The Merri River Flow Study

Overview Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (GHCMA) is seeking to update the FLOWS study for the Merri River system. Purpose The purpose of this project is for GHCMA to update the FLOWS study for the Merri River system, including Spring Creek, Drysdale Creek, Upper Merri River, Lower Merri River, Merri Estuary, and the associated estuary assessment area, to include the Kelly's Swamp wetland complex. About Current flow recommendations were developed in 2007 using the Victorian FLOWS method for freshwater reaches, supported by a qualitative estuary risk assessment. The 2007 report recommended that a more holistic and quantitative assessment be undertaken in future for the estuary and Kelly's Swamp freshwater wetland complex. Since 2007, water availability, climate pressures, community expectations, irrigation demand, ecological knowledge, and management frameworks have evolved significantly. Improved monitoring data, modelling tools, and assessment methods are now available. The project will leverage findings from the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP) and strengthen the evidence base for future water planning and environmental management. Scope The scope includes: Updating the FLOWS study for the Merri River system, including Spring Creek, Drysdale Creek, Upper Merri River, Lower Merri River, Merri Estuary, and the associated estuary assessment area, to include the Kelly's Swamp wetland complex Applying contemporary hydrological, ecological, and FLOWS methods to develop updated flow recommendations that support future water resource planning and environmental management Including climate projections to provide an understanding of future hydrological states Leveraging findings from the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP) to strengthen the evidence base for future water planning and environmental management