to ensure that water is delivered as planned to help manage such as unintended inundation. Over the period from 2011–12 to 2019–20 the office is investing around $35 million in monitoring projects in the From 2014–15 will be a transition from short (one-year) monitoring projects to longer-term (five-year) monitoring projects. This longer-term intervention monitoring is consistent with our reporting obligations under the Water Act and the Basin Plan. The office is committed to publishing the results of its monitoring. Table 3 gives examples of outcomes by catchment. Table 2: Summary of Commonwealth environmental water short-term ecological monitoring projects in 2013–14 (results expected to be published in early 2015) Catchment Site Indicators of ecological response to environmental water (2013–14) Organisation Lead Partner Goulburn River and Broken Creek Primary productivity, fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat, sediment, vegetation and water quality. University of Melbourne Monash University, Arthur Rylah Institute, Goulburn Murray Catchment Management Authority Murray River system quality, organic matter, macroinvertebrates, wetland vegetation, biofilms, fish and frogs. Charles University NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Monash University, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Murray Land Services, Wakool Landholders Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River and adjacent wetlands Wetland vegetation, macroinvertebrates, fish, water quality, zooplankton and carbon/nutrients. Charles Sturt University NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, University of NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority
Border Rivers Unregulated (Macintyre) <1 Instream Moonie 1 Instream flows Condamine–Balonne (Lower Balonne) 22 Instream flows Barwon–Darling (Toorale) 13 Instream flows Barwon–Darling (Great Darling Anabranch) 47 Flows Warrego 1 Total 982
Appendix C: Basin catchment summaries of Commonwealth environmental water use in 2013–14 Table 1: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Barwon–Darling catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain NSW River catchment river Barwon and Darling River channel and fringing wetlands Yes No, unregulated flows were below triggers for off-channel wetland inundation. No Commonwealth environmental water contributed to two separate fresh flow events in the system to: promote hydrological connectivity and end-of-system flows maintain refuges (waterholes) in the main channel support the movement and dispersal of aquatic biota Restore a more naturally variable flow regime and preserve natural cues. Support population condition in key waterhole refuges. 8.06(3)(b)(i)(ii) 8.06(6)(a)(b) July to August 2013 (Barwon River) March to April 2014 13 009.4 Darling Darling)
provide for nutrient and carbon cycling. Table 2: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Border Rivers catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Border Rivers catchment River and fringing wetlands Yes Yes, inundation is dependent on the extent of natural flow events. Yes, inundation is dependent on the extent of natural flow events. Commonwealth environmental water contributed to a small fresh flow to:support primary production and nutrient and carbon cycling promote hydrological connectivity provide for the dispersal of aquatic biota. The primary aim of use (subject to natural trigger flows) was to support a more naturally variable flow regime and preserve natural cues. Population condition (ecosystem recovery). 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 8.06(7) March to April 2014 91.8
Condamine Balonne unregulated Lower Balonne catchment river flows and floodplain systems Yes Yes, inundation depends on the extent of natural flow events. Yes, inundation depends on the extent of natural flow events. Commonwealth environmental water contributed to a small fresh flow to: re-establish hydrological connectivity and flows to the maintain refuges (waterholes) in the main river channel and distributary channels promote the dispersal of aquatic biota and fish reproduction. Support a more naturally variable flow regime throughout the Lower Balonne system and preserve natural cues. Support population condition in key waterhole refuges in the Lower Balonne distributary channels. 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) April 2014 22 282 Darling
Table 4: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Gwydir catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Gwydir Mallowa Wetlands Yes Yes Yes Maintain the condition of permanent and semi-permanent wetland vegetation (e.g. water couch, spike rush, river cooba and lignum). Promote waterbird survival and condition. Promote fish movement and condition, nutrient and carbon cycling, and primary production. Maintain vegetation condition and diversity. Promote waterbird diversity and population condition. Promote fish diversity and population condition. Support the diversity and abundance of other native aquatic species (e.g. invertebrates, frogs, turtles). 8.05(2)(b)(c) 8.05(3)(a)(b) 8.06(3)(a)(b)(i)(ii) 8.06(6)(b)(7) 8.07(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) September 2013 to March 2014 20 000
Gwydir Mehi River Yes No No Contribute to an fresh with a slower, more natural rate of recession to support fish condition and movement, larval abundance and survival. Stimulate carbon and nutrient cycling, and primary production processes. Promote fish diversity and population condition. Support the diversity and abundance of other native aquatic species (e.g. invertebrates, frogs, turtles). 8.05(3)(a)(b) 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 8.06(7) 8.07(5) October to November 2013 8420 Gwydir Carole Creek Yes No No Contribute to an fresh with a slower, more natural rate of recession to support fish condition and movement, larval abundance and survival. Stimulate carbon and nutrient cycling, and Promote fish diversity and population condition. Support the diversity and abundance of native aquatic species (e.g. invertebrates, frogs, turtles). 8.05(3)(a)(b) 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 8.06(7) 8.07(5) October to November 2013 3915
primary production processes. Table 5: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Lachlan catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Lachlan Lower Lachlan Yes Yes N/A Support the ongoing environmental recovery following the 2012 floods. Improve the condition of native plant communities, particularly river red gum communities, lignum stands and reed bed areas, and support many of their natural processes such as flowering, seeding and germination. Build resilience in the Lower Lachlan system so that the environment can survive through dry periods and the impacts of drought. Improve vegetation condition and support recruitment in riparian, floodplain and wetland areas. Improve hydrological connectivity by working to reinstate a more natural frequency of floodplain and wetland inundation. 8.05(2)(a)(b)(c) 8.05(3)(a)(b) 8.06(2) 8.06 (3)(a)(b)(i)(f) 8.06(6)(b) 8.07(2)(3) June 2013 to March 2014 73 854 (23 017 in 2013–14 and 50 837 in
couch, reed and spike rush to support the ongoing regeneration of these communities and their native fauna maintain the connection of water courses on the floodplain to improve water quality and allow native animals to move between different areas support the habitat needs and breeding sites of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds such as Glossy ibis, Australian white Ibis, Ibis, Promote hydrological connectivity.
