Western region << BACK TO CONTENTS A network of wetlands in dry north-western Victoria is proving a valuable natural asset for communities. The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, completed in 2010, was one of the largest water infrastructure projects in Australia, replacing 17,500 kilometres of inefficient open channels with over 9,000 kilometres of pipeline. The pipeline greatly reduced water losses from dam and channel evaporation and seepage. However, it also meant that much less water was available for plants and animals. These days, to help mitigate the effects of water loss in the landscape, the Wimmera–Mallee wetlands are rejuvenated with water for the environment sent through the pipeline. “Coming off the back of a very dry year, the plan in 2016–17 was to drip-feed the landscape with environmental water, just to keep some water in it,” said North Central CMA Environmental Water Team Leader Louissa Rogers. “But with good rain, we were lucky enough to have some wetlands completely inundated naturally.” Learning about wetland ecology at Corack Lake, by Chloe Wiesenfeld, VEWH In 2016–17, 31 of the 51 wetlands received water for the environment. As a result, people have spotted mountain ducks, grey teals, pink-eared ducks, freckled ducks, Eurasian coots, masked lapwings, black-winged stilts, red-kneed dotterels, curlew sandpipers and black swans. Many animals like kangaroos, wallabies, turtles, snakes and lizards are regularly seen using these wetlands, too. Broad-scale improvement in the condition of plants has also been observed, with healthier trees and shrubs reported at many wetlands. Communities are making the most of the improved environmental conditions at these wetlands and are using them for social and recreational pursuits. Walking, birdwatching, boating, picnicking, duck-hunting and yabbying are popular activities on the wetlands. They are also good sites for organised events (such as meetings and community days). Waterway manager: Wimmera, North Central and Mallee CMAs. Storage manager: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water 51 | Victorian Environmental Water Holder
55 Publizr Home