Evaluation of waterbird objectives and targets

Widespread waterbird breeding was recorded in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 water years in response to prolonged, large-scale inundation events. In these water years, breeding was detected in 18 group-nesting species, and there were 25 individual breeding sites that each supported more than 5,000 nesting pairs. Increased breeding activity in other waterbird species, including waterfowl and water hens, was also detected in the wetland regions during the reporting period. 

Environmental water delivery influenced the timing, extent and duration of inundation in waterbird breeding and feeding habitats in the 2019 to 2023 period. The delivery of water for the environment and management of infrastructure was critical for maintaining water depths within and surrounding managed breeding sites in the very wet 2021 to 2023 period. The use of water for the environment during drier periods also provided waterbird feeding habitat and opportunities for small-scale breeding events in some wetland regions.