The Region’s Waterways

The Wimmera region comprises the Wimmera River and Millicent Coast Basins. The Wimmera River is the region’s largest waterway, rising on the northwestern slopes of Mount Buangor southeast Wimmera region and terminating in Lakes Hindmarsh and Albacutya in the northern Wimmera.

A large number of tributary streams drain into the river from sections of the Pyrenees and Grampians ranges. Under periods of higher flow, the Wimmera River feeds Dunmunkle and Yarriambiack Creeks which flow north into the Mallee Region.

The Millicent Coast Basin in the west of the region comprises the majority of the Wimmera’s 3,000 wetlands and a number of small streams that flow west into South Australia.

Why is it Important to Keep Wimmera Rivers and Streams Healthy?

It is important to keep Wimmera rivers and streams healthy because they provide:

• A healthy environment to enjoy and in which to live, relax, swim and work,
• Good water quality for stock and domestic needs and for irrigators and other users,
• An attractive and enjoyable destination for relaxation and sport,
• Investment opportunities for environmentally-based tourism,
  Recreational and commercial fishing opportunities,
• Natural processes for breaking down sewage and agricultural runoff, and
• Reduced need for pesticides in crops by supporting insect-eating waterbirds.

Unfortunately, many Wimmera rivers, creeks and wetlands are under threat from reduced flows, sedimentation and erosion, invasion by pest plants and animals and declining water quality.

Gully and land erosion occurs extensively throughout the catchment, particularly in the upper Wimmera, and is contributing significant sediment to waterways. The associated decline in water quality is further exacerbated by grazing pressure on the bed and banks of waterways.

Changes in flow regimes and increasing sedimentation are leading to significant changes in aquatic vegetation growth and, combined with a history of snag removal, are having a significant impact on aquatic habitats.

How Does the CMA Improve the Health of Wimmera Waterways?

The  Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy Summary (4.53 MB) is the guiding document for the long-term management of the region’s waterways. The Strategy sets out actions for improving the health of the region’s rivers, creeks and wetlands and aims to achieve this through the following key methods and activities:

• Riparian fencing and revegetation,
• Waterway restoration works,
• Waterway restoration programs,
• Education initiatives and;
• Returning of water to the waterways through environmental water releases.

Click below to find out more about Wimmera CMA priorities that improve the condition and management of the region’s waterways :
Healthy River & Streams
Wetlands
Flood Management

If you would like a copy of the full Wimmera Waterway Health Strategy document on CD, please contact the Wimmera CMA