In 2013, we began a comprehensive feasibility study of The Narrows Project weir with support from the Victorian Government.
Project background
Tallangatta is known as the ‘town that moved’. In the 1950s, the town was physically moved from its former site (approximately 8 km to the east of the present town) when the full supply level of Lake Hume was raised and the original town was flooded. Since then, the construction of a weir across the Mitta Mitta River 3 km west of Tallangatta has been a point of discussion in the local community.
The primary purpose of the weir would be to provide more consistent water levels at Tallangatta over peak tourist season (December to February) to encourage recreation and tourism benefits to the town.
Other benefits could include:
- providing improved water frontage and amenity in Tallangatta
- opportunities for residential development
- alternative road access across Lake Hume.
About the study
The study was overseen by a Project Steering Committee (PSC), comprising:
- Towong Shire Council
- Goulburn-Murray Water
- North East Water
- North East Catchment Management Authority
- Murray Darling Basin Authority
- Regional Development Victoria.
As each phase was completed, the PSC was to consider the reports and recommend to the Victorian Government whether the study should continue to the next phase.
Phase 1 included a Technical Feasibility Study (prepared by consultants SMEC) and a Cost Benefit Analysis (prepared by consultants GHD). We also undertook a comprehensive community consultation campaign.
The future of the project
In August 2017, the PSC voted not to proceed with the project based on the Technical Feasibility Study and Cost Benefit Analysis.
This wasn't in agreeance with the Towong Shire Council vote, however the recommendation was sent to the Victorian Minister for Regional Development, who upheld the recommendation.
We're continuing to work with the Tallangatta Lake Community Action Group to advocate for this project.
Download the Documents
