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Home , Barmah National Park, Giant banjo frog, Gunbower National Park, Pseudoraphis

thirsty 13species Mr , Mr Baillieu, buy me a drink!

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association & Environment

VNPA logo & style sheet

NATION N A A L I P R A O

Our River Red Gum parks and R

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PMS 1615 C: 0.0 M: 56.0 Y: 100.0 K: 43.0 A c In PMS 397 C: 11.5 S are dying of thirst M: 0.0 Y: 100.0 S N K: 11.5 OCI TIO PMS 632 C: 76.0 A M: 0.0 Y: 15.0 K: 11.5 c: 0 c: 60 m: 0 m: 0 y: 0 y: 100 k: 80 k: 27

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c: 15 m: 35 y: 50 k: 0 Typeface: Book Antiqua Regular thirsty 13species Acknowledgements The Victorian National Parks Association and Environment Victoria acknowledge the and Wadi Contents Wadi as Traditional Owners and Victoria’s first co-managers of River Red Gum national parks and pro- tected areas. We also acknowledge all Traditional Owner groups as part of the Murray and Lower Darling Introduction...... 4 Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN). We thank all of the people and organisations that have contributed images or information to this Victoria’s new national parks...... 6 publication. This includes, but is not limited to: , Keith Ward, The Australian Centre, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Shepparton News, and the Victorian Environmental Report urges water buy-back...... 7 Assessment Council. Time for Victoria to pitch in...... 8

This report was published in October 2010 and produced by Nick Roberts. Rains only temporary reprieve...... 9 Report design & editing: John Sampson. Red gums need a decent drink...... 10 Copyright 2010. Take action...... 11 Cover images: , Chris Tzaros; Squirrel Glider, Peter Robertson (DSE); , Gunther Schmida; White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Dean Ingwersen. The digital illustration A River Red Gum ecosystem...... 12-13 of River Red Gums is based on a photo supplied by the Shepparton News. 1. Blue-Billed Duck...... 14 2. Silver Perch...... 15 VNPA logo & style sheet Victorian National Parks Association is an independent, non-profit, 3. Inland Carpet Python...... 16 NATION membership-based group, which exists to protect Victoria’s unique natural N A A L I P R environment and biodiversity through the establishment and effective management A 4. White-Bellied Sea-Eagle...... 17 O

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of national parks, conservation reserves and other measures. We will achieve our C

I S vision by facilitating strategic campaigns and education programs, developing V 5. Broad-Shelled Turtle...... 18 A c S In policies, through hands-on conservation work, and by running bushwalking and S N OCI TIO outdoor activity programs that promote the care and enjoyment of Victoria’s natural A 6. Brolga...... 19 c: 0 c: 60 m: 0 m: 0 y: 0 y: 100 k: 80 heritage. k: 27

c: 30 7. Murray Cod...... 20 m: 70 y: 100 Address: Level 3, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053. k: 0 c: 15 m: 35 y: 50 Phone: 03 9347 5188. k: 0 8. Moira Grass...... 21 Email: [email protected] Typeface: Book Antiqua Regular Website: www.vnpa.org.au 9. ...... 22

Environment Victoria is a non-government, not-for-profit environment 10. Plumed Egret...... 23 organisation that believes our future depends on all Victorians. That’s why our goal is 11. Mueller Daisy...... 24 to mobilise all 5 million Victorians to safeguard our environment. At the heart of our work is a belief that people are a part of the environment, and not separate to it. So we 12. Giant Banjo ...... 25 PMS 1615 C: 0.0 M: 56.0 Y: 100.0 work with people from all walks of life and levels of environmental awareness to solve K: 43.0

PMS 397 C: 11.5 M: 0.0 Y: 100.0 the challenges common to all of us. K: 11.5 PMS 632 C: 76.0 13. Squirrel Glider...... 26 M: 0.0 Y: 15.0 K: 11.5 Address: Level 2, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053. References...... 27 Phone: 03 9341 8100. Email: [email protected] Website: www.environmentvictoria.org.au

