The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has said that with environmental watering across Riverland floodplains well underway, ecologists are already observing a number of positive environmental outcomes.
DEW said that for the first time, three floodplain regulators at Chowilla, Pike and Katarapko were operating concurrently, along with weir pool raising at Locks 6, 5, 4 and 2 with the work planned to continue through to late November-December.
It said DEW ecologists had found that water was boosting the condition of vegetation and providing important habitat for wildlife.
Program Leader for River and Floodplains at the DEW, Jan Whittle said the operations were designed to support inundation and flow through the floodplains and wetlands and had provided vegetation along the River Murray edges a much-needed drink.
“Waterbird and frog activity is being seen and heard across all the three floodplains,” Ms Whittle said.
“Many bird species have been spotted enjoying the watering including Australian Shelducks, Pied Cormorants, Australasian Darters, and Australian Wood Ducks,” she said.
Ms Whittle said the Chowilla Creek regulator would raise water levels up to 3.5 metres above normal levels, inundating approximately 4,000-6,500 hectares of floodplain and wetlands.
She said the operations were supported by water for the environment provided by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and The Living Murray, as well as by the natural flows from upstream rainfall.
Ms Whittle said there were some short-term access restrictions and closures of roads, trails and campsites due to the environmental watering at Katarapko and Chowilla and the public could be guided by appropriate safety and hazard signage through the park and game reserve.
Information on access restrictions can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website at this PS News link.
