The table assumes all environmental entitlements are available for use in the Goulburn River. The table also shows how m
GOULBURN RIVER SEASONAL WATERING PROPOSAL 2017-2018
i
Publication details Published by: Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 1752, Shepparton 3632
© Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, 2017. Please cite this document as: GBCMA (2017). Goulburn River Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton.
Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you, but the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on information in this publication. It should be noted that specific reference to funding levels in this strategy are for indicative purposes only. The level of Government investment in this plan is contingent on budgets and government priorities. For further information, please contact: Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority P.O. Box 1752, Shepparton 3632 Phone: (03) 5822 7700 Website: www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This proposal is for the use of available water in the Goulburn River to maximise environmental flow outcomes in 2017/18. The Goulburn River, its floodplain and wetland habitats support intact river red gum forests, and numerous threatened species such as Murray cod, Trout cod, Macquarie perch and Eastern great egret. The region also contains many important cultural heritage sites, provides water for agriculture and urban centres, and supports a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating and camping. Conditions leading into 2017/18 have been characterised by a thirteen year drought between 1997 and 2010, floods and very wet conditions in 2010/11, and a subsequent series of four dry years, until 2016/17. Winter and spring rain in 2016/17 provided good unregulated flow in the Goulburn catchment with numerous freshes and overbank flows during winter and spring. Consequently Eildon dam received substantial inflows and is currently 67% full. Both proposed spring freshes in 2016 were cancelled and have resulted in some carry over of environmental water into 2017/18. Goulburn-Murray Water predict good early water allocations in 2017/18 and therefore water availability is not a limiting factor in achieving priorities for the coming year. The floods in 2010/11 left river banks bare of vegetation. With targeted environmental releases in 2015/16 (and preceding years), recovery of bank vegetation has occurred, especially emergent and aquatic plants low on the bank. Vegetation recovery is still spatially patchy, but during 2016/17 has improved higher up the bank as a result of the high unregulated winter/spring flow. The focus for 2017/18 is to continue vegetation recovery to ensure all vegetation communities are resilient to climate extremes. Vegetation objectives are provided by implementing a fresh in spring to maintain and improve existing plants, and promote flowering and seed production, with a focus on increasing the extent of emergent and lower bank vegetation communities. An autumn fresh may also be delivered to encourage germination. 2017/18 will also focus on delivering fish objectives in the lower Goulburn River by implementing baseflows and freshes. Objectives for fish passage are achieved by providing a baseflow of 500/540 ML/day at Murchison/McCoys Bridge throughout the year. Other fish objectives include a spring fresh in spring/summer to stimulate Golden perch breeding (this may be preceded by one or two additional pulses to provide favourable conditions for spawning). An additional fresh may be provided in summer/autumn to encourage migration of native fish into the Goulburn River. These freshes and baseflows would also achieve macroinvertebrate objectives such as resuspension of fine sediment from macroinvertebrate habitats. A winter fresh (June 2018) is desirable to encourage bank vegetation, and to improve macroinvertebrate habitat. It can often be provided by catchment runoff, but in a dry winter it would be desirable to deliver this fresh with environmental water where available and is given a high priority in 2017/18. Avoidance of environmental damage (bank slumping and biota stranding) from rapid falls in water levels is provided by managing rates of fall and potentially using environmental water to slow rates of fall of unregulated flows. The feasibility of delivering overbank flows, including how best to deliver or supplement natural flows whilst avoiding damage to public and private assets requires further investigation. Therefore, bankfull and overbank flows will not be delivered in the immediate future. This proposal considers environmental water management under a range of possible climate scenarios from extremely dry to average. The priority watering actions that could be met under the climate scenarios are outlined in the table below. Under extreme dry conditions,
iii
the available water is targeted to meet baseflows throughout the year, two spring freshes and carry over water to meet requirements for 2018/19 baseflows. Inter-Valley Transfers offer the opportunity to meet some of the summer/autumn baseflow needs. Under the average to wetter scenarios, winter/spring flow needs are partially provided by catchment runoff, resulting in use of environmental water progressively transitioning to lower priority flow components. In the wetter scenarios, Inter-Valley Transfers may not reliably provide all required summer flows and some environmental water will be needed to fill gaps left in the flow regime. Summary of environmental priority watering events provided under each climate scenario Priority
Environmental Objective
Climate Scenario Extreme Dry
Very dry
Dry
Below Average
Average
1
Provide a baseflow of 500-540 ML/day from July to June for fish and macroinvertebrate habitat
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2
Provide baseflow of 400 ML/day at Eildon from July to September and April to June for macroinvertebrates and small bodied fish habitat and maintain existing aquatic vegetation.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3
Provide a spring fresh (>5,600 ML for 14 days) between September and October for lower bank vegetation establishment and maintenance
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Provide a fresh (up to 10,000 ML/d for 2 days) in November/December to stimulate Golden perch spawning
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5
Bank water (carryover) for baseflow of 500-540 ML/d in July to September (17/18) for fish and macroinvertebrate habitat
Yes
Yes
Not needed
Not needed
Not needed
6-8
Provide a higher baseflow of 830-940 ML/d from July to June for increased macroinvertebrate habitat
Partially
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
9
A fresh in winter/ 2017 up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML to provide for vegetation and macroinvertebrate habitat
Yes
Yes
Yes
10
Provide an autumn fresh (>5,600 ML for 2 days or 4,600 ML/day for 10 days) between February and April for lower bank vegetation establishment and maintenance and juvenile fish migration
11
Provide slower recession to unregulated flows, or add to pulses following natural cues/unregulated flows
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iv
The volumes of environmental water assumed to be used in 2017/18 under each scenario are summarised in the following table. The table assumes all environmental entitlements are available for use in the Goulburn River. The table also shows how much additional water could be used in each scenario if available. Reaches 4 and 5
Planned environmental water use (GL) Additional water that could be used if available (GL)
Scenario 1 Extreme dry 99% POE
Scenario 2 Very Dry 95% POE
Scenario 3 Dry 90% POE
Scenario 4 Below average 70% POE
Scenario 5 Average 50% POE
314
449
486
504
514
295
172
103
73
-
In 2016/17 the Goulburn Broken CMA delivered a fresh in the Goulburn River that was coordinated with a pulse in the Murray and Campaspe Rivers to encourage native fish migration. This was the first time that a coordinated flow across multiple river systems has successfully been delivered. Where possible and appropriate, the CMA would like to continue to deliver environmental water in such a coordinated way to achieve landscape scale responses. Fish in particular are well known to migrate large distances in response to flow and consequently environmental water delivery should be coordinated on the spatial scale required to achieve fish objectives in the Goulburn, and the entire southern connected basin. Consultation with key stakeholders was undertaken as part of the development of this proposal. Stakeholders included formal community advisory groups comprising landholder representatives, recreational users, local environment groups, traditional owners, and agency partners. Communication of this plan during its implementation has three key audiences. Namely, agencies involved in delivering the proposed flows, people or agencies potentially affected or interested in environmental water and the broader community. Although the proposal specifies water volumes required to achieve environmental objectives under a range of climatic scenarios, the climate may not follow one scenario throughout the year. Therefore, as the season unfolds the design of specific flow regimes to optimise outcomes will be necessary, requiring flexible and adaptive water deployment, and reviewing estimated water volumes required for events. In summary, the Goulburn Broken CMA is seeking access to, or be involved in the timing of releases of all water available under environmental entitlements in the Goulburn system (Commonwealth, The Living Murray, Victorian and Inter-Valley Transfers). This proposal does not take into account competing needs for environmental water use from other river/creek systems or along the Murray River. As all of the flows proposed are well within the river channel, there is very low risk of adverse outcomes from releasing environmental water. Water delivery through the lower Goulburn River to meet downstream consumptive and environmental targets is possible, but raises risks which need to be managed.
v
CONTENTS Executive summary .................................................................................................................................... iii Glossary and acronyms .......................................................................................................................... viii Introduction and system overvieW ......................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1 System Overview .................................................................................................................................... 1 Priority reaches and measuring points ............................................................................................... 1 Water sources.......................................................................................................................................... 1 Engagement ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Engagement ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Shared Benefit Considerations............................................................................................................. 5 Environmental Objectives and Flow Recommendations ................................................................... 6 Seasonal Review ...................................................................................................................................... 14 2016/2017 Review AND FLOW HISTORY ............................................................................................ 14 Shared benefits Review ....................................................................................................................... 19 Current Ecological Conditions ........................................................................................................... 20 Flow Components Delivered .............................................................................................................. 24 Key Observations and Learnings ....................................................................................................... 24 Scenario Planning .................................................................................................................................... 25 Scenario Planning Overview .............................................................................................................. 25 Climatic Outlook for 2017/2018...................................................................................................... 25 Priority Watering Actions 2017/2018 .............................................................................................. 25 Coordinated opportunites .............................................................................................................. 29 Scenario Planning ............................................................................................................................. 30 Environmental Outcomes ............................................................................................................... 33 Shared Benefits Outcomes ............................................................................................................. 36 Delivery Constraints ................................................................................................................................. 37 Notice and time required ................................................................................................................... 37 Costs ........................................................................................................................................................ 37 Increasing Knowledge ............................................................................................................................ 38 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................. 38 Knowledge Gaps and Limitations ..................................................................................................... 40 Risk Management .................................................................................................................................... 41 Environmental Water Delivery ............................................................................................................ 41 Other water delivery ............................................................................................................................ 44 Approval and Endorsement................................................................................................................... 45
vi
References................................................................................................................................................. 46
Table 1: Bulk entitlements and environmental water available for use in the Goulburn River ... 2 Table 2: Engagement process for the development of the SWP and environmental water management in the Goulburn River ...................................................................................................... 4 Table 3: Shared benefits of environmental water delivery in the Goulburn River ......................... 5 Table 4: Environmental objectives and flow recommendations for the Goulburn River ............. 8 Table 5: Goulburn system outlook for 2017/2018 seasonal determination of High Reliability Water Shares ............................................................................................................................................. 25 Table 6: Goulburn River priorities for 2017/18 ...................................................................................... 30 Table 7: Assumed water availability used for scenario planning .................................................. 31 Table 8: Scenario planning for the Goulburn River 2017/18 ............................................................ 33 Table 9: Shared benefits of the proposed use of environmental water in 2017/18 .................... 36 Table 10: Monitoring sites on the Goulburn River used in environmental flow management .. 38 Table 11: Risk assessment of the proposed Goulburn River water delivery .................................. 42
Figure 1: Goulburn River catchment ...................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2: Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; January 1997 to January 2017 ................................ 14 Figure 3: Mean daily flow - Goulburn River at Seymour; January 1997 to January 2017 ........... 15 Figure 4: Mean daily flow - Goulburn River at Seymour; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 3) ................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 5: Mean daily flow – Goulburn River at Murchison; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 4) ................................................................................................................. 17 Figure 6: Mean daily flow – Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 5) ................................................................................................................. 17 Figure 7: Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; unregulated and released water .......................... 18 Figure 8: River Connect canoeing on the Goulburn River in February 2017 ................................ 19 Figure 9: Medland Road Bunbartha – November 2014 .................................................................... 21 Figure 10: Medland Road Bunbartha – February 2016 ..................................................................... 22 Figure 11: Medland Road Bunbartha – February 2017 ..................................................................... 22 Figure 12: Installation of a soil moisture probe at McCoys Bridge .................................................. 39
vii
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Bankfull - carrying capacity of the stream before spilling out onto adjacent land
frequency and duration (for example, cease to flow and overbank flows)
Baseflow – low flows sufficient to maintain fish passage, water quality, and pool and riffle habitats
Flow regime - pattern of seasonal flow variations in any one year, usually consisting of periods of low flow during summer-autumn then high flows during winter-spring
Channel - that part of a river where water flows at some time and includes the bed and banks, taken to mean the whole of the depression in which the water flows before it rises sufficiently to spill over onto adjacent lands as flood water Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) – (part of the Department of Environment) holds and manages the water entitlements purchased through the Restoring the Balance water recovery program CMA – Catchment Management Authority – statutory authorities established to manage regional and catchment planning, waterways, floodplains, salinity and water quality. Environmental flow regime – the timing, frequency, duration and magnitude of flows for the environment Environmental flow study – a scientific study of the flow requirements of a particular basin’s river and wetland systems used to inform decisions on the management and allocation of water resources Environmental water entitlement – an entitlement to water to achieve environmental objectives in waterways (could be an environmental entitlement, environmental bulk entitlement, water share, Section 51 licence or supply agreement) Flow component – components of a river system’s flow regime that can be described by timing, seasonality,
Freshes - flows that produce a substantial rise in river height for a short period, but do not overtop the river bank. GBCMA - Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Geomorphology - the physical interaction of flowing water and the natural channels of rivers including erosion and sedimentation Gigalitre (GL) – one billion (1,000,000,000) litres or 1,000 megalitres GMW - Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation, trading as Goulburn-Murray Water High flows - high flow within channel capacity. High flows allow full connection between all habitats in the river, which is important to fish passage during migration High reliability entitlement – legally recognised, secure entitlement to a defined share of water, as governed by the reserve policy (full allocations are expected in most years) Instream - refers to that area of a waterway below the surface of the water Inter-Valley Transfers (IVT) – bulk water transfers from the Goulburn supply system to supply water users in the Murray system Low reliability entitlement – a legally recognised, secure entitlement to a defined share of water, as governed by the reserve policy (full allocations are expected only in some years)
viii
Macroinvertebrates – aquatic invertebrates whose body length usually exceeds 1 mm (included insects, crustacean, aquatic worms and aquatic snails) Macrophytes – an aquatic plant that grows in or near water and is either emergent, submergent, or floating Megalitre (ML) – one million (1,000,000) litres Overbank flow – flows that overtop the banks and spill onto the floodplain Passing flow – water released out of storages to operate river and distribution systems (to deliver water to end users), provide for riparian rights and maintain environmental values and other community benefits Planktonic algae – floating microscopic plants that are an important food source for aquatic fauna Pool - a significantly deeper area in the bed of a river Reach - a length of stream that is reasonably uniform with respect to geomorphology, flow and ecology Riffle – a section of the stream with fast and turbulent flow over a pebble bed with protruding rocks (characterised by a broken water surface) Riparian vegetation - vegetation growing on the river bank or along the very top of the bank and is effected by river flow. It is the vegetation which has the most direct effect on instream biota.
