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Mallee Wetland Strategy

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Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents..................................................................2

Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................4

Acknowledgments .................................................................4

Executive Summary ...............................................................5

1 Introduction .....................................................................8

1.1 Vision......................................................................8

1.2 Definition.................................................................8

1.3 Values of wetlands....................................................8

1.4 Wetland classification and mapping in Victoria ..........10

1.5 Threats to wetlands..................................................11

2 Background ....................................................................14

2.1 The Mallee Catchment Management Authority region..14

2.2 Wetlands of the Mallee CMA region .........................14

2.3 Strategic context......................................................16

2.4 Consultative framework and timeframe for review .......17

2.5 Scope ....................................................................17

3 Setting management priorities ........................................19

3.1 Objectives ..............................................................19

3.2 The asset-based approach ........................................19

3.3 Setting priorities ......................................................19

4 Wetlands of the Mallee CMA region................................21

4.1 Victorian wetlands ...................................................21

4.2 Mallee wetlands......................................................21

4.3 Surrounding land use...............................................24

4.4 Important wetlands in the Mallee CMA region............26

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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5 Regional management framework for wetlands...............28

5.1 Legislation and policy ..............................................28

5.2 Agencies involved in wetland management ................32

6 Prioritising wetland units for management.......................34

6.1 Background ............................................................34

6.2 Social and economic values .....................................35

6.3 Defining Wetland Prioritisation Units ..........................35

6.4 Prioritisation criteria and method...............................36

6.5 Mallee CMA Wetland Management Geographic Information System (GIS) ........................36

6.6 Prioritisation results ..................................................38

6.7 Threats to priority wetland units.................................42

6.8 Management priorities .............................................46

7 Management objectives, targets and actions ...................48

7.1 Regional wetland management objectives ..................48

7.2 Targets ...................................................................48

7.3 Management actions ...............................................48

8 Implementation, monitoring,evaluation and reporting.................................................53

8.1 Roles and responsibilities..........................................53

8.2 Resources ...............................................................53

8.3 Community awareness and engagement ....................54

8.4 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting ........................56

Appendix 1 ..........................................................................60

Appendix 2 ..........................................................................62

Appendix 3 ..........................................................................64

Appendix 4 ..........................................................................80

Appendix 5 ..........................................................................83

Glossary ..............................................................................86

References ...........................................................................88

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

CMA Catchment Management Authority

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation(Act 1999)

EVC Ecological Vegetation Class

FAP Frontage Action Plan

GIS Geographic Information System

GWM Water Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water

JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

MDBC Murray-Darling Basin Commission

MDFRC Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre

MRCC Mildura Rural City Council

NAP National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality

NHT National Heritage Trust

DNRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment(predecessor to DSE & DPI)

RCS Regional Catchment Strategy

SEA Significant Ecological Asset (under the MDBC LivingMurray Initiative)

SEPP State Environment Protection Policy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Mallee Wetland Strategy was developed by the Mallee CMA under the projectmanagement of Sharada Ramamurthy.The development of the project was overseenby the Wetland Prioritisation Project Support Group and the Mallee CMA River andWetland Health Technical Reference Committee.

The Mallee CMA would like to thank the following people for their contribution tothe development of the Mallee Wetland Strategy: Paula D’Santos (New South WalesMurray Wetlands Working Group); Andrea Joyce (DSE); Michelle Bald (formerlyMDFRC); Shaun Meredith (formerly MDFRC); Janet Holmes (DSE); and the VictorianCMA Wetlands Network Forum.

The Mallee CMA acknowledges the Australian and Victorian Governments as thefunding body for the production of this strategy under the National Action Plan forSalinity and Water Quality.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Mallee Wetland Strategy is based on a vision of:

‘Diverse Mallee wetlands protected and enhanced through heightenedcommunity appreciation and improved management.’

It provides a strategic program to inform and prioritise wetland managementin the region, complementing existing strategies and action plans, whileproviding specific direction for investment in wetland management.The MalleeWetland Strategy establishes management objectives, targets and priorityactions for wetlands in the region and provides a framework for thecoordination of roles and responsibilities of the Mallee CatchmentManagement Authority (CMA) and its partners in wetland protection andmanagement.

Wetlands are among the most diverse, and most threatened, ecosystemsworldwide (Environment Australia 2001). Wetlands contribute significantly tooverall biodiversity as they support a wide variety of plants and animals.Theyare also an important source of water and food for humans, and are oftenutilised to store or convey water for domestic and agricultural use, to disposeof irrigation drainage water, and for recreational activities. Wetlands alsoprovide visual amenity for local communities.

While dynamic, wetland ecosystems are fragile and small changes toecosystem components can cause dramatic transformations. Threateningprocesses often have an integrated and cumulative impact on wetlandcondition, increasing the complexity of their management. In addition, theimpact of many threats will continue after their removal and additionalmanagement intervention is often required.Threats to wetlands are numerousand varied, including activities such as large-scale clearing of native vegetation,fertiliser use, erosion of agricultural land, river regulation for water supply andirrigation, and the use of wetlands for water storage or wastewater disposal.

Wetlands are a distinctive part of the Mallee landscape. They vary widely incharacter and possess a range of environmental, social and economic values.While the number of wetlands in the Mallee CMA region has increased sinceEuropean settlement, total wetland area has decreased by 34%.The decline inwetland extent is ongoing and has had grave consequences for the ecosystemservices provided by wetlands, and for the many species of plants and animalsthat depend on wetlands. Many are now considered threatened in Victoria.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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The Mallee Wetland Strategy seeks to address wetland decline andmodification in the Mallee CMA region, providing a set of broad objectivesto guide wetland management.

These objectives are:

• To hault the loss and modification of wetlands across the Mallee CMAregion, unless the changes are part of a plan to return the wetlands totheir pre-European condition.

• To manage wetlands so they continue to provide habitat for nativewetland-dependent biota:

• To manage wetlands so they continue to provide other vital ecosystemservices; and

• To manage wetlands so they continue to function as a sustainableresource for humans.

These objectives have guided the development of Resource Condition andManagement Action Targets that contribute to these objectives, togetherwith specific management actions aimed at achieving targets.

Wetlands were also prioritised for management across the Mallee CMAregion, based on their environmental values.While many wetlands havesignificant social, cultural and economic values, little data on these valuesexists for the Mallee CMA region. Social, cultural and economic values wereidentified for priority wetland units at a stakeholder workshop held in June2006. Consideration of these values will inform implementation ofmanagement actions at priority wetland units and will provide valuableinformation for the development of site-specific management actions.

Wetlands were first aggregated into units based primarily on inundationsource and location. Units were then prioritised according to a range ofbiological and landscape criteria. Prioritisation criteria were developed frominformation gathered in a stakeholder/expert workshop held in December2004. Priority units (those with high environmental value) were identifiedacross the Mallee CMA region, and within each bioregion, providing regionaland bioregional priorities.

Threats to these priority units were identified and assessed during thestakeholder workshop held in June 2006. Major threats to wetlands in theMallee CMA region include:

• Modified flow regimes

• Weeds and introduced fauna

• Clearance of terrestrial vegetation

• Oil or chemical spills


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In order to determine priorities for wetland management across the MalleeCMA region, the value and threat rankings for priority wetland units weremultiplied to produce a ranked list of high-value wetland units for potentialmanagement action. Actions will be assessed further at each site accordingto whether actions are mandated by legislation or policy, feasibility, whetherthe action addresses the cause (threat) rather than a symptom (impact),whether the action provides benefits, the cost: benefit ratio and the level ofcommunity commitment.

While the Mallee CMA will direct and coordinate the implementation of theMallee Wetland Strategy, a number of stakeholder groups, agencies andindividuals play key roles in regional wetland management.The MalleeWetland Strategy outlines the roles and responsibilities of relevant agenciesand organisations and the Mallee CMA will work with these groups toimplement the actions outlined in this strategy.

The support and involvement of the community is also vital to the successfulimplementation of the Mallee Wetland Strategy and their engagement is apriority for the Mallee CMA.The Mallee Wetland Strategy will utilise existingeducation programs to enhance community awareness of the values of andthreats to wetlands, and improve understanding of the links between landmanagement practices, river health and wetland health.

A monitoring framework has been developed for the Mallee WetlandStrategy to effectively determine whether positive changes to wetlandcondition and the status of wetland-dependent species are occurring in theregion.This will allow the CMA to chart progress toward the 5-yearManagement Action Targets and 10-year Resource Condition Targetsidentified in the Mallee Wetland Strategy.The strategy will be evaluatedaccording to its ability to reach the implementation targets set for the life ofthe strategy, and the contribution management actions have made tomaintaining and improving wetland condition across the region.

A mid-term and full review (in five years) of the strategy will be undertakento assess performance against targets, case studies, lessons learnt, emergingthreats, and recommendations for the next Mallee Wetland Strategy.


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Vision

The Mallee Wetland Strategy is based on a vision of:

‘Diverse Mallee wetlands protected and enhanced through heightenedcommunity appreciation and improved management.’

This vision has been adapted from that of the Mallee Regional CatchmentStrategy (RCS; Mallee CMA 2003a) to focus specifically on wetlands.

1.2 Definition

The Convention on Wetlands (RCB 2000) defines wetlands as:

‘areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanentor temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt,including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does notexceed six metres’.

In addition, the Convention provides that wetlands:

‘may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, andislands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lyingwithin the wetlands’ (RCB 2000).

The Mallee Wetland Strategy adopts the above definition, modifying it toreflect the types of wetlands that occur in the Mallee CMA region. Wetlandsare therefore defined as:

Areas of marsh, fen or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent ortemporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt; andincorporating riparian zones adjacent to the wetland.

1.3 Values of wetlands

Wetland ecosystems are one of the most productive and diverse biologicalsystems on the planet. They support distinctive communities of plants andanimals, and provide numerous essential ecosystem services to the community(DSE 2005a).

Wetlands contribute significantly to overall biodiversity as they provide habitatfor a wide variety of plants and animals. In addition to a diverse invertebrateassemblage, wetlands support various fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals andbirds. They provide essential habitat for a number of species at critical lifestages, including many that are commercially important to humans.

As many wetlands are ephemeral, intermittent or seasonal, they are highlydynamic systems. Changes in plant communities and available habitat typesoccur over varying time scales, enabling wetlands to provide habitat fordifferent suites of species at different times.

Wetlands perform a number of important ecosystem functions.They facilitatenutrient and carbon cycling, and aid flood mitigation by storing excess runoff,

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Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 1. INTRODUCTION

slowing down floodwaters and reducing damage downstream. Wetlandvegetation also decreases flow velocity and buffers banks, reducing erosion.Wetlands assist in water purification through the removal of nutrients,sediments and pollutants from the water column. In addition, wetlands providean important link between surface water and groundwater, functioning asdischarge and recharge points for aquifers.

As such, wetlands have considerable value for humans. In addition to theecosystem services described above, wetlands provide a source of water fordrinking and domestic use, and for stock, agriculture and industry. Wetlandssupport valuable commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as a number ofterrestrial species that are hunted commercially and recreationally, such asducks. Many wetlands are managed for forestry, or utilised for water supplyand storage, or for disposal of wastewater from irrigation areas, urban areasand sewage treatment plants. A number of wetland-dependent animals are ofdirect benefit to farmers, such as waterbirds, which can eat hundreds of insectsin one day.

Top: Horseshoe Lagoon,Wallpolla Island

Above: Pelicans at HattahKulkyne National Park


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The social and cultural value of wetlands to humans is also high.They provideideal settings for many recreational activities, such as boating, swimming,bushwalking, camping, bird watching, hunting, fishing and relaxation. Manywetlands have high archaeological and cultural significance, particularly forIndigenous communities.The diversity of wetland ecosystems also makes themimportant for education and research.

1.4 Wetland classification and mapping in Victoria

Due to their diversity, wetlands are difficult to define and classify (DNRE1997), and a number of wetland classification systems exist (see, for example,EA 2001; RCB 2000). The Victorian Department of Sustainability andEnvironment (DSE) currently uses a system developed through a statewidewetland inventory (Norman & Corrick 1988), which classified wetlands into atotal of eight categories, or types, based on salinity and water quality. Theseinclude:

• Flooded river flats;

• Freshwater meadows;

• Shallow freshwater marshes;

• Deep freshwater marshes;

• Permanent open freshwater wetlands;

• Semi-permanent saline wetlands;

• Permanent saline wetlands; and

• Sewage oxidation basins.

Fifteen subcategories, based on vegetation were also assigned.

Wetland surveys and mapping for this inventory were undertaken acrossVictoria from 1975 to 1994. The inventory and a report assessing Victoria’swetlands was produced in 1992 (DCE & OOE 1992), followed by twogeospatial wetland layers in 1994. The inventory lists approximately 13,000naturally occurring wetlands greater than 1 ha, covering about 635,000 ha, andapproximately 3600 human-made wetlands, covering about 100,000 ha, mainlypermanent open freshwater, sewage ponds and salt works habitats. Theinventory also recorded the extent of wetlands in these categories at the timeof European settlement (i.e. 1788).

The geospatial layers (detailing wetland extent in 1788 and 1994) wereconstructed using a combination of aerial photograph interpretation andground survey. Wetlands less than 1 ha in area were not included as it wasdifficult to determine their original extent, due to the lack of large scale aerialphotos and poor physical delineation, caused by vegetation clearing andwetland drainage.


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1.5 Threats to wetlands

Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide (EA 2001).While dynamic, wetland ecosystems are fragile and small changes toecosystem components can cause dramatic transformations. Threats towetlands are numerous and varied.The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act1988 lists a number of potentially threatening processes, many of which arerelevant to wetland ecosystems in the Mallee CMA region.These include:

• Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams;

• Alteration to the natural temperature regimes of rivers and streams;

• Degradation of native riparian vegetation along Victorian rivers andstreams;

• Habitat fragmentation as a threatening process for fauna in Victoria;

• Inappropriate fire regimes causing disruption to sustainable ecosystemprocesses and resultant loss of biodiversity;

• Increase in sediment input into Victorian rivers and streams due to humanactivities;

• Infection of amphibians with Chytrid Fungus, resulting in chytridiomycosis;

• Input of toxic substances into Victorian rivers and streams;

• Introduction of live fish into waters outside their natural range within aVictorian river catchment after 1770;

• Invasion of native vegetation by ‘environmental weeds’;

• Loss of coarse woody debris from Victorian native forests andwoodlands;

• Loss of hollow-bearing trees from Victorian native forests;

• Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions ofgreenhouse gases;

• Predation of native wildlife by the Cat, Felis catus;

• Predation of native wildlife by the introduced Red Fox Vulpes vulpes;

• Prevention of passage of aquatic biota as a result of the presence ofinstream structures;

• Reduction in biomass and biodiversity of native vegetation throughgrazing by the Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus; and

• Removal of wood debris from Victorian streams.


