safety and environment management plan · the plan has been developed in accordance with the...

Safety and Environment Management Plan

SEMP 2019-2022

Safety & Environment Management Plan, SEMP 2019-2022

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Authorisation: CEO Current: 23 May 2019 Review by: May 2020 G:\Filing\02 - OH&S AND RISK MANAGEMENT\02-920 Review of SEMPS System\2019-2022 SEMP Final\1. SEMP 2019-2022 rev6.0.docx

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CONTENTS

Endorsement .................................................................................................................................... 4

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

1.0 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................ 7

1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 7

1.2 Overview of Gippsland Ports ................................................................................................. 7

1.3 Plan Development .................................................................................................................. 8

1.4 Port Safety and Environmental Management ........................................................................ 9

1.5 Implementation, Review and Monitoring .............................................................................. 12

2.0 SEMP Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 13

3.0 VISION & OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................. 13

3.1 Vision ................................................................................................................................... 13

3.2 Port & Waterway Safety and Environmental Objectives ...................................................... 13

4.0 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 15

4.1 External Structure and Interactions...................................................................................... 15

4.2 Statutory Duties.................................................................................................................... 16

4.3 Stakeholders ........................................................................................................................ 17

4.4 Local Ports Functions & Responsibilities ............................................................................. 17

4.5 Organisation & Responsibilities ........................................................................................... 19

5.0 PORTS & WATERWAYS - CONTEXT ........................................................................................... 22

5.1 Operating Environment ........................................................................................................ 22

5.2 Ports & Waterways Descriptions .......................................................................................... 23

5.3 Organisational Functions & Capability ................................................................................. 26

5.4 Statutory and regulatory setting ........................................................................................... 27

5.5 Community & Stakeholder Expectations ............................................................................. 27

5.6 Key Management Areas ...................................................................................................... 28


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6.0 SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 33

6.1 Integrated Management System .......................................................................................... 33

6.2 Risk & Compliance Framework ............................................................................................ 33

6.3 Port & Waterway Risk Management .................................................................................... 35

6.4 Service & Support Context ................................................................................................... 38

6.5 Risk Identification ................................................................................................................. 39

6.6 Risk Assessment Processes ................................................................................................ 39

6.7 Occurrences & Investigations .............................................................................................. 39

7.0 PORT SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT RISKS .................................................................................... 40

7.1 Safety – Risk Factors ........................................................................................................... 40

7.2 Environmental – Risk Factors .............................................................................................. 40

7.3 Stakeholder Input ................................................................................................................. 41

7.4 Issues & Challenges ............................................................................................................ 42

7.5 Port & Waterway Risks and Controls ................................................................................... 48

8.0 CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS .............................................................................................. 49

9.0 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW ...................................................................... 50

9.1 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 50

9.2 Implementation..................................................................................................................... 50

9.3 Review & Audit ..................................................................................................................... 50

9.4 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................ 51

9.5 Implementation Monitoring ................................................................................................... 52

10.0 CONSULTATION & INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 54

10.1 Stakeholder Engagement Plan ............................................................................................ 54

10.2 Licensees, lessees and service providers ........................................................................... 54

10.3 Port & Waterway Users ........................................................................................................ 54

SEMP AVAILABILITY ................................................................................................................................ 55

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 56

LIST OF APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 57


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Endorsement

This Management Plan, prepared under Part 6A of the Port Management Act 1995 (Victoria), provides the basis and direction for Safety and Environmental Management within the Port & Waterways under Gippsland Ports management.

The Management Plan promotes improvements in safety and environmental compliance and performance across all aspects of port activities and supports management of related issues arising from port activities and operations for the benefit of employees, port users, neighbours and the wider Victorian community.

During development of the plan, Gippsland Ports has consulted a range of agencies, stakeholder, community groups and individuals. Gippsland Ports will seek to strengthen these relationships and further encourage everyone to participate in improving safety and environmental outcomes.

Chairman Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Incorporated

Acknowledgments

Aboriginal people, through their rich culture, have been connected to the land and waterways of Gippsland for tens of thousands of years. Gippsland Ports respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, their cultures and knowledge and their continuing connection to and cultural obligations to care for their country.

