Patrick Tucker, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

An independent public hearing into two proposed floodplain restoration projects near Gunbower and Koondrook is underway.

At the same time, roadside signs displaying the letters “VMFRP” are prompting questions across the district.

Central Murray Environmental Floodplain Group member and Cohuna resident Malcolm Johnson said many people had noticed the signs but did not know what the letters stood for.

“I’d just like people to understand what that abbreviation actually stands for,” he said.

“We’ve got signs all the way from Gunbower to the Torrumbarry Weir turn-off, and it’d just be good to get it out there so people aren’t scratching their heads wondering what it means.”

VMFRP stands for the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project, which aims to restore more natural watering to floodplain ecosystems along the Murray River between Echuca and the South Australian border.

As part of that program, the proposed Gunbower National Park Floodplain Restoration Project and Guttrum and Benwell Forests Floodplain Restoration Project are now before a Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee (SIAC).

Public hearings began in Barham last week before moving to Melbourne.

Lower Murray Water, the project proponent, said the projects are intended to restore more natural watering to about 1750 hectares of high ecological value floodplain by mimicking the timing and extent of natural high flows.

According to Lower Murray Water, the projects aim to improve the long-term health of flood-dependent plants and animals affected by river regulation and changing environmental conditions.

The Environment Report states the proposed works include containment banks, regulators, a pump station on the Murray River at Brereton Road capable of pumping up to 125 megalitres per day, a pump station on the National Channel to divert irrigators from Cameron’s Creek, and upgrades to existing tracks and borrow pits to support construction.

The report also states construction would require the removal of up to 604 large and very large trees in Gunbower National Park and up to 727 large and very large trees in the Guttrum and Benwell forests.

The committee will consider the Environment Report, a proposed planning scheme amendment and public submissions before providing its report and advice to the Minister for Planning.

Twenty submissions were received during the public exhibition period, covering topics including Aboriginal cultural heritage, environmental and ecological impacts, irrigation, planning processes and support for the projects.

The hearing allows submitters who requested to appear to speak to their submissions as part of the committee’s assessment.

Mr Johnson said it was important local residents understood the process.

“It’s really just to make people aware of what’s going on, so this stuff doesn’t slip under the radar,” he said.

“We want people to know what VMFRP means and why there’s a hearing.”

The hearing is continuing at Planning Panels Victoria in Melbourne.

Information about attending in person or online is available on the Engage Victoria VMFRP SIAC webpage.

Following the hearing, the committee will prepare its report for the Minister for Planning, who will consider the findings before making an assessment of the projects.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 2 July 2026.