$2.4 million to Nap Nap

Sep 7

The Australian Government has announced $2.4 million in funding for the Nap Nap Station Water Efficiency Project west of Hay.

The project will recover around 150 megalitres annually towards the 450 gigalitre target which the Labor Government says is needed to protect the environment and deliver the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in full.

This saving is achieved by upgrading pipes, pumps and tanks to reduce water losses including evaporation and seepage.

Nap Nap Station is situated 15 kilometres west of Maude, and lies along both sides of the Murrumbidgee River. The 30,000-hectare property is owned by Martin and Toni Armstrong of Melbourne, and managed locally by Hamish Cullenward.

Nap Nap Station produces wool, beef and lamb, as well as some irrigated crops.

Water efficiency and wetlands restoration is part of the whole of farm management ethos put in place by the Armstrong family and managed in practice by Mr Cullenward.

“Being situated on the Lowbidgee Floodplain, the nature of the country and associated wetlands means water is critical to both our viability and also environmental sustainability,” Mr Cullenward said.

“Well over half the property benefits from natural over-the-bank flooding in wet years and whilst we have enjoyed multiple floods since mid-last year, in more normal drier times, average rainfall alone does not cut it.

“The reality is consumptive demand and river regulation has steadily increased over time which I do not begrudge and understandably is progress. However, at the same time there has been an impact to historical flow regimes especially in the lower reaches of the river.

“Targeted environmental flows have underpinned and enhanced river and wetland health right down the whole Floodplain in more recent years which is a real positive.

“By Nap Nap undertaking this efficiency project, hopefully it is a win win situation – we will be using less stock water with greater reliability and the Basin takes another step towards its recovery targets and improving river health.”

In recent years, in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, The Australian National University and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder thousands of minutes of audio have been recorded across Nap Naps 2000 hectares of wetlands, as part of a project named The Sound of Water.

“Water recovery targets under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan are important, not just for the millions who live and work in the Basin, but for all Australians,” said the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water.

“In the past 6 weeks, I’ve been listening to stakeholders in every Basin jurisdiction while visiting many of the significant sites across the Basin.

“When it comes to water recovery, nothing is off the table. I’m open to hearing all ideas on how to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full.

“Today’s announcement of an off-farm efficiency measures is an important part of preparing the Murray-Darling Basin for the future. I’m so glad we could partner with Nap Nap Station to deliver this.

“The Nap Nap Station off-farm efficiency project is encouraging as it aligns with our view for healthy rivers, healthy farms and healthy communities,” said NSW Minister for Water, the Hon Kevin Anderson MP.

“It’s great to see a landholder motivated to improve water quality for stock and domestic uses, improve co-benefit outcomes for the local community all the while contributing towards water recovery efforts that benefit the environment.

“New South Wales looks forward to continue delivering innovative projects that deliver benefits for the community while contributing towards water recovery targets.”

In addition to more water for the environment the project will provide access points for the Rural Fire Service, provide economic benefits to the local economy through local purchasing and employment opportunities from the investment in the project.

It will increase the drought resilience and preparedness of Nap Nap Station and improve the conditions for animals on the property improving both their wellbeing and health outcomes.