Floodplain planning aims to coordinate surface water, groundwater and land management actions to maximise floodplain and river health. Floodplain plans will support actions such as weir raising and lowering, the removal of flow and fish barriers, wetland regulation, red gum watering, pest plant and animal control, and revegetation. The plans will be developed with close links to Salt Interception Scheme design and operation to improve floodplain groundwater conditions and reduce salinisation where feasible.
A working draft of ‘Guidelines for Developing a Floodplain Management Plan in the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin’ has been developed. This document outlines the required content and steps to take when writing a floodplain plan. As a working draft, the Guidelines will be trialled through the development of a plan for one floodplain area, with feedback then used to revise and finalise the document.
Background work has commenced to support the development of floodplain plans for three priority areas: Pike/Mundic, Murtho and Bookpurnong. Soil mapping and modelling has been undertaken to assist in understanding groundwater processes and decline in vegetation health. Floodplain vegetation types and health have been mapped, and fish barriers have been identified along the anabranches and wetland systems of the Murray in SA. A range of surface and groundwater management options are also being investigated.
The Board will work closely with community groups to develop and implement plans for priority floodplain areas. The community’s goals and aspirations for the floodplain will be a key focus of the management plans and their involvement will assist in the formulation of management options and prioritisation of actions.