By Esther Lauaki
Conditions at Melton Reservoir are looking promising for the region’s largest speed boating meet.
That’s music to the ears of Melton Gold Cup organisers who earlier this year held concerns about low water levels at the weir in Exford.
Last week, the reservoir was at 99.6 per cent capacity according to Southern Rural Water’s projections.
The Melton Gold Cup, Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club’s annual three-day, high-octane national speed boat event, attracts hundreds of spectators and competitors.
Event manager Dennis Psalia said it was the first time he had seen the weir at capacity in close to 10 years.
“There’s always a concern that the water levels will be too low to hold our event so this is really good news for us,” Mr Psalia said.
“We’re expecting next year’s event to be bigger than ever.”
He said the event, which raises funds for Beyondblue, raises more than $20,000 a year.
Melton Reservoir has risen from just five per cent capacity in May to full for the past few months.
In August, water supply manager for Southern Rural Water, Ed Smith said that the increases were welcome for local farmers following two years of below average rainfall.
“The river catchments are wet, the reservoirs have spilled and these flows will provide a good flush through the Werribee River basin,” Mr Smith said. “The flows will help improve water quality coming into spring and also help offset the forecast drier than average outlook over coming months.”
The Melton Gold Cup will be held between January 31 to February 2. Entry to the event is by gold coin, with proceeds going to Beyondblue.
