Since the introduction of the $32 water catchment levy, I have researched the reasons behind the need for this levy, the results of which I found to be, at least alarming. It appears that there are four main contributing factors to the appalling condition of the waterways within the Geelong/Corangamite catchment areas.

These are as follows –

1. The indiscriminate desecration of our native forests by the logging industry, within the water catchment areas. Resulting in a higher water table, salinity and soil erosion.
2. Over a period of many years, the excessive use of fertilisers by farmers, adding to the salinity problems.
3. The ineffective and over use of irrigation by farmers, also raising the water table and adding to the salinity of the soil. A report by the "Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering" and the "Council of Australian Governments" concluded, not only that irrigation accounted for 72% of the total national water use but was also unsustainable unless farmers agreed to move away from "flood and furrow" systems and implement more advanced methods such as trickle irrigation. It should also be stated that although the farming industry accounts for 72% of total water usage nationally it only contributes 28% towards the management and running of our water resources.
4. During the Second World War, the USA used the area between Cundare, Beeac and Dreeite for bombing practise and it was discovered in the early 1950’s that this resulted in cracks forming in the volcanic rock below the surface of the soil, allowing sea water to seep into some of the lakes adjacent to the Cressy/Colac road. In the 1950’s these lakes become known as the creeping lakes and inundated much of the surrounding farmland. In 1957 the Victorian "Bolte" Government implemented a program to drain this diluted seawater into the Barwon River (something we still live with today). Unless something can be done to eradicate this situation, no amount of money will ever make our river free of salinity.