 | | Australian rivers have among the most highly variable flows in the world. Periods of drought can be broken by large floods that help the environment by replenishing and rejuvenating wetlands, and encouraging plants and animals to reproduce.
Over decades, regulation of the River Murray has made the supply of water more reliable. However, the ecology of the River Murray system has changed significantly due to these modifications to its natural flow.
Water quality has deteriorated, some wetlands have dried up, and others near weirs are permanently inundated. Native fish have declined in numbers and in range, iconic River Red Gums are stressed by extended dry periods or permanent water innundation, and some areas of land have become affected by salt.
Governments and communities are now demonstrating a commitment to a healthy, working River Murray. Through The Living Murray program an unprecedented amount of money has been invested into addressing issues of balance between the environment and consumptive use of water, along with managing flows within the River and to icon sites. This funding will also allow the construction of infrastructure to allow controlled flooding of icon sites rather than relying on natural high river flows.
A collaborative approach between communities and governments is required to turn this financial support into on-ground action.
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