Natural inflows are great news for Gunbower Forest floodplain

Jul 6, 2023

Water on the Gunbower Forest floodplain in June.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority is reducing water for environment deliveries onto the Gunbower Forest floodplain in response to natural Murray River inflows.

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High flows down the Murray River have reached levels that are seeing water push through low points onto the floodplain.

North Central CMA says these natural flows will combine with the water for environment already on the floodplain to create ideal conditions for the forest.

“This is a great outcome for the forest and everything that relies on it to survive and thrive,” North Central CMA acting chief executive officer Rachel Murphy said.

“The climatic cues that come with high rainfall and natural inflows signal to waterbirds that there will be an abundance of food. Given the number of waterbirds, particularly young juveniles, in the region, this is great news.

“With the current flows from the Murray, we will taper the Hipwell Rd inflows accordingly. This may mean they stop for a while and then start up again as needed, in response to seasonal conditions.”

Ms Murphy said the Murray inflows were reaching some parts of the forest environmental water can’t get to.

“This combination flow is one of the scenarios we plan for, and we are adapting water for the environment deliveries to complement these natural inflows,” she said.

“Water for the environment has played an important part and has primed the forest and the wetlands, starting in early June, which is when natural inflows would have started without river regulation.”

Ms Murphy said the hybrid flow would not increase the flood risk to the community.

“About 8Gl of water for the environment has been delivered so far, and the amount of water going over Torrumbarry Weir is close to 30Gl a day.”

For detailed information about forest access and track closures during the flows, follow the DEECA Loddon Mallee Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DECCALoddonMallee, visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests or contact DEECA on 136 186 or Parks Victoria 131 963.