| Murray-Darling Basin Commission – May 2007, E-letter No 66 Welcome to the Murray-Darling Basin monthly e-letter with reports of happenings across the Basin. Contributions are welcome. Please send items (no more than 150 words) to the editor at sam.leone@mdbc.gov.au Online html versions are available at: www.mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe/eletter_menu Please feel free to pass this e-letter along to anybody who might be interested. To subscribe online go to http://mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe To be removed from the mailing list, please reply to this message with “unsubscribe” in the subject heading. This newsletter currently has 1255 subscribers. (See also The Living Murray website at www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au)
‘Dartmouth and Hume are the main storages of the Murray River system and we need to conserve water for next year,” Murray-Darling Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said. “In fact, because the recent rain has reduced water demand and losses, we are able to cut releases from the two reservoirs earlier than we planned.” “While the rain has been a great start, we need much more across the whole Basin. We especially need well above average rains in the Upper Murray, Hume and Dartmouth reservoirs over the next three months. “In the meantime, we need to conserve and carefully manage whatever water we do have,” Dr Craik said. River Murray Water General Manager Mr David Dreverman said in his last Weekly Report for April that storage in Dartmouth Reservoir had fallen a further 3 GL to 463 GL (11.8% of its capacity). River Murray Water (RMW) is the division of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission which manages the Murray River system. Mr Dreverman said the storage volume in Dartmouth was now likely to level out or gradually rise and was above the previous lowest level of 411 GL (10.5 % capacity) in April 1983. “With the imminent closure of the main irrigation canals in NSW and Victoria on 30 April, the flow downstream of Hume Reservoir at Doctors Point (Albury) has been gradually reduced from 7 000 to 2 500 ML/day,” he said. “It is expected to be reduced further over the coming week to about 1 200 ML/day. “Storage in Hume Reservoir increased in the last week of April by 6 GL to 112 GL or 3.7% and further increases in storage volume were expected now that the release had been reduced. “Release from Yarrawonga Weir was gradually reduced in late April from 4,300 to 2,300 ML/day and a further reduction to about 1,800 ML/day is expected in the near future. “The flow to South Australia has been steady at 1 750 ML/day, however last week’s increased flow, in conjunction with a minor lowering of the Lock 5 Weir Pool to 4 cm below FSL, has gradually increased flow rates further downstream. “The flow at Lock 3 has increased from 200 to 750 ML/day and the flow at Lock 1 has increased from 100 to 250 ML/day. “The NSW Department of Natural Resources advised that releases from Menindee Lakes into the Lower Darling River and inflows to the Wakool River System via the Wakool River, Yallakool Creek, Colligen Creek and Merran Creek would all cease on 30 April,” Mr Dreverman said. To read the latest Weekly Report text go to www.mdbc.gov.au/rmw/river_information_centre Drought Update: little improvement, despite some rains Inflows for January, February and March 2007 were the lowest on record for each month. Storages are also at record low levels since the major drought storage, Dartmouth Dam, was completed in 1979. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM released the update on April 19 – the 7th since December 2004 - produced by the MDBC’s River Murray Water division. “We’ve had improved rainfall over the southern Murray-Darling Basin with falls near average over January to March 2007 quarter,” Dr Craik said. “However, it will take significant and sustained rainfall to yield enough run-off to replenish storages. Realistically, it is likely to take multiple years of well above average rainfall before storages return to long term average levels. “Recent rains and releases from the Snowy Mountains Scheme over the past few months have allowed us to hold water storages at slightly higher levels than earlier anticipated. “On the positive side, the Bureau of Meteorology has announced that the 2006/07 El Nino – which brings dry conditions - has ended and there is an increased chance of its opposite – La Nina – developing later this year.” Dr Craik indicated that water availability for the start of the 2007/08 irrigation season is expected to be extremely low if dry conditions continue. “To conserve water for next year, we are keeping releases to a minimum and the states are working on a number of water conservation measures such as disconnecting some wetlands to reduce evaporative losses and other temporary measures “We are maintaining weir pool levels along the river as near to full for as long as possible, however operating the river under extremely low flows is challenging. “It might be necessary to draw on the weir pools to meet water requirements for short periods of time. With river flows reduced to rates not experienced since the drought of 1967-68, there are likely to be some difficulties for access to water and for navigation, both in unregulated reaches and in the upper reaches of weir pools. “With low storage reserves forecast for the end of May 2007, irrigation in 2007/08 will depend much more on rain and run-off than in any previous year since Dartmouth Dam was commissioned in 1979.” Dr Craik said