Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

BROKEN RIVER & UPPER BROKEN CREEK

Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018

Publication details

Published by:

Simon Casanelia Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 1752, Shepparton 3632

Please cite this document as: GBCMA (2017). Broken River and Upper Broken Creek Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton.

Disclaimer:

This publication may be of assistance to you, but the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on information in this publication.

It should be noted that specific reference to funding levels in this strategy are for indicative purposes only. The level of Government investment in this plan is contingent on budgets and government priorities.

For further information, please contact:

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority P.O. Box 1752, Shepparton 3632 Ph. (03) 5820 7700

Website: www.gbcma.vic.gov.au

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The proposal identifies the environmental water requirements of the Broken River and upper Broken Creek in 2017-2018 under a range of climatic scenarios to protect or improve their environmental values and health.

The Broken River has been identified as priority waterway in the Goulburn Broken Waterway Strategy (GB CMA 2014). Both the Broken and the upper Broken Creek are listed as on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Environment Australia 2001). They also support a diverse and abundant native fish community, provides water for agriculture and support a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, bird watching and camping.

The conditions leading into the 2016-17 year were characterised by a dry summer and autumn. However, between July and November 2016 above average rainfall across the catchment resulted in the upper Broken Creek and the Broken River experiencing several freshes and the Broken River experience a bankfull/overbank flow that had a peak discharge of approximately 20,000 ML/day at Caseys Weir. These high flows would have:  increased native fish and macroinvertebrate habitat;  stimulated native fish movement and breeding;  helped maintain in-channel habitat diversity; and  helped maintain wetland, riparian and in-channel vegetation condition.

Preliminary assessment of fish movement through the fish ladders at Caseys Weir and Lake Benalla on the Broken River suggest a few golden perch moved through the fish ladder at Caseys Weir between October and November 2016 coinciding with the high flows.

Based on these findings the priority watering actions in 2017-18 are: 1. Use the available environmental water to maintain water quality in the upper Broken Creek for native fish and macroinvertebrates. The upper Broken Creek may experience poor water quality as a result of floods, low and cease to flow events, intense rainfall and fire. Flows between 50-100 ML/d for 10 days may be required to respond to these events 2. Maintain Broken River minimum baseflow requirement of 15 ML/day in summer and autumn using Inter- Valley Transfer water. 3. Deliver a summer/autumn fresh (400- 500 ML/day for 2-8 days) downstream of Lake Nillahcootie on the Broken River using Inter-Valley Transfer water. The fresh is designed maintain macrophyte and native fish habitat. Under all seasonal scenarios, the volume of environmental water available is much less than the volume required to deliver the desired priority watering action in the upper Broken Creek. If Inter-Valley Transfer water (maximum of 1,500 ML) can be utilized in the Broken River, it could meet the minimum Broken River baseflow requirements and could partially deliver the fresh priority watering action.

Given the small volume of environmental water available and the nature of the Broken River supply system, there is no particular need to save water for the 2018-2019 year.

The proposal does not take account of competing needs of environmental water use at Moodie Swamp on the upper Broken Creek. As all of the flows proposed are well within the channel of the upper Broken Creek and Broken River, there is a very low risk of adverse outcomes to private assets or the general public from delivering the priority watering actions.

The proposal was developed in consultation with the GB CMA Board, the VEWH, the CEWO, GMW, Parks Victoria and the Broken Environmental Water Advisory Group. These groups will also be consulted along with traditional owners during the implementation of the proposal.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

CONTENTS

Executive summary ...... ii Glossary and acronyms ...... v Introduction and system overview...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Purpose ...... 1 System overview ...... 1 Broken River ...... 1

Upper Broken Creek ...... 2

Priority reaches and measurement points ...... 3

Delivery constraints ...... 3

Water sources ...... 4

Environmental objectives and flow recommendations ...... 6 Broken River objectives and recommendations ...... 6 Upper Broken Creek objectives and recommendations ...... 8 Seasonal review 2016-2017 ...... 9 Broken River ...... 9 Upper Broken Creek ...... 10 Flow recommendations delivered ...... 12 Current ecological condition...... 13 Key observations and lessons ...... 14 Shared benefits review ...... 14 Outlook for 2017-2018 ...... 14 Priority watering actions ...... 15 Scenario planning ...... 16 Scenario planning overview ...... 16 Triggers for action ...... 19 Shared benefits outcomes ...... 19 Implementation arrangements ...... 20 Notice and time required ...... 20 Costs ...... 20 Risk management ...... 21 Environmental water delivery ...... 21 Monitoring and reporting ...... 25 Current monitoring programs ...... 25

iii

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Monitoring 2017-2018 environmental flow outcomes ...... 25 Reporting ...... 25 Knowledge gaps and limitations ...... 26 Engagement ...... 26 Approval and endorsement ...... 28 References ...... 29 Appendix 1: Broken River ecological objectives and flow recommendations ...... 30 Appendix 2: Upper Broken Creek ecological objectives and flow components ...... 35

Table 1: Environmental water available for use in the Broken River System ...... 4

Table 2: Environmental objectives and flow recommendations for the Broken River ...... 7

Table 3: Summary of key flow components for the Upper Broken Creek ...... 8

Table 4: Historical achievement of flow recommendations for the Broken River ...... 12

Table 5: Historical achievement of flow recommendations for the Upper Broken Creek ...... 13

Table 6: Summary of priotity flow recommendations ...... 15

Table 7: Scenario summary descriptions for the Broken River System ...... 17

Table 8: Scenario summary descriptions for the Broken River System ...... 19

Table 9: Risk assessment of the proposed Broken River system water delivery ...... 21

Table 10: Seasonal watering proposal communication approach ...... 27

Figure 1: Broken River Basin (prepared by the VEWH) ...... 5

Figure 2: Casey Weir on the Broken River September 2016 ...... 9

Figure 3: Broken River flows from July 2016 to March 2017 ...... 10

Figure 4: Broken Creek reach 2 September 2016 ...... 11

Figure 5: Upper Broken Creek flows from July to March 2017 ...... 11

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS low flow during summer-autumn then high flows Bankfull - carrying capacity of the stream before spilling out onto adjacent land during winter-spring

Baseflow – low flows sufficient to maintain fish Freshes - flows that produce a substantial rise in river height for a short period, but do not overtop passage, water quality, and pool and riffle habitats the river bank. Freshes help maintain water quality Catchment Management Authority (CMA) – and serve as life cycle cues for fish statutory authorities established to manage GB CMA - Goulburn Broken Catchment regional and catchment planning, waterways, Management Authority floodplains, salinity and water quality Geomorphology (fluvial) - the physical interaction Channel - that part of a river where water flows at of flowing water and the natural channels of rivers some time and includes the bed and banks, taken including erosion and sedimentation to mean the whole of the depression in which the Gigalitre (GL) – one billion (1,000,000,000) litres or water flows before it rises sufficiently to spill over 1,000 megalitres onto adjacent lands as flood water GMW - Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Commonwealth Environmental Water Office Corporation, trading as Goulburn-Murray Water (CEWO) – (part of the Department of Environment) holds and manages the water High flows - high flow within channel capacity. High entitlements purchased through the Restoring the flows allow full connection between all habitats in Balance water recovery program the river, which is important to fish passage during migration CMA – catchment management authority High reliability entitlement – legally recognised, Environmental flow regime – the timing, secure entitlement to a defined share of water, as frequency, duration and magnitude of flows for governed by the reserve policy (full allocations are the environment expected in most years)

Environmental flow study – a scientific study of Instream - refers to that area of a waterway below the flow requirements of a particular basin’s river the surface of the water and wetland systems used to inform decisions on Inter-Valley Transfers (IVT) – bulk water transfers the management and allocation of water resources from the Goulburn supply system to supply water Environmental water entitlement – an users in the Murray system entitlement to water to achieve environmental Low reliability entitlement – a legally recognised, objectives in waterways (could be an secure entitlement to a defined share of water, as environmental entitlement, environmental bulk governed by the reserve policy (full allocations are entitlement, water share, Section 51 licence or expected only in some years) supply agreement) Macroinvertebrates – aquatic invertebrates whose Flow - movement downstream of water confined body length usually exceeds 1 mm (included in the channel. The term lotic applies to living in insects, crustacean, aquatic worms and aquatic flowing or moving water snails) Flow component – components of a river system’s Macrophytes – an aquatic plant that grows in or flow regime that can be described by timing, near water and is either emergent, submergent, or seasonality, frequency and duration (for example, floating cease to flow and overbank flows) Megalitre (ML) – one million (1,000,000) litres Flow regime - pattern of seasonal flow variations in any one year, usually consisting of periods of Overbank flow – flows that overtop the banks and spill onto the floodplain

