General News
24 July, 2026
Goldfields Reservoir receives surplus water
Central Highlands Water diverted surplus water to Goldfields Reservoir last week.
Surplus water currently flowing into Goldfields Reservoir has been described as a “huge win” by the community.
Excess water from Evansford Reservoir has been diverted to Goldfields Reservoir last week.
The water began flowing on June 13 at a rate of one to three megalitres per day at no extra cost to Central Goldfields Shire Council.
This is expected to continue until Evansford no longer exceeds its capacity.
The water is provided as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Central Highlands Water (CHW) and council.
Every year, CHW communicate the availability of water and what is possible to provide.
A CHW spokesperson said they were pleased to support the recreational use of Goldfields Reservoir.
“Higher than average June rainfall has seen Evansford Reservoir reach capacity, enabling CHW to share the excess water for positive community use,” they said.
According to their data, Evansford Reservoir is twice as full as this time last year.
“CHW is committed to assisting and supporting the beautiful recreational spaces and assets within our region, which are important to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” they said.
Community-led Goldfields Reservoir Action Group (GRAG) formed to see the reservoir refilled and the surrounding public recreation reserve improved.
GRAG’s Kelly Aitken said the news was a “windfall” for the community.
“We’re just taking this as a huge win,” she said.
The community group have previously held working bees to improve drainage into the reservoir.
Ms Aitken said this work remained important to preserve its capacity.
“In many ways, now more than ever, we’ve got to get those races in good order to stop the evaporation,” she said.
“Otherwise we’ll be coming begging cup in hand in another five years.”
GRAG’s Tony Savage said improving Goldfields Reservoir would preserve it as an asset to the community.
“We probably didn’t realise what it meant to people until we had those public meetings,” he said.
Ms Aitken said their work was a “legacy project” which could benefit generations.
“If Maryborough’s going to flourish, and we all want it to, we need young families moving here,” she said.
It’s their view an improved reservoir would help make that possible.