Just when it could be thought that the ecology of these lakes could be given the opportunity to recover, following good winter rains and the breaking of the years of drought, AAT believes that this opportunity could be in serious danger.
We urge all Clubs and individuals to write or email Minister Llewellyn on this matter based on the information below:
- AAT accepted the need to allow water from Sorell into Crescent for the endangered Galaxia. This danger is no longer and Crescent contains ample water for their spawning and survival. We also endorsed the removal of trout to enhance this process.
- Given the Crescent levels there is no need for further water from Sorell. This water should remain to give this Lake and its wet lands its best chance to recover.
- It would seem obvious that presently there is no need to raise Crescent further unless Government has water for irrigation in mind.
- There is no longer an emergency situation for the Clyde irrigation scheme so the ground breaking water management plans (set aside by Government) should again apply and emergency needs removed.
- Irrigators have been given other supplies from the Shannon River at taxpayer’s expense and these supplies are still in place.
- Further this Shannon scheme has been announced as the Government’s preferred model so as to relieve the past and ongoing pressure placed on these Lakes.
- The farmer’s vast irrigation dams are now full and there are spring rains yet to come. There is no reason to threaten the recovery of Sorell by building the levels of Crescent so that irrigators can demand an allocation of water from these artificially raised levels.
- Through the Minister’s working party committee AAT is reasonably negotiating angler’s views on the Government’s proposed irrigation schemes and we have achieved much. It would be a matter of great concern should the past imbalances of water management at Sorell and Crescent interferes with this process.
Present conditions offer the best chance in 10 years to manage an environmental recovery of the Interlaken Lakes.
Last year, despite the ongoing drought and the irrigator’s protestations, it would seem that they experienced some record crops despite their claims of the worst conditions in contemporary times.
AAT believes that it is entirely reasonable for the lakes’ environment to take precedence over irrigation in this time of plenty and we seek the support of all anglers.
Click here to email the Minister or write to:
The Hon. David Llewellyn
Minster for Primary Industry and Water
Parliament House
Hobart 7000
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