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.

Floodplain heroes – Bringing back the bittern at Murrabit West

Our floodplain heroes series features local people doing amazing work to restore floodplain spaces along the Murray River. Meet Ken and Jill Hooper who are returning their property at Murrabit West to a series of wetlands surrounded by bushland and open grasses.

Meet the team – Susan Saris

Say hello to Susan Saris, the Environment Team Leader at VMFRP project partner, Lower Murray Water! Susan's two passions are walking and canoeing and she loves getting out onto the floodplains.

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.

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