THE impact of climate change on water quality in the region will be a key focus of the upcoming Mallee Climate Action Forum.
The free community event, which is being hosted by Sustainable Living in the Mallee (SLIM), will be held at ‘The Hub’ Racecourse Bowls Club on April 30 and includes a line-up of expert speakers.
“Our own enjoyment of our rivers and lakes for recreation and tourism is being increasingly impacted due to pollution of local waterways by Blue Green Algae,” SLIM spokesperson Peta Thornton said.
“Locally this shows up as decreased inflows, increased temperatures with more heatwave events, and polluted waterways.
“How is it good if warning signs are everywhere at our key recreational areas on the Murray?
“Right now we have red alert level warnings for blue green algae along stretches of the lower Murray indicating that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water, such as swimming, as well as domestic uses including showering and washing.”
Ms Thornton also said contact with the water was a threat to livestock, pets and fishing.
“Increased blue green algae events will increase the cost for water authorities of treating, testing and monitoring our water, so we will pay more,” she said.
“Mallee people know about water scarcity from drought so we know what happens with restrictions, short falls, and how it effects the whole community in so many ways.
“Things like watering sporting grounds and parks for all our sport and recreation becomes tougher.”
Ms Thornton said having the expert speakers at the event, to guide community discussions of the issues, will help everyone deal with the climate issue more effectively together.
Tyler Rotche, from Environment Victoria, is one of the speakers who will talk directly to the topic of water with his presentation on Victoria’s rivers in a drying climate.
“Inflows to the Southern Murray Darling Basin have almost halved in the last 20 years,” Ms Thornton said.
“As an irrigator of permanent plantings, this is having a huge impact on our allocations and the price of water.
“We know that climate breakdown is happening faster than expected and that the window to take action is closing fast.”
