About the project
Part of the NSW Government’s Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Acceleration Program, the Mid-Murray Anabranches Project aims to restore the quality and functionality of local rivers and creeks within the Murray River system, and support the needs of adjacent landholders, industries and First Nations communities.
The project is improving connectivity between the Murray River, its main anabranch, the Edward-Kolety river system, and surrounding creeks including Tuppal, Native Dog and Bullatale creeks.
Investment in local infrastructure will deliver ecological outcomes for these important waterways by improving river flows to support river health and by removing barriers to fish movement.
The project will allow water for the environment to be delivered more flexibly, so the objectives of the Murray-Lower Darling Long-Term Water Plan and Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy can be achieved.
The needs of landholders along the creeks are also being supported by the establishment of fit-for-purpose infrastructure, including the installation of clear-span bridges and new rock crossings for land access.
Project benefits
The project will provide a range of benefits for landholders, communities and the environment such as:
- improving the connectivity between the Murray and Edward-Kolety rivers
- increasing native fish passage and ecological production
- supporting the accessibility and management requirements of private landholders
- increasing tourism and industry opportunities in the area (i.e. recreational fishing and birdwatching)
- enhancing wildlife habitat for a range of animals, including the nationally threatened superb parrot
- improving First Nations people’s Connection-to-Country.
Project status
Five new single-span bridges are being independently certified in preparation for handover to landholders along Tuppal Creek. The new bridges allowed an environmental water pulse to recently be delivered down Tuppal Creek to improve water quality in the system.
Work is continuing on bridges along Bullgate Creek, with construction currently progressing well at 15 active bridge sites.
Construction of rock crossings and culverts is also underway across Native Dog Creek and Bullatale Creek.
Project location
The Mid-Murray anabranches are in southern New South Wales between Tocumwal and Deniliquin. They form the northern boundary of the Murray River floodplain and the eastern boundary of the Edward-Kolety River floodplain.
Stakeholder engagement
The Water Group values input from its stakeholders and communities, including First Nations communities, and is committed to comprehensive engagement with real and tangible outcomes.
We are working closely with our construction contractors to keep landholders informed and engaged during the construction and handover phases of project delivery.
Engagement with First Nations people
We recognise and acknowledge the unique relationship, understanding and deep Connection-to-Country First Nations people have as the Traditional Owners and First Peoples of Australia, and this plays a crucial role in informing our approach to the project.
We have worked closely with First Nations communities to complete Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments of project sites, and we have First Nations representatives on site during construction to monitor works and ensure cultural artefacts are preserved and protected.
Environmental planning and assessments
View the project's Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation [Clause 171(4)] publications.
| Date | Document name |
|---|---|
| 01 June 2025 | Mid-Murray Anabranches Project – Native Dog Creek Crossings REF (PDF, 12.45 MB) |
| 01 May 2025 | Mid-Murray Anabranches Project – Bullatale Creek Crossings REF (PDF, 27.65 MB) |
| 01 January 2024 | Tuppal Creek Restoration Project Roadway Crossings Works Addendum REF (PDF, 10.45 MB) |
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Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au