SWAN Hill and Nyah residents have shown keen interest in Victoria’s plan to save priority Murray River floodplains, with more than 100 people taking time to learn about projects planned for the Nyah and Vinifera Park.
Under the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP), flooding will be restored to the forest by removing blockages that stop water naturally flowing into creeks, and infrastructure such as flow regulators, channels and containment banks will be used to efficiently water the floodplains.
“When talking with people about these projects, it’s really clear everyone can see our floodplains are in distress and need water,” VMFRP engagement officer Jodi Reynolds said.
Ms Reynolds recently attended Swan Hill Farmers’ Market, the Nyah District Lions Club Monthly Market and spent two days in Nyah speaking to locals about the projects.
“When I spoke to older people, they remembered when the forest did flood more regularly, but younger people were a bit surprised to learn that, prior to river regulation, the forest would have been properly inundated seven to eight years in 10.”
Ms Reynolds said people were welcoming and generous with their time, but raised concerns about water returning to the floodplain leading to increases in mosquitoes and blackwater events.
“With construction of these projects not due to start until 2023, now is a great time to be discussing the projects with locals and hearing their thoughts and concerns,” she said.
“Before river regulation, the floodwater would usually recede back to the Murray in spring.
“When floodwater stays on the floodplain over summer, there’s more chance of mosquitoes and blackwater events.
“At Nyah and Vinifera, we will be able to pump water on to the floodplain and the infrastructure we build will enable us to get floodwater on and off the floodplain during winter and spring, reducing the risk of blackwater events and mosquitoes.”
Ms Reynolds said locals could expect to see her more often, as easing COVID-19 restrictions allowed for more engagement events.
A webinar on has also been scheduled for 3pm on October 27, focusing on the role of the VMFRP in restoring the Murray-Darling Basin, with further technical webinars planned for November.
To find out more and register for the upcoming webinar, email info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au.
More information about the VMFRP projects can be found at www.vmfrp.com.au.
