General News
17 March, 2025
Horsham Weir levels to drop
The Horsham Rural City Council announced it would lower the Horsham Weir Pool, sending much-needed water downstream to reduce rising salinity levels.
The council manages the weir based on the advice and direction of the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
HRCC infrastructure director John Martin said authorities would not release new water from Lake Lonsdale or Taylors Lake until both reservoirs recovered from blue-green algae outbreaks.
“In Horsham we’ve so far this summer had good water levels compared with other areas of the catchment,” Mr Martin said.
“This was managed so that water levels were suitable for the Fishing Competition.
“But residents will soon notice the levels change when we lower the weir.”
Acting Wimmera CMA chief executive Luke Austin said authorities prioritised the river’s health and recreational value.
“Hindmarsh Shire Council is also releasing water from the Dimboola weirpool,” Mr Austin said.
“Once the blue-green algae has dissipated in Taylors Lake, we may release a fresh flow that will top up weir pools and again freshen up the lower Wimmera River."
Mr Austin said authorities would be cautious due to ongoing dry conditions.
“Hopefully, beyond that, we will have some rain and natural flows,” he said.
“It’s been very dry, so we will take a conservative approach.”