Environmental values, recent conditions, objectives and planned actions for delivering water for the environment for each system in the central region are presented in the system sections that follow.
View the current seasonal watering plan for the rivers and wetlands that make up the Central region:
Catchments in the central region received above-average winter and spring rainfall for the third consecutive year in 2022, but late summer and autumn 2023 were drier than the long-term average. Parts of the Barwon, Moorabool and Yarra systems recorded their highest October rainfall totals, which caused significant flooding. Reservoirs in all systems spilled during 2022- 23, including Rosslynne Reservoir, which spilled for the first time since 1996. Upper Yarra Reservoir reached its maximum operating capacity in October, but Melbourne Water released additional water to prevent it from spilling. Those releases increased flow in the Yarra River during November and December and meant water for the environment that had been carried over from 2021-22 was lost. Additional water was also released from Merrimu Reservoir in 2022-23 to prevent it from spilling. These spills, managed releases and natural inflows met many planned environmental watering actions across the region during winter and spring, but water for the environment was still needed to deliver the planned low flows and freshes in many systems during summer and autumn. The VEWH purchased water from licence holders in the Maribyrnong system to deliver environmental flows in Jacksons Creek.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast below-median rainfall and above-median temperatures during autumn, winter and spring 2023 across the central region.
All systems in the central region are expected to receive full allocations of water for the environment in 2023-24, but the loss of some carryover due to reservoir spills and/or pre-spill releases in the Yarra and Werribee systems in 2022-23 means that the total water availability for 2023-24 may be less than it was in 2022-23.
Forecast available supply in the Yarra, Tarago and Werribee systems should be sufficient to deliver the potential environmental watering actions in all climate scenarios to build on environmental outcomes achieved over the last three wet years.
A near-full Rosslynne Reservoir will likely create an opportunity to purchase water to deliver environmental flows in the Maribyrnong system. However, outcomes in upper Jacksons Creek continue to be limited by infrastructure delivery constraints.
Options for delivering water for the environment in the Moorabool and Barwon systems in 2023-24 will be heavily influenced by local climatic conditions due to their smaller and more variable environmental allocations. Larger flows in the Moorabool and upper Barwon systems rely on significant contributions from local rainfall and are, therefore, only likely to be achieved under average or wet climatic conditions. Natural inflows will also have a significant bearing on the low flows and freshes
in the Moorabool and upper Barwon systems, and summer and autumn flows may need to be delivered at the lower end
of their recommended range to conserve available environmental supply if those seasons are dry. Delivery of water for the environment in the lower Barwon wetlands is not affected by annual allocations of water for the environment, and the proposed fill in winter/spring and partial drawdown in summer/autumn should be possible in all climate scenarios if river levels allow.
Traditional Owners in the central region have a deep connection to Country that has endured for tens of thousands of years. This includes inherent rights and cultural obligations to Country and community.
The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation are the Registered Aboriginal Parties under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 for the areas incorporating waterways covered by this section of the seasonal watering plan.
In 2023 formal recognition of Eastern Maar’s rights under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 was extended to include much of the coastline of the Great Ocean Road and part of the Great Otway National Park. In relation to this seasonal watering plan, it also includes parts of the Barwon River catchment. The native title determination acknowledges Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship to Country in south-western Victoria.
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation is also a Registered Aboriginal Party within the central region geographic area. Gunaikurnai waterways managed with water for the environment are covered in the Gippsland region section of the seasonal watering plan.
Traditional Owner objectives for water in the central region have been acknowledged in several strategies and plans recently, including the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan, the Waterways of the West Action Plan, the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo), and the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
The Victorian Government is committed to self-determination for Traditional Owners through Treaty negotiations and policies such as Water is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap 2022 and through actions in the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. The VEWH and partners are working with Traditional Owners to embed the outcomes of government policy in the Victorian environmental watering program. Program partners in the environmental watering program are aware that structural changes (such as legislative, policy and governance changes) to how water is managed may be made in the future in recognition of Aboriginal water rights. Program partners have heard that Traditional Owners want empowerment and agency in water management and, in many cases, want to manage water on Country on their own terms.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Delivery up to Dec 31 2022 was made with accumulated passing flows only. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. The water released in 2022-23 was made available by VEWH and CEWH. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Flows to the Wimmera River may be delivered from Lake Londsale or Taylors Lake Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks and the Ranch Billabong. Flows to the Wimmera River may be delivered from Lake Londsale or Taylors Lake. The water released in 2022-23 was made available by VEWH and CEWH. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH and CEWH.
Includes water delivered via Hipwell Road regulator. Other water delivered via lower landscape regulators is provided separately. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by the Living Murray program and VEWH. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. *Volume authorised is the total made availble for the Gunbower Forest floodplain, floodrunners and wetlands, including Yarran Creek.
