Flood planned to soak former wetland back to life
Authorities are taking the first steps to repair extensive damage caused by bushfires in Victoria, releasing water over the burned and parched former wetlands.
A series of bushfires last month decimated large parts of the state, including the boardwalk, bird hides and a stand of 10 thousand newly-planted trees at Kinnairds wetland near Numurkah.
The Victorian Government now says a controlled flood will inundate the area, aiming to bring the wetland back to life.
A 600 megalitre controlled flood is being planned for late Autumn, according to Simon Casanella from the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
It is hoped that the flood will play to the advantages of species which have evolved in extreme and shifting conditions.
“The water will actually be a positive because in most instances weeds can't cope with prolonged wet,” Mr Casanella said.
“We're going to be encouraging largely natives and it will suppress the growth of weeds.”