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Murray-Darling Basin
Commission - November 2007, E-letter No 72
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 available at: www.mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe/eletter_menu Please feel free to pass this e-letter along to anybody who might be interested. To subscribe online go to http://mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe To be removed from the mailing list, please reply to this message with "unsubscribe" in the subject heading. This newsletter currently has 1485 subscribers.
That was the core message from Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM in the Commission's latest Annual Report to be released shortly. Dr Craik writes in her overview of the 2006-07 report that "six years in a row of extreme drought have produced a situation where our twin tasks - managing the Basin's natural resources and the water supply of the communities of the Murray River system - have been more challenging than ever before. "The proposed National Plan for Water Security, announced in January 2007, heralds significant changes to the way the Basin is managed and provides us with some challenges, as well as opportunities, in the months to come. " Dr Craik said the MDBC had achieved a number of milestones throughout the year. "The most important task for all of us during this difficult year was to ensure water supplies down the river system to growers and communities. "This demanded careful management of dams and weirs along the length of the river to maximise the efficiency of water delivery. "This has not been an easy task in a year when the total inflow to the Murray System, excluding Snowy Scheme releases, set a new record low of 1,040 GL . The nearest comparable drought period was in 1914-15, with a total of 2,000 GL in inflows. "Water allocations across the Murray River system were subsequently also at record low levels and conditions presented a testing year, not just for us, but also for partner state water agencies and their customers. "For the second time during these six years of drought Dartmouth Dam fulfilled its crucial backup role in the Murray system. We released 2,200 GL of water during 2006-07 to supply water for irrigation, stock and domestic use. "The environment has also suffered during the past year. Limited water was available for dedicated environmental use. Most was pumped onto heavily stressed Red gums in the Hattah Lakes. "We have continued to encourage the integration between the river operation and natural resource management staff to maximise the value of water for the irrigators and the environment. "Of course, the prolonged dry spell, combined with the level of extraction from the River led to very low flows through the Murray Mouth which we have kept open only through continuous dredging. "However, the good news is that because of targeted dredging over the first few years we have established conditions which allow the operation to be sustained by one dredge rather than two. "Employing a number of innovative scientific solutions, including from sediment transport modelling, also helped to keep the Murray Mouth open," Dr Craik said. The MDBC Annual Report 2006-07 will soon be available online at www.mdbc.gov.au/about/annual_reportage Murray
Barrages team takes out coveted award again this year
The trophy has been presented since 1943 to recognise outstanding performance in maintaining the various assets which regulate the waters of the River Murray System. Murray-Darling Basin Commission President the Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC presented the award to manager Peter Lewis and his staff at dinner on 11 October. Mr Sinclair commended not only the winners, but the staff at all assets of the River Murray System for their commitment to effective maintenance of the assets under their care and the pride they demonstrate in what they are doing. He said the award reflected the very high standard being achieved by the leading contenders along the length of the River Murray. Peter Lewis said he and his Barrages team were very excited to have won the trophy as it gave the teams along the River added incentive. Members of the public are welcome to visit MDBC assets from Dartmouth Dam in north-east Victoria to Goolwa Barrage near the Murray Mouth, in South Australia. At all assets accessible to the public there are public amenities, including picnic areas and public information displays. These facilities allow visitors to gain an insight into how the River Murray is operated. For more information go the website at www.mdbc.gov.au/river_murray/river_murray.htm New
Murray wetlands atlas helps map crucial drought water flows
Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM launched the "River Murray Wetlands Database Atlas" at Hume Dam near Albury on 12 October. The publication details geographical and environmental information on wetlands from Hume Dam to the South Australian border. (South Australia already has a similar atlas for its wetlands). "The atlas sets out, for the first time, the river heights at which wetlands receive water and so is already proving a valuable tool at a time when the prolonged drought is forcing us to manage the river in new and challenging ways," she said. The atlas, developed by the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group, is a subset of a larger database project. Both were funded by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, the Natural Heritage Trust, and the former NSW Department of Land, Water and Conservation. The database is a geographic information system (GIS) developed