Connectivity, floodplain inundation and native fish outcomes were the focus for environmental water managers in the Barwon–Darling Barwaan–Baaka catchment in 2021–22.
Key outcomes
Under wet to very wet conditions, NSW environmental water managers worked with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to protect water for the environment under licenses in the early part of the water year. However, for much of the year natural high flows delivered significant outcomes for the environment which included opportunities for fish movement throughout the system. Outcomes included:
- favourable conditions for native fish recruitment
- connectivity with Menindee Lakes and the Lower Darling Baaka with 4,800 gigalitres passing Wilcannia and an additional 130 gigalitres travelling down the Talywalka and reconnecting with the Lower Darling Baaka
- periodic inundation of riparian zones and floodplains improving vegetation condition
- flows and inundation to instream and floodplain First Nations priority sites.