Floodplain the Lachlan River) was in 1989. Prior to 2003 small condition. Areas downstream of Barren Box Swamp were ‘forced inundated the floodplain immediately west overwatered for decades, leading to a decline in their releases’ routinely of Barren Box Swamp. This ceased by chance in 2003, when condition. Black box woodland and associated wetlands the drought dried Barren Box Swamp, and then by design in further west in the floodplain are also considered in poor to 2005 when works at Barren Box Swamp were commenced to critical condition, but from a lack of water. improve its efficiency. High summer rainfall in summer 2010 filled wetlands throughout the system, with some flows reported in the lower reaches of Mirrool Creek (J Maguire [OEH] 2011, pers. comm., 9 August). 6. Lowland river-fed wetlands Targeted billabongs were watered by OEH. Condition is considered poor. Some wetlands have not been (Balranald to Murray River watered since 2000. junction, including ‘the wetlands) Junction’ 7. Lowbidgee Wetlands The North Redbank system experienced good flooding as far Current condition is considered good. south as Glen Avon in 2010. As the lower end of the North (also see Table below) Redbank wetland (off North Redbank Channel on the Lowbidgee floodplain) 3000 ha of river red gum wetlands were inundated in autumn 2010 using 1,600 ML of CEW supplementary water, 400 ML of NSW supplementary water, 1,000 ML of Lowbidgee share, and 5,000 ML of NSW environmental water allowance water. This was the first watering for five years. 1,800 ha of Paika-Narwhie was flooded with NSW
Floodplain the Lachlan River) was in 1989. Prior to 2003 small ‘forced releases’ routinely inundated the floodplain immediately west of Barren Box Swamp. This ceased by chance in 2003, when the drought dried Barren Box Swamp, and then by design in 2005 when works at Barren Box Swamp were commenced to improve its efficiency. High summer rainfall in summer 2010 filled wetlands throughout the system, with some flows reported in the lower reaches of Mirrool Creek (J Maguire [OEH] 2011, pers. comm., 9 August). condition. Areas downstream of Barren Box Swamp were overwatered for decades, leading to a decline in their condition. Black box woodland and associated wetlands further west in the floodplain are also considered in poor to critical condition, but from a lack of water. 6. Lowland river-fed wetlands (Balranald to Murray River junction, including ‘the Junction’ wetlands) Targeted billabongs were watered by OEH. Condition is considered poor. Some wetlands have not been watered since 2000. 7. Lowbidgee Wetlands (also see Table below) The North Redbank system experienced good flooding as far south as Glen Avon in 2010. As the lower end of the North Redbank wetland (off North Redbank Channel on the Lowbidgee floodplain) 3000 ha of river red gum wetlands were inundated in autumn 2010 using 1,600 ML of CEW supplementary water, 400 ML of NSW supplementary water, 1,000 ML of Lowbidgee share, and 5,000 ML of NSW environmental water allowance water. This was the first watering for five years. 1,800 ha of Paika-Narwhie was flooded with NSW Current condition is considered good.
ewater-delivery-murrumbidgee-valley.docx