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Passing flow – water released out of storages to Unregulated entitlement – an entitlement to operate river and distribution systems (to deliver water declared during periods of unregulated flow water to end users), provide for riparian rights and in a river system, that is, flows that are unable to maintain environmental values and other be captured in storages community benefits Victorian Environmental Flow Monitoring and Planktonic algae – floating microscopic plants that Assessment Program (VEFMAP) – assesses the are an important food source for aquatic fauna effectiveness of environmental flows in delivering ecological outcomes Pool - a significantly deeper area in the bed of a river Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) – an independent statutory body responsible for Reach - a length of stream that is reasonably holding and managing Victorian environmental uniform with respect to geomorphology, flow and water entitlements and allocations (Victorian ecology Water Holdings) Riffle – a section of the stream with fast and Water entitlement – the right to a volume of turbulent flow over a pebble bed with protruding water that can (usually) be stored in reservoirs and rocks (characterised by a broken water surface) taken and used under specific conditions Riparian vegetation - vegetation growing on the Water Holdings – environmental water river bank or along the very top of the bank and is entitlements held by the Victorian Environmental effected by river flow. It is the vegetation which Water Holder has the most direct effect on instream biota. Waterway manager – agency responsible for the Seasonal allocation – the volume of water environmental management of waterways allocated to a water share in a given season, (includes catchment management authorities and expressed as a percentage of total entitlement Melbourne Water) volume Waterways – can include rivers, wetlands, creeks, The Living Murray (TLM) – an intergovernmental floodplains and estuaries program, which holds an average of 500,000 ML of environmental water per year, for use at six icon sites along the River Murray

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

INTRODUCTION AND SYSTEM OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Environmental entitlements are available to be called out of storage when needed and delivered to streams or wetlands to protect or enhance their environmental values and health. Environmental entitlements are held by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH), and the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) are responsible for determining the environmental water requirements of streams and wetlands, developing and submitting seasonal watering proposals to the VEWH for consideration, and managing the delivery of environmental water in accordance with the VEWH Seasonal Watering Statements.

The VEWH prepares a seasonal watering plan based on each of the CMA’s seasonal watering proposals. The plan describes the desired environmental water use for rivers and wetlands across Victoria in the coming year. To help facilitate the desired environmental water use outlined in the plans, the VEWH negotiates access to environmental water managed by the CEWH and the MDBA. The VEWH then prepares seasonal watering statements that authorises CMA’s to undertake the agreed watering activities, including the use of CEWH and MDBA water. As more environmental water becomes available during the season the VEWH may prepare additional seasonal watering statements. Where possible, the VEWH, CEWH and the MDBA seek to coordinate the delivery and management of environmental water to maximise ecological benefits.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Broken River System Seasonal Watering Proposal is to:  identify the environmental water requirements of the Broken River and upper Broken Creek in the coming year under a range of climatic scenarios to protect or improve their environmental values and health; and  inform the development of environmental water priorities in the VEWH’s seasonal watering plan. The proposal is informed by scientific studies and reports that identify the flow regimes required to meet the ecological objectives of the Broken River System. This proposal was prepared in consultation with key stakeholders and partners, and was approved by the CEO of the GB CMA.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Broken River and the upper Broken Creek are connected waterways in the Broken River catchment.

BROKEN RIVER The Broken River rises in the Wellington-Tolmie highlands of central Victoria and flows in a westerly direction to Lake Nillahcootie. The river then flows north to Benalla and then west again, before it discharges to the Goulburn River near Shepparton (Figure 1).

The Broken River has the characteristics of a foothills stream with relatively steep, confined sections immediately below Lake Nillahcootie. The river then takes on the characteristics of a lowland river with a more extensive floodplain downstream of Swanpool until its confluence with the Goulburn River at Shepparton. The main tributaries of the Broken River include Hollands Creek, Ryans Creek, and Lima East Creek (formerly Moonee’s Creek). Much of the study area has been cleared for agriculture, including dryland (livestock grazing and cereal cropping) and irrigated agriculture (dairy, fruit, livestock).

The Broken River has been identified as priority waterway in the Goulburn Broken Waterway Strategy (GB CMA 2014) and is listed as on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Environment Australia 2001). The River supports a diverse and abundant native fish community. Fish species supported include the threatened Murray cod (Macullachella peelii), Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), golden perch (Macquaria ambigua), silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), Mountain galaxias (Galaxias olidus) and Murray-

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Darling rainbowfish (Melanotaenis fluviatilis). The river is also thought to support a large platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) population (Serena and Williams, 2010).

The main channel of the Broken river supports beds of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation such as Eelgrass (Vallisneria australis), Common reed (Phragmites australis) and Water ribbons (Triglochin procera). This sets the Broken River apart from other major rivers in the regions, such as the Goulburn River, where such stands of aquatic vegetation are relatively scarce. The River and associated floodplain and wetland habitats also contain important cultural heritage sites and support a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, birdwatching and bushwalking.

Mean annual streamflow for the Broken Basin is approximately 308 GL (DSE 2009). Streamflow is variable, both across years and across seasons. Lake Nillahcootie (capacity 40,000 ML) stores water during the winter/spring for release in spring/summer/autumn to supply predominantly irrigation demands along the river downstream to Shepparton and along upper Broken Creek. The tributaries downstream of Lake Nillahcootie also make significant contributions to streamflows.

Lake Nillahcootie fills in most years, as the storage capacity is approximately half of the mean annual flow of that section of the Broken River. It is regularly drawn down to less than 30% capacity by the end of the annual irrigation season. Water is released to meet downstream demand of up to 300 ML/d and to provide a minimum ‘riparian flow’ of 30 ML/d at Moorngag and to meet minimum flow requirements specified under the Bulk Entitlement for the Broken River system. Releases from the dam may be less than 30 ML/d as tributary inflows immediately below the dam (e.g. Back Creek) can supply much of the flow required to meet the bulk entitlement minimum flow requirements. There is a small flow balancing storage associated with Broken Weir, upstream of Benalla.

The operation of Lake Nillachootie has modified the river’s natural flow pattern causing winter-spring flows to be lower and summer-autumn low flows to be higher to meet irrigation demands. These impacts are most pronounced downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Hollands Creek. However, downstream of Hollands Creek to the Goulburn River it still retains a largely natural flow pattern in average and wet years (including both high and low flows).

UPPER BROKEN CREEK The Broken Creek is a distributary stream of the Broken River and flows north from the Broken River at Caseys Weir to the Boosey Creek confluence near Katamatite Township. At this point the Broken Creek follows in a westerly direction until it meets the Murray River at Barmah Forest. For the purpose of this document the upper Broken Creek is defined as the stretch from Caseys Weir to Katamatite Township. This stretch is approximately 89 kilometres long.

The upper Broken Creek has significant environmental values. It supports an array of aquatic fauna species including platypus, Common Long-necked turtle and the threatened Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch and Murray-Darling rainbowfish. The surrounding floodplain and wetland habitats support box dominated grassy woodland communities and numerous threatened species including Brolga, Australasian Bittern, Buloke and Rigid Water Milfoil. The Creek and associated floodplain and wetland habitats also contain important cultural sites and support a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, birdwatching and bushwalking. The upper Broken Creek is listed on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Environment Australia 2001) and stretches have been set aside as a Natural Features Reserve.

The upper Broken Creek has been regulated for over 100 years. Prior to 2007 water was diverted from the Broken River at Caseys Weir to the upper Broken Creek from where it was distributed via natural waterways and a system of weirs and channels to supply stock, domestic and irrigation water to landholders. This transformed the upper Broken Creek from an intermittent and seasonally variable stream into a near perennial stream.

As part of a Murray-Darling Basin water savings initiative, a pipeline was constructed and commissioned in 2007 to deliver stock and domestic water to landholders along the upper Broken Creek (known as the Tungamah Pipeline

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Scheme). This was expected to reinstate a more natural flow regime to the upper Broken Creek. However, due to the influence of ongoing irrigation demand in the upper Broken Creek, changes to the flow regime have not been as dramatic as first expected. Today the Creek from Caseys Weir to Waggarandall Weir is largely perennial with low flows maintained throughout summer and autumn to supply water for irrigation. Some of this water passes downstream to Reillys Weir providing a low flow throughout most of summer and autumn. Downstream of Reillys Weir the Creek follows a more natural summer and autumn flow pattern with regular cease to flow periods. This contraction of permanent aquatic habitat has impacted the distribution an abundance of aquatic and terrestrial biota, particularly large flow dependent native fish species which are now largely restricted to areas above Waggarandall Weir. Winter flows along the length of the upper Broken Creek are variable and dominated by catchment runoff. It also receives flood flows from the Broken River. However, levees and a road obstruct the flow path reducing their natural frequently.

PRIORITY REACHES AND MEASUREMENT POINTS Flow recommendations were developed for the Broken River and the upper Broken Creek in 2013 and 2007 respectively. To facilitate this process, they were divided into reaches with similar channel morphology, flow regime and ecological values (Figure 1).

The Broken River reaches are: 1. Downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Hollands Creek (38 km); 2. Hollands Creek to Caseys Weir (14 km); and 3. Caseys Weir to the Goulburn River (69 km).

