Water groups partner to protect catchment
Gippsland Water has led a joint project planting native shrubs and grasses at Willow Grove to protect Blue Rock Lake from pollutants.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said the project would improve the water quality of the lake, while also benefitting the local environment.
“Visitors will notice that a section of a gully near the Blue Rock walking track at Willow Grove has been fenced and planted with native shrubs and grasses,” Ms Cumming said.
“The newly planted area is designed to catch pollutants brought in by stormwater – such as rubbish, garden pesticides and grease and oil from roads – reducing the amount that enters the lake.
“This plantation improves water quality while making the process of treating it for drinking water more efficient.”
Ms Cumming said the project was part of Gippsland Water’s commitment to maintaining the local environment for future generations to enjoy.
“This is an effective and sustainable solution to improving raw water quality, supporting the natural environment and increasing efficiency.”
Gippsland Water draws from Blue Rock Lake to supply drinking water to Willow Grove, Moe, Newborough, Trafalgar and Yarragon.
The lake also supplies water to power generators, regional businesses, agriculture and the environment and is a popular recreational boating and fishing destination.
The project was delivered in partnership with Southern Rural Water which manages Blue Rock Lake; Tanjil Landcare and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, who assisted with design and plant species selection; the graziers who lease the land; and Baw Baw Shire Council.
It is one of six Gippsland-based projects to come from the Gippsland Integrated Water Management Forum, a State Government initiative as part of Water for Victoria, the strategic plan for the water resources of Victoria.
