IT is looking like being a bumper spring for the catchment’s fish, frogs, platypuses, rakalis, waterbirds, and turtles.
But there’s just one ingredient missing in some key wetlands – water.
A regulated system and changed landscape means, despite recent wet weather, water hasn’t flowed into key wetlands in the northern part of the catchment this winter as it once would have.
“Which is why water for the environment is delivered to locally and internationally important wetlands in the region,” North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) environmental water reserve officer Peter O’Toole said.
“And the time is right to begin our winter and spring flows to these wetlands.
“These wetlands work with current water for environment flows in rivers, creeks and on the Gunbower Forest floodplain to create a mosaic of opportunity for native animals over the breeding season.”
Water will be delivered to seven Central Murray wetlands through to late spring – Lake Cullen, Johnson Swamp, McDonald Swamp, and Lake Elizabeth, near Kerang, Kunat Kunat (Round Lake) near Lake Boga, and the private Muringa and Wirra-Lo wetlands near Murrabit.
“Having different kinds of wetlands at different water levels is the ideal scenario, as it creates a variety of different habitats to support a wide range of wetland plants and animals,” Mr O’Toole said.
“We’re excited to be able to deliver water to Johnson Swamp in spring and later in the season create a rare through-flow between the wetland and Pyramid Creek.
“That means water from the Johnsons Swamp that’s full of the nutrients fish love will make its way into Pyramid Creek when breeding silver perch, golden perch, and Murray cod need it most.
“Like Johnson Swamp, Lake Cullen is a Ramsar-listed wetland, because of the number of birds, including migratory species, it attracts.
“Last time we delivered water to Lake Cullen, 16 critically endangered Australasian bitterns turned up. We hope to see a range of waterbirds take advantage of the abundant food that will be available when Lake Cullen receives water for the environment.
“We’re preparing for what we think will be some of the best spring breeding conditions seen in this part of the state for a long time.”
At Johnson Swamp, NCCMA and Parks Victoria have been working with Traditional Owners, duck hunters, and local community members to reduce the tall marsh in the wetland.
The aim is to increase the amount of open water, providing a more attractive space for a broader range of waterbirds.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEHW) has allocated up to 13.5 gigalitres of water for the seven wetlands.
Deliveries of water for the environment are authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2022-23.
