Environmental watering in the catchment in previous years
Campaspe catchment
2020-21
Campaspe River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2020-21 a total of 4,860 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Campaspe River together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. Intervalley transfer volumes were also delivered through the Campaspe River.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream low flows and freshes in the Campaspe River to maintain river red gum, native fish, waterbug and platypus populations; support connectivity along the river; and maintain in-stream and bank vegetation.
The delivery of water for the environment likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch, Murray cod and the swift parrot. Victorian listed threatened species that may have benefited from the watering include golden perch, Murray-Darling rainbow fish and the squirrel glider; other local species include flathead gudgeon, platypus and the water rat.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River supported downstream actions throughout Gunbower creek, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2019-20
Campaspe River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 a total of 3,644 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Campaspe River together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream freshes in the Campaspe River to maintain river red gum, native fish, waterbug and platypus populations; support connectivity along the river; and maintain in-stream and bank vegetation.
The delivery of water for the environment likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch, Murray cod and the swift parrot. Victorian listed threatened species that may have benefited from the watering include golden perch, Murray-Darling rainbow fish and the squirrel glider; other local species include flathead gudgeon, platypus and the water rat.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River supported downstream actions throughout Gunbower creek, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2018-19
Campaspe River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) committed the use of up to 7,020 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River.
During 2018-19 a total of 3,730 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Campaspe River together with environmental water provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Campaspe River to maintain river red gum, native fish, waterbug and platypus populations; support connectivity along the river; and maintain in-stream and bank vegetation.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch, Murray cod and the swift parrot. Victorian listed threatened species that may have benefited from the watering include golden perch, Murray-Darling rainbow fish and the squirrel glider; other local species include flathead gudgeon, platypus and the water rat.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2017-18
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | Completed |
Campaspe River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) has committed the use of up to 6,990 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
During 2017-18 a total of 6,594 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Campaspe River together with environmental water provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Campaspe River to maintain river red gum, native fish, waterbug and platypus populations; support connectivity along the river; and maintain in-stream and bank vegetation.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch, Murray cod and the swift parrot. Victorian listed threatened species that may have benefited from the watering include golden perch, Murray-Darling rainbow fish and the squirrel glider; other local species include flathead gudgeon, platypus and the water rat.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2016-17
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | Completed |
Campaspe River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) has committed the use of up to 6,913 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
In 2016-17, due to sufficient natural inflows and contributions from the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, no Commonwealth environmental water was delivered.
The overarching purpose of environmental watering actions was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, this watering action supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), the endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolour) and the vulnerable Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii). Victorian listed threatened species which benefited from the watering include golden perch (Macquaria ambigua), the Murray-Darling rainbow fish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) and squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis). Other local species that rely on the target area include flathead gudgeon (Philypnodon grandiceps), platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and water rat (Hydromys chrysogaster).
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2015-16
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | Completed |
Campaspe River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) has committed the use of up to 6,913 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover). Commonwealth environmental water was delivered with water also provided by The Living Murray and Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
A total of 3,258.7 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes between August and November 2015 within the Campaspe River in support of native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and biotic dispersal. Return flows from the Campaspe River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function.
The overarching purpose of the watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering action likely supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), the endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolour) and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii). Victorian listed threatened species expected to benefit from the watering include the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua), the Murray-Darling Rainbow fish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) and the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis). Other local species that rely on the target area include the Flathead Gudgeon (Philypnodon grandiceps), Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) (NCCMA 2014).
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2014-15
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action (ML) |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | Completed |
Campaspe River
Status: This action is complete
About the watering
Campaspe River downstream of Eppalock, February 2014
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) committed the use of up to 6,913 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Campaspe River.
A total of 5,791.5 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered with additional water provided by The Living Murray and Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes between July 2014 and June 2015 within the Campaspe River in support of native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and biotic dispersal. Return flows from the Campaspe River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function.
The overarching purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering actions likely supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus), the endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolour) and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii). Victorian listed threatened species likely to have benefitted from the watering include the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua), the Murray-Darling Rainbow fish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) and the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis). Other local species were also supported including the Flathead Gudgeon (Philypnodon grandiceps), Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) (NCCMA 2014)3.
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
3 NCCMA (2014) Draft Seasonal watering proposal Campaspe River System downstream of Lake Eppalock 2014-15, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly Victoria.
2013-14
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | |
| Total in 2013-14 |
Environmental watering in the Campaspe River 2013-14
Campaspe River, September 2012
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
The overarching purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. A total of 6,517 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in September 2013 within the Campaspe River in support of native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and biotic dispersal. Return flows of 6,069 ML from the Campaspe River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function.
The watering action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2012-13
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | 6 820 |
| Total in 2012-13 | 6 820 |
Campaspe River during environmental watering
© Darren White, North Central CMA
Campaspe River during environmental watering
© Darren White, North Central CMA
August 2012 – Campaspe River
Status: This action has been completed.