The upper Broken Creek reaches are: 1. Caseys Weir to Waggarandall Weir (40 km); 2. Waggarandall Weir to Reillys Weir (24 km); and 3. Reillys Weir to Katamatite (25 km). While all reaches of both the Broken River and the upper Broken Creek are important, the highest priorities are reach 3 of the Broken River and reach 1 of the upper Broken Creek, particularly during drought and dry years, as they support the most diverse and abundant native fish communities. Reach 1 of the upper Broken Creek also supports a large permanent platypus population, while reaches 2 and 3 are thought to support small transient populations. All reaches of the Broken River are likely to support large permanent platypus populations.

The natural flow pattern of reach 1 in the Broken River has been modified the most by regulation. Providing environmental water to this reach to increase flow variability is important when possible. This will also benefit the downstream reaches.

The key environmental flow measurement points for the Broken River are:  Back Creek in reach 1;  Caseys Weir in reach 2; and  Gowangardie Weir in reach 3.

The key environmental flow measurement points for the upper Broken Creek are:  Caseys Weir in reach 1; and  Waggarandall Weir in reach 2.

DELIVERY CONSTRAINTS Delivery of environmental water down the Broken River is primarily constrained by water availability. In most cases the volume of environmental water available is much less than the volume required to deliver the desired flow components. There is an opportunity to deliver trade water to meet desired flow components including spring and autumn freshes. However, the Bulk Entitlement (Broken System – Goulburn-Murray Water) Conversion Order 2004 restricts the transfer of trade water to a maximum rate 90 ML/day between December and March. GMW in consultation with the GB CMA is seeking to amend the Bulk Entitlement (Broken System – Goulburn-Murray Water) 3

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Conversion Order 2004 to allow minimum and maximum environmental flows to be temporarily modified upon agreement between GMW and the GB CMA. The amendment is expected to be approved by December 2017.

In the upper Broken Creek delivery of environmental water is primarily restricted by channel capacity. The delivery of desired flow components (freshes) may inundate adjoining private property and assets. As a result, the delivery of the current desired flow components does not occur. However, smaller volumes of environmental water can and have been delivered safely down the upper Broken Creek to maintain water quality and aquatic habitat. A new Flows Study is being developed for the upper Broken Creek that will develop new flow recommendations compatible with the channel capacity of the creek.

WATER SOURCES Water available for use in the Broken River System (Table 1) includes:  minimum passing flows established in the Bulk Entitlement (Broken System – Goulburn-Murray Water) Conversion Order 2004 and subsequent amendments;  environmental entitlements held by the CEWH; and  unregulated flows.

Table 1: Environmental water available for use in the Broken River System RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL WATER DESCRIPTION CONDITIONS AGENCY Bulk Entitlement (Broken System – Goulburn-Murray Water) Conversion Order 2004 Minimum flow of 30 ML/d or natural (whichever is Minimum flow GMW lower) from June to November in the Broken River at Back Creek Junction. Minimum flow of 22 ML/d or natural (whichever is Minimum flow GMW lower) from December to May in the Broken River at Broken Weir. Minimum flow of 25 ML/d or natural (whichever is Minimum flow GMW lower) from December to May in the Broken River at Gowangardie Weir. Environmental Water Entitlements Water use is subject to Commonwealth 253 ML Broken high reliability water share and 4 ML CEWH agreement with the Environmental Water Holdings Broken low reliability water share. CEWH. GMW maintains an operational passing flow of approximately 8 ML/d past Caseys Weir into the upper Broken Creek during the irrigation season to meet delivery losses.

A maximum of 1,500 ML of allocation can be traded from the Broken System to the lower Goulburn River and downstream. The delivery of trade commitments are expected to occur between December and March.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Figure 1: Broken River Basin (prepared by the VEWH)

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

This section outlines the environmental flow objectives established for the Broken River and the upper Broken Creek, and the corresponding flow recommendations including the volume, timing, duration and frequency of flow components.

BROKEN RIVER OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

An environmental flows study for the Broken River was completed in 2001 (Cottingham et al 2001) and updated in the Environmental Watering Plan completed in 2013 (Cottingham et al 2013b). The Environmental Watering Plan developed objectives and flow recommendations for the management of the Broken River’s key ecological values. To facilitate this the Broken River was divided into the following three reaches: 1. Broken River from Lake Nillahcootie to Holland’s Creek (38 km); 2. Broken River from Holland’s Creek to Caseys Weir (14 km); and 3. Broken River from Caseys Weir to the Goulburn River (69 km).

Given the small volume or environmental water available and the opportunity to utilise trade water between December and March, the focus of this proposal is on maintaining minimum base flows and increasing flow variability in all reaches. The relevant objectives, flow recommendations and ecological values are listed in Table 2 below. The complete list of objectives and flow recommendations for the management of the Broken River’s key ecological values are outlined in Appendix 1.

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Table 2: Environmental objectives and flow recommendations for the Broken River FLOW FLOW (ML/DAY) FLOW COMPONENT ECOLOGICAL VALUE ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES SEASON FREQUENCY DURATION COMMENT COMPONENT Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 ID NO.

Riffles, slackwater, pools, Maintain hydraulic habitat Spring Annual Continuous 30-100 30-100 30-100 aquatic vegetation, native diversity (riffles, slackwater Summer or natural or natural or natural Consistent with the 2013 1 Baseflow fish and and pools) which supports Autumn (minimum (minimum (minimum EWMP native fish, macrophytes macroinvertebrates Winter of 15) of 15) of 15) and macroinvertebrates. Turn over bed sediments 1 in summer See notes 400 400 400 and scour around large or autumn in columns (2 days in (3 days in (3 days in wood. Provide flow cues to to the right dry years dry years dry years In-channel habitat diversity Summer 2 Fresh stimulate native fish 5 days in 5 days in 5 days in Consistent with the 2013 and native fish breeding and migration Autumn average average average EWMP movements. years 8 and wet and wet days in years) years) wet years) Promote biofilm 1 in summer 2 days in 500 productivity. Maintain or autumn dry years macrophyte habitat. 5 days in Biofilms, macrophytes and Summer Consistent with the 2013 3 Fresh Provide habitat for native average native fish fish passage. Provide flow Autumn EWMP years cues to stimulate native fish breeding and migration 8 days in movements. wet years

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UPPER BROKEN CREEK OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

An environmental flows study for the Broken Creek was completed in 2007 (SKM 2007). The study developed objectives and flow recommendations for the management of the upper Broken Creek’s key ecological values. To facilitate this the upper broken Creek was divided into the following three reaches: 1. Caseys Weir to Waggarandall Weir (40 km); 2. Waggarandall Weir to Reillys Weir (24 km); and 3. Reillys Weir to Katamatite (25 km). The objectives, flow recommendations and ecological values are listed below in Table 3.

Table 3: Summary of key flow components for the Upper Broken Creek FLOW FLOW (ML/DAY) FLOW COMPONEN ECOLOGICAL FREQUE DURATI COMPONEN ECOLOGICAL VALUE SEASON COMMENT T ID NO. OBJECTIVES NCY ON Reach Reach Reach T 1 2 3

Increase macrophyte diversity. Restore Riparian vegetation, natural distribution of Cease to macrophytes, native riparian vegetation. Consistent with the 1 All Natural Natural NA NA NA flow fish and Restore native fish and 2007 Flows Study macroinvertebrates macroinvertebrate communities consistent of an ephemeral system.

Increase macrophyte diversity. Restore No Riparian vegetation, natural distribution of specific macrophytes, native riparian vegetation. Consistent with the 2 Low flow recomm NA NA NA NA NA fish and Restore native fish and 2007 Flows Study endatio macroinvertebrates macroinvertebrate communities consistent n of an ephemeral system.

Water quality, Increase macrophyte Consistent with the diversity. Restore riparian vegetation, Once 2007 Flows Study. natural distribution of Winter Up to 3 Fresh macrophytes, native every 2 1-2 days 70-110 30-70 Can not deliver due riparian vegetation. Spring 200 fish and Maintain aquatic years to restricted channel macroinvertebrates habitats during cease to capacity. flow periods. In addition to the above flow recommendations, environmental water may be need to manage poor water quality in the upper Broken Creek. This could be the result of floods, low and cease to flow events, intense rainfall and fire. Flows between 50-100 ML/d for 10 days may be required to respond to these events.

