• Goolwa pool

WE NEED WATER NOW

WATER CRISIS

FACT SHEET – July 17, 2008

• Goolwa pool (Barrage to Blanchetown) is currently 1.112m below usual pool level - usual pool level is +0.75m AHD

• Over allocation of the water accentuated by low inflows is the cause of the environmental catastrophe that is upon us.

• Current salinity upstream of Goolwa barrage has exceeded 30000 EC (approx. 50% sea water)

• The lower lakes urgently need environmental flows of 250 GL as the lakes are below sea level now

• Construction of a temporary barrier upstream of Clayton Bay using environmentally sensitive design will increase the pool level by 1.0 metre

• Increasing the water level will prevent the soils turning acid. (acid soils are significant in the Finniss River and Currency Creek waterways)

• The barrier will capture the 50+ GL of freshwater inflows from the Finniss River and Currency Creek immediately reducing the salinity around the western end of Hindmarsh Island and Goolwa.

• Reduced salinity will create a crucial wildlife refuge for the lower lakes and Coorong. The pool would then remain a major site of environmental importance.

• The temporary barrier will protect the unique tributary deltas of the Finniss River and Currency Creek which shelter endangered native fish species.

• Immediate water flows are essential for the protection and enhancement of this valuable RAMSAR wetland.

• This is a major opportunity to save the environment and enhance the achievements of the “Living Murray Initiatives”.

• Immediate social benefits for Goolwa and Clayton Bay by re-establishing employment opportunities.