Initially the first line under the ‘track closed’ wording on the sign read: “Due to water for the environment deliveries to Gunbower Forest (note: unregulated inflows from the Murray River may also be contributing to the inundation).”
These signs have now been changed to read: “Due to unregulated inflows and/or water for the environment deliveries to Gunbower Forest.”
Since the opening of the Hipwell Regulator (2014), unregulated flooding has only occurred three times (2016, 2022 and 2023).
The 2022 flood was part of a major flood that occurred across the entire region.
In 2023 North Central CMA claimed that another “natural” unregulated flow occurred but it is essential to note that North Central CMA then added another 17,600 ML (over 2 months from August 14 to October 13) thus prolonging the ‘track closed’ situation.
This claimed “natural” unregulated flow (NCCMA acting chief executive, Rachel Murphy – Gannawarra Times, July 4, 2023) was “man-made”, as there was minimal rain in the catchments and the unregulated flow was caused by a need to reduce the height of the water in the Hume Dam.
Unfortunately, a change in signage doesn’t alter the fact that the vast majority of forest flooding is caused by environmental watering and a cost of this watering is closed tracks preventing passage from Gunbower Creek to the Murray River.
— Central Murray Environmental Floodplain Group Inc. co-chair Geoff Wakeman
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