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Murray-Darling Basin
Commission eLetter No 75 March 2008
Welcome to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission monthly e-letter with reports of happenings across the Basin. Contributions are welcome. Please send items (no more than 250 words) to the editor at http://www.mdba.gov.au/contact An online html version is
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River flows through Sunraysia could be expected to fall to low levels over the next couple of weeks, or possibly longer if hot conditions persist. "Temperatures in Sunraysia and South Australia have been more than six degrees above average in the last week and hot conditions are forecast to continue over the coming week", Dr Craik said. "We're seeing a large increase in demand and river losses in the hot conditions and harvests are running later than normal because of the relatively mild February." She said that from 13 March the weirpool levels of Euston, Torrumbarry and Yarrawonga (Lake Mulwala) would be temporarily lowered to help meet increased demand and river losses. It might also be necessary to draw upon Lock 8 as well as small amounts from the Mildura, Wentworth and Lock 9 pools. "There is no intention to lower weirpools in South Australia and release from Lake Victoria is being adjusted to maintain these pools at or close to normal operating levels to control river salinity," Dr Craik said. "We've been running the river to minimise loss and conserve as much water as possible in Hume and Dartmouth reservoirs for this season and next. This has resulted in lower than normal river flows in the mid-Murray. The hot conditions now require the temporary lowering of weirpools to meet requirements." The extent and duration of the lowering of weirpools will be minimised as much as is practicable but will depend on weather and demand conditions over the coming weeks. Initial expectations are that the level of Euston Weir pool will be drawn to between 0.4 and 0.6 m below full supply level over the coming week. The level of Torrumbarry Weir pool is expected to be drawn to between 0.2 and 0.4 m below full supply level over the same period. Lake Mulwala is also expected to be further lowered and may fall below the current lower target of 124.4 m AHD for a short period. At Swan Hill, the water level is currently about 0.7 m (local gauge height) and is expected to fall to as low as 0.5 m over the coming weeks. Flow rates between Euston Weir and Lock 7 are expected to fall to low levels. A small increase in flow is expected from the Darling River later in March and will assist in meeting lower Murray requirements. Boat operators, stock owners, river pumpers and other river users are advised to take the lower water levels and flows into account and make any necessary adjustments to their activities. The Murray-Darling Basin Commission will continually review its river operational plans, taking into account emerging conditions. For more information and updates over coming weeks go to www.mdbc.gov.au/rmw/river_information_centre Basin
ministers concerned at effects of severe drought
While above average summer rainfall across much of the Basin brought welcome relief for many graziers and dryland farmers as well as flooding in southern Queensland and the border rivers, inflows in the central and southern parts of the Basin are still low and headwater storage levels well below average. The Council also expressed concern that the prolonged and severe drought had magnified the environmental impacts of water extraction and river regulation. Among a number of decisions, the Council agreed to in principle support for the MDBC to provide $6 million in emergency measures to reduce the risk of environmental damage to Lake Albert. The MDBC will also develop a range of medium and long term risk management strategies for the Coorong and Lower Lakes that capture the best available science, hydrological modelling and climate change analysis and strike a balance between the environmental, economic and social values of the sites. In other decisions the Council:
A copy of the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting is available at http://www.mdbc.gov.au/news/MC_communique Cooperation
on Murray-Darling a step closer
She said her counterparts from across the Basin agreed:
In addition, Senator Wong demonstrated the Commonwealth's cooperative approach by making clear the Commonwealth would allow States to retain their rights to manage annual water allocations in accordance with the Basin cap. "The Basin needs national leadership in the setting of a new cap on water extractions, but we believe the States are best placed to determine how water is allocated within that cap each year," Senator Wong said. Senator Wong said it was important that there be an overall cap on the amount of water taken out of rivers and aquifers, and that cap should be informed by independent experts and science. The Minister said the meeting highlighted the willingness of the States to work together to address the long standing issues across the Basin. A copy of Senator Wong's media release is available at www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/index.html Salinity
strategy achieves first stage outcomes
