More water returns to Thomson and Yarra Rivers

A further 22 billion litres of water a year in environmental flows will be returned to the Thomson and Yarra Rivers.

Each year 10 billion litres of water will be returned to the Yarra River and 12 billion litres to the Thomson River. This is in addition to the 7 billion litres returned to the Yarra and 3 billion litres returned to the Thomson in April.

With water storages up on last year, Melbourne no longer needs as much water from the two rivers to supplement supplies.

The environmental flows were not due to be returned until water restrictions in Melbourne were eased to Stage 2 but water projects, conservation and better rainfall has meant the flows could be restored earlier.

Water Minister Tim Holding said this water meant environmental flows for both rivers would be restored to levels that they have historically been.

"To ensure Melbourne didn’t run out of water during the longest drought on record, the Government diverted additional water from the Yarra and Thomson rivers.

"As a result of our Government’s unprecedented investment in water projects we are pulling Melburnians and regional Victorians away from severe water restrictions and more water can be returned to our rivers."

Increasing the environmental flows will improve spawning and migration opportunities for protected species such as the Australian grayling and improve instream habitat and water quality.

To mark the occasion six Macquarie perch were released into the Yarra River at Warrandyte, as part of a breeding program to boost stocks of the endangered native species.

Find out more about Victoria's rivers.

Pictured: Water Minister Tim Holding helps release Macquarie Perch into the Yarra River