Glenbawn environmental releases target native fish
6 JUNE 2023WaterNSW has started an environmental water release from Glenbawn Dam on behalf of the NSW Government, aimed at promoting native fish migration in the Hunter River.
Releases commenced on Monday (5 June) and are expected to continue until 24 June, to support outcomes planned by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) Biodiversity and Conservation Division (BCD).
For the first time since 2020 releases will be made to specifically support the migration of Australian Bass over Liddell Weir, commencing at a rate of 1150 megalitres per day (ML/day).
Landholders downstream of the dam are advised to prepare for increased river height and to take appropriate action with stock and/or equipment.
The release rate increases to 2350 ML/day early this week for two days from 6 June, before gradually scaling back to 580 ML/day by 18 June. The target maximum flow at Liddell Weir is 1900 ML/day between 8-11 June 2023.
During the period of this environmental release, the current supplementary access will continue for management zones 1B, 2A and 2 B.
WaterNSW customers are advised to ensure they place an order if they are planning to extract water during this time.
For more information on dam releases and river impacts:
- Register for the Early Warning Network (EWN)
- Visit WaterInsights for dam levels and releases
- More information on WaterNSW storages.