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Threatening processes often have an integrated and cumulative impact onwetland condition, increasing the complexity of their management. In addition,the impact of many threats will continue after their removal and additionalmanagement intervention is often required. Major impacts to wetlands inVictoria include:

•Physical loss;

•Altered flow regimes;

•Salinisation; and

•Altered water quality (DSE 2005a).

These impacts are caused by activities such as large-scale clearing of nativevegetation, fertiliser use, erosion of agricultural land, river regulation for watersupply and irrigation, and the use of wetlands for water storage or wastewaterdisposal.

Wetland loss and modification

European settlement and development has resulted in significant loss anddegradation of wetlands. About 37% of wetland area (about 4000 wetlandsand 191,000 ha) has been lost in Victoria (DNRE 1997, EA 2001), mainly dueto drainage and infilling for agricultural purposes (DSE 2005a).This estimate isbased on comparison of two geospatial wetlands layers for Victoria thatestimate wetland extent at the time of European settlement (i.e. 1788) and inthe period 1975-1994. Over 90% of wetland area lost has been on privateland, with the impact greatest for natural freshwater meadows, shallowfreshwater marshes and deep freshwater marshes (see Table 1).

Comparison of these wetland layers shows that, while the number of wetlandsin the Mallee CMA region has increased since European settlement, totalwetland area has decreased by 34% (see Table 1). Freshwater meadows arethe most depleted category, followed by deep freshwater marshes andshallow freshwater marshes.

While these figures reflect significant losses in wetland area, the extent ofwetland degradation or modification is even greater. Significant decreases inthe area of freshwater meadows and marshes has coincided with only a smalldecrease in number; consequently smaller wetlands are now more numerousand have different hydrological regimes to larger wetlands of the same type.Such hydrological changes affect the availability of wetland habitat types andnegatively impact on many wetland-dependent biota.

The decline in wetland extent is ongoing and has had grave consequences forthe ecosystem services provided by wetlands, and for the many species ofplants and animals that depend on wetlands for all or part of their life cycle(see Table 2). One hundred and sixty-four species of vertebrates and 841species of vascular plants have been recorded in Victoria’s wetlands (EA 2001).The wetland habitat available to these species has been greatly reduced andmany are now considered threatened in Victoria (see Figure 1).


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Table 1. Depletion of wetlandcategories across Victoria andMallee CMA region, andwithin each bioregion. Thesefigures are based on acomparison of the geospatialwetland layers (1788 and1994) maintained by DSEand have been rounded up tothe nearest whole number.

Table 2. Native terrestrialwetland-dependent vertebratesand vascular plants that occurin Victoria. From DSE website(5 July 2006).

Figure 1. Distribution ofthreatened wetland-dependentvertebrate species acrossmajor taxa in Victoria (DSEwebsite, 5 July 2006).

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2. BACKGROUND

2.1 The Mallee Catchment ManagementAuthority region

The Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region comprises anarea of approximately 43,000 km2 in north-west Victoria. The region isbounded in the north by the Murray River and includes the Victorian portionsof the Mallee and Millicent Coast Drainage Basins, and parts of the Wimmera-Avon and Avoca Drainage Basins (see Figure 2).

Six bioregions occur within the Mallee CMA region (see Figure 2). Theyinclude three dryland bioregions (Wimmera, Murray Mallee and LowanMallee) and three riverine bioregions (Murray Fans, Murray Scroll Belt andRobinvale Plains).

Approximately 60,000 people live in the Mallee CMA region. Mildura is thelargest town in the region, with a population of 49,253 (2001 census, MRCCwebsite); other sizeable towns include Robinvale, Ouyen, Murrayville,Hopetoun and Birchip. The region includes the entire municipality of theMildura Rural City Council, as well as large sections of the Swan Hill Rural CityCouncil, Buloke Shire and Yarriambiack Shire.The region is semi-arid, with anannual rainfall of approximately 250 mm. Average daytime temperatures atMildura range from 32 °C in summer to 15 °C in winter.

Agriculturally, the Mallee region is important for dryland farming of sheep andcereals, and for large irrigated horticultural developments along the MurrayRiver.About 38% of the region is public land.This includes the Hattah-Kulkyne,Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National Parks, the Murray Kulkyne RegionalPark, and the 60 m wide linear Murray River Public Purposes Reserve(permanently reserved in 1881), as well as numerous smaller reserves. Largetracts of riverine and dryland State Forest also occur within the region.

2.2 Wetlands of the Mallee CMA region

Wetlands are a distinctive part of the Mallee landscape. They vary widely incharacter and possess a range of environmental, social and economic values.Historically, wetlands have been an important resource for humans in the area.They provided an important source of water and food for both Indigenouscommunities and early European settlers, and numerous Indigenous andEuropean cultural heritage sites are found in or around many wetlands.Today,wetlands are often utilised to store or convey water for domestic andagricultural use, to dispose of irrigation drainage water, and for recreationalactivities.Wetlands also provide visual amenity for local communities.

Wetlands are present within all drainage basins of the Mallee CMA region,except the Millicent Coast Basin, and occur across all bioregions (see Figure2). Mallee wetlands are diverse, ranging from riverine wetlands associated withthe Murray River, to terminal wetland complexes associated with the moresoutherly creeks and semi-permanent saline lakes fed by groundwater. Ninehundred and seventeen wetlands greater than 1 ha have been mapped in theMallee CMA region by the former Department of Conservation and NaturalResources (DCNR; now DSE).

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 2 BACKGROUND

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Figure 2. Drainage basins, bioregionsand wetlands in the MalleeCMA region.

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Detailed information about wetlands and associatedbiota within the Mallee CMA region is generallyscarce. Little data exists regarding the water quality,ecological communities, hydrology and condition formany wetlands. While the geospatial wetland layermaintained by DSE classifies wetlands into six typesbased on depth, salinity and hydroperiod, thisinformation was collected 10-20 years ago.Considerable changes to both wetland type andextent are likely to have occurred since then, due toclimatic conditions and human-induced change. Thismakes it difficult to both set and measure progresstowards management targets for the condition andextent of different wetland types, and for wetlands ingeneral. Management of wetland-dependent species isoften problematic due to a lack of data aboutdistribution, population size and habitat requirements.

2.3 Strategic context

The Mallee RCS identifies six major assets across the Mallee CMA region:Biodiversity; Waterways, Wetlands and Floodplain; Water Resources; LandResources; Cultural Heritage Sites; and Community Capacity. It establishes abroad management goal and a number of aspirational outcomes for each,together with Resource Condition Targets (RCTs; 10-20 year targets) andManagement Action Targets (MATs; 5-10 year targets) (see Appendix 1).

The Mallee RCS (Mallee CMA 2003a) also recognises the need to develop astrategic program to inform and prioritise wetland management in the region.The Mallee Wetland Strategy provides such a program, complementingexisting strategies and action plans (see Figure 3), while providing specificdirection for investment in wetland management to contribute to theachievement of the broad management goal for the Waterways,Wetlands andFloodplain asset:

‘To protect and improve waterway, wetland and floodplain health, takingaccount of the ecosystem and recreational services these systems provide tothe people of the Mallee and other users downstream.’

It goes beyond existing documents in that it focuses exclusively on wetlandsand considers all wetland types within the region, acknowledging wetlands asintegral environmental assets in their own right. While the Victorian andRegional River Health Strategies have been developed to guide the protectionand management of the state's waterways and riverine wetlands, thesedocuments do not consider other types of wetlands, which comprise a largeproportion of wetland area in the Mallee region (62% of total wetland area iscomprised of saline wetlands fed by groundwater).

Above: Hattah Lakes, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park


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2.4 Consultative framework and timeframe for review

While there is no Victorian Wetland Strategy, a statement of Victoria’s wetlandspolicy is in the Victorian Biodiversity Strategy (DNRE 1997) and a draft PolicyFramework for Wetlands in Victoria was developed by the formerDepartment of Conservation and Environment in 2003 (unpublished).Thesedocuments summarise various policies, agreements and legislation that relateto wetland protection and management in the state, identify key principles ofwetland protection and links with other statewide strategies, and providedirection on the implementation tools available to protect wetlands.

Development of the Mallee Wetlands Strategy has been guided by thesedocuments (DNRE 1997; DCE unpublished). Consultation with key regionalstakeholders has occurred throughout the development of the Strategy.

The Mallee Wetland Strategy will be reviewed every five years, in line with thetimeframe for the Mallee RCS and other strategies.

2.5 Scope

The Mallee Wetland Strategy establishes broad management objectives forwetlands, together with targets and priority actions to achieve theseobjectives. The targets provided differ to those in the Mallee RCS (MalleeCMA 2003a), as the lack of information about Mallee wetlands made it difficultto develop measurable RCS targets. Accordingly, a number of managementactions in the Mallee Wetland Strategy are aimed at establishing currentwetland condition and extent in order to then measure progress towards thetargets set by the Strategy.


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Below: Horseshoe Lagoon,Wallpolla Island

The Strategy focuses primarily on non-flowing wetlands contained in thegeospatial wetlands layer maintained by DSE (in contrast to flowing wetlandssuch as waterways, which are covered by the Mallee River Health Strategy;Mallee CMA 2006).Wetlands are prioritised for management at the landscapescale on the basis of environmental values and identified threats. Targets andactions are similarly broad, but provide clear direction for future investment inwetland management, including the development of site-specific managementplans.

Figure 3. Strategic framework fornatural resource managementin the Mallee CMA region.


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3. SETTING MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

3.1 Objectives

The objectives of the Mallee Wetlands Strategy are:

• To establish management objectives, targets and priority actions forwetlands in the region;

• To direct and attract regional investment in wetlands; and

• To provide a framework for the coordination of roles and responsibilitiesof the CMA and its partners in wetland protection and management.

3.2 The asset-based approach

Natural resource management in Victoria is asset-based, where naturalfeatures to be managed are considered assets. Management is implementedthrough a regional framework, which recognises wetlands as a secondary assetclass under the primary asset of ‘water’ (DSE 2005a). Assets can have manyvalues and also face many threats.

The asset-based approach sets management priorities by identifying the assetsto be prioritised and the set of values to be used for prioritisation. Thesevalues must be measurable and, for natural assets, typically include biodiversity,conservation status, condition-related information and social and economicvalues (Heron et al. 2004).

Once the values for individual assets are established, a set of criteria, based onthese values, is used to distinguish priority assets. Criteria can be binomial (e.g.yes/no) or measures of degree (e.g. number of threatened species). Assetpriorities may be based on all values, or on particular values. For example, highpriority assets might have many high values, or one critical high value. Onceasset priorities are established, a degree of value is attached to each asset (i.e.high, medium or low; a numeric value or ranking).

The asset-based approach also considers threats to assets.A threat is a sourceof impending danger or harm to the condition of an asset or the services itprovides (DSE 2005a). Threats to assets include those processes that couldreduce asset values if unchecked (DSE 2005a). Assets are prioritised formanagement according to both their values and the threats they face.

3.3 Setting priorities

The Mallee Wetland Strategy has identified priorities for management using athree-step process (see Figure 4). Wetlands were grouped into units (basedprimarily on inundation source and location) and ranked according to theirenvironmental values (Step 1), producing a set of priority wetland units.Threats to these priority units were identified and scored according toseverity, and units were ranked according to their total threat score (Step 2).Value and threat rankings for each unit were multiplied to produce aprioritised list of high-value wetland units for potential action (Step 3) (seeTable 3).

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 3 SETTING MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

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Table 3. Simplified value/threat matrix. The lower the value or threatranking, the higher the valueor threat, i.e.

1 = highest value/greatest threat;

5 = lowest value/least threat.

Multiplying value and threatprovides managementpriorities, with a lowernumber indicating higherpriority for management.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 3 SETTING MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

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Figure 4. Process for settingmanagement priorities forwetlands in the Mallee CMAregion.

Ranking high-priority wetland units for management provides direction for amore detailed assessment of threats and the identification of appropriatemanagement actions at a more site-specific scale.

4. WETLANDS OF THE MALLEE CMA REGION4.1 Victorian wetlands

Victoria’s 13,114 wetlands currently occupy 535,453 ha, or two percent of thestate, and are distributed unevenly across the landscape (DNRE 1997).Theyvary widely in character and range from alpine bogs, riverine wetlands, freshand saline lakes and salt pans, coastal estuaries and mudflats, shores and baysto human-made impoundments, sewage ponds and farm dams.

Most wetlands occur in south-east Victoria, where there are extensive areas ofintertidal flats, including Western Port, Corner Inlet and the Gippsland Lakes(EA 2001). Large freshwater wetlands also occur along the lower reaches ofrivers discharging into the Gippsland Lakes. Numerous smaller wetlands arefound in south-west Victoria, where there are extensive areas of shallowfreshwater marshes and meadows. The majority of riverine wetlands occuralong the Murray and Goulburn Rivers in northern Victoria. Significant artificialwetlands occur at current or former saltworks sites near Melbourne andGeelong, and at sewage treatment plants servicing Melbourne.

4.2 Mallee wetlands

There are 917 wetlands greater than 1 ha within the Mallee CMA region, asmapped by DSE, occupying 43,651ha. Mallee wetlands are diverse and includeriverine wetlands associated with the Murray River and southern creeks(Tyrrell, Lalbert and Outlet Creeks), shallow depressions in the south of theregion filled by local catchment runoff and saline wetlands fed by groundwater.There are also a number of artificial wetlands in the Mallee, including sewageoxidation basins and those created for disposal of irrigation drainage water,such as the Cardross Lakes and Koorlong Basins.

