Following ex-tropical cyclone Trevor in early 2019, a flow event occurred in the Warrego River between April and July.
The event was managed collaboratively by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Industry, Planning and Environment, and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
The event brought much-needed rain to communities along the Warrego and Darling rivers.
Infrastructure on Toorale was managed to maximise flows to the Darling River.
Although flows did not extend as far down the Darling River as hoped, the event helped to replenish waterholes within the mid to lower reaches (Lake Wetherill) of the Darling system.
In combination with local rainfall, these flows:
- provided great benefit in wetting the system
- filled up pools
- connected reaches of the Darling River
- improved water quality
- supported fish, with a recruitment event in the Warrego River
- provided for an increase of birdlife on the western floodplain.
Toorale Water Infrastructure Project
The flow event provided an opportunity to further consult with the community on the Toorale Water Infrastructure Project, which aims to increase the rate at which water can pass through Toorale to the Darling River.
On-site meetings and information sessions held since May 2019 have resulted in adjustments to the project proposal. These adjustments are in addition to matters addressed during the planning and design stages of the project.
The project design will:
- avoid damage to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage and protect sites of cultural value
- include fishways at two locations in response to a request by the Aboriginal community
- allow for delivery and storage of cultural water the Aboriginal community wants to access and use in the future
- meet technical requirements needed to obtain approval.