Murray River research finds centuries-old ‘sand slug’ in Barmah Choke

The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) says a “sand slug” accumulating in the Murray River is the result of historic mining practices rather than poor water management.

A report commissioned by the MDBA estimates more than three million tonnes of sand has settled in the Barmah Choke, the river’s narrowest stretch, which is located in southern NSW, reducing its capacity by 20 per cent over the past 40 years.

Nearby landholders have long claimed the choke’s…