The Basin Salinity Management Strategy (BSMS) 2001-15 guides communities and governments in working together to control salinity in the Murray-Darling Basin and protect key natural resource values within their catchments. The review found that significant progress had been made in implementing the Strategy's first phase (2001-2007). The BSMS establishes targets for the river salinity of each major tributary valley and the Murray-Darling system itself, that reflect the shared responsibility for action both between valley communities and between States. Key achievements have been the salinity registers that ensure that each state is accountable for the salt that enters the River Murray, the annual salinity auditing process and on-ground works including salt interception schemes. The report of the mid-term review was released on 7 March at the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial council meeting in Sydney. A copy of the mid-term review report can be downloaded at www.mdbc.gov.au/news/MC_communique Vale Professor Peter
Cullen
"We were honoured to have worked closely with Professor Cullen over many years, but especially during his time as Chief Executive of the CRC for Freshwater Ecology of which the Commission was a significant funding partner," Dr Craik said. "Professor Cullen's stewardship of the CRC from 1993 to 2002, especially through its Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, paved the way for major Commission programs such The Living Murray and the Sustainable Rivers Audit. "His public advocacy and strong scientific positions created huge public awareness of the Murray's environmental needs and his work undoubtedly contributed to the development of The Living Murray's "First Step" decision to recover water for the river. "Professor Cullen's reasoned, intellectual and concerned voice will be greatly missed in all future public discussions of the water resources challenges facing Australia," Dr Craik said. For more tributes to Professor Cullen visit the Australian Science Media Centre site at www.aussmc.org/Peter_Cullen_dies.php Wide-ranging
study of Barmah Choke
Running for about 50 kilometres between Tocumwal and Barmah, the narrowing of the river channel was formed through geological movements and river deviation over thousands of years. MDBC Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said that over time regular flooding caused by the choke has created a system of wetlands known as the Barmah-Millewa Forest - the largest river red gum forest in Australia. "The forest is recognised under the Ramsar convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and has been identified as an icon site under the MDBC's The Living Murray program," Dr Craik said. While the Barmah Choke leads to flooding during winter and spring, which is critical to the health of the forest, the Choke also provides challenges in managing flows in the river system. "There are concerns that the Choke makes it difficult to deliver peak irrigation flows during summer. Consequently the Choke flows full for many months of the year, and rainfall or sudden changes in water use can lead to unseasonal flooding of the forest, which is detrimental to its health. "In the future it may also limit our ability to target the delivery of environmental water to The Living Murray icon sites downstream of the Choke." The MDBC is managing the study in partnership with the NSW Department of Water and Energy and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, which will ensure that other relevant regional projects are considered throughout the study. Dr Craik said the study will draw largely upon knowledge gained from previous investigations of the region and be undertaken in a number of stages. "The first stage will identify and assess all the issues associated with river regulation through the Barmah Choke, including under possible future conditions. Any problems associated with the Choke will need to be clearly defined before we look at solutions. "We also recognise the need to protect the beneficial influence of the Choke on the flooding regime and health of the Barmah-Millewa Forest. Stage 1 should be completed in May. If we agree that action is needed, the second stage will then look at options to address the problems, and this will most likely take until early 2009 to complete." Input from people and groups who have an interest in the study will be sought at key phases of the study. Further information is available on www.mdbc.gov.au/barmahchoke or email barmahchokestudy[at] mdbc.gov.au Gravity of Basin
challenges showcased in MDBC children's book