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 2 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 3 thirsty 13species This report highlights the plight of just 13 flood-dependent species Introduction under threat from a lack of environmental water in the new River Red failure by past Victorian Report called on the Victorian Gum parks. There are many more at risk. Secure water allocations will A governments to arrest declining Government to “act with urgency” and help ensure the survival of these “Thirsty 13”. river health has left large tracts of River buy back water for stressed rivers and Thirsty 13 Listed as a threatened Flood Found in At risk? Red Gum forests and globally significant wetlands. species dependent? River Red wetlands struggling to survive. The Victorian Government must (Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act) Gum parks This failure, the result of taking too immediately secure environmental water 1. Blue-Billed Duck Yes Yes Yes Yes much irrigation water combined with allocations as a priority to ensure the 2. Silver Perch Yes Yes Yes Yes below average rainfalls associated with a survival of our River Red Gum parks. 3. Inland Carpet Python Yes Yes Yes Yes drier climate, is also risking the survival 4. White-Bellied Sea-Eagle Yes, also migratory Yes Yes Yes Furthermore, a legally-entitled, secure 5. Broad-Shelled Turtle Yes Yes Yes Yes of many flood-dependent native and reliable allocation of environmental 6. Brolga Yes Yes Yes Yes and threatened at either a water for the River Red Gum parks must 7. Murray Cod Yes, also listed under national Yes Yes Yes national or state level. be a high-reliability entitlement. threatened species legislation Our rivers and wetlands have been 8. Moira Grass No, limited locations in Yes Yes Yes Victoria starved of water for so long that we The Victorian Government 9. Superb Parrot Yes, also listed under national Yes Yes Yes can no longer rely on good rainfalls should: threatened species legislation to restore them. Instead, we need to 10. Plumed Egret Yes Yes Yes Yes • Guarantee environmental water address the root causes of their long- 11. Mueller Daisy Yes, also listed under national Yes Yes Yes term decline by guaranteeing new sufficient to sustain Victoria’s River Red threatened species legislation environmental water allocations for our Gum national parks, delivered from 12. Giant Banjo Frog Yes Yes Yes Yes River Red Gum parks, before it’s too late. 2012. 13. Squirrel Glider Yes Yes Yes Yes Only then can we hope to ensure • Purchase in partnership with the the future healthy survival of more Federal Government at least 300GL of than 100,000 hectares of River Red new water for the Goulburn River and Gum parks and protected areas across 250GL of new water for the Murray i northern Victoria. River by 2012. • Amend the Stage 2 Food Bowl project What needs to be done to include a major environmental water purchase component. The Victorian Government demonstrated strong leadership by • Develop ecologically robust creating four new national parks to environmental watering plans for River protect River Red Gum wetland forests. Red Gum national parks within two But there remains unfinished business: years. without water, these new parks face a • Immediately remove all barriers to grim future. water trade to enable purchases of The 2008 State of the Environment environmental water.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 4 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 5 thirsty 13species Victoria’s new national parks Report urges water buy-back n July 1, 2010, the Victorian The and Gunbower national n 2008 Victoria’s first ever State of currently insufficient to keep rivers in a OGovernment showed strong parks are internationally recognised Ithe Environment report called on sustainable condition, including buying leadership by declaring four new Ramsar wetlands, and need regular the Brumby Government to “act with back water. national parks to protect River Red Gum water flows to support the thousands urgency” and buy back water for “In particular, floodplains need floods ii forests and wetlands across northern of nesting waterbirds that breed within stressed rivers and wetlands. to continue functioning as floodplain Victoria. them every year. The report made some deeply ecosystems,” then commissioner Ian The new parks span Victoria’s The new parks are also important disturbing findings about the health McPhail said. northern border along the breeding and spawning sites for rare of Victoria’s waterways, including a In response the Victorian Government between Wodonga and Mildura and and threatened native species, warning that a lack of flooding was gave “in principle” support to this encompass parts of the Heritage-listed including Silver Perch and Murray threatening the existence of tens of recommendation. However, we are Goulburn and Ovens rivers. Cod, making them some of the most thousands of hectares of River Red Gum yet to see any real action that will And while the decision remains an interesting, biodiverse and important forests and wetlands. secure environmental water flows and important one, there is still unfinished ecosystems in the world. It revealed that many species protect and promote healthy freshwater business. If these parks do not get However, unless governments deliver dependent on inland waters were now ecosystems, including our River Red significant amounts of timely and significant amounts of environmental considered threatened, including 21 Gum parks. reliable environmental water they water to these new parks they face a freshwater and estuarine fish species, In that same year the Victorian could perish. grim future, and the ecological