Murray-Darling Basin, for use at six icon sites along the River Murray Unregulated entitlement – an entitlement to water declared during periods of unregulated flow in a river system, that is, flows that are unable to be captured in storages Victorian Environmental Flow Monitoring and Assessment Program (VEFMAP) – assesses the effectiveness of environmental flows in delivering ecological outcomes Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) – an independent statutory body responsible for holding and managing Victorian environmental water entitlements and allocations (Victorian Water Holdings) Water entitlement – the right to a volume of water that can (usually) be stored in reservoirs and taken and used under specific conditions Water Holdings – environmental water entitlements held by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder Waterway manager – agency responsible for the environmental management of waterways (includes catchment management authorities and Melbourne Water) Waterways – can include rivers, wetlands, creeks and floodplains
Seasonal allocation – the volume of water allocated to a water share in a given season, expressed as a percentage of total entitlement volume The Living Murray (TLM) – an intergovernmental program, which holds an average of 500,000 ML of environmental water per year across the
ix
INTRODUCTION AND SYSTEM OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION This seasonal watering proposal outlines the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s priorities for the use of environmental water in the Goulburn River in 2017/18, as required under section 192A of the Water Act 1989. The purpose of this Goulburn River Seasonal Watering Proposal is to:
identify the environmental water requirements of the Goulburn River in 2017/18 under a range of climate scenarios; and
inform the development of environmental water priorities in the VEWH’s seasonal watering plan.
The proposal is informed by current ecological conditions, and scientific studies and reports that identify the flow regimes required to meet the ecological objectives of the Goulburn River. SYSTEM OVERVIEW PRIORITY REACHES AND MEASURING POINTS There have been a number of environmental flow studies of the Goulburn River. Each study divides the river into representative reaches for the development of flow recommendations and compliance points and monitoring. The reaches are as follows: 1. Lake Eildon to Yea River (85 km); 2. Yea River to Sunday Creek (Seymour) (45 km); 3. Sunday Creek (Seymour) to Goulburn Weir (65 km); 4. Goulburn Weir to Loch Gary (110 km); and 5. Loch Gary to the Murray River (125 km) These reaches are detailed in Cottingham et al (2007) and Cottingham et al (2014a) and are shown in Figure 1. In spring, summer and autumn there are limited opportunities to manage water for environmental purposes in reaches one, two and three due to high flows to meet downstream irrigation and consumptive water demands. During winter and early spring, environmental flows delivered to reaches four and five can also benefit reaches one, two and three. The key measurement points for environmental flows are at Eildon/Alexandra for reach one, Trawool for reach two, Seymour for reach three, Murchison and Shepparton for reach four and McCoys Bridge for reach five. WATER SOURCES Water available for use in the Goulburn River is listed in Table 1 and includes: minimum passing flows and a water quality allowance established in the Bulk Entitlement (Eildon – Goulburn Weir) Conversion Order 1995 and subsequent amendments; environmental entitlements held by the VEWH, the CEWH and the MDBA; and unregulated flows (not listed). Water holders are able to trade or transfer water from one catchment to another. Consequently, the volumes listed below are entitlement volumes held by the water holders,
1
but total volume available in the Goulburn River could be greater or less depending on priorities in the state and throughout the southern connected Murray Darling basin. This is negotiated with water holders throughout the year. Inter-Valley Transfers usually provide flows in summer and autumn that can be used to meet minimum flows and reduces the need to deploy water from environmental entitlements. Table 1: Bulk entitlements and environmental water available for use in the Goulburn River ENVIRONMENTAL WATER
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
DESCRIPTION
CONDITIONS
Bulk Entitlement (Eildon – Goulburn Weir) Conversion Order 1995 Minimum flow
GMW
Minimum flow of 120 ML/day at Eildon Pondage Weir
Minimum flow
GMW
Minimum average weekly flow of 250 ML/day at Goulburn Weir
Daily rate to be no less than 200 ML/day1
Minimum flow
GMW
Minimum average monthly flow of 350 ML/day from November to June (inclusive) at McCoys Bridge
Daily rate to be no less than 300 ML/day1
Minimum flow
GMW
Minimum average monthly flow of 400 ML/day from July to October (inclusive) at McCoys Bridge
Daily rate to be no less than 350 ML/day1
Goulburn Water Quality Allowance
GMW and VEWH*
30 GL per year
Maintenance of water quality
Additional passing flow below Eildon Pondage Weir
GMW
Minimum passing flows at Eildon Pondage Weir increased to 250 ML/day
Inflows to Lake Eildon for previous 24 months must reach a specified volume1
Additional Passing Flow below Eildon Pondage Weir
VEWH
Up to 80 GL in November to provide up to 16,000 ML/day peak flow for one day
Inflows to Lake Eildon from previous 12 and 24 months must reach specified volumes and VEWH confirms the need for a release1
Volume based on works implemented and water losses saved in previous year’s climate
Environmental Water Entitlements Goulburn System NVIRP Stage 1
VEWH
One third of water savings created in the Goulburn system resulting from modernisation works completed as Stage 1 of the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) 30GL is assumed to be available for 2017/18 (this includes 20 GL of carry over)
Goulburn River Environmental Entitlement
7,417 ML HRWS 1A 3,140 ML LRWS 1A 1,434 ML HRWS 1B (used in Loddon)
This water is generally used in Goulburn catchment wetlands, however is also available to the river
Environmental Entitlement (Goulburn-System – The Living Murray) 2007
MDBA
39,625 ML high reliability entitlement 156,980 ML low reliability entitlement
Water allocated to this entitlement must be used for the Living Murray ‘icon sites’. However, this water can provide environmental benefits in the Goulburn River on route to the Murray River
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holdings
CEWH
276,175 ML Goulburn high reliability water share 29,435 ML Goulburn low reliability water share (as at 31 January 2017)
Water use is subject to agreement with the CEWH
1
Minimum flows in the Goulburn Bulk Entitlement can be reduced under drought conditions and banked for later use.
*The VEWH has delegated their role in the management of the Goulburn Water Quality Allowance to the GBCMA
2
Figure 1: Goulburn River catchment
3
ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT There are two main audiences for engagement in the development of this proposal. The primary audience is the agencies involved in delivering the proposed flows. This includes Goulburn-Murray Water, the Victorian and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (river operators and the Living Murray program). A Goulburn and Broken Operational Advisory Group was formally established by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) in 2016 and is comprised of representatives from the VEWH, Goulburn-Murray Water, CEWO, MDBA and GBCMA. It aims to provide a regular and coordinated forum to discuss the environmental water resource management planning and delivery. The secondary audience are those potentially affected by or interested in environmental flows. This includes Parks Victoria, water users along the river, local government, environment groups, and the general public. As the effect of the proposal on these groups is expected to be minimal, the communication objective is to provide information about the decision to provide environmental flows and what it is trying to achieve. These communications are generally through media articles, emails, and potentially through presentations to special interest groups. To assist with engaging the community, the GBCMA has established a Goulburn Environmental Water Advisory Group. The aim of the group is to provide feedback to the CMA on river health trends observed by landholders and river users and provide advice on planning environmental water use. The group comprises community members and representatives from key agency partners. Indigenous groups have also been invited to join the group. To date limited resources has restricted their involvement and they have been consulted through separate meetings. Table 2 outlines the consultation process the CMA has undertaken during the development of this seasonal water proposal. Table 2: Engagement process for the development of the SWP and environmental water management in the Goulburn River Who
Program partners
Engaged on the 2017/18 seasonal watering proposal
Goulburn Murray Water VEWH CEWO
Engagement methods
Formal advisory groups Direct engagement
Engaged longer term strategies that have informed the 2017/18 seasonal watering proposal Environmental Water Management Plans
Engagement Methods
Goulburn Murray Water
Formal advisory groups
Goulburn Murray Water
Formal advisory groups
Direct engagement
Parks Victoria
Direct engagement
Parks Victoria DEWLP
Parks Victoria
Regional Waterway strategy
Engagement methods
DEWLP
MDBA/TLM Environment groups
Goulburn Valley Environment Group
Formal advisory groups
Goulburn Murray Landcare Network
Formal advisory groups
N/A
N/A
Goulburn Valley Environment Group
4
Who
Recreational users
Engaged on the 2017/18 seasonal watering proposal
Trellys Fishing and Hunting Undera Fishing Club Local ecotourism operator
Engagement methods
Engaged longer term strategies that have informed the 2017/18 seasonal watering proposal Environmental Water Management Plans
Engagement Methods
Regional Waterway strategy
Engagement methods
Formal advisory groups
Community reference group
Formal advisory groups
Direct engagement
VR Fish
Direct engagement
Goulburn Valley Association of Angling Clubs Australian Trout Foundation Native Fish Australia Future Fish Foundation
Landholders
Goulburn Environmental Water Advisory Group
Direct engagement
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Traditional owners
Yorta Yorta
Direct engagement
Yorta Yorta
Direct engagement
Yorta Yorta
Direct engagement
Tangurung Clans
SHARED BENEFIT CONSIDERATIONS The delivery of environmental water can sometimes benefit local communities or water users. Table 3 outlines the shared benefits achieved from the delivery of environmental water. Table 3: Shared benefits of environmental water delivery in the Goulburn River Who
Shared benefit
Water entitlement holders and irrigators
Environmental watering uses a combination of environmental water and consumptive water enroute allowing greater volumes of Inter Valley Transfer water to be used in non detrimental way. This benefits water entitlement holders by enabling them to trade water.
Goulburn Valley Water
Environmental flows improve water quality which reduces the treatment costs for GVW and reduces operational risk.
Broader Community
Environmental water improves vegetation, water quality and provides water in the lower Goulburn River that provides an attractive area for campers, hikers, walkers to enjoy.
Fishing
Using environmental water to provide fish passage and freshes for spawning, combined with attraction flows for fish migration, enhances populations of native fish for recreational benefit. The benefits are extended to other waterways in the southern connected basin, in particular the Murray River.
Local communities
Environmental water improves the local environment, increases species richness in the riparian area and retains natural assets that can be enjoyed by everyone and makes sure that they are not lost.
Lower Goulburn River diverters and water users
Environmental Water improves water quality and provides higher flows/water levels that reduces pumping costs and reduces water quality risks for water users.
5
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS The first environmental flows study for the Goulburn River, from Lake Eildon to the Murray confluence, was completed in 2003 (Cottingham et al 2003) and was one of the earliest flows studies in Victoria. A second study was completed in 2007 specifically to assess the impact and management of high summer flows resulting from Inter-Valley Transfers in the lower Goulburn River from Nagambie downstream (Cottingham et al 2007). The method used in the 2007 study altered significantly from that used in the 2003 study. The changes included:
Specifying the flow required for each objective instead of identifying a single flow to meet several environmental objectives Providing for inter annual flow variability (dry, medium and wet years) Specifying two levels of environmental flow recommendations (the recommended environmental flow to achieve the environmental flow objective with a high degree of confidence (low risk) and a flow that represents a moderate risk to achieving the environmental flow objective. These two levels are provided in recognition of the inherent uncertainty in flow ecology linkages and the need to trade off environmental risks with consumptive water use (Cottingham et al 2007).
