THE Mildura weir will be temporarily removed next week ahead of high Murray River flows

Murray–Darling Basin Authority executive director of river management Andrew Reynolds said work by the MDBA and Goulburn-Murray Water to remove the weir was expected to commence Next Thursday, July 20, and would take approximately eight days.

“There has been an increased amount of water flowing into the Murray River over the last few weeks, mostly from the Goulburn, Ovens and Murrumbidgee rivers. Increased releases from Hume dam are also beginning to arrive at Mildura,” Mr Reynolds said.

“When flows reach about 42,000 megalitres per day it is regular practice for the weir to be taken out and we are expecting these high flows by the end of this month.

“Boats wanting to pass through Lock 11 should do so before next week. Once the weir is removed, boats will be able to travel via the river without using the lock.”

The water level upstream of the weir will drop quickly by around 1m once the weir is removed. As the higher flows arrive, the river will begin to rise again.

“We’re asking all river users to be mindful of the changing river levels and to move pumps as needed.”

The Mildura weir was removed twice last year, once in June for maintenance and later in August to allow floodwaters to pass through.

“The weir will be reinstated once flows drop below 40,000 megalitres per day,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We will provide updates and notify the community before the weir is reinstated.”

There are currently no plans to remove Euston or Wentworth weirs, but the situation is being constantly reviewed as forecasts are updated.

Warnings of minor-to-moderate flooding have this week been issued for the Murray from Tocumwal to Moama.