A REVIEW OF HISTORIC WESTERN VICTORIAN LAKE CONDITIONS IN RELATION TO FISH DEATHS
Publication 1108 March 2007
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Eel deaths occurred in waterways across Victoria from 2004 to 2006. EPA Victoria worked with responsible agencies to investigate the cause of the deaths. An information gap was identified regarding changes throughout the catchments over time. Much of this knowledge had not been documented formally and was difficult to assess. It is important to note that this report is based on a number of published accounts of the historical timeline as well as utilising personal accounts of history. Therefore there may be small discrepancies in exact dates. Anecdotal evidence and unpublished reports of the history of lakes Modewarre, Bolac and Colac indicate that, over the past 150 years, all lakes in the Western District have shown a distinct pattern of drying out during periods of extended drought. As early as 1846 the lakes showed signs of drying, which would indicate that any fish within those lakes also died due to lack of good quality water. The three lakes examined have been stocked by landholders, recreational anglers or commercial eel fishermen to hold the current stock of fish and eels. The catchments in which each lake sits have undergone changes, including culverts being developed to reduce flooding, the size of water storage reservoirs being increased and changes in agricultural practices.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EPA would like to formally acknowledge the contribution of all those who assisted with the research into the Western District lakes. Much information was held in the minds of those who visit the lakes regularly for recreation, farming and lifestyle, and it is this that has provided such broad insight into one of Victoria’s precious resources. We thank the following for their contributions: Community members and groups from towns surrounding the lakes, local landowners, professional eel fishermen, Colac Historical Society, Geelong Historical Society, Lake Bolac Historical Society and Information Centre, Winchelsea Historical Society, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industry, Barwon Water, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire and Ararat Shire Council.
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INTRODUCTION summer period of 2005—06, a hot north wind blew for one or two days, followed by a southerly change that EPA has been investigating a number of eel and fish caused great turbidity in the water due to wave action. deaths across Victoria in the past two years. While This occurred three times, and after each occasion scientific research has been undertaken and continues, eels washed up dead. social and historical knowledge relating to the lakes Other lakes in the Western District have also across the Western District is often the type of experienced incidents of eel and/or fish deaths. In the knowledge that may assist in finding common links 1970s Lake Gnarpurt reportedly suffered a large eel relating to the eel deaths. death event, locally thought to be due to a blue-green EPA has gathered social and technical information algal bloom. In 1980 another eel death was attributed relating to the response of Western District waterways to ‘Red Tide’, and around the year 2000 both ‘Red to dry periods with respect to eel and fish deaths, Tide’ and low water levels were considered to have changes in catchment conditions that may have resulted in large numbers of eel deaths. impacted on water quality and quantity in waterways, ‘Red Tide’ is an estuarine or marine algal bloom. It and the management of the waterways with respect to often appears in such high concentration that it water quality and quantity. Three lakes which have appears to change the water red or brown. been involved in recent fish and eel deaths have been the focus: lakes Modewarre, Bolac and Colac. Around 1983 locals report that Lake Murdeduke had a large fish and eel death event caused by a ‘Red Tide’ EPA has also produced a report (Publication 1109) and low water levels. In 2001 another fish kill event highlighting findings and future directions for research occurred although no dead eels were reported. into the fish and eel deaths. These two reports support each other. During 1974 noxious blooms of blue-green algae occurred in Lake Burrumbeet. The deaths of numerous livestock and several fish kills have been attributed to REPORTED INCIDENTS OF EEL AND FISH the bloom (EPA 1976b). Anecdotal evidence suggests DEATHS IN WESTERN VICTORIAN LAKES that around 2002—03, following November rains an algal bloom developed and carp died in the lake. Later, Little documentation of fish and eel deaths within the when water levels dropped, eels also died. Deaths of Western District lakes exists. While there are eels caused by the effects of eutrophication, or numerous references to periods of drought, little nutrient pollution, in Lake Colongulac were also reference has been made to the death of the aquatic documented, but no reference to the date was made. species that inhabit the waters. (Bookaar 1983, Ballarat University 2005) During the summer of 2004—05 fish and eels died en In 1841 George Robinson reported in his journal, ‘The masse in Lake Modewarre. A local resident recalls that water in the lake (lake Bolac) was nearly dried up. The on 22 December 2004 carp died en masse, although shore resembled