The group mounts a good argument for investing in methods other than taking precious water out of Victoria's northern food bowl to ensure plenty of water for southern city dwellers.

However, the group risks losing some of that support if it goes down the path of intimidatory or, heaven forbid, violent protests.

Yesterday, the group backed down on plans to invade a farm owned by Victorian Premier John Brumby and run largely by his wife, near Bendigo.

Plug the Pipe members have every right to protest the government's plans. That right is central to our democracy.

They can be as loud and as vocal as they like. But their threats yesterday were out of order.

It could be argued that Mr Brumby's family members should expect attention over and above ordinary citizens because of their connections to the premier (remember Steve Bracks' son Nicholas and his misfortunes).

However, deliberately targeting them for political mileage is not an acceptable tactic.

Yesterday's proposed actions did not have the support of either side of politics in Victoria, nor we suspect, of many Victorians at all.

Having said that, they were out of character for Plug the Pipe, which has, to date, expressed itself in a relatively orderly, rational and effective manner. Perhaps that is why it enjoys support from beyond its own area.

Should it stoop to the levels it was hinting at yesterday, it may well find that support begins to wane. That won't help its cause at all.

Heartening to see water on lake bed

SPEAKING of water issues, it has been heartening to drive around Lake Wendouree in recent days and see obvious pools of water on the otherwise dry lake bed.

Of course, the lake is a vital part of what makes our city special.

We continue to look forward to the day, whenever it may be, when the lake is filled and able to be appreciated in all its glory once again.