In its 2024 Annual Water Outlook, GV Water said water restrictions are unlikely this year, and drinking water supplies are in a stable position for the region.
The Kyabram and district area sits between two water systems, the Goulburn system and the Seven Creeks system, which mainly services Euroa and Violet Town.
The Goulburn system supplies water to the Kyabram community, and both this and the Seven Creeks system have a less than one percent chance of implementing water restrictions.
The main contributors to the secure water supply in Kyabram and district are strong water storage and wetter catchments following the spring 2022 floods.
GV Water forecasts “more frequent and severe droughts” in the future, consistent with the ongoing climate trend of alternating wet and dry years.
However, it is preparing strategies to manage these challenges.
With storage facilities across the Goulburn Valley, GV Water expects water supply systems to be secure at least for the short term.
Additionally, the security of unlikely water restrictions is bolstered by Agriculture Australia’s December to February 2025 outlook which projects average to above average rainfall.
Also in the Annual Water Outlook, GVW acknowledged the transformation of the Merrigum Water Treatment Plant into Dunyak Moira which has become a popular catch and release fishing spot.
GVW managing director Dr Steve Capewell said initiatives, like the Dunyak Moira fishing spot, are part of the 2022 Urban Water Strategy and produced every five years.
Dr Capewell explained that the 2022 strategy comprehensively addressed water availability and waste-water demand across short, medium, and long-term time frames, ensuring a robust approach to water management.
“The 2027 strategy will create more opportunities for the use of recycled water, which was a preference outlined by our customers during engagement for the development of the 2022 Urban Water Strategy,” he said.
The full Annual Water Outlook can be viewed on the GVW website.
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