The frogs are singing and the harvesters ring in the Guttrum Forest.

Reed Bed Swamp has been receiving a blessing of water across the forest floor.

I’ve spent a few days out meditating among the birdlife, frogs and insects, all rejoicing.

The sounds of water kissing the land is magical, on both private and public land.

It is a mix of pumped water (flows authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2020-21) and natural flows (overbank transfers through flood runners).

Rachel Murphy, Program Delivery Executive Manager for North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) said, “We are excited by the support we have received over the past few years to improve the health of Reed Bed Swamp that was declining largely due to a lack of water.”

The last major flood in Guttrum was 2016.

Redgum saplings, salinity, midstorey and understorey condition are themes of contention between locals and government agencies like the NCCMA.

“The longer the saplings are inundated, the better. At least three months is preferred. We expect the watering in spring 2021 to keep them inundated for about 4-5 months,” said Ms Murphy.

“The pumps and pipelines are being switched around to test where and how water flows into the swamp.

“Experts have assessed the salinity risks of water for the environment in Reed Bed Swamp and surrounding forest as part of the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) and the risk is low.

“The North Central CMA has a deep understanding of regional salinity management and a long track record of working with local farmers to address the risk of salinity. Hence, salinity is always a key risk investigated by our hydrogeologists and subject matter experts.”

With salinity being a communal problem, all eyes will be on the monitoring bores and the sand pit in the Guttrum, which has saline water sitting in the bottom.

There are 13 bores between Guttrum and Benwell Forests.

Ms Murphy stated, “All the bores and their readings are publicly available at https://data.water.vic.gov.au/” 

The Bridge and three locals, all with keen salinity management history, have been unable to find many of the 13 bores on the database, let alone access the data.

Two bores are listed on the Visualise Victoria’s Groundwater website, www.vvg.org.au/ but again, no data.

The timber harvesting operation is controlled by VicForests, a spokesperson said.

“When harvesting in Guttrum and Gunbower State Forests, we use a thinning system to help reduce competition which promotes forest health.

“This generates highly sought-after timber which goes to local businesses, helping to meet timber demand and supporting local industry.”

I wonder what will happen if the Victorian Andrews Government continues with plans to end native forestry. Who will promote forest health and manage density?

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 26 August 2021.