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Latest information about where, when and why environmental water may be delivered to the lower Murray wetlands and the environmental objectives being targeted is available in this year’s seasonal watering plan.
The seasonal watering plan also contains information about how environmental flows could support cultural, social, recreational and economic values in the lower Murray wetlands.
Watering data for the lower Murray wetlands and the wider northern region is updated quarterly. Visit current watering releases to find out more.
To find out the current environmental water entitlements held by the VEWH in the lower Murray wetlands visit our water holdings.
The lower Murray wetlands are part of the Victorian Murray system.
Traditional Owners
First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (FPMMAC) has a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Victorian Government and is a statutory authority for the management of Aboriginal heritage values and culture, under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Other Traditional Owners with an interest in the lower Murray wetlands region include Latji Latji Mumthelang, Tati Tati Kaiejin, Tati Tati Land and Water, Wadi Wadi Land and Water, Murray Valley Aboriginal Corporation, Gilby, Dadi Dadi Weki Weki, Culpra Millee and Munatunga Elders.
System overview
The lower Murray wetlands are dispersed across the Murray River floodplain between Swan Hill and the South Australian border. The system includes a myriad of interconnected creeks, wetlands and floodplains that are ecologically important and reflect the natural character and attributes of the floodplain. While there are hundreds of wetlands across the lower Murray region, only 37 have ever received water for the environment.
Regulation and diversion of the Murray River flow have substantially reduced the frequency and duration of the high river flow that would naturally water the lower Murray wetlands. This change to the water regime has been exacerbated by climate change and has reduced the variety and condition of environmental values associated with billabongs and other floodplain habitats.
Water for the environment can be delivered to some wetlands in the region by directly pumping from the Murray River and/or using irrigation supply infrastructure. Most wetlands that receive environmental flows can be managed independently of each other.
Environmental values
The lower Murray wetlands are comprised of many wetlands, creeks and billabongs. The wetlands may be permanent or temporary, and freshwater or saline, depending on their location in the landscape, interactions with groundwater and management history.
Differences in water regime and water quality across the wetlands provide a range of habitats for plants and animals. For example, permanent, saline wetlands (such as Koorlong Lake) provide vital habitat for the endangered Murray hardyhead. Ephemeral wetlands support different ecological processes in their wet and dry phases. During the wet phase, they provide short-term boom periods when river red gums and wetland plants grow, spread and provide habitat for aquatic animals (such as waterbugs, birds, frogs and, in some cases, fish). During their dry phases, sediments are exposed to the air (which is important for carbon and nutrient cycles), and terrestrial plants grow and complete their life cycles.
Page last updated: 05/12/24