Project Name:
Value Adding to the “FLOWS methodology” used to determine environmental flow requirements in Victorian Rivers
Client:
Melbourne Water Corporation
Project Description:
In 2002, Victoria’s approach to assessing the environmental water requirements as part of the water allocation process was reviewed and updated, resulting in the “The FLOWS Method – A Method for Determining Environmental Water Requirements of Victoria” (DNRE 2002). The FLOWS method was employed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) as the statewide endorsed methodology to determine environmental flow requirements since 2002. Due to the changing climate along with advanced knowledge and research in the area of environmental flows, Melbourne Water decided to undertake a critical review of the current methodologies to identify possible improvements to ensure best practice. Hydro Environmental was engaged in this process to:
- Manage the contracts between Melbourne Water Corporation and the environmental / engineering consultants
- Workshop facilitation
- Manage ongoing liaison between environmental flows experts and employed consultants
- Respond to environmental flows experts and consultants on behalf of Melbourne Water
- Review recommendations and development of an implementation plan.
Key Skills Applied:
Sustainable water resource management, ecological understanding, water regulatory framework, stakeholder consultation and engagement, knowledge management, project management, understanding of water authorities’ needs, data management, report writing and communication.