the shore on the sea. Dead eels were no dead or ill trout or minnow were observed. On 31 strewed along the beach. Counted 100 dead and large. January 2005 the resident recalls seeing dead eels From 2 to 3 feet and a half long and 3 inches thick… between the north rocks and the boat harbour. At this the dead eels lay in heaps: dead eels lay in mounds; time it was estimated that there were 50 dead eels for thousands of dead eels and very large ones too, every 100 metres of shoreline. The eels were described strewed the ground around the lake’. as all being large eels with blood flush around the jaw. During mid-February 2006 a larger eel death incident LAKE MODEWARRE occurred, with numerous sizes of eels observed to be dead or dying. A resident recalls that the eels Lake Modewarre is a shallow crater lake located 27 km appeared as if they were trying to escape from the south-west of Geelong on the Princes Highway near water, travelling about a metre up the shoreline then Moriac. The lake is situated in a 533-hectare Crown returning to the water’s edge. Many of the eels were reserve established in 1965 for public recreation. The observed to be bleeding from the gills and had large lake area averages 414 hectares, with a capacity of white lesions on their bodies. 13,100 megalitres and an average depth of between 3.5 and 4.5 m. The small catchment (less than 250 km2) Significant eel deaths were also reported in lakes extends in an elongated shape from the northern Bolac and Colac during the 2005—06 summer. Over slopes of Mt Moriac in the north-east to the south of 5000 eels were reported in the Lake Bolac incidents Wurdiboluc Reservoir in the south-west (see figure 3.1). and approximately 200 in Lake Colac. Both lakes are in The two main drainage lines feed from these periods of drought and have been affected in the past extremities (Winstanley 2002). by changing regimes and altered environmental flows. One Lake Bolac resident recalled a conversation he had with a keen fisherman in the area. During the
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construction of the now known Wurdee Buloc Reservoir commenced in 1927 using horses, scoops and manpower. It is cited in a report by Kinhill Stearns (1986) that the Cape Otway Road had to be diverted to the south to accommodate the development of the swamp to a reservoir. Around 1945 the lake was reported to be very low and some farmers had been able to wade across to the other side. In 1947—48 Lake Modewarre was totally dry and farmers would go rabbiting and graze sheep on the middle of the lakebed. At this time, two man-made dams were evident (due to the lake being dry) on the western side of the lake. It is thought that these dams may have been constructed during a long period of Figure 3.1 Lake Modewarre catchment area drought in the past for stock-watering purposes. It is History also believed that, at this time, the lake had been reduced to two big swamps with Lewis Road running Prior to European settlement the Wathaurong people through the middle (Anecdotal). occupied a large region that included the Lake By 1955 the second enlargement of the Wurdee Buloc Modewarre catchment. Between 1803 and 1832 William Reservoir was well under way. The banks were Buckley had described the lake as being perfectly extended, and increased in height by about 1.8 m, and fresh and abundant in eels, with the lake surrounds Cape Otway Road was relocated again (Kinhill Stearns being well established, with red gums and other trees 1986). providing excellent shelter. In 1846 the lake was recorded as being dry; an extract from a journal by Dr During the 1960s the Council was proclaimed the Thomson stated this was the first time he had seen the authority in control of navigation of the lake. Water lake dry (Wynd 1992). levels of the lake could still not be controlled, resulting in Council buying land around the lake (Wynd 1992). 1863 to 1864 were recorded wet years for the Western District. Flooding had inundated 780 acres around the During 1967 to 1970, the area was experiencing lake with some properties being six to seven feet another dry period. Farm dams had dried up, underwater. A proposal was made by local councillors particularly in the Western District, where a drought to construct a tunnel and drain from Lake Modewarre had begun (Keating 1992). In 1969 Lake Modewarre to Browns Swamp (see section 3.3 for tunnel was very low and boating enthusiasts were unable to construction details). Anecdotal evidence suggests use the lake. The Geelong Water and Sewerage Trust that, around 1864—65 Wurdee Buloc swamp (GWST) supplied millions of gallons a day to Lake overflowed into a nearby creek and into Lake Modewarre to top it up. This process was repeated Modewarre. periodically in the ensuing years (Wynd 1992). Heavy rains in the district in 1880 caused Lake In August 1976, because water levels in the lake were Modewarre to flood, an extract from Stephenson’s low, a request to the Geelong Water and Sewerage journal states, ‘Heavy rains in the district caused Lake Trust on behalf of the Lake Modewarre Reserve Modewarre which at this time last year was almost dry, Committee was made, requesting that water be to present a capital sheet of water. At the flood time provided to Lake Modewarre. This was denied, citing and during the past week there was a continuous that storage levels on the Barwon system were only 53 stream of water flowing from the outlet and fully 