QLD WETLAND LAKE FILLS FOR FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS

The flood waters of the Paroo River have flowed into Currawinya National Park’s Lake Numalla, replenishing a significant wetland and bird breeding ground in South West Queensland.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said nearly 760,000 megalitres have passed down the Paroo River system into New South Wales, refilling parched wetlands along the way.

Minister Wallace said the Paroo River at Caiwarro peaked at 4.2 metres in December and again at 3.9 metres in early January, with both spikes more than enough to spill into the freshwater lake and fill it for the first time in nearly three years.

"The Paroo River is one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin and its survival is vital to the overall health of our inland river systems. The rains have done their job in Queensland by filling waterholes and wetlands and the flow continues to move into New South Wales to replenish their system as well," he said.

"The flows over the past two months have replenished the wetlands and wildlife that depends upon them.

"The Paroo supports a wetlands system which can support a population of up to 250,000 water birds. This includes 14 species listed as threatened.

"These wetlands are among the most important inland waterbird habitats in Australia and are listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention."

"In Currawinya National Park two large lakes separated by only a few kilometres of sand dunes are the centrepiece of a fascinating mosaic of habitats across the park. Lake Numalla is a freshwater lake and the floodwaters from the last event have replenished it.

Mr Wallace said the catchment’s future had been secured as part of the Queensland Water Resource Plan for the Paroo River.

"The Water Resource Plan will ensure that ecological outcomes consistent with maintaining a healthy riverine environment, floodplains and wetlands are maintained," Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said flows in the Bulloo River, further west of the Paroo, were also replenishing vital wetlands in that system.

"There has been about 365,000ML flow down the system past Autumvale in this event," Mr Wallace said. "The Bulloo is a terminal system in as much as the water flows into wetlands rather than the ocean."

"These wetlands like the Paroo support a wide range of species, with abundant birdlife relying on the Bulloo Lakes to survive. These periodic flows are the lifeblood of these systems and when the floodwaters subside I encourage Queensland residents to visit the outback and see it in all its glory."

Media enquiries: Clare Gillic, Minister’s Office, 3896 3688.