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SEASONAL REVIEW 2016-2017

BROKEN RIVER

Between July 2011 and October 2014 the Broken River experienced several winter and spring freshes with peak discharges between 500 ML/day and 8,000 ML/day, particularly in reaches 2 and 3. Between November 2014 and June 2016 the Broken River only experienced a small number of minor freshes. During this period flow in reach 1 (downstream of Lake Nillahcootie to Hollands Creek) averaged less than 60 ML/day and experienced low flow periods of less than 20 ML/day. Between July and November 2016 above average rainfall across the catchment resulted in the Broken River experiencing a number of freshes and a bankfull/overbank flow with a peak discharge of approximately 20,000 ML/day at Caseys Weir (Figure 2). Between December 2016 and March 2017 the average daily flow in reaches 2 and 3 was 133 and 156 ML/day respectively. This is higher than flows typical for this time year. The average daily flow in reach 1 was more typical for this time of year and averaged approximately 40 ML/day. In late December reaches 2 and 3 experienced a short fresh with a peak discharge of approximately 1,700 ML/day at Casey Weir generated by an intense summer rainfall event. Figure 3 below shows the average daily flow (ML/day) at Back Creek, Caseys Weir and Gowangardie Weir on the Broken River from July 2016 to March 2017.

Figure 2: Casey Weir on the Broken River September 2016

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20,000

18,000

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000 Average Average DailyML/day Flow

2,000

- 1/07/2016 1/08/2016 1/09/2016 1/10/2016 1/11/2016 1/12/2016 1/01/2017 1/02/2017

Back Creek Caseys Weir Gowangardie Weir

Figure 3: Broken River flows from July 2016 to March 2017

UPPER BROKEN CREEK

Between July 2011 and June 2016 flow in the upper Broken Creek typically ranged between 5-10 ML/day in reach 1 and less than 5 ML/day in reaches 2 and 3, which also experienced cease to flow and no flow events. This was punctuated by brief higher flows ranging between 20 and 80 ML/day often generated by catchment runoff. No flow above 100 ML/day was recorded during this time. Between July and November 2016 above average rainfall across the catchment resulted in the upper Broken Creek experiencing a number of freshes with peak discharges between 100 and 160 ML/day at Waggarandall Weir. These freshes inundated sections of the floodplain in reach 2 and 3 where the channel capacity of the Creek is restricted (Figure 4). Between November 2016 and March 2017 flow in reach 1 and 2 averaged approximately 17 ML/day and 7 ML/day respectively. There isn’t a flow monitoring station in reach 3, but the average daily flow during this period is likely to have been less than 5 ML/day. Figure 5 below shows the average daily flow (ML/day) at Caseys Weir and Waggarandall Weir on the Broken Creek from July 2016 to March 2017.

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Figure 4: Broken Creek reach 2 September 2016

160

140

120

100

60 Averaage Averaage DailyML/day Flow 40

0 1/07/2016 1/08/2016 1/09/2016 1/10/2016 1/11/2016 1/12/2016 1/01/2017 1/02/2017

Caseys Weir Broken Creek Waggarandall Weir

Figure 5: Upper Broken Creek flows from July to March 2017

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FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS DELIVERED

To date no environmental water has been used in the upper Broken Creek or the Broken River to deliver identified flow recommendations. However, in January 2015 a total of 387 ML of environmental water was used to maintain a flow of 50-100 ML/day in reach 1 of the upper Creek to manage poor water quality. The water quality was impacted by ash and debris laden runoff entering the creek from the surrounding catchment which was burnt by a wildfire.

Since 2011 the 3 Broken River reaches have met the minimum baseflow requirement of 15 ML/day for most the time (see Table 4 below). Notable exceptions include reach 1 and reach 2 not meeting the minimum baseflow requirement for 42 days between May and June 2013 and 114 days in summer 2015-2016 respectively. Since 2011 reach 1 has not had a recommended summer/autumn fresh (see Table 4 below) and reaches 2 and 3 have had 4.

Since 2011 reach 1 of the upper Broken Creek has not had the recommended fresh (see table 5) and reach 2 had one in 2012 and 7 in 2016 between July and October. Reach 3 is likely to have had a number freshes in 2016 between July and October.

Table 4: Historical achievement of flow recommendations for the Broken River FLOW 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 REACH COMPONENT FLOW COMPONENT 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 ID NO.

Baseflow 1 1 O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U 30-100 ML/day (minimum of 15 ML/d)

Baseflow 2 1 O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U 30-100 ML/day (minimum of 15 ML/d)

Baseflow 3 1 O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U O/U 30-100 ML/day (minimum of 15 ML/d)

Fresh 1 2 400 ML/day

Fresh 2 2 U U U 400 ML/day

Fresh 3 2 U U 400 ML/day

Fresh 1 3 500 ML/day

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Table 5: Historical achievement of flow recommendations for the Upper Broken Creek FLOW 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 REACH COMPONENT FLOW COMPONENT 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 ID NO.

Fresh 1 3 E 200 ML/day

Fresh 2 3 E 70-110 ML/day

Fresh 3 3 E 30-70 ML/day

No significant part of the flow component achieved (target flow met for less than 50% of the required duration) Flow component partially provided (target flow met for more than 50% of the required duration) Flow component completely provided (target flow met for the required duration) E Managed environmental water release O Consumptive water on route or other managed flow U Unregulated flows X Unknown

CURRENT ECOLOGICAL CONDITION

Broken River VEFMAP results between 2008 and 2016 indicate the fish community remains stable and dominated by small bodied fish including the native Murray-Darling rainbowfish, Carp Gudgeon, Australian smelt and the introduced Eastern Gambusia. Murray cod is the most abundant large bodied native fish followed by the introduced carp. Other large bodied native fish are found in small numbers including golden perch and silver perch. Of note, silver perch were caught during the 2016 VEFMAP survey, the first time since 2009. The results also indicated fish habitat was good, with an abundance of woody debris, macrophytes, overhanging terrestrial vegetation, pools and flow variability (Bloink et al 2016).

Like the Broken River, the upper Broken Creek VEFMAP fish survey results between 2008 and 2016 indicate the fish community remains stable and dominated by small bodied fish including the native Murray-Darling rainbowfish and the introduced Eastern Gambusia. Large bodied native fish are dominated by the introduced carp, goldfish and redfin. Large bodied native fish including river blackfish, golden perch and Murray cod are found in small numbers. The shallow habitat and relatively static hydrological regime of the Broken Creek, particularly in reach 1, is considered favorable for introduced species such as carp, Eastern Gambusia and goldfish. However, there is an abundance of woody debris, macrophytes and overhanging terrestrial vegetation along sections of the creek which provide good fish habitat (Bloink et al 2016).

Broken Creek and Broken River VEFMAP vegetation monitoring results between 2008 and 2014 indicate riparian vegetation cover and diversity has stayed reasonably stable. Mature old River Red Gums and Grey Box dominate the overstorey. However, past and present grazing pressure has inhibited the recruitment of native shrubs and herbs reducing the structural complexity and diversity of the vegetation and introduced grasses dominate the groundlayer in some areas. The main channels of the Broken River and Broken Creek support extensive areas of native macrophytes. Eelgrass, Common reed and Water Ribbons are the dominate Broken River macrophytes and Tall Spike-sedge and Knotweed are the dominate Broken Creek macrophytes (Water Technology 2015).

Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) is a weed of national significance and was first identified in Lake Benalla (Broken River in reach 2) in the 1990s. The lake was drawn down in 2009 and 2010 to dry and kill the infestation. This was

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek moderately successful and flooding in September 2010 dislodged or buried any remaining Cabomba. The increased depth and turbidity of the lake following the flood also inhibited any regrowth. Consequently, Cabomba has not been recorded in lake since 2011. However, two small satellite population continue to persist. These are in the Broken Creek downstream of Caseys Weir and the Broken River upstream of Caseys Weir (including Stockyard Creek). The GB CMA in partnership with GMW have been implementing a variety of on-ground works at these site in an effort to control the infestations. Monitoring has shown the infestations have not spread and will be excavated in autumn this year if there is favorable weather and flow conditions. Follow up monitoring will be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the excavation work.

KEY OBSERVATIONS AND LESSONS

Between July and November 2016 above average rainfall across the catchment resulted in the upper Broken Creek experiencing a number of freshes that inundated sections of the floodplain in reaches 2 and 3. It also resulted in the Broken River experiencing a number of freshes and a bankfull/overbank flow. These high flows would have:  increased native fish and macroinvertebrate habitat;  stimulated native fish movement and breeding;  helped maintain in-channel habitat diversity; and  helped maintain wetland, riparian and in-channel vegetation condition. It is hoped future VEFMAP results will help confirm and quantify some of these expected outcomes. However, preliminary assessment of fish movement through the fish ladders at Caseys Weir and Lake Benalla on the Broken River suggest a number of golden perch moved through the fish ladder at Caseys Weir between October and November 2016 coinciding with the high flows.

Local observations by GB CMA staff indicate the high flows have reduced the extent of the Cabomba infestation on the Broken River upstream of Caseys Weir by breaking up and dislodging the plant. The impact of the high flows on the Cabomba infestations on the Broken Creek downstream of Caseys Weir has not been investigated to date. However, it is unlikely flow velocities would have been sufficient to break up or dislodge the plants.

