the east and the New South Wales border to the north. This includes the management of rural water allocations and environmental protection for the Avon-Richardson, Avoca, Campaspe and Loddon rivers. Regional water consumption for irrigation, stock and domestic use greatly exceeds local supply. Irrigation consumes an average per annum, while domestic use consumes around per annum. More than 75% of regional water needs are met from water imports from the Goulburn Valley and upper Murray River catchments to the north and west. An extensive network of natural lakes includes Lake Buloke (the terminus for the Avon-Richardson River), Lake Batyo Catyo near the town of Donald, and a northern network comprising Lakes Boort, Merna, Kangaroo, Charm, Lalbert and Boga. Groundwater beneath this northern lakes network supplies approximately 80% of Australia's mineral springs, supplying the bulk of domestically-produced mineral water and providing substantial local employment. Land use The predominant land use is agriculture, including sheep and cattle grazing and the production of cereals, grains and legumes. The gross value of agricultural output exceeds $0.8 billion a year. Forestry is also a major employer in the area surrounding the former gold rush towns of Creswick and Daylesford, with a substantial output of firewood, furniture timber and Eucalyptus oil. Approximately 13% of the North Central catchment is public land, comprising flora reserves and state and national parks. Notes References Regions of Victoria (Australia)