Gippsland Ports also acknowledges the wider community of Gippsland, who share social, recreational and economic attachments to the ports and waterways and who value their future management.

We acknowledge the input provided into the preparation of this plan by all stakeholders.


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Document Control

This document is controlled in accordance with the requirements of the Gippsland Ports Environment, Health & Safety Management Manual.

A record of revision is maintained at the end of this document.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Incorporated does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence, which may arise from you relying on any information in the publication.

Copyright Warning

The whole of the contents of this plan is the copyright of Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Incorporated. No part of it may be reproduced in a material form (whether by way of photocopying, micro-filming, electronic information storage and retrieval systems or otherwise) without the written permission of Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Incorporated.


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AMENDMENTS & COMMENTS

Suggested amendments/ comments in relation to this document, including changes to contact or resource details and any comments can be provided by:

• Completing the details below, or

• Emailing: [email protected], or

If you use this form - please return to: SEMP, Gippsland Ports, PO Box 388

Bairnsdale Vic 3875

From:

Contact Name: Date:

Organisation:

Address: No. & Street:

City: Post Code:

Phone: Email:

Page Amendments/ Comments (attach additional pages as required)

mailto:feedback%40gippslandports.vic.gov.au


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1.0 SUMMARY

1.1 Purpose

This plan provides strategic guidance to assist with managing activities in ports and waterways under Gippsland Ports management and to ensure that significant safety and environmental risks are identified and controlled. An integrated and systematic approach to managing safety and environment risks and promoting improvements in safety and environment outcomes in our ports and waterways is incorporated.

The Plan sets objectives for meeting Gippsland Ports’ safety and environment responsibilities, and identifies significant risk areas, both existing and emerging. Indicators by which the safety and environmental performance of Gippsland Ports can be monitored and improved are included in the Plan.

The processes and systems that support safety and environmental management are outlined within the Plan.

1.2 Overview of Gippsland Ports

Gippsland Ports has diverse responsibilities derived from State and Commonwealth legislation, and its Management Agreement with the Department of Transport. It is an appointed Committee of Management under the Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978 overseen by a Board responsible to the Minister for Ports & Freight under the Port Management Act 1995 and the Marine Safety Act 2010.

Gippsland Ports also has responsibilities for emergency management under Victorian State emergency management plans and for maritime security under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (Commonwealth), and marine pollution through a Direction Notice under the Marine (Drug, Alcohol and Pollution Control) Act 1988 along with many other statutory and other responsibilities including:

• navigation, port operations,

• regulation, security and compliance,

• boating safety,

• incident management,

• marine pollution and emergency response,

• dredging,

• sand management activities, and

• management and operation of designated coastal Crown infrastructure.

Gippsland Ports is a significant provider and manager of public marine infrastructure and services, with oversight of 1400 sq. km. of waterways from Anderson Inlet to Mallacoota, including 900+ navigation aids, 100 wharves and jetties and approx. 900 berths and moorings.

It should be noted that port boundaries have been subject to an extensive internal, agency and departmental review process with boundary adjustment recommendations currently with government pending final consideration and promulgation.

Gippsland Ports has a major role in supporting the safe, efficient and sustainable use of our waterways, enjoyed by thousands of people and bringing many benefits to the Gippsland region.


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1.3 Plan Development

The Plan has been developed in accordance with the Ministerial Guidelines: Port Safety and Environmental Management Plans 2012.

It provides:

• Contemporary and effective environmental and safety management arrangements thatsatisfy statutory requirements;

• Identification, evaluation and control of significant safety and environmental risks acrosslocal ports and waterways;

• Improved integration and clarification of safety and environmental responsibilities;

• Increased stakeholder and community awareness and involvement in safety andenvironmental management.

• Improved safety and environmental outcomes for Gippsland’s local ports andwaterways.

The Plan builds on: previous Safety and Environmental Management Plans, audit recommendations, on-going risk review, management and mitigation in the organisation, and engagement with port and waterway users.