SHARED BENEFITS REVIEW

No environmental water was delivered down the upper Broken Creek or the Broken River in 2016-2017. Therefore, no shared benefits (either intrinsic or opportunistic) were achieved during 2016-2017 through the delivery of environmental water.

OUTLOOK FOR 2017-2018

According to the latest weather outlook information from the Bureau of Meteorology, March to May is likely to be drier than average in the Goulburn and Broken Catchments and a potential to revert to El-Nino conditions. Lake Nillachootie is currently 84% full and water is continuing to be released to meet irrigations demands. At the same time last year Lake Nillachootie was 30% full.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

PRIORITY WATERING ACTIONS

The environmental flow targets in the Broken River water supply system are the Broken River, the upper Broken Creek and Moodie Swamp. The environmental water requirements of Moodie Swamp in 2017-2018 are dealt with in the Goulburn Broken Wetlands Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018.

The Broken River generally has adequate flows provided by catchment runoff and irrigation releases. However, in late summer/autumn when irrigation releases are finishing and before catchment runoff commences, releases to provide a fresh, particularly in reach 1 immediately downstream of Lake Nillahcootie where there is minimal catchment runoff, would help maintain macrophyte and native fish habitat (see Table 2). Freshes require 400- 500 ML/day for 2 to 8 days, plus gradual rates of rise and fall. In addition, during dry periods releases to maintain minimum baseflow requirements in summer and autumn may be required. The minimum baseflow requirement is 15 ML/day. However, catchment runoff and irrigation releases are likely to contribute part of the minimum baseflow requirement during dry periods.

The upper Broken Creek requires a winter/spring fresh of up to 200 ML/day for 2 days, primarily to replicate original bankfull flows from the Broken River. Hence this flow occurs under wet and potentially average climate scenarios. Since 2011 flows of this magnitude have not occurred in reach 1 and have only occurred in reach 2 and 3 in 2012- 2013 and 2016-2017. However, channel delivery constraints along the upper Broken Creek prevents releases of this magnitude. Smaller releases up to 100 ML/day are possible and may be required to maintain water quality for native fish and macroinvertebrates (particularly during summer and early autumn).

The priority flow recommendations are summarised in Table 6: Summary of priotity flow recommendations

This gives priority to providing water to the upper Broken Creek to maintain water quality followed by providing water for baseflows and freshes in the Broken River. Priority is given to providing water to the upper Broken Creek as it aims to avoid the death of native fish and macroinvertebrates. Given the small volume of environmental water available and the nature of the Broken River supply system, there is no need to save water for the 2018-2019 year.

The flow priorities will improve the social amenity of the upper Broken Creek and Broken River by improving water quality and recreational fishing opportunities. No negative social or economic impacts associated with the flow priorities have been identified.

Table 6: Summary of priotity flow recommendations FLOW TOTAL VOLUME (ML) ASSUMPTION PRIORITY SEASON FLOW COMPONENTS ESTIMATE

Upper Broken Creek Summer Flow of 50-100 ML/day for 1 water quality Up to 100 ML/day 500-1,000 Autumn 10 days management flows

Summer 450-900 Flow of 5-10 ML/day for 90 2 Broken River baseflows Up to 15 ML/day Autumn days

2,239-3,849 Flow of 400-500 ML/day for Summer 3 Broken River freshes 400-500 ML/day for 2-8 days 2-5 days with rates of rise Autumn and fall

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

SCENARIO PLANNING

SCENARIO PLANNING OVERVIEW

The Broken River system has a highly variable flow, depending on catchment runoff and the operation of the water supply delivery system. Environmental flow management aims to allow catchment runoff and water system operation to meet as many flow recommendations as possible, and then deploy water from environmental entitlements into the highest priority gaps that remain. However, under different possible climatic conditions (from very dry to very wet), the environmental flow gaps move dramatically and the deployment of environmental water changes. Therefore, plans are prepared for a range of possible climatic scenarios to understand how the priorities and required volumes for deployment of environmental water change.

The scenarios are based on current conditions such as the volumes of water stored in reservoirs and they assume the availability of all environmental water entitlements and their associated water allocations in the Broken River system. The scenarios then determine how best to maximise the environmental outcomes from their use.

In all cases, the volumes available are much smaller that the desirable flow components, and more water could be used if available.

Importantly, the planning is not concerned with the probability of any particular climate scenario (or in picking the most likely scenario) it merely ensures there is a plan if any scenario does occur. While various climate indicators exist, predicting the conditions for the coming season (both winter/spring and summer/autumn) is not reliable.

The scenarios have been picked to highlight the key decisions that will need to be made about environmental water deployment for 2017-2018. The scenarios range from the driest conditions, to the wettest. Importantly, the actual management of water through the season must be adaptive, with water deployment decisions adjusting as the season unfolds, particularly in response to timing issues within the season. Table 7 outlines the range of scenarios for water use in the Broken River system in 2017-2018.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Table 7: Scenario summary descriptions for the Broken River System SCENARIO 1 SCENARIO 2 SCENARIO 3 SCENARIO 4 EXTREME DRY DRY AVERAGE WET 99% POE 90% POE 50% POE 30% POE

Water Supply Carry over available at 100% high reliability 100% high reliability 100% high reliability the start of the season water supply allocations water supply allocations water supply allocations by February and there by October and 100% by October and 100% may be some low low reliability water low reliability water reliability allocation supply allocations by supply allocations by December December Expected Effectively no Low unregulated flows High winter/spring flows Winter/spring floods Unregulated unregulated flows in and odd freshes Flow and Water winter/spring Management Low minimum Broken Normal minimum Normal minimum Normal minimum River flows (or natural) Broken River flows (or Broken River flow (or Broken River flow (or natural) natural) natural) 0-10 ML/day Broken 0-10 ML/day Broken ~50-100 ML/day Broken ~50-100 ML/day Broken River flows, with ~50 River flows, with ~50 River flows Jan-Apr River flows Jan-Apr ML/day flows Jan-Apr ML/day flows Jan-Apr No unregulated flows in No unregulated flows in Some unregulated Winter/spring freshes in upper Broken Creek upper Broken Creek winter/spring flows in upper Broken Creek upper Broken Creek 5-15 ML/day flows from 5-15 ML/day flows from 5-15 ML/day flows from 5-15 ML/day flows from Caseys Weir into upper Caseys Weir into upper Caseys Weir into upper Caseys Weir into upper Broken Creek. Low and Broken Creek plus flows Broken Creek plus flows Broken Creek plus flows cease-to-flow events up to 30 ML/day in up to 30 ML/day in up to 30 ML/day in during summer and summer summer summer autumn in reaches 2-3 No or limited IVT 1,500 ML of IVT 1,500 ML of IVT 1,500 ML of IVT available available in the Broken available in the Broken available in the Broken in the Broken River River from February River from October River from October Environmental 126.5 ML1 253 ML2 253 ML2 253 ML2 Entitlement Volumes Available Environmental Priority 1 Objectives

Maintain water quality Maintain water quality Maintain water quality Maintain water quality in the upper Broken in the upper Broken in the upper Broken in the upper Broken Creek3 Creek3 Creek3 Creek3 (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) Priority 2

Maintain Broken River Maintain Broken River Will be met in average Will be met in wet baseflows in summer baseflows in summer years. years. and autumn to sustain and autumn to sustain riffles, slackwater and riffles, slackwater and pool habitats for native pool habitats for native fish, macrophytes and fish, macrophytes and macroinvertebrates. macroinvertebrates. (450-900 ML) (450-900 ML) Priority 3

Deliver a fresh in reach 1 Deliver a fresh in reach 1 Will be met in wet of the Broken River in of the Broken River in years. summer/autumn to: summer/autumn to:  turn over bed  turn over bed sediments sediments

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

 scour around large  scour around large wood wood  provide flow cues  provide flow cues to stimulate native to stimulate native fish breeding and fish breeding and migration migration movements movements  promote biofilm  promote biofilm productivity productivity  maintain  maintain macrophyte habitat macrophyte habitat  provide habitat for  provide habitat for native fish passage native fish passage (2,239-3,849 ML) (2,239-3,849 ML)) Total water Total water Total water Total water requirements requirements requirements requirements 950-1,900 ML 3,189-4,849 ML 2,739-5,000 ML 500-1,000 ML Priority 1 Maintain water quality Maintain water quality Maintain water quality Maintain water quality Environmental in the upper Broken in the upper Broken in the upper Broken in the upper Broken Water Use Creek3 Creek3 Creek3 Creek3 (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) (500-1000 ML) Potential 323.5-773.5 ML 197-647 ML 197-647 ML 197-647 ML Environmental Water Shortfall Priority 1 Inter- Maintain Broken River Maintain Broken River Deliver a fresh in the 0 Valley Transfer base flows in summer base flows in summer Broken River reach 1 in (IVT) Water Use and autumn and autumn summer/autumn (450-900 ML) (450-900 ML) (2,239-3,849 ML) Potential Inter- 450-900 ML 0 ML 739-2,349 ML 0 ML Valley Transfer (IVT) Water Shortfall Priority 2 Inter- Deliver a fresh in the Valley Transfer Broken River reach 1 in (IVT) Water Use summer/autumn (2,239-3,849 ML) Potential Inter- 1,189-3,249 ML Valley Transfer (IVT) Water Shortfall Total Potential 773.5-1,673.5 ML 1,386-3,896 ML 936-3,247 ML 197-647 ML Water Shortfall

1. Maximum carry over in the Broken System is 50% of the high reliability water share entitlement volume. 2. High reliability allocation and carry over cannot exceed the high reliability water share entitlement volume. 3. Assumes only one delivery event is required.

