Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said the significant amount of water flowing through the Horsham Weir was exciting news for the river environment.

He said the wet conditions had meant the river had started to flow naturally from the upper catchment.

“The water has gone past the Horsham Weir and is on its way down to Dimboola,” he said.

“It’s the first time it has flowed since 2012.”

About 30 megalitres a day is flowing through the Horsham Weir.

Mr Brennan said above average rain so far this year had meant improvements in the Wimmera River system.

“What we are really hoping for is that this continues for the next few months,” he said.

“If we continue to have average winter rain and average spring rain, then it will keep flowing.”

Mr Brennan said the river had lots of flow-on benefits.

“There is now a level of connection from the Dimboola Weir all the way to the upper catchment,” he said.

“That’s going to allow for the distribution of fish along areas of the Wimmera River that have been dry for years.

“This is will also increase the breeding of those populations and we will see a lot more frogs and birdlife in the area.

“The water will really act as a biodiversity corridor.”

Mr Brennan said the river would also benefit communities.

“This comes on the back of a very dry period, so it is fantastic news,” he said.

“Particularly for smaller communities like Dimboola and hopefully Jeparit.

“The water will underpin things like fishing competitions in those towns, rowing regattas and other social activities that occur when the river is good.”