Water released from Eildon

G-MW increased the releases from Lake Eildon to 3000 Ml/day on Saturday, August 27.

“We have been closely monitoring storage levels and the rain forecast to determine if and when releases might be necessary,” Ms Cusack said.

“The releases from Lake Eildon will remain below minor flood levels. G-MW will continue to monitor the flows into the storage and adjust the release rate as required.

“There is a fine balance between holding capacity to absorb further inflows, managing downstream impacts and ensuring that the storage is filled prior to downstream demands commencing.

“G-MW is committed to ensuring its storage capacities are maximised, providing as much water available to entitlement holders as possible.”

Under its Goulburn system bulk entitlement, G-MW is obliged to consider filling targets through winter and spring to control the rate of rise in Lake Eildon.

The last time water was released from Lake Eildon under pre-release arrangements was in late 2012.

Hume Dam and Dartmouth Dam are also close to their full supply level, while Lake Buffalo, Lake Nillahcootie, Lake William Hovell, Newlyn Reservoir and Hepburns Lagoon are all passing flows downstream.

Ms Cusack said it was also important people checked their own dams.

“Above-average rainfall is expected in all catchments in northern Victoria and there is an increased chance of flooding,” she said.

“If you have a dam that can cause downstream damage should it fail, we encourage you to take some general precautions including inspecting and monitoring your dam, clearing spillways and outlet pipes to help pass floodwater, and repairing any cracks and other defects.”

Check the Bureau of Meteorology’s and VicEmergency’s websites and apps to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings.