Environmental values, recent conditions, environmental watering objectives and planned actions 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:
Rainfall across the central region can vary from the eastern to the western systems. In 2020-21, the Yarra and Tarago systems had above-average rainfall. Natural events met many planned environmental watering actions in both of these systems in 2020-21, and strong allocations of water for the environment and carryover will enable a large proportion of potential watering actions to be delivered in 2021-22. The other systems in the central region had average or above-average rainfall in 2020-21, but inflows to system storages were variable. Low inflows to Rosslynne Reservoir meant there was no opportunity for the VEWH to purchase water for environmental use in the Maribyrnong system.
In the Werribee system, Pykes Creek and Melton reservoirs filled and spilled, but Merrimu Reservoir remained below 50 percent capacity throughout 2020-21. Lal Lal Reservoir filled and spilled in spring 2020-21, which provided important flow and allocations of water for the environment in the Moorabool system. Upper Barwon Reservoir only reached 70 percent capacity in 2020-21, but it was sufficient to deliver the full allocation of water for the environment for the year in the Barwon River.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast slightly above-average rainfall across the central region in autumn and winter 2021, but La Niña conditions have weakened, which may lead to drier conditions later in 2021-22. 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 2020-21 outcomes to improve environmental condition and ecosystem resilience. In contrast, the Maribyrnong system remains relatively dry, and Rosslynne Reservoir will need significant inflows during winter and spring 2021 to create an opportunity to purchase and use water for environmental flows. Environmental watering options in the Moorabool and Barwon systems in 2021-22 will be more heavily influenced by local climatic conditions than the Melbourne Water systems, due to their smaller and more variable environmental allocations. Larger flows to improve environmental condition will only be delivered in Moorabool Yulluk (Moorabool
River) and the upper Barwon River under average and wet climate scenarios. Flows will be delivered at the lower end of their recommended range in Moorabool Yulluk (Moorabool River) and the upper Barwon River under drought and dry climate scenarios, to maintain refuge habitats and limit any decline in environmental condition. Environmental watering 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 draw down in summer/autumn should be possible under all climate scenarios.
Traditional Owners in the central region continue to have a deep connection to the region’s rivers, wetlands and floodplains.
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.
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 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. The water released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH.
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.
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. The water released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH.
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 water released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH, CEWH and banked passing 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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. The water released in 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray Program. *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 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray Program. *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 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray Program. *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 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray Program. *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 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray Program. *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 2021-22 was made available by VEWH and CEWH.
Includes water delivering 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 2021-22 was made available by the Living Murray program. *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 2020-21 was made available by VEWH, CEWH, the Living Murray Program and River Murray Increased Flows.
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. The water released in 2020-21 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 2020-21 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.
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.
Use of holdings in Dowd Morass is based on river height in the Latrobe River, not volumetric entitlement
Use of holdings in Dowd 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 Dowd 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.
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 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 2020-21 was made available by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
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.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
Use of holdings in Hospital Swamp is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement. The water released was made available by VEWH.
Use of holdings in Reedy Lake is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement. The water released was made available by VEWH.
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 released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. The water released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH, CEWH and the Living Murray program.
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. The delivery in 2019-20 was entirely for pump maintenance. Water released in 2020-21 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. Water authorised in 2020-21 is made available by VEWH and the Living Murray program.
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. Water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. Water released in 2020-21 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. Water released in 2020-21 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. Water released in 2020-21 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. Water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. Water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. Water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Living Murray program.
Watering data is updated bi-monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change. Water released in 2020-21 was made available by the Living Murray program.
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. 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 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 released in 2020-21 was made available by VEWH and CEWH.
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