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Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin said the plan introduces environmental flows to the river from Warragamba Dam, which will improve its water quality, amenity and recreational activities in Western Sydney.

“We place a high value on a healthy Hawkesbury-Nepean River and believe it is important people can use and enjoy it for generations to come,” Mr Harwin said.

“Environmental flows will help improve river health and increase opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing in Western Sydney.”

The new variable flows from Warragamba Dam will mimic natural flow patterns of the river to achieve environmental and recreational benefits.

“By releasing a portion of the water flowing into Warragamba Dam we can achieve more natural flow conditions downstream,” Mr Harwin said.

“This will improve water quality, reduce aquatic weed problems and support growth of fish populations. This will benefit fishers and the river’s Australian bass population, which could increase by one third as a result of increased flows.

“We have balanced the health of the river with the region’s drinking water needs. Over 80 per cent of Greater Sydney’s drinking water is stored in Warragamba Dam.”

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system is the very heart of Western Sydney, where tens of thousands of people from all over NSW visit every year.

“The river underpins the economy of our region, supporting farming and commercial fishing as well as tourism, sport and recreation,” Mr Ayres said.

“These environmental flows will be welcomed by the people of Western Sydney and will help the Hawkesbury-Nepean remain the jewel in the crown of Sydney’s greater west.”

For more information on e-flows or to view the 2017 Metropolitan Water Plan in full visit the Metropolitan Water Directorate website.