The Plan clarifies Gippsland Ports’ responsibilities, ensures a strategic and systematic approach to safety and environmental outcomes for ports operations and sets actions and indicators to address significant risks.

Gippsland Ports will do what is ‘reasonable and practicable’, through the implementation of this SEMP, to manage safety and environmental risks.


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1.4 Port Safety and Environment Management

1.4.1 Vision

The overall vision for Gippsland Ports is:

To be the most effective port and waterway manager in Victoria.

Accordingly, Gippsland Ports’ vision for safety and environmental management is:

To provide the most effective management of safety and environmental risks that meets the needs of customers, stakeholders and the community.

1.4.2 Objectives

Key GP Strategic Objectives directly related to safety & environment constitute the objectives of this SEMP which are (by theme):

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Plan for and provide improved and appropriate physical assets, waterways information and services to port and waterways users.

Provide improved opportunities, experiences and safety for waterway users.

Fulfill statutory and regulatory responsibilities efficiently and effectively and to provide regional solutions for port and waterways operations and safety.

Understand customers’ needs.

INTEGRATED PORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

To ensure integrated foreshore and waterways development plans by agencies that reflect the interaction between on- land and on-water activities and developments.

PORT ACCESS

Maintain navigable access to ports and waterways to accommodate changing demand and to facilitate new commercial shipping and recreational boating opportunities consistent with the Port masterplan.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Contribute to improving the environmental values of ports and waterways.

Ensure that our operations do not unreasonably impact the environment.

Provide education to port and waterway users to reduce environmental impacts.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY

Ensure a robust risk management framework is applied to all operations.

Source: GP Strategic Plan

Strategies to address these objectives are detailed within the SEMP.


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The GP Integrated Management System (as shown in the diagram below) incorporates a risk based, quality, safety & environment focused approach to managing the delivery of products & services, inclusive of port management.

Source: Gippsland Ports Integrated Management System, Revision 190415


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1.4.3 Port & Waterway Risk Summary

Gippsland Ports has strategies in place to ensure that the following identified risks are positively managed through controls (actions) which are monitored for effectiveness. These significant risks have been identified through Gippsland Ports’ risk assessment, review and consultation processes.

Risk Description

Maritime infrastructure deteriorates beyond accepted intervention level resulting in an increased level of risk to public and users.

Budgeting - As a result of inadequate budget provision and management funds may not be available leading to inability to fulfil Management Agreement requirements.

Due to lack of knowledge, information and/or navigational aids vessels run aground or collide resulting in channel obstruction, damage to property, environment and threats to safety of persons.

Port access does not meet requirements or expectations or aspirations of port users.

Activities undertaken by users/tenants/contractors and others in or otherwise impacting waterways & ports expose public to health & safety hazards and waterways to environmental hazards.

Public information for waterway navigability, safety and the environment is not accurate and/or timely leading to damage and/or public injury.

Marine pests - the consequences of marine pests are increased as a result of lack of resources, planning and preparedness by GP.

As a result of marine emergencies non search & rescue not being managed effectively, environmental damage and injury occurs.

Port planning - As a result of failing to apply port related legislation inappropriate activities could occur resulting in financial, safety and environmental issues.

Waste generated by Customers (tenants, customers, commercial & recreational users) causes damage.

Inadequate engagement with commercial & recreational communities and stakeholders leads to dissatisfaction.

Failure to effectively plan for Climate Change.

Optimum availability of commercial and recreational vessel berths and moorings to support economic activity associated with ports is not maintained.

Workers are exposed to incidents and/or circumstances leading to a detrimental affect on their health & well being.

Waste generated by GP activities causes damage to the environment.


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1.5 Implementation, Review and Monitoring

Gippsland Ports will undertake an internal review of the Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP) annually using it’s Risk & Compliance Framework guidance. Actions required to implement SEMP strategies are monitored and reported using the Environment, Health & Safety Preventative & Corrective Action Register (PCAR). The SEMP will be implemented by Responsible Officers identified at the PCAR. As actions are completed any changes to policy, procedures and required action will be incorporated into Gippsland Ports’ management and operating systems. High level port and waterway risks are incorporated in the Corporate Risk Register which is reviewed on a periodic basis by the Gippsland Ports Management and the Board’s internal Audit & Risk Committee. The implementation and effectiveness of risk controls is monitored and reported using the Risk & Compliance Framework. Systems and processes within Gippsland Ports are reviewed in accordance with corporate governance processes for their effectiveness in relation to implementing the SEMP. As required by the Port Management Act, Gippsland Ports will undertake an external third party audit of the Safety and Environment Management Plan every three years.


