Environmental watering project a win for local river ecology

This infrastructure will enable future delivery of Commonwealth environmental water to reconnect valuable creeks and wetlands in the region. 

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, Dr Simon Banks, says multiple outcomes can be achieved through the use of our environmental water.

“Water brings life,” Dr Banks said.

“Which is what we are trying to do. We are trying to restore the environment and make it healthier.

“Working in partnership with Murray Irrigation Limited, we were able to use their infrastructure to parts of the system that we just wouldn’t be able to get to if we didn’t have the infrastructure available.”

Burraboi farmer and Stage 4 participant, Hayley Pattison (pictured below), is overjoyed at seeing water flowing in the Jimaringle Creek, which crosses through her property.

For her, this would normally be a rare sight.

"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." 

Murray Irrigation CEO, Ron McCalman, said supplying environmental water to these significant creeks is critical to maintaining flow connectivity and restoring the environments in the broader Yallakool-Wakool and Colligen-Niemur River systems.

"Low within bank flows provide opportunities for fish movement and vegetation seed dispersal, as well as maintain critical habitat for turtles, frogs, local waterbird populations and other native wildlife to thrive," he said.

"These small targeted volumes delivered through the Murray Irrigation supply system can also benefit water quality by reducing salinity and buffering black water events.

"These waterflows can also enhance river productivity by providing food for bugs and fish, and support native vegetation including River Red Gums and Black Box woodlands."