from, and consistent with, the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's "River Murray Mapping" project. "In addition to the geographical information the atlas contains, it shows where new regulated flows go along the river and how each wetland might be affected by the changes we make in weir pool levels and flow rates," Dr Craik said. "It has helped identify the most appropriate wetlands to be disconnected to make water savings and where to install new water regulators." In line with drought contingency planning, 10 wetlands in South Australia and NSW have been approved for disconnection to reduce evaporation and increase water flow in the river. In addition, more than 20 have been disconnected in South Australia. Disconnecting wetlands from river flow returns them to their traditional periodic dry states that stopped with river regulation. "Most wetlands will survive and some will even benefit as their animal and plant life evolved to cope with dry periods. The atlas is helping us select which areas of the river to focus on to achieve the greatest water gains." Dr Craik said when better and wetter times returned, the atlas would also be a valuable tool in rehabilitating wetlands by helping to manage environmental flows and to determine the most appropriate height and size of water regulators. The Atlas is an A3 size publication with a protective glaze on all pages, making it weather and dustproof, durable and practical for use in the field. The atlas can be purchased from the Wetlands Working Group. For more information contact Deb Nias on 02 6051 223 or deb.nias@cma.nsw.gov.au BACK TO TOP
Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said that on Monday 29 October release from Dartmouth Dam will rise from the current rate of 200 ML/day to 500 ML/day. On Tuesday 30 October, the release will be stepped up to 700 ML/day. From mid November higher rates using a variable flow pattern from 1 500 ML/day to 5 000 ML/day are planned. "These operations will be continuously reviewed and adjusted as necessary to take into account any changes to weather conditions and release requirements. "Dartmouth is currently at 18% capacity and if it stays dry to will fall to 13% by early January. If extreme dry conditions persist through early 2008, levels will continue to drop towards the minimum operating level by May. "While Dartmouth is the system's drought reserve, we will release as little as possible this season to conserve water resources. We will operate the system to try and store any late season improvements and reserves in Dartmouth. "When possible, the release from Dartmouth Dam will be varied rather than held at a constant flow. "The variable release pattern will benefit the environment of the Mitta Mitta River without significantly impacting on river users." Dr Craik said the pattern and volume of subsequent releases would depend on continual reassessment of the overall water requirements along the River Murray System and also take into account the outcomes of ecological and bank stability assessments. "Landholders and river users, including pumpers, should take into account the higher and variable flow rates along the Mitta Mitta River and make any necessary adjustments to their river activities. "We will issue more information in early December 2007 or earlier if there is a major change to this release plan," Dr Craik said. For the latest information on Murray River operations go to: www.mdbc.gov.au/rmw/river_information_centre Lock
8 weir pool lowered to meet river flow requirements
Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chief Dr Wendy Craik AM, said the lowering of the Lock 8 weir pool was necessary to supplement the very low flow currently passing Wentworth Weir (Lock 10) and Lock 9 (about 1 000 ML/day). "We have deliberately maintained low flows from Hume Reservoir through Sunraysia to Wentworth over the past few months, to conserve water resources in Hume Reservoir as long as possible. "Over the coming months, the level of the Lock 8 pool may fluctuate within the range of 24.6 m to 24.1 m (AHD) - that is, up to 50 cm below FSL - in line with varying river flows due to changes in the weather and the demand for water," Dr Craik said. Increased demand and higher temperatures along the river have made it impossible to hold Hume Reservoir at the minimum release any longer. The flow was increased from Hume and Lake Mulwala last week, and these increases will reach Lock 8 in early November. Although this degree of variation in the Lock 8 weir pool has been implemented in the past, Dr Craik said river pumpers, boat operators and other river users upstream of Lock 8 are advised to take these changing water levels into account and make any necessary adjustments to their river activities. MDBC will issue further advice if there are significant changes to this plan. For the latest information on Murray River operations go to: www.mdbc.gov.au/rmw/river_information_centre Survey
to study Basin irrigators' economic issues