Semi-permanent saline wetlands are the most prevalent wetland type in theMallee CMA region.These wetlands have increased in both number and areasince European settlement due to altered hydrological regimes (primarily dueto river regulation), clearing of native vegetation, changes in surrounding landuse and the use of natural wetlands and low-lying areas for the disposal ofsaline irrigation drainage water and interception of saline groundwater.

Wetlands do not occur with equal frequency across the landscape (see Figure2), and some wetland types are more prevalent in particular landscape types,or bioregions. For example, approximately half of all mapped wetlands occurin riverine bioregions (Murray Scroll Belt, Murray Fans and Robinvale Plains)and are associated with the Murray River or its anabranches.These wetlandsare primarily seasonal, intermittent or ephemeral wetlands that fill when theMurray River floods although, under natural or pre-regulation conditions, somewould have been inundated more or less permanently. Most riverine wetlandsare freshwater meadows, marshes and permanent open freshwater wetlands(1988 Corrick & Norman), characterised by trees such as River Red Gum andBlack Box, shrubs such as Lignum and Nitre Goose-foot, and aquatic oramphibious flora, including various reeds, rushes, herbs and grasses. Only a fewsaline wetlands occur within these bioregions and are primarily the result ofsecondary salinisation, caused by disposal of saline irrigation drainage water orintrusion of saline groundwater.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 4 WETLANDS OF THE MALLEE CMA REGION

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The remaining wetlands occur across three dryland bioregions (MurrayMallee, Lowan Mallee and Wimmera), which comprise the majority of theMallee CMA region. Most wetlands in the Murray Mallee bioregion are saline,although there are a number of freshwater wetlands. While some do occurnaturally, most freshwater wetlands are now associated with ephemeral creeksor irrigation channels and many are used by landholders to store water forstock and domestic purposes. Saline wetlands range from natural groundwaterdischarge sites (salinas or boinkas), to artificial wetlands utilised for disposal ofirrigation drainage water. Saline wetlands are generally semi-permanent andare characterised by salt-tolerant flora, including shrubs such as Samphire andsaltbushes, halophytes (e.g. glassworts) and submerged macrophytes such asRuppia species. A number of large terminal saline wetlands also occur in thisbioregion, including Lakes Tyrrell and Timboram.

Relatively few wetlands occur in the Lowan Mallee bioregion. Most are deepor shallow freshwater marshes associated with Outlet Creek system, in thesouth of the Mallee CMA region within the Wyperfeld National Park. A fewsaline wetlands occur further north, at the bioregion's perimeter.These salinewetlands are natural groundwater discharge sites.


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Below: Lake Hawthorn

The Wimmera bioregion contains almost a quarter of the Mallee’s mostdepleted wetland type – freshwater meadows; no saline wetlands occur withinthis bioregion. Historically, these ephemeral wetlands would have beeninundated by local catchment runoff. Hydrology in this area has beensignificantly altered by land use practices, such as the widespread applicationof gypsum, and the construction of barriers to overland flow. Most wetlandsthat do receive water are now filled by the Stock and Domestic Supplychannel system and utilised for water storage by landholders. Over the pastsix to seven years, the number of wetlands filled in this method has beengreatly reduced (Dorothy Reid, pers. comm.). No natural wetlands havereceived water for a number of years and the number of farm dams filled hasbeen steadily reduced (Dorothy Reid, pers. comm.). The hydrology of thesewetlands is likely to change further over the next decade with construction ofthe Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, which will replace the existing channel system.Once constructed, the relevant water authority, Grampians Wimmera Mallee(GWM) Water, has proposed an environmental allocation of up to 1000 MLannually for delivery to wetlands via the pipeline. The Mallee, North Centraland Wimmera CMAs, together with GWM Water, are currently developing aframework to prioritise eligible wetlands for water delivery.


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Below: Lake Crosbie (Pink Lakes),Murray-Sunset National Park

4.3 Surrounding land use

About 75% of wetland area in Victoria is on public land, although thesewetlands account for only about 20% of the total number of wetlands (DNRE1997). The remaining 80% of wetlands are on private, primarily agricultural,land (DNRE 1997). Wetlands on public land are generally larger and morepermanent, while private wetlands tend to be smaller and less permanent,creating an imbalance in the diversity of wetland types on reserved land(DNRE 1997). Public land wetlands are managed for a variety of publicpurposes such as biodiversity conservation, forestry, irrigation and watersupply, wastewater treatment and recreation.

In the Mallee CMA region, 82% of wetland area is on public land. Manywetlands, however, occur across land of various tenures, with close to 50% ofwetlands (by number) occurring entirely or partially on freehold land usedprimarily for either dryland farming or irrigated horticulture (see Figure 5).

Above: Lake Tyrrell, thelargest salina in Victoria

Below: Potterwalkagee Creekwetland (Mulcra Island) filledvia emergency Red Gumwatering program


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kilometres

Figure 5. Wetlands and landtenure across the Mallee CMAregion.

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4.4 Important wetlands in the Mallee CMA region

There are a number of wetlands in the Mallee CMA region that are currentlyrecognised as significant at an international or national level (see Table 4 andFigure 6). Wetlands considered to be of international importance are thoselisted under the Convention on Wetlands (RCD 2000; see 5.1).Wetlands listedin A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (EA 2001; see 5.1) havenational importance.Those sites listed as Significant Ecological Assets (or iconsites) under the Living Murray Initiative (see 5.1) are also considered to havenational importance. Two icon sites occur in the Mallee CMA region – theHattah-Kulkyne Lakes and Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands. The Hattah-Kulkyne Lakes are also listed under the Convention on Wetlands and Lindsay,Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands are part of the greater Chowilla Floodplain(including Lindsay-Wallpolla) icon site, which spans three states (Victoria,NSW and SA). The Hattah Lakes icon site and the Lindsay and Wallpollacomponents of the Chowilla Floodplain icon site are listed in the Directory(EA 2001).

Table 4.

Important wetlands in theMallee CMA region.

International = listed under theConvention on Wetlands (RCD2000);

DIW = listed in A Directory ofImportant Wetlands inAustralia (EA 2001);

LM = Living Murray icon site


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Figure 6. Important wetlands inthe Mallee region (see Table 4for details of listings).

5. REGIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR WETLANDS 5.1 Legislation and policy

A number of international, national and state policies, agreements andlegislation provide direction for the protection and management of wetlandsin the Mallee CMA region. A brief overview of each is provided below.

INTERNATIONALConvention on Wetlands

• Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971; commonly referred to as the RamsarConvention (RCB 2000).

• Provides a framework for national action and international cooperation forthe conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

• Australia, as a contracting party, is required to:

- Designate at least one site that meets the Ramsar criteria for inclusion inthe List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar list), and ensurethe maintenance of the ecological character of each Ramsar site; countriesare expected to nominate as many wetlands as possible on the list thatmeet Ramsar criteria (see Appendix 2);

- Promote the wise use of wetlands through the inclusion of wetlandconservation within national land-use planning, establish nature reserveson wetlands and promote training in wetland research, management andwardening; and

- Consult with other contracting parties with regard to the implementationof the Convention, particularly when considering transfrontier wetlands,shared water systems, shared species and development projects affectingwetlands.

Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals

• Signed in 1983; also known as CMS or the Bonn Convention.

• Aims to conserve migratory species throughout their ranges, concernedwith wildlife and habitat conservation at the global level and includesterrestrial, marine and avian species.

• Currently has a membership of 79 countries.

• Australia, as a signatory, has agreed to provide strict protection forendangered migratory species, many of which are wetland-dependent, andis expected to work with other signatory nations to protect species thatregularly migrate over international boundaries.

Japan-Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) and China-Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA)

• Bilateral agreements that aim to protect migratory birds that move betweenthe two countries; many of these species are wetland-dependent.

• JAMBA was signed in 1974 and CAMBA in 1988.

• 65 species are listed on JAMBA and 81 species on CAMBA, with some listedon both agreements.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 5 REGIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR WETLANDS

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• Contracting parties are required to protect listed species and their habitat,to share information about and conduct joint research on migratory birds.

NATIONALWetlands Policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia

• Released in 1997, aims to build wetland conservation into the daily businessof the Australian Government and to ensure that Australia meets itscommitments, as a signatory to relevant international treaties, in relation tothe management of wetlands.

• Provides guidelines and processes to ensure wetlands are managed inaccordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

• Seeks to ensure a consistent approach to wetland management by relevantAustralian Government organisations, as well as state, territory and localgovernments.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• Addresses matters of national environmental significance, includingmigratory species, nationally threatened species and Ramsar sites.

• Requires any action that may have a significant impact on matters of nationalenvironmental significance to be referred to the federal EnvironmentMinister for approval. Actions that are likely to incur a significant impact aredesignated ‘controlled actions’ and may be undertaken only with a numberof controlling provisions to mitigate the effects, or not at all.

Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Third Edition)

• Identifies wetlands of national significance based on a range of ecologicalcriteria, and historical or cultural significance.

• Land managers and planners are encouraged to give listed wetlands highpriority for conservation, although the Directory cannot be considered acomprehensive catalogue of Australia's wetlands.

• Listing in the Directory does not entail any formal management obligations,but land managers and planners are encouraged to give listed wetlands highpriority for conservation.

Living Murray Initiative

• Established in 2002 by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Councilconsisting of representatives of the New South Wales, Victorian, SouthAustralian, ACT and Australian governments.

• Aims to protect and improve the health of the Murray River and itsassociated wetlands and waterways.

• The ‘First Step’ decision identified six Significant Ecological Assets, or iconsites, across the Murray-Darling Basin, including two in the Mallee CMAregion: the Hattah Lakes and Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands (part ofthe larger Chowilla Floodplain site). Both include extensive wetlandecosystems.

• The First Step provides funding for investigations into water management at


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icon sites and for on-ground works that will facilitate improved watermanagement, providing a key driver for wetland management in the region.

STATEFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

• The primary overarching legislation dealing with biodiversity conservationand sustainable use of native flora and fauna in Victoria.

• Applies to both public and private land and aims to protect and conserveflora and fauna, manage potentially threatening processes, educate thecommunity about the conservation of flora and fauna and encourage agencyand community cooperation in the management of flora and fauna.

Strategic Management Framework for management of Victoria’sRamsar sites

• Developed by Parks Victoria, DSE and other lead agencies to ensure acoordinated statewide approach to protecting Ramsar sites in Victoria.

• Provides a reporting framework to ensure and demonstrate that Victoria ismeeting its obligation to maintain the ecological character of its Ramsarwetlands.

• Includes an overarching Strategic Directions Statement and StrategicManagement Plans for each Ramsar site; implementation of managementplans is the responsibility of DSE.

Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy

• Developed in line with the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, sets goalsfor biodiversity management in Victoria and includes a statement ofVictoria's wetlands policy.

• Aims to protect the biodiversity of Victoria’s wetlands by promoting thewise use and conservation of all wetlands, with the following principleoutcomes:

- Maximum retention and restoration of existing wetlands as far aspracticable;

- Viable wide populations of native wetland-dependent flora, fauna andecological communities;

- A representative selection of Victoria’s wetland environments affordedprotection in the state’s protection area network of parks and reserves;and

- A strong partnership between owners of wetlands on private land,catchment and coastal authorities and local and state governmentagencies that encourages wetland owners to use wetlands wisely andactive participation in wetland conservation and monitoring.

State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP):Waters of Victoria

• Established under the Environment Protection Act 1970, aims to protect thequality of all surface waters in Victoria and specifically includes wetlandhabitats.

• Provides a legal framework for government agencies, businesses and


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communities to protect and rehabilitate aquatic environments and formspart of Victoria's environment protection system.

Victorian River Health Strategy

• Developed in line with the Water Act 1989, provides a framework for theVictorian Government and communities to manage and restore the state’srivers.

• Aims to improve and maintain the health of rivers, streams and floodplainsso they meet the environmental, economic, recreational and cultural needsof current and future generations.

• Establishes regional planning processes for CMAs to prepare regional riverhealth strategies. It is relevant to the management of riverine wetlands butdoes not consider other types of wetlands.

REGIONALMallee Regional Catchment Strategy

• Overarching strategic document established under Catchment and LandProtection Act 1994 aimed at halting decline in biodiversity through theimplementation of priority programs, including those that protect andmanage wetlands.

• The Mallee CMA is responsible for coordinating the implementation of theMallee Regional Catchment Strategy and its sub-strategies and action plansunder the Water Act 1989.

Mallee River Health Strategy

• Established as a requirement of the Victorian Government in response tothe Victorian River Health Strategy

• Provides a regional framework for the Mallee CMA to achieve regional riverhealth outcomes as the regional caretaker of river health.

• Relevant for management of riverine wetlands but does not consider othertypes of wetlands.

Victoria’s Planning Provisions

• Established under the Planning and Environment Act 1987; provides localgovernments with a means of protecting wetlands and waterways throughthe control of land use and development.

• Clause 15.09 of the State planning policy framework states that ‘Planningand responsible authorities must ensure that any changes in land use ordevelopment would not adversely affect the habitat values of wetlands andwetland wildlife habitats designated under the Convention on Wetlands ofInternational Importance.’

Land Conservation Council Mallee Area Review FinalRecommendations

• Established under the Land Conservation Act 1970 (repealed and replaced bythe Environment Conservation Council Act 1987); provides recommendationsto the Victorian Government on the future land tenure and management ofCrown land in the Victorian Mallee.


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5.2 Agencies involved in wetland management

A number of stakeholder groups, agencies and individuals play key roles inwetland management in the Mallee CMA region.The Mallee CMA will workwith a number of agencies and organisations to implement the actionsoutlined in this strategy. A clear understanding of stakeholder roles andresponsibilities is essential to coordinate management actions and to producethe best outcomes for wetlands.The Mallee CMA will direct and coordinatethe implementation of the Mallee Wetland Strategy. CMAs have delegatedfunctions for waterway and wetland management under the Victorian WaterAct 1989 as the regional caretaker of river health, and are responsible forintegrating wetland management outcomes and objectives into RegionalCatchment Strategies and subsidiary plans, and into relevant investmentproposals including Regional Catchment Investment Plans. CMAs also provideadvice regarding land and water resource management issues and priorities,encourage cooperation between land and water managers and have a keyrole in increasing community awareness of catchment management issues.Therole of other key agencies is outlined below.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)

• Provides strategic direction for park and reserve management, flora andfauna management and research, licence management and implementationof the Convention on Wetlands (RCB 2000) in Victoria. Provides strategiccoordination of wetland policy for Victoria, River Health Strategy for Victoriaand significant statewide projects.