50 per cent full (Geelong Advertiser 1976b). persons were engaged in catching eels, the lake being The community surrounding Wurdee Buloc raised stocked with them. Some capital hauls were made, concerns in 1986 that a further expansion to the several persons being able to drive away with half a reservoir and the closure of the open channel had the ton of the slippery fish, which averaged four pounds in potential to deplete the volume of water received by weight. (Stephenson, R 1984. p.54) their farms from run-off. Some of the surrounding Between 1893 and 1945 there are several documented farms had windmills into the channel that was to be references to the Western District and Lake shut off. Concerns were also expressed that having the Modewarre experiencing periods of drought. For reservoir enlarged would push the water table up and further details a table of dates for drought and flood increase salinity (NRE 1986). Groundwater monitoring conditions can be found in the appendices. bores were installed within a 10 km radius of Wurdee Buloc (RWC 1986). Wurdee Buloc Swamp to the south-west of Lake Modewarre was first developed as a water storage An environmental effects statement conducted by basin in 1927. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Kinhill Stearns (July 1986) prior to the enlargement in 1996—97 of the Wurdee Buloc Reservoir mentions that
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the raised water level in the reservoir could affect the that around 2002 the outlet control for the drain to local water table. Recommendations were made for Browns Swamp was tampered with and removed, further investigations into the significance and extent resulting in no water being released via the backwash. of any changes to the groundwater. During the expansion to Wurdee Buloc reservoir in Water levels in the backwater started to drop in 1998 1996/97 a 4-metre high dam wall was constructed. and vegetation became depleted; from March 1999 to Water was now prevented from entering the creek, April 2001 the lake level was receding (Anecdotal). which fed into Lake Modewarre from Wurdi Buloc overflow. This alteration and enlargement of the Wurdi Changes to natural flow Buloc Reservoir has prevented natural run off to the Lake Modewarre has two intermittent inlets that feed lake from the southwest side; a dramatic dieback of the lake during times of heavy rains, at the north-east cypress and pine trees in the area has been noted by and southern ends of the lake. The lake is a closed lake locals. system with no flowthrough. The only time water In 2002 drainage works on the Princess Highway, would leave the lake was during a flood event, when it north of the lake resulted in the redirection of flood would overflow to Thompsons Creek via the channel. A waters at the highway away from the northeast separate water body, Lake Gherang, is south-west of catchment for Lake Modewarre. Locals believe that Lake Modewarre (Winstanley 2003). During periods of this has had an enormous effect on the volume of significant rainfall events, when Lake Gherang is water that the lake now receives. flooded, overflow will feed into Lake Modewarre. Farming practices within the catchment have also During the 1869 drought, the tunnel and drain system changed; where once the area was predominantly used was constructed from the backwash (or the for grazing of stock, today cropping is the major backwater) of Lake Modewarre to nearby Browns farming practice. swamp (figure 3.3.1). The original tunnel was approximately 1700 feet long LAKE BOLAC and constructed of timber with broad sawed iron bark timbers to an inside diameter of 3 feet wide by 4 feet Overview high. The tunnel was sealed off around 1914 after ceasing to function for some years (Shire of Barrabool Lake Bolac is a brackish lake located 100km west of 1977). Ballarat on the Glenelg Highway and 211km west of Melbourne. Cropping and grazing are the mainstays of Figure 3.3.1 Tunnel and drain system of Lake the local economy. The lake is 27km around the edge Modewarre and has an area of 1460 ha. When full, Lake Bolac is about 2m deep. History Prior to European settlement the “Boolucburrer” Aboriginal tribe roamed around the lake they called Boloke. Drought in the area is recorded from 1837 and continued until about 1842, with the lake recorded as dry in 1841 (Jones 1992). In the summer of 1842 sheep were observed feeding in the centre of the lake (Jones 1992) with “Buloke” being dry enough to ride horses across it (McIntyre 2003). During 1850 to 1851 the lake had refilled to a depth of 15feet (Jones 1992). George Robinson reported in 1853 that ‘During the
winter when the Fiery Creek usually came down in flood, the lake overflowed into the salt creek, taking During the 1951 – 1952 flood events an attempt was hundreds of eels with it. Then the Boolucburrers and made to reopen the old tunnel but was unsuccessful. their neighbours had a great feast of them’ (Green During works in October 1954 engineers discovered 1966. P. 3) that the tunnel was filled with sludge. It was not possible to determine the extent of the blockage and During 1870 there was a very wet winter, the Fiery works on the project was suspended temporarily Creek flooded and the lake overflowed into Salt Creek; (Geelong Advertiser 1954b). In 1974/75 the Barrabool hundreds of eels were caught in nets and sold in Shire commenced construction of a 24 inch R.C nearby towns. ‘John Knight a stonemason and settler pipeline to Browns Swamp with works completed by built two twelve feet square and six feet deep bins into mid 1976 (SRWSC 1977a). Anecdotal evidence suggests the creek, through which water could flow and kept all
