Environmental watering in 2011-12
3.9 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water was made available to provide flows through Muggabah Creek near Booligal in the Lachlan catchment.
These environmental flows were delivered between August and November 2011, along with an additional 1.3 gigalitres supplied by the New South Wales Government. This action built on previous environmental watering activities in the Merrimajeel system and has taken advantage of 2010-11 inflows. In addition, the action aimed to improve system connectivity, support wetland vegetation and provide habitat for bird species. Observations in January 2012 indicate that native vegetation has responded well and has provided improved habitat for a wide range of water birds including glossy ibis and egrets.
The action was developed by working with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the Lachlan Riverine Working Group.
4.9 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to Merrimajeel Creek. Delivery of this water for the environment was carried out from June 2011 to September 2011 and was delivered with 2.5 gigalitres from the New South Wales Government.
The purpose of the watering action was to improve system connectivity, support habitat for a wide variety of wetland dependent species, including threatened species and migratory birds. Reported observations after the water delivery indicated the presence of a range of water birds including egrets, spoonbills, shelducks and swans, along with positive vegetation responses.
The watering action was managed in cooperation with the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales Office of Water, State Water and Lachlan Riverine Working Group, as well as landholders and community members.