MDBA river management executive director Jacqui Hickey said managing the system adaptively to respond to the changing conditions was key for ensuring the River Murray System operated smoothly during the peak demand period.
“The dry winter and spring meant bulk water transfers started early and remained within channel, allowing environmental water to be used to water the floodplains and wetlands,” Ms Hickey said.
“The recent rainfall across eastern Australia has seen a temporary rise in river levels and reductions in irrigation demand, and storage releases.
“Further down the system, Lake Victoria is almost full — ready to support what is expected to be a high-demand summer-autumn.”
Ms Hickey said the updated Annual Operating Outlook, issued on December 11, reaffirmed the MDBA’s confidence it could deliver water where and when it is needed this water year.
As at December 11, Hume Dam held 60 per cent capacity and Dartmouth Dam 89 per cent. The Menindee Lakes held 41 per cent and Lake Victoria 95 per cent.
“The MDBA continues to work closely with basin states to coordinate water releases, monitor storages and manage to the condition,” Ms Hickey said.
“We are actively working with our partners to manage water quality risks including blue-green algae and salinity, and to ensure that communities have the information they need to be safe and enjoy the water this holiday season.
“The MDBA remains committed to transparency and keeping the public informed. We will provide regular updates through our River Murray Weekly Report.”
She said the updated Annual Operating Outlook reinforced government preparedness for a range of potential scenarios, “while also serving as a reminder that real-world events are more complex and outcomes in the River Murray System will be different in the months ahead”.
For more information and to read the full report, visit: https://www.mdba.gov.au/
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