As such, the 2007 study provides a complex range of flow recommendations for each environmental objective for different times of year, in different years, and with different levels of risk to the environmental outcomes. Environmental objectives are established for planktonic algae, macrophytes, terrestrial bank vegetation, macroinvertebrates, native fish and geomorphology. The recommendations from the 2007 study have been adopted for the Goulburn River from Goulburn Weir to the Murray River (reaches four and five). A revision of flow recommendations for the mid Goulburn River i.e. Lake Eildon to Goulburn Weir (reaches one to three) was completed in 2014 by Cottingham et al (2014a). This study provides recommendations taking into consideration the use of the river to provide irrigation flows and consequent cold water temperatures. The Goulburn River Environmental Water Management plan was completed in 2015 by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (2015b) and provides an overview of the long term environmental water management objectives. The 2007 and 2014 studies both recommend a maximum rate of rise and fall in river flows/levels to minimise bank slumping and flushing or stranding of biota. These guide the shaping of flow freshes and water management intervention actions. However, where able, the rate of fall is often reduced further than the recommended levels due to bank slumping issues on the lower Goulburn River in 2012. The drought conditions in 2007 to 2010 raised ecological questions not previously considered in flows studies. In response a panel of ecologists and hydrologists assessed the impact of low flows to the ecosystem and developed recommendations for water management to minimise the ecological risk in times of drought. These recommendations are included in a number of separate reports with recommendations specific to climatic conditions. One of the reports specifically looks at objectives for delivering fresh flows (Cottingham et al 2010). This is the first report that provided recommendations for fresh deliveries in the Goulburn River. In February 2011, the Department of Sustainability and Environment updated the overbank flow recommendation from the Cottingham et al 2007 study (DSE, 2011). Table 4 outlines a selection of the environmental objectives and flow recommendations for all five reaches of the Goulburn River. Environmental objectives met by the same flow recommendation (nested ecological objectives) are also listed. There are limited opportunities to manage water in reaches one to three for environmental purposes due to irrigation demands in spring, summer and autumn. Therefore, the priority reaches for environmental water management are reaches four and five. However, this does not
6
preclude the delivery of environmental water in the upper reaches if the opportunity becomes available. The feasibility of delivering the overbank flow recommendations, whilst avoiding damage to public and private assets is an issue requiring further investigation. Therefore environmental water will not be used to provide overbank flow recommendations. An option to supplement unregulated flows with environmental water using the ‘natural cues/translucent flows’ approach is one the CMA is investigating in conjunction with the water holders and delivery partners. Translucent flows have the advantage of delivering water at the same time as other natural ecosystem cues such as water pressure and chemistry which may encourage greater population response than water provided when antecedent conditions are not the same. Delivery options for these types of flows is currently limited to low flows and baseflows due to lack of accurate weekly rainfall/run off forecasting and a lack of streamflow gauging in the mid Goulburn. There are also restrictions during the irrigation season on releases of water above a certain flow rate downstream of Goulburn Weir (3,000 ML/day) as potential impacts to irrigators is unknown. The Goulburn River also has significant social values associated with passive recreation, fishing and boating. These revolve around enjoying the natural environment and are enhanced by the improvements in river health achieved by the targeted environmental flow objectives above. In reach one (Lake Eildon to Yea River), trout fishing produces substantial economic and social benefits. Cottingham et al (2014a) identified the following flow regimes beneficial to trout:
Baseflow (winter) greater than 500 ML/day; Baseflow (September to February) less than 3,000 ML/day; Baseflow (summer/autumn) greater than 4,000 ML/day, 1 in 3 to 4 years.
Although we are not targeting the delivery of environmental water to specifically meet these flows, the first baseflow will be partially achieved by delivering downstream minimum flows. The second baseflow is unlikely to be met due to irrigation releases while the third recommendation is likely to be met in most years by irrigation releases.
7
Table 4: Environmental objectives and flow recommendations for the Goulburn River FLOW COMPONENT
Baseflow
Baseflow
Baseflow
ECOLOGICAL VALUE
ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES
Macroinvertebr ates Vegetation Native fish
Wet and maintain riffles for macroinvertebra tes and small bodies fish, maintain wetted perimeter and aquatic vegetation
Native fish
Provide suitable in channel habitat for all life stages.
Macroinvertebr ates
Provide food and habitat for macroinvertebra tes including suitable water quality
NESTED ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES
SEASON
FLOW (ML/DAY) Reach 1
Reach 2
Reach 3
REPORT
Reach 4
Reach 5
scour fine sediment from gravel bed and riffle substrate maintain existing beds of in channel vegetation
All
Minimum of 400 or natural
Minimum of 500 or natural
Minimum of 800 or natural
NA
NA
2014
Provide slow shallow habitat required for larvae/juvenile recruitment and adult habitat for small bodied fish
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
NA
NA
NA
400
540
2007
Provide deep water habitat for large bodied fish
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
NA
NA
NA
500
320
2007
Entrainment of litter packs available as food/habitat source for macroinvertebrates
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
NA
NA
NA
540
770
2007
8
Baseflow
Macroinvertebr ates
Provide habitat and food source for macroinvertebra tes by submerging snag habitat within the euphotic zone
Baseflow/fres h
Geomorpholog y
Maintain pool depth especially from unseasonal events that fill pools but do not flush them
Provide conditions suitable for aquatic vegetation, which provides habitat for macroinvertebrates Provide slackwater habitat favourable for planktonic production (food source) and habitat for macroinvertebrates Entrain litter packs available as food/habitat source for macroinvertebrates Maintain water quality suitable for macroinvertebrates
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
NA
NA
NA
830
940
2007
Provision of conditions suitable for the establishment of aquatic vegetation (for macroinvertebrate habitat) Provision of slackwater habitat favourable for planktonic production (food for macroinvertebrates) and slackwater habitat
Summer (30 – 40 days)
NA
NA
NA
1,500
NA
2007
Maintenance of water quality suitable for macroinvertebrates
Summer < 90 days
NA
NA
NA
856,1186, 1660,2223, 3142,4490, 6590
1096,1505,1993, 2711,3800,5240, 6060
2007
9
Fresh
In channel habitat Macroinvertebr ate
Scour fine sediments from riffle surfaces to maintain invertebrate habitat
Macroinvertebrate provides food source for fish Mobilise sediments
Winter Spring
900 1 day
Increase flow variability to more closely mimic natural hydrological regime
Summer Autumn Winter Spring
2,500 5-7 days 2 per year
2014
Maintain habitat for macrophytes Fresh
Macroinvertebr ates Native fish
Sloughing filamentous algae and refreshing biofilms
2,5003,500 5-7 days 2 per year
2,5003,500 5-7 days 2 per year
2014
Maintain areas of riffle habitat Fresh
Native fish
Provide flows to promote large bodied endangered species colonisation
Promote Macquarie perch spawning
Spring
Fresh
Native fish
Initiate spawning, prespawning migrations and recruitment of native fish (preferably late spring early summer for native fish)
Maintain aquatic macrophytes, macroinvertebrate and fish habitat (e.g. snags) by mobilising fine sediments, replenishing slackwater habitat
Winter Spring Summer
Fresh
Riparian vegetation
Remove terrestrial vegetation and re-establish amphibious vegetation
Provide carbon (e.g. leaf litter) to the channel, inundate bench habitats to encourage germination
Winter Spring Summer/ Autumn
0.5m increase in stage height over one week NA
NA
NA
5,600 Up to 14 days (winter/ spring) 2-4 days (summer/ autumn)
5,600 Up to 14 days (winter/ spring) 2-4 days (summer/ autumn)
2010
6,600 ML/day 14 days (winter/spring ) 2-4 days summer/autu mn 1 – 4 events
6,600 ML/day 14 days (winter/spring) 2-4 days summer/autum n 1 – 4 events
2010
10
Bankfull
Geomorpholog y
Maintain channel form and key habitats (including in channel benches)
Bankfull
Geomorpholog y / habitat diversity Native Fish Riparian vegetation Macroinvertebr ates
Maintain bed diversity Provide flows to increase native fish recruitment and colonisation Provide periodic regeneration opportunities for native riparian species Retain natural seasonality for macroinvertebra te life stages
Maintain bed diversity Provide periodic opportunities for regeneration of riparian and floodplain species and improve in channel carbon availability Retain natural seasonality to ensure synchronicity of life cycle of macroinvertebra tes
Bankfull
Geomorpholog y Native fish Native vegetation
Winter Spring
7,0009,000 2 days
Overturn bed substrate Maintain channel form and key habitats Maintain riffle habitat for macroinvertebrates Maintain or increase connection to warmer water Maintain channel connectivity to tributaries
Winter Spring
11,000 1-4 days
overturn of bed substrate scour sediments from base of pools to maintain quantity and quality of habitat Maintain channel and inlet for connectivity to main channel with floodplain and wetlands Promote colonisation by large bodied endangered species provision of lateral connectivity for habitat and production
Spring and Autumn
2014
11,000 1-4 days
12,000 – 13,000 2 days
2014
14,000 1-4 days
2014
11
Overbank
Overbank
Geomorpholog y Native fish Riparian vegetation Macroinvertebr ates
Floodplain and wetland vegetation
Maintain channel form Maintain connectivity to floodplain and wetlands Provide floodplain connection for exchange of organic matter Provide periodic regeneration opportunities for native floodplain wetland plants
Increase the extent and diversity of flood dependent vegetation communities
Overbank
Floodplain and wetland vegetation higher in the landscape
Increase the extent and diversity of flood dependent vegetation communities
Maintain diversity among low lying wetlands Promote colonisation by large bodied endangered species Overturn of bed material and maintain benches Improve in channel carbon availability Provide lateral connectivity as habitat and recruitment areas for native fish
Winter Spring
15,000 20,000 1-4 days
15,000 – 20,000 1-4 days
15,000 20,000 1-4 days
2014
Provide habitat for wetland specialist fish Exchange of food and organic material between the floodplain and channel Increase breeding and feeding opportunities for native fish, waterbirds and amphibians
Winter Spring
25,000 5+ days 2-3 events in a year 7-10 event years in10
NA
2011
Provide habitat for wetland specialist fish Exchange of food and organic material between the floodplain and channel Increase breeding and feeding opportunities for native fish,
Winter Spring
40,000 4+ day 1-2 events in a year 4-6 event years in 10
NA
2011
12
waterbirds and amphibians Rate of flow rise
Native fish and macroinvertebr ates
Reduce displacement of macroinvertebra tes and small/juvenile fish
All year
Max rate 2.0 (i.e. 2 times previous days flow) for flows from 1,0005,000 ML/ d.
NA
NA
Max rate of 0.38/0.38/1.2 0/0.80 metres river height in summer/autu mn/ winter/spring
NA
2014 2007
NA
NA
Max rate of 0.15/0.15/0.7 8/0.72 metres river height in summer/autu mn/ winter/spring
NA
2014 2007
2.7 times previous days flow for flows above 5,000 ML/d Rate of flow fall
Geomorpholog y, native fish and macroinvertebr ates
Reduce bank slumping/erosion and stranding of macroinvertebra tes and small/juvenile fish
All year
Max rate 0.8 of previous days flow
13
SEASONAL REVIEW 2016/2017 REVIEW AND FLOW HISTORY Over the last twenty years, conditions in the Goulburn catchment have been quite dry. After a wet year in 1997, there were thirteen drier than average years (including eight very dry years). In 2010/11 the millennium drought broke with floods and a very wet year. Since then, the climate had been getting progressively drier with 2011/12 and 2012/13 drier than average, 2013/14 and 2014/15 very dry, and 2015/16 one of the driest on record in the Goulburn catchment. In 2016/17 conditions changed and it was a very wet year with above average rainfall for most months between May and October (MDBA weekly report, 7 December 2016). Inflows in the Goulburn catchment were very high and tracked in the above average to wet scenarios, with at least three distinct overbank flows during winter and spring. Inflows to the Murray River system during spring were also high and are exceeded only 8% of years. Figure 2 shows flows at McCoys Bridge over the last twenty years. The only large overbank flows occurred in 2010/11 and smaller overbank flow in 2016/17. Other overbank flows occurred in autumn and winter 2012, although notably smaller.
