Restoring the Darling-Baaka program

Integrated catchment management is an approach to coordinating the management of land use, water and natural resources across a catchment to improve ecosystem outcomes. It involves integrating policy frameworks across land use planning, water planning, biodiversity and other natural resources, which all influence water quality and water availability in a catchment.

Preparing an integrated catchment management program is expected to improve the way land and water is managed to improve water quality and other environmental outcomes.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Develop an Integrated Catchment Management Work Program		Last six months In June 2024, DCCEEW released the NSW Water Quality Governance Roadmap. The Roadmap outlines how NSW will improve governance of water quality management through more strategic and coordinated monitoring and management of water quality. Next six months Consistent with the work program outlined in the Water Quality Governance Roadmap, DCCEEW is progressing analysis and options identification. This work program will result in preferred reform options by June 2026. More info Water Quality Governance Roadmap	June 2026

This action is to make amendments to water sharing plans in the NSW Border Rivers, Gwydir, Namoi, Macquarie and Barwon-Darling valleys which consider the findings of the independent Connectivity Expert Panel’s final report. These amendments are expected to result in greater connectivity of these rivers to improve environmental outcomes.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Make amendments to the Water Sharing Plans for NSW Border Rivers, Gwydir, Namoi, Macquarie and Barwon-Darling		Last six months The independent Connectivity Expert Panel published its final report in July 2024. The report included recommendations on changes that could be made to flow targets in northern Basin water sharing plans to improve connectivity. In September 2024, DCCEEW released its next steps in Building the pathway to improved northern Basin connectivity. These next steps include comprehensive hydrologic and economic analyses, stakeholder consultations and the implementation of any proposed water sharing plan amendments in 2026. In December 2024, DCCEEW completed upgrades to the latest version of the hydrological models, which will improve the ability to model the periods of restrictions required to meet the Panel’s proposed flow targets. Next six months Hydrologic and cost-benefit analyses are continuing and will provide the Minister for Water advice about the potential benefits and impacts of the Panel’s recommendations. The economic modelling will use the methodology that was developed to assess the economic impact of the connectivity proposals identified in the Western Regional Water Strategy. It is anticipated that advice will be provided by mid-2025. Subsequent steps will include consultation with key stakeholders to discuss findings and provide their input on on-ground experience and issues. This will inform the next steps DCCEEW will take in advising the Minister for Water and the government, including any amendments to water sharing plans. More info Northern Basin Connectivity Program	June 2026

This action is to make amendments to the Water Sharing Plan for the Murray and Lower Darling Regulated River Water Sources 2016 that consider the findings of the independent Connectivity Expert Panel’s final report. These amendments are expected to result in greater connectivity of these rivers to improve environmental outcomes.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Make amendments to the Water Sharing Plan for the Murray and Darling Regulated River Water Sources 2016		Last six months The independent Connectivity Expert Panel published its final report in July 2024. The report included recommendations on changes to operations of Menindee Lakes and releases to lower Darling. Next six months Any changes to the operation of Menindee Lakes will require interjurisdictional agreement by the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council and Basin Officials Committee. These bodies are conducting a review into the Menindee Lakes operations, which is due to be completed by late 2025. Water Group will consider the Panel's recommendations as part of the remake of the Water Sharing Plan for the New South Wales Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources 2016, after the completion of the Menindee Lakes operation review. More info Water sharing plan	June 2027

This action is to identify and seek improvements to the operating arrangements for the Menindee Lakes to better mitigate environmental incidents arising from declining water quality, including actively engaging in the scoping and delivery of a review requested by the Basin Officials Committee (made up of officials from NSW, Victorian, South Australian and Commonwealth governments).

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), acting on behalf of these governments, will manage the conduct of the review in multiple stages.
Changes to the operating arrangements at the Menindee Lakes are intended to provide new tools to help manage developing water quality events.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Improve operating arrangements for Menindee Lakes and deliver review		Last six months The Basin Officials Committee (BOC) has identified the current operational challenges and management practices at Menindee Lakes. Next six months The BOC will establish desired outcomes and explore options for the future operating arrangements of the lakes. This will include: Stakeholder and community engagement on review Mapping of actions required to achieve options More info Further information will be available during the stakeholder and community engagement stage.	December 2025

The Menindee Water Quality Incident Action Plan sets out how to respond in the event of a water quality incident occurring or indications that it will occur at Menindee. The Incident Action Plan documents the actions we will take at Menindee when specific triggers are met.