The survey is gathering information about the profitability of irrigation regions and the issues faced by irrigators. The survey will seek information on irrigated agricultural production, the financial situation of irrigators, and the issues faced in maintaining farm profitability. "Currently there is little comprehensive or consistent information across the Basin on the economic characteristics of irrigators," explains ABARE's Executive Director, Phillip Glyde. "The survey is an important first step in addressing the issues facing irrigators. Results for 2006-07 will provide a base period for examining future trends in industry performance. "Growers who participate in this survey will be making an important contribution to the development of policies and programs that will affect the future of irrigation industries," Mr Glyde added. The survey is supported by the National Farmers' Federation Water Taskforce and the Horticulture Australia Council. ABARE says all information provided by growers will remain confidential and any results will be released as farm averages. The survey interviews are conducted on-farm by identified ABARE data collectors. The southern part of the Murray Darling Basin was being surveyed in October and December, while the northern section will be surveyed in February - March 2008. Survey results are expected
to be released in June 2008. Funding for the ABARE
Hydrological
consequences of future climate studied
The Cutting Edge Science Symposium: Hydrological Consequences of Climate Change is aimed at researchers working in hydrology (including groundwater), climate science, simulation, modelling and remote sensing. Organisers say the symposium will assemble the latest knowledge on climate change and water science. It will also explore different approaches to hydrological prediction and integrating hydrological prediction into climate modelling and how that can help provide more accurate forecasting of future climate and water resources. The symposium, facilitated by the CSIRO's Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, is one of a series aimed at increasing the level of scientific discussion and interaction on issues of national and international concern. Organisers say that, with Southern Australia predicted to experience a significant reduction in water supply over the next 30 years across systems that are already fully allocated, adaptation to climate change requires more precise predictions at a regional level. Twenty speakers from key Australian institutions will explore the key questions surrounding the impact of climate change on water. The symposium is supported by the National Water Commission, Land and Water Australia and the Australian Climate Change Science Program. (The Murray-Darling Basin Commission is the managing agency for SEACI - the $7 million South Eastern Australian Climate Initiative which aims to create a greater understanding of how climate change is affecting the south-eastern part of Australia. For more information go to www.mdbc.gov.au/seaci) For more information go to www.csiro.au/events/HydroConsequences.html Goulburn
Broken aquatic fern could be new fodder
It is already used to feed pigs, ducks and fish in Asia and boasts high protein content (20 to 30 percent on dry weight basis). Goulburn-Murray Water and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Authority ran tests last year to prove that Azolla could be successfully harvested from Broken Creek. The authority is now poised to run feed tests to quantify Azolla's feed value and to answer any potential feed safety issues. "It has been used very successfully as a feed source for stock in Asia and there is a real possibility that it could have a role here too," GB CMA representative Geoff Earl said. "We are very definitely moving on this and we are working towards having a result for farmers within this calendar year." The news comes on the heels of the Goulburn Broken CMA's decision to flush Azolla from Broken Creek to save the Murray Cod. Azolla covers the surface of the water, reducing oxygen in creeks and rivers, risking killing fish. The only way to manage the weed to date has been to increase water flow to flush it away. If Azolla could, instead, be harvested as a viable feed resource for the farming community, it potentially offers a welcome spin-off of protecting the second biggest Murray cod breeding habitat in Northern Victoria. "This is a year when everyone has to think outside the square and if this concept does return the results which we believe are possible, it could be a win for our farmers and for the environment," Mr Earl said. For more information contact Geoff Earl at (03) 5820 1128 0429 381 887 or Dianna Malcolm on 0419 483 763 Photo,
writing competition promotes World Wetlands Day
The Lower Murray Darling CMA, Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre and the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group are also partners in the project. World Wetlands Day is held on 2 February each year marking the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The day aims to educate people about the value and importance of wetlands on a global scale. Healthy Wetlands: Healthy People will be the international theme of World Wetlands Day 2008 to recognise the importance of wetlands in relation to human health issues and the importance of good wetland management. Organisers say this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase talent and win great prizes. A large selection of entries, including winners, will be showcased in a public display closer to World Wetlands Day celebrations. Entries will be judged in the following categories: primary school student; secondary school student; and adult. All entries must be original (no copyright infringements). Winning photographic entries must also be able to provide a high quality digital image (at least 300dpi), or be able to provide a negative. Writing competition entrants may use any creative writing form they wish, including poems, short stories or anecdotes, but must not exceed 500 words. All entries can be delivered in either hardcopy or digital form. Entries close at 4pm on Friday 30th November. For further information
please contact Nicky Kindler at the Mallee CMA on (03) 5051 4364.