Environmental water delivered from NSW holdings is not included in the total volumes. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH, CEWH, the Living Murray Program and River Murray Increased Flows.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Environmental water delivered from NSW holdings is not included in the total volumes. Watering data is updated quartery based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2022-23 was made available by VEWH, CEWH and the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2022-23 was made available by VEWH, CEWH and the Living Murray program
Use of holdings in Dowd Morass is based on river height in the Latrobe River, not volumetric entitlement
Use of holdings in Heart Morass is based on river height in the Latrobe River, not volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Use of holdings in Sale Common is based on river height in the Latrobe River, not volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
The water year in the Snowy system runs from May to April. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment manages environmental water in the Snowy River.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Thomson River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH and CEWH. The volume authorised in 2023-24 may be used in the Broken River and upper Broken Creek
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH and CEWH.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Includes deliveries to anabranch waterways and wetlands within Lindsay and Mulcra islands. Watering is coordinated with operation of weir pools 7 and 8 of the Murray River.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH and CEWH. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Yarra River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Yarra River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Yarra River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Yarra River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised is available under the volume authorised for the Yarra River Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Use of holdings in Hospital Swamp is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Use of holdings in Reedy Lake is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to inflows. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2023-24 was made available by VEWH and the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to inflows. Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.
The environmental watering program is informed by engagement with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and local communities. Program partners undertake extensive engagement at the local level to understand community priorities for the delivery of water for the environment in the coming year.
Program partners also seek to understand how cultural, social, economic and recreational values, uses and objectives may be supported by delivering environmental flows. Opportunities to support these values, uses and objectives are incorporated into watering decisions where possible and provided they do not compromise environmental outcomes. Cultural, social, economic and recreational values considered for each system in the central region are presented in the following system sections.
Environmental flows objectives are also informed by engagement undertaken through other strategies, plans and processes. These include regional catchment strategies, regional waterway strategies and technical studies (such as environmental flows studies and environmental water management plans). Traditional Owners’ cultural objectives for environmental flows may refer to cultural flows studies, Aboriginal Waterway Assessments, Traditional Owner Country Plans and other tools. These strategies, plans and technical reports collectively describe a range of environmental, economic, social and Traditional Owner perspectives and longer-term integrated catchment and waterway management objectives that influence environmental flows and priorities for water for the environment.
Table 3.1.1 Partners and stakeholders engaged by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in developing seasonal watering proposals for the Moorabool system, upper Barwon River and lower Barwon wetlands and other key foundation documents that have directly informed the proposals (grouped in alphabetical order)
Moorabool system | Upper Barwon River | Lower Barwon wetlands | |
Community groups and environment groups |
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Government agencies |
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Landholders/farmers |
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|
Local businesses |
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| |
Recreational users | Individual users |
| |
Traditional Owners |
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|
Table 3.1.2 Partners and stakeholders engaged by Melbourne Water in developing seasonal watering proposals for the Yarra, Tarago, Maribyrnong and Werribee systems and other key foundation documents that have directly informed the proposals (grouped in alphabetical order)
Yarra system | Tarago system | Maribyrnong system | Werribee system | |
Community groups and environment groups |
|
|
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|
Government agencies |
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|
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|
Landholders/farmers |
|
|
|
|
Local businesses |
|
|
|
|
Recreational users |
|
|
|
|
Technical experts |
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|
|
Traditional Owners |
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Altered water regimes are one of many threats to the health of Victoria’s waterways. To be effective, environmental flows need to be part of an integrated approach to catchment management. Many of the environmental objectives of water for the environment in the central region will not be fully met without simultaneously addressing issues such as barriers to fish movement, high nutrient loads, loss of streambank vegetation and invasive species.
Victorian and Australian government agencies, Traditional Owner groups, community groups and private landholders collectively implement a wide range of programs that aim to protect and improve the environmental condition and function of land, soils and waterways throughout Victoria’s catchments.
Examples of complementary programs that support the outcomes of environmental flows in the central region include:
For more information about integrated catchment management programs in the central region, refer to the Corangamite CMA and Melbourne Water regional catchment strategies and regional waterway strategies.
During the development of the seasonal watering proposals for the Yarra, Tarago, Maribyrnong, Werribee, Moorabool and Barwon systems, environmental watering program partners assessed risks associated with potential environmental flows for 2023-24 and identified appropriate mitigating strategies. Risks and mitigating actions are continually assessed by program partners throughout the year (see subsection 1.2.7).
Environmental watering has scoured sediment from pools in the Yarra River, improving habitat for fish, waterbugs and platypus.
Australian grayling showed a great response to environmental watering in 2015–16.
Significant populations of platypus and fish call the Maribyrnong River home.
Watering in the Yarra River in 2015–16 focused on protecting under dry conditions.
The aims of environmental watering in the Werribee system in 2014–15 were to promote black bream breeding in the estuary, and help small-bodied fish – such as galaxias, smelt and tupong – move between the fresh and estuarine sections.
Platypus and the threatened fish Australian grayling thrived in the Tarago River in 2014–15 following environmental watering.
In 2014-15, environmental watering triggered the breeding of Macquarie perch in the Yarra River for a second successive year.
Waterbirds continued to flock to Hospital Swamps during 2014–15, with lower water levels in the wetlands providing feeding and breeding opportunities.
A drying regime at Hospital Swamps in 2015–16, improved the health of plants and attracted brolga.
Providing drought refuges for fish, waterbugs, frogs and waterbirds in Moorabool River.
Page last updated: 24/07/20