Water for the environment is making a difference

Wetter conditions in 2021-22 saw more pelicans than usual moving inland to feed and breed. Environmental water holders, scientists, water managers and the Nari Nari Tribal Council have worked together to keep water levels stable to protect the birds as much as possible.

• The Pelican Brief

In 2018, only 800 individual Murray hardyhead were released into the Little Frenchman’s Creek in southwest NSW. Now, environmental water managers have made a massive discovery.

• Murray hardyhead thriving at Wingilli Station

Baby Murray cod are thriving in the Macquarie River after a release of water for the environment in late-2020 provided a much needed boost for native fish populations.

• Murray cod making a splash in the Macquarie

Each year, we plan for very dry through to very wet conditions and adapt to whatever season eventuates. Even in wetter conditions, water for the environment still has an important role to play.

• Capitalising on nature’s work – how is water for the environment used when it’s wet?

Dry conditions have dominated the Gwydir for the past several years, however, the current ‘boom’ will help to rejuvenate the landscape and community after the long dry.

• Gwydir booms again in 2021

Images of high-tech drones or satellite trackers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of delivering water for the environment. Find out more about the technology that helps us decide when and where to release environmental water.

• Backpacks on birds and eyes in the sky: a look at the technology guiding water for the environment in the Basin

Since 2015, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) has been delivering water for the environment to Banrock Station in South Australia. Earlier this year, new infrastructure was installed at Banrock Station’s Wigley Reach, to allow water to reach a larger area of the floodplain than was previously possible.

• Water for the environment: bringing the benefits to Banrock Station

With good rainfall across the southern Basin, it was the perfect time to deliver water for the environment to the wetlands along the South Australian stretch of the Murray.

• Spring 2020: A South Australian Riverland snapshot

Water for the environment has helped drive a spectacular increase in lamprey numbers in the Murray-Darling Basin.

• Lamprey found in record numbers at Murray barrages

Mullinmur Billabongs is a series of wetlands along the banks of the Ovens River, near Wangaratta in Victoria. With help from the Wangaratta community, water for the environment is providing a new home for endangered fish species.

• Native fish making a comeback: Mullinmur Billabongs gets a makeover

For over seven years, the Narran Lakes and surrounding river system remained dry. The Lakes, known as Dharriwaa by the Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi people, is a significant meeting place for Aboriginal peoples and a source of food and medicine.

• Working together for Dharriwaa

Since 2017, Elf – the straw-necked ibis – has been sporting a lightweight GPS mini-backpack to help us understand more about these special birds. So, what has she taught us?

• Hatched and dispatched: Elf’s migration journey

Sunshower Lagoon on the mid Murrumbidgee has become a haven for large numbers of waterbirds, frogs and turtles. Even the threatened southern bell frog has been found at the site for the first time in almost a decade.

• Smart use of water for the environment at Sunshower Lagoon showing promising results

In 2019 the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office celebrated 10 years of delivering water for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin. Water for the environment has achieved many great outcomes for our rivers, floodplains, plants and animals in the Basin over the last 10 years - A decade of water for the environment showcases some of these achievements so far.

• A decade of water for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin

The latest fish survey results in the Lower Murray region have water managers excited.

• Congolli Numbers Bouncing Back

Golden perch or ‘yellowbelly’ are one of the main large-bodied native fish that support the freshwater recreational fishing industry.

• Golden perch – why the Darling River is so important for the Basin’s fish communities

When it comes to getting the most out of water for the environment, it is all about timing. Whether it is to provide food for waterbirds, improve water quality or help native fish to spawn, getting environmental flows to the right place at the right time is critical.

• Wind, waves and wi-fi – A winning combination for the Coorong - media release