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Locals will have an exciting opportunity to enjoy some of the more spectacular parts of the internationally renowned Gunbower Forest floodplain in full bloom this spring,

Key wetlands will be filled, and some of the low-lying parts of the floodplain will receive water for the first time in three years, giving the iconic redgums and flood-dependent vegetation a much-needed drink.

“This will bring the lower forest to life,” North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Chief Executive Officer Brad Drust said.

“Aquatic vegetation will grow, waterbirds will come out in abundance, frogs will emerge from their hiding places, and there will be a real buzz in the air.

“Wetlands such as Reedy Lagoon just off the Koondrook Track will look like a postcard. The colours of the native aquatic plants and flowers will be vibrant and eye-catching. It’s like our own little paradise.”

Gannawarra Shire Mayor Charlie Gillingham said the Gunbower Forest floodplain in full flight was a site to see.

“These parts of the forest aren’t made up of the usual dryland plants you expect with the Australian bush, such as wattle and smaller shrubs,” he said.

“These sections of the forest are special. These lower lying areas and wetlands are where the unique magic of Gunbower Forest is, providing habitat for the many plants and animals that rely on flooding to grow and flourish.

“I encourage locals to get out there and see it for themselves, where and when they can, over the next few months, They won’t be disappointed.

“If you love being in nature, you’ll love the Gunbower floodplain in the spring when there’s water in the landscape.

“The Gunbower floodplain is one of the key reasons the Gannawarra is Victoria’s nature-based tourism destination.”

Cr Gillingham is also a board member of the North Central CMA.

Mr Drust said there were some easy-to-access parts of the forest that are perfect for a whole range of activities when wet.

“Google maps will take you straight to Reedy Lagoon,” he said.

“It’s a great spot for a picnic, a perfect spot to let the kids explore, and a magnificent spot to sit under a tree and read a book.

“And if you’re feeling adventurous you can go on a kayak tour with one of the tourism operators in the area, or hike into the flooded sections and take some amazing photos. Please keep in mind the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

“Keep an eye on our social media over the next few months and we’ll let you know the best places at the best times to visit. And we might even organise a few tours if COVID-19 doesn’t intervene.”

Water will start entering Reedy Lagoon, the Little Reedy Complex, Black Swamp, and Little Gunbower in mid-August, subject to irrigation demands and river conditions.

It will then overflow onto sections of the floodplain through to November. An estimated 2,000 hectares, or about 10 per cent of the forest, will be watered.

“These areas of the forest need a drink. They haven’t received any water in about three years,” Mr Drust said.

“We know that without river regulation, the floodplain would have received water at multiple times in the past 12 months and there would have been water in the landscape since June this year.

“We have seen a small decline in the health of tree canopies in these key areas, so it is important that these areas receive some water to halt that decline and allow the distinctive aquatic understorey to re-establish, ready for next year.”

Mr Drust said that currently, predicted high water levels in the Murray are not expected to be able to do the job that’s needed.

“If Mother Nature could get water where it’s needed, that would be fantastic. Although the storages are filling up, it does not guarantee that we will see any significant flooding in the forest as further substantial rainfall is still needed to generate those larger river flows. ” he said.

“However, if high-river flows do enter the forest, there may be an opportunity to turn on the Hipwell Road regulator and piggy-back on Mother Nature across the broader forest.

“That would be an efficient use of water for the environment and the benefits could be significant. Given these areas of the forest would have been receiving high flows since June without river regulation, it makes sense.”

“We’ll keep a close eye on the river levels and adjust our plans if needed. By starting to deliver water now, it will prime the floodplain vegetation which will only be further benefitted if a natural flood does occur or water for the environment is delivered.”

For detailed information about forest access and domestic firewood collection during the flows follow the DELWP Loddon Mallee Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DELWPLoddonMallee.

The Gunbower Island water for the environment project is delivered by the North Central CMA in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water, Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, DELWP and Parks Victoria. 

It is part of The Living Murray program, a joint initiative of the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian, Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth governments, coordinated by the MDBA.

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