6,820 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used in the Campaspe River in Victoria during 2012-13.
Commonwealth environmental water was used to provide base flows and freshes to support the maintenance of native riparian vegetation, fish and macroinvertebrates, and ecosystem function, with end of system flows to contribute to environmental objectives in the lower River Murray. The enhancement of these flows aimed to:
- Maintain the health and existing extent of riparian native vegetation communities, and provide reproduction and recruitment opportunities.
- Provide habitat, breeding and recruitment opportunities for fish and invertebrates.
- Support ecosystem functions that relate to the mobilisation, transport and dispersal of biotic and abiotic material, lateral and longitudinal connectivity to maintain populations, and the creation and maintenance of bed, bank and riparian habitat.
This watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2011-12
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | 6 532 |
| Total in 2011-12 | 6 532 |
2010-11
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Campaspe River | 2 140 |
| Total in 2010-11 | 2 140 |
Goulburn-Broken catchments
2020-21
Goulburn River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2020-21 around 150,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Goulburn River together with water for the environment provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. Intervalley transfer volumes were also delivered through the Goulburn River.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream low base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River to maintain in-stream and bank vegetation; supported native fish and waterbug populations; and supported connectivity along the river and with the River Murray.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported several species and communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, trout cod, silver perch, river swamp wallaby grass, southern bell frog, Australian painted snipe and superb parrot. Also potentially supported were nine bird species listed under international waterbird agreements, including great egret and Latham’s snipe and golden perch and freshwater catfish listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ respectively.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Goulburn supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection and maintenance of water dependent native plants and animals.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water and the Living Murray program.
Broken River, Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2020-21 no water for the environment was required to be delivered in the Broken River as operational and natural flows met ecological water needs throughout the year. No water for the environment was delivered to Moodie Swamp as this was filled by natural flows.
Around 832 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to upper Broken Creek together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to low flows in the upper Broken Creek to provide diverse habitat (riffles, slackwater, pools) for native fish, aquatic plants, platypus and waterbugs; and to support in-stream and fringing aquatic plants and prevent terrestrial plants growing on the riverbed.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod and Macquarie perch, Victorian listed threatened species expected to have benefited from the watering include Murray-Darling rainbow fish.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 around 32,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in Lower Broken Creek. Intervalley transfer volumes were also delivered through Lower Broken Creek.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Lower Broken Creek system to maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, minimise Azolla presence, and provide native fish habitat.
The delivery of water for the environment supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, growling grass frog and river swamp wallaby grass.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection and maintenance of water dependent native plants and animals.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
2019-20
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Goulburn River | Completed |
| Upper Broken Creek | Completed |
| Lower Broken Creek | Completed |
Goulburn River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 around 320,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Goulburn River together with water for the environment provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River to maintain in-stream and bank vegetation; supported native fish and waterbug populations; and supported connectivity along the river and with the River Murray.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Goulburn supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection and maintenance of water dependent native plants and animals.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water and the Living Murray program.
Broken River, Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 no water for the environment was required to be delivered in the Broken River as operational flows met ecological water needs throughout the year. No water for the environment was delivered to Moodie Swamp as this was partially filled by natural flows.
Around 112 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to Upper Broken Creek together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to baseflows in the Broken River to provide diverse habitat (riffles, slackwater, pools) for native fish, aquatic plants, platypus and waterbugs; and support in-stream and fringing aquatic plants and prevent terrestrial plants growing on the river bed.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod and Macquarie perch, Victorian listed threatened species expected to have benefited from the watering include Murray-Darling rainbow fish.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 around 18,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in Lower Broken Creek.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Lower Broken Creek system to maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, minimise Azolla presence, and provide native fish habitat.
The delivery of water for the environment supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, growling grass frog and river swamp wallaby grass.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection and maintenance of water dependent native plants and animals.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
2018-19
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Goulburn River | Completed |
| Upper Broken Creek | Completed |
| Lower Broken Creek | Completed |
Goulburn River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a three-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021) has committed the use of up to 350,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Goulburn River.
During 2018-19 around 170,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Goulburn River together with environmental water provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River to maintain in-stream and bank vegetation; support native fish and waterbug populations; and support connectivity along the river and with the River Murray.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, trout cod, silver perch, river swamp wallaby grass, southern bell frog, Australian painted snipe, and the superb parrot.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Goulburn supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water and the Living Murray program.
Broken River, Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, a five-year environmental watering schedule (17 May 2019 to 30 June 2023) has committed the use of up to 1,500 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Broken River catchment.
