The Murray Lower Darling Environmental Water Advisory Group convened online to discuss the Lower Darling catchment's updates and future plans.
Planning for the Lower Darling catchment
Following recent floods in the Warrego River, Lake Wetherell received significant inflows, leading to daily water releases of 3,000 to 4,000 megalitres (ML) into Lakes Tandure and Pamamaroo.
In May, we initiated an environmental flow of 400 ML/day from Lake Wetherell to the Lower Darling, enhancing habitats for native fish and combating algae growth. This year, we've utilised substantial environmental water to avert fish kills and address water quality issues, particularly in the Menindee town weir pool.
Maintenance activities may necessitate adjustments to the flow schedule.
We're planning a 'priming' pulse in September to stimulate Murray cod activity, provided conditions are favourable. Mid-season, we'll maintain stable water levels to aid Murray cod spawning, followed by a significant pulse to support larvae dispersal and nursery habitats, and potentially assist with the dispersal of golden perch coming down the system from the Menindee Lakes.
Great Darling Anabranch monitoring and planning
In the Great Darling Anabranch, targeted flows have fostered golden perch habitat and dispersal. Monitoring has revealed Lake Cawndilla's importance for golden perch, with a substantial population and juvenile fish movement towards the southern Basin. The monitoring team, through acoustic tracking and tagging, estimated that between 259 and 1,567 fish entered the Murray River over a 6-month period. Upcoming monitoring will focus on spawning and distribution, employing a 'sensor fish probe' to evaluate fish safety through the regulator.
For the 2024–25 water year, we plan a winter flow pause for infrastructure maintenance, allowing for a spring fresh in September 2024.
Additional updates
Professor Robin Watts presented preliminary FLOW MER 2.0 plans for the Mid-Murray Area, inviting feedback from group members.
