Every year, we focus on meeting specific environmental demands in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys. These priorities align to our broader environmental objectives for the region.
Environmental objectives in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys
Our longer-term goals in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys focus on connectivity to support native plants and animals.
Connectivity
Keep rivers connected by supporting both:
- Longitudinal connections - the flow of water along the length of the river.
- Lateral connections - the link between the river and nearby wetlands and floodplains.
This includes supporting longitudinal connectivity along the Barwon–Darling River. It also includes supporting lateral connectivity within the river network and between the rivers and their floodplains.
Plants
Maintain the condition, growth and survival of native plants. This includes plants both in and around waterways.
Waterbirds
Support waterbirds and help maintain their diversity. This includes supporting naturally triggered breeding events and maintaining habitat.
Native fish
Prevent the loss of native fish species and improve population structure and distribution. We aim to do this by supporting opportunities for them to:
- move
- disperse
- reproduce
- recruit.
Other vertebrates and invertebrates
Help other native aquatic species reproduce and recruit. This includes frogs and turtles.
Processes, water quality, resilience
Support key ecosystem functions, including:
- productivity
- maintain water quality in channels and pools
- maintain drought refuge habitat.
About environmental objectives
Environmental goals in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys are based on:
- long-term environmental objectives in the Basin Plan
- state long-term water plans
- site management plans
- local ecological knowledge.
Because the Barwon–Darling River is unregulated, what we can achieve each year changes. It largely depends on conditions in the region and how much it rains in the river's tributaries.
We will keep updating these goals as part of our commitment to adaptive management.
Water planning
Water we plan to deliver, trade, and carry over in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys this water year.
Latest water use
A list of current watering actions in the Warrego and Barwon–Darling Valleys.