Media Release: MINISTER ORDERS GOULBURN RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

FROM THE MINISTER FOR WATER

DATE: Thursday, March 18, 2004

MINISTER ORDERS GOULBURN RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

Acting Premier and Minister for Environment and Water John Thwaites today announced the first independent environmental audit into a major Victorian river system following a significant fish kill downstream of the Goulburn Weir.

“This environmental audit into the Goulburn River will help us improve the management and understanding of the river system to help prevent any further deaths of our native fish and preserve the health of the system for the whole region,” Mr Thwaites said.

A substantial number of native fish, including 90 Murray Cod, as well as 110 introduced Carp, were found dead downstream of the Goulburn Weir between 14 and 21 January.

An EPA investigation into the fish kill found no evidence of chemical pollution but that oxygen levels in parts of the river were too low for fish to survive.

“The EPA is still finalising its investigation but advised me that the cause of the low levels of oxygen may not be identified.”

Mr Thwaites said the independent environmental audit would be led by EAP and scoped in partnership with key stakeholders to try to clarify key aspects of the river’s health, particularly in the area of the deaths.

“The EPA will appoint an independent environmental auditor to carry out the study,” Mr Thwaites said.

“The auditing is a proactive approach to identify any areas in which we can improve the management of the river to meet the needs for the environment and water users,” he said.

The stakeholders involved with the audit will include Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industries, Environment Victoria, VRFish and key local environment groups.

Mr Thwaites said improving river health was a key goal of the Bracks Government.

“The Goulburn Broken system is vital in supporting native fish, critical to irrigators, the region’s urban communities and the economy.

“We need to ensure it continues as a healthy and vibrant river system,” Mr Thwaites said.