About the project
Part of the NSW Government’s Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) program, the Mid-Murray Anabranches Project aims to restore the quality and functionality of local rivers and creeks within the Murray River system, and support the needs of adjacent landholders, industries and First Nations communities.
The project will improve connectivity between the Murray River, its main anabranch, the Edward-Kolety river system, and surrounding creeks including Tuppal, Native Dog and Bullatale creeks by December 2026.
Investment in local infrastructure will deliver ecological outcomes for these important waterways by improving river flows to support river health and by removing barriers to fish movement.
The project will allow water for the environment to be delivered more flexibly, so the objectives of the Murray-Lower Darling Long-Term Water Plan and Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy can be achieved.
The needs of landholders along the creeks will also be supported by the establishment of fit-for-purpose infrastructure, including the installation of clear-span bridges and new rock crossings for land access.
The project will provide a range of benefits for landholders, communities and the environment such as:
- improving the connectivity between the Murray and Edward Rivers
- increasing native fish passage and ecological production
- supporting the accessibility and management requirements of private landholders
- increasing tourism and industry opportunities in the area (i.e., recreational fishing and birdwatching)
- enhancing wildlife habitat for a range of animals, including the nationally threatened superb parrot
- improving First Nations people’s Connection-to-Country.
Project status
The project has progressed into the detailed design phase and is divided into three works packages: Tuppal Creek, Bullatale Creek and Native Dog Creek.
Select works packages at Tuppal Creek will go to tender in March 2024, including the construction of six bridges.
The detailed design process for the remaining packages at Bullatale Creek and Native Dog Creek are well progressed and are scheduled to go to tender in mid to late 2024.
Consultation with affected landowners and other key stakeholders is ongoing.
Project location
The Mid-Murray anabranches are located in southern New South Wales near Deniliquin. They form the northern boundary of the Murray River floodplain and the eastern boundary of the Edward River floodplain.
Stakeholder engagement
The Water Group in the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water values input from its stakeholders and communities, including First Nations communities, and is committed to comprehensive engagement with real and tangible outcomes. We have been working directly with affected communities to understand what needs to be done to deliver the project effectively, while minimising local impacts.
Negotiations with landholders to address access and stock security requirements are progressing towards contract negotiations for infrastructure works.
Completion of the project by December 2026 will mean a significant investment in infrastructure with flow-on benefits for communities and businesses. The program will prioritise local contractors to ensure, wherever possible, investment flows back into local communities.
Environmental planning and assessments
View the project's Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation [Clause 171(4)] publications.
Review
Addendum Review of Environmental Factors: Tuppal Creek Restoration Project Roadway Crossings Works.
Download the REF (PDF. 10,400KB)Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at: water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au