Barmah Choke Study

The Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) is undertaking a study to investigate current and potential water supply and environmental risks associated with the Barmah Choke, while recognising that the Choke performs an important function in flooding the Barmah-Millewa Forest.

The Barmah Choke Study commenced in January 2008 and is expected to take up to 12 months to complete. The study will incorporate knowledge gained from other studies undertaken in the region in recent years and will involve hydrological modelling to assist the assessment process.

The first phase of the study will assess the magnitude of the challenges associated with the Barmah Choke under current conditions and a range of possible future scenarios. Should the first phase determine a need, the study will then investigate the feasibility of options to improve flow management in the region to achieve multiple beneficial outcomes. A broad range of options has been identified for assessment, from large infrastructure concepts through to altered operating rules or policy changes.

The study will identify options that are technically favourable, with a more detailed assessment of social, economic and environmental impacts to follow, prior to selecting any option(s) for implementation. Where possible, the Barmah Choke Study will integrate other regional projects currently being considered.

Any options considered as part of this study will recognise the important environmental function that the Barmah Choke provides in flooding the Barmah-Millewa Forest. Potential outcomes of this study will ensure that the flooding pattern will not be detrimentally altered.

Links to The Living Murray

The Barmah-Millewa Forest is Australia’s largest River Redgum Forest, with high ecological value and cultural significance to Indigenous people and the broader community. It is listed on the Ramsar list of designated Wetlands of International Importance, and has been identified as an icon site under the MDBC’s Living Murray program.

The Barmah Choke Study will consider options that improve the targeted delivery of water to The Living Murray Icon Sites downstream of the choke, in order to achieve environmental benefits at those sites. The benefits will include an increased number of water bird breeding events, healthier wetlands and River Redgum populations.

 To receive email updates on this project, send your contact details to: http://www.mdba.gov.au/contact