values 11 frog species, and 29 waterbirds. Environmental Assessment Council for which they were protected will be The report also found that in more (VEAC) released its final River Red Red gum parks, a global gift put in jeopardy. than half of Victoria’s river basins Gum Forests Investigation report after in need of a big drink With the recent rains breaking a less than a fifth of major rivers and comprehensive scientific investigation Victoria’s new River Red Gum parks decade long drought, now is the time to tributaries had flow regimes in good and community consultation. protect an incredibly rich and diverse ensure our River Red Gum forests and condition. In this report, VEAC stated that the environment that relies on regular wetlands, and their many threatened In one of his key recommendations, most urgent and serious environmental flooding for its survival. species, are guaranteed secure and the Victorian Commissioner for problem in the investigation area was reliable environmental water long into Environmental Sustainability said the the need for sufficient environmental Many of the floodplain ecosystems the future. found within these parks, such as those State Government must “act with water to halt the imminent loss or at the Lower Goulburn River National urgency” to increase environmental degradation of large areas of flood- Park, contain nationally significant water reserves where they are dependent riverine forests and wetlands. wetlands and support a range of flood-dependent threatened plants The Barmah and Gunbower national parks are and animals. internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands, and need regular water flows to support the thousands of nesting waterbirds that breed within them every year.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 6 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst ‘ & Environment Victoria 7 thirsty 13species Time for Victoria to pitch in Rains only temporary reprieve any national water experts have It’s now up to the Victorian ictoria’s recent drought-busting Mcalled for environmental water to Government to pitch in at a state level Vrains have brought some relief to be made a priority for River Red Gum by supplying environmental water and the state’s River Red Gum wetlands, and floodplain ecosystems. building on the wonderful creation of flooding in a few of the new parks has The Productivity Commission strongly our new River Red Gum national parks. highlighted the benefits of increased supports the purchase of water for The Goulburn River, for example, is rainfall. environmental use. In 2009 it said the major Victorian tributary running However, one wet winter will not that buying water from willing sellers into the Murray River, yet it is also one solve our River Red Gums crisis, and is “generally the most effective and of the Murray Darling Basin’s most there is no guarantee that the recent efficient means of acquiring water”.iii degraded rivers. A recent audit by rains will provide the sort of prolonged It also warned that funding irrigation the Murray Darling Basin Commission flooding levels needed to keep alive infrastructure upgrades is generally not graded the Goulburn as one of the the spawning and breeding grounds of a cost-effective way for governments to basin’s most ecologically degraded threatened species. recover water for the environment. rivers. Victoria’s decade-long drought By delivering greater environmental means that the state’s new River Red Victoria lags behind on flows into the Goulburn and Murray Gum national parks, which have no environmental water recovery rivers, the Victorian Government will secure or legal water allocation of their demonstrate strong leadership by own, are literally dying of thirst. In its response to the Murray-Darling fulfilling part of its national obligation to Basin Plan, the Federal Government These parks desperately need a look after the internationally significant reliable and legally-protected water Victoria’s River Red Gums enjoy a break from revealed a commitment to guaranting recent drought conditions. Photo: Shepparton News wetlands and threatened species in its allocation that will ensure their that our rivers, wetlands and threatened part of the Murray-Darling Basin. species get more water to ensure their floodplain ecosystems remain healthy Waiting until the eleventh hour for health and ultimately, their survival. and strong long into the future. nature to step in and again avert the The Victorian Government can secure catastrophic loss of these biologically such water allocations now and in the rich ecosystems is not an option. The process make sure that in future, drier next State Government has the power to years, our new River Red Gum parks will avert this kind of crisis through secure not be left to the mercy of unpredictable environmental water flows. and sporadic rainfall events. To remain healthy River Red Gum Climate change science tells us that forests and wetlands need regular water, It’s now up to the Victorian Government to pitch in continuous patterns of decent rainfalls in most cases every two, three or five at a state level by supplying environmental water in this region will no longer be the years, at the most.iv If we are going to norm. Secure water allocations will help provide this, we need to give them high and building on the wonderful creation of our new protect River Red Gum ecosystems security water entitlements just like we River Red Gum national parks. against future variability. do our farmers and households.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association ‘8 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 9 thirsty 13species Red gums need a decent drink

