Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) Dr Simon Banks observed a greener and healthier landscape when he visited the Toorale Western Floodplain in July 2024.
The Western Floodplain is a large wetland area. It covers over 10,000 hectares between the western bank of the Warrego River and the Darling-Baaka River, around 50 kms west of Bourke in New South Wales.
Dr Banks had last visited in February 2024. On this trip he could see how much better the vegetation like lignum, aquatic grasses (sedges) and trees such as the Coolibah and River Cooba were looking. All thanks to 8.37 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water benefiting the area.
The CEWH's science program Flow-MER undertook monitoring at the site in February, April and May. They looked at food webs, vegetation, waterbirds and water quality and observed many improvements.
"It was great to see a wide range of waterbirds enjoying better conditions which the environmental water has provided," Dr Banks said.
"I was particularly excited to see several brolgas - a vulnerable species in NSW and culturally important at Toorale.
"Preliminary monitoring results have also shown a positive response from native fish like the Hyrtl's tandan (moonfish), spangled perch and golden perch (yellow belly), which is really good news."
Toorale was once a 91,000-hectare agricultural property. It was purchased jointly by the Australian and NSW governments in 2008 to protect its outstanding environmental and cultural values. The associated water rights acquired with the property totalled 25.5 gigalitres.
"Our most-recent watering has been made possible through some vital infrastructure enhancements. These were funded by the Australian and NSW governments, and have improved how water can reach valued ecological sites," Dr Banks said.
"Importantly, the works have helped native fish to travel between the Warrego and Darling rivers thanks to the fishways and gates. It was excellent to see the results of the infrastructure improvements working as intended.
"We work in close partnership with others to manage the delivery of environmental water. Here, we work with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. We are consistent with the Toorale water management infrastructure operating and maintenance plan.
"We have so many significant environmental assets in the Murray-Darling Basin. When I make decisions about where to water and when, I always take a Basin-wide view. That is what makes my role unique and so important."
Dr Banks will be in the Barwon-Darling region this week as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's tour to meet with a range of stakeholders to hear about issues of importance to them.
