Environmental watering in the Macquarie Marshes in 2012-13
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Environmental watering 2012-13
Mole Marsh
Photo: Daniel Ruthenfluh © CEWO
After the approval for the use of Commonwealth environmental water in the Macquarie Marshes, delivery of up to 100 GL commenced on 8 November 2012 and is expected to continue into January 2013. The watering action is being carried out in conjunction with up to 240 gigalitres of environmental water supplied by the New South Wales Government. Delivery of New South Wales environmental water commenced in September 2012. The watering action aims to contribute to:
- maintaining adequate water levels across approximately 50,000 hectares of native wetland plant communities, including river red gums, to contribute to the ongoing regeneration of these communities that, in turn, provide habitat for many native animals
- restoring the Marshes, which are recognised as a wetland of international importance
- maintaining the connection of low-lying water courses on the floodplain to improve water quality and allow native plants and animals to move between different areas
- providing the type of flow required to support the habitat needs and breeding sites of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds such as glossy ibis, Australian white ibs, straw-necked ibis, intermediate egrets and rufus night herons.
By the end of November, up to 25 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water will have been delivered. In addition, up to 145 gigalitres of environmental water managed by the NSW government will also have reached the Marshes. Delivery of this environmental watering action will be managed by the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, in cooperation with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, the Macquarie and Cudgegong Environmental Flow Reference Group, Central West Catchment Management Authority, and State Water Corporation.
Wilgara Wetlands, Macquarie Marshes.
Photo: Daniel Ruthenfluh © CEWO
What makes this place so special and why is Commonwealth environmental water used here?
The Macquarie catchment is an environmentally significant area because it includes:
- the Macquarie Marshes which provide habitat for more than 60 different types of waterbirds of which 42 types breed in the area
- environmental assets such as the Macquarie River channel, the Lower Macquarie River, and creeks on the western side of the Marshes
There is also strong support from the local community, including the Indigenous community, to restore the Marshes to a healthy system that provides a range of social, cultural and environmental benefits.
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