iSpy Barmah

Remote Cameras in Barmah Forest Helping to Better Manage our Water

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has installed two remotely operated cameras at significant waterbird breeding locations in Barmah Forest to assist with environmental water management planning.

The cameras have been purchased as a part of The Living Murray Intervention Monitoring Program, administered by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). Their installation and operation is occurring as a trial to determine their usefulness and effectiveness in remotely monitoring colonial-nesting waterbird species. Through using remotely operated cameras, site disturbance can be minimised, staff field time reduced, and more frequent and timely monitoring can be undertaken.

Where is Barmah Forest

Barmah Forest is a part of the Ramsar listed Barmah–Millewa Forest wetland complex that straddles the mid Murray River in SE Australia. It is the largest River Red Gum forest in Australia, covering 66,000 hectares of floodplain between Tocumwal, Deniliquin and Echuca.

Barmah-Millewa Forest is one of six “icon sites” of The Living Murray program managed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

The Murray River runs through the middle of Barmah-Millewa Forest, with Barmah Forest located on the Victorian side of the Murray River whilst Millewa Forest is located on the NSW side.

Where does Goulburn Broken CMA fit in?

The Goulburn Broken CMA is the peak natural resource management agency in the Goulburn Broken Catchment in northern Victoria. The Goulburn Broken CMA plays an important role in water management for Barmah Forest, this includes planning, monitoring and reporting on water related outcomes, as well as the use of environmental water.

Water management planning is focussed on protecting and enhancing the ecological values of Barmah Forest. The majority of Barmah Forest actively floods during high flows in the Murray River as a result of the main river channel narrowing at this point (the Barmah Choke).

The forest contains many wetlands including Moira Grass plains that support native plants and animals, as well as extensive River Red Gum forest and woodland. Flooding is vital for the ongoing health of these environments and the native species they support.

The water management planning involves close working relationships and joint planning operations with the indigenous custodians of the region (Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Nation) and NSW government agencies, and also with the Murray Darling Basin Authority.