This past summer, the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board (MRLB) has made a significant impact by delivering a record amount of environmental water to 41 wetlands across the region – enough to fill nearly 6800 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This is the largest environmental watering event our region has ever undertaken – bringing vital support to more wetlands and native species than ever before.

This milestone builds on more than two decades of dedicated wetland management and conservation efforts along South Australia’s Murray River.

The MRLB supports the management of more than 85 managed wetland complexes, partnering with landholders, First Nations communities, volunteers, researchers, non-for-profit organisations, businesses and government agencies to ensure these vital habitats thrive for future generations.

How is environmental water delivered?

Delivering environmental water can be challenging and costly. Most of the time, diesel pumps are required to move water from the river channel into wetland sites. Pumps are set up with suction lines that reach the river and outflow lines directing the water into the wetland. In some cases, environmental water can be delivered through gravity if a natural flow path is available.

Bringing wetlands to life

Carefully managing water delivery supports:

• Native plants such as River red gums and black box trees, but also understorey and aquatic vegetation that provide critical habitat for an expansive array of animals and invertebrates.
• Threatened species including the Southern bell frog, regent parrot, and Murray hardyhead.
• Bird life by providing vital habitat for waterbirds and migratory shorebirds.
• Community connections with wetlands playing a significant role in supporting First Nations cultural values and fostering strong ties within local communities.

A brighter future for our wetlands.

The benefits of this year’s environmental watering efforts will extend well beyond 2025. Restoring natural cycles and enhancing wetland health prevents the loss of ecosystems that will continue to provide habitat for native species, support biodiversity, and enrich our communities for generations to come.

Community Collaboration 

This program would be impossible without the support of project partners: 

• State and federal water holders including the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and Department for Environment and Water.
• Millewa Pumping Pty Ltd as pumping partner, mobilising pumps across the landscape to deliver water to many sites. 
• The dedication and support of over 200 landholders and volunteers who play an integral role in maintaining and monitoring these vital ecosystems, collaborative advice and on-ground support from our First Nations partners, and many non-for-profit groups, councils and associations.