• Takes a lead role in developing and implementing policy and legislation, andgenerally promoting conservation and wise use of wetlands throughoutVictoria.

• Provides a lead role as Asset Manager for coordinating the management ofthe Living Murray Significant Ecological Assets that occur in Victoria.

• Provides wetland advice and expertise and manages the Minister’s flora andfauna bulk water entitlement for the Murray River.

• Provides management of many riverine wetlands, which occur in StateForest or other Crown land managed by directly by DSE.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

• Coordinates water quality and salinity programs as well as catchmentmanagement, fisheries management and agricultural services.

Parks Victoria

• Manages parks and reserves; numerous wetlands and substantial areas ofVictoria's Ramsar sites are situated in protected areas on public land and aremanaged either directly or indirectly by Parks Victoria.


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Environmental Protection Authority

• Regulates all activities relating to the discharge of waste into theenvironment, including the generation of, storage, treatment, transport anddisposal of industrial waste. Is also responsible for regulating the emission ofnoise and for preventing or controlling pollution of the environment.

Local government

• Regulates local development through planning schemes, is responsible forlocal on ground works on council managed land, as well as management oflocal roads and stormwater drainage.

• Responsible for strategic implementation of Municipal Strategic Statementsand planning schemes to enhance and protect wetland assets.

Water authorities

• Provide urban water supplies and waste water disposal services.

• Also provide irrigation services, drainage, water supply, and manage specificwater supply catchments.

Above: Pumped wetland nearRobinvale.


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6. PRIORITISING WETLAND UNITS FOR MANAGEMENT6.1 Background

Prioritisation of wetlands in the Mallee CMA region was identified by theMallee RCS (Mallee CMA 2003a) as a Key Management Action ‘to guidefuture investment and to identify further sites for national and internationalrecognition’ (see Appendix 1). More specifically, regional wetland prioritisationfacilitates a strategic approach to wetland management in the Mallee CMAregion by:

• Identifying high-value wetlands in the region, allowing land managers toconsider all wetlands when directing management investment, not just high-profile sites; and

• Identifying knowledge gaps and providing direction for future research andmonitoring programs.

The Wetland Prioritisation Project has been a three-stage project, culminatingin the development of the Mallee Wetland Strategy (see Figure 7). Wetlandswere prioritised at the landscape scale, primarily due to the large number ofwetlands in the region (917 mapped wetlands). Prioritising groups of wetlands,or wetland units, rather than individual wetlands, has provided a moremeaningful ranking and also compensates to some degree for the deficiencyin data for many individual wetlands.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 6 PRIORITISING WETLAND UNITS FOR MANAGEMENT

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Figure 7. Development of the MalleeWetland Strategy. Outputs and outcomes ofeach stage are shown on the right.

6.2 Social and economic values

While many wetlands have significant social, cultural and economic values, littledata on these values exists for the Mallee CMA region. Obtainingcomprehensive, objective information regarding these values would require anextensive, targeted study, which was beyond the scope of the WetlandPrioritisation Project, due to both temporal and practical constraints. Social,cultural and economic values were identified for priority wetland units in astakeholder workshop (June 2006) and are summarised in the Wetland UnitInventory (Mallee CMA 2006). Consideration of these values will informimplementation of management actions at priority wetland units and willprovide valuable information for the development of site-specific managementactions.

6.3 Defining Wetland Prioritisation Units

The method used to aggregate wetlands into units is based primarily on awetland's position in the landscape and its physical connections with andproximity to other wetlands (see Figure 8). Wetlands that are hydrologicallyconnected or close to each other may be logically considered a system, orunit, as they are likely to have similar ecological values, be affected by similarenvironmental processes and face similar threats. Management actions carriedout at any one wetland are also likely to affect others within that unit; alandscape-scale approach promotes a holistic system of wetland management.Application of this grouping method produced 70 wetland units from 917wetlands (a total of 1174 wetland polygons). Unit boundaries were defined bycreating a 100 m buffer around wetland boundaries. Units are delineated in ageospatial layer, housed in the Mallee CMA’s Wetland Management GIS.

Figure 8. Method used to definewetland units.


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6.4 Prioritisation criteria and method

Wetland units were prioritised according to a range of biological andlandscape attributes (see Table 5). Information was extracted from existingDSE geospatial layers and databases, and from a geospatial layer containingdata from a recent survey of aquatic vertebrates in the Mallee CMA region(Ho et al. 2004).All prioritisation data relates to a wetland unit, rather than anindividual wetland.

Biological prioritisation criteria include total biodiversity, records of threatenedspecies (at national and state levels), threatened Ecological Vegetation Classes(EVCs) and records of species listed under JAMBA and CAMBA (see Table 5).Species records were limited to those of wetland-dependent species from thepast 20 years (1986 onwards) and within a distance of 250 m from mappedwetland boundaries (see Appendix 3 for a list of wetland-dependent speciesin the Mallee CMA region).

Where appropriate, each biological criterion was divided into flora and faunacomponents, with each scored out of ten, so as not to bias scores towardseither flora or fauna. EVCs and JAMBA/CAMBA species were paired for thispurpose.

Landscape criteria include wetland number and area, diversity of wetlandtypes, area represented by depleted wetland categories and wetlandconnectivity (see Table 5). Landscape criteria were designed to pick upfeatures that encourage species or habitat diversity but may be missed bybiological criteria due to lack of survey effort.

The scores for each criterion were scaled from one to ten, so that the highestscoring unit receives ten points and the lowest scoring unit receives one point.Other units receive scores from two to nine, depending on their relativescores. Criteria weightings were assigned according to their relativeimportance for management purposes. A number of additional rules (seeTable 5) were added in order to boost the scores of units with particularcharacteristics that are considered a priority for management.

6.5 Mallee CMA WetlandManagement Geographic Information System (GIS)

The Mallee CMA Wetland Management GISwas developed to aid general wetlandmanagement and to facilitate wetlandprioritisation. It contains various geospatiallayers relevant for wetland management,including those that provide source data forwetland prioritisation. The database alsocontains a number of customised spatialanalysis tools that were used to collate datafor prioritisation of wetland units.


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Below: Murray Cod, anationally threatened fishspecies


Table 5. Criteria used toprioritise wetland units.

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6.6 Prioritisation results

Application of the decision-support tool has ranked wetland units accordingto their environmental values. The ten highest ranking units have beenidentified as management priorities for the Mallee CMA and are hereafterreferred to as ‘priority wetland units’ (see Figure 9). Most of these prioritywetland units occur within riverine bioregions (Robinvale Plains, Murray ScrollBelt, Murray Fans), apart from one unit in the Murray Mallee bioregion (Unit24) that consists of a number of major irrigation drainage basins, including theCardross Lakes.

Bioregional priorities

In order to prevent a bias in management investment towards riverinebioregions, wetland units with high environmental value have been identifiedwithin each bioregion (see Figure 10).These wetland units have been addedto the list of priority wetland units.

Limitations

Collection of additional baseline data was beyond the scope ofthe Wetland Prioritisation Project so wetlands were prioritisedon the basis of available information. As such, the process isinherently information-biased. Many priority units are thereforethose that have been the subject of extensive study or research(e.g. Hattah-Kulkyne Lakes (Unit 46) and Lindsay Island (Unit31)), or are close to urban centres (e.g. Kings Billabong (Unit41)), and the low environmental value of some wetland unitsmay actually indicate a lack of information about that wetlandunit, rather than low value. The inclusion of landscape-basedattributes in the suite prioritisation criteria attempts to offset thisinformation bias to some degree, as similar data was available foreach wetland unit for landscape criteria. Management targets andactions have been developed to address this issue.

The prioritisation process is also limited by the nature of theinformation available. In general, fauna records are heavily biasedtowards birds, which may be less dependent on a particularwetland, or group of wetlands, than other less mobile species,such as frogs and reptiles. Data for a number of potential criteriawas either absent or patchy (i.e. limited to particular sites, withno region-wide dataset). Such potential criteria includerepresentativeness, contribution to maintaining bioregionaldiversity (e.g. endemic species, high ecosystem diversity, highspecies richness), contribution to maintaining species populations(e.g. supports endemic species or a significant proportion of thepopulation of a species of plant or animal), and the importancefor fauna at critical life stages (e.g. colonially nesting waterbirds,important migratory waterbird habitat, drought refuge).


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Below: River Red Gum


Figure 9. High-value wetland units in theMallee CMA region. The mapshows the Unit ID for each unit.Ranks are shown in theaccompanying table.

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Figure 10. Priority wetland units withineach bioregion. Wetland unitsthat are also regional prioritiesare marked with an asterisk (*)in the table.

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Figure 11. Level of threat to prioritywetland units, as assessed inthe Values and ThreatsWorkshop (June 2006).

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6.7 Threats to priority wetland units

Broad threats to priority wetland units were identified and assessed in the Valuesand Threats Workshop (June 2006, see Appendix 4). All threats assessed wereidentified in DSE (2005) as key threatening processes or activities affectingwetland condition (see Appendix 5).Threats to each priority wetland unit wereassessed and scored according to severity (see Appendix 4).The scores for eachwetland unit were added together to produce a total threat score and unitswere ranked from most to least threatened (see Figure 11).

Key threats to wetlands in the Mallee CMA region, as assessed in the Valuesand Threats Workshop, include:• Modified flow regimes• Weeds and introduced fauna• Clearance of terrestrial vegetation• Oil or chemical spills

Modified flow regimes

The major threat to wetlands across the Mallee CMA region is modificationof natural flow regimes, which poses a significant threat to all priority wetlandunits and the majority of bioregional priority units also. The flow regime, orhydrology, of a wetland is determined by precipitation, evapotranspiration, andinflows and outflows of surface and groundwater (DSE 2005a). A wetland'sflow regime has three main components: frequency, duration and seasonalityof inundation. The types of activities that affect flow regime vary across theMallee CMA region, but an activity will affect wetland hydrology if it:

• Changes the flow regime of the water source;

• Interferes with flow into and out of the wetland;

• Interferes with flow within the wetland;

• Involves the disposal of water into or extraction of water from the wetland; or

• Changes wetland depth (which alters evaporation ratesand affects inundation duration).

As most chemical and biological processes in wetlands arecontrolled by flow regime, changes in hydrology affect mostaspects of wetland ecology, including nutrient cycling; waterquality; wetland shape and form; biodiversity; vegetation health,type and extent; and the composition and size of faunalcommunities. Wetland hydrology is also affected by climaticconditions, such as temperature, rainfall and evaporation rates.The prolonged dry conditions experienced across the MalleeCMA region and the rest of the state over the past 10 yearsfurther exacerbate the threat to wetlands posed by humanactivities that modify flow regimes.

The demand for water in riverine areas has also increased overtime, due to population growth and the continuing shift inagriculture from grazing and broadacre cropping to irrigated


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Below:River Red Gums suffering fromlack of water

horticulture. About half of the wetlands within the Mallee CMA region arefloodplain wetlands associated with the Murray River or its anabranches.Theriver has been extensively modified to facilitate navigation and provide areliable source of water for agriculture, industry and domestic use.

The construction of numerous locks, weirs and dams has changed thefrequency, magnitude and duration of flows within the river, subsequentlyaffecting the flow regimes of associated wetlands. Prior to regulation of thesystem, most wetlands would have been primarily ephemeral, intermittent orseasonal, with only a few inundated more or less permanently. Most MurrayRiver floodplain wetlands now experience reduced inflows (volume, frequencyand duration), or permanent inundation due to the influence of weirs and weirpools.

Catchment processes, rather than river regulation, have changed wetlandhydrology in other parts of the region. The Avoca River is one of the leastregulated rivers in Victoria, but construction of levees to restrict flooding ofadjacent land and activities such as land clearing, cultivation and thewidespread application of gypsum have changed runoff patterns across thelandscape. This has altered wetland hydrology, reducing the frequency andduration of inundation. Numerous catchment dams have also beenconstructed in the upper Avoca catchment (outside the Mallee CMA region)which reduce inflows to the Avoca River (Mallee CMA 2006).

Wetlands in the south of the Mallee CMA region, including those associatedwith Yarriambiack Creek and Outlet Creek, distributaries of the WimmeraRiver, are also threatened by modified flow regimes. The Wimmera River isheavily regulated and, while pipelining the inefficient Wimmera Mallee stockand domestic channel system (through the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project)is expected to provide increased flows to these creeks and associatedwetlands, the pipeline represents a significant potential threat to off-streamwetlands formerly fed by the channel system. Prior to European settlement ofthe area, these wetlands would have received inflows from ephemeral creeksystems and local catchment runoff.The majority are now fed by the channelsystem and function as water storages. Natural runoff patterns have beenaffected by land clearing and cultivation, and the widespread application ofgypsum, further altering wetland hydrology. While options to deliverenvironmental water to these wetlands via the pipeline are currently beinginvestigated, construction constraints may mean that delivery to somewetlands is not feasible.

Weeds

Weeds are a moderate threat to many wetlands and considered a high threatto a number of high-priority wetland units (see Section 6.7).Terrestrial, ratherthan aquatic, species were the primary focus of the assessment, as knowledgeof the occurrence and distribution of aquatic weeds is limited.This representsa significant knowledge gap and has resulted in aquatic weeds beingoverlooked in existing regional pest plant action plans (Mallee CMA 2006).

Environmental weeds compete with Indigenous plants for resources and canchange the composition of floristic communities, reduce the quality and extent


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Above: Weir across Murray River

of native vegetation, and reduce the diversity and availability of habitat forwetland biota. The presence of exotic plants can also affect wetlandtranspiration rates, water temperature and soil structure (DSE 2005a). Somespecies, such as Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus), are highly invasive and moretolerant to adverse conditions (such as elevated water levels and soil salinity)than Indigenous species. In some cases, these species can provide habitat fornative fauna in sub-optimal environments where few other species will grow.