During 2018-19 around 200 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Broken River together with environmental water provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. No Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered to Upper Broken Creek or Moodie Swamp.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to baseflows in the Broken River to provide diverse habitat (riffles, slackwater, pools) for native fish, aquatic plants, platypus and waterbugs; and support in-stream and fringing aquatic plants and prevent terrestrial plants growing on the river bed.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod and Macquarie perch, Victorian listed threatened species expected to have benefited from the watering include Murray-Darling rainbow fish.
Environmental watering is managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023) has committed the use of up to 50,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek.
During 2018-19 around 33,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in Lower Broken Creek.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Lower Broken Creek system to maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, minimise Azolla presence, and keep the fish-ways open all year to facilitate native fish passage.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, growling grass frog and river swamp wallaby grass.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering is managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.2017-18
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Goulburn River | Completed |
| Upper Broken Creek | Completed |
| Lower Broken Creek | Completed |
Goulburn River
Status: Completed
About the watering
In 2017-18 the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder committed up to 300,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water for use in that year in the Goulburn River.
During 2017-18 approximately 190,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Goulburn River together with environmental water provided by The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River to maintain in-stream and bank vegetation; support native fish and waterbug populations; and support connectivity along the river and with the River Murray.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, trout cod, silver perch, river swamp wallaby grass, southern bell frog, Australian painted snipe, and the superb parrot.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Goulburn supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Murray Water and the Living Murray program.
Upper Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a three-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018) committed the use of up to 1,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in upper Broken Creek (including Moodie Swamp).
During 2017-18 around 450 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered to Moodie Swamp. Upper Broken Creek reaches 1 and 2 were watered en route to Moodie Swamp.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in upper Broken Creek to maintain bank and in-stream vegetation, support native fish and waterbug survival, and for water quality.
Environmental water was delivered to Moodie Swamp to maintain the health of wetland plants, particularly the growth of ridged water-milfoil and southern cane-grass, and to provide waterbird habitat, particularly for Australian bitterns and brolga breeding.
The delivery of environmental water will likely support endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, rigid water milfoil, Australian painted snipe, and the regent honey eater. Victorian listed threatened species that may have benefited from the watering include brolga, royal spoonbill, Macquarie perch, crimson-spotted rainbow fish, and southern cane grass.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a three-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018) has committed the use of up to 40,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek.
During 2017-18 over 41,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Lower Broken Creek.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Lower Broken Creek system to maintain dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L, minimise Azolla presence, and keep the fish-ways open all year to facilitate native fish passage.
The delivery of environmental water will likely support endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, growling grass frog and river swamp wallaby grass.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek will support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
2016-17
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Goulburn River | Completed |
| Upper Broken Creek | Completed |
| Lower Broken Creek | Completed |
Goulburn River
Status: Completed
About the watering
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River throughout 2016-17. This action helped maintain and improve: riparian and in-channel vegetation condition, recruitment and diversity; the survival, condition, breeding and recruitment of native fish; macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance; longitudinal connectivity along the river and with the River Murray to support biotic dispersal and the transport of nutrients, carbon and sediment.
By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering action also supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis), and superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). The river system also supports nine bird species listed under international waterbird agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA, and the Bonn Convention), including great egret (Ardea alba) and Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii).
Return flows from the Goulburn River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function.
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Living Murray program.
Upper Broken Creek
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Very wet conditions in 2016-17 led to no Commonwealth water being delivered to upper Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp.
In upper Broken Creek the watering action planned to: rehabilitate deep-pool habitats and move sediment downstream; maintain and enhance riparian and in-channel vegetation with variable wet and dry zones; maintain water quality, particularly in refuge pools; and maintain and restore macroinvertebrate habitat by providing intermittent freshes to complete lifecycles.
In Moodie Swamp the watering action planned to promote the growth of ridged water-milfoil (Myriophyllum porcatum) and southern cane-grass (Eragrostis infecunda) to provide habitat for Australian bitterns and encourage brolga (Grus rubicunda) breeding.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: Completed
About the watering
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to lower Broken Creek to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system including: to support native fish condition and movement; maintain water quality; and maintain and improve native aquatic and fringing vegetation.
By targeting ecosystem function and resilience within the lower Broken, the watering action likely supported a significant number of threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities including several nationally endangered and vulnerable species, listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Examples include Murray cod, trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Macquarie perch, growling grass frog, Australian painted snipe and ridged water-milfoil.
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in conjunction with Victorian environmental water and consumptive water. This watering action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
2015-16
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Lower Broken Creek | Complete |
| Goulburn River | Complete |
Lower Broken Creek
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
A total of 30 GL of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to lower Broken Creek to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system including to support native fish condition and movement, maintain water quality, and maintain and improve native aquatic and fringing vegetation.
By targeting ecosystem function and resilience within the lower Broken, the watering action likely supported a significant number of threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities including several nationally endangered and vulnerable species, listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Examples include the Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), bluenose (trout) cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Macquarie perch (Macquaria ambigua), growling grass frog/southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis) and ridged water-milfoil (Myriophyllum porcatum).
Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in conjunction with Victorian environmental water and consumptive water. This watering action was managed in partnership with the VEWH, Goulburn Murray Water and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Goulburn River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
As of end June 2016 a total of around 190 GL of Commonwealth environmental water had been delivered in the Goulburn River in support of riparian vegetation condition, native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and water quality.
By targeting ecosystem function and health in the Goulburn River, the watering actions likely supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis), and superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). The river system also supports nine bird species listed under international waterbird agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA, and the Bonn Convention), including great egret (Ardea alba) and Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii).
Return flows from the Goulburn River supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function.
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in conjunction with water from The Living Murray program. This watering action was managed in partnership with the VEWH, Goulburn Murray Water, The Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority.
2014-15
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Upper Broken Creek | Completed |
| Lower Broken Creek | Completed |
| Goulburn River | Completed |
Upper Broken Creek
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in upper Broken Creek and Moodies Swamp in spring 2014 to maintain waterbird habitat and support refuge sites and food sources to help boost waterbird populations (and breeding) across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Australasian Bittern. Photo: Frankzed - Flickr
The spring watering of Moodies Swamp followed an initial watering in autumn 2014, which allowed the Commonwealth and Victorian water holders to support seeding and flowering of vegetation. Observations by Goulburn-Broken CMA staff of nesting Brolgas and EPBC listed Australasian Bittern at the wetland indicate that the watering activity had the desired effect.
250 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used in conjunction with 250 ML of environmental water made available by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH). This watering action was managed in cooperation with the VEWH, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
Lower Broken Creek
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Lower Broken Creek, September 2012
Over 32,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to lower Broken Creek between August 2014 and May 2015. Environmental water contributed to in-stream variable base flows in support of native fish condition and movement, native vegetation condition, hydrological connectivity and the maintenance of aquatic habitat conditions. Return flows from the use of Commonwealth environmental water in lower Broken Creek supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
The purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and resilience within the lower Broken and Nine Mile creek, the proposed watering actions likely supported a significant number of threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities including up to 10 nationally endangered and vulnerable species, listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Examples include the Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), bluenose (trout) cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Macquarie perch (Macquaria ambigua), growling grass frog/southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis) and ridged water-milfoil (Myriophyllum porcatum) (EPBC Act Protected Matters search tool, DoE, 2014).
Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in conjunction with 1,678 ML of environmental water made available by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), consumptive deliveries and bulk-water intervalley transfers. These water sources together contributed to meeting environmental flow targets in lower Broken Creek. This watering action was managed in partnership with the VEWH, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Goulburn River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Goulburn River upstream of Murchison, January 2014
Over 225,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to the Goulburn River in 2014-15 in conjunction with over 29,000 ML of Victorian environmental water and over 54,000 ML of The Living Murray water. Environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes in the Goulburn River throughout 2014-15 in support of riparian vegetation condition, native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and water quality. The overarching purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system.
Commonwealth funded fish monitoring in the Goulburn River detected successful spawning of golden perch in response to an environmental flow (fresh) delivered in November 2015. This follows a successful golden perch spawning event in response to an environmental fresh delivered in spring of the previous year in 2014. These are the only known successful spawning events since a natural flow event in November 2010. Environmental flows in spring also aimed to improve the resilience of riparian vegetation that is still in recovery mode following the millennium drought.
By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering actions are also likely to have supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis), and superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii). The river system also supports nine bird species listed under international waterbird agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA, and the Bonn Convention), including great egret (Ardea alba) and Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii).
Over 210,000 ML of return flows from the Goulburn River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native plants and animals (such as native fish), water quality and ecosystem function. The Victorian Environmental Water Holder and The Living Murray program are also contributing environmental water to actions in the Goulburn in 2014-15.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, the Goulburn-Murray Water, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office worked together to make this watering action possible.
2013-14
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Upper Broken Creek | Yet to commence |
| Lower Broken Creek | In progress |
| Goulburn River | In progress |
Moodie's Swamp
Lower Broken Creek
Status
30 June 2014: This action is complete.
About the watering
The purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. 38,593.7 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes between August 2013 and May 2014 within the lower Broken Creek in support of native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and the maintenance of water quality. Return flows from the use of Commonwealth water in the lower Broken Creek, totalling 33,183.8 ML, supported downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function.
The watering action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Upper Broken Creek
Status
30 June 2014: This action is complete.
About the watering
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to an in-stream fresh between August 2013 and March 2014 to support improved native fish condition, hydrological connectivity and biotic dispersal.
121 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered within the Upper Broken Creek, and contributed to achieving the following outcomes:
- flow variability
- provide a wet dry zone at the channel edge
- maintenance of aquatic habitats during periods of cease to flow
- promote successional change in community composition through disturbance and habitat diversity.
