| Murray-Darling Basin Commission e-Letter No. 81 September 2008 Welcome to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission monthly e-letter with reports of happenings across the basin. Contributions are welcome. Please send items of up to 300 words to the editor at sam.leone@mdbc.gov.au An online html version is available at: www.mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe/eLetter_menu (Also see our monthly children’s e-newspaper The River, with regular features and activities, at: http://www.mdbc.gov.au/subs/The_River/index.html ) Please feel free to pass this e-letter along to anybody who might be interested. To subscribe online go to www.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 1760 subscribers.
That’s the stark news in the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) latest Drought Update released on 2 September. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said August rainfall was below average and inflow during the month of 275 GL was less than a fifth of the long term average of 1,550 GL. “In the two years ending August, Murray system inflows were 3,540 GL – a new record low. “Storage levels are extremely low. Active storage in the Murray system is only 1,690 GL or 20 % of capacity. This is well below the August long term average of 5,600 GL or 62 % capacity. (Active storage is water which can be released using only gravity). “Persistent low rainfall during the past seven years, particularly in the alpine areas, has been the main cause for the record low inflows to the Murray system, with above average temperatures exacerbating the situation.” Dr Craik said a flow of 900 ML a day into the Lower Lakes, along with local rainfall caused the water level in Lake Alexandrina to gradually rise to its current level of -0.26 m, or 1.0 m below full supply level. “This has provided some short term relief and has delayed the potential for acidification. However, with the arrival of warmer weather in spring, evaporative losses will start to increase, and the water level is expected to start falling again. “This will be closely monitored while short and longer term management strategies are developed to maintain the lakes above acidification thresholds.” Dr Craik said prospects for the coming season would depend on rainfall and run-off. But even with above average rainfall in the coming months, inflows would likely remain well below average. The Bureau of Meteorology’s prediction for spring rainfall is neutral for much of south-eastern Australia. “So the outlook for the Murray system remains very serious. Critical human needs can now be met through to next winter but water availability for irrigation remains very low,” Dr Caik said. “Recovery of the system is likely to take several years of above average rainfall.” Dr Craik said the northern part of the Basin was still benefiting from last summer’s good rainfall and flooding, though water levels at the Narran lakes were dropping and most wetlands and lakes along the Warrego and Paroo Rivers were also drying up. A copy of the latest Drought Update is available at http://www.mdbc.gov.au/rmw/drought_updates First ABS ‘basin’ statistics report welcomed Water and the Murray-Darling Basin - A Statistical Profile (2000-01 to 2005-06) presents a range of water, social, environmental and economic statistics relating to the Murray-Darling Basin. The project was developed in consultation with the MDBC and following public demand identified by the ABS for basin statistics, particularly water information. MDBC acting chief executive Les Roberts said on 15 August that the publication was an important step forward drawing together important basin wide economic, social and natural resource information. “The new report will increase awareness and knowledge of the basin by drawing together the latest available statistical data that would normally be dispersed throughout different areas of the ABS,” Mr Roberts said. “The report is truly impressive and, during this difficult time of extended drought conditions, will be a valuable source of information for managers, growers, administrators, teachers, scholars and others throughout the basin and beyond.” The publication covers basin statistics on:
About two million Australians live in the basin. People employed in the basin work mainly in retail, health, government and agriculture. The region is environmentally significant with about 30 internationally recognised wetlands, red gum forests, and unique flora and fauna. To look at a copy of the new publication go to www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4610.0.55.007 MDBC Youth Environment Conference – tackles big issues That’s how organisers of the 2008 MDBC Victorian Youth Environment Conference which kicks off on 8 September in Mildura have described the event. Arron Wood, coordinator of the two day event, said places sold out months ago and would involve more than 500 students, 170 teachers and celebrities. The conference, of which the MDBC is a major sponsor, started in 1999. MDBC Chief Executive will open the conference and chair an expert panel on “Water Allocation and Victoria’s River systems - is there a happy balance?” Other panelists will include Howard Jones, Chairman NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group; Peter Kelly, River and Wetland Health Manager, The Mallee CMA and Camille Mansell of the Young Professionals Network Arron said the conference would be two days of excitement and effective environmental education in which kids teach other kids from around Australia and the world. Teachers and school children prepared workshops with mentors in the months leading up to the conference. Other than some invited speakers for official ceremonies, all presentations are conducted by students for students – the ‘kids teaching kids’ concept. Presentations are at a middle school standard so that primary and secondary students can engage with each other at an appropriate learning level. “Student interactive presentations will engage the audience through a range of techniques — not just Power Point — but also singing, acting, quizzes, drawing, art and other activities,” Arron said. "The conference will provide students with skills in environmental education, but more importantly, it will develop students’ optimism, sense of future, public speaking skills, and ability to communicate ideas in many different forms.” For more information on the conference go to www.onelifeoneworldourfuture.com/index.php?pageid=217 Places close for first MDBC fish forum The MDBC Fish Forum will take at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on 9 and 10 September. