The Victorian lake that has disappeared in drought

AFTER Victoria’s spate of wet, gloomy weather it’s easy to forget that regional areas of the state remain plagued by tough drought conditions.

Damon Grigg (9), Aaron Towbridge (15) and Hayden Trowbridge (15) stand on a jetty at a completely dry Lake Wallace in Edenhope in Western Victoria. Recent rains - the first in months - were not enough to break drought conditions in Western Victoria. CONTACT: Vanessa: 0407 761 267. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

AFTER Victoria’s spate of wet, gloomy weather it’s easy to forget that regional areas of the state remain plagued by tough drought conditions.

Tucked away in the western Victorian township of Edenhope are the cracked remnants of Lake Wallace. Once a popular fishing destination, the lake has all but evaporated.

“It’s been really tough for the community. The lake dried up years ago and consequently there’s nowhere for locals to swim, fish and sail,” said Edenhope resident Vanessa.

The drought’s had a ripple effect on the township. Since Lake Wallace dried up tourism has taken a dive in Edenhope, having a direct impact on local traders.

Vanessa’s twin nephews Aaron and Hayden think the drought has been detrimental to local youth in particular. “Back when the lake was full it was incorporated into their school’s sporting curriculum,” said Vanessa. “Now students have to travel to neighbouring towns to participate in sporting events, which is an added cost.”

The past two years in the area have been some of the driest on record and recent rainfall failed to generate life back into Lake Wallace.

The boys at a completely dry Lake Wallace. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Such sentiments are being felt right across western Victoria and South Australia, with the drought being particularly crippling to farming communities. The conditions in the area are even partially blamed for the nation’s distressing avocado shortage.

But it’s not all bad news. In fact, in a matter of months the fate of Lake Wallace may drastically change. Dean Stewart, senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meterology, thinks 2016 might just be Edenhope’s year. “There’s a 50/50 chance that in the next few months Edenhope will return to their average rainfall prior to the drought” he said.

While the community isn’t expecting an overnight miracle, it’s a welcome development which may very well spell the end of drought season. “I don’t want to sound sceptical because we’ve heard it before and it didn’t happen,” said Vanessa.

She joked: “Maybe I’ll do a rain dance and see if that increase our chances.”