Bottle Bend Reserve flourishes after environmental water delivery

Bottle Bend Reserve in far western New South Wales has undergone a stunning transformation thanks to a recent environmental water delivery, delighting local community members who are embracing the change.

More than 1,000 megalitres of licensed water for the environment was released into the reserve to support its black box woodland and promote vegetation growth. The woodland at Bottle Bend Reserve is significant both ecologically and culturally.

Environmental Water Management Officer Mark Henderson described the ecological response as ‘amazing’.

‘There’s lignum, water ribbons, nardoo, and a large number of waterbirds have arrived,’ Mr Henderson said.

‘But the positive response from the community is huge – they just love it out there. The delivery of environmental water to Bottle Bend has achieved outcomes all round.’

Fifteen years ago, Bottle Bend was in poor condition, but sustained environmental flows have brought life back to the site. The recent watering builds on recovery initiated by the 2023 floods.

Local resident Braeden Lampard said the change has been remarkable.

‘Not long ago it was a barren and dry landscape, and now it’s thriving. The water clarity alone is amazing – crystal clear, just like how people describe the river before European carp came,’ Mr Lampard said.

‘Seeing native plants flourishing and hearing the abundance of birdlife really shows how much difference good environmental water management can make. I recently took my family out for an afternoon exploring, and being only a short drive from Mildura, it was the perfect outing.’

Ecologist Iain Ellis described the site as a haven for biodiversity.

‘Bottle Bend Reserve is looking great! Beautiful clear water right up among the black ‘box trees, with few, if any, carp to muddy the water,’ Mr Ellis said.

‘I saw some cool aquatic plants including nardoo and swamp lily and heard at least 4 species of frog. I also saw kangaroos, kingfishers, eagles, and even a peregrine falcon. In the water, you can see tadpoles, dragonflies and mayflies, and even caddisfly larvae in little cocoons made from sticks.

‘Apparently, some small native fish even survived transit through the pumps used to deliver the environmental water – no wonder there are so many waterbirds!’

Local community member Ian Kelly said the revitalisation is a source of pride.

‘The Bottle Bend environmental watering has seen renewed vegetation growth within the reserve. This new growth and the increase in frogs and lizards have resulted in an abundance of bird life. The greenery makes sections look almost as good as Kakadu,’ Mr Kelly said.

‘The change in this reserve in the last 15 years is a great example of what good environmental management can achieve. It is extremely satisfying to be part of.’

Watch a video to learn more about the transformation of Bottle Bend.