Water releases to Wadawurrung river and wetland continue

THE Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) released water down the Moorabool Yaluk (river) and to the Durdidwarrah Wetland in February and March.

The releases were made possible through temporary water transfers from Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water in line with the Paleert Tjaara Dja, Wadawurrung’s Healthy Country Plan.

The releases delivered water to the disconnected uppermost section of the East Moorabool Yaluk below Bostock Reservoir.

Before 2024, that part of the river had not seen flows since the reservoir was built in the 1950s.

In partnership with the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), monitoring in the east branch found important improvements to salinity and dissolved oxygen levels.

Recommendations based on the monitoring included continuing summer water releases to improve conditions for fish and plants dependant on the river and to ensure the persistence of pools through the summer period.

In addition, flows have also been released from the Lal Lal Reservoir to support ecosystems of the west branch.

“WTOAC released 100 megalitres, or the equivalent of 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools, down the west branch of the Moorabool Yaluk in February,” Wadawurrung Woman and former WTOAC officer Claire Mennen said.

“This marks the second formal Wadawurrung release of water in the west branch of the Yaluk, to help support cultural values such as buniya (eels), perridak (platypus), Ware-rap (blackfish), and keep the Yaluk flowing over the summer months.”

Water was also delivered to Durdidwarrah Wetland, pumped from the Upper Stony Creek Reservoir.

WTOAC’s Gobata Dja (Caring for Country) team is closely monitoring the wetland’s response to the return of water, building on the lessons and outcomes of the trial water delivery in 2024.

The findings will inform future watering actions at the Durdidwarrah Wetland. The continuation of trial releases is critical to WTOAC, providing valuable experience and knowledge, and building opportunities for the Wadawurrung Community.

The trials support progress towards the transfer of self-determined water rights to WTOAC outlined in the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

“It is essential we continue strengthening our knowledge and capability in water management and delivery to get the best outcomes for the future of our Country and community,” Ms Mennen said.

“These water releases could not take place without the support of Barwon Water and Central Highlands Water, who actively contributed to making the releases happen.

“WTOAC acknowledges the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Corangamite CMA, Parks Victoria, Southern Rural Water, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Environmental Justice Australia, and Lloyd Environmental, who supported WTOAC releasing water on Country.”