Figure 2: Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; January 1997 to January 2017
Figure 3 shows the only large overbank event that has occurred in the past 20 years at Seymour was that in 2010/11. The only other overbank flows occurred in winter 2012 and spring 2016. Other than these years, all flows at Seymour have been below 20,000 ML/day.
14
Figure 3: Mean daily flow - Goulburn River at Seymour; January 1997 to January 2017
The following three graphs (Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6) show mean daily flows at three compliance points on the Goulburn River for the past 18 months. The graphs show the river was relatively flat during 2015/16, with a lot more variation in flow during 2016/17. All of this variation to date has been unregulated flow with a small delivery of environmental water to maintain baseflow when required (up to January 2017). During the winter and spring, a large proportion of this water came from the Broken River catchment. Delivery of two spring freshes using environmental water were cancelled in 2016 due to catchment rainfall providing the key requirements of the fresh. Rain commenced to fall on a very dry catchment at the end of April, and then again at the beginning of May 2016 and continued. The catchment showed little response to the rain until late June. In June and July there were small peaks in river height in response to rain, with peak flow rates reaching up to 9,500 ML/day at Shepparton and 8,000 ML/day at McCoys Bridge. The first significant fresh occurred in early August and peaked at 23,000 ML/day at Shepparton and 17,000 ML/day at McCoys Bridge, with 12,000 ML/day coming from the Broken River. Rain continued to fall and saturate the soil profile and catchment throughout winter. Run off from rainfall in early to mid September (between 40 – 80mm) resulted in peak flow rates of 25,000 ML/day at Murchison on 16th September, 31,000 ML/day at Shepparton on 17th September, 23,000 ML/day at McCoys Bridge on 21st September and 9,500 ML/day on the Broken River at Orrvale on 17 th September. From the last days of September and during the first week of October between 60 and 130 mm of rain fell over parts of the catchment. In response to this rain the river peaked again, and reached the highest level during this winter/spring. At Murchison the peak flow rate was 25,000 ML/day on 2nd October, 43,550 ML/day at Shepparton on 7th October, 48,000 ML/day at McCoys Bridge on 9th October, and 17,000 ML/day on the Broken River at Orrvale on 3rd October.
15
During the winter/spring 2016 rainfall was the highest it has been since 2010. At Seymour monthly rainfall was above the mean for all months from March to September, with September being the highest recorded monthly rainfall on record. At Shepparton, monthly rainfall was above the mean from May to October, with May, June and September being the highest mean monthly rainfall for those months on record. And in Benalla monthly rainfall from May to October was above the monthly mean for those months, with May, July and September being the highest on record for those months.
Figure 4: Mean daily flow - Goulburn River at Seymour; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 3)
16
Figure 5: Mean daily flow – Goulburn River at Murchison; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 4)
Figure 6: Mean daily flow – Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; July 2015 to January 2017 (compliance point; reach 5)
17
Environmental water deliveries during 2016/17 were far below what was anticipated. Water was used to maintain baseflow from 1 July to 5 August 2016. After August 5 unregulated flows delivered all watering requirements. Environmental water use commenced again on 2 November when unregulated flow rates at Murchison were less than 1,000 ML/day for the first time since early August. Environmental water was used until 9 January 2017 at which time, water use transferred to the delivery of Inter-Valley Transfer water to provide baseflows. Figure 7 shows water delivered in the lower Goulburn River in 2016/17. The small volume of environmental water is shown in orange and inter valley transfer water shown in dark blue. The light blue water shows all unregulated catchment run off at McCoys Bridge during this year, and the black line represents what is estimated natural flow without river storages. Almost all flow variability in 2016/17 has been provided by natural flows.
Figure 7: Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge; unregulated and released water
The remainder of the year will deliver a larger volume of environmental water than what has been used to date. An autumn and winter fresh will be delivered in March and June/July respectively, that may use a total of 170 GL. At the timing of writing, the autumn fresh was near completion. The objectives of the autumn fresh in 2017 were two fold; vegetation improvement and seed germination on the lower banks and benches, and to attract young native fish to migrate into the Goulburn River. The fresh reached a peak flow rate of 4,600 ML/day and was maintained above 4,000 ML/day for 12 days. The entire fresh duration was approximately 30 days and used approximately 10 GL of IVT water and 76 GL of environmental water. The proposed winter fresh will use up to 100 GL in the 2016/17 year (noting the duration of delivery will extend into 2017/18 water year).
18
SHARED BENEFITS REVI EW Due to the high unregulated flows in the Goulburn River this year, low volumes of environmental water have been delivered to date. However some of the shared benefits include, baseflows to provide passage of popular angling species and timing of the autumn fresh to avoid delivery over Easter. The 2017 autumn fresh, being delivered at the time of writing, is aimed at attracting juvenile Golden and Silver perch to migrate from the Murray River to the Goulburn River. This event has been coordinated with flows through the Murray and Campaspe Rivers and coincides with a large natural migration of Golden and Silver perch from the Darling River. If successful in recruiting Golden perch this will provide greater opportunities for recreational fishing in the Goulburn River. Other events that have benefited from environmental water management include a canoeing event coordinated by River Connect in February 2017. This event occurred during the higher baseflows provided by IVT which allows unimpeded canoe movement through the river which made the event more successful. GBCMA staff also attended and communicated the objectives and details of the upcoming autumn fresh.
Figure 8: River Connect canoeing on the Goulburn River in February 2017
19
CURRENT ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS Mid Goulburn River The only ecological monitoring that occurred in the mid Goulburn River in 2016/17 was an investigation into the state of the macroinvertebrate population downstream of Lake Eildon to the Goulburn Weir. A previous fish survey had indicated good habitat diversity, yet a low abundance of native fish. It was thought a low abundance of food sources i.e. macroinvertebrates, may be impacting fish numbers as macroinvertebrate abundance and biomass are important measurements for sustaining fish populations. The CMA engaged the Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management (CAPIM) to monitor macroinvertebrates in the mid Goulburn River at a community, population, individual and sub lethal level using the following techniques:
replicated edge sweep samples
artificial substrate samples
shrimp caged studies
The monitoring took place at four sites on the Goulburn River and one on the King Parrot Creek and in each of spring, summer and autumn. The results of the monitoring showed the mid Goulburn River macroinvertebrate community is in poor condition, with large differences in biomass between Goulburn River and King Parrot Creek. The specific shrimp cage monitoring showed shrimp in the Goulburn River were often of smaller in size with reduced survival rates compared to those in King Parrot Creek. The monitoring study found cold water releases from Lake Eildon, and changes to the natural seasonal flow regime are affecting macroinvertebrates and particularly shrimp, so much so that this “reduction in food availability might contribute to reduced native fish abundances” (Townsend et al, 2016). Lower Goulburn River Vegetation A range of aquatic and amphibious vegetation established on the lower banks and showed zonation up the river bank at various sites on the river during 2015/16. A key objective for environmental water in the lower Goulburn in 2016/17 was to maintain these young plants until they reach more mature and robust life stages and/or develop soil seed banks that will promote recovery from adverse conditions such as long periods of inundation or prolonged dry periods during drought. The winter/spring of 2016 tested the resilience of these plants with the lower banks being inundated continuously for approximately three months. There was some concern this would prevent photosynthesis and plant growth during the spring growing season and the existing lower bank vegetation communities were not well enough established to withstand the long period of inundation. However, it was also thought the unregulated flows may allow regeneration and colonization of the bank at an elevation higher than environmental water can deliver and would act as a ‘re-set’ for lower bank vegetation. Monitoring results from summer and autumn 2017 are yet to be received but anecdotal evidence suggests there has been some vegetation loss on the banks, especially of sedges and other emergent vegetation (e.g. cyperaceae (K. Morris email 2 March 2017)). However, it appears there has been some good vegetation response in sections with vegetation recovering and establishing higher up the bank than it has previously. Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11 show vegetation recovery over time at Medland Road Bunbartha.
20
These figures show a large improvement between 2014 and 2016, and then in 2017 an increase in extent (however, a marked decrease in emergent vegetation between 2016 and 2017). Further monitoring of the emergent and lower bank vegetation is occurring in March and April 2017, and will provide information on the influence the autumn fresh on this vegetation type. These anecdotal results from 2016/17 show the influence of unregulated flows on vegetation up the bank, higher than where environmental water can reach. If constraints did not exist to the delivery of environmental water, these results could be achieved on a more regular basis. However, under current management conditions, environmental water deliveries are limited to approximately 9,000 ML/day at Murchison, and as such vegetation objectives for 2017/18 will focus on the lower bank and emergent vegetation that was impacted by the prolonged inundation in 2016/17. Vegetation at this level of the river bank provides stability for the toe of the bank, and habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish.
Figure 9: Medland Road Bunbartha – November 2014
21
Figure 10: Medland Road Bunbartha – February 2016
Figure 11: Medland Road Bunbartha – February 2017
22
Fish During electrofishing surveys of 2015/16, Trout cod were collected further downstream than before, suggesting they are increasing their range, perhaps due to improved habitat conditions. During 2016/17 larval fish monitoring continued despite the cancellation of all environmental water deliveries in spring. Interestingly, Golden perch eggs were collected on the receding limb of an unregulated flow in October 2016. It was previously thought that Golden perch spawned on the rising limb of a fresh. This result requires more analysis on the hydrology and water temperature of the river at this time, and prior to the collection of eggs. Prior to delivery of the autumn fresh, staff from the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) tagged approximately 90 juvenile Golden and Silver perch at Torrumbarry Weir with acoustic tags to monitor their movement during the delivery of this fresh. The fresh was also coordinated with a pulse in the Murray River to encourage fish to move through the Torrumbarry fishway and further upstream. Very preliminary data analysis has shown about half the tagged golden and silver perch travelled from Torrumbarry to the Goulburn River confluence and entered the river. Of these fish around 25 – 50% of the silver perch that entered the Goulburn stayed in the Goulburn River, while the rest returned to the Murray. Many of the returning fish moved on the flow recession in the Goulburn suggesting strong association of migration and flows (W. Koster email 24 March 2017). The use of environmental flows to attract fish of all ages, (young fish and juveniles in summer/autumn and older fish in spring/summer) into the river will assist improving native fish populations of the Goulburn River in the long term, and accelerate the recovery from the 2016/17 blackwater. Water Quality On 31 December 2016 in response to heavy rainfall in the Honeysuckle Creek catchment on 30 December, blackwater entered the Goulburn River from Seven Creeks at Shepparton. Flows in the Goulburn River at Shepparton increased from approximately 1,000 ML/day to 5,500 ML/day, with most of the additional water coming from the Seven Creeks and Honeysuckle catchment. Simultaneously dissolved oxygen plummeted to 1.42 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen remained below 4 mg/L for approximately 36 hours at Shepparton. During this time fish and other aquatic biota were killed. By the 4 January 2017, there were reportedly 1,000 fish killed in the reach between Shepparton and McCoys Bridge. No fish kills were reported downstream of McCoys Bridge despite dissolved oxygen at McCoys Bridge being below 4 mg/L for 5 ½ days. Otoliths were collected from 65 of the dead fish and will be tested to provide a history of provenance and movement.
23
FLOW COMPONENTS DELI VERED PRIORITY WATERING ACTION
COMMENT
Baseflow – all year (400/540 ML/day at Murchison/McCoys Bridge)
Provided by TLM, VEWH, and CEWH during July, November, and December. Provided by IVT in January, February, March
Spring fresh – 14 days above 5,600 ML/day
Cancelled - provided by unregulated flow
Autumn fresh – 2 days above 5,600 ML/day
Provided by IVT and environmental water Note: this flow was modified into a multi purpose flow and did not reach the peak flow rate, but had an extended duration
Baseflow carry over for 2017/18
Not required
Higher baseflow – year round (830/940 ML/day at Murchison/McCoys Bridge)
Delivered in November, December, April to June with environmental water Delivered in January to March using IVT
Spring fresh – 2 days up to 15,000 ML/day
Cancelled - provided by unregulated flow
Summer/autumn fresh – up to 5,000 ML/day for 10 days
Provided in March as a multi purpose autumn fresh. Peak flow rate reached 4,600 ML/day and duration extended at peak reached 10 days
Recession flows – provide slower recession to unregulated flows
Not delivered, not required
Winter fresh – 14 days above 6,600 ML/day
Planned for delivery in June/July 2017
KEY OBSERVATIONS AND LE ARNINGS Key learnings from the 2016/17 year include:
it was confirmed that overbank events contribute greatly to the extent, health and diversity of riparian vegetation, habitat diversity and overall river health.
lower Goulburn River bank vegetation is more resilient than first thought, however more work is needed to develop realistic objectives and expectations for vegetation management. This work will need to consider the way the river is currently managed, and how/what can be achieved regarding vegetation outcomes, especially on the lower bank/fringing vegetation
Our understanding of Golden perch spawning on the rising limb of a hydrograph requires further work to understand the necessary cues for spawning.