he recent rains also demonstrate 371.3 Victorian water Tthat if the Victorian Government had (6%) entitlements 2007/08 acted on the 2008 State of the Total=6165GL Environment Report’s recommendations and secured water for our stressed rivers and wetlands we’d now be seeing far greater and prolonged watering of 25 critically important . (1%) 5794.59 Such a move would have led to (94%) healthier River Red Gum parks and wetlands, and would have created a much-needed boost for the region’s threatened plants and animals. Victorian water entitlements actually delivered 2007/08 Short-changing environmental 2346 Total=2371GL water flows (99%) The Brumby Government argues that Environmental entitlements it has recovered substantial amounts All other (consumptive) entitlements of environmental water for northern In dry times all water users have taken a hit, Victoria, but fails to recognise that the but the environment has been hit much harder. delivery of this water is either often unreliable or no longer available during low rainfall years and a drier climate. 1 per cent of all water delivered actually

Using the most comprehensive, made it into our rivers and wetlands. Large old red gum close to the Murray River. Photo: Paul Sinclair publicly available figures these graphs Just like humans, our rivers and show the huge discrepancy between parks need reliable and secure water the amount of water we allocate for entitlements. Only then will they flourish Take action now! consumptive uses such as agriculture, and survive. Email the Premier and Opposition leader, telling them you want industry and personal consumption, and Without a secure allocation of how much water we set aside for the environmental water from 2012 the more water for River Red Gum parks to ensure they flourish. natural environment. future of our River Red Gum floodplains In 2007/08 Victoria allocated just hangs in the balance. CLICK HERE or go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au 6 per cent of total water entitlements to Note: See References for an explanatory note about to email them now! the environment. In the same year only environmental water entitlement figures.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 10 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 11 A RIVER RED GUM Illustration by Rhyll & Jess McGeachin ECOSYSTEM White-Bellied Sea-Eagle

Box woodland

Red Gum woodland

Giant River Red Gum

Blue-Billed Ducks Egret

Inland Carpet Python

Giant Banjo Frog

Murray Cod Broad-Shelled Turtle A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 12 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 13 thirsty 13species 1. Blue-Billed Duck 2. Silver Perch Scientific name: Oxyura australis Scientific name: Bidyanus bidyanus

Like a duck to water A matter of scale The Blue-Billed Duck is found only The natural range of Silver Perch in Australia, and likes the temperate includes most of the Murray-Darling wetlands of the country’s southeast and Photo credit: Valorix Basin, except for the cool, upper reaches southwest corners. dragonflies, flies and water beetle of streams on the western side of the It spends most of its time on the water, larvae. It may also eat the seeds, buds, Great Dividing Range. and is seldom seen on land. Non- stems, leaves and fruits of a wide variety It can also be found in southern water, provided there are increases in breeding flocks, often several of plants. , western , both water and temperature levels. hundred strong, gather on large, northern Victoria and . Changes in natural flooding and water deep, open freshwater dams and Threats The Silver Perch lives in rivers and temperatures can seriously affect the lakes in autumn. The Blue-Billed Duck is threatened large streams, as well as lakes and ability of the Silver Perch to breed, with It spends daylight hours alone on small by , particularly as impoundments, favouring debris, spawning success at least partly initiated concealed bays, hiding in the shrubbery, a result of drainage works, clearing, occasional stands of common reed, and by rises in water levels. or with other Blue-Billed Ducks in large cropping or burning. areas where the water is very turbid. River regulation may alter both the exposed rafts far from shore. Surveys conducted in the Murray River quality and availability of floodplain Why it needs more water in June 1996 recorded the capture of for Silver Perch, including What does it eat? To promote the best feeding conditions Silver Perch mainly from open waters off favourite haunts such as backwaters and This compact little duck, also known as for the duck, clear and permanent sandy beaches. billabongs. Blue Bill, Stiff Tail, Spinetail, and the freshwater bodies must be maintained It is one of the few large native Little , feeds at the water’s by regular environmental water flows. Australian fish that appear near the Why it needs more water surface, but also loves to dive for food. To protect and restore the dense water’s surface. The Silver Perch stands the best chance It eats aquatic insects including vegetation it uses for nesting, seasonal of survival if flow regimes designed to chironomid fly larvae, caddis flies, inundation is needed. Threats mimic natural frequency and quantity of Silver Perch can spawn in flooded water are restored to the wetlands and backwaters where there are gently rising rivers in Victoria’s new River Red Gum streams, as well as in confined pools of parks.

Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Blue-Billed Duck and Silver Perch a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 14 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 15 thirsty 13species 3. Inland Carpet Python 4. White-Bellied Scientific name: Morelia spilota Sea-Eagle metcalfei Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucogaster

Snakes alive! Where eagles dare Hollow-bearing and logs, large The White-Bellied Sea-Eagle is the rocky outcrops, thick litter and shrub second largest of prey found in cover are all essential to the existence Australia, playing second fiddle to the of the Inland Carpet Python, which uses Wedge-Tailed Eagle. them to avoid predators, ambush prey, Nests are usually near water, in tall live and even maintain its body temperature. or dead trees, or on remote coastal Whenever these elements are removed Photo credit: Gunther Schmida. © MDBA cliffs. River Red Gums are commonly from the bush where this python lives its is continually exposed to disturbance used as nesting trees. survival is put at risk. by people fishing, camping and cutting White-Bellied Sea-Eagles are normally Inland Carpet Pythons were once firewood. seen perched high in a , or soaring Photo credit: Dean Ingwersen widespread in woodlands, along major In rocky hill habitats, where the shrub over waterways and adjacent land. watercourses, and rocky outcrops of layer is particularly important, grazing They form permanent pairs and patrol Sea-Eagles also feed on carrion (dead northern Victoria. and firewood collection can dramatically the same territory throughout the year. prey) such as sheep and fish along the reduce habitat quality. waterline. However, since European settlement The eagle’s wingspan can be up to two it has suffered from serious human- This species is endangered in Victoria. metres in length. induced threats leading to population Threats Young Sea-Eagles are brown and slowly declines. Why it needs more water grow to resemble their parents, A loss of nesting sites because of Frequent flooding of riverine areas is acquiring the complete adult plumage habitat destruction is the most Threats important for this python by helping to by their fourth year. significant threat to these birds. Within woodlands and along maintain the types of native vegetation The White-Bellied Sea-Eagle feeds watercourses, the Inland Carpet Python it uses as habitat. mainly off aquatic animals, such as fish, Why it needs more water turtles and sea snakes, but it takes birds Increased environmental flows will help and mammals as well. It is a skilled ensure there are sufficient tall trees for hunter, and will attack prey up to the White-Bellied Sea-Eagles to nest in long size of a swan. into the future.

Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Inland Carpet Python and White-Bellied Sea-Eagle a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 16 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 17 thirsty 13species 5. Broad-Shelled 6. Brolga Turtle Scientific name: Grus rubicunda Scientific name: Chelodina expansa

