The FLOWS method is Victoria’s scientific and transparent approach to assessing flow requirements for freshwater reaches of river systems. The method was first released in 2002 and since that time has underpinned the development of flow recommendations across the State.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) has recently completed an update of the FLOWS method that incorporates recommendations made by reviews of the method and captures the improvements, new approaches and updates in science and modelling since 2002. This includes refinements to the approach arising from the experience of managing waterways through the 1997-2009 drought.
The overall method and key steps remain the same as in the original FLOWS approach. However, this new edition updates the method to current best practice, and will facilitate greater consistency in application of the FLOWS process.
The report on edition 2 of the FLOWS method can be downloaded here.
For further information, contact Phil Mitchell at DEPI.