The Warrego and Barwon–Darling valleys lie in the Murray–Darling Basin's far north. These valleys support:
- native plant and animal species
- domestic and agricultural water use
- cultural practices of local First Nations peoples
- tourism and recreation.
River flow in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling valleys depends largely on rainfall. Water is taken from the rivers and shared between different users which impacts the habitat, key breeding sites and drought refuges for native plants and animals.
To learn more about what we're trying to achieve with water for the environment in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys, visit current priorities.
First Nations peoples and the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys
First Nations peoples have had a long-standing connection with the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout the region. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, as the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Warrego Valley
The Warrego Valley takes in, or borders, the traditional lands of the following nations:
- Yuwaalaraay / Euahlayi
- Bidjara
- Gwamu / Kooma
- Gunggari / Kungari
- Kunja
- Mandandanji
- Mardigan
- Githabul
- Murrawarri.
The Kunja Nation has Native Title of more than 23,000 hectares of land and water near Cunnamulla. This includes parts of the Warrego River.
Barwon–Darling River
The Barwon–Darling River holds spiritual and cultural importance for many nations. This includes the nations of:
- Barkandji
- Murrawarri
- Eahlayi
- Ngemba
- Ngiyampaa
- Wailwan.
Native plant and animal species
Many sites in the region are important for native plant and animals.
The catchments of the Warrego, Moonie, and Condamine–Balonne are crucial for golden perch. Fish spawned in these catchments move to sites across the north of the Basin and even to the south.
The Warrego River Waterholes near Charleville are nationally significant. They are a key breeding area for native fish like the Murray cod and silver perch.
The Yantabulla Swamp is a mosaic of channels, floodways and wetlands within the Cuttaburra Creek system. During floods, it provides breeding sites for ducks and waterbirds.
The Warrego Western Floodplain (Toorale) supports diverse plant life. It also provides habitat for many threatened species of waterbirds.
The Barwon–Darling River connects the lower floodplain rivers, lakes and wetlands in the Northern Basin. It provides a refuge for fish and waterbirds during dry periods. The river serves as a pathway between Northern and Southern Murray-Darling Basin.
The Talyawalka Anabranch-Teryaweynya Creek supports thousands of waterbirds when flooded. It's known for its coolibah and blackbox plants.
Learn more
Visit the Murray–Darling Basin Authority website for more information about the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys.
To learn about our water holdings in the region, visit Water holdings.