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2.0 SEMP Purpose

This Plan provides strategic guidance to assist with managing activities in the Ports & waterways Gippsland Ports manages and assists with identifying and controlling all significant safety and environment risks. The systems, processes and strategic actions adopted by Gippsland Ports to achieve outcomes of effective and efficient safety and environment management within the ports and waterways are described in this Plan. Gippsland Ports management systems and operational activities, such as audits, assessments, controls, operating procedures and other safety and environmental management activities are identified within the Plan which:

• Describes the key elements of Gippsland Ports’ integrated risk management approach to safety and the environment;

• Identifies strategies for safety and environment management;

• Provides mechanisms for monitoring and improving performance in safety and environment management;

• Demonstrates compliance with the legislative requirements for Safety and Environment Management Plans.

3.0 VISION & OBJECTIVES

3.1 Vision

Gippsland Ports’ vision is: To be the most effective port and waterway manager in Victoria.

Accordingly, the vision for safety and environmental management is:

To provide the most effective management of safety and environmental risks that meets the needs of customers, stakeholders and the community.

3.2 Port & Waterway Safety and Environmental Objectives

This Safety and Environment Management Plan has been prepared to align with objectives cascading from the Port Management Act (PMA), to strategic objectives at State level through to the GP Strategic Plan in relation to safety and environment outcomes.

Section 91CA of the PMA sets out the objectives of safety and environment management which are:

• Promoting improvements in safety and environmental outcomes at Victoria’s ports;

• Promoting and facilitating the development, maintenance and implementation of systems that enable compliance with the various safety and environmental duties that apply to the operation of the port; and

• Promoting an integrated and systematic approach to risk management in relation to the operation of the port.


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Key GP Strategic Objectives directly related to safety & environment constitute the objectives of this SEMP which are (by theme):

Source: GP Strategic Plan

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Plan for and provide improved and appropriate physical assets, waterways information and services to port and waterways users.

Provide improved opportunities, experiences and safety for waterway users.

Fulfill statutory and regulatory responsibilities efficiently and effectively and to provide regional solutions for port and waterways operations and safety.

Understand customers’ needs.

INTEGRATED PORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

To ensure integrated foreshore and waterways development plans by agencies that reflect the interaction between on- land and on-water activities and developments.

PORT ACCESS

Maintain navigable access to ports and waterways to accommodate changing demand and to facilitate new commercial shipping and recreational boating opportunities consistent with the Port masterplan.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Contribute to improving the environmental values of ports and waterways.

Ensure that our operations do not unreasonably impact the environment.

Provide education to port and waterway users to reduce environmental impacts.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY

Ensure a robust risk management framework is applied to all operations.

Strategies to achieve these objectives can be found within the GP Strategic Plan and are reproduced at Appendix 8.


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4.0 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 External Structure and Interactions

Gippsland Ports’ primary responsibility for management of Local Ports is to the Minister for Ports & Freight under the Port Management Act 1995 (administered by the DoT) and Marine Safety Act 2010 (administered by TSV). However, the functions and activities of Gippsland Ports are guided by a plethora of other legislation administered by many agencies.

The management of Local Ports and Waterways occurs in a complex and multi-faceted statutory, agency and stakeholder environment.

Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies also have direct roles and responsibilities related to ports and waterways, ranging from regulatory functions in public and workplace safety and environmental protection, to land and water management, quarantine and security, assets, emergency response, pollution, wildlife and a range of other matters.

Gippsland Ports is responsible for the effective management and development of local ports under the following governing instruments:

• Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978,

• Port Management Act 1995,

• Marine Safety Act 2010,

• Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (Commonwealth),

• A formal Management Agreement between Department of Transport and GippslandPorts.

