Thursday, 14 November 2019

In reply to  Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (31 October 2019)

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education):

With respect to First, Second and Third Reedy Lakes—these Lakes are not part of the state game reserve system and are not available for hunting. These Lakes are located to the north-west of Kerang, close to the Murray Valley Highway. The Third Reedy Lake is not presently being drawn down.

The Connections Project provided a unique opportunity to restore the natural wetting and drying conditions of the Lake that existed prior to the Lake being an irrigation storage lake.

In preparation for restoring the natural watering regime, the project is working with relevant agencies to undertake intensive monitoring to support fish translocation to manage any potential impact to native fish populations.

This process is being undertaken consistent with the Operational Environmental Management Plan that was prepared in accordance with Commonwealth and State legislative requirements and is available on Connections Project website.

Big Reedy Lagoon State Game Reserve is located approximately 4km west of Yarrawonga and is available for hunting. Reedy Lake at Nagambie south-west of Shepparton is available for hunting. Reedy Swamp 5km north-west of Shepparton is no longer a state game reserve and not available for hunting.