MEDIA RELEASE - MIRROOL CREEK

Mirrool Creek

Council wish to inform the public and property owners along Mirrool Creek regarding the potential release of flood waters (under controlled conditions) from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Authority (MIA). Due to the recent heavy rain events MIA will be monitoring various locations upstream of Mirrool Creek where potential flooding may occur. In some instances, waters may be required to be released down Mirrool Creek under controlled conditions, to relieve some of the pressures upstream. Carrathool Shire, together with Griffith City Council and MIA are working together to avoid any potential dangers to the public.  As of 2 July 2021, update on actions from MIA as they move into recovery mode at the top end of the event where Mirrool Creek enters Mi's Area of Operation via the 'Dalton Runner'. Below is a summary of key actions from the past 2 days: 

The Dalton Runner flows have reduced significantly and we will be closing the Dalton Runner manual door at midday today  The Dalton outlet (N5/1) will remain open until Mirrool Creek flows reduce further to avoid water backing up over the road  The Nth Meribee Offtake was closed 30/06/2021, however the Nth Meri bee escape remains open to continue managing flows that are entering the channel via breaches created by the floodwater- Note: There is water over Halse Rd (Griffith CC)  EMR flood structure is now closed 

The water arrived at Bray's Dam 30 June 2021 and MIA are expecting it to start arriving at BBS 1 July 2021. MIA are seeing the water move through at 300-400ML/day and don't expect there is be any overtopping at Gum Creek Rd or Drew Rd. Griffith City Council staff are keeping an eye on these sites.  Early preparation and direction from GCC have put MIA in a good position to manage the volumes arriving at BBS and at this stage MIA don't anticipate a need to operate the Mirrool Creek Floodway structure.  Further updates will be provided as MIA close out this event and/or as conditions change. 

Paul Farrel

End Release