• Committee of Management Incorporated, and

• A Direction Notice under the Marine (Drug, Alcohol and Pollution Control) Act 1988(Direction to participate in the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan).


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• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (Commonwealth).

Relationships across key management instruments are shown in the diagram below:

4.2 Statutory Duties

The primary Victorian legislation covering safety and environment matters with which port managers must comply, as referenced in the Port Management Act, is:

• Dangerous Goods Act 1985.

• Emergency Management Act 1986 & 2013.

• Environment Protection Act 1970.

• Marine Safety Act 2010.

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

• Marine and Coastal Act 2018.

Gippsland Ports also recognizes the objectives of the Transport Integration Act 2010 and has used these as a reference in the preparation of this plan. These objectives are:

• Social and economic inclusion.

• Economic prosperity.

Operating Processes

Monitoring Manuals Procedures Guidelines Reporting

Gippsland Ports - Key Policies and Plans

Safety and Environmental

Management Plan

Risk & Compliance Framework

Port Management Plans

Harbour Masters Directions

Environment, Health & Safety

Policies

Asset Management Plans

Policy and Regulation

Ports Services (Local Ports) Regulations

Ministerial Directions Marine Safety Regulations 2012Transport Safety Victoria

Policy

Legislation

Port Management Act 1995 Marine Safety Act 2010


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• Environmental sustainability.

• Integration of transport and land use.

• Efficiency, coordination and reliability.

• Safety, health and well being.

4.3 Stakeholders

Gippsland Ports’ stakeholders are a diverse group of agencies, bodies, associations and individuals who have a range of interactions with the ports and waterways and functions of Gippsland Ports. In addition to agencies that have a statutory function directly related to Gippsland Ports’ operations, various bodies and associations interact with Gippsland Ports as regulators, planners, policy-makers, waterway users, tenants and customers. The Victorian community are also stakeholders, whether as waterway users, local residents or beneficiaries of regional development, public safety or environmental protection. The SEMP Stakeholder Engagement Plan is provided at Appendix 1 including a list of key stakeholders.

4.4 Local Ports Functions & Responsibilities Ports under GP management are:

• Port of Anderson Inlet, located in South Gippsland, with significant locations at: Inverloch, Maher’s Landing, Venus Bay, Tarwin River.

• Port of Corner Inlet & Port Albert, located immediately east of Wilsons Promontory, with significant locations at: Port Welshpool, Port Albert, Port Franklin, Barry Point (Barry Beach Marine Terminal, Port Anthony Marine Terminal).

• Port of Gippsland Lakes, stretching from Sale on the Thomson River to Lakes Entrance, with significant locations at: Lakes Entrance, Metung, Paynesville, Loch Sport, Port of Sale.

• Port of Mallacoota, covering Mallacoota Inlet to upstream of Gipsy Point near the NSW border, with significant locations at: Mallacoota Inlet and Gipsy Point Bastion Point Ocean Access.

• Port of Snowy River, extending upstream from Marlo with significant locations at: Marlo.

Declared waterways under GP management are:

• Shallow Inlet, located at Sandy Point immediately west of Wilsons Promontory, and

• Lake Tyers, located east of Lakes Entrance.

Note: Whilst Gippsland Ports has accepted that they will be declared as the waterway manager under section 6 of the Marine Safety Act for Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet this had not occurred at the time of issuing this SEMP. The descriptions and risk assessments for these waterways will be updated during subsequent revisions.

Refer to the map below.


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Port waters cover areas of Reserved Crown Land, Fisheries Reserves, Marine and National Marine Parks and Coastal and National Parks. These areas, whilst within port waters, are the responsibility, under their respective legislation, of Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, respective Catchment Management Authorities and Parks Victoria. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is the underlying Crown Land manager of all Port Waters. Responsibility for management of the port function is vested in port managers, such as Gippsland Ports, under the Port Management Act 1995. Gippsland Ports’ responsibilities include:

• Port operations, regulation and compliance,

• Boating safety and information,

• Port safety and environmental management,

• Incident management and emergency response.