This watering action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water.
Environmental watering in the Goulburn River 2013-14
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Goulburn River
From 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014, a total of 215,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Goulburn River to contribute to:
- supporting the germination and growth of riparian native vegetation and improving river bank stability
- submerging snags and improving the habitat of native fish so that they can breed and grow
- moving fine sediment and leaf litter to provide habitat and food for macro-invertebrates while also maintaining suitable water quality for other native aquatic plants and animals
- additional environmental benefits throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes through the delivery of 214,892.4 ML in return flows that were made available for use downstream of the Goulburn river.
In addition to the above ecological outcomes, environmental flows in the Goulburn aim to promote native fish populations such as Murray cod, trout cod, silver perch, golden perch and river catfish. In 2013-14 fish monitoring detected a golden perch breeding event in response to an environmental flow, which was the first successful event recorded in a number of years. Future environmental watering actions will build on the lessons learned from this important outcome.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder and The Living Murray program also contributed water to this environmental watering action.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority, the Goulburn-Murray Water, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office worked together to make this watering action possible.
2012-13
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Goulburn River | 201 097 |
| Lower Broken Creek | 41 230 |
| Upper Broken Creek | 51 200 |
| Total in 2012-13 | 293 527 |
Photo: Broken Creek at Numurkah ©Mattinbgn, Flickr
March 2013 - Upper Broken Creek
51 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used during February-March 2013 in the upper Broken Creek to contribute to:
- providing more natural flow variability
- providing a wet dry zone at the channel edge
- maintaining habitats during periods of cease to flow consistent with patterns from storms
- promoting successional change in plant and animal community composition through disturbance and habitat diversity.
This action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Gum trees line Broken Creek ©MDBA Photographer: David Kleinert
July 2012 – Lower Broken Creek
41,230 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used in the lower Broken Creek to contribute to enhancing the baseflows in the lower Broken Creek from September 2012 and May 2013. The enhancement of these flows aimed to:
- facilitate fish movement through the fishway at Rices Weir
- maintain native fish habitat, particularly during fish migration and breeding seasons (by maintaining optimal levels of dissolved oxygen and restricting excessive aquatic plant growth)
- increase flows to the lower River Murray channel, Lower Lakes and Coorong for the purpose of maintaining aquatic habitat, supporting targeted lake levels, barrage releases and flows through the barrage fishways.
This watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.
19 April 2012 – Goulburn - watering action to January 2013
Up to 231,937 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to the Goulburn River in Victoria between April 2012 and January 2013.
Environmental water was used by local river managers in the Goulburn catchment to complement natural flows and support the on-going recovery of river-dependent native animals and plants. The agreed water use action also contributed towards achieving multiple environmental benefits in the River Murray channel, Lower Lakes and Coorong.
In the short term, this watering action contributed towards providing and maintaining fish refuge habitats for remnant native fish and other aquatic animals in the Murray River which are at risk due to hypoxic blackwater entering the system from the Murrumbidgee River. It is not expected that the water use will fully counteract the negative impacts of the hypoxic blackwater, however, the water has been made available on the basis that a contribution to improving the flows will assist with maintaining or improving aquatic habitat.
This action will complement other Commonwealth environmental watering actions being currently undertaken as part of an integrated approach to improving conditions in the wider Murray River catchment. Water is also being delivered in the:
- Edward-Wakool river system to provide fish refuge flows
- Lower Murrumbidgee River
- Mid-Murray fish refuge and replenishment flows
This watering action was managed by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority in cooperation with Goulburn-Murray Water, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (River Murray Operations).
2011-12
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Lower Broken Creek | 10 366 |
| Goulburn River | 96 900 |
| Goulburn River | 37 039 |
| Broken River | 51 |
| Total in 2011-12 | 144 356 |
14 March 2012 – Goulburn - Update to watering action
Commonwealth environmental water deliveries were suspended on 27 February 2012 due to the large amount of rainfall in the catchment.
The watering action is currently being reviewed, taking into account catchment conditions.
December 2011 – Lower Broken Creek
10,366 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used in the lower Broken Creek to contribute to enhancing the baseflows in the lower Broken Creek from December 2011 to May 2012 (action suspended late February-early May 2012). The enhancement of these flows aimed to support native fish habitat, particularly for large-bodied species such as the nationally vulnerable Murray cod, by:
- maintaining water quality and dissolved oxygen levels
- providing flows for fish passage through fishways
- providing connectivity for fish passage between the lower Broken Creek and the Murray River.
This watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
11 November 2011 – Goulburn River
Up to 96.9 GL of environmental water was made available for use in the Goulburn River in Victoria during 2011-12. Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in conjunction with water from The Living Murray program to improve the health of the Goulburn River.
The priority for environmental water use in 2011-12 was to build on last year's flows that have contributed to restoration of the Goulburn River system, which followed ten or more years of drought.
