About the project
Part of the NSW Government’s Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Acceleration Program, the Mid-Murray Anabranches project aims to restore the quality and functionality of local rivers and creeks within the Murray River, and support the needs of adjacent landholders, industry and First Nations communities.
The proposed project will improve connectivity between the Murray River and its main anabranch, the Edward-Kolety river system, and other surrounding creeks including Tuppal, Native Dog and Bullatale creeks.
Investment in local infrastructure will deliver ecological outcomes for these important waterways by improving flow regimes to support river health and by removing barriers to fish movement.
The project will also allow water for the environment to be delivered more flexibly, so the objectives of in the Murray-Lower Darling Long-Term Water Plan and Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy can be achieved.
The project will provide a range of benefits for landholders, communities and the environment, including:
- increased connectivity between the Murray and Edward Rivers
- increased native fish passage and ecological production
- support for the accessibility and management requirements of private landholders
- more tourism and industry opportunities in the area from recreational fishing and birdwatching
- enhanced wildlife habitat for a range of terrestrial fauna, including the nationally threatened superb parrot
- improved connection to Country by Traditional Owners.
Project status
The Mid-Murray Anabranches Project has progressed into detailed design and commenced the request for tender process for select works packages at Tuppal Creek, including the construction of seven bridges and one rock crossing.
Procuring this package of works will allow the delivery of Murray Darling Basin Plan outcomes sooner and the progression of the project to construction.
Planning, surveys and approvals to inform the detailed design process for the remaining packages at Bullatale Creek and Native Dog Creek are progressing and are scheduled for tender in late 2022.
Consultation with both affected landowners and key stakeholders is ongoing.
Project location
Map of the Mid-Murray Anabranches.
Stakeholder engagement
Water Infrastructure NSW values input from its stakeholders and the community and is committed to comprehensive engagement with real and tangible outcomes. We will be working directly with affected communities to understand what needs to be done to deliver the project effectively, whilst minimising the impact on local communities.
Conversations with a range of stakeholders on the options for managed flows are ongoing and form a key part of the stakeholder engagement approach throughout the project.
Negotiations to address access and stock security requirements are at varying stages from early conversations with landholders through to contract negotiations for infrastructure development, such as the construction of new creek crossings.
Completion of the project 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.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at: winsw.engagement@dpie.nsw.gov.au