The Moorabool River could “stop flowing altogether” without “major steps” to restore its health, according to the makers of a new locally-made film screening soon.
Co-ordinator of the community group People for a Living Moorabool, Cameron Steele, said the “most flow-stressed river in Victoria” and its wildlife were in “dire circumstances”.
“By the time the Moorabool reaches the Barwon at Geelong, about 90 per cent of its original natural flow has been trapped in water authority reservoirs and farm dams, and taken from groundwater,” the Bannockburn local said.
“We hope when people have seen the film that they will lobby their politicians to take action to ensure the Moorabool can be restored to good health.”
Those steps could include reusing, recycling or desalinating water, Mr Steele said.
The group’s film features local landowners, scientists, and healthy river advocates, along with wide-ranging views of the Moorabool river valley and catchment.
Interviewees call for alternative water supplies for Geelong and Ballarat to reduce the pressure on the Moorabool, so more water can flow down the river.
The documentary, produced by Torquay’s Sheoaks Films, explores the consequences of local population growth, demand for the catchment’s water and climate change.
The film will screen at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus from 7pm on July 3, followed by a panel discussion with some of the people appearing in the film.
Details: mooraboolriver.org