24
SCENARIO PLANNING SCENARIO PLANNING OV ERVIEW CLIMATIC OUTLOOK FOR 2 017/2018 The long term climate outlook for environmental water planning is difficult to determine. Consequently the CMA uses allocation outlook scenarios provided by Goulburn-Murray Water to assist in scenario planning. Table 5 shows the outlook provided and used as a basis for this Seasonal Watering Proposal. Table 5: Goulburn system outlook for 2017/2018 seasonal determination of High Reliability Water Shares
Inflow Conditions
3 July 17
15 Aug 17
16 Oct 17
15 Dec 17
15 Feb 18
Wet
96%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Above Average Average Below Average Dry Very Dry Extreme Dry
58% 46% 41% 37% 36% 34%
100% 90% 68% 48% 44% 38%
100% 100% 100% 79% 62% 44%
100% 100% 100% 94% 72% 45%
100% 100% 100% 100% 80% 47%
(Source: G-MW, 15 February 2017) PRIORITY WATERING ACTIONS 2017/2018 Priority watering actions in 2017/18 are similar to those from 2016/17. The highest priority is to provide year round baseflows of 500/540 ML/day at Murchison/McCoys Bridge respectively. This priority provides for all objectives for fish habitat and passage, and provides for many macroinvertebrate objectives; encouraging establishment of aquatic and amphibious vegetation for habitat, submergence of snags for habitat and food, and encouraging planktonic production for food. The second highest priority in 2017/18 is a flow recommendation that has not been delivered before. The flow is a year round baseflow recommendation of 400 ML/day in reach one of the mid Goulburn River (Cottingham et al, 2014). Baseflows are also recommended in reaches two and three, but are met for most of the year by unregulated flow, hence this flow will be delivered to reach one only. Under current management conditions, this flow recommendation is not met on average for 30% of the year, usually during the months of April to September. The objective is to maintain and improve the habitat of small bodied native fish, and maintain existing aquatic vegetation and invertebrate communities (Cottingham et al, 2014). Further work on refining this baseflow recommendation was carried out by Vietz in 2016. Vietz’s work resurveyed existing sites used in the hydraulic modelling, and included more sites and cross sections, and refined the hydraulic model used in the FLOWS study to determine if the baseflow recommendation in Cottingham et al (2014) was providing sufficient habitat to meet the ecological objectives. Vietz (2016) found “the bulk entitlement low flow (120 ML/day) provides considerably lower levels of hydraulic habitat than the baseflow recommendation” of 400 ML/day. However, this was not always the case in reach one (sites; Thornton and The Breakaway), where the baseflow recommendation (400 ML/day) resulted in less habitat availability for blackfish who require slow moving flow
25
habitats. Vietz (2016) also concluded that increasing the baseflow to 400 ML/day increases velocities at Thornton and The Breakaway up to the maximum recommended velocity for native fish movement over riffles. However, the baseflow recommendation does provide increased riffle wetted perimeter and depth habitat important for native fish movement and macroinvertebrate habitat compared to the Bulk Entitlement requirement of 120 ML/day. Consequently, this baseflow should be delivered in reach one to increase native fish habitat, maintain existing aquatic vegetation and improve invertebrate communities and habitats, and will deliver some shared benefits for recreational fishermen by achieving recommendations for trout. The frequency of delivery of this flow with regard to native fish objectives in reach one should be reviewed. The daily environmental water requirement for delivering this flow is 280 ML. During most of the irrigation season this requirement is generally met through irrigation releases. For this SWP water has been accounted to provide this flow for all days from April to September and will require 51 GL (this is a worst case scenario, and in all likelihood an over estimate). This will be a new watering action and different to previous watering actions in the Goulburn River because it requires releases directly from storage. Consequently, for accounting purposes the 51 GL will be accounted at gauge 405203 Goulburn River d/s of Lake Eildon as a separate delivery for the mid Goulburn, and in addition to the baseflow delivered in the lower Goulburn River (reaches four and five). Further work is required by the CMA and G-MW to quantify the use as a release from Lake Eildon and through flow down the lower Goulburn River. Risk management will also be an issue for the delivery of this flow in terms of contributing to inundation of private land. If run off from tributaries downstream of Lake Eildon are providing large inflows to the Goulburn River, an assessment will be made by G-MW and the CMA at the time regarding whether to continue or cease delivery of the 400 ML/day baseflow. The third highest priority is the delivery of a spring fresh, in September or early October. The aim of this fresh is twofold; to maintain existing vegetation by watering the banks and benches and providing soil moisture to sustain growth and increase vigour, flowering and seed development, and to increase vegetation extent by distributing seed to river banks and encouraging germination. The principal aim of the fresh is the establishment of new plants, hence the ideal time to deliver the flow is in September or early October at the beginning of the growing season. This allows the plants to become well established during the favourable spring, prior to the heat of summer. The timing of September or early October also allows at least six weeks until another fresh is delivered (Cottingham et al 2010). In previous years the duration of this spring fresh has had a duration of two weeks above 5,600 ML/day. In the report by J. Roberts, 2016 the author suggests the two week duration was originally recommended to allow soil saturation of benches to give establishing plants a good growing environment, and to reduce terrestrial encroachment. Roberts (2016), concludes the two weeks is still valid, especially when targeting regeneration (rather than maintenance), or if the delivered fresh is the only event in a growing season. A shorter duration could be considered where multiple freshes are delivered in a growing season. Although a second spring fresh is a priority for 2017/18, regeneration of vegetation, especially lower bank and emergent vegetation, remains a priority and water availability is unlikely to be an issue, hence the two week duration is recommended for 2017 spring.
26
The fourth highest priority is a second spring fresh aimed at native fish outcomes. Substantial Golden perch spawning was detected for the first time in ten years in 2010/11. Golden perch have since spawned in the lower Goulburn River in 2013 and 2014 in response to flow variations provided by environmental releases. In 2014 hundreds of Golden perch larvae were collected between Nagambie and the confluence with the Murray River in response to an environmental water release in November. This was the first time since the 2010 floods that any larvae have been found upstream of Yambuna. Evidence from the 2014 spawning event indicated that Golden perch started spawning on the rising limb around 3,000 ML/day. In November 2012 a fresh with a peak flow of 5,400 ML/day for 14 days failed to stimulate spawning. It is unsure if peak flow, antecedent conditions or water temperature were influencers, hence a peak flow of above 6,600ML/day, and up to 8,500 ML/day, for two days is suggested. The fresh in 2017 will be delivered in late November or during December when temperatures are above 18oC and warm enough for fish to spawn. It is thought that flow conditions in the weeks or months before the spawning period may influence Golden perch spawning intensity. In the Goulburn River, monitoring results of egg and larval drift sampling between 2003 - 2016 suggest spawning is greatest during a flow pulse in late October/November, when preceded by an earlier flow pulse, or pulses, such as an in channel flow (e.g. 4,000- 9,000 ML/day) or overbank flow. Conversely, spawning intensity in the Goulburn River during an October/November pulse has been shown to be lower if it is preceded by a period of low stable flows. Although it is unclear if other conditions are required for successful spawning (e.g. abundant food availability, healthy fish), if environmental water is available, one to two pulses may be provided prior to the delivery of the spawning fresh (priority four). If delivered, these pulses are accounted as one pulse in the scenario table calculations, but delivery of the pulse prior to the spawning fresh would likely be around August with a flow rate around 4,500 ML/day, and the spawning fresh delivered in late November or during December. Both freshes/pulses would be approximately ten days duration. In considering priority flow components in 2017/18, the potential needs for 2018/19 were also considered (and whether any flow components would be foregone in 2017/18 in preference for something in 2018/19). There is no need more important in 2018/19 than in 2017/18. The main tradeoffs occur under the dry scenarios, and it is considered more important to maximise the ecological outcomes in the dry scenarios of 2017/18 than to hold back water for 2018/2019. The only 2017/18 priority allowed for in 2018/19 is to continue baseflows in July to September 2018, while waiting for 2018/19 allocations to increase from a low initial allocation. This is priority five and provides for a baseflow of 540 ML/day at Murchison for three months (July - September inclusive). This is only a priority in the two driest scenarios. The need to carry over water in wetter scenarios is given a low priority as these years are characterised by good reservoir inflows and high likelihood of available water allocation at the start of 2018/19. Priority six to eight is for higher baseflows throughout the year. The higher baseflow would vary between 770 and 940 ML/day at McCoys (500/830 ML/day at Murchison). Higher baseflows provide for more macroinvertebrate objectives including the submergence of additional snags to provide increased food and habitat for macroinvertebrates, and in reach five, entrainment of litter packs as a food and habitat source, disruption of biofilms and maintenance of water quality. These are priorities five to seven in order of season i.e. winter/spring is priority five, summer is priority six and autumn/winter is priority seven. Baseflows would vary between lower baseflow rate and the higher baseflow rate of 830/940
27
ML/day throughout the year. There may also be opportunity to provide baseflows at higher rates to achieve geomorphology objectives as detailed in Table 4. Priority nine is a winter fresh in 2018. Winter freshes are desirable to encourage bank vegetation, and to improve macroinvertebrate habitat and water quality. Freshes of this magnitude also achieve some geomorphological objectives. Often they can be provided by catchment runoff, but would be desirable to deliver with environmental water in a dry winter when the water is available. The aim will be to reach a peak flow of at least 9,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day. With the appropriate rates of rise and fall the entire fresh would last for one month. This is considered a priority for 2017/18 given the likely high water availability and the desirable frequency of this fresh is annual. Priority ten is the delivery of a summer/autumn fresh for multiple objectives targeting vegetation and fish. An autumn fresh will help maintain any vegetation that established from the spring fresh and encourage germination of new seed. The fresh will also assist to improve water quality, and to achieve some macroinvertebrate objectives including resuspension of fine sediment from macroinvertebrate habitats and consequent increase in biofilm availability. If an autumn fresh were to be delivered purely for vegetation outcomes it would require up to at least 5,600 ML/day for two days and use 38 GL. Despite previous successful spawning results of recent years, and based on fish survey data, Golden perch in the Goulburn River seem to be large fish and older than three years showing a missing link in the population structure. It is not clear if the larvae are surviving (or not) to juvenile fish, or floating downstream and taking up residence in the Murray River or its downstream tributaries. A flow to attractant Golden perch (and other native migrating fish) to move into the Goulburn River and add to the population structure was delivered for the first time in 2017. Monitoring included tagging Golden and Silver perch at Torrumbarry Weir with acoustic tags and monitoring their movement. Very preliminary results show approximately half of the fish that migrated upstream from Torrumbarry entered the Goulburn River. Of these fish, 25 – 50% remained in the Goulburn with the remainder returning to the Murray River on the flow recession. It is thought most of the fish migrating and remaining in the Goulburn River were Silver perch. For 2017/18 it is desirable to deliver another migration flow to continue to improve native fish population structure in the river. This flow is designed to ideally have a slow rate of rise and fall (i.e. not a “peaky” design) and a long duration e.g. 10 days with peak flow rates of around 4,600 ML/day, and coordinated with a release in the Murray River to attract native fish to Torrumbarry fishway and encourage upstream migration. The optimum time of year to attract young fish is late summer/early autumn, however constraints in the Murray River for coordination flows at this time may restrict the ability to deliver. Given the design requirements of this flow and its potential to impact irrigator’s access to pumps during spring/early summer, negotiation and agreement with G-MW and irrigators is required prior to the event occurring. Vegetation monitoring results from autumn 2017 may also influence the decision to deliver this fresh. Further consideration of these issues and the exact design and objectives of the autumn fresh, is required prior to the event occurring. The approximate volume of water required to deliver a specific migration flow in the Goulburn is 74 GL (note: environmental water will also be required in the Murray River). Due to the timing of this fresh it is likely some of this delivery could use Inter Valley Transfer water.
