A 2005 Forests NSW forest health study in Koondrook-Perricoota found that 71% of river red gums observed were in a highly stressed, near dead or dead condition.

In 2007, a second study found that the proportion of river red gum trees in an unhealthy state had risen to 87%. The proportion of dead trees within the unhealthy class had also risen.

Since these studies were conducted, drought conditions have continued within the region. There has been a visible deterioration in forest condition, which has been more pronounced in recent months. Larger, rather than smaller isolated areas, are water stressed and contain trees that are dead or displaying very poor health and epicormic growth.

The Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Flood Enhancement Works are expected to
commence in late 2010 and will take approximately 40 weeks to complete.

One of the primary aims of the project is to minimise any potential delays and deliver the project on time. Delays will have the potential not only to increase project costs but will also have detrimental effect on forest health under continued drought conditions.

Click on thumbnail to view a larger version of an aerial view of the proposed full extent of flooding (~52%) in the forest at the peak of inundation

The Traditional Owners with cultural connections to the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest are the Barapa Barapa and Yorta Yorta people. Archaeological evidence suggests these communities have lived in this area for over ten thousand years. Traditional stories suggest it is much longer.

These Traditional Owner groups together with the Moama and Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Councils represent and support community interests regarding cultural, social and economic matters for the current generations of aboriginal people of the area.

The forests contain many locations significant to Indigenous people. Burial sites, scarred trees, sacred sites, shell mounds and middens can be found through out the forest and are a direct connection to the many generations that have gone before. As well as the important physical sites, the Aboriginal people of the area have a spiritual connection to the forest. The health of the trees, wetlands and billabongs and the maintenance of the connection to the past is reflected in the health of the community. The forest health was important for the use of plants for food, tools and medicinal purposes and for providing opportunities for bird and fish breeding.

A Joint Indigenous Group (JIG) representing the participating Aboriginal communities has been formed. The JIG provides advice and recommendation to the Project Team on all matters of interest and importance to local Aboriginal communities in particular Cultural Heritage Management and employment opportunities. This group continues to provide significant, valuable input and is a vital contributor into the Koondrook-Perricoota Flood Enhancement Project development. 

Past non-Indigenous uses of the forest have mainly consisted of grazing and harvesting of timber products. Relics of these and other early settlement activities scattered through the forest include remains of irrigation schemes, barges and early timber operations, such as sawmills. However most of the historical value is in the events that took place and the effect they had rather than what remains.

Currently the Icon Site attracts a high level of recreational use, including four-wheel driving, motorcycling, horse riding, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, orienteering, canoeing, bait collection, authorised hunting and nature study.

Koondrook-Perricoota is part of the second largest River Red Gum forest in the world. It provides a refuge for many regionally and internationally significant species. This ecological significance has been recognised, nationally as a Living Murray Icon site and internationally as a Ramsar wetland.

• Koondrook-Perricoota Forest covers about 32,000 ha
• Part of the second-largest River Red Gum forest in the world
• Ramsar listed within Central Murray State Forests
• 4 globally threatened fauna red-listed by World Conservation Union
• 13 migratory bird species listed in international agreements
• 27 fauna species and 9 flora species listed as threatened in NSW.

Click on the pictures below to see how a wetland works.

Wetlands are waterbird habitat areas

Wetlands have a drying phase

Different species require varying inundation periods