Disturbance is important for the dispersal and survival of many weeds (DSE2004). Human activities and natural disturbance events, such as floods, cancreate ideal conditions for weed dispersal (DSE 2004). Inundation of dryriverine wetlands by natural high flow events or delivery of environmentalflows can mobilise soil seed banks and cause proliferation of riparian weeds,particularly species such as Noogoora Burr (Xanthium occidentale).

Invasive native species can also threaten wetland values. Cumbungi (Typhaspp.), for example, is a vigorous emergent species that grows quickly in suitableconditions and in responses to changes in its environment (Young 2001). It isfound in permanent and seasonal wetlands, favouring environments that areflooded from late winter to summer (Young 2001). Permanent inundation ofwetlands (due to the influence of weir pools) and reduced variability in waterlevels has favoured the expansion of Cumbungi in many riverine wetlands inthe Mallee CMA region. While Cumbungi provides habitat for numerouswaterbirds, frogs and other species, it can crowd out other less vigorous nativespecies, reducing vegetation and habitat diversity. It also forms thick stands thatcan trap silt and debris, impeding the flow of water and, in extreme cases,blocking it entirely.

Exotic Fauna

Exotic fauna pose a moderate threat to wetlands and associated biota acrossmuch of the Mallee CMA region. Identified pest animals include Cats, Foxes,Cattle, Goats, Rabbits, European Bees, and European Carp. These speciescompete with native species for resources and may also prey upon them.Theirpresence can lead to changes in species interactions (e.g. competition,predation), nutrient cycling and food webs, affecting the diversity andabundance of native flora and fauna.

Terrestrial species graze and trample native plants, disturbing the soil structure.Disturbance to soils in and around wetlands can create ideal conditions forweed invasion and cause erosion, increasing sediment and nutrient inputs and

affecting water quality. Soil compaction, caused by heavyanimals such as cattle, can affect seed germination andplant growth, decrease infiltration rates and increasingrun-off and erosion and affect soil micro-organism activityand nutrient availability. The burrowing of Rabbits alsoaffects soil structure.

European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are a major aquatic pestand have been declared a noxious species in Victoriaunder the Fisheries Act 1995.They are the dominant fish

Below: European Carp


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of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDBC 2000;Young 2001), constituting 90% offish biomass in some rivers (MDBC 2000). While it is difficult to distinguishwhether Carp are a symptom or major cause of degradation in riverinesystems, there is little doubt that carp contribute to environmentaldegradation. They are benthic feeders and excavate depressions in the banksand beds of wetlands as they feed (Young 2001). This can uproot aquaticplants and resuspend sediment, increasing turbidity and affecting water quality(Young 2001). Carp also compete with native fish for food and habitat, andmay prey on eggs and juveniles; resuspended sediment can also settle on theeggs of native fish species, smothering and killing them (Young 2001).

Clearance of terrestrial vegetation

Clearing vegetation around wetlands and within their catchments can causechanges in the amount, quality and flow pattern of runoff entering the wetland.Runoff from highly modified catchments is likely to contain high levels ofsediment and nutrients, pollutants and seeds of exotic plants. Runoff may alsohave low pH if derived from areas with acidic soils. Inflows of low-qualityrunoff can affect wetland condition in a number of ways (see Appendix 5).

Widespread vegetation clearing, as has occurred throughout the dryland areasof the Mallee CMA region, can lead to rising water tables, mobilisation of saltsstored in the soil and subsequent salinisation of groundwater. Regional flow ofsaline groundwater towards the Murray River floodplain has causedsalinisation of some areas, particularly around Bullock Swamp, KaradocSwamp, between Red Cliffs and Merbein, and the Lindsay River area.

Oil or chemical spills

An oil or chemical spill directly into or nearby a wetland has the potential toaffect most aspects of wetland ecology, depending on the type and amount ofpollutant that enters the wetland. Roads pass through or nearby many units,so a road accident could result in an oil or chemical spill that affects thewetland. Recreational activities such as boating could also result in an oil orchemical spill.

Other threats

The groundwater mounds created by weirs and irrigated horticulture alsopose a threat to many riverine wetlands in the Mallee CMA region. Seepageof fresh water from the weir pools in the Murray River creates high localgroundwater levels that prevent discharge of salty water to the river in theseareas, leading to a build-up of salts in the floodplain. Salinisation of thefloodplain affects the health of aquatic and riparian vegetation, leading tochanges in vegetation type and extent, habitat availability, and the diversity andabundance of wetland-dependent biota.

Salinisation may also be due to the use of wetlands as disposal sites forintercepted groundwater or irrigation drainage. Some wetlands, such as LakeRanfurly – part of the Mildura-Merbein Salt Interception Scheme, havebecome hypersaline.


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6.8 Management priorities

In order to determine priorities for wetland management across the MalleeCMA region, the value and threat rankings for priority wetland units weremultiplied to produce a ranked list of high-value wetland units for potentialmanagement action (see Figure 12 and table below). Actions will be assessedfurther at each site according to whether they are mandated by legislation orpolicy, feasibility, whether they address the cause (threat) rather than asymptom (impact), whether they provide benefits, the cost: benefit ratio andthe level of community commitment.


46

Above:Lake Hardy (Pink Lakes),Murray-Sunset National Park


Figure 12. Wetland management prioritiesacross the Mallee CMA region.

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7. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS7.1 Regional wetland management objectives

The Mallee CMA has developed a number of broad objectives to guidewetland management in the Mallee CMA region. These objectives providedirection for the development of Resource Condition and ManagementAction Targets, and for specific management actions aimed at achieving thesetargets.

WETLAND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

• To halt the loss and modification of wetlands across the Mallee CMAregion, unless the changes are part of a plan to return the wetlands totheir pre-European condition.

• To manage wetlands so they continue to provide habitat for nativewetland-dependent biota:

• To manage wetlands so they continue to provide other vital ecosystemservices; and

• To manage wetlands so they continue to function as a sustainableresource for humans.

7.2 Targets

Management Action Targets are five-year implementation targets that providedirection for management actions and enable evaluation of wetlandmanagement outputs. Resource Condition Targets are ten-year targets thatdescribe the expected improvement in wetland condition if implementationtargets are achieved.

Management Action and Resource Condition Targets for wetlandmanagement in the Mallee region are outlined in Table 6.

7.3 Management actions

A suite of management actions have been developed toachieve Management Action Targets. These actions arepresented in Table 7, together with the relevantManagement Action and Resource Condition Targets,indicative costs and management action priorities.Management actions were prioritised according to thedistribution and severity of the threats that they address,as identified in the Values and Threats StakeholderWorkshop (June 2006).A subset of management actions isconcerned with establishing a reference condition againstwhich to measure the effectiveness of managementactions and progress towards targets. These actions aregiven high priority as they are essential for monitoring andevaluation purposes. Table 7 also outlines the applicabilityof each action across the region. A number are region-wide, while others apply to all high-priority units, or toparticular high-priority units.

Below: Revegetation project atLake Hawthorn

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 7 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS

48

Table 6. Resource Condition and Management Action Targets for wetlands inthe Mallee CMA region. The column ‘RCT Contribution’ indicates those RCTsthat each MAT will contribute to achieving.

49



50

Table 7. Management actions that contribute to achieving Management ActionTargets (MATs). Management actions were prioritised according to the order inwhich actions should be undertaken, i.e. actions on which others depend are givenhigher priority than other actions. * Activity type links to Table 8, which outlines the responsibleagency for various types of activities (A: Approvals and enforcement; OG: On-ground management andworks; C: Communication and education; P: Coordination and planning; M: Monitoring and evaluation;R: Research and investigations)


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8. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING8.1 Roles and responsibilities

The Mallee CMA, as the statutory waterway managers and caretakers of riverhealth, coordinates and implements regional river and wetland health-relatedactivities on behalf of the state and federal government and in accordancewith government policies. Implementation of the Mallee Wetland Strategy willbe coordinated by the Mallee CMA through its Board, community-basedImplementation Committees, and River and Wetland Health TechnicalReference Committee.The Mallee CMA will work with a number of agenciesand organisations, such as MDBC, Parks Victoria, DSE, Department of PrimaryIndustries, Environment Protection Authority, Lower Murray Water (LMW)and other water authorities, local government, neighbouring CMAs, NSW andSA government agencies, and community groups to implement the actionsoutlined in this strategy (see Table 8).

Works programs undertaken in accordance with the strategy will benegotiated between relevant parties to ensure that maximum outcomes canbe achieved for the resources invested, and that existing statutory processesare followed.Table 8 outlines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholdersin the implementation of the Mallee Wetland Strategy (see classification ofmanagement actions in Table 7)

8.2 Resources

Funding to implement the Mallee Wetland Strategy will be sourced from stateand Australian government funding programs through the annual RegionalCatchment Investment Plan (RCIP) and other annual funding processes.

Investment will be concentrated on the management of high-priority wetlandunits and the implementation of priority actions (works and activities) outlinedin this strategy. In addition, funds will also be allocated to filling identifiedknowledge gaps and to wetland management in areas where there is highenvironmental and community gain for the resources invested, and communitycommitment towards long-term wetland management.

Table 8. Roles andresponsibilities of relevantauthorities, agencies andorganisations inimplementation of the MalleeWetland Strategy.

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 8 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

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The estimated budget over the next five years to implement the MalleeWetland Strategy is approximately $6,380,000 (see Table 9). The indicativecost will fund on-ground works, strategic planning, community engagement,regional partnerships and monitoring, evaluation and reporting.Implementation of other action plans and sub-strategies under the MalleeRegional Catchment Strategy may contribute to wetland managementoutcomes, but are not directly costed or implemented under this strategy.

It is important to note that the estimated funding requirements of this strategyare indicative only.The Mallee CMA government investment in this strategy iscontingent on government budgets and priorities. As a consequence, thetimelines for implementing targets may need to be amended in line with theprovision of funding.

Funds to resource implementation of the strategy will be managed by theMallee CMA. Potential state and Australian government funding sourcesinclude the MDBC Living Murray Works and Measures Program, NaturalHeritage Trust, National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, VictorianWater Trust, Victorian White Paper: Our Water Our Future initiative andVictorian Healthy Waterways funding.The Mallee CMA will also explore localfunding options and opportunities for collaborative funding from keystakeholders involved in the strategy’s implementation. It is anticipated that in-kind resources will also be provided by individuals, community groups andorganisations.

8.3 Community awareness and engagement

The Mallee community has a passion for the protection and management ofall types of wetlands.This has been demonstrated through active involvementin the development of land and water management plans, adoption ofimproved practices, participation in the Mallee Waterwatch Program, and inthe high recreational use and appreciation of the Murray River and itsfloodplain. The support and involvement of the community is vital to the

Table 9. Indicative five-yearimplementation budget for theMallee Wetland Strategy.


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successful implementation of the Mallee Wetland Strategy and theirengagement is a priority for the Mallee CMA.The Mallee CMA holds an annualcommunity event to celebrate World Wetlands Day (2 February). Theprogram has been expanded this year to include a wetland information day inthe south of the Mallee CMA region. The Mallee Wetland Strategy will alsoutilise existing education programs to enhance community awareness of thevalues of and threats to wetlands, and improve understanding of the linksbetween land management practices, river health and wetland health. Existingcommunity education programs include:

• Mallee Waterwatch

• Mallee Regional Landcare

• River Watch

• Murray River Frontage Action Plan Demonstration Sites

• Frontage Management Grants Program

• Stormwater Ambassadors

• Drainwatch

• Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre –Knowledge Broker program

Mallee Waterwatch, in particular, provides anideal vehicle to engage the community inriver and wetland health issues. Communitiesare encouraged to participate inmanagement of the region's waterways andwetlands by becoming regular Waterwatchmonitors and Mallee Waterwatch is currentlyfinalising a data confidence plan to ensurethat data gathered through communitygroups is reliable and of sufficient quality foruse by natural resource managers. Suchprograms are fundamental in filling regionalknowledge gaps regarding water quality andmacroinvertebrate diversity, abundance anddistribution.

In addition, as approximately half of thewetlands in the Mallee CMA region areriverine wetlands, the Mallee Wetland Strategywill support the Mallee River Health Strategyto encourage community participation inmanagement activities and extend educationcampaigns beyond the regional community.

This is particularly important as a largeproportion of the recreational users of theMallee’s waterways and floodplains are visitors


Below from top: World Wetlands Dayactivities: bug-catching (top)and canoe tour (bottom)

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from outside the region. Raising awareness and educating the community areintegral components of plans that address recreation management, including:

• Murray River Frontage Action Plans (Mallee CMA 2003b, c, d);

• Mallee Parks Management Plan (DNRE 1996);

• Mallee River Health Strategy (Mallee CMA 2006);

• Forest Management Plan for the Floodplain State Forests of the MilduraFMA (DSE 2004);

• Mallee Tourism and Recreation Strategy (DCNR 1993);

• Murray River Parklands Strategic Management Plan (PV 2000);

• Mallee Waterwatch Five Year Working Plan (in prep.); and

• Yarriambiack Creek Management Plan (KBR 2004).

8.4 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

Adaptive management

Natural resource management programs operate within a dynamic biophysicaland community environment. Ongoing scientific research and data collectionleads to changes in accepted best practice management techniques. Asuccessful wetland management program must:

• Assess current resource condition (of wetlands and the status of the species they support);

• Identify current and emerging threats and management issues;

• Conduct targeted research into the causes to ensure understandingof causes and identify management options;

• Implement on-ground works or operational strategies to addressthreats;

• Monitor effectiveness of management actions to facilitate adaptivemanagement; and

• Have the support of the community and land managers.

The development of an effective monitoring and evaluation frameworkis fundamental to the adaptive management principle. Monitoringchanges in wetland condition and in the populations of wetlanddependent species are necessary to gauge the effectiveness of thestrategy in achieving its objectives.

The framework needs to link management actions and their outputsto wetland management outcomes through a series of objectivemeasures. A detailed description of the monitoring program is beyondthe scope of this document; however the broad monitoring andevaluation framework for the Mallee Wetland Strategy is outlinedbelow.

