Lower Goulburn River environmental flow study

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to prepare an environmental flow study for the Goulburn River. Flow recommendations were developed in 2003 and 2007 for the lower Goulburn River. However, since this time there have been significant increases in environmental water available for use, and our knowledge of flow dependant values has improved through monitoring and small investigations.

We are now looking to review and update these flow objectives and recommendations based on the latest available science and understanding of the relationship between ecology and flow in the Goulburn River. The analysis should have regard to current and future flow outlooks rather than comparing to natural flow regimes. The FLOWS method (DEPI, 2013) should be used as a basis for the method and outputs in this flow study. However given the large volume of information and unique challenges facing water management in the Goulburn River, the CMA are open to novel approaches to developing flow objectives and recommendations.

The consultant is expected to be suitably qualified and experienced in the provision of professional services relating to stream hydrology and hydraulics, fluvial geomorphology, riverine and floodplain ecology, and the development of environmental flow objectives and recommendations.