About 15% (3,000ha) of Gunbower Forest will be

flooded during spring so some tracks will be closed

to assist visitors avoid flood waters.

However, the forest will remain ‘open for business’

with many great camping and fishing spots still

accessible along the Gunbower Creek and Murray

River.

Spring will be a great time to visit Gunbower Forest

to see it flourish in response to the environmental

water.

The water will bring the forest to life attracting

waterbirds, frogs and other wildlife.

Environmental water is essential for keeping the

forest healthy to enable it to continue its function

as a ‘kidney’ of the Murray River.

Flood to Gunbower Forest

this spring! Environmental water is planned to be delivered into Gunbower Forest throughout September and October this year.

For tourist information, including recreational opportunities, visit Gannawarra Shire’s Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Information Centre in Cohuna or call (03) 5456 2047.

For information regarding forest access and track closures, see DELWP's Public Access Map at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/visiting-parks-and-forests/visiting-state-forests/Access-and-closures-in-State-Forests

Gunbower Forest wetlands that will benefit

from the watering contain some of the most

significant colonial waterbird breeding habitat

found in Australia.

Waterbird breeding is one of the main reasons

Gunbower Forest is listed under the Ramsar

international agreement. This makes Gunbower

Forest a great place for bird watching.

The spring flood will stimulate wetland plants to

germinate, flower and set seed.

Small native fish will also benefit with spring

flooding stimulating their breeding in forest

wetlands. These small fish will provide food for

waterbirds attracted to the forest.

For further information regarding the delivery of environmental water visit North Central CMA www.nccma.vic.gov.au www.gunbowerforest.com.au

Working together to sustain a vibrant Gunbower Forest for future generations

The Flooding for Life project is delivered by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in partnership with Goulburn–Murray Water, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria. It is part of The Living Murray program, a joint initiative of the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian, Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth governments, coordinated by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). Environmental water releases at Gunbower Forest are made in line with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder’s Seasonal Watering Plan 2015-16, which aims to improve river and wetland health across the State.

Photo: David Kleinert