that a repeat of the record dry conditions and record low inflows experienced in the 12 months to March would significantly impact upon water resource availability in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. “While there is a low chance of this, the Drought Update spells out some of the contingency measures already being implemented.” A copy of the Drought Update is available for download at www.mdbc.gov.au Keeping farmers informed of drought developements “Agencies within my Department, the Bureau of Rural Science (BRS) and Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) have been examining the possible impacts of continued extreme water shortages for farms and rural communities,” Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran said recently. “This work has been provided to the contingency planning commissioned by the Prime Minister and the Premiers. This planning is intended to make sure Murray-Darling Basin communities have critical minimum water supplies, and that all other measures to assist farmers are examined. “It is important that farmers have a full appreciation of the severity of the situation, so that informed decisions can be made as to how best to manage the forthcoming season,” Mr McGauran said. In addition, State Governments have indicated that they will announce irrigation allocations as early as responsibly possible, to help farmers make accurate and timely business decisions. “I am extremely conscious of the problems that continued water shortages will cause, and am closely examining additional assistance measures that may be required if the outlook does not improve with late autumn or early winter rains. “While the Bureau of Meteorology predicts there are still good prospects for late Autumn rainfalls that will begin to replenish water supplies, there is no denying we have had a bitterly disappointing start to the Autumn. “ABARE is also monitoring stock feed supplies. While grain availability is currently sufficient for the coming year, there is an emerging shortfall of hay and other fodder. “We are currently allowing the importation of certain stockfeeds, including pellets from ”Stock feed suppliers should be closely examining their inventories, and exploring potential sources of supply – both domestic and international. “I will be discussing these and related issues with my state and territory counterparts tomorrow at a meeting of all Agriculture Ministers in Brisbane. I will seek their continuing co-operation in supporting the interests of farmers, for the duration of the drought. “With all land within and adjoining the Murray Darling Basin currently EC declared, I encourage all farmers and small businesses not to self-assess but to contact the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 to check their eligibility as soon as possible,” Mr McGauran concluded. ABARE’s monthly updates are available at www.abare.gov.au. Murray River resnagging works re-start NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Conservation Manager Adam Vey say the project works, which were carried out in July-October last year, have already seen more than 300 woody habitats (snags) placed in the river to assist the recovery of many native fish species including Murray cod and the endangered Trout Cod. The project funded by the Murray Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) Living Murray Initiative is a partnership between the Victorian North East Catchment Management Authority, NSW DPI, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment and the MDBC. The Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Unit within NSW DPI is conducting the work. The project aims to reinstate around 4000 woody habitats during the next three years and reverse the impact of desnagging works that saw almost 25 000 snags removed between 1976 and 1986. Mr Vey said during the coming months, resnagging works would recommence, and snags would be placed at two new sites in the Murray River approximately 15 kilometres downstream of Howlong (between River Chainage markers 2098 and 2117), and approximately 20 kilometres upstream of Howlong (between River Chainage markers 2146 and 2160). “This is a continuation of the resnagging work done near the Boiling Down Creek area, downstream of Corowa, and near Police Paddocks downstream of Howlong. “The work will continue between May-October 2007, and will see a further 800 woody habitats from construction sites such as the Goulburn Valley Highway and various other local development projects, placed in the river for the benefit of native fish,” he said. Mr Vey said that the cooperation of landholders had been invaluable to the success of the initial work. “We have been working with landholders to ensure that the work does not impact upon them and the response so far has been positive. “Many people are happy to be involved and are excited about the prospect of having a healthier native fish community in the River Murray,” he said. For more information contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669. Goondiwindi’s first Cull Day will cut carp numbers Goondiwindi District Promotions and the Queensland Murray Darling Committee have formed a partnership to hold the event on the banks of Queensland’s MacIntrye River at Goodniwindi. The Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre will be using the event to help with their research into carp biology, and leading up the event will be tagging fish in the competition area. There will be special prizes for anglers who land tagged fish. The Queensland Murray Darling Committee is committed