A comprehensive assessment of environmental outcomes in South Australia under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has revealed that environmental water is having a positive impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and habitat quality.
Among the findings was that increased freshwater flows through the barrages have increased the resilience of fish species, including black bream, greenback flounder and small-mouthed hardyhead.
“This evaluation has reinforced the importance of delivering the Basin Plan in full, including the final 450 GL of environmental water and addressing water delivery constraints, to ensure the health of the River Murray and protect our unique ecosystems,” Deputy Premier Susan Close said. “Through this prolonged dry spell, that water has become even more important for the river’s ecology to ensure we maintain a healthy aquatic environment, which supports water supply, irrigation, recreation and tourism.”
Upstream, increasing connectivity of wetlands and floodplains has improved outcomes for native freshwater fish, vegetation and waterbird species.
The report also emphasises the need to recover the 450 GL of environmental water as soon as possible, particularly from the southern Basin, to maximise environmental outcomes across the system, including increasing resilience to climate change.
The Plan’s 450GL environmental water target, which is critical for South Australia and the health of the entire River, has surged to 286GL.
As a result, the River Murray and its wetlands and tributaries are in significantly better shape, despite the drought conditions that have prevailed throughout parts of South Australia and western Victoria.
The assessment found:
- Water for the environment is essential for ecosystems to thrive, and its coordinated delivery along the entire length of the River Murray has contributed to improved environmental outcomes in SA.
- The operation of infrastructure, including floodplain and wetland regulators, has expanded water delivery areas, increasing connectivity and improving outcomes for native fish, vegetation and waterbird species.
- Increased freshwater flows through the barrages have provided critical pathways for the movement of fish and increased resilience of species, including black bream, greenback flounder and small-mouthed hardyhead.
- The Basin Plan has delivered improved environmental outcomes during low-flow periods, likely preventing similar outcomes to those during the Millennium Drought; however, more is needed to ensure ongoing recovery and health.
- Despite improvements, challenges remain, particularly in the southern Coorong. Sustained actions, operations, and additional investment are required to secure long-term environmental outcomes.
The Basin Plan was adopted by the Australian Government in 2012 and aims to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Full implementation of the Basin Plan is vital to protect the Murray-Darling Basin’s internationally recognised wetlands, and to maintain healthy aquatic environments that support irrigation, water supply, recreation and tourism.
To read the report, visit: Department for Environment and Water – Basin Plan evaluation.
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