Monitoring programs

Wetland management is a key focus of the Mallee CMA's River andWetland Health Unit and various activities and investigations are beingundertaken across the Mallee CMA region. There is, however, no


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Below: ConservationVolunteers Australia workingon Lake Hawthornrevegetation project

monitoring program that focuses specifically on wetlands or collects datanecessary to evaluate wetland condition across the region. Existingmonitoring programs in the Mallee region include:

• Environmental flows monitoring under development through theMDBC Living Murray Works and Measures Program;

• Water quality monitoring (including Waterwatch and communitymonitoring);

• Fish, macroinvertebrate and hydrology monitoring undertaken aspart of the MDBC Sustainable Rivers Audit;

• Mallee Mandatory Monitoring; and

• Project specific surveys, audits and monitoring. Recent examplesinclude:

- Larval fish monitoring on Lindsay Island;

- Murray Hardyhead surveys in Cardross Lakes and Lake Hawthorn;

- Growling Grass Frog surveys across the Mallee region;

- Regional survey of aquatic vertebrates (reptiles, amphibians and fish);

- Assessment of River Red Gum and Black Box condition; and

- Flora and fauna survey of the Yarriambiack Creek.

Index of Wetland Condition

A key focus of the Mallee Wetland Strategy is the implementation of anecological monitoring program for wetlands.This program will utilise the Indexof Wetland Condition (IWC), a rapid-assessment technique developed byDSE (2005), to establish the current condition of a suite of wetlands withinhigh-priority wetland units. Knowledge of current wetland condition isnecessary to identify future trends in condition, to measure the effectivenessof management actions and to measure progress towards resource conditiontargets (see Figure 13).

Implementation of an ecological monitoring program for wetlands in theMallee CMA region will also provide a means of fulfilling various reportingobligations, such as Catchment Condition and State of the Environmentreporting.

The IWC assesses wetland condition, defined as ‘the state of the biological,physical and chemical components of the wetland ecosystem and theirinteractions’ (DSE 2005a). It is a hierarchal index with six sub-indices based onkey ecological components: wetland catchment, physical form, hydrology, soils,water properties and biota. As some of these components are difficult tomeasure directly, particularly if a wetland is dry at the time of assessment,surrogate measures (impacts on or threats to the component) are utilised forsome, such as water properties, soils and hydrology.

The IWC provides a tool to track trends in wetland extent and condition overa 10-20 year timeframe and to identify significant human-induced changes


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Above: Growling Grass Frog, anationally threatened species.

(DSE 2005a). Several assessments over this period (i.e. every 1-5 years) willbe required to detect trends, depending on the rate of change.

The IWC is designed for naturally occurring, non-flowing inland wetlands inVictoria and can be carried out at any time of the year. It compares the currentcondition of a wetland to that of a similar wetland unmodified by humanimpact associated with European settlement. The IWC may, therefore, beunsuitable for assessing artificial wetlands such as irrigation drainage basins(e.g. Unit 24), whose unmodified state is dryland. One aim of the MalleeCMA's wetland monitoring program is to determine whether the IWC can beused in some form at these wetlands.

Together with existing monitoring programs, the implementation of the IWCprogram will provide a monitoring framework for the Mallee Wetland Strategyto annually monitor inputs, outputs and outcomes of management actions,facilitating the evaluation process at the end of the strategy’s 5-year life span.

Improving baseline data and addressing knowledge gaps has been identified asa Resource Condition Target and a number of corresponding actions areoutlined in the strategy (see Chapter 6). As there is little or no informationabout many Mallee wetlands, this target is especially relevant for refining futurewetland prioritisation, as such processes are inherently information biased.Theresults of investigations identified in this strategy will be critical to directingfuture wetland management.

Figure 13. Flow chart showing how theIndex of Wetland Conditioncan feed into the asset-basedapproach to natural resourcemanagement (from DSE 2005a).


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Monitoring inputs (resources and expenditure)

Inputs refer to resources and materials expended annually on river healthoutcomes by the Mallee CMA and its partners (e.g. funds provided, resourcesused). Inputs will be evaluated using the Mallee CMA’s Project Managementreporting system. The Mallee CMA uses the business reporting system‘Axapta’, which reports expenditure based on biophysical management unitsadopted for the Victorian Mallee.These units include basins and bioregions.

Monitoring outputs (Management Action Targets)

Outputs refer to the implementation of on-ground works (e.g. number oftrees planted, length of fencing established), production of action plans andreports, community engagement activities (e.g. brochures, field days), andchanges in knowledge, practices, attitudes and skills in wetland management.Output objectives are outlined in the 5-year Management Action Targetsdetailed in Table 7. The effectiveness of the Mallee Wetland Strategy will beevaluated by its ability to meet these targets.

Statewide standard outputs have been developed by the DSE River HealthBranch in consultation with the Victorian Waterway Manager’s Forum forwetland management activities, and will be used by the Mallee CMA forinvestment planning and project reporting.

Monitoring outcomes (Resource Condition Targets)

Outcomes refer to the expected change in resource condition in response tothe outputs achieved (e.g. vegetation, habitat or ecosystem improvements).Monitoring of both individual works projects and the cumulative impact ofworks carried out under the Mallee Wetland Strategy will occur. Theseoutcomes will be evaluated based on the 10-year Resource Condition Targetsidentified in this strategy. Implementation of the IWC monitoring program willbe important in determining any change in wetland condition.

Evaluation

The monitoring framework described above allows the CMA to effectivelydetermine whether positive changes to wetland condition and the status ofwetland-dependent species are occurring in the region. The results ofmonitoring activities allow the CMA to chart progress toward the 5-yearManagement Action Targets and 10-year Resource Condition Targets identifiedin the Mallee Wetland Strategy.The strategy will be evaluated according to itsability to reach the implementation targets set for the life of the strategy, andthe contribution management actions have made to maintaining andimproving wetland condition across the region.

Reporting

The Mallee CMA is required to report to a number of governing bodies andproject investors, including the Australian and state governments, its Board ofManagement, and the Murray Darling Basin Commission at various times. Inaddition to the existing reporting framework, annual progress reports will becompiled to facilitate the 5-yearly strategy review, including assessment ofexpenditure, performance against targets, case studies, lessons learnt, emergingthreats, and recommendations for the next Mallee Wetland Strategy.


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APPENDIX 1

Aspirational outcomes, resource condition targets andmanagement action targets for the Waterway,Wetland and Floodplain asset, as detailed in theMallee RCS (Mallee CMA 2003a).

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 APPENDIX 1

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Environmental benefits offloods maximised, while risksto human life and propertyminimised

•A yet to be determinedimprovement in the ecologicalhealth of floodplain and wetlandecosystems through improvedwater management and floodplainlinkages

•Appropriate research and monitoringundertaken to better understand naturalflooding processes and ecological floodingrequirements

•Regional investigations undertaken andmeasures implemented to supportMDBC and state environmental flowprograms for priority areas

The extent, diversity andcondition of aquatic, riparian

and floodplain ecosystems, andassociated ecological processes,

are protected and improved

•A yet to be determined increasein the number of wetlands inexcellent or good condition asdefined by international, nationaland state criteria

•A net reduction in damage toecological processes caused bysalinity, groundwater, nutrients andaltered flooding regimes

•A yet to be determined increasein the length of waterways andthe area of wetlands, where in-stream habitat has beenreinstated

•A medium-term (20 year)nutrient reduction achieved of 40-50% of Total Nitrogen andTotal Phosphorus input from theVictorian Mallee into the MurrayRiver and other regionalwaterways and wetlands

•Information on baseline conditionsimproved and target levels set andquantified

•Improved knowledge of aquatic ecologyand ecological processes developed toguide better regional decision-making

•Priority actions implemented to improveriparian, floodplain, wetland and waterwayhealth in accordance with the key regionalaction plans and strategies

•Regional Wetland Audit and PrioritisationFramework developed to guide futureinvestment and to identify further sites fornational and international recognition

•Riparian, waterway and wetland actionplans completed and implemented for allremaining priority waterways and wetlands

•Plans developed and implemented toprotect and meet obligations for nationallyand internationally recognised wetlandsites

•Increased community awareness andinvolvement developed through programssuch as the Murray River Frontage ActionPlan project,Waterwatch and Riverwatch

Aspirational Outcome Resource Condition Target Management Action Target


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All ecologically invasive speciescontrolled

•Priority invasive species controlledor contained to (yet to bedetermined) levels

•Appropriate research undertaken tobetter understand the cause, spread andimpacts of invasive species

•Regional Action Plans completed andimplemented for priority pest plants andanimals

Use, development and harvestingof waterways, wetlands andfloodplains managed on asustainable basis

•Ecosystem services ‘harvested’ atlevels that do not incur furtherloss in extent of quality ofbiodiversity

•New development and use withinor adjacent to floodplain, wetlandsand waterway areas compatiblewith environmental, cultural andscenic values

•Development of state and regionalmanagement plans supported for relevantindustries

•Review existing guidelines and support thedevelopment of new Best ManagementPractice and/or Development guidelines

•Local municipal strategic documents, localplanning policies and controls aligned withoutcomes, targets and actions of the RCS.

Threatened speciespopulations recovered to self-sustaining levels and secured

against further decline

•No decline in populations for ayet to be determined % of rareor threatened species

•A yet to be determinedimprovement in the status ofdesignated freshwater dependentfocal species

•Increase in size, range and numberof populations of rare orthreatened species to (yet to bedetermined) stable levels

•Recovery plans established andimplemented for priority species

•Population monitoring of prioritypopulations

•Plans developed for the protection andrepair of key components of aquatic andriparian habitat

•Plans developed for the adequate passageand migration of fish and other aquaticfauna

•Reintroduction of regionally extinct species

Aspirational Outcome Resource Condition Target Management Action Target

APPENDIX 2

Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of InternationalImportance (RCB 2000)

Adopted by the 7th (1999) and 9th (2005) Meetings of the Conference ofthe Contracting Parties (COP), superseding earlier Criteria adopted by the4th and 6th Meetings of the COP (1990 and 1996), to guideimplementation of Article 2.1 on designation of Ramsar sites.

Group A of the Criteria.Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types

Criterion 1: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itcontains a representative, rare, or unique example of a naturalor near-natural wetland type found within the appropriatebiogeographic region.

Group B of the Criteria.Sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity

Criteria based on species and ecological communities

Criterion 2: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itsupports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangeredspecies or threatened ecological communities.

Criterion 3: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itsupports populations of plant and/or animal species importantfor maintaining the biological diversity of a particularbiogeographic region.

Criterion 4: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itsupports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in theirlife cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions.

Specific criteria based on waterbirds

Criterion 5: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itregularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.

Criterion 6: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itregularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of onespecies or subspecies of waterbird.


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Specific criteria based on fish

Criterion 7: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itsupports a significant proportion of Indigenous fish subspecies,species or families, life-history stages, species interactions and/orpopulations that are representative of wetland benefits and/orvalues and thereby contributes to global biological diversity.

Criterion 8: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it isan important source of food for fishes, spawning ground,nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks, eitherwithin the wetland or elsewhere, depend.

Specific criteria based on other taxa

Criterion 9: A wetland should be considered internationally important if itregularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of onespecies or subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animalspecies.

Criteria for identifying important wetlands in Australia (EA 2001)

1. It is a good example of a wetland type occurring within a biogeographicregion in Australia.

2. It is a wetland which plays an important ecological or hydrological rolein the natural functioning of a major wetland system/complex.

3. It is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at avulnerable stage in their life cycles, or provides a refuge when adverseconditions such as drought prevail.

4. The wetland supports 1% or more of the national populations of anynative plant or animal taxa.

5. The wetland supports native plant or animal taxa or communities whichare considered endangered or vulnerable at the national level.

6. The wetland is of outstanding historical or cultural significance.


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APPENDIX 3


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INVERTEBRATES

Caridina mccullochi Murray Freshwater Shrimp

Cherax destructor Common Yabby

Engaeus sericatus Hairy Burrowing Cray

Macrobrachium australi Southern Freshwater Prawn

Notopala sublineata River Snail L

Paratya australiensis Common Freshwater Shrimp

Velesunio ambiguus South-eastern River Mussel

FISH

Ambassis agassizii Agassiz's Chanda Perch RX L

Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch CR L

Craterocephalus fluviatilis Murray Hardyhead VU CR L

Craterocephalusstercusmuscarum fulv Fly-specked Hardyhead (southern form) DD L

Galaxias rostratus Flat-headed Galaxias DD

Hypseleotris klunzingeri Western Carp Gudgeon

Maccullochella peelii peelii Murray Cod VU EN L

Macquaria ambigua Golden Perch VU

Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch EN EN L

Melanotaenia fluviatilis Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish DD L

Mogurnda adspersa Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon EX L

Nematalosa erebi Bony Bream

Philypnodon grandiceps Flatheaded Gudgeon

Philypnodon sp. nov. Dwarf Flat-headed Gudgeon

Retropinna semoni Australian Smelt

Tandanus tandanus Freshwater Catfish EN L

Scientific name Common name EPBCa VROTSb FFGc CAMBAd JAMBAd

Wetland-dependent vertebrate fauna and flora of theMallee CMA region.