The incident action plan is implemented by the Menindee / Lower Darling Water Quality Working Group on water quality monitoring outcomes, options and actions to manage poor water quality. The updated incident action plan is being applied over the summer of 2024/25.

This action is to review the Water Quality Incident Management Plan in relation to managing low dissolved oxygen and update it to reflect lessons learned from water quality issues and mass fish deaths observed in 2022–23 and 2023–24.

The purpose of the Water Quality Incident Management Plan is to provide a mechanism for an inter-agency approach to hypoxic water quality event in the NSW Murray Darling Basin.

Water quality data is collected, stored and used by a range of state government agencies as well as councils. It is important to improve visibility of data held among agencies and enhance transparency with the wider community regarding which organisations hold water quality data, the nature of the data, its completeness, accuracy and how to access it.

This action addresses gaps in water quality and river health data by developing a new NSW Water Quality Monitoring Framework. It aims to improve environmental outcomes and public awareness of water quality issues.

The water quality framework aims to develop and implement a statewide system for collecting, managing, sharing, and accessing water quality data across government agencies.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Develop the NSW water quality monitoring framework		Last six months An interagency working group has been established and continues to work closely to identify the gaps and resolve technical issues. Next six months DCCEEW will finalise the framework to set standards for sharing, collecting and publishing data, continue to identify priority gaps in the monitoring network and design an early warning system for potential fish death events. More info Water quality monitoring data across the state Water quality monitoring data in Darling-Baaka	Finalisation of framework: June 2025 Framework implementation: June 2026

The purpose of this action is to investigate the possible causes of the Golden Perch fish deaths that occurred in February and March 2024. The first stage aims to collect and collate evidence of conditions during the 2024 Golden Perch death event. The second stage will involve conducting more intensive and specialised sampling and laboratory analyses to identify more complex potential causes of the fish deaths.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Conduct a Weir 32 pool scientific study		Last six months Research collaboration with CSIRO is underway and is investigating the long-term impact of fish deaths on river sediments. Sampling has found the presence of parasites in the Weir 32 pool, as well as new data on the impact on freshwater shrimp. Next six months Fish sampling is expected to be completed in early 2025. Research is continuing into sediment and nutrient movement and the connectivity between surface and groundwater within Weir 32. This work will contribute to advances in understanding recent causes of death for Golden Perch. More info The long-term scientific response is due to be completed in June 2025.	June 2025

Hydrodynamic models can provide simulations of a range of flow and sediment transport scenarios. The planned hydrodynamic model will allow forecasts and predictions of dissolved oxygen conditions under various scenarios and the associated risk of fish deaths. The hydrodynamic model will aid water management decision-making through the data it provides. This action seeks to build upon work already under way through the Darling-Baaka River Health Project.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Develop a hydrodynamic model		Last six months A research collaboration has commenced with the University of Technology Sydney to develop a three-dimensional model for the purposes of predicting thermal stratification events in the Lower Darling-Baaka River. Next six months Once complete, DCCEEW will incorporate the model into operational decision-making, with the objective of avoiding river conditions that lead to mass fish deaths. More info Water quality monitoring data in Darling-Baaka	June 2025

This action aims to install permanent multi-depth water quality monitoring buoys and upgrade existing dissolved oxygen monitoring sites, to reduce maintenance costs and data error. There are 3 buoys already in place (see FR9) on the Weir 32 weir pool that are providing data and being used for decision-making. The sensors will also be upgraded to include additional water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, chlorophyll, temperature).

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Purchase and install dissolved oxygen buoys and data loggers		Last six months The newly designed oxygen buoys have been purchased and costings completed. Next six months The buoys are scheduled to be installed by June 2025, along with the upgrade of four existing dissolved oxygen sensors. More info Real time water quality data	June 2025

This action’s purpose is to maintain and operate existing dissolved oxygen sensors in the Menindee weir pool and conduct additional manual sampling as required. Improving sensors’ performance and additional sampling will contribute to improved data to support better decision-making and ensure a whole of system approach to water quality management.

It is linked to the overall aim of creating an effective early warning system that draws on improved monitoring and modelling and a plan to activate strategies to mitigate fish death events.

Water data monitors aim to improve water data collection, management and transparency to ensure the NSW Government and the community have the right data to inform water management decisions.