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the eels he had caught in the lake until he sold them in Ballarat. He worked with the Meek family catching eels Figure 4.3.1 Lake Bolac at the Salt creek overflow. In 1870 eels were worth four pence a pound’ (McIntyre 1999. p. 10). Anecdotal evidence suggests that around 1880 to 1900, Lake Bolac was considered the oldest stock enhanced fishery. It is believed that European settlers relocated brown elver from Hopkins Falls to Lake Bolac. In 1910 the first rifle club was formed. Shooters would shoot across the lake, hence lead shot is thought to be still within the lake. Anecdotal evidence suggests that during 1942 just after the war, the local butcher was able to wade across the lake due to the level being very low. During this dry period a local resident believes that fish and eels would have died in the lake but at this time was not of any great concern. The flax mill began operation in 1942 on the corner of Anecdotal evidence suggests that around 1926, at the Mortlake and South Beach Roads, where it operated request of squatters and landowners south of the lake, until 1958. The flax mill would take water from Lake a dam was created with rocks to prevent flooding and Bolac for the manufacturing processes and heavy flows entering Salt Creek during winter and to wastewater was returned to the lake (ARCC 2006). enable spring and autumn stock watering access. In Until the 1960’s the town’s water supply for gardens conjunction with State Rivers and Water Supply etc was supplied from the lake, with tank water used Commission and the Mortlake Shire, the Ararat Shire for drinking. Today the water from the lake is Council covered this rock structure with concrete in unsuitable for use due to salinity. It is during this time about 1927. (1960) that local residents recall the lake being healthy Prior to the construction of the dam, the outlet from and full of fish. Prior to the 1970’s local residents can the lake was naturally confined by a sandbar, which remember elvers coming up Salt Creek on their would be washed away during periods of flood, causing journey to Lake Bolac. In the past it is said, you could scouring and erosion to the banks of the lake. catch buckets full of elvers in the creek during Floodwater would enter a swamp area at the southern migration. end of the lake and then make its way to Salt Creek Anecdotal evidence suggests that around 1982 to1983 located a mile and a half south of the lake. It is the area was experiencing a drought, the lake level suggested that at the time the rock wall was was very low and you could see the flow path of the constructed the local landowners created a fiery creek to the overflow on the lakebed. During this watercourse by dray and scoop to confine and direct time locals have stated that you could walk across the any future floodwaters to Salt Creek (Anecdotal). lake. Heavy rainfall events in the district during 1946 Prior to the 1990’s a weed bed was present within the washed away a number of bridges with significant shoreline of the lake and you could hear frogs in the erosion occurring, with sediment flowing into Lake area. Today with the absence of the weed, locals have Bolac. Anecdotal evidence suggests that around 1948 not heard any frogs. the Salt Creek exit was again modified cement abutments with 6-inch removable boards put in place Changes to Natural Inflow and Releases to enable the release of water. Lake Bolac is a brackish lake located within the Upper In 1972 the Shire of Mortlake proposed to lower the Hopkins basin sub catchment. The lake is an open lake existing fixed level of the weir by 6 inches (Shire of system that covers an area of approximately 1,460 ha. Mortlake 1972). Anecdotal evidence suggests that Fiery creek enters the lake on the eastern shore line, around 1980 the Shire of Ararat, in conjunction with the outlet known as Salt Creek begins at the southern the Mortlake Shire and the State Rivers and Water end of the lake, as shown in figure 4.3.1. Supply Commission, reconstructed the outlet of Lake Bolac to allow overflow to traverse through the concrete weir, reducing the scouring effects to Salt Creek. Fiery Creek is 100 kilometres long and begins in the Great Dividing Range. Numerous smaller tributaries feed into Fiery Creek with the largest of these being Wongan Creek. There are a number of water
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extractions licenses to landholders for the purpose of Lake Colac receives water from Barongarook Creek in stock and domestic watering along Fiery Creek and at the south and Deans Creek in the south-west. The lake Lake Bolac. A special licence is required for extraction has been characterised as being in a partially closed of water for irrigation purposes. Currently no one is system. Outflow can occur via the Lough Calvert extracting water from the lake for irrigation due to the System in the north-east but only takes place when high salinity content. water levels are high and outflow is generally via sub- Anecdotal evidence suggests that around 1900 a weir surface drainage. (GHD 2003) known by the locals as Nerrin Nerrin Drop was Land use in the Lake Colac catchment is constructed on Fiery