The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), in partnership with Goulburn-Murray Water and Parks Victoria, is set to fill McDonalds Swamp with environmental water in the week commencing 22 October 2012. The fill, lasting for a period of up to two months, will provide critical habitat for the region’s water birds. 

The environmental water release is consistent with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s Seasonal Watering Plan 2012-13, developed to guide environmental water use in Victoria.  

Ms Emer Campbell North Central CMA’s Executive Manager for the Murray, Campaspe and Avon Richardson Catchments, said “McDonalds Swamp, a wetland within the Kerang Lakes, is highly significant for water bird breeding, feeding and roosting, and is identified as an important refuge site on the northern floodplain.  

“The delivery of environmental water to McDonalds Swamp is part of a state-wide environmental watering program to maintain habitat for plant and animal communities. 

“The North Central CMA has undertaken monitoring at McDonalds Swamp following previous watering events and recorded the return of threatened bird species such as the Glossy Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Great Egret, Australasian Shoveler, White-bellied Sea Eagle and Hardhead.  

“We know there are significant ecological responses when the wetland has water.  Historically, particularly during the drought, McDonalds Swamp was dry, so it is encouraging to monitor and see firsthand the benefits when environmental water is delivered to the wetland,” continued Ms Campbell.  

Ms Campbell stressed that the environmental water is sourced from the Murray Flora and Fauna Entitlement and is set aside specifically for the environment. It does not affect water allocations to farmers or town supplies.  

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