GWMWater will continue its long-standing commitment to supply recreational water across the Wimmera and Mallee after confirming plans to allocate water to support pipeline-supplied recreation lakes this summer.
The GWMWater Board has approved the transfer of up to 1,850 megalitres (ML) from its urban and rural water holdings to the Recreation Water Entitlement, ensuring critical water supplies for 14 popular lakes and weirs across the region.
A further 680 ML of high reliability Murray and Goulburn entitlements will be used to supply Ouyen Lake and Green Lake at Sea Lake.
GWMWater Managing Director Mark Williams said supply to recreation lakes was a priority outcome for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.
“Water for recreation remains a high priority for our communities and visitors alike. It supports local economies, encourages tourism, and adds significantly to the liveability of towns across the Wimmera and Mallee,” he said.
Recreational lakes supplied via the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline have been consistently underwritten by GWMWater for more than 15 years using unused growth water. In 2024/25, 2,699 ML was delivered to Grampians-supplied lakes, with 753 ML carried over into the new season. This leaves a shortfall of about 1,850 ML, which will now be made up from GWMWater’s urban and rural holdings.
Mr Williams said the supply would not compromise water supply to other GWMWater customers.
“Transfers will start this month, which is normally a low demand period in the rural pipeline network,” he said.
A recent study revealed that 10 key pipeline-supplied recreation lakes contributed $8 million to the regional economy per year.
In addition to these allocations, the Storage Manager has authorised the transfer of 12,360 ML from Rocklands Reservoir to Taylors Lake, beginning 18 August 2025. This transfer is essential to ensure an adequate supply is held in Taylors Lake to meet expected environmental demand for the 2025/26 water year, while also providing recreational value and acting as a backup supply for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.
GWMWater will continue engaging with stakeholders and recreation users through its Regional Recreation Water Users Group, scheduled to meet in September, to discuss seasonal conditions and reaffirm the organisation’s ongoing commitment to water for recreation.
Recreation Lakes and Weir Pools to receive water allocation:
- Beulah Weir Pool
- Brim Weir Pool
- Donald Caravan Park Lake
- Green Lake (near Sea Lake)
- Lake Lascelles (Hopetoun)
- Lake Marma (Murtoa)
- Ouyen Lake
- Rainbow Lake
- Tchum Lake (Birchip)
- Walkers Lake (Avon Plains)
- Warracknabeal Weir Pool
- Watchem Lake
- Wooroonook Lake
- Yaapeet Lake