Creek to divert water into the predominantly agricultural, with industrial activity Nerrin Nerrin Swamp (refer to figure 4.3.2). This weir centred on Colac. The lake is valued for its has the potential to divert a substantial volume of recreational, industrial, agricultural and environmental water from Fiery Creek and into the Nerrin Nerrin lake issues (MacroPlan 2002). system, which is 1/3 the size of Lake Bolac. Flows currently enter the Nerrin Nerrin lake system only History when the weir is opened or during times of flood. Prior to European settlement the Wathaurong people Figure 4.3.2 Aerial view of Nerrin Nerrin Drop occupied a large region that included Lake Colac and its catchment. Settlement first occurred on the east side of Barongarook Creek in the 1800’s. In the 1830’s Lake Colac water level was very low, local aborigines told of times when some of their people had walked across it. By 1837 Colac and the district was settled by squatters (Evans 1968). During 1838 to 1841 the district experienced a period of drought, at this time much of the low-lying areas in the flood plain was subdivided for farming purposes. By 1844 subdivision of allotments had occurred to the west of Barongarook Creek. The Colac Historical Society notes that during 1852 Lake Colac and Corangamite flooded. It was during this time that the first flourmill was erected on the bank of
Lake Colac by Mr Thomas Hill. Figure 4.3.3 Aerial view of dams along the The first attempt to stock Lake Colac with fish Wongetta creek occurred in 1858, with the introduction of 32 Murray Cod, 17 Bream and 10 Murray perch (Hebb 1970). Post 1860 Lake Colac was recognised as a premium eel fishery for quality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that drays of eels were taken from Gellibrand Creek to stock Lake Colac. Activity on the lake increased during the 1880’s, in April 1864, Murray perch were reportedly caught in the lake; by 1866 Murray Cod were also being caught in the lake, with 350 spotted trout being stocked into the lake in 1871 (Hebb 1970). 1875 saw the formation of the Colac Fish Acclimatisation Society, and the first regatta was held on the lake in 1879. Very dry years were recorded during the 1890’s. Land to the immediate north of Lake Colac was originally a
flood plain and received water from Lake Colac during winter. This was being leased to farmers for grazing during the summer period. During 1908 the area LAKE COLAC experienced one of the hottest weeks on record, temperatures ranged between 106-111° Fahrenheit. Overview From 1913 to 1951 several documented references to Lake Colac is situated to the north of the township of the western district and Lake Colac experiencing Colac, in the western basalt plains of Victoria. It is a periods of drought are made. (For further details a shallow lake formed in the basin of the once much table of dates for drought and flood conditions can be more extensive Lake Corangamite. (MacroPlan 2002) found in the appendices).
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The floods of 1952 caused Lakes Colac and Corangamite to overflow, with 87 properties affected. Figure 5.3.2 Catchment area for Barongarook and In 1963 low rainfall and high evaporation rates caused Deans Creeks the level of Lake Colac to drop (Bassett 1964), but by
1964 Lake Colac was in flood (Fisher Stewart 2001). 1967 to 1968 is another recorded period of drought for the area with farm dams having dried up, particularly in the western district. Changes to Natural Inflow and Releases A natural depression on the north-east shore of Lake Colac would allow floodwater to escape finding its way into the chain of lakes known as Culverts. This area had suffered from regular flooding. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the drainage of flood affected land dates back to the 1900’s, when the original station owners built drains out of bluestone. Remnants of these drains are said to be located in a few areas. Documented evidence of the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme dates back to 1952. In response to flooding Anecdotal evidence suggests that during the 1880’s to the drainage scheme was commenced in 1953 with the 1890’s the west branch of the Barongarook creek was construction of a drain to allow outflow from the lower enhanced to direct local runoff towards the creek. At Lough to Birregurra creek (Figure 5.3.1). This drain was the conclusion of the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme later extended from the lower Lough to Lake Colac to in the 1950’s, the mouth of Barongarook Creek was enable control of water levels in both the lake and the shifted approximately 150 metres to the east. Lough (CCMA 1992). Dramatic changes within the catchment have occurred Figure 5.3.1 Lough Calvert System since World War 2, when heavy land clearing machinery was left in the bush by American soldiers at the conclusion of the war. Farmers changed their method of clearing the land from the use of bullock teams to bulldozers (Anecdotal). The extensive land clearing practices in the catchment has increased the nutrient load deposited into the lake with the collection of silt and debris via the overland flow of stormwater (Hamilton MacLeod 1995a). Locals believe that the number or small hobby farms with dams, located along the branches of Deans and Barongarook Creek’s has contributed to the decline in the volume of water that could potentially reach the lake system.