This action will complete the installation of an initial 40 water data monitors in high–risk areas to provide real–time data on dissolved oxygen levels. Real time dissolved oxygen data will assist in identifying and assessing the level of risk and managing extreme water quality events. This information can be used to improve the management of water resources and to assess the success of water management decisions.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Installation of 40 water data sensors		Last six months As of December 2024, 21 water data monitors had been installed. Next six months The remaining monitors are scheduled to be installed by June 2025. More info Further information on real time water quality data	June 2025

This action is to develop Menindee-specific, emergency management arrangements for a mass fish death event, through a published Mass Fish Death Event Sub Plan (Sub Plan).

The Sub Plan will clearly explain triggers, stages of a response, clean-up measures and government agency roles and responsibilities for a mass fish death event. Related actions are FR12, FR13, FR15 and FR17.

This action is to test the Interim Mass Fish Death Event Response Sub Plan at Menindee consistent with the Local Emergency Management Committee Exercising Toolkit – Spontaneous Volunteers.

The Central Darling Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is comprised of NSW Government agencies, Central Darling Shire Council and non-government organisations.

This action is to have the Menindee-specific Mass Fish Death Event Sub Plan exercised by the Central Darling LEMC and NSW Government agencies.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Mass Fish Death Event Sub Plan Exercise		The Mass Fish Death Event Sub Plan is scheduled for exercising by June 2025, after it is published in March 2025 (FR11).	June 2025

This action is to update the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) Information Guide. This update aims to align the Information Guide to current good practice and reflect recent amendments made to the NSW Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) 2023. The Information Guide has been published on the Emergency Management Policy website.

This action is to complete a resource review as part of the preparation for a Mass Fish Death Event. It is linked to the Mass Fish Death Event Sub Plan-related actions; FR11, FR12, FR13 and FR17.

This action is to complete a capability assessment of the emergency services functions and resources (assets/equipment) in Menindee, Central Darling Shire local government area, and the Far West Emergency Management Region.

The NSW Premier’s Department conducted the capability assessment with the support of the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) and the Regional Emergency Management Officer (REMO).

This action is to confirm the lead agency for communications (Public Information Services Functional Area) and communications plan under the Menindee-specific Mass Fish Death Response Sub Plan.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Confirm the lead agency for communications (Public Information Services Functional Area) and communications plan under the Menindee-specific Mass Fish Death Response Sub Plan.		Last six months The timeline for this deliverable has been extended from December 2024 to March 2025 as this action is dependent on FR11, which is the development of the Mass Fish Death Sub Plan. The adjusted timeline will allow for better interagency engagement and recruitment. Next six months The Mass Fish Death Sub Plan (FR11) will be finalised including a confirmed lead agency for communications (FR17).	March 2025

This action is to build on existing communications and engagement with the Menindee community to improve the ongoing non-emergency communications and engagement in the Menindee region.

It aims to address the regional requirements of the community, the proactive release of information, and includes community consultation and feedback, such as two–way communication.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Improved and ongoing non-emergency communications and engagement plan		Last six months Two cross agency meetings and a conversation tour in late November 2024 were held for community consultation. Next six months Ongoing engagement activities have been established and will contribute to strong two-way communication and engagement. More info Regular updates for the Menindee community	Ongoing

This action is to deliver enhanced education materials and links to relevant information on partner websites from the Water Group website. It aims to build on existing materials across a range of state and federal government websites to ensure communities, customers and stakeholders have online access to educative materials that enhance their understanding of water management and other water related issues.

This action is to complete the trial and evaluate the feasibility of oxygenation infrastructure. It involves the installation, operation, and maintenance of a temporary micro-bubbling machine in the Weir 32 weir pool and monitor dissolved oxygen levels. The data can then be used to evaluate the feasibility of oxygenation infrastructure as a fish death event mitigation strategy.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Trial and evaluate the feasibility of oxygenation infrastructure		Last six months The micro-bubbling oxygenation machine was installed, operated and decommissioned in June 2024. The evaluation report has been finalised. The trial has shown that microbubble oxygenation of bottom waters is possible under low flow conditions. More info Trial of oxygenation in the Darling Baaka River near Menindee report	September 2024

This action is to complete a trial of new fish passage technologies including the tube fishway with fish sorting opportunities.

