Macquarie River and Marshes 2020-21
Commonwealth and NSW environmental water holders agreed to deliver water for the environment to the mid-Macquarie River and Marshes over spring 2020 to support recovery following extreme drought conditions. The delivery of water will support Murray cod breeding and the recovery of core wetland vegetation. It will also help plants, fish, frogs and waterbirds to complete their life cycles.
2020-21 Macquarie event updates
posted 25 August 2021
Macquarie River Valley 2020–21 Water use
Water for the environment supported threatened Murray cod populations and brought back to life parts of the iconic Macquarie Marshes following the record-breaking drought of the previous three years.
posted 4 February 2021
Macquarie River Valley – Update #4 – 4 February 2021
Low flows were provided through December and January. Flows supported vegetation growth and recovery, waterbird breeding, allowed tadpoles to grow into adult frogs and supported connectivity along the Macquarie River to the Barwon.
posted 18 December 2020
Macquarie River Murray cod monitoring – Progress update - 18 December 2020
Monitoring by NSW DPI Fisheries found that Murray cod successfully spawned in the mid-Macquarie River during the delivery of water for the environment in spring. Preliminary analysis found larvae of at least five fish species and crustaceans including Murray cod, freshwater catfish, yabbies, and mussels and carp.
posted 9 December 2020
Macquarie River Valley – Update #3 – 9 December 2020
Flow rates peaked in November supporting dispersal of larval fish and inundation of core wetland vegetation in the Macquarie Marshes. Flows are now gradually receding. Water for the environment will provide low flows through summer to allow reeds and other vegetation to continue growing and recovering from drought and fire. The flows will also provide habitat for the recently hatched Murray cod, support nesting waterbirds and allow more frogs to breed.
posted 30 October 2020
Macquarie River Valley – Update #2 – 30 October 2020
Relatively stable flows were delivered through October to keep Murray cod nesting sites inundated along the mid-Macquarie River. Flows will increase in November to provide opportunities for newly hatched fish to disperse while still maintaining inundation in the Marshes and connection to the Barwon.
posted 19 October 2020
Macquarie River Valley – Update #1 – 19 October 2020
The delivery of Commonwealth and NSW water for the environment from Burrendong Dam has begun, with water making its way through the mid-Macquarie River and into the Marshes. The flows aim to support the Murray cod nesting season in the mid-Macquarie River, help with drought recovery in the Macquarie Marshes, and improve connection with the Barwon River.