Managing water and grazing in Warrego floodplain and Mulga Country

South West NRM

Grazing

On-ground work, Monitoring

Queensland Wetlands Program (QWP) management case study

Various, including:

The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative

Natural Heritage Trust

Enviro Fund

South West NRM

(not documented)

(not documented)

(not documented)

Ongoing

A suite of projects has been undertaken at Wallen. A network of open drains fed by bore water were shut down to prevent a large amount of water loss from evaporation. The open drain system was replaced with a network of poly pipes and new watering points. In addition, stock was fenced out from riparian zones of the Warrego River to prevent stream and creek bank damage. Works were also undertaken to control water flow on slopes and restore ground cover in upland pastures to reduce erosion. Ground cover and biodiversity monitoring has been undertaken.

In the river country, greater control of stock has led to:

• better groundcover
• return of perennial native grasses
• easier mustering.

The waterholes and other riverine wetlands are less subjected to erosion and sediment infill. The water quality is better due to improved groundcover.

The saying: ‘Once you get control of your water, you can control your land’ is highly relevant in the case of this project. The suite of projects have led to improved profitability and an overall ease of property management

Managing water and grazing in Warrego floodplain and mulga country