Lake Numurkah improvement opportunities – have your say

Published on 02 March 2022

A comprehensive water study has been completed on Lake Numurkah and now Council wants to hear from the public, not only from Moira Shire but also visitors and interested businesses, on the possible improvement opportunities to develop this beloved community asset.

Mayor Libro Mustica said Council was committed to the long-term future of Lake Numurkah and had allocated $50,000 to undertake an analysis of water flows and develop landscape upgrade options.

“This analysis, performed by water engineering specialists Spiire, involved a review of all aspects of the lake including survey work and landscaping opportunities,” he said.

“The results of this analysis include retaining a portion of the lake for ornamental/recreational purposes; use integrated water management for water treatment; incorporate wetlands into the design; and provide a stormwater management solution as Numurkah develops to the north.

“We now want to hear from you – what do you think of the various improvement opportunities outlined in the analysis?”

Cr Mustica acknowledged many members of the community just wanted the lake full of water year-round.

“But to achieve that, Council would need to regularly purchase additional water which could put us in active competition with our farmers for water,” he said.

“It is important to note that since the lake was built the irrigation water sector has totally transformed.

“Water is now tradeable with both temporary and permanent markets operating.

“What this means is that in some seasons water has a higher value on the market to some water owners than its perceived value as water used for irrigation or recreational purposes.”

Lake Numurkah provides a unique and special open space area for the local community and visitors.

“The lake was constructed in the 1970s by a private developer and was supported by the then Numurkah Shire,” Cr Mustica said.

“With the recent low water levels the following issues have appeared - reduced amenity; poor water quality including high e.coli concentrations; proliferation of aquatic vegetation limiting recreational activities; and reduced recreational value.

“This low water level also reduced fish habitat and in 2019 Council arranged and paid for the removal of more than 60 native fish from the lake into the neighbouring Broken Creek.

“It is important to note Council continues to work with the private company who owns the majority of the lake and they have been shown this landscape master plan.”

To view the analysis report, for further information on this ongoing project or to have your say go to our website.

There is also an informative video presented by Council’s Director Sustainable Communities Sally Rice and the Spiire consultants, detailing the analysis and improvement opportunities.

If you don’t have internet access or need a hard copy of the survey or analysis report give our Customer Experience team a call.

Feedback on the improvement opportunities for Lake Numurkah will close 5pm Thursday 31 March.