Surface Water Basin
Thomson
The Thomson basin is located in south-east Victoria. The Thomson and Macalister rivers join the Latrobe River before flowing into the Gippsland Lakes.
Overview
In 2018–19, rainfall throughout the Thomson basin was mostly 60% to 80% of the long-term average. The north-western corners — above the Thomson Reservoir and south of Mount Buller — received between 80% to 100% of the long-term average.
The first seasonal allocation for the Macalister Irrigation District for high-reliability water shares was announced on 4 July 2018 at 40% and increased to 100% by the end of August 2018. A seasonal allocation for low-reliability water shares was announced at 35% in December 2018.
Both sections of the Avon River had restrictions on licensed diversions from September to December 2018 and total bans from January to May 2019. Licensed diversions from Valencia Creek were restricted from August to December 2018, with total bans also implemented between January and May 2019. All streams reverted to a stage 1 roster in June 2019.
There were no urban water-use restrictions applied in the Thomson basin, with all towns in the basin remaining on permanent water-saving rules throughout the year.
Detailed information on inflows, outflows and entitlements can be found in the Thomson basin chapter.
View balance of surface water
