Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760:reg:80:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00760
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 80 (pt 4/9)
Character Range: 587735–590813

indicator site (HIS) used in the ESLT method for which detailed assessments of environmental water requirements were done.
Note: The ESLT method involved detailed assessments at 24 sites/reaches across the Basin: refer to MDBA 2012b.
(3) The regions to be used are:
            (a) the Northern Basin region, which includes all rivers in the Basin upstream of the upstream extent of the Menindee Lakes; and
            (b) the Southern Basin region, which includes the River Murray upstream of the boundary of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Ramsar site and all connected tributaries apart from the Northern Basin; and
            (c) 2 disconnected rivers regions, the Lachlan and Wimmera Rivers, if supply contributions are proposed within these valleys.
Note: The Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Ramsar site cannot be scored in the same way as other sites and reaches. Paragraph S6.07(c) provides limits for changes in score or outcomes for this site.

S6.04 Things that are to be measured or assessed
(1) The flow regime characteristics, assessed against the flow event targets in the ESLT method, to be assessed are:
            (a) frequency with which flow events occur; and
            (b) length of dry spells (i.e. intervals between watering events).
(2) Scores are to be generated for each flow regime characteristic:
            (a) at the reach scale; and
            (b) at the region scale.
(3) The benchmark environmental outcomes are those scores calculated in accordance with this section based on the application of the method set out in this Schedule for the benchmark model.

S6.05 Ecological elements of the scoring method
(1) Science based, independently reviewed, fit for purpose preference curves will be used in the method.
Note: Preference curves describe a relationship between environmental outcome and a flow statistic such as frequency or dry spell. For example, achievement of a target frequency of inundation may score 100 points, with this score reducing towards zero for frequencies below the achievement of the target.
(2) Science based, independently reviewed, fit for purpose metrics for weighting environmental significance of the flood dependent area will be used in the method.
Note: The choice of preference curves and metrics and weightings for environmental significance will involve both scientific advice and consultation with Basin jurisdictions and be those regarded as the best available for the method.
(3) The metrics to be used for weighting environmental significance in subsection (2) may include consideration of the following:
            (a) water‑dependent ecosystems that:
                (i) are formally recognised in international agreements or, with environmental watering, are capable of supporting species listed in those agreements; or
                (ii) are natural or near‑natural, rare or unique; or
                (iii) provide vital habitat; or
                (iv) support Commonwealth, State or Territory listed threatened species or communities; or
                (v) support, or with