Hydrologic Reference Stations

The following stations provide a cross-section of sites from regions of contrasting catchment size, water resource development, land use and long-term trends in streamflow availability. All jurisdictions are represented and the selected stations demonstrate the contrasting hydro-climate regions of Australia.

William River at Tillegra (210011)

The William River at Tillegra in the Hunter River Basin, New South Wales is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 1160 mm and the overall runoff rate is 44%. Land use in the upstream catchment (196.4 km²) consists mostly of agricultural production, plantations and other uses (60%) along with conservation and natural environment (35%). The step change observed in 1978 indicates a reduction in streamflow of around 35%.

Adelaide River at Railway Bridge (G8170002)

The Adelaide River at Railway Bridge in the Adelaide River Basin, Northern Territory is in a tropical climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 1460 mm and the overall runoff rate is 9%. The upstream catchment (638.4 km²) is primarily used for conservation and the natural environment (99%). The step change observed in 1996 shows an augmentation of streamflow by around 110%.

Stanley River at Peachester (143303A)

The Stanley River at Peachester in the Brisbane River Basin, Queensland is in a sub-tropical climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 1660 mm and the overall runoff rate is around 47%. The the upstream catchment (101.7 km²) is mainly used for production from plantations (42%) and for conservation and the natural environment (44%). The step change observed in 1974 indicates a reductionin streamflow of around 45%.

Mosquito Creek at Struan (2390519)

Mosquito Creek at Struan in the Millicent Coast Basin, South Australia is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 590 mm and the overall runoff rate is 3%. Land use in the upstream catchment (1550.1 km²) is primarily production from agriculture, plantations and other uses (83%). The step change observed in 1992 indicates a large reduction in streamflow (around 70%).

Snug Rivulet at U/S Snug Tiers Rd Bridge (305202)

The Snug Rivulet upstream of the Snug Tiers Road bridge in the Kingston Coast Basin, Tasmania is located in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 930 mm and the overall runoff rate is 31%. Land use in the upstream catchment (18.3 km²) is primarily conservation and the natural environment (100%). The step change observed in 1986 indicates a reduction in streamflow of around 30%.

Lerderderg River at Sardine Creek O'Brian Crossing (231213)

The Lerderderg River at Sardine Creek O'Brian Crossing in the Weribee River Basin, Victoria is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 950 mm and the overall runoff rate is 19%. Land use in the upstream catchment (152.1 km²) is mainly forestry (approximately 75%) along with conservation and the natural environmentxs (22%). The step change observed in 1996 indicates a large reduction in streamflow (around 70%).

Yarragil Brook at Yarragil Formation (614044)

Yarragil Brook at the Yarragil Formation in the Murray River Basin, south west Western Australia is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 960 mm and the overall runoff rate is 4%. Land use in the upstream catchment (80.0 km²) is mainly forestry (approximately 96%). The step change observed in the mid 1970's indicates a large reduction in streamflow of around 70%.