More than 2,700 gigalitres of water was delivered for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin in 2017/18.
Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the latest Basin Plan Annual Report showed the Basin Plan was working.
"Environmental releases have helped improve wetland vegetation and provide better habitat for bugs, fish, waterbirds and more," Minister Littleproud said.
"Water releases were strategically used to best boost the environment in rivers and floodplains right across the Basin.
"This water supports fish, animals and plants that depend on healthy rivers to feed, nest and grow.
"It also provides social, recreational and economic benefits to Basin communities.
"The Plan helps us give native fish and other fauna the best chance to recover from periods of drought.
"The report also shows a number of significant achievements including improvements in compliance and enforcement across the system and a strengthening of engagement with indigenous people in water management and planning.
"The Plan is complex and ambitious. While it shows good progress, more work is needed to restore the Basin's rivers to health."
Fast Facts:
- 25 GL delivered in the Northern Basin improved water quality and refreshed waterholes to help native fish.
- Native fish supported through environmental water releases including the Severn, Dumaresq, Lower Darling, Gwydir and Lachlan rivers.
- In SA, 656 GL of the 1200 GL of water delivered to wetlands was used a second time.
- In NSW/VIC, 333 GL delivered in the Barmah-Millewa Forest to promote native vegetation and bird breeding.