Summer storms in 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2016-17 produced significant runoff in the Broken River catchment. These events are erratic in nature, and not correlated with the climate scenarios above (which are based on winter/spring rainfall). The scenarios assume these events do not occur. If one or more events do occur, they will potentially reduce the need for environmental water to be delivered to the upper Broken Creek in summer/autumn increasing the environmental water availability for the Broken River.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

TRIGGERS FOR ACTION

This GB CMA proposal is based on using the allocations of all environmental entitlements expected to be available in the Broken River system in 2017-2018 (outlined in Table 1) and up to 1,500 ML of Inter-valley Transfers.

The highest priority is to maintain water quality in the upper Broken Creek to support native fish and macroinvertebrates under all scenarios. This involves delivering water in response to extreme weather or flows that may cause poor water quality (e.g. floods, low and cease to flow events, intense rainfall and fire). Flow, weather and dissolved oxygen levels will be monitored throughout the year to inform the timing and need for this action. The need to deliver this priority is more likely under the extreme dry and dry scenarios. Under all scenarios there is insufficient environmental water to meet the flow requirements. Inter-valley Transfers cannot be delivered down the upper Broken Creek to meet environmental flow requirements. Therefore, available environmental water will be prioritised to the upper Broken Creek.

The next highest priority is to maintain minimum baseflows in the Broken River in extreme dry and dry scenarios using Inter-valley Transfers. Under the extreme dry scenario there is unlikely to be sufficient Inter-valley Transfers to meet the water requirements. Under the dry scenario there should be sufficient water resources in summer and autumn to deliver this priority. Flow, the trade water balance, seasonal determinations and the weather will be monitored throughout the year to inform the timing and need for this action.

The final priority is to deliver a summer/autumn fresh in the Broken River in dry and average scenarios using Inter- valley Transfers. Under both scenarios there is unlikely to be sufficient Inter-valley Transfers to meet the water requirements. However, if neither of the first two priorities are triggered environmental water and Inter-valley Transfers could be used to deliver a modified fresh. This would require further consideration. Again flow, the trade water balance, seasonal determinations and the weather will be monitored throughout the year to inform the timing and need for this action.

SHARED BENEFITS OUTCOMES

Table 8 outlines the shared benefits from water use in the Broken River system in 2017-2018.

Table 8: Scenario summary descriptions for the Broken River System VALUES HOW IS IT CONSIDERED Mental health and wellbeing of Providing a green space and water in a dry landscape over summer. communities Maximising recreational activities Environmental water provides attractive landscapes for camping, bushwalking, picnicking and swimming Fishing Environmental water helps to maintain and improve native fish populations which supports recreational fishing and associated industries Duck hunting Environmental water helps to maintain and improve water bird populations which supports duck hunting Bird watching Environmental water helps to maintain and improve water and terrestrial bird populations which supports bird watching activities Agriculture Environmental water helps to maintain and improve water and terrestrial bird populations which help to control of agricultural pests (invertebrates)

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

No formal operating arrangements exist for the Broken River system. System capacity constraints are unlikely when supplying these small volumes, and GMW will consult with GB CMA should limitations occur.

NOTICE AND TIME REQUIRED

A minimum notice period of one to two days, and preferably four days, is required for environmental water orders from Broken River system storages. If GMW foresees constraints in making environmental water available, the GB CMA Environmental Water Manager will be advised accordingly. Releases from Lake Nillahcootie take approximately two days to reach Caseys Weir. Releases from Caseys Weir to Broken Creek could take a week to pass Waggarandall Weir. However, this can be influenced by existing conditions in the river and creek channel and seasonal conditions.

COSTS

The Environmental Water Manager does not have to make any payment for headworks costs relating to the environmental entitlements or the Bulk Entitlement (Broken System – Goulburn-Murray Water) Conversion Order 2004. If chargeable, these costs are met by the entitlement holders. There are no water delivery costs.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

RISK MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER DELIVERY

The risks associated with the delivery of the priority flow recommendations, the identified mitigation actions and the lead agency responsible for implementing the mitigation actions are listed in Table 9.

Table 9: Risk assessment of the proposed Broken River system water delivery

Legend for Tables:

1. Risk category abbreviations are: Env. – environment/sustainability; BC – business cost; Safety – People/safety/wellbeing; Rep – Political/reputation; Legal – legal consequence; Service – service delivery 2. L refers to the Likelihood of a risk occurring. Abbreviations for consequence ratings are: AC – almost certain; L – likely; P – possible; U – unlikely; R - rare 3. C refers to the Consequence if the risk occurs. Abbreviations for consequence ratings are: N – negligible; Min – minor; Mod – moderate; Maj – major; Ext - extreme

NO. RISK RISK DESCRIPTION L2 C3 RISK MITIGATION ACTIONS LEAD FOR CATEGORY1 RATING ACTION

1 Env Specified flow rates are insufficient to achieve the intended P Maj High Include contingency allowance in estimated watering requirements, CMA extent of wetland inundation, resulting in a failure to achieve based on previous event data, and consider a contingency in the planned environmental outcomes. duration of the event to achieve desired wetland inundation.

Monitor event and adjust flows as necessary, or terminate event if it becomes clear that insufficient water is available. CMA

2 Env Inaccurate accounting and measurement results in target flows P Maj High Review accounting and measurement processes to be used to GMW not being achieved, leading to a failure to achieve planned ensure that techniques are agreed and monitoring/measurement environmental outcomes sites are operational.

3 BC Volumes delivered or released from VEWH held entitlement U Maj High Ensure that deliveries are reported progressively throughout the CMA accounts exceed volumes approved for use in the event, leading event and are monitored against ordered volume. to potential overdrawing of accounts and inability to deliver other planned events

4 Env Planned maintenance of water delivery infrastructure results in U Maj High Undertake early planning and communications with storage CMA planned/specified flows not being achieved, leading to a failure to operator to minimise likelihood of constraints and enable achieve planned environmental outcomes. scheduling of maintenance outside of high demand periods.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

NO. RISK RISK DESCRIPTION L2 C3 RISK MITIGATION ACTIONS LEAD FOR CATEGORY1 RATING ACTION

5 Env Unplanned failure of environmental delivery infrastructure results U Maj High Implement planned maintenance program, together with pre-event Asset owner in planned/specified flows not being achieved, leading to a failure asset inspections. to achieve planned environmental outcomes. Communicate unplanned failures to the CMA

6 Env High consumptive water demands lead to reduced access for U Maj High Event planning will seek to avoid peak demand periods, and events CMA environmental deliveries, with the result that target will be monitored and adjusted as necessary. flows/volumes cannot be achieved, impacting on environmental Develop longer term agreements on river capacity access for VEWH outcomes environmental deliveries.

7 Env High consumptive demands may lead to flows that exceed L Maj Extreme Agree and formalise acceptable seasonal flow limits for river VEWH environmental requirements and targets (including rates of river systems, with annual negotiation and management of release plans rise and fall), leading to negative environmental outcomes. and monthly reviews during the season.

8 Legal Environmental releases cause unauthorised inundation of private P Maj High Development of release plans designed to avoid overbank flows or CMA land, resulting in impacts on landowner activities and assets. unauthorised flooding. Monitoring of events and adjustment of releases to avoid overbank GMW flows.

Monitor deliveries to new locations to build an understanding of flow patterns and inundation thresholds and adjust releases CMA accordingly.

9 Rep Access routes into public land areas may be inundated by delivery U Min Low Watering proposals to include Identification of potential impacts, Land mgr. of environmental water, leading to potential impacts on followed by. widespread communication of planned events, access recreational opportunities for park users (e.g. access to boat closures and alternative recreational opportunities ramps, firewood collection etc.).

10 Legal Access routes into public land areas may be inundated by delivery U Min Low Communication and advice to commercial operators to alert them Land mgr. of environmental water, leading to potential economic impacts on of environmental watering, via DELWP as licensing authority. commercial operators who are unable to undertake activities (includes timber and firewood harvesting, apiarist, tourism operators).

