Victoria

Title: Environmental Memoir

Lake Burrumbeet is now non existent. There is no water due to drought and lack of rain. There was once a caravan park which attracted many tourists who brought paying jobs and supplying our community.

When I was younger, I enjoyed fishing and eeling in the creeks which flowed into the lake. Now the birds and wild animals have all gone. Where to, we don't know? Many have probably died from lack of water or food. This was once a picturesque place with beautiful gum trees surrounding the lake and bringing relief from the hot weather. There were many animals that lived in and around the lake. The cockies (cockatoos) were noisy in the evening and there were squeaking frogs in the lakes.

The ground is so desiccated now. Families used to enjoy BBQs or picnics. We used to go swimming here. The lake had a ski club which was very popular. We would go skiing most weekends. Slowly, over the last 13 years the water has disappeared. Now you can drive your car over it!

There are many farms which no longer exist. Farmers used the lake to irrigate water for many crops. The animals would also use the water for drinking.

This is only one lake in Victoria. It makes me want to be more water efficient. It’s a shame our children of today can’t experience what I did when I was young growing up and enjoying our environment the way it used to be. We desperately need water.