to improving the state of natural resources in the Border Rivers Catchment and sees Carp Cull as an important event in promoting River Health. Carp are a major pest of inland waterways according to Megan Purvis, Riverine and Floodplain Technical Officer for QMDC. “Carp are bottom feeders and when present in large numbers their habits contribute to increased turbidity and reduced bank stability. They also feed on the native fish eggs and compete for resources leading to a reduction in native fish numbers.” Jamie White, President of Goondiwindi District Promotions the event would showcase Goondiwindi’s best natural asset, the MacIntyre River. “Carp are a blight on the natural fishery and this event will help native fish recover to the numbers present prior to the arrival of carp. “Fishing on the tranquil MacIntyre is a superb way to get in touch with nature, and nothing beats the thrill of catching and releasing a trophy Murray Cod.” For more information go to www.carpcull.com.au/ or call Todd McLean at GDP on 4671 3264. Gundagai native fish on the road to better times The planned connection will enhance spawning and provide access to quality habitats. The project is a partnership between the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Gundagai Regional Enhancement Group (GREG). Murrumbidgee CMA Chairperson Mr Lee O’Brien said the banks of Morley's Creek were bulldozed during the 1950's to assist with the movement of people and machinery working on the adjacent farm land. "Unfortunately, this had serious impacts on the health of the creek. This new collaborative project will greatly improve access for native fish to reach breeding sites during small river rises and create a healthier wetland system at the upper end of the creek,” Mr O’Brien said. The project will involve lowering the existing culverts that prevent higher flows in the Murrumbidgee River entering the creek and the removal of large amounts of sediment that has built up over the last 50 years. “Native fish and other species that rely on a healthy environment will soon be able to access valuable habitats such as snags and deep holes which are vital to their long-term survival. Morley’s Creek is integral to the Gundagai community as it supports biodiversity, recreation and tourism.” The project has funding from the Australian Governments Natural Heritage Trust and the NSW Department of Primary Industries has been contracted by the Murrumbidgee CMA to deliver it. Mr O’Brien said the outcomes of the project would achieve an overall improvement to the health of the Creek and improved recreation values of the area particularly fishing, canoeing and nature based activities. “The works will allow the return of a more natural wetting and drying pattern for Morley's Creek which will benefit fish, birds and residents of the Gundagai region,” Mr O’Brien said. For more information call the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority on 6932 3232 or visit their website www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au New atlas features environment data on 4000 Murray wetlands The entries, which cover both the NSW and Victorian sides of the river, are summaries of a larger work - the “River Murray Wetland Database” developed by the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group. The Group was formed in 1992 as an initiative of the Murray and Lower Murray-Darling Catchment Management Committees to develop and implement well researched, technically sound and community endorsed management programs for specific wetlands. The Database is a Geographic Information System (GIS) developed from, and consistent with, the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s “River Murray Mapping” (2nd Edition). In addition to the summary information, the new Atlas contains maps that show vegetation and river level heights when the wetlands begin to receive water (commence-to-flow levels) of all the mapped wetlands. The main database contains information important to building knowledge of the environmental flow requirements for improving the management of wetlands and the river system. The information was collected from field assessments at a range of river flow levels, anecdotal information from landholders, agency staff, satellite image analysis and previous studies. It helps river managers and the wider community to understand the impacts of different flow levels on wetland connectivity and enable the development of appropriate environmental flow convention. The Atlas is an A3 size publication with a protective glaze on all pages, making it weather and dust-proof, durable and practical for use in the field. The Atlas will be available at the end of May. Costs (including GST & postage) are: consultants and private companies $350; government agencies and tertiary organisations $300; and community and education groups $200 The Database and Atlas project was funded by the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group, with assistance from the Natural Heritage Trust, Murray Darling Basin Commission and the former Department of Land, Water and Conservation. For more information or to order a copy, contact Trish Alexander on (02) 6051 2221, trish.alexander@cma.nsw.gov.au Want to be an MDBC “information portal”? The MDBC, through The Living Murray program, is offering a range of resources to regional information centres who would like to display publications and other materials highlighting the MDBC's programs, in particular The Living Murray. Twenty tourist information centres along the River Murray have recently taken up the