The intent of this action is to identify technology that can be easily and cost-effectively retrofitted to existing structures to enhance fish passage and allow fish to escape poor water quality events and reduce the chance of future mass fish deaths. FR26, which is an action to scope “trap and transport” by fish sorting, is part of this action.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Trial of new fish passage technologies		Last six months Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) – Fisheries engaged Public Works to manage the procurement process for the action’s construction services and worked with partner agencies including WaterNSW, with community consultation commencing in August 2024 and continuing throughout the action. Fishheart Ltd were the successful supplier via an open tender process, with the site established at Lake Wetherell outlet regulator in December 2024. Next six months The Fishheart unit will be installed at the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator during January 2025 to help connect the northern and southern Basin, with testing of the fishway during February 2025 leading into the trial of the technology. The action will help move some fish out of the Menindee town weir pool to reduce biomass and help mitigate risks of further mass fish kills in the region, noting that this is novel technology currently untested at this scale in Australia and on native inland freshwater fish. More info Menindee Lower Darling-Baaka Temporary Tube Fishway Trial	June 2028

This action is to complete replacement of the existing fishway at Burtundy Weir. It involves the construction and commissioning of a new fishway at Burtundy Weir in the Lower Darling-Baaka River in Western New South Wales (NSW).

The new fishway is part of the Lower Darling Fish Passage Program which was established as part of the Australian Government’s response to the fish deaths in the 2018-19 summer in the Lower Darling River. Burtundy Weir is located 133 km upstream from the confluence of the Lower Darling-Baaka River and the River Murray and is the first barrier experienced by fish heading upstream from the Murray River junction.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Replacement of existing fishway at Burtundy Weir		Next six months Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with completion in November 2026 pending river flow conditions. A completion report, including the monitoring of the operation of the fishway will be released. More info Lower Darling-Baaka fishways	December 2026

This action is to deliver a full business case for permanent fish passage in the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling–Baaka below Menindee. It involves the investigation and analysis of fish passage issues and solutions at priority barrier sites in the Lower Darling-Baaka and Menindee Lakes system.

The business case aims to assess the feasibility of sites, investigate designs and the costs of fishway construction and to provide a full cost-benefit analysis.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Full business case for permanent fish passage in the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka		Last six months Community engagement has commenced, and initial site inspections have been undertaken with partner agencies including the MDBA, NSW Public Works and WaterNSW. Governance arrangements have been put in place chaired by the MDBA. Next six months Community engagement is continuing with landholders, site owners and the local Aboriginal community including Barkandji PBC, Barkandji River Rangers, Menindee Local Aboriginal Land Council and Menindee Aboriginal Elders. Related procurement processes for technical aspects will progress, with further detailed site inspections and cost benefit analysis work to be undertaken.  More info Regular updates for the Menindee community	Strategic Business Case Finalisation: December 2025 Full Business Case: June 2027

This action is to develop a Native Fish Recovery and Resilience Program, which involves on-ground rehabilitation along the Darling-Baaka River to improve water quality and ecological outcomes.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Native Fish Recovery and Resilience program		Last six months DPIRD – Fisheries and Western Local Land Services have collected existing data and identified gaps as well as reviewed previous and current river and water action. Initial rounds of community engagement have been undertaken to locally publicise the action. Next six months Community engagement will continue to identify and confirm: Program and objectives Community aspirations and priorities Local river knowledge Cultural knowledge More info Native Fish Recovery Strategy	June 2026

This action aims to support the Australian Government and states and territories to deliver the National Carp Control Program (NCCP) and address outcomes of a national integrated invasive fish species management strategy.

The Carp Biological Control Program will progress priority research actions to improve knowledge and understanding of the Carp virus for use as a biocontrol agent, which will help inform planning, engagement and regulatory approvals for implementation.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Support the Australian Government to deliver the National Carp Control Program (NCCP)		Last six months A detailed research plan was completed in December 2024 to inform procurement and management actions. Next six months The states, territories and non-government bodies will commence priority research actions and related management actions, including those associated with potential field trial and controlled release of the Carp virus. More info National Carp Control Plan	June 2027

This action is to scope “trap and transport” by fish sorting as part of FR21: Complete a trial of new fish passage technologies including the tube fishway with fish sorting opportunities.

“Trap and transport” refers to attracting native fish into a trapping cage housed within a structure, transferring them into a specialised fish transporter truck and driving them to the designated release point upstream.

Deliverable	Status	Update	Target date
Scope a “trap and transport” short-term solution		Last six months Two potential options for fish transport were considered as part of investigations. Based on an analysis of this work, it was determined that a standalone ‘trap and transport’ system was not a viable option to address immediate short-term fish passage needs. DPIRD Fisheries has completed this action and is now focusing on the trial of other fishway technologies, such as the tube fishway, as part of FR21. More info Menindee Lower Darling-Baaka Temporary Tube Fishway Trial (FR21)	June 2028