The last edition of HNRRP e-news discussed how the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery Program is meeting one of its key objectives – the prevention of an estimated 48.2 tonnes of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) entering the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system each year. In the June 2011 edition of HNRRP e-news we look at our other key objective – securing 7.24 gigalitres (billion litres) per year for additional environmental flows in the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system. You can also read about the HNRRP projects and how they are progressing as the program nears completion.
Comprising seven projects, the Hawkesbury Nepean River Recovery Program (HNRRP) aims to improve river health by making more water available for environmental flows and reducing nutrient inputs to the river system. The seven projects have come a long way since commencing last year. You can read about their progress in the HNRRP e-news December 2010.
The NSW Government has announced the start of new environmental flows for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River following the completion of a $39 million upgrade to dams and weirs across the system.
NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa said the new environmental flows were a major investment in one of Sydney’s most important river systems and a key part of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan to secure water for people and the environment.
“Overall the new environmental flow rules will see a tenfold increase in the amount of water released to restore the health of one of Sydney’s most iconic waterways,“ Minister Costa said.
To find out more read the NSW Government media release.
To explore the Yarra River is to delve into Melbourne’s history. Iconic Melbourne events such as John Landy attempting to run the four-minute mile during the 1956 Olympics or anarchist Chummy Fleming speaking at Birrarung Marr occurred on the banks of the 240km-long river.
Former agriculturist Ron Amor, of East Ivanhoe, attempts to document the river’s vast history in his new book, Exploring the Yarra.
Read more about Exploring the Yarra in this Melbourne Leader article.
The Office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean (OHN) has developed a new website to help provide a basis for improved management of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
The OHN was established by the NSW Government by legislation in April 2009 to improve the health of the river system, primarily through improved consultation and engagement with river communities and more effective coordination and implementation of the river management activities of State and local government agencies.
It is envisaged that this website will play an important role in the OHN fulfilling its legislative role in providing information to a broad range of stakeholders within agencies, local councils and the community on river management. Much of the initial content of the website therefore focuses on how the river is managed, including roles, responsibilities and strategies for the management of water quality, river flows, aquatic weeds and riparian lands.
The website can be accessed at www.ohn.nsw.gov.au.
News | Bruce Boyes | 
28 June 2011 3:13 pm | 
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