$73.5 million boost to local Restoring Murray Waterways project

Murray Irrigation's Restoring Murray Waterways Project (RMW) is undergoing a major expansion, with the Australian Government fully funding the next phase of this up to $73.5 million environmental watering initiative dedicated to improving the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains in the southern NSW Murray.

Recognised as a Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) measure, the project builds on the success of the company's recent pilot and focuses on the Edward/Kolety-Wakool river system and extending benefits across the Murray-Darling system. 

RMW has been developed and tested over several years in collaboration with local landholders, First Nations groups and NSW and Australian Environmental Water Managers.

The pilot program, completed earlier this year, involved the construction and upgrade of Murray Irrigation infrastructure to connect around 300 km of creeks and 2,680 ha of wetlands.   

This next phase, which is being delivered in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments, will enable more efficient delivery of environmental flows across a further 320 km of creeks and 6,482 ha of wetlands by upgrading Murray Irrigation's gravity-fed irrigation network, including the removal of barriers to natural flows. 

Making smart use of existing infrastructure 

By leveraging the Murray Irrigation water supply network, the project will deliver more water to areas that typically only receive flows during high Murray River events. This will help improve the health of rivers, floodplains and ecosystems while reducing the need for additional water recovery measures, supporting SDLAM outcomes and the broader goals of the Murray-Daring Basin Plan.

Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the Albanese Government remains committed to delivering the Murray−Darling Basin Plan in a way that balances the needs of communities, industries and our environment.

“In a climate where every drop counts, Australians deserve to have confidence their systems can reliably and efficiently deliver water," he said.

“Our investment in SDLAM projects delivers the best of both worlds – similar or improved ecological outcomes while leaving more water in the consumptive pool.”   

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said while there is no single solution to restoring our rivers, making smarter use of existing infrastructure is a proven way to return more water to the environment while reducing reliance on buybacks. 

“This investment is about finding practical, balanced solutions that work for communities and for the environment, improving the way water moves through the system so we can deliver better outcomes with the water we already have," she said. 

“It’s also a reflection of the strong partnerships behind this work. Landholders, Aboriginal communities and local stakeholders have helped shape these projects, ensuring they deliver real benefits on the ground while protecting the waterways the Edward–Wakool community depends on.”

Collaboration in action  

According to Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman, RMW is an outstanding outcome of collaboration between governments, First Nations and local landholders – and "a powerful example of what we can achieve when we all work together." 

“Murray Irrigation is proud to be contributing to solutions in this space," Mr McCalman said.

"We look forward to seeing the outcomes of the latest stage of the project and exploring future potential opportunities.” 

Key infrastructure upgrades to be completed during the current expansion phase include: 

• Upgrades to existing escapes and channels within the Murray Irrigation network
• Improvements to creek crossings and fencing on private land 
• Construction of additional escape structures to distribute water to new creeks and wetland areas 
• Installation of fish-friendly crossings.

The project is also delivering practical benefits for landholders by improving access across creeks during watering events while supporting both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes.

Reaping the benefits

Burraboi farmer Hayley Pattison (pictured at right) is one of 45 local landholders to collaborate with Murray Irrigation as part of the pilot RMW program, and is overjoyed to see water flowing again in the Jimaringle Creek, which crosses through her property.

"We've seen the benefits that environmental water flows have played to this creek," Ms Pattison said.   

"The birdlife, the insect life, the frog life ... the landscape is just healthier.

"It really does add value to our operation and to the landscape."