The objectives for use of the water in 2011-12 were:
- Maintain base flows to:
- Provide a range of slow shallow water and deep water habitat for fish, and create conditions for fish spawning and recruitment.
- Provide habitat and food sources for macroinvertebrates by, for example, submersing snag habitat.
- Maintain aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation on banks and bars.
- Provide pulse flows to:
- Provide pre-spawning and movement cues for some native fish species such as golden perch.
- Improve habitat for macroinvertebrates and native fish by disrupting biofilms, entraining litter packs as a food/habitat for macroinvertebrates and flushing fine sediments.
- Promote dynamic and diverse food webs by improve planktonic algae production rates, biomass levels and community composition.
- Provide pre-spawning and movement cues for some native fish species such as golden perch.
- Contribute to geomorphic processes by maintaining natural rates of sediment mobilisation and deposition.
This watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
This action provided additional water to flows in South Australia to achieve environmental benefits in the Lower Murray River, the Lower Lakes and Coorong. These flows contributed to flows over the barrages to improve water quality in the Lower Lakes and Coorong.
For more information about this watering action, please see:
- Environmental water to be released down the Goulburn River - media release 14 November 2011
2010-11
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Broken River | 24 |
| Goulburn-Broken River | 52 440 |
| Total in 2010-11 | 52 464 |
Loddon catchment
2020-21
Loddon River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2020-21 a total of 755 ML and 1,140 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Loddon River and Serpentine Creek respectively, together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Loddon River to support connectivity along the river and maintain native fish, platypus and water rat habitat.
The delivery of water for the environment supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch and Murray cod, as well as golden perch and river blackfish, both listed on the Victorian fish database.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2019-20
Loddon River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 a total of 1,127 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Loddon River together with water for the environment provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Loddon River to support connectivity along the river and maintain native fish, platypus and water rat habitat.
The delivery of water for the environment supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch and Murray cod, as well as golden perch and river blackfish, both listed on the Victorian fish database.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2018-19
Loddon River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) committed the use of up to 3,883 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Loddon River.
During 2018-19 a total of 2,638 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Loddon River together with environmental water provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Loddon River to support connectivity along the river and maintain native fish, platypus and water rat habitat.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch and Murray cod, as well as golden perch and river blackfish, both listed on the Victorian fish database.
Environmental watering was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2017-18
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | Completed |
Loddon River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) has committed the use of up to 3,883 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Loddon River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
During 2017-18 a total of 3,054 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Loddon River together with environmental water provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes in the Loddon River to support connectivity along the river and maintain native fish, platypus and water rat habitat.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including silver perch and Murray cod, as well as golden perch and river blackfish, both listed on the Victorian fish database.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2016-17
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | Completed |
Loddon River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 – June 2019) has committed the use of up to 3,883 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Loddon River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
The overarching purpose of the watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering action supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered silver perch and the vulnerable Murray cod as well as golden perch and river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), both listed on the Victorian fish database.
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2015-16
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | Completed |
Loddon River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 – June 2019) has committed the use of up to 3,883 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Loddon River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
A total of 1,476.6 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes between August and September 2015 within the Loddon River in support of riparian vegetation condition, native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and water quality.
The overarching purpose of the watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, the proposed watering action likely supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) as well as the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) and River Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), both listed on the Victorian fish database.
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
2014-15
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | Completed |
Loddon River
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Loddon River at Hamilton’s Crossing, March 2014
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 – June 2019) has committed the use of up to 3,883 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Loddon River.
A total of 2,869.5 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes between September and October 2014 within the Loddon River in support of riparian vegetation condition, native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and water quality.
The overarching purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the system. By targeting ecosystem function and health, the watering action likely supported Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listed species including the critically endangered Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) as well as the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) and River Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), both listed on the Victorian fish database (NCCMA 2014)4.
The action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority and The Living Murray.
4 NCCMA (2014) Draft Seasonal watering proposal Campaspe River System downstream of Lake Eppalock 2014-15, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly Victoria.
2013-14
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | Completed |
Environmental watering in the Loddon River 2013-14
Great Cormorant and Yellow-billed Spoonbill @ Laanecoorie
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
The purpose of this watering action was to improve and maintain the ecological health and resilience of the Loddon River system. A total of 2,774.5 ML of Commonwealth environmental water contributed towards in-stream baseflows and freshes between September and November 2013 within the Loddon River in support of riparian vegetation condition, native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and water quality.
The watering action was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2012-13
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | 2 745 |
| Total in 2012-13 | 2 745 |
Photo: Loddon River from Hox bridge © North East CMA
July 2012 - Loddon River
2,745.5 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was used in the Loddon River in northern Victoria during 2012-13.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to supporting variable flows throughout the 2012-13 water year. High priority watering actions targeted include winter/spring base flows between July and October 2012, and a 'spring fresh' planned between September and November 2012. The enhancement of these flows aimed to:
- Support a range of native aquatic species, particularly through enabling native fish movement and improvements to macro-invertebrate habitat.
