Part 3 Basis for water sharing
This Part is made in order to give effect to section 5 (3) of the Act, and in accordance with sections 20 (2) (c) and 21 (e) of the Act.
(1) This Plan recognises climatic variability and therefore river flow variability in this water source.(2) To give effect to subclause (1), this Plan has provisions that manage:(a) the sharing of water in this water source within the limits of water availability on a long-term average basis, and(b) sharing of the flows that occur in this water source on a daily basis.
(1) The availability of water for extraction from this water source on a long-term average basis will be determined at the level of an extraction management unit.(2) The extraction management unit of which this water source is part is known as the Richmond River Extraction Management Unit, and is shown on the map in Schedule 6.
(1) This Plan establishes the following flow classes as the basis for sharing of daily flows in the Upper Coopers Creek Management Zone:(a) the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are less than 12.5 megalitres per day (hereafter ML/day),(b) A Class is when flows are at or greater than 12.5 ML/day and at or less than 31 ML/day,(c) B Class is when flows are greater than 31 ML/day and at or less than 96 ML/day,(d) C Class is when flows are greater than 96 ML/day and at or less than 264 ML/day, and(e) D Class is when flows are greater than 264 ML/day.Note. The flow classes have been determined based on flow information and hydrological modelling that inherently includes seasonal effects as well as evaporation and seepage losses.(2) This Plan establishes the following flow classes as the basis for sharing of daily flows in the Lower Coopers Creek Management Zone:(a) the Very Low Flow Class is when flows are less than 12.5 megalitres per day (hereafter ML/day),(b) A Class is when flows are at or greater than 12.5 ML/day and at or less than 31 ML/day,(c) B Class is when flows are greater than 31 ML/day and at or less than 96 ML/day,(d) C Class is when flows are greater than 96 ML/day and at or less than 264 ML/day, and(e) D Class is when flows are greater than 264 ML/day.(3) Notwithstanding subclauses (1) and (2), A Class, B Class and C Class will only be applied if, in the opinion of the Minister, they are required to better manage the sharing of water between water users and the environment in one or both management zones and the Minister has made a determination under clause 19.(4) Subclauses (1) and (2) may be amended if the Minister is of the opinion that the Very Low Flow Class is having a significant economic impact on water users subject to the Very Low Flow Class not being reduced to a flow that is less than 8.5 ML/day.(5) Subclauses (1) and (2) may be amended if following a review of any new flow information that becomes available, the Minister is of the opinion that the Very Low Flow Class does not provide adequate Planned Environmental Water.(6) Before amending subclauses (1) and (2) the Minister should consult with representatives of the Coopers Creek Water Users Group.
For the purpose of this Plan, all flows referred to relate to Coopers Creek at Ewing Bridge, as shown on the map in Schedule 2.
19 Determination of flow class
In accordance with clause 17 (2), the Minister may from time to time, make a determination that A Class, B Class and C Class will be applied in one or both management zones, if, in the opinion of the Minister, they are required to better manage the sharing of water between water users and the environment.