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Catchment conditions
During the 2021–22 year weather patterns in the Border Rivers region were driven by various climate conditions including a strong La Niña event. This resulted in high rainfall and moderate temperatures, with significant flows throughout the system including inflows passed from full storages.
Higher than average flows and significant floodplain inundation occurred through the catchment. These circumstances negated the need to deliver water for the environment throughout the water year.
About the catchment
The Border Rivers catchment hugs the NSW–Queensland border in north-east NSW and covers an area of 24,000 square kilometres. Located in a temperate and sub-tropical climatic zone, rainfall is typically summer dominant with an annual average rainfall of 620 millimetres at Goondiwindi.
The major tributaries of the catchment are the Macintyre, Severn, Dumaresq and Weir rivers and Macintyre Brook, becoming the Barwon River near Mungindi. The Border Rivers catchment has 2 major water storages – the Pindari Dam on the Severn River in NSW, and Glenlyon Dam on Pike Creek in Queensland.
The Morella Watercourse, including Boobera and Pungbougal lagoons, are located on the Macintyre River floodplain and are important cultural sites for Aboriginal people. These wetlands are also listed as a site of national importance in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.
Traditional owners
The Border Rivers catchment is Country to the Bigambul, Euahlayi, Githabul, Kambuwal, Gomeroi/Kamilaroi, Kwiambul, and Ngarabal First Nations.