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said the forum will show just how wide a range of projects the MDBC funds across so many of its programs such as the Native Fish Strategy, The Living Murray, Sustainable Rivers Audit, and the Northern Basin Program. “In some instances, it will show how, despite the prolonged drought, we are funding research and activities that art already showing successful results for our native fish.” “Participanting researchers, managers and other stakeholder groups will be able to exchange ideas and discuss future directions,” Dr Craik said. Dr Craik said the overwhelming demand for places clearly illustrates the collective enthusiasm for rehabilitation of basin native fish stocks in the basin and for the efforts the MDBC is making to help achieve these outcomes. For more information on the MDBC’s native fish activities go www.mdbc.gov.au/NFS and http://thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au/ Wentworth’s Lock 10 to re-open in October Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik said the works were part of planned, necessary maintenance and upgrading of structures along the Murray. “Some components of the lock had been in place since it was built in 1929 and were nearing “The work has included emptying the lock, removing and repainting the gates and refurbishing the valves “The four lock gates, each measuring 9 by 7.5 metres and weighing more than 18 tonnes, are being grit blasted and completely repainted to ensure long life,” Dr Craik said. “The twelve main valves, each measuring 2 by 1 metres and weighing about a tonne, are being replaced. “Quite a number of other components are also being reconditioned or replaced. “We and State Water, who are carrying out the work, chose this time of year as it is the quietest period for tourist craft, the main users of the river,” Dr Craik said.” Dr Craik said the works had not had any impact on the water levels in the adjacent weir pools. State Water will advise local councils, visitor centres, boating associations, boat hire companies and registered owners of houseboats in the area likely to be affected of the re-opening date. “With these major works done, the lock will be in top operating condition for decades to come,” Dr Craik said. For more information on Murray navigation and boating inquiries contact NSW Maritime’s Infoline on (02) 9563 8557. More dead wood a good thing for native fish Dr Wendy Craik AM, CE of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission which funds the project, said the return of snags to the river was already proving successful for native fish despite the ravages of drought. “We are delighted with the initial results as scientific surveys conducted between Hume Dam and Yarrawonga have detected native fish using the resnagged reaches including Murray cod and trout cod,” Dr Craik said. Jarod Lyon, a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI), said that ARI began monitoring the project in July 2006 by fitting native fish with external tags to help monitor their movements and use of the new habitats. “Anglers are playing an important role in the research by recording the tag numbers and locations of their native catch over time,” Mr Lyon said. “Angler tag returns help us understand how the re-snagging of the river affects key populations of our precious native fish species. “We have some early indication that the total number of native fish in the resnagged reach of river is increasing due to the new habitat. “Further monitoring in coming years will help refine exactly what role the new snags will play in the recovery of native fish populations in the River Murray.” Historically, wood and other instream habitats were removed from many rivers for riverboat navigation, increased water flow for irrigation and to protect surrounding infrastructure. In the Murray-Darling Basin rivers in south-eastern Australia, records indicate that several million trees were removed. “By resnagging the River Murray we are aiming to reverse the negative impacts of past practices and give native fish habitat to spawn, feed and avoid predators,” Mr Lyon said. Anglers are being encouraged to call the number printed on the tag of native fish and provide information about the length of fish and location of capture. The Murray River resnagging project is funded by the Murray Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) The Living Murray program. It is a partnership between the Victorian North East Catchment Management Authority, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment. For more information on the MDBC’s native fish activities go www.mdbc.gov.au/NFS and http://thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au/ Tenders called for Menindee Lakes water savings project The Darling River Water Savings Project aims to increase water availability in the Murray-Darling Basin by reducing the amount of water lost through evaporation from the Menindee Lakes. The New South Wales and Australian governments have each committed $650,000 to this project. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the project aimed to help address some of the huge challenges faced in the Murray-Darling Basin. “The Rudd Government is taking action to meet these challenges,” Senator Wong said. “We have committed $3.1 billion to return water to Basin rivers and wetlands, and $5.8 billion to upgrade irrigation infrastructure and help communities adjust to a new cap on water use. “But with current record low inflows into the Murray-Darling Basin system and after years of over-allocation, drought and climate change, there is a great deal of work still required to make the Basin sustainable. “The Darling River Water Savings project is an important element in our work to use water wisely, secure our water supplies, and support healthy rivers.” New South Wales Water Minister Nathan Rees said that the New South Wales government had completed preliminary investigations into water savings under Part A of the project in 2007. “Six strategies were identified that could yield as much as 180 billion litres of water that is currently being lost to evaporation,” Mr Rees said. Tenders close on 9 September 2008 at 9:30am. Tender documents can be obtained from https://tenders.nsw.gov.au Environmental Services - fact or fiction for landholders? Organised by the North