Sheed calls on the state government to save the summer holidays for hundreds of families

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the state government to ensure that hundreds of families can enjoy their summer holidays.

“A lot of money has been spent recently upgrading facilities at Greens Lake but water levels are becoming too low for many recreational purposes,” Ms Sheed said.

Greens Lake is an off-stream water storage lake about 7.5 kilometres north east of the Corop township.

“The low water level situation, combined with a decision by Goulburn Murray Water to stop pumping water into the lake, has the potential to prevent hundreds of families from enjoying their summer holidays by the lake,” Ms Sheed said.

“The government needs to help ensure that water is delivered into the late for the summer season so families can finally have a break after this very stressful year.”

“The lake has been a popular local attraction where families can enjoy affordable holidays by parking their caravans or camping for free.

“Unfortunately, families are now in danger of losing that destination due to a recent decision by Goulburn Murray Water to decommission pumps that deliver water into the lake from the Waranga Channel.”

“The volume of water in the lake at the moment is becoming unsustainable for most recreational purposes,” Ms Sheed said.

Ms Sheed has written to the Minister for Water, the Hon Lisa Neville MP, calling on the government to take action.

“The lake has a capacity of some 32,500 megalitres and according to Goulburn Murray Water it is only at 29 per cent capacity at the moment.”

“The lake has always been a popular place for free camping and has a picnic area, tables, plenty of shade, rubbish bins, a boat ramp and toilet facilities.”

“The recreation facilities have recently been upgraded by Goulburn Murray Water.”

Ms Sheed said she has been advised that Greens Lake is no longer needed by Goulburn Murray Water for water storage purposes and that the pumps connecting the lake to the Waranga Channel are to be decommissioned.

“The only water that may ultimately be in Greens Lake is what falls into it.”

“With a long hot summer ahead of us, it is imperative for recreation – and possible firefighting purposes – that more water be put into the lake while there is still time to do so.”

“Post-COVID, many families are in dire need of an enjoyable break that is also affordable and Greens Lake provides them with a perfect location that has significant natural beauty.”

“It doesn’t make any sense to build a range of new recreational facilities at Greens Lake and then fail to ensure there is enough water in the lake for holidaymakers to enjoy.”

“The decision to stop keeping the lake at a functional level for recreational and environmental purposes was made without sufficient consultation, with many recreational and other users feeling that their views were not taken into account.”

“I call on Goulburn Murray Water and the Water Minister to reverse this decision so that families can enjoy the summer they deserve.”

ENDS

Media contact

Jacqui Hawkins 0403 657 267│jacqui.hawkins@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version