The Barmah–Millewa Reach, or the narrowest parts of it, are referred to as the ‘The Narrows’. It was previously referred to as Barmah Choke.
Last updated: 14 August 2024
In 2019, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority undertook a detailed survey of the River Murray through the Barmah–Millewa Reach to investigate the reduction in regulated flow capacity through the Reach. This revealed the presence of a large quantity of sand on the bed of the river, referred to as a ‘sand slug’, which was not expected. In response to this, the MDBA has undertaken a series of investigations to understand the extent and source of the sand, the rate it is moving at and options to manage it.
Last updated: 30 November 2023
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority undertook a three year study (2009–2012) on the Barmah Choke to investigate the potential water supply and environmental risks.
Published date: 8 January 2021
The Barmah-Millewa (B-M) Forest is a highly significant wetland on the Murray River, whose natural hydrology and consequently complex ecosystems have been significantly affected by the river’s now highly regulated flow regime.
Published date: 1 February 2009
Australia is one of the driest continents on earth. As such, many thousands of weirs and floodplain levee banks, dams and intra- and inter-basin water transfers schemes have been constructed.
Published date: 1 January 2009
Monitoring reports from the Barmah–Millewa Forest, one of The Living Murray icon sites.
Published date: 1 August 2024
In 2019, the MDBA undertook a detailed survey of the River Murray channel through the Barmah–Millewa Reach. This revealed the presence of a very large quantity of sand on the bed of the river, something that was not expected. Since then, several further studies have been undertaken to investigate the extent and source of the sand, the rate that it is moving at and options to manage it. Reports of these studies are provided below.
Published date: 30 October 2023
There is reduced flow of water through the Barmah–Millewa Reach caused from the build-up of sand on the riverbed.
Published date: 14 September 2022
Published: 17 June 2016
Trading water from above the Barmah Choke to below the choke will continue to be restricted into the 2016–17 water year.
The Barmah Choke is a naturally occurring narrow stretch of the River Murray. A default trade restriction is in place at the Choke to protect water delivery to existing entitlement holders and for environmental reasons.
Last updated: 16 December 2024