Gol Gol Lake in far western New South Wales has become a bustling hub for waterbirds, thanks to a first-time delivery of licensed environmental water.
Control infrastructure was installed at Lake Gol Gol in 2024 to facilitate the delivery of licensed water for the environment. The newly installed flume gate acts as a regulator and a water metering system.
Starting in March 2025, 1,224.5 megalitres (ML) of environmental water was directed to the wetland to improve waterbird nesting habitats and support the regeneration of floodplain trees.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) managed the event in collaboration with the Gol Gol Community Reference Group (GGCRG) and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
Ian 'Curly' Roberts, the GGCRG chair, is thrilled with the early results.
'The environmental flow covered approximately 65% to 75% of the lakebed. The benefits are already visible, with a remarkable increase in waterbird abundance and diversity,' Mr Roberts said.
NSW DCCEEW, with support from BirdLife Mildura, has conducted the first bird surveys post environmental water delivery.
Among the species recorded at the lake in significant numbers are Australian white ibis, grey teal and Pacific black ducks. Spoonbills, egrets, pelicans and Australian crakes were also observed. Frog surveys undertaken by the Murray-Darling Wetlands Working Group on 19 June 2025 recorded Sudell's frog, pobblebonk, barking marsh frog and spotted marsh frog. Further surveys are planned for spring.
Lignum condition monitoring will continue. Lignum stands responded positively from previous inundations of the lake. The recent environmental releases will help further improve the lignum's condition and will be monitored. Lignum provides important habitat that can support a range of native species as well as provide breeding habitat for ibis.
'The reference group thanks all those involved in the installation of the flume gate and the environmental water delivery,' Mr Roberts said.
'The capacity to deliver environmental water in regulated flow times is proving a game changer for the ecological condition of the lake.
'To see such a positive response to the environmental flow so quickly is amazing and we look forward to building on these gains in the future.'