1. WETLAND-DEPENDENT VERTEBRATE FAUNA

Continued over


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AMPHIBIANS

Crinia parinsignifera Plains Froglet

Crinia signifera Common Froglet

Limnodynastes dumerilii Southern Bullfrog

Limnodynastes dumerilii variegatus Southern Bullfrog (south-western)

Limnodynastes fletcheri Barking Marsh Frog DD

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog

Litoria peronii Peron's Tree Frog

Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog VU EN L

Neobatrachus pictus Mallee Spadefoot Toad

Neobatrachus sudelli Common Spadefoot Toad

REPTILES

Chelodina expansa Broad-shelled Tortoise EN L

Chelodina longicollis Common Long-necked Tortoise

Diplodactylus tessellates Tessellated Gecko NT

Egernia striolata Tree Skink

Emydura macquarii Murray River Tortoise

Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water Skink NT

Furina diadema Red-naped Snake EN L

Morelia spilota metcalfei Carpet Python EN L

Notechis scutatus Tiger Snake

Suta suta Curl Snake VU

Varanus varius Tree Goanna VU

BIRDS

Ardea alba Great Egret VU L 4 4

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret 4 4

Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret CR L

Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN L

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew EN L

Egretta garzetta Little Egret EN L


WETLAND-DEPENDENT VERTEBRATE FAUNA Continued

Continued over

BIRDS cont

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern EN L

Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron NT

Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher NT

Anas castanea Chestnut Teal

Anas gracilis Grey Teal

Anas gracilis Grey Teal

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard

Anas querquedula Garganey 4 4

Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler VU

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck

Anhinga melanogaster Darter

Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose VU

Aythya australis Hardhead VU

Biziura lobata Musk Duck VU

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

Circus approximans Swamp Harrier

Cygnus atratus Black Swan

Dendrocygna arcuata Wandering Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna eytoni Plumed Whistling-Duck

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle VU L 4

Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite

Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard

Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck

Nettapus coromandelianus Cotton Pygmy-goose

Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck EN L

Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck EN L

Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus Banded Stilt




66Continued over

BIRDS cont

Fulica atra Eurasian Coot

Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen

Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen

Gallirallus philippensis Buff-banded Rail

Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot EN EN L

Melopsittacus undulates Budgerigar

Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe

Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe

Polytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot VU VU L

Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot VU EN L

Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen

Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake

Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake VU L

Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake

Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot

Recurvirostra novaehollandia Red-necked Avocet

Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe VU CR L 4

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe

Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican

Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant

Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant NT

Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat EN L

Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch

Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper VU 4 4

Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone 4 4

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 4 4




67Continued over

68

BIRDS cont

Calidris canutus Red Knot NT 4 4

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper 4 4

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper NT 4

Calidris melanotus x ferrugi Cox's Sandpiper

Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint 4 4

Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot EN L 4 4

Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit 4 4

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit VU 4 4

Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird

Ninox connivens Barking Owl EN L

Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel VU 4 4

Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope 4 4

Philomachus pugnax Ruff 4 4

Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill

Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill VU

Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis NT 4

Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis

Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis

Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper VU 4 4

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 4 4

Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper 4 4

Grus rubicunda Brolga VU L

Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher NT

Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel VU

Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover

Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover

Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel

Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover NT 4 4




Continued over


69

BIRDS cont

Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing

Vanellus tricolour Banded Lapwing

Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern NT L 4 4

Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern EN L

MAMMALS

Hydromys chrysogaster Water Rat

Planigale gilesi Giles' Planigale NT L

Ornithorhynchus anatin Platypus

a: Conservation status in Australia (EPBC Act 1999)

EX Extinct

CR Critically Endangered

EN Endangered

VU Vulnerable

CD Conservation Dependent

b: Conservation status in Victoria (DSE 2003)

EX Extinct

RX Regionally Extinct

WX Extinct in the Wild


EN Endangered

VU Vulnerable

NT Near Threatened

DD Data Deficient

c: Status under the Victorian FFG Act 1988

L Listed

N Nominated

I Invalid or ineligible

D De-listed

d: Listing under CAMBA/JAMBA

4 Listed




70

DICOTYLEDONS

Abutilon oxycarpum e L

Acacia stenophylla

Acacia trineura v

Alternanthera denticulata

Alternanthera nodiflora k

Amaranthus macrocarpus v

Ammannia multiflora v

Angianthus brachypappus v

Asperula gemella r

Asperula wimmerana r

Atriplex australasica

Atriplex holocarpa v L

Atriplex leptocarpa

Atriplex limbata v L

Atriplex papillata r

Bergia ammanioides v

Bergia trimera v

Boerhavia dominii

Brachyscome aff. gracilis v L

Brachyscome basaltica

Brachyscome exilis r

Brachyscome graminea

Brachyscome leptocarpa

Brachyscome readeri r

Calandrinia volubilis

Callistemon brachyandrus r

Callistemon rugulosus

Species Conservation statusEPBCa VROTSb FFGc

Wetland-dependent vertebrate fauna and flora of theMallee CMA region.

2. WETLAND-DEPENDENT FLORA

Continued over

WETLAND-DEPENDENT Continued

71

WETLAND-DEPENDENT FLORA Continued


Continued over

DICOTYLEDONS cont

Callitriche sonderi

Calocephalus sonderi

Calotis cuneifolia r

Calotis scapigera

Cardamine lineariloba v

Cardamine moirensis r

Cardamine tenuifolia large flower form (e);small flower form (k)

Casuarina obesa e L

Centipeda crateriformis r

Centipeda cunninghamii

Centipeda minima

Centipeda nidiformis r

Ceratophyllum demersum k

Chenopodium nitrariaceum

Cotula coronopifolia

Craspedia haplorrhiza k

Craspedia paulidcola

Crassula helmsii

Cressa australis

Cullen australasicum e L

Cullen tenax e L

Cuscuta tasmanica

Dysphania glomulifera

Dysphania simulans e L

Eclipta platyglossa

Elachanthus glaber r

Elatine gratioloides

Epaltes cunninghamii v

Epilobium billardierianum

Epilobium hirtigerum


72


Continued over

DICOTYLEDONS cont

Eremophila bignoniiflora v L

Eremophila divaricata r

Eremophila polyclada v

Eryngium paludosum v

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Eucalyptus largiflorens

Frankenia crispa r

Frankenia foliosa r

Frankenia serpyllifolia r

Frankenia sessilis r

Glossostigma cleistanthum r

Glossostigma elatinoides

Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa

Gnaphalium indutum

Goodenia fascicularis

Goodenia glauca

Goodenia gracilis

Goodenia heteromera

Haegiela tatei v

Haloragis glauca k

Halosarcia flabelliformis VU e L

Halosarcia halocnemoides

Halosarcia indica

Halosarcia lylei r

Halosarcia nitida r

Halosarcia pergrannulata v

Halosarcia pruinosa

Halosarcia pterygosperma r

Heliotropium asperrimum v

Hemichroa diandra e L

Hibiscus brachysiphonius e L



73


Continued over

DICOTYLEDONS cont

Hydrocotyle medicaginoides

Hymenolobus procumbens

Kippistia suaedifolia v

Lawrencia glomerata

Lawrencia squamata

Leiocarpa leptolepis e L

Leiocarpa panaetioides

Leiocarpa tomentosa x

Lepidium fasciculatum k

Lepidium monoplocoides EN e L

Lepidium papillosum k

Lepidium phlebopetalum e

Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium k

Lepidium pseudopapillosum VU e L

Limosella australis

Limosella curdieana

Lobelia concolor

Ludwigia peploides

Lycium australe

Lythrum hyssopifolia

Maireana oppositifolia r

Malacocera tricornis r

Malva australiana v

Melaleuca halmaturorum v L

Melaleuca lanceolata

Mentha australis

Mentha diemenica

Mentha satureoides

Mimulus gracilis

Mimulus prostratus r

Mimulus repens



74


Continued over

DICOTYLEDONS cont

Minuria cunninghamii r

Minuria denticulata r

Minuria integerrima r

Muehlenbeckia florulenta

Muehlenbeckia horrida r

Mukia micrantha r

Myriocephalus rhizocephalus

Myriophyllum caput-medusae

Myriophyllum crispatum

Myriophyllum papillosum

Myriophyllum porcatum VU v L

Myriophyllum salsugineum

Myriophyllum verrucosum

Neobassia proceriflora e

Nitraria billardierei

Nymphoides crenata

Osteocarpum salsuginosum

Pachycornia triandra r

Persicaria attenuata k

Persicaria decipiens

Persicaria lapathifolia

Phyllanthus lacunarius v

Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum

Ptilotus nobilis e

Ptilotus polystachyus e

Ranunculus inundatus

Ranunculus pentandrus

Ranunculus sessiliflorus k

Ranunculus undosus v

Rhodanthe corymbiflora

Rorippa eustylis r



75


Continued over

DICOTYLEDONS cont

Rorippa laciniata

Rumex crystallinus

Rumex dumosus

Rumex stenoglottis k

Rumex tenax

Sarcocornia blackiana

Sarcocornia quinqueflora k I

Scleroblitum atriplicinum

Sclerostegia moniliformis r

Sclerostegia tenuis

Sida trichopoda

Solanum lacunarium v

Solanum opacum

Sonchus hydrophilus

Sphaeromorphea australis

Stelligera endecaspinis

Stemodia florulenta

Swainsona murrayana VU e L

Swainsona phacoides e L

Swainsona procumbens

Swainsona purpurea e L

Swainsona reticulata v L

Trichanthodium skirrophorum v

Trigonella suavissima r

Wahlenbergia fluminalis

Zygophyllum compressum v

Zygophyllum crenatum

Zygophyllum glaucum

Zygophyllum iodocarpum



76


Continued over

MONOCOTYLEDONS

Amphibromus macrorhinus

Amphibromus nervosus

Bolboschoenus caldwellii

Bolboschoenus medianus

Carex appressa

Carex bichenoviana

Carex tereticaulis

Cynodon dactylon var. pulchellus k

Cyperus bifax v

Cyperus difformis

Cyperus exaltatus

Cyperus flaccidus v

Cyperus gunnii

Cyperus gymnocaulos

Cyperus nervulosus e L

Cyperus pygmaeus v

Cyperus rigidellus e L

Cyperus squarrosus v

Cyperus victoriensis k

Damasonium minus

Distichlis distichophylla

Eleocharis acutus

Eleocharis obicis v

Eleocharis pallens k

Eleocharis plana v

Eleocharis pusilla

Eleocharis sphacelata

Eragrostis australasica v

Eragrostis diandra

Eragrostis dielsii

Eragrostis exigua e



77


Continued over

MONOCOTYLEDONS cont

Eragrostis infecunda

Eragrostis lacunaria v

Eragrostis parviflora

Eragrostis setifolia

Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha

Fimbristylis aestivalis k

Fimbristylis velata r

Hydrilla verticillata r

Isolepis australiensis k

Isolepis cernua subsp. cernua

Isolepis cernua subsp. platycarpa

Isolepis congrua v L

Isolepis hookeriana

Isolepis sepulcralis

Isolepis victoriensis

Juncus aridicola

Juncus flavidus

Juncus holoschoenus

Juncus ingens

Juncus radula

Juncus remotiflorus

Juncus semisolidus

Juncus subsecundus

Lachnagrostis aemula

Lachnagrostis filiformis k

Landoltia punctata

Lemna minor

Lepilaena spp v N/L

Leptochloa fusca r

Lipocarpha microcephala v

Najas tenuifolia r



78


Continued over

MONOCOTYLEDONS cont

Ottelia ovalifolia

Panicum effusum

Panicum prolutum

Paspalidium jubiflorum

Phragmites australis

Poa fax r

Poa fordeana

Poa labillardierei var (Volcanic plains) k;var (acris) v

Polypogon maritimus

Potamogeton crispus

Potamogeton ochreatus

Potamogeton pectinatus

Potamogeton perfoliatus k

Potamogeton tricarinatus

Pseudoraphis spinescens

Puccinellia stricta

Schoenoplectus pungens

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Schoenus latelaminatus

Sporobolus caroli r

Sporobolus mitchellii

Triglochin calcitrapa

Triglochin dubia r

Triglochin minutissima r

Triglochin mucronata r

Triglochin multifructa

Triglochin nana

Triglochin procera

Typha domingensis

Typha orientalis



79


Continued over

MONOCOTYLEDONS cont

Vallisneria americana

Vallisneria spiralis

Whalleya proluta

FERNS

Azolla filiculoides

Azolla pinnata

Isoetes muelleri

Marsilea costulifera

Marsilea drummondii

Marsilea hirsuta

Pilularia novae-hollandiae

a: Conservation status in Australia (EPBC Act 1999)

EX Extinct


EN Endangered

VU Vulnerable

CD Conservation Dependent

b: Conservation status in Victoria (DSE 2005)

x Presumed extinct in Victoria

e Endangered in Victoria

v Vulnerable in Victoria

r Rare in Victoria

k Poorly known in Victoria

c: Status under the Victorian (FFG Act 1988)

L Listed

N Nominated

I Invalid or ineligible

D De-listed



APPENDIX 4

Details of workshops held during the development ofthe Mallee Wetland Strategy:

1.WETLAND PRIORITISATION WORKSHOP

The Wetland Prioritisation Workshop was held on 17 December 2004.Following completion of the Wetland Audit and Prioritisation Scoping Study,two key issues were encountered during further development of theprioritisation framework: establishing a set of ‘first-cut’ criteria which definehigh priority wetlands and determining a method for grouping wetlands at thelandscape scale.The large number of wetlands in the Mallee CMA region andthe lack of data for many wetlands made prioritisation of individual wetlandsimpractical. The Wetland Prioritisation Workshop aimed to resolve theseissues.


80

Geoffrey AllenSenior Flora and Fauna ProjectLeader

Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, Mildura

Michelle BaldKnowledge Broker

Murray-Darling FreshwaterResearch Centre

Lower Basin Laboratory, Mildura

Marcus CoolingConsultant

Ecological Associates

Paula D’Santos Project Officer

NSW Murray Wetlands WorkingGroup Buronga, NSW

Chris GippelConsultant

Fluvial Systems Pty Ltd

Noel HaywardMonitoring Coordinator

Mallee CMA

Shelley HeronConsultant

Heron Environmental Consulting

Janet HolmesSenior Policy Officer, FreshwaterBiodiversity

Biodiversity and NaturalResources Division

Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, Melbourne

Peter Kelly Forest Manager


Lorraine LudewigsEnvironment Project Manager

Parks Victoria, Mildura

Shaun MeredithOfficer-in-Charge

Murray-Darling FreshwaterResearch Centre


Shar RamamurthyWetland Officer

Mallee CMA

Jane RobertsConsultant

Trent WallisManager, River and WetlandHealth

Mallee CMA

Clare WilkinsonProject Officer

NSW Murray Wetlands WorkingGroup Buronga, NSW

Below:List of Attendees

Continued over

81

2.VALUES AND THREATS WORKSHOP

The Values and Threats Workshop was held on 13 June 2006. Its objective wasto identify social, economic and cultural values for high-priority wetland units,and identify broad threats to high-priority wetland units. The informationcollated during this workshop provided direction for the development ofmanagement objectives, targets and priority actions for wetland units.

