2: Operational considerations for the Northern Unregulated Rivers in 2014–15. Inflow scenario Very low Low Moderate High Very high Opportunities Contribute to unregulated flows in the Barwon-Darling and beyond at times when Menindee Lakes is spilling. Use environmental water in conjunction with naturally occurring This opportunity is applicable across all inflow scenarios river flows. and catchments. Coordinate regulated watering actions in tributaries (Namoi and/or Gwydir, Macquarie, Border Rivers) to This opportunity relates to Barwon-Darling inflow provide (end of system) inflows that scenarios improve hydrological outcomes in the Barwon-Darling. Purchase access rights in a water harvesting event/stored water to supplement inflows to Narran Lakes to enhance or maintain waterbird This opportunity relates to Balonne inflow scenarios breeding conditions. Constraints Neither long-term nor ad hoc shepherding arrangements to enable the use of water from northern basin This constraint is applicable across all inflow scenarios entitlements for outcomes and catchments. downstream of Menindee Lakes are likely to be available in 2014–15. If other unregulated flows are insufficient the environmental water This constraint is applicable across all inflow scenarios needs of key assets may not be met. and catchments. Risks* The provision of Commonwealth environmental water must consider potential inundation impacts to property and infrastructure. Irrigation diversions may reduce short term local benefits of environmental water and limit how far benefits extend downstream (all catchments). *See Section 7 for more information on risk management.
2: Operational considerations for the Northern Unregulated Rivers in 2014–15. Inflow scenario Very low Low Moderate High Very high Opportunities Contribute to unregulated flows in the Barwon-Darling and beyond at times when Menindee Lakes is spilling. Use environmental water in conjunction with naturally occurring river flows. This opportunity is applicable across all inflow scenarios and catchments. Coordinate regulated watering actions in tributaries (Namoi and/or Gwydir, Macquarie, Border Rivers) to provide (end of system) inflows that improve hydrological outcomes in the Barwon-Darling. This opportunity relates to Barwon-Darling inflow scenarios Purchase access rights in a water harvesting event/stored water to supplement inflows to Narran Lakes to enhance or maintain waterbird breeding conditions. This opportunity relates to Balonne inflow scenarios Constraints Neither long-term nor ad hoc shepherding arrangements to enable the use of water from northern basin entitlements for outcomes downstream of Menindee Lakes are likely to be available in 2014–15. This constraint is applicable across all inflow scenarios and catchments. If other unregulated flows are insufficient the environmental water needs of key assets may not be met. This constraint is applicable across all inflow scenarios and catchments. Risks* The provision of Commonwealth environmental water must consider potential inundation impacts to property and infrastructure. Irrigation diversions may reduce short term local benefits of environmental water and limit how far benefits extend downstream (all catchments). *See Section 7 for more information on risk management.
use-options-northern-unregulated-rivers-report_0.docx