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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Murrumbidgee valley

The Murrumbidgee river is one of Australia's most regulated river systems, which poses some unique challenges and opportunities for the management of water for the environment.

 

Why do we need water for the environment?

Covering an area of 81,527 square kilometres, the Murrumbidgee catchment includes 26 storage or diversion structures, along with a 1690-kilometre stretch of the river, and surrounding wetlands.

Water for the environment targets fringing lagoons on the Murrumbidgee River, swamps and creeks; the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) wetlands, including Ramsar-listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil swamps; and the lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, which includes the Nimmie Caira and Redbank systems and incorporates Yanga National Park.

In the Murrumbidgee valley, water for the environment supports a range of wetland communities, providing habitat and breeding opportunities for flora and fauna, as well as refuge during times of natural flow-variation. Threatened species, including brolgas, the Australasian bittern, the Southern bell frog and the fishing bat, benefit from flows.

Working together

The Murrumbidgee Environmental Water Advisory Group provides advice to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on watering priorities on public and private lands, with the support of landholders.

There are important Indigenous cultural sites throughout the Murrumbidgee valley catchment, including the Koonadan sandhill — a burial site adjacent the Tuckerbil wetlands.

  • A picturesque view of the Lowbidgee wetlands and Yanga National Park. The water is dotted with water plants, and lush greenery and trees line the edges, creating a vibrant and tranquil scene.
    Lowbidgee and Yanga
    Lowbidgee and Yanga
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • Pelicans soar over Paika Lake, Narwie
    Pelicans in flight over Paika Lake, Narwie
    Pelicans in flight over Paika Lake, Narwie
    Image Credit: J Maguire
  • A serene sunset over Paika Lake, with trees lining the edge. The vibrant colors of the sunset are reflected clearly in the calm water, creating a mirror-like effect.
    Paika Lake at sunset
    Paika Lake at sunset
    Image Credit: C Amos/DPE
  • A golden orb weaver (Nephila sp) at the Redbank Wetlands
    A golden orb weaver (Nephila sp) at the Redbank Wetlands
    A golden orb weaver (Nephila sp) at the Redbank Wetlands
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • DCCEEW staff inspecting a lagoon from canoe in the Murrumbidgee
    DCCEEW staff inspecting a lagoon from canoe in the Murrumbidgee
    DCCEEW staff inspecting a lagoon from canoe in the Murrumbidgee
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • Egret (Ardea alba) resting on a log in the Redbank Wetlands
    Egret (Ardea alba) resting on a log in the Redbank Wetlands
    Egret (Ardea alba) resting on a log in the Redbank Wetlands
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • Mist over Piggery Lake, Yanga National Park
    Mist over Piggery Lake, Yanga National Park
    Mist over Piggery Lake, Yanga National Park
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • A swamp lily (Ottelia ovalifolia) in bloom after environmental watering
    A swamp lily (Ottelia ovalifolia) in bloom after environmental watering
    A swamp lily (Ottelia ovalifolia) in bloom after environmental watering
    Image Credit: E Wilson/DPE
  • Aerial view of Devils Creek Regulator after the release of enviromental water to Yanga National Park, Lowbidgee
    Aerial view Devils Creek Regulator, Lowbidgee Wetlands, Yanga National Park
    Aerial view of Devils Creek Regulator after the release of environmental water to Yanga National Park, Lowbidgee
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DCCEEW
  • Return flows are the subject of research being conducted in the North Redbank wetland system
    Return flows are the subject of research being conducted in the North Redbank wetland system
    Return flows are the subject of research being conducted in the North Redbank wetland system
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE

More information