Environmental Water

This autumn, we're working with @nswdcceew and Millewa Pumping to trial solar-powered pumping for an environmental water delivery at Bottle Bend Reserve in the NSW Lower Murray. This trial has a way to go but a good start for lower-emission options!

Under our Environmental Activities Program, we have funded innovative projects that will support the Australasian Bittern (known as the Bunyip bird). With the construction of wetlands in rice fields, the Bunyip bird can thrive once again! bitternsinrice.com.au/new-project-bu…

For more information on movements of tracked birds go to: research.csiro.au/ewkrwaterbirds/

This World Migratory Bird Day (tomorrow 9 May) we celebrate Australia’s inland waterbirds for their amazing feats of endurance & memory. @CSIRO, funded through the CEWH, has been satellite-tracking bird movements including Royal Spoonbills shown here traversing the continent.

The CEWH works with state government Environmental Water Advisory Groups across the Murray–Darling Basin. CEWH Local Engagement Officer Tim Field joined the Campaspe EWAG for a tour along the river & discussed watering decisions plus water planning & monitoring with stakeholders.

Our environmental flows with @nswdcceew in the Great Darling Anabranch have been gradually receding. The Anabranch has had several years of flow. To assess success, CEWH’s @FlowMERprogram & Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) will survey for vegetation, fish & birds. (image credit: NGT)

Another CEWH Environmental Activity is now complete & being put to work delivering environmental water! Moodie Swamp, located in Northern Victoria, now has new infrastructure that supports efficiency & reliability of environmental water deliveries. A win for water & wetlands.

More good news on Catfish Billabong in Victoria! Water for the environment is gradually being returned to the Murray River having contributed to positive vegetation outcomes for trees and wetland plants. Great “before & after” photo shoot from Local Engagement Officer Tim Field!

The animals & plants within the Murray–Darling Basin are diverse, spectacular and fascinating. No-one is more aware of that than our @FlowMERprogram. Learn more via this digital story - be immersed in the mosaic of life in the Murrumbidgee! media.flow-mer.org.au/mosaic/

Thanks to the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group delivering water for the environment to Wee Wee Creek (NSW), vegetation is green and lush. The perfect home for the nationally threatened regent parrot (photographed by Chris Tzaros – Birds Bush and Beyond)!

Our platypus research took centre stage in Dubbo with @abcnews Western Plains interviewing CEWH Dr Simon Banks and @UNSWScience platypus researcher Associate Professor Gilad Bino. Read the story: abc.net.au/news/2026-04-2…

A CEWH Local Engagement Officer (LEO) has a busy diary! Just have a look at this snapshot of engagements for our Tamworth-based LEO Chrissy Stannard in March: 🏞️check catchment conditions 📅stakeholder meetings 🤝engage with First Nations groups 👩‍🔬assist @FlowMERprogram science

Our science program, @FlowMERprogram, uses various forms of technology to inform our evidence base, including drones. View this recording to see how drones have helped Flow-MER scientists in the Goulburn River and Northern Victoria tributaries: flow-mer.org.au/webinars-and-p…

A follow-up on our involvement with watering Catfish Billabong: 💧successful partnering with @MalleeCMA 💧maximising the benefits of water for the environment 💧multiple outcomes from water flow Another example of making every drop count!

The Threatened Species Commissioner announced great success at Wirra-lo Conservation Reserve (Vic) with evidence of growling grass frog & Australasian bittern. The Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group helped deliver environmental water for these outcomes! (Images: Damien Cook)

We have no shortage of partner success stories! And today is no exception – our highly valued work with Renmark Irrigation Trust (RIT) brings excellent environmental outcomes. RIT has begun autumn watering with great success. More here: rit.org.au/our-floodplain…

CEWH Dr Simon Banks takes every opportunity to talk with Murray–Darling Basin communities & the CEWH Update is another platform to share, inform & collaborate. Click below for Simon’s video introduction and CEWH news: mailchi.mp/environment.go…]

Our long‑held partnership with @irrigation_news has enabled the delivery of Commonwealth environmental water, supported by innovative infrastructure, strong collaboration and multiple environmental benefits. Thanks MIL – we’re proud to work with you too! murrayirrigation.com.au/project/restor…

Local Engagement Officer Greg Ringwood spoke to @unisqaus students about the successful Dewfish Demonstration Reach at Bowenville Reserve (60kms west of Toowoomba, Qld). We hope these future water scientists are inspired to bring new ideas and innovation to water management!

Some “did you know?” moments in a @NSWDCCEEW_Water (primary industries) presentation on Macquarie River fish: · Male Murray cod use their fins to fan their eggs to provide oxygen · Murray cod abandon nests if water is too low · A tagged Golden perch swam nearly 500kms in 1 year