East Catchment Management Authority and the Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum, the one day event will explain environmental services with the theme “Fact or Fiction for Landholders”. Speakers will also explain why they are important to landholders and present an overview of Commonwealth and State sponsored programs. Sessions will cover key drivers for the private sector and global directions for the provision of environmental services and the value to farm enterprise of providing environmental services. Presenters include Prof. Max Finlayson Director, Institute of Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University; and Mick Keogh ED, Australian Farm Institute. Organisers says it is important for landholders, farmers, investors and various agency staff to understand that in the in the not too distant future there could be a whole raft of investors offering environmental services to landholders. For more information Rod Grant on (03) 5721 7594 or go to www.necma.vic.gov.au/WhatsOn Photo competition aims to capture ‘essence of Murray catchment’ The photo competition that captures images of the land, water and climate of the Murray Catchment will culminate in a 2009 calendar and prizes for the various finalists. Murray CMA, Landscapes Manager Mr Jack Chubb, says the photo competition will be based on the themes of land, water and climate in the NSW side of the Murray Catchment. “Climate, land and water were chosen as they are all common and influential aspects of life in our catchment. These themes provide a terrific opportunity for everyone to get involved – from professional to amateur, from young eyes and wise eyes. “As well as capturing the natural beauty and unique qualities of the Murray Catchment this photographic showcase offers the greatest of opportunities for the community to gain a new perspective of the precious natural resources that we have across the region.” Mr Chubb said. “People can show through their photographs, how elements such as humans, plants, animals, birds and even insects live together and shape our landscapes, waterways and climatic conditions” Mr Chubb concluded. Junior and senior finalists will be selected for each of the land, water and climate photographic themes. A condition of the competition is that the photographs must be taken within the NSW Murray Catchment area, be taken by a resident of the NSW Murray catchment area and be entered in digital format. Entries will be accepted until 12 noon Friday 26 September 2008. Entries will be judged by a panel which will include a professional photographer. First, second and third places and the best 3 junior prizes will be awarded. Prizes will include a digital camera, printing vouchers and photo frames. The winning photographs will be published in the 2009 Murray Catchment Calender which is distributed across the region. Information packages are available on the Murray CMA website at www.murray.cma.nsw.gov.au or phone Emily Brewer on 02 6051 2211. Northern Victoria’s Kakadu – a quiet revival? Three months after emergency water was released into the parched River Red Gum forest along the Murray River, monitoring teams are reporting new plant and animal life with frogs calling, the return of a rare butterfly and the arrival of waterbirds. North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), Gunbower Forest Project Manager Melanie Tranter, said the response is encouraging in the parts of the forest that received water. “Local visitors are once again describing this wetland forest as Victoria’s Kakadu,” Ms Tranter said. “Tortoises are breeding, frogs have spawned, waterbirds especially ducks have arrived, and we’re starting to hear a lot more noise in the forest. “When the weather warms up, we are hopeful that the forest will really come alive with birds, frogs and fish breeding, and growth on the River Red Gums.” Monitoring teams are looking at different parts of the food chain to assess the impact of the watering at different sites. The Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre is monitoring water macro invertebrates (water insects) as part of a pilot research project to look at the interaction between the insects, birds and native fish. Monitoring sites are located at Safe’s Lagoon and across Gunbower Forest playing close attention to the nursery sites of the water birds that nest in colonies. “We are also monitoring the plant response to the watering,” said Ms Tranter. “One of the really exciting results is the discovery of the rare Spotted Glass Blue butterfly which feeds on a species of plant growing around the edge of the wetlands. “This rare butterfly hasn’t been seen in Victoria for 15 years.” The Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) is monitoring the fish response to gain a better understanding of how native fish move between Gunbower Creek and the forest wetlands. ARI scientist Dr Leah Beesley recently recorded five species of native fish. Dr Beesley was encouraged to find the fish in good condition and expects to see the results of breeding when she returns to check the warmer spring water. For more information go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au/ Boat Speed restriction lifted Manager Goulburn Loddon Dams Ivan Smith said that the five-knot speed restriction was introduced in April 2008 following the commencement of drought pumping and the subsequent low water levels making conditions hazardous for high speed boating. "A speed restriction was required to protect the safety of water users from submerged tree stump hazards and shallow water which make conditions hazardous for boating activities,” Mr. Smith Said. These boat restrictions are in line with the requirements of the Marine Act 1988 and the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian Waters. The lake level has now risen above 23% capacity, and the threat posed by these hazards has reduced, enabling the removal of the five-knot speed restriction. "However we would like to take this opportunity to remind boating operators that they should always exercise caution when boating on Waranga Basin. No water is completely free of hazards, and boats must always be operated in a cautious and safe manner appropriate to the conditions," Mr. Smith said. "Goulburn-Murray Water greatly appreciates the cooperation of the boating public over recent months," he said. For more information go to http://www.g-mwater.com.au/news/default.asp ends |
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