Values and threats considered during the workshop

The social and economic values, together with the threats assessed during theworkshop are listed below.These were based on the criteria used to assesswaterways in the RiVERS database, which informed development of theMallee River Health Strategy (Mallee CMA 2005), and on the specific threatsto wetlands identified by the Index of Wetland Condition (DSE 2005a), arapid-assessment technique developed to assess wetland condition.Indigenous cultural values were assessed as high, medium or low within eachunit, based on the number of cultural sites and the known importance of eachunit to Indigenous communities.

The following social values were considered during the workshop:• Hunting (recreational)• Fishing (recreational)• Boating (non-motor and motor)• Camping• Swimming• Passive recreation (e.g. walking, bird watching, photography, meditation)• Residential amenity• European heritage• Presence of iconic or flagship species• Stormwater treatment

Below:List of Attendees


John ByeIrrigation and EnvironmentImplementation Committee

Mallee CMA

Richard Ferrier Lands Implementation Committee

Mallee CMA

Peter KellyForest Manager


Nicky KindlerRiver and Wetland Health ProjectOfficer

Mallee CMA

Lorraine LudewigsEnvironment Project Manager

Parks Victoria, Mildura

Tony MartinBoard Member

Mallee CMA

Clare MasonEnvironmental Flows ProjectCoordinator

Mallee CMA

Shaun MeredithOfficer-in-Charge

Murray-Darling

Freshwater Research Centre


Marlon ParsonsIndigenous Facilitator

Mallee CMA

Shar RamamurthyWetland Officer

Mallee CMA

Dorothy Reid Lands Implementation Committee

Mallee CMA

Trent WallisManager, River and WetlandHealth

Mallee CMA

The following economic values were considered during the workshop:• Fishing (commercial)• Water carriage and storage• Tourism• Agriculture• Disposal of irrigation drainage• Interception of saline groundwater• Wastewater disposal and treatment• Stormwater treatment

The following threats were considered during the workshop:• Excavation• Filling• Drainage • Sedimentation• River regulation• Obstruction or regulation of natural inlets or outlets• Structures (e.g. dams or levee banks)

that restrict spread and flow of water• Inflows from irrigation drainage or waste water• Water extraction• Grazing (livestock and feral animals)• Aquaculture• Clearance or harvesting of surrounding terrestrial vegetation • Clearance or harvesting of riparian and aquatic vegetation• Grazing • Presence of exotic flora (terrestrial and aquatic)• Presence of exotic fauna (terrestrial and aquatic)• Presence of sulphidic sediments or soil acidification• Rising water tables• High levels of human activity• Fishing or hunting• Oil or chemical spills

Further details of threats are provided in Appendix 5.

Outcomes

Each high-priority wetland unit received a score for each value or threat asoutlined in the tables below. Scores for social, economic and Indigenouscultural values, and details about these values, are provided for each unit in theMallee Wetland Unit Inventory. Scores for threats were collated and used todetermine management priorities among high-priority wetland units.


82

SCORE VALUE

0 No data

1 None, or low

2 Moderate

3 High

SCORE THREAT

0 No data

1 Not a threat

2 Low

3 Moderate

4 High

APPENDIX 5

Description and impacts of threats assessed in Valuesand Threats Workshop (June 2006).


83

Threatening activity Description Potential impacts

Excavation Activities that change the depth,shape and bathymetry of awetland, e.g. enlarging a wetland toincrease capacity, removal ofsediment or bed material

Alters extent and type of habitatavailable for biota

Affect duration of inundation

Filling Physical conversion of wetland intodryland through filling, often foragricultural or residential purposes

Reduces wetland area

Results in a loss of habitat for biota

Drainage Physical conversion of wetland intodryland through drainage, often foragricultural or residential purposes

Reduces wetland area

Results in a loss of habitat for biota

Sedimentation Increased sediment input intowetland, caused by high levels ofsediment in catchment runoff;generally due to activities such asclearing native vegetation,urbanisation and overgrazing ofsurrounding areas, to modificationof buffer vegetation around thewetland, decreasing filtering ofsediment

Causes changes in wetland depth andturbidity

Can alter extent and type of habitatavailable for biota

Affects duration of inundation

River regulation Regulation of water source (riveror stream)

Changes flow regime

Can lead to changes in most aspects ofwetland ecology

Obstruction or regulationof natural inlets or outlets

Construction of levee banks, weirs,regulators, etc. on wetland inlets oroutlets

Changes flow regimes

Can affect many aspects of wetlandecology

Structures that restrictspread and flow of waterwithin the wetland

Dams that permanently raise thewater level or levee banks thatrestrict the spread of water,includes construction of roadsthrough wetlands

Changes duration and extent ofinundation

Can affect many aspects of wetlandecology

Water extraction Extraction for stock and domesticuse, or for agricultural or industrialpurposes

Can affect flow regime

Associated with a number of otherthreatening processes

Continued over


84

Grazing (livestock andferal animals)

Grazing occurs in or aroundwetland

Increases nutrient inputs

Compacts soil

Increases turbidity

Affects vegetation (and habitat) typeand extent

Increases spread of exotic flora

Clearance/harvesting ofaquatic/riparianvegetation

Native vegetation cleared in oraround a wetland

More sunlight reaching water, affectstemperature

Increased levels of pollutants andsediment entering the wetland

Presence of exotic flora Exotic flora in or around wetland Affects diversity and abundance ofnative vegetation

Affects available habitat for wetlandbiota

Affects wetland transpiration rates,water temperature and soil structure

Presence of exotic fauna Exotic fauna in or around wetland Leads to changes in species interactions(e.g. competition, predation, herbivory),nutrient cycling and food webs,affecting diversity and abundance ofnative flora and fauna

Soil acidification orpresence of sulphidicsediments

Lowers pH of water and soil inwetlands

Affects diversity and abundance ofwetland biota

Rising water tables Intrusion of saline groundwater innaturally fresh wetlands

Increases electrical conductivity

Affects vegetation health, leading tochanges in vegetation type and extent,habitat availability, and diversity andabundance of wetland biota

Clearance/harvesting ofterrestrial vegetation

Native vegetation cleared inwetland catchment

Increased turbidity

Increased nutrients input

Rising water tables and wetlandsalinisation

Aquaculture Use of wetland for farming fishand shellfish

Increased input or release of nutrients

Alters extent and type of habitatavailable

May involve construction of structuresthat affect water regime


Description and impacts of threats assessed

in Values and Threats Workshop... Continued

Continued over


85

Fishing or hunting Harvesting of wetland-dependentfauna for recreational orcommercial purposes

Alters community composition andspecies abundance and diversity

Leads to changes in species interactions(e.g. competition, predation, herbivory)and food webs

High levels of humanactivity

Caused by increasing urbanisationor visitation (for recreation)

Causes changes in habitat availabilityand structure

Leads to changes in abundance anddiversity of native flora and fauna

Turbidity Changes can affect light penetration in the water column, affecting temperatureand leading to changes in the extent of aquatic macrophytes

Temperature Changes can affect oxygen availability, salinity and susceptibility to eutrophication,as well as abundance and diversity of biota and cues for fish movement andreproduction

Nutrients(nitrogen, phosphorus)

Increased nutrient input can cause changes in primary productivity and affectfood webs, cause algal blooms and affect water temperature

Electrical conductivity Increases in EC can lead to wetland salinisation; can cause changes in abundanceand diversity of wetland biota, increase water clarity and may result in salinitygradation in the water column

Nutrient cycling Changes in nutrient cycling can affect primary and secondary productivity, causingchanges in wetland food webs and affecting abundance and diversity of wetlandbiota

pH Changes in pH can affect abundance and diversity of wetland biota

Dissolved oxygen Low DO can cause fish kills, promote growth of anaerobic bacteria and causenutrients to be released from sediments


Description and impacts of threats assessed

in Values and Threats Workshop.. Continued

Potential impacts on water and nutrient cycling

Ecological componentor process affected Potential impacts

GLOSSARY

Anabranch: a secondary channel of a river that leaves the main channeland re-joins it further downstream

Aquifer: an underground layer of soil, rock or gravel able to hold andtransmit water

Biodiversity: biological diversity or the variety of all life forms, includinggenetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity

Bioregion: a landscape based approach to classifying the land surface using arange of environmental attributes such as climate, geomorphology, lithologyand vegetation

Boinka: natural discharge site for saline groundwater ; salina

Catchment: area drained by a stream or other body of water, separatedfrom neighbouring catchments by higher land

Cultural values: values relating to Indigenous historic sites, archaeologicalsites, Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural values

Drainage basin: area drained by a particular river system, separated fromneighbouring drainage systems by higher land

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC): vegetation type defined by acombination of floristics, life form, position in the landscape and an inferredfidelity to particular environmental attributes

Economic values: values relating to property, grazing, agriculture, apiculture,timber harvesting, water supply (pumps, pipelines, etc.) and other services

Ecosystem: an interdependent system of living organisms that interact witheach other and with their immediate physical, biological and chemicalenvironment

Environmental flows: flows that are provided to benefit the naturalenvironment (i.e. for environmental purposes)

Environmental values: values important for the maintenance of healthyecosystems, e.g. biodiversity, flora and fauna habitat, water quality

Ephemeral: occurring for only a short time

Evapotranspiration: the combined loss of water by transpiration throughthe leaves of plants and by evaporation from the ground’s surface

Extraction: water taken from rivers or wetlands for use or consumption

Flood runner: distributary channel that carries water away from the mainriver channel

Floodplain: land adjacent to a waterway or wetland that is subject toinundation by floods

Floods: high river flows that overtop channel banks or inundate higher levelanabranches, flood runners and wetlands

Mallee Wetland Strategy: 2006-2011 GLOSSARY

86

Geographic Information System (GIS): a digital information system thatdeals with spatial information, linking attributes and characteristics of an areato its geographic location; used in a variety of applications, includingexploration, demographics, dispatching, tracking and map making

Geospatial: geographic or spatially referenced (information); used forvisualisation, measurement, and analysis of features or phenomena that occuron the earth

Groundwater: sub-surface water contained in a saturated zone of soil or rock

Habitat: the type of environment in which a species lives or grows, includingphysical and biological conditions

Halophyte: a plant adapted to living in saline environments

Hydrological regime: the pattern of flow in a river or wetland, describedin terms of the timing, duration, frequency and quantity of water received

Hydroperiod: the period of time during which a wetland is covered by water

Intermittent: regularly stopping and starting

Layer: a digital file that contains and displays thematic geospatial informationin a GIS

Riparian zone: land that adjoins, regularly influences, or is influenced by, a river

Riverine: related to rivers and their floodplains

Salina: a salt marsh, spring, pond, or lake; boinka

Seasonal: occurring at a particular time of year

Surface water: water on the ground’s surface, such as that in rivers andwetlands

Watertable: the upper groundwater surface

Waterway: a river, creek, stream or watercourse; a natural channel in whichwater regularly flows, whether or not the flow is continuous; or a lake, lagoon,swamp or marsh (as defined in the Victorian Water Act 1989)

Weed: a plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especiallyone growing where it is not wanted; may be native or exotic

Weir pool: the water that is held back by a weir, forming a still body of waterupstream of the weir

Wetland: areas of marsh, fen or water, whether natural or artificial,permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish orsalt; and incorporating riparian zones adjacent to the wetland

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REFERENCES

DCNR (1993). Mallee Tourism and Recreation Strategy. Department ofConservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

DCE (unpublished). Draft Policy Framework for Wetlands in Victoria. Departmentof Conservation and Environment,Victoria.

DNRE (1996). Mallee Parks Management Plan. Department of NaturalResources and Environment, Melbourne,Victoria

DNRE (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity – Our Living Wealth – Sustaining Our LivingWealth and Directions in Management Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, East Melbourne,Victoria.

DSE (2004). Forest management plan for the floodplain State forests of theMildura forest management area. Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, East Melbourne,Victoria.

DSE (2005a). Index of Wetland Condition. Conceptual framework and selection ofmeasures. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne,Victoria.

DSE (2005b). Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005.Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne,Victoria.

Environment Australia (2001). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia,Third Edition. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Heron S., Butcher R., Doeg T., and Sovitslis A. (2004). Wetland PrioritisationScoping Study for the Victorian Mallee. Mallee Catchment ManagementAuthority

Ho. S., Ellis I., Suitor L., McCarthy B., and Meredith S. (2004). Distribution ofaquatic vertebrates within the Mallee region – Technical Report 5/2004, preparedfor the Mallee Catchment Management Authority Murray Darling FreshwaterResearch Centre.

KBR (2004). Yarriambiack Creek Management Plan, prepared for the Mallee andWimmera Catchment Management Authorities, Yarriambiack Shire and theDepartment of Sustainability and Environment. Mallee CatchmentManagement Authority.

Mallee CMA (2003a). Mallee Regional Catchment Strategy 2003–2008. MalleeCatchment Management Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

Mallee CMA (2003b). Murray River Frontage Action Plan: Merbein to SouthAustralia Border. Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

Mallee CMA (2003c). Murray River Frontage Action Plan: Nyah to Robinvale.Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

Mallee CMA (2003d). Murray River Frontage Action Plan: Robinvale to Merbein.

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Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

Mallee CMA (2006). Mallee River Health Strategy. Mallee CatchmentManagement Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

Mallee CMA (In prep.). Mallee Waterwatch Five Year Working Plan. MalleeCatchment Management Authority, Mildura,Victoria.

MDBC (2000). National Management Strategy for Carp Control 2000-2005.Murray Darling Basin Commission, Canberra, ACT.

Norman F.I., and Corrick A.H. (1988). Wetlands in Victoria: a brief review. In‘The Conservation of Australian Wetlands’. (Eds. A.J. McComb and P.S. Lake) pp.17–34. Surrey Beatty, Sydney.

Parks Victoria (2000). Draft Murray River Parklands Strategic Recreation Plan.Parks Victoria.

RCB 2000. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Ramsar Convention Bureau,http://www.ramsar.org/.

Young W.J. ed. (2001). Rivers as Ecological Systems: The Murray Darling BasinMurray Darling Basin Commission, Canberra, ACT.

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