With the 2022 unregulated flows supporting significant breeding events in Gunbower Forest across the northern wetlands in Victoria, large numbers of juvenile waterbirds are being recorded.
For the first 2-3 years of their life, young waterbirds need large amounts of food and are especially vulnerable to starvation, habitat loss, predation, and the impacts of climate change before they get to breeding age.
Victorian Environmental Water Holder and North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) are planning an environmental flow in Gunbower Forest this winter and spring, to provide nourishment for hungry young waterbirds.
