Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s Daniel Lovell said while the river peaked early last week it was now dropping back.
“People will have noticed the river’s high level recently, and we want to communicate that the rise was brought about by a water for the environment delivery,” Mr Lovell said.
He said the delivery began on October 1 and peaked on October 11 at 8400 megalitres a day.
“This is an annual event, however, the delivery was shorter and slightly later than normal due to higher river flows from wetter conditions.”
The spring environmental flow was originally planned to start on September 20 and run through to mid-October. Water for the environment was also delivered from late July to early August.
Mr Lovell said delaying the spring delivery meant valuable ecological monitoring of plants, erosion and fish numbers could be carried out during low flows.
“It also provides the best conditions to encourage seed germination and plant growth before the hot weather arrives.”
He said the aim of the flow was to support the growth and establishment of bank vegetation and encourage germination of aquatic and amphibious (bank edge) vegetation.
“Aquatic and amphibious plants help stabilise the river bank and provide valuable habitat and food for native fish, birds and water bugs.
“It also provides cues for fish movement and breeding this time of year.”
Following the delivery of the spring fresh, water for the environment will be used to target low flows between 600 and 900 Ml/day.
To check flows in the Lower Goulburn, view the hydrograph (updated weekly) on Goulburn Broken CMA’s website, at: http://fchmccoys.hydronet.com/
20°C