River brings life to Outback

Jason Wilson from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office in Bourke, catching up with Barwon-Darling Water spokesman Ian Cole. PHOTO TWH

River watchers are getting excited about low level flooding upstream in the Northern Tributaries, and the prospect of good flows down the Barwon and Darling Rivers.

There is a real sense of optimism as the river flows from top to bottom, and there are now minor to moderate floodwaters in some of the tributaries upstream

Communities, farmers, and irrigators have their fingers crossed for continued good flows throughout summer, although there is some concern about flooding, and loss of winter crop during harvest.

Local Engagament Officer for the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, Jason Wilson of Walgett, said last week that hydrologists were confident that any flooding would be minor and said communities right along the Barwon Baaka system, from Mungindi to Menindee, would be excited at the sight of the healthy river.

“It’s incredible to see – at the moment its around six metres and a half at Walgett and not breaking out of the stream,” Jason said.

“The bottom run, or the half banker in local terms, is in good condition, good colour and turbidity is not too high.

“It’s mostly flood water coming out of the Namoi River with a bit of assistance from the Macintyre and the water will be fantastic coming down to Bourke.

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