Salinity Management in the East Gippsland CMA

Statewide Salinity Management | Salinity Indicator Plants | Salinity Provinces in the East Gippsland CMA

In the East Gippsland Basin, water quality with respect to salinity is satisfactory but the highest EC measures are found in the East Branch of the Cann River. This decreases slightly downstream and then rises again near the lower end of the small irrigated area of river flats.

In the Snowy River Basin, water quality with respect to salinity is generally good but with higher EC values recorded for the Snowy and Deddick Rivers. It is also generally higher during summer than in winter.

Water quality in Tambo River Basin is good to moderate overall. Elevated levels of salinity are often found in the Tambo River (especially during summer), which may reflect an effect of irrigation. Throughout the Basin, levels of salinity are higher in summer than winter, suggesting a slightly saline base flow.

For the Mitchell River Basin, water quality with respect to salinity is generally good. Salinities are slightly elevated in the Dargo River and Cabbannah Creek but pose no threat. Throughout the Basin, levels of salinity are higher in summer than during winter.

(DWR 1989)

Dryland salinity is a localised issue in the extreme west of the Coastal Complex RMU and is related to rising groundwater. Landowners in the area are undertaking remedial programs including:

• Establishing deep-rooted perennial vegetation cover.
• Trialling salt-tolerant plant species on salt affected areas.
• Investigating mechanical decrease of water table.