundwater bores at Mallacoota to ensure secure drinking water supplies for the local community 50 years into the future.

The initiative takes account of changes in climate, along with the potential for population and economic growth in the local area. Low and unreliable water flows down the Betka River – the traditional source of drinking water for the community – has necessitated the utilisation of alternative, sustainable sources of water to meet local needs.

At the present time East Gippsland Water customers in Mallacoota are being supplied with all their water needs from a major aquifer, via two groundwater bores. Extensive expert analysis carried out by a team of hydrogeologists shows that this aquifer has a long-term sustainable yield of 715 megalitres a year, while current water usage by local customers is 160 megalitres a year and projected to grow to 220 megalitres in 2050. The annual extraction of 220 megalitres of groundwater is well within the environmentally sustainable limits of the aquifer.

In order to achieve this extraction rate, East Gippsland Water recently commissioned contractor Arcon to drill a further two groundwater bores to pump water from the aquifer and four bores to ensure appropriate monitoring of the level of the water resource. Under its groundwater extraction licence the Corporation will be able to access up to 220 megalitres annually.

Said East Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Les Mathieson: "The top priority for us is making sure that our Mallacoota customers have secure and high quality drinking water supplies to meet their needs well into the future. Being able to utilise two water sources, the Betka River and aquifer, in varying proportions, as and when required, gives us valuable flexibility in our supply of water to ensure it is managed in a safe and sustainable way for at least the next 50 years."

"This initiative forms an important part of our five-year, $67 million program of water security measures designed to ensure the long term-security of drinking water supplies across East Gippsland.

"Under another program targeted at helping to protect Mallacoota’s valuable drinking water supplies, we have started work on-site to install a shadecloth cover over the second of our drinking water storages in the town. The cover over the 41 megalitre storage is designed to greatly reduce the quantity of stored water lost through evaporation by some ten percent, which represents 7.3 megalitres a year. Once completed, in April, it will also significantly cut any risk of soil, algal or airborne contamination of stored water."

In addition to the two new water bores at Mallacoota, East Gippsland Water has overseen the installation of an emergency water supply bore at Gypsy Point on behalf of the State Government. This will be used for firefighting and other emergencies, and will be managed by the local community at Gypsy Point.

Ronan Carroll
Communications Manager

East Gippsland Water
P 03 5150 4434
M 0428 539 303
F 03 5150 4477
E rcarroll@egwater.vic.gov.au
W www.egwater.vic.gov.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.