Senator Wong was launching Liquid Gold an anthology of children's stories, poetry and artwork at a ceremony at Ainslie Primary School in Canberra. The book, which showcases the children's views on water and environmental issues affecting the Basin, is the culmination of a year's work at schools across the Basin through the MDBC's Special Forever program. Special Forever is an award winning educational program that allows children to learn about the ecological and natural resources systems that are such a big part of their lives. Senator Wong said the words and pictures in Liquid Gold provided adults with a timely reminder of the gravity of the challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin. "The poetry, prose and paintings in this book tell the story of the impact that water shortages are having on the environment and the families of these children," Senator Wong said. "Their work reminds us that climate change and water shortages are intergenerational challenges and we must take action to prepare Australia for the future." The launch was hosted by MDBC Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik, Ainslie Primary Principal Jo Padgham and the Primary English Teaching Association President Margery Hertzberg. Some of the children read out their published works to Senator Wong and their art work decorated the school. The Special Forever program aims to give children a sense of belonging and pride in the Basin, a greater discussion of the Basin in schools and families and a greater awareness of the topography, land use, cultural heritage and flora and fauna of the Basin. Copies of Liquid Gold are available from the MDBC. Call (02) 6279 0434 or email http://www.mdba.gov.au/contact Registrations
open for MDBC Youth Environment Conference
The Youth Environment Conference is based on the highly successful International River Health Conference model. Held biannually in Mildura since 1999, organizers say the conference highlights the importance of providing the next generation with a sense of place and a realisation that proper management of their place will ultimately have an impact on their planet. In addition to the conference in Mildura, satellite events also have been held in Broken Hill, Toowoomba, Narrabri, Adelaide, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Melbourne and Bendigo. "Using the 'kids teaching kids' learning model, the river health conferences have developed thousands of resilient children," says organiser Arron Wood. "Children who are motivated, have high self esteem and respect for others. "Using the same peer learning method, the 2008 MDBC Victorian Youth Environment Conference will provide students with skills in environmental education. "But more importantly, it will build students who are optimistic, have a sense of future, are capable public speakers and can communicate ideas in many different forms." For some months before the conference, teacher and students across Victoria will prepare workshops with mentors. Other than some invited speakers for official ceremonies, all presentations are conducted by students for students. Presentations are made at a middle school standard to enable primary and secondary students to engage with each other at an appropriate learning level. Registration is open to students from years 5 to 11. Teachers must accompany students at a ratio of 1 teacher to 10 students - a maximum of 4 teachers and 20 students per school are entitled to attend . For more information go to www.onelifeoneworldourfuture.com/index.php?pageid=217 Salinity, Water
and Society - gloal issues, local actions
The MDBC is a gold sponsor of the event which will focus on new approaches for tackling the salinisation of water resources, including irrigation, dryland and urban salinity and salt water intrusion. Organisers say the forum will provide an opportunity for international and Australian audiences to:
Namoi Carp Muster
a huge success
Nearly 500 kg of carp was weighed in and participants and organisers of the first Namoi Carp Muster hailed it a great success in helping to clean up the Namoi River and improve the habitat for native fish. Namoi Catchment Management Authority and the NSW Department of Primary Industries joined forces with the Narrabri Fishing Club to host the inaugural Carp Muster. Ryan Breen, Riparian Officer with Namoi CMA, said "the Namoi Carp Muster was a great opportunity for the community to get involved in the Namoi Aquatic Habitat Initiative and was a fantastic way to raise awareness about the impacts that carp have on the habitats of native fish." Conservation Manager with NSW DPI, Milly Hobson said "the introduced carp are to rivers what rabbits are to farms and just as difficult to eradicate. "Carp increase the turbidity of water when they feed in the sediment and they also dislodge aquatic plants from river banks, thereby removing important native fish habitat," she said. The Namoi CMA plans to hold similar events in conjunction with local fishing clubs across the catchment. For more information contact Anne Ferguson at Namoi CMA on 6742 9202 or email anne.ferguson@cma.nsw.gov.au Nuffield Farming
Scholarships open
Nuffield Australia has awarded scholarships each year to farmers in Australia since 1950. The scholarships give Australian citizens the opportunity to study farming practices in New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the Americas and those countries best suited to each scholar. The scholarships aim to increase practical farming knowledge as well as management skills and techniques generally. They also promote a closer understanding between farmers in the countries visited. On return to Australia scholars are expected to spread the knowledge and understanding they have gained among their fellow farmers and others. Applicants do not need academic qualifications, but will need to persuade the selectors they have the qualities to make the best use of the scholarship. For more information and an application form go to www.nuffield.com.au/schols.html ends
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