- Ensure the maintenance of native vegetation within riparian communities is sustained in a healthy, dynamic and resilient condition.
- Support key ecosystem functions, particularly those related to connectivity along the river.
This watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2011-12
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | 1 564 |
| Total in 2011-12 | 1 564 |
Photo: Loddon River © North East CMA
October 2011 - Loddon River
1,564 GL of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to the Loddon River from 8 June 2011.
The purpose of this action was to support vegetation health and maintain water quality. The action did this by providing a winter-spring baseflow that:
- maintained in-stream and riparian vegetation and contributed to vegetation condition
- reduced encroachment by terrestrial vegetation
- improved water quality.
The watering action was managed in cooperation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
2010-11
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Loddon River | 427 |
| Total in 2010-11 | 427 |
Ovens catchment
2020-21
Ovens River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2020-21 a total of 123 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the in the Ovens and King rivers.
This water was delivered as part of a bulk release by Goulburn Murray Water in autumn and contributed to connectivity between pools, native fish movement and improved water quality.
No Commonwealth environmental water was pumped into Mullinmur billabong as natural flows maintained water level. These flows supported aquatic vegetation and habitat for native eel-tailed catfish.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority.
2019-20
Ovens River
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 a total of 103 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the in the Ovens and King rivers together with 39 ML provided by Taungurung Land and Waters Council. This water was delivered on the back of natural high flow events and contributed to connectivity between pools and stimulate native fish movement; improve water quality by mixing pools; provide small variations in river levels and flow to flush sediment from hard surfaces and scour biofilm; and maintain waterbug habitat.
An additional 20 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was pumped into Mullinmur wetland to maintain water level, and to support aquatic vegetation and habitat for native eel-tailed catfish.
Water for the environment was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority.
2018-19
Ovens River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) committed the use of up to 123 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River. During 2018-19 the full volume of 123 ML was delivered.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Ovens River system to maintain native fish movement and in-stream and bank vegetation; improve connectivity between water pools and with the River Murray; and support waterbug habitat.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Macquarie perch, Murray cod, trout cod and growling grass frog. Victorian listed threatened species expected to have benefitted from the watering included golden perch, flyspecked hardyhead, giant bullfrog and the spotted tree frog.
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system is managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water in consultation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
2017-18
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | Completed |
Ovens River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a five-year environmental watering schedule (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019) committed the use of up to 123 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period).
During 2017-18 a total of 123 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Ovens River system.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Ovens River system to maintain native fish movement and in-stream and bank vegetation; improve connectivity between water pools and with the River Murray; and support waterbug habitat.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Macquarie perch, Murray cod, trout cod and growling grass frog. Victorian listed species may have benefited including golden perch, flyspecked hardyhead, giant bullfrog and the spotted tree frog.
Environmental watering actions were managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water in consultation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
2016-17
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | Completed |
Ovens River
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) has committed the use of up to 70 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period). To maximise environmental benefits Commonwealth environmental water was released as part of the Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) ‘bulk release drawdown’ from storage.
In 2016-17, 70 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered. This delivery of water, along with the floods of 2016, led to releases at Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell – where the Commonwealth holds entitlements – greater than previous years.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream baseflows and freshes within the Ovens, King and Buffalo Rivers to support and stimulate movement of native fish. It also contributed to macroinvertebrate diversity and disrupted bio-films. By contributing to in-stream flows, designed to stimulate fish movement and allow passage between aquatic habitats, the watering in the Ovens has supported fish species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including the endangered Macquarie perch, and the vulnerable Murray cod, trout cod and growling grassfrog (Litoria raniformis) (DoE 2013). Species listed on the Victorian Advisory List of Threatened Species also benefited from the watering, including golden perch, flyspecked hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum), giant bullfrog (Limnodynastes interioris) and spotted tree frog (Litoria spenceri).
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system was managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water in consultation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
2015-16
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | Complete |
Ovens River
Status: This action is in progress.
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) has committed the use of up to 70 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period).
A total of 70 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was contributed toward in-stream baseflows in the Ovens, King and Buffalo Rivers to support and stimulate movement of native fish, contribute to macroinvertebrate diversity and disrupt bio-films. By contributing to in-stream flows designed to stimulate fish movement and allow passage between aquatic habitats, the proposed watering in the Ovens likely supported fish species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including the endangered Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica), and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii), Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and Growling Grassfrog (Litoria raniformis) (DoE 2013). Species listed on the Victorian Advisory List of Threatened Species are also expected to benefit from the proposed watering, including the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua), Flyspecked Hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum), Giant Bullfrog (Limnodynastes interioris) and the Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) (DEPI 2013).
