Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760:front:0:p74
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 204419–207931

(2) This method may be applied in a flexible manner, having regard to the particular circumstances.
                Example: If new information came to light, the step in paragraph (1)(e) could be re‑applied without needing to re‑apply the entire method.

8.50 Method for identifying ecosystem functions that require environmental watering and their environmental watering requirements
(1) An ecosystem function that requires environmental watering to sustain it, and its environmental watering requirements, must be identified having regard to the information on the environmental assets and ecosystem functions database, using the following method:
            (a) identify any ecosystem function that meets one or more of the assessment indicators for any of the 4 criteria specified in the table in Schedule 9; and
            (b) identify the ecosystem functions that can be managed with environmental water (priority ecosystem functions); and
            (c) for priority ecosystem functions, identify ecological objectives that are consistent with the criteria used to identify those ecosystem functions; and
            (d) identify ecological targets to achieve those objectives; and
            (e) in accordance with section 8.51, determine the environmental watering requirements needed to meet the targets in order to achieve the objectives.
(2) This method may be applied in a flexible manner, having regard to the particular circumstances.
                Example: If new information came to light, the step in paragraph (1)(e) could be re‑applied without needing to re‑apply the entire method.

8.51 Determination of the environmental watering requirements of environmental assets and ecosystem functions
(1) The environmental watering requirements referred to in paragraphs 8.49(1)(e) and 8.50(1)(e) must:
            (a) be supported by relevant information relating to the underlying physical geomorphic processes driving the flow‑ecological relationship; and
Example: This may include a conceptual model.
            (b) include the following flow components that are relevant to the watering requirements:
                (i) cease‑to‑flow events;
                (ii) low‑flow‑season base flows;
                (iii) high‑flow‑season base flows;
                (iv) low‑flow‑season freshes;
                (v) high‑flow‑season freshes;
                (vi) bank‑full flows;
                (vii) over‑bank flows; and
            (c) be determined having regard to:
                (i) groundwater‑derived base flows; and
                (ii) groundwater recharge associated with groundwater resources that are highly connected to surface water resources; and
            (d) be within the range of natural flow variability and seasonality.
(2) The environmental watering requirements must be expressed, where relevant, in the following terms:
            (a) a flow threshold or total flow volume;
            (b) the required duration for that flow threshold, or the duration over which the volume should be delivered (as the case requires);
            (c) the required timing of the flow event;
            (d) the required frequency of the flow event;
            (e) the maximum period between flow events;
            (f) the extent and thresholds for any groundwater dependency;
            (g) the required inundation depth at the site.

        Part 6—Principles and method to determine priorities for applying environmental water

        Division 1—Principles to be applied to