12.Environmental flows
The intention of this target is to maintain flows of water in our waterways that are necessary to support aquatic ecosystems. It is recognised that there are a number of pressures on use of water. Environmental flows provide key elements of the flow regime required to support and maintain aspects of waterway health. More information is needed about the particular needs of some species and community education is required to help people understand the multitude of factors involved.
In the ACT, environmental flows have only been established for the Cotter River.
The measurable target
The existing ACT Environmental Flow Guidelines set objectives for rivers in the ACT depending on whether they are natural, modified or built by people. The objectives relate to macro-invertebrate assemblages, sediments and in some cases, populations of endangered species.
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate The ecological objectives in the Environmental Flow Guidelines are achieved (2015) Long-term The ecological objectives in the Environmental Flow Guidelines are achieved (2030) |
Environmental flows secure and used to achieve a balance between water supply and the needs of aquatic ecosystems Related plans Environmental Flow Guidelines 2006 Think water, act water Nature Conservation Strategy 1998 |
Foundation Better quantify the relationship between water regime and survival of particular species. On-ground Establish nursery areas for native fish and other large native biota Monitor and assess the impacts of flows on particular aquatic species Promote the importance of environmental flows for maintaining water ecosystems Contribute to reviews of the guidelines |