11 Serv Del Access routes into public land areas may be inundated by delivery U Min Low Early planning and communications of proposed actions with land CMA of environmental water, leading to potential impacts on land manager to minimise likelihood of impacts, and scheduling of management and maintenance activities (e.g. fire mgmt. works) maintenance works outside of planned delivery periods

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

NO. RISK RISK DESCRIPTION L2 C3 RISK MITIGATION ACTIONS LEAD FOR CATEGORY1 RATING ACTION

12 Env Environmental water deliveries result in low DO levels, with U Maj High Ensure regular winter flushes of potential risk areas to control CMA adverse environmental impacts. organic build-up, and plan deliveries with consideration of high temperature periods where appropriate.

Develop monitoring and response plans and reserve contingency volumes in delivery plans for dilution flows if low DO conditions CMA emerge.

13 Env Environmental water deliveries may generate or mobilise BGA P Maj High Include consideration of likelihood of initiating BGA blooms in event CMA blooms, with adverse water quality and environmental impacts planning and amend as required to manage risk. Monitor events, and where issues are identified, activate existing Land mgr. BGA response processes. Regional monitoring and advice on BGA status GMW

14 Rep Environmental water management activities may conflict with or P Maj High Communicate benefits of environmental water management to the VEWH not compliment water based recreational objectives, leading to broader community and engage with recreational user peak bodies. loss of community support for activities. Engage with local recreational user groups to inform them of CMA environmental water management activities and the underlying rationale. Adjust events or actions to reduce/avoid impact where practical CMA and environmental outcomes are not reduced. Communicate alternate recreational opportunities Land Manager Enhance community understanding of water system operations and VEWH entitlement frameworks (water literacy).

15 Env Environmental water account is overdrawn, leading to water not R Maj Medium Monitor ABA balances and undertake regular communications with VEWH being available as per approved watering statement to complete CMA as part of portfolio management activities. planned actions and environmental benefits not being achieved.

16 BC Insufficient staff resources available across partner organisations P Ext Extreme Convene OAG meetings to consider resourcing issues VEWH to deliver all planned environmental watering actions, leading to Continue to actively prioritise actions to match available resources CMA cancellation or interruptions of deliveries. and ensure key actions are delivered. CMA Reallocation of tasks and available funding.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

NO. RISK RISK DESCRIPTION L2 C3 RISK MITIGATION ACTIONS LEAD FOR CATEGORY1 RATING ACTION

17 Rep Inability to demonstrate outcomes achieved through P Maj High Rationalisation and refocussing of current monitoring programs DELWP environmental watering activities may lead to a loss of (e.g. Wetmap) to better identifying outcomes. public/political support for activities Seek additional funds to address gaps in monitoring programs and VEWH knowledge. Communicate the benefits of environmental watering and CMA monitoring results

18 Env Environmental deliveries create improved conditions for non- L Maj Extreme Study/understand life history of species and develop high level DELWP native species (e.g. carp, invasive species) leading to adverse management strategies. environmental impacts. Develop and implement site specific management strategies aimed CMA or at eradication/control of existing populations (e.g. carp management strategy, willow removal program, water-lily spraying Land Mgr program, feral animal programs).

19 Rep Community concern over environmental releases under dry L Mod High Communicate benefits of environmental watering to the CMA seasonal conditions may lead to a loss of support for community. environmental watering actions. Enhance community understanding of water system operations and VEWH entitlement frameworks (water literacy).

20 Env Insufficient water resources to meet priority watering actions. L Mod High Where possible utilise consumptive water resources to meet CMA priority water actions. Seek additional permanent and temporary water resources. VEWH

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

MONITORING AND REPORTING

CURRENT MONITORING PROGRAMS

VEFMAP was established in 2008 to evaluate the ecological response of fish, macroinvertebrates and vegetation to environmental flows. Previously the program surveyed fish, vegetation and macroinvertebrates in reaches 1 and 2 of the upper Broken Creek and reach 3 of the Broken River. Fish were surveyed annually, macroinvertebrates were surveyed annually until 2014 when macroinvertebrate monitoring ceased and vegetation was surveyed every two years. VEFMAP is currently been redesigned and it is unclear what if any future monitoring will take place under the program in the upper Broken Creek and Broken River. This should become clearer by the end of this financial year.

Flow is monitored real time on the Broken River downstream of Back Creek, at Caseys Weir, at Gowangardie Weir and at Orrvale. GMW also monitors releases from Lake Nillahcootie. On the Broken Creek flow is monitored real time at the Caseys Weir offtake and at Waggarandall Weir. There is no real time water quality monitoring on the upper Broken Creek and the Broken River.

Two PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) reader systems were recently installed on the Broken River at Caseys Weir and Lake Benalla. Three separate PIT tagging trips were undertaken in the Broken River as part of this work. A total of seven sites were electrofished between the Goulburn River junction and Lake Benalla. A total of 204 fish represented by three species (Murray cod, golden perch and carp) were PIT tagged. Movement of these and other tagged fish in the system will provide information on the movement ecology of native fish in the Broken River to inform:  river restoration interventions;  instream habitat protection and enhancement;  refuge identification; and  the delivery and management of environmental flows. Provide information on the functional efficiency of the fishways and their contribution to restoring longitudinal movement for native fish in the Broken River.

MONITORING 2017-2018 ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW OUTCOMES

In 2017-2018 it is hoped VEFMAP will continue to survey fish and vegetation responses to environmental flows in the Broken River and upper Broken Creek. However, as stated above VEFMAP is currently been redesigned and it is still unclear if this will proceed.

Dependent upon available funding, the GB CMA will analyse data collected at the PIT reader systems on the Broken River at Caseys Weir and Lake Benalla. This will help improve our understanding of the movement ecology of native fish in the Broken River.

REPORTING

The first level of reporting is on the use of environmental entitlements. Weekly reporting advises environmental entitlement holders of progressive water use and on any adaptive water deployment decisions made.

The second level of reporting is on environmental outcomes achieved. Information on the use of environmental water, environmental outcomes recorded and any knowledge gained will be reported to GB CMA partners and the board monthly and summarized in the next Broken River System seasonal watering proposal.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND LIMITATIONS

The key knowledge gaps associated with the environmental water management in the Broken River system lacks information on the effectiveness of environmental flows in either the upper Broken Creek or in the Broken River downstream of Lake Nillahcootie. Given the small volume of water available and the limited number achievable flow recommendation, this may be appropriate. However, if extra water was obtained and more flow recommendation where achievable, monitoring would become more important.

ENGAGEMENT

There are two key audiences for communications under the proposal. The primary audience is the agencies involved in delivering the proposed priority flow recommendations and include GMW, the VEWH and the CEWH.

GMW is the key water delivery agency. When the final proposal for 2017-2018 is agreed, communications with GMW are aimed at making clear what the intended environmental flow release plans are and their intended purpose. Then, throughout the season, there will be regular communications (phone, email) directly with the water resource management group to understand unregulated flows, GMW planned consumptive use releases, and to organise environmental flow releases.

The VEWH will use this proposal as the basis (in whole or part), in developing their Seasonal Watering Plan. Water allocated is to be delivered in accordance with the plan and the plan is used to seek agreement from other water holders for the use of their water. Routine communication (phone, email) will report on deployment of water under the plan as the year unfolds.

The CEWH may have allocated water to the Seasonal Watering Plan which is based on this proposal. Routine communication will be via the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.

The second audience is those potentially affected by or interested in environmental flows and or the health of the Broken River and upper Broken Creek. This includes PV and DELWP (public land managers), Traditional Owners, water users along the river (GMW diversion licence holders), campers, fishers, local government and environment groups and the general public. As the effect of the proposal on these groups is expected to be minimal, the communication objective is to provide information about the decision to provide environmental flows and what they are trying to achieve. A secondary objective is to build a public understanding of the change from past flow regimes to a future one managed to achieve improved river health. Communications will primarily through media releases and partner communication platforms.

To assist with the environmental water management program, the GB CMA has established a Broken Environmental Water Advisory Group to provide advice on planning environmental water use (including seasonal watering proposals and water management plans) and on any environmental health trends occurring in the rivers, creeks and wetlands. The focus of the group is the Broken River from Lake Nillahcootie to Shepparton, the Broken Creek from Caseys Weir to the Murray River and wetlands associated with these systems. The group was established in April 2012 and comprises 5 community members and representatives from key agency partners (VEWH, CEWH, PV and GMW). Traditional owners are also directly consulted during the development and implementation of the Broken River System seasonal watering proposal.