offer, and have been supplied with foyer stands, wall banners and a range of publications, posters and DVDs. They have also nominated how many copies of new MDBC publications they would like to receive, which are mailed directly to them as soon as they become available. All this is provided at no charge. We are also interesting in learning of other resources that would help local communities better understand The Living Murray program. For more information or to become an MDBC 'information portal', contact The Living Murray Communications and Consultation Manager, Sandra Volk on ph: 02 62790435 or email: sandra.volk@mdbc.gov.au Managing rivers, making a difference That’s the central theme of the 5th Australian Stream Management Conference to be held in Albury 21-25 May. The event is hosted by Charles Sturt University’s Institute for Land, Water and Society. The Murray-Darling Basin Commission, thorugh The Living Murray pogram, is a major sponsor and will have an booth there. The MDBC's Natural Resources Management Division General Manager Mr Les Roberts will speak at the conference. This year the conference aims to encourage participants to reflect on how their research and practises have made a difference to river management. More than 100 speakers will present papers across five conference sub-themes:
The conference will include field trips to the Murray, Mitta Mitta and Ovens Rivers and the Wonga Wetlands. For more information and to register, go to www.csu.edu.au/research/ilws/news/conference.html Key national water reform priorities identified In a statement following the meeting in Canberra in April, the Commission said the Group had identified:
They agreed that the National Water Initiative was still the “main water reform game in town” and that it was vital that the National Water Commission continue to play its public (and behind the scenes) roles in driving water reform actions. “SRG members are very conscious of the rapidly changing landscape in water management in Australia and were pleased to be given the opportunity to better understand how the National Plan for Water Security aligns with the NWI,” SRG Chair, Commissioner Peter Corish said. “Although there are very disparate groups represented at the SRG there was consensus about the need to retain the central place of the NWI and the shared national objectives.” For more information and to read the full text of the statemetn go to www.nwc.gov.au New climate change research centre The Centre for Climate Change Impact Management (C3IM) will undertake pioneering research on the issue of climate change and its impact on water availability. C3IM Director, Professor Garry Willgoose, said the Centre's work would identify a new generation of management and policy tools that assess the security of urban and rural water supplies. "Understanding the magnitude of predicted climate change, the environmental impact of a changing climate, and optimal management of water resources are the key issues C3IM will address," Professor Willgoose said. "By bringing together researchers with expertise in hydrology, ecology, climatology and paleoclimatology, we will achieve an integrated examination of the environmental response to climate change. "We will develop science-based methods for assessing and managing the potential effect of climate change on water availability." The C3IM is in addition to the University's Priority Research Centres, which focus resources into areas of existing and potential research strength, and promote cross-faculty and cross disciplinary research. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Barney Glover, said the C3IM would build on the extensive research capacity of the University on environmental issues. "The existing Priority Research Centre for Energy is focussed on one of the most challenging contemporary issues - the management of Greenhouse Gas Emissions," Professor Glover said. "The Centre for Organic Electronics is concentrating efforts on the next generation of environmentally friendly energy sources, and the Tom Farrell Institute is a partnership between the University and community to focus regional expertise on the environmental challenges of the future. "The work of the C3IM will add significant value to the important work already underway at the University to address the impact of climate change on the global environment." For more information contact Garry Willgoose on 02 4921 6050. 12 towns investigated for urban salinity The Murrumbidgee CMA is building progressive partnerships to tackle salinity with Adelong, Cootamundra, Griffith, Henty, Junee, Narrandera, Queanbeyan, Tarcutta, Tumut, Wagga Wagga and Yass Councils. The project is funded by the Australian and State Government’s National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and the State Salinity Enhancement Strategy. More than 100 bores have been installed across the catchment and they will be monitored monthly for the first 12 months and then quarterly after that. This project provides valuable information on groundwater and assists Councils in their planning and management strategies for urban salinity. On ground works are focusing on remediation of recharge and salinised sites, an extensive bore monitoring network, training and ongoing planning of the urban water cycle, all managed by the Councils in partnership with the Murrumbidgee CMA. For more information about the project contact the Murrumbidgee CMA on 02 6932 3232 or visit the website www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au ends |
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