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system was managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water in consultation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
2014-15
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | Complete |
Environmental watering in Ovens River system 2014-15
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
Ovens catchment, April 2014
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Environmental Water Holders, a five year environmental watering schedule (July 2014 - June 2019) has committed the use of up to 70 ML per annum of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River.
A total of 70 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to the Ovens, King and Buffalo rivers in autumn 2015 to support and stimulate movement of native fish, contribute to macroinvertebrate diversity and disrupt bio-films. By contributing to in-stream flows designed to stimulate fish movement and allow passage between aquatic habitats, the watering in the Ovens likely supported fish species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including the endangered Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica), and the vulnerable Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii), Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and Growling Grassfrog (Litoria raniformis) (DoE 2013)1. Species listed on the Victorian Advisory List of Threatened Species including the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua), Flyspecked Hardyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum), Giant Bullfrog (Limnodynastes interioris) and the Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri), may also have benefitted (DEPI 2013)2.
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system is managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water in consultation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
1 DoE (2013) EPBC Act Protected Matters search Tool, http://www.environment.gov.au/environment/epbc/protected-matters-search-tool accessed 2 July 2014, Department of the Environment, Canberra.
2 DEPI (2013) The Victorian Advisory List of Threatened Species http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/threatened-species-… accessed 2 July 2014.
2013-14
| Watering action | Status of Commonwealth action |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | Complete |
Environmental watering in Ovens River system 2013-14
Lower Ovens River. Photo: © North East Catchment Management Authority
Status: This action is complete.
About the watering
70 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered within the Ovens, King and Buffalo Rivers on 24 and 25 April 2014. The 70 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was in addition to 4.8 GL of bulk release drawdown water provided by Goulburn-Murray Water, resulting in a total watering action of 4.87 GL delivered in the Ovens system between 22 April and 5 May 2014.
The watering action contributed to achieving the following outcomes:
- contribute toward flow variability
- support the provision of shallow water habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish
- contribute towards the disruption of biofilms
- support water quality through the maintenance of wetted habitat.
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system is managed by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water in consultation with Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
2012-13
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | 20 |
| Total in 2012-13 | 20 |
Environmental watering in Ovens River system 2012-13
Buffalo River, Nug Nug. Photo: © North East Catchment Management Authority
Status: This action has been completed.
About the watering
Commonwealth environmental water was made available for use in the Ovens River system (Ovens, King and Buffalo Rivers) in northern Victoria between February and June 2013.
Commonwealth environmental water was used to provide flows in the Ovens River that contributed towards maintaining the health of native plant communities in riverbank areas, such as River Red gums. It also contributed to supporting and connecting the habitat of native animal communities in the river, including fish, frogs, turtles and insects.
The use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Ovens River system was undertaken by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water in consultation with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
This watering action was managed in conjunction with the North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water.
2011-12
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Ovens River | 70 |
| Total in 2011-12 | 70 |
2009-11
| Watering action | Amount of water delivered (ML) |
|---|---|
| Ovens catchment river flows | 50 |
| Total in 2009-11 | 50 |
Wimmera- Avoca catchment
2020-21
Wimmera River System
Status: Not commenced
About the watering
Commonwealth environmental water, when available, contributes to in-stream flows in the Wimmera River including to support native fish and waterbug habitat; support connectivity between water pools; and for water quality.
The delivery of environmental water may also support endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, Southern pygmy perch and freshwater catfish.
Commonwealth environmental water is managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
2019-20
Wimmera River System
Status: Completed
About the watering
During 2019-20 a total of 1,562 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Wimmera River. This water was delivered over summer to help maintain water quality and support critical native fish and waterbug habitat.
Commonwealth environmental water was managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
2018-19
Wimmera River System
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a two-year environmental watering schedule (1 December 2017 to 30 June 2019) committed the use of up to 28,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Wimmera River.
During 2018–19 over 5,000 ML of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered in the Wimmera River together with environmental water provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Wimmera River including to support native fish and waterbug habitat; support connectivity between water pools; and for water quality.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, Southern pygmy perch and freshwater catfish.
Commonwealth environmental water is managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
2017-18
Wimmera River System
Status: Completed
About the watering
Under a Partnership Agreement between the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, a two-year environmental watering schedule (1 December 2017 to 30 June 2019) has committed the use of up to 28,000 ML per year of Commonwealth environmental water in the Wimmera River (plus any additional water as it becomes available during this period, including carryover).
During 2017-18 over 3,000 ML of Commonwealth Environmental Water was delivered in the Wimmera River together with environmental water provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream flows in the Wimmera River including to support native fish and waterbug habitat; support connectivity between water pools; and for water quality.
The delivery of environmental water likely supported endangered and vulnerable species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including Murray cod, silver perch, Southern pygmy perch and freshwater catfish.
Environmental watering actions were managed in partnership with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.