Environmental water releases

Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme Performance Report 2023–24.

Environmental Water Releases (EWR), intended to support environmental outcomes for the Hunter River (in this case to aid the migration of native fish species upstream and over the Liddel Weir), occurred from Glenbawn Dam over 19 days from 25 May to 12 June 2024 (blocks 145-163). These were then ceased early due to significant rainfall triggering high natural flow which also provided an HRSTS event. In total, 8 river registers were published during this period and scheme participants discharged on 5 days.

This raised some concerns which will require further consideration, regarding how appropriate it is for saline discharges and scheduled EWR periods to coincide. The EPA and DCCEEW are in ongoing discussion about the ideal timing for the EWR to aid the fish migration and avoid the prime Scheme discharge times