The Murray Lower Darling Environmental Water Advisory Group (EWAG) met to discuss river operations, environmental water management, fish outcomes and monitoring activities across the Murray Lower Darling Catchment.
River conditions and operations
Members heard updates on rainfall, inflows and water storage levels across the basin. March rainfall was above average in the southern basin and below average in the north, with overall inflows remaining below long-term averages. Storage levels across major dams remain modest, with operations being adjusted in response to rainfall and changing conditions.
At Menindee Lakes, water levels currently sit at around one-third capacity. Based on current forecasts, management arrangements may transition back to New South Wales later in winter, subject to inflows.
Environmental water and river health
Dry conditions and limited water availability continue to constrain environmental watering opportunities. Infrastructure works, metering requirements and policy settings have also limited the ability to deliver water to some sites this season.
Despite these challenges, targeted environmental water releases have been used to improve water quality, manage low oxygen risks and support key wetlands and river reaches. Positive outcomes have been observed at several upgraded sites, where enhanced infrastructure has improved water delivery efficiency, supported better habitat conditions, and delivered measurable ecological benefits.
The group discussed the importance of clearly communicating the benefits of environmental water to local communities and recognising positive on ground outcomes.
Fish passage and monitoring
Updates were provided on fish passage initiatives and long-term fish monitoring.
A temporary fishway trial at Menindee has successfully moved many thousands of native fish across barriers, including Murray cod and golden perch, demonstrating strong potential for future permanent solutions.
Long-term monitoring data continues to show mixed trends for native fish, with some populations recovering slowly after fish kills, while small bodied native fish remain in decline in parts of the Darling River system. These results are helping guide recovery actions such as habitat restoration and native fish reintroductions.
Monitoring and partnerships
Monitoring across Millewa Forest has recorded large numbers of waterbirds, improving bush bird activity following recent rain, strong turtle capture results, and early signs of success from wetland rehabilitation and threatened native fish reintroductions.
Strong partnerships with Traditional Owners continue through conservation training, monitoring and youth engagement programs, supporting both ecological outcomes and cultural knowledge sharing.
Infrastructure and metering
Progress on metering and infrastructure upgrades across the forest and wetland systems continues. While construction sequencing and low flows have delayed commissioning in some areas, recent works have enabled improved flows and better water quality outcomes.
