Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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A pipeline lifeline for the Darling River
There are some 230,000 sheep, 39 homesteads and 11 cottages that rely on precious water from the Great Darling Anabranch, the ancestral path of the Darling River in New South Wales.
Traditionally water has been released from Lake Cawndilla down the Anabranch to supply these properties. Water has been ponded in 17 weir pools for landholder use but declining water quality, damage to the riverine environment and low levels in Lake Cawndilla has resulted in an urgent need for an alternative water supply for landholders and to return the Anabranch to a more natural flow regime.
Funding
Due to the ongoing drought, a 210 kilometre pipeline is about to become a lifeline. This project was made possible through the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement funded with almost $1.5 million from the Australian and State Governments through the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Activities
Project Officer Keith Forster said an initial environmental impact study showed a pipeline would contribute to water savings of about 47 gigalitres as well as improve water quality and biodiversity.
"A new stock and domestic water pipeline will provide environmental benefits for the Darling Anabranch such as the removal of weirs, reinstatement of natural flow events and improved water security for landholders," Keith said.
The actual infrastructure project, funded by the New South Wales Government, will return some 460 kilometres of damaged watercourse to a more natural ephemeral system. This will be done by constructing a stock and domestic water supply pipeline from the Murray River to supply landholder needs, removing in-stream structures from within the Anabranch and managing flows from Lake Cawndilla to mimic a more natural regime.
"Landholders are in drought declaration and eagerly awaiting the pipeline construction," Keith said. "The benefits to them include a more secure and efficient stock and domestic water supply. There will also be better water quality and farm viability."
Environmental benefits include encouraging breeding opportunities for native fish and yabbies, improved water quality for the environment and reduced frequency of blue-green algal blooms. The growth of a variety of native aquatic plants will be encouraged.
In addition, an Indigenous Employment Strategy is providing job opportunities with the pipeline infrastructure for Indigenous people from the Dareton/Wentworth and Menindee areas.
Construction on the pipeline (Stage 1) is due for completion by January 2007.
More information
- Keith Forster, Committee Chairman: (03) 5027 0260
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