Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration referral: Gunbower National Park, Guttrum and Benwell Forests

Overview

The Gunbower National Park and Guttrum and Benwell Forests restoration projects were referred to the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee on 13 March 2026.

The ER East projects (Gunbower National Park and Guttrum and Benwell Forests) aim to restore more natural watering to approximately 1,750 hectares of high ecological-value Murray River floodplain.

The proposed construction works would install infrastructure required to facilitate managed watering events. Once operational, these events would mimic the timing and extent of natural high flow events in a controlled manner, supporting the long-term health of flood dependent plants and animals.

The works for these projects include:

• Construction of containment banks
• large and small regulators
• underground electric pump stations with power supply (buried where applicable)
• Upgrades to existing tracks
• borrow pits to supply fill material

Lower Murray Water is the project proponent for both projects.

The committee is asked to advise the Minister for Planning on the environmental effects of the two projects.

Inquiry and advisory committee members

• Gabby McMillan (Chair)
• Mandy Elliott (Deputy Chair)
• Peter Bettess (Member)

Public hearing

The Committee will hold a Directions Hearing at 10.00am on Friday 22 May 2026.

The Committee will hold a public hearing starting on Wednesday 24 June 2026 and will run for 10 days over three weeks, concluding on Thursday 9 July 2026.

The hearing is open for anyone to watch. For information about attending the hearing in person or online, please visit Engage Victoria.

Documents

You may view and download the exhibited Environment Report (ER), documents and other related documents on the Proponent’s webpage.

Terms of reference

Letter of referral

Submissions

Submissions to the Committee on the Environment Report are available to view on Engage Victoria.

Read submissions

Legal Assistance Pilot Program

The Legal Assistance Service is a new 12-month pilot program for PPV hearings, offering no-cost or low-cost legal assistance to eligible submitters. The options for legal assistance can range from preliminary advice, review of documents and assistance with preparing submissions, and representation at a hearing. The scope of assistance and fee arrangements will be discussed directly with the barristers who will be engaged by direct brief.  Foley’s List is facilitating the pilot program.

The Legal Assistance Service aims to assist eligible participants in PPV processes. Foley’s List will discuss next steps directly with those who submit an enquiry form. Further information can be found on our Legal Assistance Service webpage.

More information

To find out more about the ER East assessment package and the proposed Gunbower National Park Floodplain Restoration Project and Guttrum and Benwell Forests Floodplain Restoration Project contact:

Lower Murray Water
Phone: 1800 808 830
Email: info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au
Website: www.vmfrp.com.au

For more information about the Minister's Assessment and Environment Report process contact:

Impact Assessment Unit
Department of Transport and Planning
Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

Accessibility and assistance

Deaf, hearing or speech impaired? Please contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au

Page last updated: 03/06/26