The World’s Largest River Red Gum Forest
The Murray River river red gum forests are among the most ecologically significant wetland systems in Australia. These forests depend on seasonal flooding to remain healthy and provide critical habitat for hundreds of species. More than 300 threatened and endangered plants and animals rely on the forests, particularly the old trees and hollows used for shelter and breeding. The forests are also deeply significant to First Nations communities throughout the region, including the Yorta Yorta people.
The Threat
By the mid-2000s, river red gum forests across the Murray-Darling Basin were under severe stress. Water extraction for irrigation, logging and overgrazing had left up to 75% of river red gums stressed, dying or already dead. Campaigners warned the long-term ecological health of the wetlands and surrounding river systems was at risk without urgent intervention.
The Campaign
In 2007, the Wilderness Society joined a growing campaign to protect the river red gum forests of the Murray River. The campaign brought together environmental organisations, Traditional Owners and local communities calling for an end to logging and stronger environmental protections. In July 2008, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council released a draft proposal recommending protection of 100,000 hectares of river red gum forests. The proposal included ending logging in the forests, removing cattle grazing from Crown land and delivering environmental water flows to sustain wetland ecosystems. The recommendations also supported formal involvement of Traditional Owners in future management of the forests. The Wilderness Society worked alongside the Yorta Yorta people and groups including the National Parks Association of NSW throughout the campaign.
National Parks Created
In 2009, the Victorian Government created the River Red Gum National Parks, protecting around 100,000 hectares of river red gum forests and wetlands. The decision marked one of the largest river red gum conservation outcomes in Australian history.
Legacy
The River Red Gum campaign highlighted the ecological and cultural importance of healthy river systems throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. It also strengthened recognition of Traditional Owner leadership and involvement in caring for Country. As Renae Dean said:
“I’m a Yorta Yorta woman, and very proud of it. Our country goes from the unique stretches of Goulburn right through to the Murray. You cannot separate the land and the water: it is our heart and it is our soul. For such a long time our elders fought for justice in our country. Now it is our responsibility as the younger generation to fight, in respect for them. We need to preserve the lands and waters that we all benefit from. Please, get behind the national park and let’s move forward for a future generation of our children and our people.”—Renae Dean, Yorta Yorta woman and Co-convenor of the Shepparton Reconciliation Group