Inland Waters

In-stream and Wetland Habitat

River channels and wetland habitat were extensively modified as agriculture, gold mining, urban development and flood mitigation and water supply schemes expanded across Victoria. Many large-scale changes such as erosion and draining of wetlands are irreversible, and historical channel modifications and current patterns of water use still place pressure on in-stream habitat. In 2004, just 6% of the major rivers and tributaries in Victoria had in-stream habitat in good condition. 37% of naturally occurring wetland area had been lost by 1994, mainly due to drainage. An inventory showing the extent of wetlands has not been updated since then. In many cases, restoration works involve putting back what was taken away many years ago. The ongoing investment and effort required show the benefits of avoiding damage in the first place.

This section presents the current condition of in-stream habitat for major rivers and tributaries based on barriers to fish passage, the presence of large woody habitat and bank stability assessed in the 2004 Index of Stream Condition assessment. The current condition of wetland habitat is presented in terms of the current extent of wetlands. Ongoing threats to in-stream and wetland habitat are identified, and implications of the current condition are discussed. This section also provides an overview of management responses and presents recommendations relating to in-stream and wetland habitat in Victoria.

Part 4.3.2 - In-Stream and Wetland Habitat (PDF - 7.7 MB)