28
The final priority (eleven), is for the use of water to slow the recession of natural, or manmade releases, from Lake Eildon and Goulburn Weir. This could be used to slow the recession of unregulated flows released below Goulburn Weir, or flows from Lake Eildon including pre releases. Due to uncertainty in rainfall and run off forecasting, the release of environmental water to coincide with a rain event is unlikely in the short term, therefore the provision of true translucent flows is currently not possible in the Goulburn River. However once the peak flow has passed, environmental water from Lake Eildon may be used to extend the duration of a fresh or provide a double peak flow. The movement of Inter-Valley Transfers and/or environmental water for the Murray River can create summer/autumn flows that are too high causing ecological damage to the lower Goulburn River. The design of the summer and autumn flow regimes will need to take this into account where possible. The GBCMA will work with GMW and MDBA to manage this. For compliance monitoring the water measurement point for reach four is Murchison, and reach five measurement point is McCoys Bridge. As a general rule, when there is limited tributary inflows and high extraction rates to meet irrigation and consumptive demands (spring, summer and autumn), the plan aims to meet flow targets for McCoys Bridge. This ensures adequate flow moves through the entire lower Goulburn River to meet the targets for both reaches. Alternatively, when there is greater catchment runoff contributing to flows in reach five (mainly winter and spring), the plan aims to achieve flow targets for Murchison to ensure both reaches meet their flow targets. With the risk of flooding private land still unresolved, environmental flows will not be used to deliver overbank flows in the 2017/18 year. COORDINATED OPPORTUNITES Delivery of environmental water in the Goulburn River can, and at times should, be coordinated with flows from other systems in the southern connected Murray Darling basin. For example, in 2017 the delivery of the fish attraction flow in March was coordinated with a flow in the Murray and Campaspe Rivers. It was thought that fish required a flow cue in the Murray to encourage them to migrate upstream to, and through, the Torrumbarry Weir fishway, and then further upstream. This required coordination of flow releases from Yarrawonga Weir on the Murray and Lake Eildon on the Goulburn, and release of environmental water in the Murray River. The delivery of a winter fresh in the Goulburn River in 2015 and the associated barrage releases downstream is thought to have provided a flow cue for lamprey to migrate and spawn upstream in the Murray River. The MDBA and South Australian government are continuing to monitor lamprey movement and the effect of upstream flow releases. The proposed winter fresh in 2017 will potentially provide another opportunity to increase learning of lamprey response to flow. Where possible and appropriate, the GBCMA are keen to continue to work on these coordinated flows in southern connected basin to achieve landscape scale results. However, it should be noted that the GBCMA would not support this coordinated approach if it resulted in detrimental effects to the Goulburn River.
29
Table 6: Goulburn River priorities for 2017/18 Priority
Flow Component
Year
Season
Environmental Objective
Flow (ML/DAY) Reach 1
1
Baseflow
2017/1 8
All year
2
Baseflow
2017/1 8
July to Sept April to July Winter/ Spring
3
Fresh
2017
4
Fresh
2017/1 8
Spring/ summe r
5
Carry over baseflow
2018/1 9
Winter/ spring
6
Baseflow
2017
Winter/ spring
7
Baseflow
2017/1 8
Summe r
8
Baseflow
2018
Autum n
9
Fresh
2018
Winter
10
Fresh
2018
Summe r/Autu mn
11
Recession flows
201718
All year
Provide fish passage, and habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish. Maintain lower bank and emergent vegetation Maintain and improve habitat of small bodied native fish (and trout) and invertebrate communities, and existing aquatic vegetation Water bank vegetation, provide soil moisture to banks and benches, distribute seed, and allow plants to flower and seed for later germination and/or distribution Golden perch spawning and migration
Provide fish passage, and habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish. Maintain lower bank and emergent vegetation Increase habitat area for instream flora and fauna and water bank vegetation Increase habitat area for instream flora and fauna and water bank vegetation Increase habitat area for instream flora and fauna and water bank vegetation Maintain bank vegetation, improve water quality and macroinvertebrate habitat Encourage native fish migration into the Goulburn River*, and maintain existing vegetation and encourage germination of new seed Provide slower recession to unregulated flows, or add to pulses following natural cues/unregulated flows
Reach 4
Reach 5
500
540
Up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 day above 5,600 ML/day
Up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 day above 5,600 ML/day
Up to 10,000ML/day with up to 2 days above 6,600 ML/day 500
Up to 10,000ML/day with up to 2 days above 6,600 ML/day 540
830
940
830
940
830
940
Up to 15,000ML/day with 14 day above 6,600ML Up to 4,600 ML/day for up to 10 days
Up to 15,000ML/day with 14 day above 6,600ML Up to 4,600 ML/day for up to 10 days
400
As required (all reaches 1 -5)
*This flow needs to be coordinated with a flow in the Murray River to achieve the fish migration objectives, but can still be delivered in a modified version targeting vegetation outcomes only
SCENARIO PLANNING Environmental water management aims to allow runoff and operation of the water system to meet as many environmental flow objectives as possible, and then deploy water from environmental entitlements into the highest priority gaps that remain. However, under different climate conditions, environmental flow gaps move and deployment of
30
environmental water changes. Therefore a range of climatic scenarios are assessed to understand how priorities and required volumes of environmental water change. The scenarios are based on current conditions such as water volumes in reservoirs, and assume the availability of all environmental water entitlements and their associated water allocations under different climate scenarios (see Table 5). The scenarios then determine how best to maximise the environmental outcomes from their use. Scenario planning assumes The Living Murray (TLM) water can be released precisely to meet Goulburn targets, but in practice TLM water is delivered to meet Murray River and icon site targets and therefore may be only partially effective in meeting Goulburn targets. Likewise, Commonwealth and Victorian water can be targeted at Murray River or South Australian objectives. The scenario planning is not concerned with the probability of any particular climate scenario (or in picking the most likely scenario) – it merely ensures there is a plan if any scenario does occur. While various climate indicators exist, predicting the conditions for the coming season has little reliability. The scenarios have been picked to highlight the key decisions that will need to be made about environmental water deployment for 2017/18. Importantly, the actual management of water through the season needs to be adaptive, with water deployment decisions adjusting as the season unfolds, particularly in response to timing issues. Table 8 details the range of scenarios for water use in the Goulburn River in 2017/18. Water availability is based on entitlements of water holders in Eildon, and take into consideration carry over from 2016/17. Table 7 details the assumed volumes of water availability for each water holder used in scenario planning. Table 7: Assumed water availability used for scenario planning
Entitlement name/holder
High reliability (GL)
Carry over (GL)
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
276
139*
The Living Murray
39
30
NVIRP Stage 1 (Victorian Environmental Water Holder)
10
20
Total
325
189
Total high reliability and carry over
514 GL
*It is acknowledged this volume will be less if the winter fresh planned for June/July 2017 is delivered in full (likely to be reduced to 90 – 75 GL of carry over)
It is important to note that volumes included with each priority in Table 8 are cumulative; for example an increased baseflow of 940 ML/day already assumes the lower baseflow of 540 ML/day is being provided, hence the required volume seems lower than to deliver 940 ML/day by itself. It is also important to note that all fresh volumes do not include passing flows and lower baseflows (500/540 ML/day) that have already been provided for. Up to 40 GL of CEWH Goulburn or Murray entitlement is provided to the Broken Creek for environmental water use in that system. It is assumed in each scenario below that 20 GL of CEWH Goulburn entitlement is use to provide half the requirements of the Broken Creek. In 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2016/17 summer storms produced significant runoff events. These events are sporadic in nature, and not correlated with the climate scenarios detailed here
31
(which are based on winter/spring rainfall). Therefore the scenarios assume these events do not occur. If any of these events occur, they may require the use of the Goulburn Water Quality allowance, and/or environmental water, however managing low dissolved oxygen from blackwater events usually requires large volumes of water for dilution. Consequently use of environmental water for this purpose will require approval from all water holders as it would reduce the availability of environmental water for use later in the season. Inter-Valley Transfers offer the opportunity to meet some of the summer/autumn flow needs, particularly minimum flows and have been included in the scenario planning. It is assumed delivery of Inter-Valley Transfer will be discussed with all stakeholders to maximise the benefits of using consumptive water in transit and minimise any detrimental impacts. Inter-Valley Transfers may also provide baseflows (or higher) during delivery of freshes. Throughout the year the recession of natural events would be monitored to determine the need to add water after specific events to minimise bank slumping by reducing the rate of fall in river level. Additional water may be added to unregulated flows where a fresh can be extend in duration or peak.
32
ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOM ES
Table 8: Scenario planning for the Goulburn River 2017/18
Reaches 1, 4 and 5
Scenario 1 Extreme dry 99% POE
Scenario 2 Very Dry 95% POE
Scenario 3 Dry 90% POE
Scenario 4 Below Average 70% POE
No unregulated flow
One or two short duration freshes in winter/spring (1,000 – 5,000 ML/day for around 6 days) Unregulated flows may provide some limited baseflows
One to three small, short duration freshes in winter/spring (greater than 5,000 ML/day for around 6 days) and reasonable baseflows for half a month
One to three freshes (3,000 to 20,000 ML/day) for up to 7 days in winter/spring. Good baseflow for July to October (would be reduced during irrigation season)
Expected river conditions
Scenario 5 Average 50% POE Several freshes (greater than 5,000 ML/day) and one to three overbank flows in winter/spring Good baseflows for most of the year (would be reduced during irrigation season), perhaps 2 months baseflow provided by unregulated
Bulk entitlement minimums will be delivered 400 ML/day at McCoys from July – October 350 ML/day at McCoys from November – June Expected water allocations Expected water availability from water holders Carryover from 16-17 Total water available from water holders Demands Expected IVT available
Preferable use of InterValley Transfer (IVT) Water
47% HRWS allocation
80% HRWS allocation
100% HRWS
100% HRWS
CEWH – 130 GL TLM – 18 GL VEWH – 10 GL CEWH – 139 GL TLM – 30 GL VEWH – 20 GL
CEWH – 220 GL TLM – 31 GL VEWH – 10 GL CEWH – 139 GL TLM – 30 GL VEWH – 20 GL
CEWH –276 GL TLM – 39 GL VEWH –10 GL CEWH – 139 GL TLM – 30 GL VEWH – 20 GL
CEWH – 276 GL TLM – 39 GL VEWH – 10 GL CEWH – 139 GL TLM – 30 GL VEWH – 20 GL
% HRWS Some likelihood of dam spill CEWH –276 GL TLM –39 GL VEWH – 10 GL CEWH – 139 GL TLM – 30 GL VEWH – 20 GL
347 GL
451 GL
514 GL
514 GL
514 GL
87 GL Release IVT water for as long as possible over December to March to deliver baseflows between 540 and 940 ML/day (70 GL) Contribute to spring fresh (17 GL)
20 GL will be supplied to the Broken Creek from CEWH Goulburn entitlement in every scenario 120 GL 140 GL 140 GL Release IVT water for as long as possible Release IVT water for as long as possible Release IVT water for as long as over December to March to deliver over December to March to deliver possible over December to March to baseflows between 540 and 940 ML/day baseflows between 540 and 940 ML/day deliver baseflows between 540 and (70 GL) (70 GL) 940 ML/day (70 GL) Contribute to both spring freshes and/or autumn fresh (50GL)
Contribute to both spring freshes and/or autumn fresh (70GL)
Contribute to spring and/or autumn fresh (70GL)
140 GL Release IVT water for as long as possible over November to March (inclusive) to increase minimum flows to 540 ML/day (28 GL) Contribute to spring and/or autumn fresh (70GL)
Maintain and encourage increased cover, extent and vigour of lower/fringing and upper bank vegetation Maximise movement and habitat provision for adult and juvenile native fish Environmental objectives
Encourage population growth of Golden perch Improve macroinvertebrate habitat and availability Inundate benches to initiate carbon cycling and improve instream primary productivity Minimise bank erosion/slumping
Priority watering actions 1
1
1
Increase July to November baseflow to 500 ML/day at Murchison (38 GL)
Increase July to November baseflow to 500 ML/day at Murchison (38 GL)
Increase December to March minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months) Increase April to June minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (17 GL)
Increase December to March minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months) Increase April to June minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (17 GL)
Increase July to November baseflow to 500 ML/day at Murchison (34 GL– unregulated flows provide half a month)
Increase July to November baseflow to 500 ML/day at Murchison (27 GL – unregulated flows provide one month)
Increase December to March minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months)
Increase December to March minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months)
Increase April to June minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (17 GL)
Increase April to June minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (17 GL)
Increase July to November baseflow to 500 ML/day at Murchison (23 GL – unregulated flows provide two months) Increase December to March minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (6 GL – IVT provides 3 months) Increase April to June minimum flows to 540 ML/day at McCoys (17 GL)
33
Scenario 1 Extreme dry 99% POE Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from July to September (26 GL) Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from April to June (25 GL)
