One of the Murray River’s iconic wetland sites will receive a much-needed drink this autumn, thanks to Victoria’s environmental watering program which works to keep sites such as Gunbower Forest alive in these extremely dry times.

Environmental water provided by the Victorian Government and managed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), will flow to Gunbower Forest from Monday 27 April.

“This environmental water will be provided to key wetlands in the forest and endeavour to keep areas of River Red Gum trees alive,” said North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, Damian Wells.

“During drought, environmental water is vital to provide refuges for threatened plants and animals, and to avoid irreversible loss or catastrophic events. The water being used is part of an environmental entitlement, legally set aside to protect rivers and wetlands. Using it does not affect anybody else’s water allocations.

“Environmental watering of Gunbower Forest wetlands in previous years has improved the health of vegetation, and provided important habitat for birds, fish and frogs.  Water is expected to remain in the wetlands through to Spring 2009 and similar positive results are expected from this watering.  Regular ecological monitoring will take place throughout the year to help us understand the outcomes,” said Mr Wells.

According to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the local community needs to be aware of possible road closures in the areas receiving water.

DSE Forester in Charge, Murray Thorson said: “We ask that the public be careful when entering Gunbower Forest to keep an eye out for signs advising of possible road closures, and not to access these paths whilst water is being delivered or throughout the time when the forest is flooded. This is important for both public safety reasons and the maintenance of forest paths”.

Watering is also being undertaken at two other wetland sites in North Central Victoria – Little Lake Boort at Boort and McDonald Swamp near Kerang. This watering will assist in maintaining vital drought refuge for plant and animal communities during the ongoing dry conditions experienced in this region.

For further information, contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au