Figure 5.3.3 Sites around Lake Colac Following very wet years in the early 1970’s the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, implemented structural improvements of the channels and acquired land in the flood prone areas. Works comprised a drainage channel and associated structures connecting Lake Colac and the lower Lough south to the channel at Warrowie Cut (CCMA 2005). Strict operating rules are in place for the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme with water releases managed by the CCMA.
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DISCUSSION
A number of common links have become apparent in researching the lakes in a holistic manner. Like many inland lakes, human modifications of the system have had significant impact on controlling the volume of water entering and leaving the catchment. All of the lakes have a history of natural flooding and naturally occurring low levels, in times of low rainfall. All anecdotal reports support the theory that each of the lakes studied has been near or completely dry in their history. If a lake has dried out in the past, it follows that fish and other aquatic fauna would also have perished. All three lakes have had their outlets altered, and hence disruption to the natural cycle of the immediate environment. Changes to the catchments have also created problems with reducing the potential volume of water, which would have been otherwise received. Catchment management practices have evolved over the past years to accommodate a growing requirement for human recreational pursuits, industrial and agricultural needs and urbanisation of rural areas.
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APPENDIX: DROUGHT & FLOOD EVENTS
Date Event Resource 1830’s Lake Colac very low Keating J 1992 1837 - 46 Lake Modewarre and Bolac reported dry Wynd, I 1992
1850 Lake Bolac refilled Jones, R 1992 1852 Lakes Colac and Corangamite flooded Colac Historical Society 1863-64 Wet period. Flooding Cole, B (no date) 1868 Drought in western district Keating , J 1992 1875 – 1880 Prolonged drought BOM 1957 1878 Wet winter at Lake Bolac 1880 Wet period across western district BOM 1957 1897 – 1898 Prolonged drought Foley, JC 1955 1909 Flooding around Lake Colac Colac Historical Society 1913-15 Prolonged drought McIntyre, K 2003 1919 Lake levels low Anecdotal 1922-23 Lakes dry Foley, JC 1955 1930-31 Lakes dry Winstanley, R 2003 1933 Flooding of Lake Colac Colac Historical Society 1937-40 Drought. Water taken from lakes to water stock McIntyre, K 2003 1942 – 45 Prolonged drought Foley, JC 1955 1945 Most of Victoria’s water storages empty BOM 1957 1947 - 49 Lake Modewarre dry Anecdotal 1950 Floods occurred around the lakes McIntyre K 2003 1951-53 Lakes overflowed Anecdotal 1964 High water levels in Lakes Modewarre and Colac Pollard, DA 1970 1967 – 68 Prolonged drought Foley, JC 1955 1969-70 Redfin deaths Lake levels low Anecdotal 1976 Flooding of Lake Colac Fisher Stewart 2001 1982 Prolonged drought across Victoria. Lake levels low Foley JC 1955 1991 Flooding of Lake Colac Fisher Stewart 2001 1999 – 2006 Period of drought. Lake levels low
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REFERENCES Colac Otway Shire (COS), 2002, Lake Colac ABC Ballarat 2006, Twister rips though town of Lake management plan, issues paper & opportunities Bolac, viewed on 15th September 2006. assessment - draft. Shire feedback.