Scenario 2 Very Dry 95% POE Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from July to September (26 GL) Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from April to June (25 GL)
Scenario 3 Dry 90% POE
Scenario 4 Below Average 70% POE
Scenario 5 Average 50% POE
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from July to September (26 GL)
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from July to September (26 GL)
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from July to September (26 GL)
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from April to June (25 GL)
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from April to June (25 GL)
Provide a winter/spring fresh up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 days above 5,600 ML/day and peak flow rate of 8,500 ML/day (108 GL)
Provide a winter/spring fresh up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 days above 5,600 ML/day and peak flow rate of 8,500 ML/day (108 GL)
Provide a winter/spring fresh up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 days above 5,600 ML/day and peak flow rate of 8,500 ML/day (108 GL)
4
Provide a spring/summer fresh up to 10,000 ML/day aiming for 2 days at 8,500 ML/day for Golden perch spawning (53 GL)+
Provide a spring/summer fresh up to 10,000 ML/day aiming for 2 days at 8,500 ML/day for Golden perch spawning (53 GL)+
Provide a spring/summer fresh up to 10,000 ML/day aiming for 2 days at 8,500 ML/day for Golden perch spawning (53 GL)+
Provide a spring/summer fresh up to 10,000 ML/day aiming for 2 days at 8,500 ML/day for Golden perch spawning (53 GL)+
Provide baseflow at Eildon of 400 ML/day from April to June (25 GL) Provide a winter/spring fresh up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 days above 5,600 ML/day (58 GL –smaller/shorter fresh required due to good unregulated flow) Provide a spring/summer fresh up to 10,000 ML/day aiming for 2 days at 8,500 ML/day for Golden perch spawning (26 GL - smaller/shorter fresh required due to good unregulated flow)+
3
Provide a winter/spring fresh up to 10,000 ML/day with 14 days above 5,600 ML/day and peak flow rate of 8,500 ML/day (108 GL)
6
Carry over baseflow to commence 2018/19 season with increased flows of 500 ML/day at Murchison (23 GL)
Carry over baseflow to commence 2018/19 season with increased flows of 500 ML/day at Murchison (23 GL) Increase baseflow from July to November to 830 ML/day at Murchison (50 GL) Increase baseflow from December to March to 940 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months) Increase baseflow from April to June higher baseflow to 940 ML/day at McCoys (36 GL)
Increase baseflow from July to November to 830 ML/day at Murchison (45 GL – unregulated flows provide half a month) Increase baseflow from December to March to 940 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months) Increase baseflow from April to June higher baseflow to 940 ML/day at McCoys (36 GL) Winter 2018 fresh up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day (142 GL)
Increase baseflow from July to November to 830 ML/day at Murchison (40 GL – unregulated flow provides one month) Increase baseflow from December to March to 940 ML/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months)
Reaches 1, 4 and 5
2 2
7
8
9
Increase baseflow from December to March to 940 M/day at McCoys (0 GL – IVT provides 4 months) Increase baseflow from May to June higher baseflow to 940 ML/day at McCoys (24 GL)
10
504
514
Increase baseflow from April to June higher baseflow to 940 ML/day at McCoys (36 GL) Winter 2018 fresh up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day (142 GL)
Provide an autumn fresh up to 4,600/5,600 ML/day for 10/2 days (73 GL)#
11
Volume required
Extension/recession flows to provide slower rates of fall on unregulated releases, or extend the duration of unregulated freshes (30 GL)*
Increase baseflow from July to November to 830 ML/day at Murchison (30 GL – unregulated flow provides two months) Increase baseflow from December to March to 940 ML/day at McCoys (12 GL – IVT provides 3 months) Increase baseflow from April to June higher baseflow to 940 ML/day at McCoys (36 GL) Winter 2018 fresh up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day (142 GL) Provide an autumn fresh up to 4,600/5,600 ML/day for 10/2 days (73 GL)# Extension/recession flows to provide slower rates of fall on unregulated releases, or extend the duration of unregulated freshes (40 GL)*
314
449
486 Additional priorities if more water was available
Increase baseflow from July to November to 830 ML/day at Murchison (50 GL)
Winter 2018 fresh up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day (142 GL)
Provide an autumn fresh up to 5,600 ML/day for 2 days (73 GL)#
Winter 2018 fresh up to 15,000 ML/day with 14 days above 6,600 ML/day (142 GL)
Extension/recession flows to provide slower rates of fall on unregulated releases, or extend the duration of unregulated freshes (30 GL)*
Extension/recession flows to provide slower rates of fall on unregulated releases, or extend the duration of unregulated freshes (30 GL)*
Provide an autumn fresh up to 5,600 ML/day for 2 days (73 GL)#
Provide an autumn fresh up to 5,600 ML/day for 2 days (73 GL)# Extension/recession flows to provide slower rates of fall on unregulated
34
Reaches 1, 4 and 5
Additional volume
Scenario 1 Extreme dry 99% POE releases, or extend the duration of unregulated freshes (30 GL)*
Scenario 2 Very Dry 95% POE
Scenario 3 Dry 90% POE
Scenario 4 Below Average 70% POE
295
172
103
73
Scenario 5 Average 50% POE
*One off approval for use of environmental water in this manner will be sort from water holders and CMA to allow timely releases if/when required +This fresh comprises two pulses. One delivered in August as a pre spawning fresh pulse, with a duration of ten days and peak flow rate of 4,500 ML/day, followed by another specific spawning fresh (likely in late November/early December) with a duration of ten days and peak flow rate of 6,600 ML/day; combined pulse volume is 53 GL. However, if a pre pulse is not provided, the peak flow rate of the spawning fresh will be 8,500 ML/day. # A volume of 73 GL is required to deliver this migration fresh in full, however if IVT is available and can deliver all flows up to 3,000 ML/day, the volume required reduces to approximately 6 GL. Further, if the fresh is delivered only for vegetation outcomes, a total of 38 GL is required.
A wet scenario (10% POE) is not included in this SWP as it does not provide for any additional watering actions. A wet scenario will provide less opportunity to deliver actions and use environmental water than the average scenario due to large unregulated flows providing much of the flow components targeted in this proposal. There is a likelihood under a wet scenario that Eildon may spill, or pre releases may be made from the storage. Spill or pre release water under a wet scenario may further reduce the amount of environmental water used.
35
SHARED BENEFITS OUTC OMES Table 9 outlines the shared benefits of the proposed use of environmental water in the Goulburn River. It should be noted that ecological outcomes are the primary purpose of environmental water use, however this also has benefits to other members of the community for a number of reasons. Delivery of environmental water takes into consideration these shared benefits when planning events. Table 9: Shared benefits of the proposed use of environmental water in 2017/18
Values
How is it considered
Improved water quality for water users in the Goulburn Broken catchments
Environmental releases improve water quality reducing the treatment costs for urban water supplies and reducing risks for other water user e.g. irrigation, domestic and stock use.
Maximising recreational activities in general
Environmental water improves vegetation, water quality and provides water in the lower Goulburn River which is a popular area for campers and walkers to enjoy. Where possible ensure watering events minimise negative impacts and enhance opportunities at key times such public holidays, long weekends. e.g. avoid a falling river during holidays to limit the impact on river access.
Fishing
Using environmental water to maintain higher flows for fish passage and specific coordinated events aimed at fish migration and recruitment in the Goulburn and Murray Rivers will enhance populations and opportunities for anglers catch. Be aware of, and consider opportunities for, benefiting from natural events such as in 2017 where large numbers of juvenile Golden and Silver perch were migrating out of the Darling River and moving upstream.
Enhancing the environment for local communities
Environmental water improves the local environment, increases species richness in the riparian area and retains natural assets that can be enjoyed by everyone.
36
DELIVERY CONSTRAINTS No formal operating arrangements exist for the Goulburn River. Operational arrangements at regulating structures and delivery of consumptive water within the catchment and downstream may constrain the ability to meet flow recommendations (GBCMA, 2015). Capacity constraints at Goulburn Weir are also possible, and G-MW will consult with GBCMA when such circumstances occur. Environmental water delivery is primarily constrained by the risk of flooding adjacent land and assets. The Bureau of Meteorology minor flood levels at each flow measurement point along the Goulburn River are as follows:
3 metres (14,500 ML/day) at Eildon (reach 1)
4 metres (21,700 ML/day) at Trawool (reach 2)
4 metres (24,800 ML/day) at Seymour (reach 3)
9 metres (33,100 ML/day) at Murchison (reach 4)
9 metres (28,300 ML/day) at McCoys Bridge (reach 5)
However, constraints to delivery of environmental flows are expected at lower flows than these. The following limitations and reasoning have been identified (GBCMA, 2015)
releases from Lake Eildon are typically limited to 9,500ML/day to avoid inundation of private land
Additionally, the following constraints apply to operational delivery:
releases from Goulburn Weir are limited to 10,000 ML/day by G-MW due to the unknown impact of inundating land
during the irrigation season flows greater than 3,000 ML/day may impact on some diverter’s access to pumps and landholder notification of any flows above this flow is required approximately three weeks prior to delivery. This 3,000 ML/day limit also extend to the use of IVT water
NOTICE AND TIME REQUIRED A minimum notice period of one to two days, and preferably four days, is required for environmental water orders from Goulburn system storages. Releases from Lake Eildon take approximately two and a half days to reach Goulburn Weir. Releases from Goulburn Weir take three to four days to reach Shepparton, and approximately six to seven days to reach McCoys Bridge. However this can be influenced by existing conditions in the river channel and seasonal conditions. If flows are being harvested at Goulburn Weir into Waranga Basin, releases can be made from Goulburn Weir by reducing harvesting, hence saving travel time from Lake Eildon. COSTS Relevant headworks costs for environmental entitlements are met by the environmental water entitlement holders. There are no water delivery costs.
37
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE MONITORING River flows and water quality are currently monitored through the North East Monitoring Partnership and often assist in environmental flow management. Sites of flow monitoring on the Goulburn River are Lake Eildon, Killingworth, Trawool, Seymour, Goulburn Weir, Murchison, Shepparton, Loch Garry (level only) and McCoys Bridge. Water quality monitoring includes continuous (i.e. 15 minute intervals) and non continuous monitoring. Continuous data collection has been occurring since 2009 (primarily in response to drought) and non continuous monitoring (on a monthly basis) has been occurring for more than ten years. Table 10 lists the sites, frequency and parameters that are used for environmental flow monitoring. This monitoring is used frequently (sometimes daily) in short term environmental flow management to assist decision making, especially for minimising the risk of dissolved oxygen sags and potential fish kills or other water quality issues. Table 10: Monitoring sites on the Goulburn River used in environmental flow management
Site
Parameter
Continuous monitoring Goulburn River @ McCoys Bridge
Dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature, level
Goulburn River @ Shepparton Golf Club
Dissolved oxygen, temperature
Goulburn River @ Trawool
Turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, level
Seven Creeks @ Galls Gap Road
Dissolved oxygen, temperature
Non continuous monitoring Goulburn River @ McCoys Bridge
TP, TN, dissolved organic carbon
Goulburn River @ Shepparton
Suspended solids, turbidity, TP, TN
Goulburn River @ Murchison
Dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, TP, TN
Goulburn River @ Trawool
Dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, TP, TN
Goulburn River @ Eildon
Dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, TP, TN
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) funds and coordinates a monitoring program to assess the results of environmental flow use and associated ecological conditions in the lower Goulburn River (the Long Term Intervention Monitoring (LTIM) program). The program commenced in 2014/15 and is monitoring fish populations, spawning and movement, stream metabolism, macroinvertebrates, vegetation diversity, hydrology and hydraulics, physical habitat and bank condition. Monitoring is focused on reach five of the Goulburn River (Loch Garry to the Murray River), with some components having additional monitoring in reach four (Goulburn Weir to Loch Garry). Results from 2015/16 are summarised below:
Bank condition: the four sites being monitored (Darcy’s Track, Loch Gary, McCoys Bridge, Yambuna) had very low percentages of significant erosion with Darcy Track
38
being the least active. More activity was observed on the lower banks due to more frequent and longer inundation than mid bank. Less bank slumping and notching was observed than in recent years.
Stream metabolism: Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Ecosystem Respiration (ER) are relatively low compared to rivers worldwide. In 2015/16 there was a shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic; it is unclear why this has happened. It is also unclear if metabolism is driven by phytoplankton or algae, and whether it’s benthic or littoral communities
Macroinvertebrates: there was an increase in biomass in Goulburn edge habitat including a change in habitat preference of crustaceans during the spring fresh; it’s unclear why there was a change of habitat preference
Vegetation: flows that are detrimental to one group may favour another group. There appears to be some good recovery of vegetation with clear zonation patterns occurring. It is unclear if vegetation is responding to long term inundation or short term freshes of environmental water
Fish: some young of year golden perch were collected, although it is likely they are stocked fish. Species of conservation significance were caught in the electrofishing surveys including trout cod and bony bream. A large number of carp were also collected in 2015/16. Otolith microchemistry results from 2015/16 showed a Golden perch travelled from the Darling River to the Goulburn River during its life.