Intermediate egrets and Rufous night herons. Table 7: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Warrego River in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Warrego and Darling (NSW) unregulated at Toorale Lower Warrego River catchment flows, catchment river flows Yes No No Commonwealth environmental water contributed to a fresh flow to: maximise hydrological connectivity and flows to the support the movement and dispersal of aquatic biota and nutrient and carbon Support aquatic ecosystem diversity. 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) March 2014 506.25
cycling in the Warrego and Darling rivers. Table 8: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Moonie catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Moonie Lower Moonie River flows and fringing wetlands Yes Yes, inundation is dependent on the extent of natural flow events. Yes, inundation is dependent on the extent of natural flow events. Commonwealth environmental water contributed to a moderate fresh flow to support: hydrological connectivity and end-of-system flows to the Barwon River maintain refuges (waterholes) in the main channel Restore a more naturally variable flow regime and preserve natural cues. Support aquatic ecosystem diversity. 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 2014 1415
the dispersal of aquatic biota and fish reproduction. Table 9: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Broken, Campaspe, Goulburn, Loddon, and Ovens catchments in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Basin Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain Goulburn River Yes N/A N/A Support the germination and growth of riparian native vegetation. Improve river bank stability, submerge snags and improve the habitat of native fish so that they can breed and grow. Provide habitat and food for macroinvertebrates while also maintaining suitable water quality for other native aquatic plants and animals. Support downstream watering actions Support vegetation condition and reproduction. Support fish reproduction and condition. Support hydrological connectivity. Support biotic dispersal. Increase dissolved oxygen 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(7) July 2013 to May 2014 215 000
throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes. and dissolve organic carbon. Lower Broken Creek Yes N/A N/A Improve and maintain ecological health and resilience of the system. Contribute in-stream base flows and freshes between August 2013 and May 2014 within the lower Broken Creek in support of native fish reproduction and condition, hydrological connectivity and the maintenance of water quality. Return flows from the use of Commonwealth water in the lower Broken Creek to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, maintenance and Support fish reproduction and condition. Support hydrological connectivity. Increase dissolved oxygen and dissolve organic carbon. 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i) 8.06(6)(a) September 2013 to May 2014 38 593.7
improvement of the diversity and condition of water dependent native flora and fauna and ecosystem function. Campaspe Campaspe River Yes N/A N/A Commonwealth environmental water contributed to in-stream base flows and freshes from 10 to 18 September 2013 within the Campaspe River in support of: native fish reproduction and condition hydrological connectivity biotic dispersal. Return flows from the Campaspe River were used to support downstream actions throughout the Mid Murray, Lower Murray, Coorong and Lower Lakes, contributing to the protection, Vegetation condition and reproduction. Fish reproduction and condition. Hydrological connectivity. Biotic dispersal. Dissolved oxygen and dissolved organic carbon. 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i)(iii) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 8.06(7) 9.04 July 2013 to June 2014 6517
native fish reproduction and condition hydrological connectivity water quality. Ovens Ovens River Yes N/A N/A The purpose of this watering action was to maintain the ecological health and resilience of the Ovens River system. Commonwealth environmental water contributed towards baseflows and freshes on 24 to 25 April 2014 within the Ovens River in support of: flow variability improved primary production the provision of shallow water habitat to contribute toward macroinvertebrate diversity. Macroinvertebrate diversity. Hydrological connectivity. Biotic dispersal. Dissolved oxygen. 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i)(iii) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 9.04 August 2013 to June 2014 70 (in addition to 4800 ML of bulk release drawdown water provided by Water, resulting in a total watering action of 4870 ML delivered in the Ovens system between 22 April and 5 May 2014)