Give me shell-ter Shall we dance? The largest of the long-necked turtles, With their striking red heads and grey when this guy sticks his neck out its crowns, Brolgas cut a distinctive figure combined length can exceed 80cm. Photo credit: Gunther Schmida. © MDBA across tropical northern Australia as well The Broad-Shelled Turtle has an as central New South Wales and western extraordinary ability to extract oxygen which is snatched with tremendous Victoria. from fresh water by pumping it through speed by thrusting out the neck with At any time of the year they can be seen veined cavities in the throat and vent, putting on one of the most energetic the mouth open wide. Photo credit: Chris Tzaros allowing it to remain submerged for Prey as big as ducklings may be taken and spectacular dances of any bird long periods of time. by particularly large turtles. species. Broad-Shelled Turtles are rarely seen on The Brolga lives in large open wetlands, Threats land and love large, slow-moving or still Threats grassy plains, coastal mudflats and Changes to flood regimes during the bodies of water. irrigated croplands. Less frequently it breeding season can force these giant These turtles are often caught by fresh- can be found in mangrove-studded birds to abandon their nests. They also During the winter they hibernate by water fishermen in their lines and wild creeks and estuaries. suffer when wetlands used for breeding burrowing into muddy river floors. turtles are sometimes found with the are modified or disappear altogether. They are found across southeastern hooks still embedded in their mouth. They feed on both vegetable and Australia, from southern Queensland to matter, but prefer tubers and some The grazing of wetlands by stock also eastern South Australia, but are listed as Why it needs more water crops. Insects, molluscs, , reduces vegetation, leaving insufficient and even mice are on the Brolga’s menu. materials for nest construction. threatened in Victoria. Environmental watering is critical for this When hunting for food these turtles lie species because the timing and duration in ambush, partially hidden in the mud of floods contribute to the creation and A match made in heaven Why it needs more water on the river bottom. The head is all that maintenance of large bodies of water It is believed Brolgas mate for life, A robust environmental watering is visible, awaiting a passing fish or frog, Broad-shelled Turtles live in. and the bonds between partners are program is critical to the Brolga’s strengthened during elaborate courtship survival and will provide the prolonged displays that involve dancing, leaping, flooding events needed to create good wing-flapping and loud trumpeting. nesting and breeding conditions.

Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Broad-Shelled Turtle and Brolga a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 18 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 19 thirsty 13species 7. Murray Cod 8. Moira Grass Scientific name: Maccullochella peelii Scientific name:

Old man of the river Fundamental as anything Australia’s largest freshwater fish, This semi-aquatic grass, also known as this charismatic underwater giant is Mud Grass and Spiny Mud Grass, grows synonymous with the Murray-Darling Gunther Schmida credit: Photo well after flooding and provides food for river system. kangaroos, habitat for water birds, Primarily a carnivore, Murray Cod mainly since water flows in the Murray-Darling and insects. eat other fish and can grow up to a Basin were restricted through regulation. Its leaves stretch to about one metre metre in length, although there are To breed naturally the Murray Cod relies high and are divided into a fringe of records of specimens growing to nearly on increased flows that traditionally hair-like structures. When it grows along two metres. come in late winter, but now, this water the water’s edge it resembles turf, but of Moira Grass populations. can also grow in a floating mass. As a survival tool Murray Cod are very is held back in reservoirs, dams and A lack of flooding has allowed rush and long-lived, ensuring they will be around weirs for human use. Moira Grass is fundamental to the reed plant species to outcompete this for at least one major spawning event, Spring flooding has also dropped off, ecology of the Barmah and Millewa key indicator of wetland health, usually linked to very wet La Nina years. and floodplain conditions are now very forests, collectively the largest encroaching on areas where Moira Grass As well as eating any fish smaller than poor throughout the Murray-Darling contiguous stand of River Red Gum in once grew. themselves, Murray Cod also feed Basin, putting the survival of this iconic Australia and an ecologically significant on yabbies, shrimp and Murray River fish at great risk. wetland ecosystem. Why it needs more water Crayfish. They have also been known to Environmental watering in Victoria’s new take snakes, frogs and mice as well as Why it needs more water Threats River Red Gum parks will support the the introduced pest species carp. Floods are essential for the survival of Changes to river flooding patterns existing Moira Grass populations and the Murray Cod, especially in its early introduced by human management give the species a fighting chance of Threats stages of development when it needs have caused a decrease in the number survival. Listed as a nationally , the additional food sources more water Murray Cod numbers have plummeted can supply.

Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Murray Cod a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 20 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 21 thirsty 13species 9. Superb Parrot 10. Plumed Egret Scientific name: Polytelis swainsonii Scientific name: Ardea intermedia

On a wing and a prayer Sanctuary at Gunbower South-eastern Australia is the only place The critically endangered Intermediate in the world where you can find Egret has a very special relationship with a Superb Parrot in the wild. Threats Victoria’s River Red Gum wetlands – they are the only place in the state these In NSW and northern Victoria it occurs The exploitation and regulation of water ethereal birds will nest, and they only on the inland slopes of the Great Divide throughout the Superb Parrot’s range nest during flooding events. and adjacent plains, especially along directly affects the health of its breeding major river systems. and foraging habitats. Historical records show breeding sites have existed in the past both at In Victoria, it is confined to the north of This bird is nationally vulnerable. the state, with records mainly around Gunbower and Barmah national parks, where the egrets would have taken full their thousands, but sadly such numbers , although Why it needs more water occasional sightings have also been advantage of River Red Gum saplings have not been recorded since. made near Strathmerton, in the The Superb Parrot relies on biologically and mature trees standing out from the The lack of major flooding in suitable Killawarra State Forest, and along the rich, multi-aged forests and woodlands flooded forest below. wetlands for the required period can Goulburn River near Mooroopna. for its survival. However, these days only Gunbower lead to abandonment of breeding sites. Superb Parrots breed in either River Red Starving River Red Gum ecosystems Forest supports a breeding colony of The absence of any major breeding Gum forests and woodlands or of water reduces the growth and Intermediate Egrets in Victoria, and events in Victoria since the 1930s box woodlands. complexity of plant species this bird numbers are down. In 1974 there were implies that a major ecological change needs for food and nesting. an estimated 500 nests, but by 1982 In the Riverina region they breed in has occurred in the suitability of riverine that figure had plummeted to just 100. forests dominated by large mature A regular environmental watering habitats. River Red Gum trees, typically close to program is essential to ensure its Sections of the forest also support watercourses. survival. breeding colonies of the Rufous Night Why it needs more water Heron, the , and the Eastern A secure water allocation for Victoria’s Great Egret. new River Red Gum parks will promote flood events that attract the Plumed Threats Egret to nest and breed, with the water In the 1930s Intermediate Egrets bred providing nesting vegetation and food on wetlands along the Murray River in for adults and chicks. Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Superb Parrot and the Intermediate Egret get a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 22 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 23 thirsty 13species 11. Mueller Daisy 12. Giant Banjo Frog Scientific name: Brachyscome Scientific name: muelleroides interioris

Daisy, daisy, give me The life aquatic your answer do This powerfully built burrower and The Mueller Daisy is a small, annual jumper is the largest frog species in herb that only grows in south-eastern Victoria, where it is quite uncommon Australia, where it is restricted to to germinate and grow, so major and restricted largely to the Murray the floodplains of the Murray and changes to the way rivers flow and the River floodplains. Murrumbidgee rivers, and some of reduction in flooding events represents Spending a great deal of its life their tributaries. a major threat to its survival. concealed underground, the Giant Photo credit: Gunther Schmida. © MDBA The inconspicuous nature of this Weed invasion and grazing also Bullfrog, as it is also called, can be plant makes it hard to find, but we threaten the Mueller Daisy. coaxed out of its hidey hole after heavy Eastern Banjo Frog, but of a much lower do know it grows in Victoria’s Barmah rains to feed and spawn. pitch – “gunk”, “donk”, or a reverberating Both Victoria and New South Wales “bonk”. National Park, where it lives in flooded list this daisy as a threatened species, Adults frequent open and disturbed depressions with heavy, cracking topsoil. and it is listed as nationally vulnerable areas and woodlands, and are often The daisy grows to about 7cm tall and under the Commonwealth Environment found in quite dry forest, despite being Threats has several slender, grass-like leaves. Protection and Biodiversity Conservation associated with floodplains. The victim of habitat loss, the Giant Its stem carries a single white-petalled Act 1999. They produce their eggs in water, Bango Frog is listed as critically flower with a yellow centre, and it in swamps, ponds, and dams, and endangered in Victoria. flowers from September to November. Why it needs more water sometimes in flooded burrows along An ecologically robust watering plan stream banks. Tadpoles are aquatic and Why it needs more water Threats for Victoria’s new River Red Gum parks usually associated with slow moving or Environmental water will not only It is believed this nationally vulnerable should provide ideal conditions for this still water. promote and maintain the wetlands plant species relies on seasonal floods attractive plant to bloom into the future. Male Giant Banjo Frogs call while either and woodlands this frog calls home, floating in vegetation or in burrows but it will also encourage breeding and along the streambank, emitting a short, provide water for young tadpoles to deep hollow note similar to that of the grow in.

