Hydrologic modelling assessment of the Connectivity Expert Panel recommendations (Hydrologic Modelling Scenarios)

The Connectivity Expert Panel recommended objectives and a proposed approach for improving flows into the Barwon-Darling River in dry and non-dry times. These recommendations have been made independent of government and do not represent government policy.

The government made a commitment to complete and release analysis of potential water sharing plan rules that would result in the implementation of the Panel’s recommendations. This is to help understand the potential hydrologic, environmental and economic benefits and impacts of any changes.

Hydrologic modelling has been completed to inform this assessment. The modelling includes a base case for comparison and six different approaches (scenarios) which aim to achieve the Panel’s objectives.

The six scenarios are:

• Scenario 1 - End of System – High Security Accounts
• Scenario 2 - End of System – Translucency
• Scenario 3 - Extended Resumption of Flow
• Scenario 4 - Connectivity EWA – Dam Inflow Trigger
• Scenario 5 - Connectivity EWA – Bourke Flow Trigger
• Scenario 6 - Combination – Extended Resumption of Flow, End of System - Translucency, and Connectivity EWA – Bourke Flow

All scenario assessments were completed using the latest approved version of the models.

For each scenario, the hydrologic modelling provides information on:

• change in flows at gauges relative to base case
• change in water that can be extracted by each licence type relative to base case

Note: See Analysis of the Connectivity Expert Panel Recommendations: Hydrologic modelling assessment.pdf (attached) for more details.

Note: If you would like to ask a question, make any suggestions, or tell us how you are using this dataset, please visit the NSW Water Hub which has an online forum you can join.