10: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Murray catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Niemur River, Yallakool and Tuppal creeks Yes N/A N/A Support fish condition and reproduction. Support vegetation condition and reproduction. vertebrate condition, reproduction, growth and survival. Hydrological connectivity. Salinity and pH levels. Support fish larval growth and survival. 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(6)(a) 8.06(7) 9.04 October 2013 to 2014 16 815 Murray Gunbower Creek Yes N/A N/A Support fish reproduction and condition. Hydrological connectivity. Dissolved oxygen and dissolved organic carbon. N/A 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(b)(i) 9.04 October 2013 to May 2014 19 028
Lower Murray Lower River Murray Mallee wetlands Yes Yes N/A Improve vegetation condition in wetlands and floodplains. Provide wetland habitat to improve the recruitment and survival of bodied fish particularly the EPBC listed Murray hardyhead. Increase landscape vegetation diversity. Support fish population. Increase landscape vertebrate diversity. Aid recovery. 8.05(2)(a)(b) 8.05(3)(a) 8.07 9.04 December 2013 to 2014 Cadross 505.9 Brickworks Billabong: 159 Woorlong Wetlands: 176.2 Psyche Bend Lagoon: 400 Bullock Swamp: 265.5 Karadoc 200 J1 Creek: 209 Burra Creek: 300 Bridge Creek: 200 Liparoo East: 236 Lower Murray Hattah Yes Yes Yes Support improvement in the condition of black box woodland native vegetation, and to provide aquatic habitat. Support vegetation diversity. 8.05(2)(a) 8.05(3)(a)(b) 8.06(3)(b)(i) May to June 2014 4633.1 Ongoing at 30 June 2014
supporting ecological recovery and maintaining aquatic habitat. South Australia Murray Lower Lakes Coorong and Murray Mouth Yes Yes N/A Improve water quality in the River Murray channel; aquatic vegetation, macroinvertebrates, waterbird and fish habitat within the Coorong and Lower lakes; and contribute to flows to support an open Murray Mouth. Support ongoing improvement in the condition and extent of the aquatic herb Ruppia tuberosa, provides critical habitat for fish and invertebrate species in the Coorong Southern Lagoon. Promote landscape vegetation diversity. Increase landscape fish diversity. Support bird population. Aid recovery. Increase landscape refugia. 8.05(2)(a)(b) 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i)(ii) 8.06(3)(c) 8.06(6)(a)(b) 8.06(7) November 2013 to June 2014 106 070 This volume has been delivered in combination with environmental water from other Commonwealth watering actions resulting in a total of approx. 543 GL being delivered to the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth. Lower Murray River Murray at Locks 8 and 9 weir pools Yes Yes Yes Support the operation of weir pools that provide increased variability in river water levels for the purpose of improving native vegetation condition. Increase landscape vegetation diversity. Support vegetation recruitment and extent. 8.05(2)(b) 8.05(3)(a) 8.06(3)(b)(i)(ii) 8.06(3)(c) 8.06(6)(a)(b) August 2013 to April 2014 216
Increase landscape bird diversity. Increase landscape fish diversity. Improve fish larval growth and survival. Support nutrient and carbon cycling. Table 11: Commonwealth environmental watering actions for the Murrumbidgee catchment in 2013–14 Location of watering action Type of action Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, <1 year Expected environmental outcome(s) of watering, 1–5 years Contributes to Murray–Darling Plan Environmental watering plan objectives Timing Total Commonwealth environmental water delivered (ML) Complex Site River flows Inundation Wetland Floodplain floodplains including: wetlands, Yanga Yes Yes Yes Support vegetation condition and reproduction. Support waterbird reproduction, Support landscape vegetation diversity. 8.05(3) 8.06(3)(b)(ii) 8.07 9.04 November 2013 to June 2014 60 174
National Park, North Redbank, the Fiddlers Creek system and the Western Lakes survival and condition. Support other vertebrate condition, reproduction and survival. Support fish condition. Improve hydrological connectivity. Support biotic dispersal. Increase refugia. Dissolve organic carbon. Support waterbird recruitment. Increase diversity within wetlands. Support nutrient and carbon cycling. Lower floodplains watering) Yes Yes Yes Support vegetation condition and reproduction. Support waterbird reproduction, survival and condition. Support landscape vegetation diversity. Support waterbird recruitment. 8.05(3) 8.06(3)(b)(ii) 8.07 9.04 August to October 2013 and March to June 2014 6967
Appendix D: Commonwealth environmental carryover into 2013–14 Table 1: Summary of Commonwealth environmental water carryover in the Murray–Darling Basin into 2013–14 Part of Basin Water source Carryover (GL) Southern Connected Basin Victorian Murray 118 Goulburn 15 New South Wales Murray (including Lower 105 Murrumbidgee 56 Campaspe <1 Subtotal 293 Northern Basin Lachlan 44 Macquarie and Cudgegong 19 Gwydir 80 6 Border Rivers 7 450