The Victorian Environmental Flows Monitoring and Assessment Program (VEFMAP) has been carried out in the Goulburn and Broken catchments since 2009. 2015/16 was the final year of this programs funding and consequently no official VEFMAP monitoring occurred in the Goulburn River during 2016/17. The program is going through review and new monitoring methods are in the process of being developed. New monitoring is anticipated to commence in 2017/18. However, in 2016/17 some carry over money was used to install and monitor bank soil moisture at Loch Gary and McCoys Bridge. These probes were installed in December 2016 (Figure 12) and will remain for approximately six months. VEFMAP carry over funding will also be used to conduct a post autumn fresh vegetation survey (no results to date) at Loch Gary and McCoys Bridge.
Figure 12: Installation of a soil moisture probe at McCoys Bridge
39
KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND LIMITATIONS As delivery and monitoring of environmental water continues we are increasing our knowledge and understanding of ecosystem responses. However, with the increased knowledge comes new knowledge gaps. Below are some key knowledge gaps of ecosystem response in the Goulburn River:
Are flows that are favourable to one vegetation group detrimental to another vegetation group – what are realistic expectations for vegetation on the lower banks of the Goulburn River?
Why was there a shift in instream metabolism from autotrophic to heterotrophic in 2015/16?
Is metabolism driven by phytoplankton or algae, and dominated by benthic or littoral communities?
Why was there was a change of habitat preference for crustaceans in the Goulburn River in spring 2015/16?
What is the recommended frequency of baseflow delivery in reach one (400 ML/day at Eildon) with regard to native fish objectives?
What happens to Golden perch eggs and larvae from the Goulburn River once they enter the Murray River?
40
RISK MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL WATER DELIVERY The risks associated with the proposed water delivery in the Goulburn system are listed in Table 11. Risks were primarily identified at the VEWH risk workshop held in Tatura in February 2017. Associated risks and risk ratings are the same for each season, with the exception of winter. Mitigation strategies that will be employed to address the identified risks are detailed in Table 11 along with lead agencies. The key management activities with immediate outcomes include:
management of flood risk associated with delivering freshes by considering potential runoff in deciding when to commence releases or whether to cease releases prematurely;
to keep key stakeholders advised of release plans and outcomes of releases
Importantly risks associated with our current level of knowledge need attention now, but will take time to reduce the associated risks. The risk of flooding arises from catchment runoff adding flow on top of environmental releases. The key issue is the unpredictability of the amount of rainfall and runoff. At Shepparton, flooding occurs at approximately 18,000 ML/day, although inundation of some assets (such as irrigation pumps) occurs at much lower flows (anecdotally as low as 3,000 ML/day). Managing the risk of flooding is a balance in determining spare capacity in the river to carry runoff and the potential reduction/suspension of environmental releases required when rainfall is forecast. The highest flow (due to capacity constraints) that can be provided from Lake Eildon is 9,000 to 10,000 ML/day under dry conditions, and assumes no irrigation water supply demand. This leaves 8,000 to 9,000 ML/day of spare river capacity in the lower Goulburn to carry runoff on a dry catchment. Under wet conditions, lower flow releases would be needed to manage the likely higher runoff. However, following a rainfall runoff event short duration releases of 9,000 ML/day could be added to the recession to achieve higher flow rates or extended duration when little or no rainfall is forecast in the seven day outlook. The higher the flow rate (due to runoff), the more likely the flow release would be reduced or ceased, making provision of the environmental or water supply flow erratic and potentially unreliable.
41
Table 11: Risk assessment of the proposed Goulburn River water delivery
No.
Risk category1
Risk description
1
Env
Current recommendations on environmental flow inaccurate
2
Env
Inaccurate accounting and measurement causes target flows not being achieved, leading to a failure to achieve planned environmental outcomes
L2
C3
Risk rating
Mitigation actions
Lead organisation for action
L
Min
Medium
Focus on monitoring results and reassess recommendations as necessary
GBCMA
P
Mod
Medium
Review accounting and measurement processes to be used to ensure techniques are agreed and monitoring/measurement sites are operational.
GMW/GBCMA
Compliance sites are managed under the statewide Regional Water Monitoring partnership to measurement/metering standards 3
BC
Volumes delivered or released exceed volumes approved for use in the event.
P
Maj
High
Ensure that deliveries are reported progressively throughout the event and monitored against ordered volume.
GBCMA
4
Env
Storage operator maintenance works affect the ability to meet an environmental delivery.
P
Mod
Medium
Undertake early planning and communications with storage operator to minimise likelihood of constraints and enable scheduling of maintenance outside of high environmental demand periods.
GBCMA
5
Env
Resource manager cannot deliver require volume or inflow rate (outlet/capacity constraints, insufficient storage volume)
P
Maj
High
Continued liaison with storage operator to plan releases around system operation to maximise environmental releases
GBCMA
6
Env
Release volumes are not sufficient to cover high consumptive water demands leading to the result that target flows/volumes are not achieved, impacting on environmental outcomes
U
Mod
Medium
Event planning will seek to avoid peak demand periods, and events will be monitored and adjusted as necessary.
GBCMA
7
Legal
Environmental releases cause unauthorised inundation of private land, resulting in impacts on landowner activities and assets.
U
Maj
High
Releases designed to avoid overbank flows.
GBCMA
Monitoring of events and adjustment of releases to avoid overbank flows.
GMW
Monitor deliveries to build an understanding of flow patterns and inundation thresholds and adjust releases accordingly.
GBCMA
Communication and advice to community to alert them of environmental watering
GBCMA/GMW
8
Legal
9
Env
10
Env
11
Rep
Environmental releases causes flooding to public infrastructure or crown land. Access routes into public land areas may be inundated by delivery of environmental water, leading to potential economic impacts on commercial operators who are unable to undertake activities (includes timber and firewood harvesting, apiarist, tourism operators).
R
Environmental water deliveries result in low DO levels, with adverse environmental impacts.
L
Mod
Low
Consider potential catchment runoff from forecast rainfall in deciding when to commence releases and whether to prematurely cease releases
Environmental water deliveries may generate or mobilise BGA blooms, with adverse water quality and environmental impacts
P
Environmental deliveries may conflict with or not compliment water based recreational objectives, leading to loss of community support for activities.
AC
Maj
Maj Maj
Extreme
High Extreme
Ensure regular winter flushes of potential risk areas to control organic build-up, and plan deliveries to avoid high temperature periods where practical.
GBCMA
Monitor water quality and utilise the Goulburn Water Quality reserve for dilution flows if low DO conditions emerge.
GBCMA
Consider likelihood of initiating BGA blooms in event planning and amend as required to manage risk.
GBCMA
Monitor events, and where issues are identified, activate existing BGA response processes.
GMW
Communicate benefits of environmental watering to the broader community and engage with recreational user peak bodies.
VEWH
Engage with local recreational user groups to inform them of environmental watering activities and the underlying rationale. Adjust timing of events to reduce/avoid impact where practical and environmental outcomes are not reduced.
GBCMA
12
Env
Environmental water account is overdrawn, leading to water not being available as per approved watering statement to complete planned actions.
R
Maj
Medium
Monitor ABA balances and undertake regular communications with CMA as part of portfolio management activities.
VEWH
13
BC
Insufficient staff resources available to deliver all planned environmental watering actions, leading to cancellation or interruptions of deliveries.
P
Ext
Extreme
Continue to actively prioritise actions to match available resources and ensure key actions are delivered.
GBCMA GBCMA
Reallocation of tasks and available funding. 14
Rep
Inability to demonstrate outcomes achieved through environmental watering activities may lead to a loss of public/political support for activities
P
Maj
High
Rationalisation and refocussing of current monitoring programs (e.g. VEFMAP) to better identifying outcomes.
DELWP VEWH
Seek additional funds to address gaps in monitoring programs Communicate the benefits of environmental watering and monitoring results
42 1.
15
Env
Environmental deliveries create improved conditions for non native species (e.g. carp, invasive species) leading to adverse environmental impacts.
L
Mod
Extreme
Study/understand life history of species and develop management strategies.
DELWP
16
Rep
Community concern over environmental releases under dry seasonal conditions may lead to a loss of support for environmental watering actions.
L
Mod
High
Communicate benefits of environmental watering to the community.
GBCMA
Enhance community understanding of water system operations and entitlement frameworks (water literacy).
VEWH
Releases from Lake Eildon for TLM/IVT deliveries to the Murray may not align with optimal environmental requirements in the Goulburn system under dry conditions meaning that target flows cannot be achieved and impact on environmental outcomes.
L
Communicate the purpose of TLM flows to the community.
GBCMA
Communicate the purpose of other IVT flows to the community.
GMW
Work with storage manager to deliver required volumes while maximising benefit/minimising impacts.
GBCMA
17
Env
Maj
Extreme
Agree on acceptable seasonal flow limits for river systems, with annual negotiation and management of release plans and monthly reviews during the season.
VEWH
18
Env
Dry conditions and limited environmental deliveries may reduce opportunities to test ecological responses to environmental flows, impacting on effectiveness of 5 year LTIM research project.
L
Min
Medium
Review monitoring program and adjust if possible. Reprioritise flows to get best benefit from monitoring (with support from CEWO)
GBCMA
19
Safety
Environmental releases interfere with irrigation and pumping
L
Min
Medium
Provide public with information on fresh release through various media.
GBCMA
Notify diverters directly via letter or SMS
GMW
Provide public with information on fresh release through various media.
GBCMA
20
Safety
Environmental releases causes personal injury to river user
R
Mod
Low
43 1.
OTHER WATER DELIVERY While this proposal focuses on how to use water to maximise environmental benefits to the Goulburn River, water supply and environmental releases can be routed through the Goulburn River to the Murray River for other purposes. For example, The Living Murray water targets environmental outcomes at the six Murray icon sites, and Inter-Valley Transfers are targeted at meeting consumptive water demand in the Murray River. Some of these releases can pose a risk to ecological health of the Goulburn River. The GBCMA work closely with other water holders and rural water authorities to ensure no detrimental impact to the Goulburn River while delivering this water.
44
APPROVAL AND ENDORSEMENT APPROVAL I, the authorised representative of the agency shown below, approve the Seasonal Watering Proposal for Goulburn River 2017/2018.
SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
Signature of authorised representative CHRIS NORMAN Name of authorised representative
Date: 24/04/2017
45
REFERENCES Cottingham P, Brown P, Lyon J, Pettigrove V, Roberts J, Vietz G, Woodman A, (2014a), Mid Goulburn River FLOWS study - Final Report: flow recommendations. Cottingham P, Brown P, Lyon J, Pettigrove V, Roberts J, Vietz G, Woodman A, (2014b), Mid Goulburn River FLOWS study – Issues paper. Cotthingham P, Vietz G, Roberts J, Frood D, Graesser A, Kaye J, Shields A, (2013) Lower Goulburn River: observations on managing water releases in light of recent bank slumping. Cottingham P, Crook D, Hillman T, Roberts J, Stewardson M, (2010) Objectives for flow freshes in the lower Goulburn River 2010/11. Report prepared for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water. Cottingham P, Stewardson M, Crook D, Hillman T, Oliver R, Roberts J, Rutherford I, (2007) Evaluation of Summer Inter-Valley Water Transfers from the Goulburn River. Report prepared for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton. Cottingham P, Stewardson M, Crook D, Hillman T, Roberts J, Rutherford I, (2003) Environmental Flow Recommendations for the Goulburn River below Lake Eildon. Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology and Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, Melbourne. DSE, (2011). Overbank flow recommendations for the lower Goulburn River. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, (2015a), Goulburn Broken Waterway Strategy 2014 – 2022, Goulburn Broken CMA, Shepparton. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (2015b) Goulburn River Environmental Water Management Plan. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton. Roberts J (2016). Lower Goulburn River: riverbank vegetation and environmental watering. Report JR35/2016 Townsend K, Kellar C, Amos C, Jeppe K, Long S, Pettigove V (2016). Macroinvertebrate monitoring and assessment in the mid Goulburn River, Victoria. Victorian Government (1995). Bulk Entitlement (Eildon-Goulburn Weir) Conversion Order 1995 (as subsequently amended). Webb A, Vietz G, Windecker S, Hladyz S, Thompson R, Koster W, Jones M (2015) Monitoring and Reporting on the ecological outcomes of Commonwealth Environmental water delivered in the lower Goulburn River and Broken Creek 2013/14. A report for the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
46
