Latest water use - Gwydir

Environmental watering in the Gwydir catchment 2022-23

Commonwealth environmental watering actions outlined in the Water Management Plan 2022-23 have regard to Basin annual environmental watering priorities and the Basin-wide environmental watering strategy. This page will be updated as decisions on water use in the Gwydir for 2022-23 are made by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

A summary of previous Commonwealth environmental water use in the Gwydir is available on the history page.

For further information about Commonwealth environmental watering in the Gwydir and the outcomes achieved, please refer to the Commonwealth environmental water Outcomes Reports and Annual Reports.

Watering action Status of Commonwealth action
Environmental watering in the Gwydir River Valley Dependent on river flows

Environmental watering in the Gwydir River Valley

Status: Dependent on river flows

About the watering

A range of possible watering actions have been identified for the 2022-23 water year depending on how conditions eventuate over spring and summer. As of August 2022, up to 71,294 ML of Commonwealth water for the environment has been approved for use in conjunction with NSW water in the Gwydir catchment if required.

If conditions continue to be wet

Current forecasts suggest there is likely to be natural flows in the Gwydir catchment across spring and summer. A wet summer will increase the likelihood of a follow-up colonial waterbird breeding event. If this eventuates, water for the environment may again be used to support the birds to breed and fledge. Water for the environment may also be used to extend wetland inundation and may also be used to maintain and/or improve connectivity with the Barwon River to support native fish populations to breed and move.

If conditions turn dry

If there is a return to hot and dry conditions over summer, water for the environment may be needed to:

  • maintain the condition of core wetlands,
  • provide replenishment flows to waterholes and refuge pools if extended cease to flow periods occur,
  • improve connection between the Gwydir and the Barwon River to support fish movement, and/or to
  • mitigate water quality issues during prolonged dry periods.

Read more about 2022-23 Gwydir Updates

Working with NSW

Watering actions in the Gwydir are managed in collaboration with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. Releases from Copeton Dam are coordinated by WaterNSW (and where possible, timed with other releases) to minimise losses.

Planning of releases also incorporates advice from the NSW Gwydir Environmental Water Advisory Group.

For more information, please contact CEWO’s Local Engagement Officers:

  • Jane Humphries – Moree 0437 141 495
  • Jason Wilson – Walgett 0418 210 389
  • Sally Dickinson – Queensland 0448 759 650

For further information on the Gwydir:

Mehi River at Moree, September 2020. Photo: Michael Wrathall, CEWO