The Merri River Flow Study

The purpose of this project is for Glenelg Hopkins CMA (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 associated estuary assessment area to include the Kelly's Swamp wetland complex. 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 the 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.The project will apply contemporary hydrological, ecological, FLOWS methods to develop updated flow recommendations that support future water resource planning and environmental management. Climate projections should also be included to provide an understanding of future hydrological states.