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:
The rainfall across the central region varied between systems in 2021-22. Rainfall in the Tarago, Upper Barwon and Moorabool systems was close to the long-term average, while the Yarra, Werribee and Maribyrnong systems had above- average rainfall. This is the second consecutive year of average or above-average rainfall in the central region, and some reservoirs in all systems other than the Maribyrnong spilled during 2021-22. These spills and other natural inflows met many planned environmental flows in the Tarago, Yarra, Werribee, Moorabool and Upper Barwon systems and some planned watering actions in lower Jacksons Creek in the Maribyrnong system. The VEWH purchased water from licence holders in the Maribyrnong system to deliver environmental flows in Jacksons Creek.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast above-median rainfall and temperatures during autumn, winter and spring 2022 across the central region. With full or near-full storages in most systems from 2021-22 and a wet outlook for the start of 2022- 23, most systems are likely to have significant water holdings. Large carryover volumes and secure water allocations will allow a wide range of watering actions to be delivered in the Yarra, Tarago and Werribee systems under all climate scenarios to build on environmental outcomes achieved over the last two years.
Further inflows to Rosslynne Reservoir in winter and spring 2022 are likely to create an opportunity to purchase water to deliver environmental flows in the Maribyrnong system, although 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 2022-23 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 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 under all climate scenarios if river levels allow.
Traditional Owners in the central region have an intrinsic 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 for the areas incorporating waterways covered by this section of the seasonal watering plan.
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation is also a Registered Aboriginal Party within the geographic area, but the Gunaikurnai waterways managed with water for the environment are covered under the Gippsland region section of the seasonal watering plan.
With the recent releases of the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan, the Waterways of the West Action Plan and the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo), the VEWH and waterway managers will work with Traditional Owners in these areas and other partners to embed the outcomes of these plans into the Victorian environmental watering program in coming years.
The VEWH is committed to playing our part in recognising waterways and their lands in the Barwon (Parwan), Moorabool (Murrubul), Werribee (Wirrubi Yaluk), Maribyrnong (Mirrangbamurn) and Yarra (Birrarung) catchments as living and integrated natural entities. We will support Traditional Owners to self-determine what this concept means to them and empower their voice in planning water for the environment. This aligns with the VEWH’s position statement on working with Traditional Owners, which was released in late 2021.
In the context of Treaty negotiations in Victoria and the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination for First Nations, 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 for many years 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 2022-23 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 2022-23 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.
Includes delivery to Boal and Gulf creeks, Boals Deadwood wetland, Reedy Lagoon and Top Island wetland. 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 2022-23 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 2022-23 was made available by VEWH and CEWH. The volume authorised in 2022-23 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 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. The delivery in 2019-20 was entirely for pump maintenance. Water released in 2022-23 is made available by the VEWH and the Living Murray program, to be used for pump maintence and to achieve environmental objectives in the VEWH's seasonal watering plan
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 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.
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.
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.
Use of holdings in Reedy Lake is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement.
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. The water made available in 2022-23 includes banked passing flows.
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 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. 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. The water released in 2022-23 was made available by VEWH and CEWH.
Seasonal watering proposals are informed by community and program partner engagement, including Traditional Owner engagement. Program partners and communities help to identify priorities and opportunities for the delivery of water for the environment in the coming year.
Longer-term regional catchment strategies, regional waterway strategies, relevant technical studies (such as environmental flows studies), environmental water management plans and Traditional Owner Country plans (and associated documents) also inform seasonal watering proposals. 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.
The VEWH and its program partners consider cultural, social, economic and recreational values and uses of waterways when planning for water for the environment. Where possible, opportunities to support these values and uses are incorporated into watering decisions, 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 system sections that follow.
The International Association for Public Participation’s Public Participation Spectrum (IAP2 Spectrum) has been used to categorise the levels of participation of stakeholders involved in the planning process for water for the environment. Table 3.1.1 shows the IAP2 Spectrum categories and participation goals.
IAP2 level | Engagement goal |
Inform | Provide balanced and objective information to assist understanding, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions |
Consult | Obtain feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions |
Involve | Work directly throughout a process to ensure that concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered |
Collaborate | Partner in each aspect of the decision, including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution |
Empower | Place final decision-making in the hands of the stakeholder |
The following tables show the partners, stakeholder organisations and individuals with which Melbourne Water and Corangamite CMA engaged about the Yarra, Tarago, Maribyrnong, Werribee, Moorabool and Barwon (upper Barwon River and lower Barwon wetlands) systems’ seasonal watering proposals. This includes engagement conducted as part of
developing the seasonal watering proposals as well as engagement during the preparation of key foundational documents that directly informed the proposals. VEWH staff were also consulted for operational information as part of the development of all seasonal watering proposals by waterway managers.
The tables also show the level of engagement between these waterway managers and stakeholders in the environmental watering program in the central region, based on each manager’s interpretation of the IAP2 Spectrum.
The level of engagement differs between organisations and between systems, depending on the availability, capacity or interest of stakeholders to participate, roles and responsibilities of organisations in managing a site or system, and potential interaction of proposed watering with other activities on the waterway. For example, a landholder on a waterway may only wish to be informed of what water deliveries are proposed, while another may wish to help inform the planning process. A government agency may collaborate in planning where it has a land management responsibility for one particular site but only need to be informed of plans for another site.
External factors also influence engagement opportunities. COVID-19 restrictions limited engagement with stakeholders to largely online interaction. For example, Melbourne Water offered stakeholders three different ways to engage with the planning process: an email with a link to a webpage providing information about the seasonal watering proposal, an invitation to an online interactive engagement session and a personal discussion via phone or email.
Moorabool system | Upper Barwon River | Lower Barwon wetlands | |
Community groups and environment groups | IAP2 level: Involve
| IAP2 level: Involve
| IAP2 level: Involve
|
Government agencies | IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
|
IAP2 level: Consult
| IAP2 level: Consult
| ||
Landholders/farmers | IAP2 level: Involve
| IAP2 level: Involve
| IAP2 level: Involve
|
Local businesses | IAP2 level: Involve
| IAP2 level: Involve
|
Recreational users | IAP2 level: Involve
| ||
Traditional Owners | IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Consult
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
|
IAP2 level: Inform
|
Yarra system | Tarago system | Maribyrnong system | Werribee system | |
Community groups and environment groups | IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
|
Government agencies | IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
| IAP2 level: Collaborate
|
IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| |
Landholders/farmers | IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
Maribyrnong River at Keilor | IAP2 level: Inform
|
Local businesses | IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
|
Recreational users | IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
| IAP2 level: Inform
|
Technical experts | IAP2 level: Consult
| IAP2 level: Consult
| IAP2 level: Consult
| IAP2 level: Consult
|
Traditional Owners | IAP2 level: Collaborate
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation | IAP2 level: Consult
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation | IAP2 level: Consult
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation | IAP2 level: Consult
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation |
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 are likely to support environmental flows outcomes 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 2022-23 and identified appropriate mitigating strategies. Risks and mitigating actions are continually assessed by program partners throughout the year (see subsection 1.3.6).
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