Regulation and diversion of River Murray flows have substantially reduced the frequency and duration of the high river flows that would naturally water the lower Murray wetlands. This change to the water regime has reduced the variety and condition of environmental values associated with billabongs and other floodplain habitats.
Water for the environment can be delivered to some wetlands in the region by direct pumping from the River Murray and/or use of irrigation supply infrastructure. Most wetlands that receive environmental flows can be managed independently of each other.
Some wetlands in the lower Murray area can receive water through weir-pool manipulation, for improved environmental outcomes. However, because they do not receive held water for the environment, they are not specified in this plan. Details of the environmental objectives associated with those wetlands can be found in the Mallee CMA’s Seasonal Watering Proposal for the Lower Murray Wetlands 2019–20.