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EPA 1976b, October 1976, A study of the Green, Mary, 1966, After the Boolcuburrers, lake Bolac Eutrophication of Lake Burrumbeet. and District Historical Society, lake Bolac. EPA, January 1980, Waters of Lake Colac and Hamilton MacLeod, March 1992, Lough Calvert Catchment, Draft State Environmental Protection Drainage Trust, Business Plan. Policy, Draft policy , no. W-34A. Hamilton MacLeod 1995a, February 1995, A waterway EPA, 1987, Western District lakes, Yearly report. management strategy for the lake Colac Catchment. EPA, April 2006, Eel deaths in lake Bolac, 2005-06, Hamilton MacLeod 1995b, July 1995, Report Lake publication 1039. Colac Waterway Management System, Colac Region Echo, December 2005, Life returns to Lake Water. Modewarre. Hebb, Isaac, 1970, The history of Colac and District, Evans, Graham C 1968, Colac and District, Thesis Hawthorn Press. submitted for the degree of Master of Arts, University Jones, Roger (1992), Natural and human influences on of Melbourne. the distribution and extent of Victorian lowland Fisher, Stewart & MacroPlan Australia November 2001, grasslands, Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association. Lake Colac Management Plan, discussion paper, Colac Keating, Jenny, 1992, The drought walked through. A Shire Council. history of water shortage in Victoria, Department of Fisheries Victoria, July 2002, Victorian Eel Fishery water resources, National Library of Victoria. Gill Millar Management Plan, Fish for the Future. Press Pty Ltd. Foley, JC 1955, Drought in Australia, review of records Kefford, Ben, J 2000, A preliminary investigation of from earliest years of settlement to 1955', Bureau of the toxicity of saline lakes that are disposed into the Meteorology, Melbourne. Barwon river, south-west Victoria, Natural Resources and Environment. Geelong Advertiser 1954a, Thursday 22 April, 1954, Modewarre lake drainage to proceed. Khan, Tariq, A 2003, Limnology of four saline lakes in western Victoria, Australia. Geelong Advertiser 1954b, Thursday 21 October, 1954, Difficulty encountered in Modewarre drainage. Kinhill Stearns, July 1986, Enlargement of Wurdee Buloc Reservoir. Environmental effects Statement, Geelong Advertiser 1966, 20 January, 1966, Assistance Geelong and District Water Board. sought to control lace flooding. Land Conservation Council (LCC) January 1997, Geelong Advertiser 1975, Tuesday 23 September, 1975, Historic Places Special Investigation, final Lake Level. recommendations. South-western Victoria. Geelong Advertiser 1976a, Friday 30 April, 1976, Third Land Conservation Council (LCC) September 1998, try to ease flooding almost a reality. Corangamite Area, final recommendations. Geelong Advertiser 1976b, Friday 13 August, 1976, No MacroPlan Australia and Earth Tech (2002a). February Water. 2002, Lake Colac Management Plan, Issues paper and Geelong Waterworks and Sewerage Trust (GWST) opportunities assessment - draft. Colac Otway Shire September 22, 1970, Reservoirs & Channels. Supply of Council. water to Lake Modewarre from Wurdee Boluc. MacroPlan Australia and Earth Tech (2002b). July Gervasis, Dion, P & P Design, May 2006, Lake Bolac, 2002, Lake Colac Management Plan. Colac Otway Fiery & Salt Creek Waterway Review (draft) Glenelg Shire Council. Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. Malin, John (no date), Lake Bolac- Where to now?, GHD. 2003. Corangamite Catchment Management presentation. Authority. Review of regional drainage schemes. Draft Metzeling, Leon, April 2001, Australia wide assessment final report and management plan. of river health, National River Health Program, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Victorian Bioassessment report (final report). (GHCMA), 2002, Health of the catchment report. Metzeling, Leon, 2002, Australia wide assessment of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority river health, Department of the Environment and (GHCMA), 2004, Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy Heritage, Victorian Bioassessment report (final Overview 2004-2009. report). Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Mim, Terry 2006, Lake Bolac eels dying, The (GHCMA), (no date) Catchment profile, Hopkins Basin, Warrnambool Standard. viewed 11 July 2006, www.glenelg- McCormick, RJ 1990, A Trust in Water, A history of 100 hopkins.vic.gov.au/catchmentprofile/h11.asp years of water supply to the Colac District, 1890-1990. Colac District Water Board.
