Joint media release: Shovels in the ground for major Murray water projects

Minister for the Environment and Water, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
NSW Minister for Water, the Hon Rose Jackson MLC

Construction is underway on two major infrastructure projects that will help to boost environmental outcomes for critical waterways in Southern NSW while minimising impacts to private landholders.

The Mid-Murray Anabranches and Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Projects are being delivered under the $446.2 million Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) program funded by the Albanese Government.

The projects will improve the planned releases of environmental water in Tuppal and Bullatale Creeks near the NSW border as well as within the iconic Koondrook-Perricoota Forest, removing constraints and reducing landholder impacts from high flows.

New clear span bridges will be installed along Tuppal Creek to improve connectivity between the Murray and Edward Rivers. Meanwhile, at Shear Paddock west of Moama, works will deliver 5.9km of earthen levee to better protect private properties while enhancing native habitat in the internationally recognised forest.

Deniliquin-based Murray Constructions Pty Ltd recently completed precast concrete fabrication that will pave the way for the $4 million Tuppal Creek bridges to get underway, while Northern Construction Group has commenced earthworks on the $3.3 million Shear Paddock Levee.

The levee will support higher environmental flows while minimising impacts to private landholders, revitalising the iconic river red gum woodlands and creating breeding opportunities for native Australian plants, fish, birds, reptiles, birds, marsupials and the endangered Southern Bell frog.

These are just two of five accelerated SDLAM projects being delivered in New South Wales under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Altogether, these projects will directly contribute 45 gigalitres (GL) towards the Plan’s 605 GL environmental water target, reducing the need for water purchase.

To learn more, visit: SDLAM.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said:

“We said we were determined to deliver the Basin Plan after a decade of sabotage by the Liberals and Nationals, and that’s what we’re doing.

“We’re working with Basin states and territories to deliver projects like these that will help increase flows, improve connectivity, and boost the native fish population.

“The new clear span bridges at Tuppal Creek will create more efficient water passage while the new levee at Shear Paddock will allow higher flows through the system without inundating adjacent private land, enabling better connection of the Barbers and Thule Creeks.

“We’ll keep working together to deliver a healthy and sustainable river system for the communities, farmers, First Nations groups, and environment that rely on it.”

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government has advocated strongly for more time and more money to complete crucial infrastructure projects in the Murray-Darling Basin.

“These upgrades will return more water to the system, reducing the need for buybacks and revitalising the stunning Koondrook-Perricoota Forest and its wetlands, providing better breeding opportunities for thousands of species of our precious native flora and fauna.

“The longer-term benefits of these works include benefits for tourism and recreation in the region, as well as protecting private landholders from impacts caused by higher flows.

“We will continue to work closely with communities, landholders and First Nations groups as this work progresses.”