Government floodplain returns tallied
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State and federal governments say a floodplain purchase in NSW is paying off.
Recent water management efforts in Toorale National Park have saved substantial volumes for environmental use downstream, stats suggest.
The federal government says approximately 17 GL has been saved using licences that were acquired as part of the Toorale purchase - water that would otherwise have been extracted for irrigation.
Located in north-western New South Wales, Toorale’s transformation from a 91,000-hectare agricultural property into a conservation area is proving successful in restoring regional biodiversity and sustaining vital riverine habitats.
Acquired by the Commonwealth and NSW governments in 2009, Toorale’s water entitlements - totalling 25.5 gigalitres (GL) - were transferred to the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) in 2012, ensuring targeted water allocation to support the region’s sensitive wetlands.
At the core of Toorale’s conservation efforts is the Western Floodplain, a 10,000-hectare wetland on the Warrego River’s western bank.
Previously used for grazing, the floodplain now serves as critical habitat for a diverse array of species, including several threatened species.
To support this ecosystem, CEWH is collaborating with NSW environmental agencies to manage water flows through the floodplain and into the Darling River.
Since its acquisition, Toorale has seen major infrastructure modifications aimed at facilitating natural water flows and restoring ecosystem connectivity.
Boera Dam was re-engineered to enhance flow between the Warrego and Darling rivers, while the addition of a fishway enabled uninterrupted fish passage. Homestead Dam’s modifications have further increased flow capacity, and Peebles Dam was removed entirely to improve water connectivity.
The governments say this infrastructure redesign has restored natural water patterns, with CEWH prioritising flow across the Western Floodplain only when downstream environmental requirements have been met.
This strategic water management appears to have brought ecological benefits.
Recent surveys in the Western Floodplain recorded several culturally significant species, including brolgas and white-bellied sea eagles.
Fish monitoring in 2023-24 confirmed Toorale as a critical nursery habitat for native fish, such as golden perch, spangled perch, and yellowbelly, with carp detected in only low numbers.
Additionally, CEWH’s Flow-MER program, now active for over a decade, monitors key ecological indicators like vegetation, water quality, and aquatic life, providing a comprehensive view of the area’s ongoing restoration.
Jointly managed with the Kurnu-Baakandji Traditional Owners and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Toorale National Park is being held up as a model of ecological and cultural conservation.
Through continued collaboration with the Kurnu-Baakandji Joint Management Committee, NSW agencies, and community stakeholders, CEWH says it aims to sustain the Western Floodplain’s biodiversity and maintain crucial connections between the Warrego and Darling rivers.