Rain sets up creeks, rivers for autumn
Heavy rain in isolated areas of the region in the last fortnight has provided environmental benefits to various parts of the Wimmera River system.
The rain, heavy in some catchment areas but absent from others nearby, has created isolating pooling that augurs well for the prospect of natural winter flows later this year.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said heavy rain associated with thunderstorm activity had generated high totals in some areas and the environmental response had been almost immediate.
“It has been far from general, but where the rain has fallen we’ve seen some significant generation or regeneration of native vegetation,” he said.
“We’ve also noticed the growth of pools in rivers and creeks that remain unconnected and appear almost as if they are waiting for what might happen next.
“If this type of weather continues and we get more summer rain it will put the river system into a really good position for inflows with any seasonal break.
“While what we’ve received has not been enough to get large creeks in the system flowing – we are after all talking about some parched waterways – it has created some large pools that will only grow if we get more rain.
“It is the connectivity that is so far missing from the equation.
“In short, there have been plenty of places across the region that are environmentally important parts of the catchment that have had a good drink. And we’re looking for a top-up.”
Mr Brennan said a side issue to environmental benefits running water has meant for waterways was an increase in fishing opportunities involving native target species.
“Some species, yellowbelly for example, are providing results that are particularly good at the moment,” he said.
“They are enjoying the humid to almost tropical conditions and are coming in fat and healthy.”
Mr Brennan said conditions in the Wimmera system usually fell short of promoting any breeding of large-bodied Murray-darling native species.
“But conditions are certainly getting these fish excited, which usually makes for good fishing,” he said.
The populations of native perch in the Wimmera River system are the result of an organised release program.
The fish usually require specific summer-flood conditions to breed.
The one exception of relatively large fish native to the Murray Darling that can breed in the Wimmera River system are eel-tailed catfish.
“While what we’ve received has not been enough to get large creeks in the system flowing – we are after all talking about some parched waterways – it has created some large pools that will only grow if we get more rain. It is the connectivity that is so far missing from the equation” – David Brennan