News
The first implementation measure of the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project has begun in Austria, with work underway at the Mühlbach inlet near Mureck. This measure aims to optimise the mill channel inlet in order to improve the water supply to the Mühlbach.
The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on 24 October 2025, with construction starting just three days later. The Office of the Styrian Government (STMK) is implementing the measure, which is scheduled for completion in February 2026.
The 29 km-long Mureck–Radkersburg Mühlbach plays an important ecological role in the riparian forest and supports groundwater recharge. However, due to the ongoing deepening of the border river, the Mura, water levels have declined over time, making it increasingly difficult to ensure a sufficient water supply to the Mühlbach, particularly during periods of low water. To address this issue, the existing groyne in the River Mura will be extended by 48 metres upstream of the inlet area to raise the water level and allow more water to be diverted into the Mühlbach.
Robust armour stones will be used to ensure stability so that the banks and bed remain secure even during floods. Sheet pile walls will be rammed into the ground arranged like a fan on the inner bend to keep out fine sediments so that the inlet area does not silt up. In addition, a targeted flushing channel will be opened in the area of the embankment to discharge sediment.
The groundbreaking ceremony formed part of the public event ‘Die Mur im Fluss – Wasser verstehen, Natur bewahren’, organised by Regionalmanagement Südoststeiermark.Steirisches Vulkanland (RMSO). More than 30 participants also visited a completed river widening project in Gosdorf, attended a lecture by Prof. Helmut Habersack (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna – BOKU) and received an overview of upcoming restoration measures within the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project. Biosphere Reserve Ambassadors were among the participants, gathering information to share within their communities.