Bright
Future for Lake Talbot Wetland
The project, funded through the Australian and NSW Governments National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP), will see improvements in biodiversity, water quality, and fish habitat for the Lake and surrounding areas. Narrandera Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Irrigation are partnering the Murrumbidgee CMA in efforts to restore the Lake's wetlands, with project works to include planting of native vegetation and willow control. "Willows surrounding the shores, and central parts of the Lake are inhibiting a healthy flow of water and reducing its level, said Mr Lee O'Brien, Chair of the Murrumbidgee CMA. "The removal of this exotic species and planting native vegetation will allow for improved water quality and enhance habitat for native fish and birds," Mr O'Brien said. To ensure the restoration works are maintained, Narrandera Shire Council has agreed to a 10 year maintenance schedule with the Murrumbidgee CMA. The Murrumbidgee CMA has produced a series of brochures containing tips on how to improve the health of waterways and information on the work being done to improve the health of the Murrumbidgee River. Brochures are available on the website www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au For more information go to: www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au/ New
weed strategy launched
Catchment Authority Chair Mr Lee O'Brien said the strategy would also guide investment of resources to maximise the impact. "The strategy was initiated by the Eastern and Western Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Groups," Mr O'Brien said. "They approached us to form a partnership with assistance from the NSW Department of Primary Industries. "Significant input from the catchment community was received through 10 community workshops held in the Murrumbidgee Catchment at Coleambally, Coolamon, Cooma, Hay, Henty, Narrandera, Queanbeyan, Tarcutta, Tumut and Yass." The strategy will help minimise the economic, environmental and social impacts of existing, new and emerging weeds through coordination, cooperation and commitment from weed managers and the community. "According to the CRC for Australian Weed Management, the cost of weeds to Australian agriculture now exceeds $4 billion a year, included in this loss is $2.4 billion a year for Australian livestock producers because of weeds in pastures," Mr O'Brien said. "Weeds compete with pasture and reduce stock carrying capacity. Reducing the impact of weeds can return substantial economic benefits to producers and industry. "This strategy has filled the need to develop a catchment-wide weed strategy and describes the role for individuals, community groups, local and state government agencies and private sector in preventing, managing, educating and coordinating weed management." For more information and or to obtain a copy of the strategy go to www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au (follow the 'brochures' link under 'publications'). BACK TO TOP
The conference, presented by CSIRO and the International Association of Hydrogeologists will be held in Fremantle, Western Australia, from 2-7 December. Previous conferences have been held in Estonia, Czech Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada. The theme for this conference is 'Securing Groundwater Quality in Urban and Industrial Environments'. Among other topics, speakers and participants will explore the idea that and groundwater, a key 'unseen' part of the water cycle, is a vital resource and can also be a conduit for movement of contaminants through the environment. The conference will bring together researchers, industry, regulators, contractors, consultants, planners and water supply agencies to address the important issues related to groundwater quality in urban and industrial settings. For more information go to www.clw.csiro.au/conferences/GQ07/index.html For information on the large resources of groundwater in the Murray-Darling Basin go to www.mdbc.gov.au/nrm/groundwater ends
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