11 A REVIEW OF HISTORIC WESTERN VICTORIAN LAKE CONDITIONS IN RELATION TO FISH DEATHS
McCormick, RJ (no date), Ready for the Plough, Rural Water Commission (RWC) 1987, Operating History of the Colac Shire Council 1864-1994. P. 24, 35, instructions for the Woady Yaloak River (Lake 109,110, 112. Corangamite) Diversion Scheme. McIntyre, Karen, 1999, Legends of the Lake. The Rural Water Commission (RWC) 1988, Corangamite pioneer histories of eight lake Bolac families, Lake basin drainage schemes review, south west region Bolac & District Historical Society, lake Bolac. P. 10. water resources management strategy. McIntyre, Karen, 2003, Settlers on the shores. The Sayers, CE 1967, Letters from Victorian Pioneers, family stories of lake Bolac District Settlers, Lake Bolac Melbourne. P.185. & District Historical Society, lake Bolac. Shepard, Toni 1983, Preliminary investigation of the McNiven, Dr Ian J. January 2006, Gunditjmara chemical features of three western Victorian lakes, Archaeology Overview, Programme for Australian with relation to eel productivity, Ballarat College of Indigenous Archaeology, School of Geography and Advanced Education. Environmental Science, Monash University, Melbourne. Shire of Ararat 1957, Erection of flood gates at outlet Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Committee, to Lake Bolac, Public Works Department. October 1986, Augmentation of Geelong's Water Shire of Ararat, July 26, 1972, Rivers & streams fund Supply to the early 1990's.Proposed enlargement to application and proposal for grant, Lake Bolac outlet. Wurdee Buloc Reservoir, Inquiry into water resources management in Victoria. Regional water strategy plan Shire of Ararat, December 13, 1974, Lake Bolac Outlet. for the south-western region of Victoria. Second Shire of Ararat (1976a), March 15, 1976. Lake Bolac Report. Outlet. Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) November Shire of Ararat (1976b), March 16, 1976. Lake Bolac 1989, South-Western region water management Outlet. strategy, Water resources management in Victoria. Shire of Barrabool, August 26, 1970, Letter to Mr KM Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) February Barnett, Modewarre. 2000, Baseline data for an assessment of the effects Shire of Barrabool, 14 February 1977, Lake Modewarre of saline water disposal from Lough Calvert, 1999 Fish Drainage, State Rivers and Water Supply commission. Survey of the Barwon River. Shire of Barrabool, (no date), Contract 5-58/59. Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) December Installation of 18" diameter R.C pipe in overflow tunnel 2000, Salinity discharges in Glenelg Hopkins CMA at Lake Modewarre' Region. Shire of Mortlake, November 29, 1957, Outlet Lake O’Brien, Brian, 25 April 2006, Eel festival speakers Bolac. plea to save the Lake, Hamilton Spectator. Viewed 22 June 2006, www.spec.com.au/print.asp?Id=6250 Shire of Mortlake, July 21, 1972, Notes on Flood Discharge Lake Bolac. Parliament of Victoria, Thursday 6 April 2006, Lake Modewarre: Fish Health, Parliamentary Debates Shire of Mortlake, May 26, 1975, Lake Bolac Outlet. (HANSARD), Legislative Council, Fifty-Fifth Parliament, Smyth and Bahrdt Consultants 2004, Kooyang Sea First Session, Extract from book 4. Members Country Plan, Framlingham Aboriginal Trust and Winda statements. Mara Aboriginal Cooperation. Pollard, DA 1970, Faunistic and environmental studies State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) on Lake Modewarre, A slight saline athalassic lake in 27 May 1959, Lake Modewarre, Memorandum to the south western Victoria. Chairman, From H.C kermode, executive Engineers, Poussard, Horrie, May 2005, Options for future Rivers and Streams Division. management of the lake Modewarre Crown Land State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) Reserve, Learning & Action Pty Ltd, pp.3-10. March 27, 1975, Rivers and Streams fund Grant No. Presland, G, 6 November 1977, Journals of George 2696. Augustus Robinson, Records of the Victorian State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) Archaeological Survey, no. 6. Pp. 13-20. 18 February 1977, Drainage of Lake Modewarre into Rourke, Joy (no date), A journey through time, Our Thomson’s Creek. districts timeline 1836-2003, p. 3, Lake Bolac and State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) 1 District Historical Society. March 1977, Drainage of Lake Modewarre into Rural Water Commission of Victoria (RWC) September Thomson and Bream Creek. 1986, Preliminary Groundwater Study, Wurdee Boluc State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) Reservoir Enlargement Project, Geelong and District 16 September 1977, Drainage of Lake Modewarre into Water Board. Thomson's Creek.
12 A REVIEW OF HISTORIC WESTERN VICTORIAN LAKE CONDITIONS IN RELATION TO FISH DEATHS
State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SRWSC) July 1979, Lake Colac - Lough Calvert flood mitigation report. Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd and Dahlhous Environmental Geology Pty Ltd, (no date), extract from Corangamite CMA Salinity Action Plan, Background report, no. 3. Salinity process and resource condition targets. Stephenson, Robert George 1984, History of the Stephenson Family, E&O Haward Printing Co. West Geelong. Victorian Piscatorial Council, 12 may 1959, Lake Modewarre, Victoria. Williams, WD April 1992, The biological status of Lake Corangamite and other lakes in western Victoria, A report to the Department of Conservation and Environment, Colac. Department of Zoology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide. Williams, WD 1995, Lake Corangamite, Australia. A permanent saline lake: Conservation and Management issues. Winstanley, Ross 2002, Lake Modewarre environment and recreation strategy, Lake Modewarre Strategy Project Group. Wynd, Ian 1992, Barrabool; Land of the Magpie, National Library of Australia.
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