Table 10 outlines the communication process the GB CMA has undertaken during the development of this seasonal watering proposal and the consultation/communication process that will be implemented following its approval.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Table 10: Seasonal watering proposal communication approach

STAKEHOLDER PURPOSE ENGAGEMENT TYPE METHOD TIMING

Proposal development

Seek information on water system outlooks Personal discussion with March 2017 – April GMW and river management, Involve/consult key staff 2017 and feasibility of proposal

Inform the Board of the proposed e-water priorities being considered for inclusion Board Meeting CMA Board Involve/consult February 2017 the proposal Paper/Presentation (highlighting any changes from last season)

Seek feedback on draft VEWH and CEWO Consult Draft proposal March 2017 proposal

CMA CEO Approval of the proposal Approve Paper April 2017

Proposal implementation

Seek advice on community and river Broken Environmental health related issues Inform/consult Meetings April 2017 – April 2018 Water Advisory Group associated with proposal implementation Seek advice on indigenous related Personal discussion with Indigenous Groups issues associated with Inform/consult April 2017 – April 2018 key staff proposal implementation Report on deployment of water under the plan, and seek to modify VEWH release plans to align Inform/consult Telephone and email May 2017 – May 2018 with downstream site needs as the year unfolds To understand unregulated flows, planned consumptive GMW Inform/consult Telephone and email May 2017 – May 2018 use releases, and to organise environmental flow releases

Build understanding of environmental flow Media, possibly Interest Groups Inform May 2017 – May 2018 objectives and changes newsletters and talks in flow regime

Build understanding of environmental flow General public objectives and water Inform Media May 2017 – May 2018 management to achieve objectives

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

APPROVAL AND ENDORSEMENT

I, the authorised representative of the agency shown below, approve the Seasonal Watering Proposal for the Broken River and upper Broken Creek 2017-2018.

SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Signature of authorised representative

Chris Norman

Chief Executive Officer Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

Date: 20 April 2017

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

REFERENCES

Serena M. and Williams G.A. (2010). Platypus population assessment and recommended management actions along Broken Creek. Report to Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by the Australian Platypus Conservancy.

Cottingham P., Stewardson M., Roberts J., Metzeling L., Humphries P., Hillman T. and Hannan G. (2001). Report of the Broken River scientific panel on the environmental condition and flows of the Broken River and Broken Creek. Report to Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by Peter Cottingham & Associates.

Cottingham et al. (2012). Broken River Environmental Watering Project: site report. Report to the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the G-MW Connections Project (previously NVIRP) by Peter Cottingham & Associates.

Cottingham P., Bond N., Boon P., Neal B., Nielsen D. Vietz G. and Woodman A. (2013a). Broken River environmental water plan: Issues Paper. Report to the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by Peter Cottingham & Associates.

Cottingham P., Bond N., Boon P., Nielsen D., Vietz G. and Neal B. (2013b). Broken River environmental watering plan. Report prepared for the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by Peter Cottingham & Associates.

DSE (2009). Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

GBCMA (2005). Goulburn Broken Regional River Health Strategy 2005-2015. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton.

SKM (2007). Broken and Boosey Creeks Environmental Flow Determination Flow Recommendations. Report to the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by SKM.

Bloink C., Saddlier S., and Stevenson K. (2016). 2016 VEFMAP fish monitoring of the Goulburn River, Broken River and Broken Creek. Report prepared for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by Ecology Australia.

Water Technology (2015). Goulburn Broken VEFMAP Vegetation Monitoring 2014. Report prepared for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority by Water Technology.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

APPENDIX 1: BROKEN RIVER ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS

The following provides the ecological objectives and flow recommendations outlined in Cottingham et al (2013a).

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

APPENDIX 2: UPPER BROKEN CREEK ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND FLOW COMPONENTS

Reach 1 – Broken Creek from Caseys Weir to Waggarandall Weir

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component

Geomorphology  Rehabilitate deep pool habitat G1-1  Entrain and transport fine sediment that has Bankfull Winter  Facilitate sediment transport through reach accumulated in pools

Cease-to-flow /  Dry riparian zone and provide suitable conditions for V1-1 flood tolerant rather than flood dependant riparian All year species low flow

 Facilitate regeneration of River Red Gums away from  Variable water levels result in wet-dry zone at channel channel margin and across an elevation gradient to higher V1-2 Fresh All year edge. Vegetation ground, but consistent with distribution of mature trees.  Maintain biodiversity of in-channel vegetation (e.g. Water Winter / Ribbons Triglochin sp.). V1-3  Growing opportunity for Water Ribbons. High flow  Enhance species diversity and width of channel edge zone. Spring

 Transport seed, prepare soil, reduce competition for Winter/ V1-4 Bankfull River Red Gum seedlings. Irrigate juveniles and sapling spring away from river channel.

 Promote spawning by low flow specialist Cease-to-flow / F1-1  Provide conditions that are unfavourable for exotic Summer species low flow

 Restore a native fish community indicative of an Fish  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- ephemeral system F1-2 Freshes Summer flow – consistent with patterns from storm events.

Winter / F1-3 High flow  Provide opportunities for dispersal Spring

Summer /  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- Water quality  Maintain water quality, particularly in refuge pools W1-1 Fresh flow – consistent with patterns from storm events. winter

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component

Winter / W1-2 High flows  Flush and replenish residual pools Spring

Cease-to-flow / M1-1  Promote successional change in community Summer composition through disturbance. low flow

 Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to-  Restore an ecologically healthy invertebrate community, M1-2 flow – consistent with patterns from natural storm Fresh Summer Macroinvertebrates characteristic of intermittent streams and including taxa events. relying on periodic drying to complete their life-cycle.  Movement of bed material to restore habitat diversity M1-3  Provide flow variability to generate a diversity of edge Fresh/High flow Winter habitats

M1-4  Inundate accumulated organic matter in areas exposed High flow Winter during low flow/cease-to-flow

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Reach 2 – Broken Creek from Waggarandall Weir to Reilly’s Weir

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component

Geomorphology  Rehabilitate deep pool habitat G2-1  Entrain and transport fine sediment that has Bankfull Winter  Facilitate sediment transport through reach accumulated in pools

Cease-to-flow / V2-1  Variable water levels result in wet-dry zone at channel Summer low flow  Reduce extent and abundance of Water Couch or ensure edge no further increase. Vegetation  Reduce likelihood of River Red Gums regenerating V2-2  Variable water levels result in wet-dry zone at channel Fresh Summer adjacent to channel. edge.  Enhance species diversity and width of channel edge zone. V2-3  Inundate wetlands (e.g. Moodies Swamp) connected at Bankfull flow Winter bankfull flow

 Promote spawning by low flow specialist Cease-to-flow / F2-1 Summer  Provide conditions that are unfavourable for exotic low flow species

Fish  Restore a native fish community indicative of an F2-2  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- Fresh Summer ephemeral system flow – consistent with patterns from storm events.

Winter / F2-3 High flow  Provide opportunities for dispersal Spring

W2-1  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- Fresh Summer flow – consistent with patterns from storm events. Water quality  Maintain water quality Winter / W2-2 High flow  Flush and replenish residual pools Spring

Cease-to-flow / M2-1  Promote successional change in community composition Summer  Restore an ecologically healthy invertebrate community, through disturbance. low flow Macroinvertebrates characteristic of intermittent streams and including taxa relying on periodic drying to complete their life-cycle.  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- M2-2 flow – consistent with patterns from natural storm Fresh Summer events.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component  Movement of bed material to restore habitat diversity M2-3  Provide flow variability to generate a diversity of edge Fresh/High flow Winter habitats

M2-4  Inundate accumulated organic matter in areas exposed High flow Winter during low flow/cease-to-flow

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Reach 3 – Broken Creek from Reilly’s Weir to Katamatite.

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component

Geomorphology  Rehabilitate deep pool habitat G3-1  Entrain and transport fine sediment that has Bankfull Winter  Facilitate sediment transport through reach accumulated in pools

Cease-to-flow / V3-1  Variable water levels result in wet-dry zone at channel Summer  Reduce extent and abundance of introduced sedges at the edge low flow channel edge Vegetation  Increase diversity of channel-edge vegetation  Minimise flow-related opportunities for River Red Gum  Variable water levels result in development of wet-dry regeneration V3-2 Fresh Summer zone at channel edge

 Promote spawning by low flow specialist Cease-to-flow / F3-1 Summer  Provide conditions that are unfavourable for exotic low flow species

Fish  Restore a native fish community indicative of an F3-2  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- Fresh Summer ephemeral system flow – consistent with patterns from storm events.

Winter / F3-3 High flow  Provide opportunities for dispersal Spring

W3-1  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- Fresh Summer flow – consistent with patterns from storm events. Water quality  Maintain water quality Winter / W3-2 High flow  Flush and replenish residual pools Spring

Cease-to-flow / M3-1  Promote successional change in community composition Summer  Restore an ecologically healthy invertebrate community, through disturbance. low flow Macroinvertebrates characteristic of intermittent streams and including taxa relying on periodic drying to complete their life-cycle.  Maintain aquatic habitats during periods of cease-to- M3-2 flow – consistent with patterns from natural storm Fresh Summer events.

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek

Flow Asset Objective No. Function Timing component  Movement of bed material to restore habitat diversity M3-3  Provide flow variability to generate a diversity of edge Fresh/High flow Winter habitats

M3-4  Inundate accumulated organic matter in areas exposed High low Winter during low flow/cease-to-flow

Broken River & Upper Broken Creek