News

Broken flow benefits wildlife

Mar 17, 2023

Platypus (above) and Macquarie perch (below) will benefit from water for the environment being delivered down the Broken River from March 20.

Water from Lake Nillahcootie is being released to improve habitat and food sources for native fish, platypus and water bugs in the Broken River.

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Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority environmental water and wetlands manager Simon Casanelia said this would be the second time water for the environment had been delivered along the Broken River.

“The fresh was last delivered in 2018-19 and there is now sufficient water available to provide a similar flow for the river,” Mr Casanelia said.

“Freshes help promote the growth of in-stream and bank vegetation, maintain water quality and increase habitat for water bugs, platypus and native fish.

“The Broken River supports a diverse and abundant native fish population including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, golden perch, silver perch, Australian smelt, river blackfish, southern pygmy perch and Murray-Darling rainbowfish.”

“The river is also thought to support a large platypus population.

“The fresh is expected to start on March 20 and take approximately 10 days to deliver.

“It will have a peak magnitude of approximately 400 Ml/day which is expected to increase water levels by approximately 25 to 30cm.”