Scientists Secure Funding for 5 More Years of Environmental Monitoring in the Bidgee

Contributed by Fleur Stelling, Gulbali Institute

"It's that time of year again: monitoring season for scientists dedicated to understanding the role of environmental water deliveries in supporting the Murrumbidgee's unique wetlands and aquatic species. Over the next five years, a team of researchers led by Professor Skye Wassens at Charles Sturt University in Albury will continue their work studying the health of native fish, turtles, frogs, waterbirds, and vegetation communities. This extended funding is a major boost for ongoing environmental monitoring efforts in the region.

Project monitoring sites. Image: Karunya Prasad

Professor Wassens and her team are working in the mid and lower Murrumbidgee River and floodplain, and the Yanco-Billabong Creek system.

"The work we’ve done over the past decade has provided valuable insights into how our environment responds to environmental water deliveries" Professor Wassens says.

"Building on these findings in the next five years will be key to advising on delivering environmental water to achieve the best possible outcomes for the region's native species."

In recent years, the team’s research has revealed promising patterns in how the environment is responding to environmental flows—especially for native species that are at risk of local extinction. The restoration of more natural inundation frequencies at key wetlands has shown to be a game-changer for floodplain wetlands. As the waters return, an extraordinary array of life emerges, from wetland plants to a variety of wildlife, including fish, frogs, and turtles.

Some of the species benefitting from this environmental watering are the Vulnerable Southern bell frog which has shown a steady increase in numbers at environmental watering sites, and the Australasian bittern.

In addition to environmental monitoring, the team is working to engage First Nations groups throughout the Murrumbidgee catchment. This collaboration will explore how environmental water also supports cultural outcomes, fostering the connection between Indigenous communities and Country.

Above left: A Southern Bell frog and (right) pelicans on Wagourah Lake, in the Low Bidgee region. Images: Emmalie Sanders

"Sharing knowledge with these communities, along with the broader public, is a key part of building understanding about how environmental water helps prevent the decline of native species and fosters healthy landscapes for the future," says team member Fleur Stelling.

In particular the team acknowledge the key role of local farmers and irrigators in collaborating to coordinate water deliveries to maintain important wetlands. Contributions of local communities and landholders includes upgrading crossings to allow fish to swim through and installing infrastructure works so water can be delivered to wetland sites.

Looking ahead, Professor Wassens emphasises the importance of the next five years of research:

"Our ongoing monitoring efforts will play a key role in guiding the planning of environmental watering actions. By strategically managing even modest volumes of water, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder can enable wetlands to remain healthy and prevent further declines in species that rely on these vital ecosystems.

With the continued support and research, the future of the Murrumbidgee’s natural environment is looking brighter, one drop of water at a time."