Current Risk of Spill

Monday 12 February, 2024

Risk of spill update for Goulburn and Campaspe systems

The Resource Manager for northern Victoria today updated the 2023/24 risk of spill information for the Goulburn and Campaspe systems.

Resource Manager Dr Mark Bailey said while storage levels are gradually falling at both Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock, the spill risk remains above the threshold needed for a declaration in each system.

“Water levels are reducing at both Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock as water is released to meet downstream demands, though not enough to significantly change the spill risk,” he said.

“The Goulburn system risk of spill before the end of 2023/24 remains around 60 per cent and the Campaspe system falls slightly to 45 per cent.”

Dr Bailey reaffirmed that high storage levels at Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock meant a low risk of spill declaration in each system may not occur before June 2024.

“Water level management and reductions to spillable water account balances may still be necessary in the coming months in the Goulburn and Campaspe systems.

“Any deductions needed before the end of the water year will be finalised on June 10.

“The allocation remaining in spillable water accounts on that date will return to allocation accounts for entitlement holders to factor into their carryover planning for 2024/25.”

Dr Bailey reiterated the risk of spill assessment referred to water accounting only and did not describe the chances of flooding.

Trading Opportunities

Allocation trade from New South Wales to Victoria is limited to the lesser of a net annual volume of 200 GL or a volume that keeps the risk of spill in the Victoria’s share of both Hume and Dartmouth reservoirs below 50 per cent. The 200 GL of net trade from New South Wales to Victoria remains available. The volume available for trade is updated with each risk of spill announcement. 

Next announcement on risk of spill

The risk of spill in the Goulburn and Campaspe systems in 2023/24 will be updated on Wednesday April 10, 2024.

For information about the Resource Manager for northern Victorian regulated water systems, including seasonal determinations and resource availability, please visit www.nvrm.net.au

Visit the Murray Darling Basin Authority website for Victorian shares of Murray storages.