The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) are seeing a marked improvement in the overall health of the Basin since the implementation of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in 2012. The below list links to individual report cards on the MDBA website that detail the progress and outcomes of releasing water into the various sites. I worked with Icon Site managers to produce this wonderful video series that provides you with an insight into why environmental water managers do the work they do.
We encourage you to watch the videos below and click through to the Report Cards for the snapshots on special parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Lower Lakes, Coorong & Murray Mouth
The Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon site consists of a diverse range of freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats in South Australia.
The Chowilla Floodplain is internationally significant. It consists of a range of fast flowing creeks, temporary wetlands, lakes and billabongs.
Lindsay Mulcra & Wallpolla Islands
The Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands are nationally significant wetlands in north-west Victoria.
Hattah Lakes is a large floodplain and wetlands system of international significance in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria.
The Gunbower Forest has a diverse range of habitats, including permanent and semi-permanent wetlands, creeks and open woodlands in Victoria. It is a wetland of international significance.
The Koondrook–Perricoota is a wetland of international significance, and consists of an extensive forest of river red gums and woodlands in New South Wales.
A wetland of international significance, consisting of the Barmah Forest in Victoria and the Millewa forest in New South Wales.
Why we need water for the environment?
The Murray–Darling Basin is home to more than 2 million people and more than 40 Aboriginal nations. It supports over 120 waterbird species and 46 native fish species. It contains internationally protected wetlands and trees that are hundreds of years old.
Environmental watering is used to improve the health of our rivers, wetlands and floodplains, in order to be able to support people, plants and animals. Water is typically allocated to federal and state environmental water holders across the Basin, who make decisions about when, where and how much water is released for the environment, and with measurable environmental outcomes in mind.