Help save the Thirsty 13! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Mueller Daisy and Giant Bullfrog a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 24 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 25 thirsty 13species 13. Squirrel Glider Scientific name: Petaurus norfolcensis

At home in the hollows The shy, nocturnal Squirrel Glider, so named because of its dense bushy tail, relies on the tree hollows of Victoria’s Photo credit: DSE, Peter Robertson, © The State of Victoria River Red Gum wetlands for refuge from predators, to maintain its body Threats temperature, and for shelter. The removal of trees for both sawn A gliding possum, it feeds on acacia timber and firewood in the Victorian and eucalypt sap, nectar, pollen, flowers, and New South Wales Riverina has led caterpillars, beetles and other insects, as to a considerable loss of suitable habitat well as the green seeds of the Golden for the Squirrel Glider. Wattle. Poor tree and shrub regeneration At night it forages for food at a variety because of stock grazing and of heights, sweeping down from tree macropods has also taken a toll crowns to visit the shrubby understory on Squirrel Glider habitat, as has below. inappropriate fire regimes. A sure-footed and agile climber, it can glide as far as 50 metres between trees. Why it needs more water River Red Gum forests containing A lack of environmental water has Squirrel Glider colonies occur from reduced the amount and health of to the Kiewa native bushland this mammal needs to Valley, and are all strongly associated feed on. Giving River Red Gum forests with major rivers or well-watered creeks. a drink will help secure its future. Take action now! Email the Premier and Opposition leader, telling them you want more water for River Red Gum parks to ensure they flourish. CLICK HERE or go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au Help save the Thirsty 13 to email them now! Go to www.thirsty13.vnpa.org.au and find out how you can help give the Squirrel Glider a drink.

A call for action by the Victorian National Parks Association 26 Our River Red Gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst & Environment Victoria 27 thirsty 13species

Endnotes i Environment Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association, 2010. A Victorian River Rescue Package: 2010 State Election Policy Priorities, accessible at www.environmentvictoria.org.au/ rescueourrivers ii State of the Environment Report, 2008. Part 4, Inland Waters, Recommendation Iw1.6. iii Productivity Commission, 2009. Draft report Market Mechanisms for Recovering Water in the MDB, Draft finding 6.4. iv Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, 2008. River Red Gum Forests Investigation, Final Report.

References Research Centre website: www.frogs.org.au Australian Reptile Park website: www.reptilepark.com.au Birds Australia website: www.birdsaustralia.com.au Department of Sustainability and Environment Flora and Fauna Action Statements for species listed in this document can be accessed at www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrenpa.nsf/LinkView/5C06524B60919FED4A2567C1001 223BFBB0E97E481BC427BCA256BB300271ACC Environment Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association, 2010. A Victorian River Rescue Package: 2010 State Election Policy Priorities, accessible at www.environmentvictoria.org.au/rescueourrivers Murray Darling Basin Commission (former MDB Authority) website: http://kids.mdbc.gov.au/encyclopedia/ wildlife/plants/moira_grass.html State of the Environment Report, 2008. Part 4, Inland Waters, Recommendation Iw1.6. Productivity Commission, 2009. Draft report Market Mechanisms for Recovering Water in the MDB, Draft finding 6.4. Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, 2008. River Red Gum Forests Investigation, Final Report. Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, 2008. River Red Gum Forests Investigation, Final Report. The VEAC Report, and the species table referenced for this report, are accessible at www.veac.vic.gov.au Explanatory note about environmental water entitlement figures: The Victorian State Government’s recent River Health Report Card identified that in the period 2002-2009, 402 GL of high and low reliability water was recovered and added to the Environmental Water Reserve (the report card can be viewed at http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au). However, State Water Accounts for the year 2008-09 are yet to be released so the most comprehensive publicly available figures are used in this report to demonstrate the current inequity between environmental and consumptive water entitlements. A legally-entitled, secure and reliable allocation of environmental water for the River Red Gum parks must be a high-reliability entitlement.

28 Our red gum parks and threatened species are dying of thirst