The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) will get much needed water back onto high-value floodplains along the Murray River. Without this water, these iconic landscapes will continue to decline – along with the many native trees, animals and plants that depend on them.

The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) will get much needed water back onto nine high-value floodplains along the Murray River. Without this water, these iconic landscapes will continue to decline – along with the many native trees, animals and plants that depend on them.

Floodplains and wetlands have been increasingly disconnected from the Murray River over the years with population growth and river regulation. The VMFRP plans to remove blockages that stop water flowing into creeks and implement options to manage water effectively and efficiently on the floodplain.

This water will bring new life and help these ecologically significant floodplains to survive and cope with future dry conditions and drought, so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

The VMFRP is being implemented as part of Victoria’s obligations under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in partnership with Lower Murray Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, Mallee Catchment Management Authority, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The VMFRP is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Birds flock to Murray River floodplain wetlands across northern Victoria

Birds are flocking to Murray River floodplain wetlands across northern Victoria following recent deliveries of environmental water. Hattah Lakes, Gunbower Forest and Lake Wallawalla are just some of the wetlands benefitting from environmental water ‘top ups’ , helping them spring back to life.

Meet the team – Tim Nitschke

Tim is responsible for making sure that water gets delivered efficiently to all his customers. When he’s not working with water, he can be found relaxing on the water – Tim is a keen fisher and can often be seen around the Kerang Lakes on a weekend.

Floodplain heroes – Meet Braeden Lampard from OzFish

Read our floodplain heroes series about local residents doing amazing things to restore and maintain floodplain health along the Murray River. Meet Braeden Lampard, OzFish Program Manager for the Murray–Darling Basin.

Environmental assessment packages

Timing and funding constraints (including COVID-19 pandemic and flooding) mean the VMFRP must refocus on Central sites.

The VMFRP must complete a rigorous Victorian and Commonwealth regulatory approvals process but given these unforeseen impacts it is not possible for all sites to be completed by June 2024.

The Victorian Government has advised it remains committed to delivering the VMFRP.

EES: Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Projects

Minister’s assessment delivered.

ER: Vinifera and Nyah Projects

Ministers assessment delivered.

ER: Burra Creek Project

Ministers assessment delivered.

ER: Guttrum-Benwell and Gunbower Projects

EES: Lindsay Island and Wallpolla Island Projects