Gwydir valley

The Gwydir valley catchment extends from the Northern Tablelands to the Northern Plains, where it joins the Barwon River, covering an area of 26,596 square kilometres.

Water for the environment focus

Water for the environment is generally focused on the river and wetlands systems west of Moree, where the Gwydir River branches into two defined systems:

1. the Gwydir Wetlands, consisting of the Gingham Watercourse and Lower Gwydir (Big Leather) River
2. the Mehi River, which includes the Mallowa and Moomin systems to the south.

Providing habitats for wildlife

Water for the environment in the Gwydir valley supports a range of native plants and animals including:

• coolibah woodlands, river cooba, water couch marsh and common reeds
• the state's largest stand of marsh club-rush sedgeland
• breeding habitat for colonial nesting waterbirds, as well as habitat for migratory bird species listed under international agreements
• native fish such as Murray cod, silver perch, olive perchlet, purple spotted gudgeon and eel-tailed catfish.

Important wetlands

There are 4 Ramsar-listed wetlands within the Gwydir wetland system: Windella, Crinolyn, Goddard's Lease and Big Leather (on Old Dromana, which is also part of the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area).

Indigenous connection

The Gwydir wetlands are the country of the Kamilaroi people, and include more than 160 cultural heritage sites that have been recorded in and around the wetlands, including burial sites, scar trees and stone artefacts.

Working together

The Gwydir Environmental Water Advisory Group (EWAG) provides local input into Department of Planning and Environment (the department) decision-making and water management as a recognised EWAG.

The Gwydir EWAG helps prepare annual watering plans and advises on specific water releases throughout the year.

The Department manages water for the environment in the Gwydir catchment in partnership with the Gwydir EWAG, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, WaterNSW, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and local land managers and water users.

Planning for the future

We have developed a long-term water plan for the Gwydir catchment.