On 9 October 2025, the Murray and Lower Darling Environmental Water Advisory Group (EWAG) met in Buronga to discuss environmental water and catchment updates.
Catchment conditions
Conditions across the Murray catchment are mostly dry with below-average rainfall, despite forecasts. Tributary inflows and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s active storage are both below long-term averages. At the time of the meeting, Dartmouth Dam was at 72%, Hume Dam at 55% and Menindee Lakes at 87%.
Environmental watering events
Hume to South Australia multisite deliveries
Multisite watering has been impacted by multiple factors, including Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism works. Delayed watering events may result in dry forests and restrict the volume of environmental water reaching South Australia. NSW environmental water managers will consider potential risks before proceeding with an event (for example, if flows are delivered too late, there is a risk of creating a blackwater event).
The Edward River is benefitting from a small fresh flow.
Mid-Murray ephemeral creeks and wetlands
Several ephemeral creeks and wetlands are benefitting from environmental water with help from local landholders and the use of Murray Irrigation Limited infrastructure. Ephemeral creek watering events are supporting local wildlife, including waterbirds and the endangered southern bell frog.
Lower Murray wetlands
The EWAG was briefed on Lower Murray watering events using private landholder pumping equipment to support wetlands, native species and vegetation. Nine events are underway, including one at Bingara Creek. Bingara Creek has successfully supported the reintroduction of an endangered small-bodied native fish, the southern purple-spotted gudgeon, in the area over the past couple of years. The aim is to continue these spring watering events subject to water availability.
Murray golden perch acoustic tracking project
A presentation was given on the golden perch dispersal project undertaken by NSW environmental water managers, Charles Sturt University, and Arthur Rylah Institute, and funded by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder. Tagged golden perch were monitored to see how they travel through the Murray River system.
The results showed movement was influenced by flow conditions, including the response to environmental flows. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the work undertaken by NSW environmental water managers. The Edward–Wakool system proved to be a popular destination for the fish, and more research is needed to understand why. Tracking also showed the importance of removing barriers to fish passage, especially along the Murrumbidgee River.
Update on the Darling and Warrego river systems area flow – MER 2024–29
A monitoring, evaluation and reporting update for the Darling River was delivered based on the results from the previous water year (2024–25). Recent floods down the Warrego River have a had a positive effect on native vegetation, waterbird populations and native fish in the Toorale area. Fish surveys have shown concerningly low numbers of Murray cod throughout the whole Darling, with only one Murray cod found upstream of Menindee.
