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Lake Tyers estuary conditions being monitored amid community concerns of water quality risks by East Gippsland CMA

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is monitoring Lake Tyers estuary conditions, addressing community concerns about high water levels affecting local infrastructure and businesses, while assessing potential risks to fish.

By news@gippsland - 18th September 2024 - Back to News

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) continues to monitor conditions at Lake Tyers estuary with Parks Victoria, Gippsland Ports and the Victorian Fisheries Authority. East Gippsland CMA, Gippsland Ports and the East Gippsland Shire Council met with the Nowa Nowa community last week to discuss the current estuary conditions. This offered the community an opportunity to ask questions regarding the high levels of the lake that are affecting infrastructure and businesses in their local area.

Nowa Nowa infrastructure inundated from Lake Tyers estuary closed

Addressing estuary concerns

Bec Hemming, CEO of the East Gippsland CMA said, "The delicate balance of social, cultural, economic, and environmental values are all taken into account when considering an artificial estuary opening. Last week the East Gippsland CMA undertook water quality monitoring throughout the lake."

"The oxygen levels remain low in Lake Tyers, particularly in the lower parts of the water column. This is a potential major risk to fish. If we were to undertake an artificial estuary opening with the current conditions, it would be highly likely fish would suffer. Rain and flow into the catchment are required to mix the oxygen throughout the water column," added Bec.

When we have a rain event the East Gippsland CMA, in partnership with other agencies will undertake further water quality monitoring to see if the conditions have improved to consider an artificial estuary opening.

Pictures from East Gippsland CMA website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com