• Marine pollution response (Wilson’s Promontory to NSW border),

• Maritime security (Port of Corner Inlet & Port Albert),

• Assessment, installation and maintenance of navigation aids,

• Hydrographic surveying,

• Dredging, sand management and channel maintenance,

• Provision, allocation and management of wharves, piers, jetties, berths, pens and swing moorings and marinas,

• Vessel lifting and slipway services,


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• Vessel maintenance and repair,

• Port and related infrastructure planning and development,

• Port / waterway related economic development, and

• Governance and business management.

4.5 Organisation & Responsibilities

An overview of the Gippsland Ports organisation is provided below:


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Within this functional structure Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) roles and responsibilities within GP are:

Title General Roles & Responsibilities

Board

Provide independent assurance of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Environment Health & Safety Management System (EHSMS). Adopt policy settings

Audit & Risk Committee

Consider strategic EHS issues on a quarterly basis, set the audit program and approve policies as appropriate.

EHS Committee

Facilitate consultation across all levels on a quarterly basis and provide recommendations to management on operational EHS issues.

CEO Provide direction, oversight and facilitate resourcing for the EHSMS.

Executive Manager

Advise the CEO and review the EHSMS. Provide oversight and resources for management of EHS within area of responsibility.

Risk & Compliance Manager

Develop, maintain and manage the EHSMS.

Manager (including Area Managers)

Manage EHS within area of responsibility – ensuring systems and resources are available. Boatyards, Ports (Harbour Master), Hydrographic Services, Works.

Site Manager

Manage EHS for a specific site/precinct (e.g. Depot or Boatyard).

HSRs Represent workers on EHS matters.

Designated Person

Manage EHS for a specific vessel/ plant.

Work Team Leader Coordinate works program and assign tasks. Manage EHS on site.

Task Supervisors

Supervise a specific task of a defined duration. Manage EHS on site.

Responsible person

Nominated to coordinate a specific function e.g. coordinate hazardous substances management across a site.

Source: EHS Management System Manual, Gippsland Ports


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4.5.1 Safety & Environment Governance

The governance structure for safety and environment within Gippsland Ports is shown below:

Safety & environment governance is supported by Gippsland Ports policies for Health & Safety and Environment provided at Appendices 2 and 3.


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5.0 PORTS & WATERWAYS - CONTEXT

5.1 Operating Environment Gippsland Ports’ operating environment is characterised by: • A large and diverse region with iconic natural attractions and built infrastructure that provide

an attraction for tourism and recreational boating, commercial fishing and commercial shipping activities.

• Growth in commercial port activity at the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert and Port of Gippsland Lakes arising from actual and projected activity associated with oil and gas industry sub sea surveillance, plans to extract oil and gas from offshore reserves in deeper water, the plans by Qube P/L to develop Barry Point as a world class minor bulk export facility and the potential development of renewable energy generation offshore from Corner Inlet.

• Both of the largest Local Ports under GP management being Ramsar Listed wetlands (under the Ramsar convention as wetland of international significance) and all of the waterways under GP management being either within or adjacent to Marine Parks, Coastal Parks and / or National Parks.

• Demand for berths which exceeds supply resulting in vessel owners seeking to bring new vessels into the region, both recreational and commercial, being denied the opportunity to do so pending a berth becoming available. As a consequence, GP incurs criticism for impeding growth in tourism associated with recreational boating, impeding commercial shipping activity and in having to “shuffle” commercial shipping and commercial fishing vessels in endeavoring to accommodate demand. There are opportunities to grow capacity through construction of new infrastructure and reconfiguration of existing infrastructure however this is capital intensive and grant dependent, with grants, particularly for infrastructure for commercial vessels being difficult to attract.

• A regulatory environment in which Gippsland Ports faces significant challenges in meeting regulatory requirements and managing risk.

• Increasing agency and community expectations for protection of environmental values. • No dedicated or recurrent funding for maintenance of a marine incident and

emergency response capability. The implication is that GP effectively subsidises maintenance of response capability through redirecting operating grant and in having a sub optimal response capability that when put to the test, may be found wanting.

• Fragmented arrangements for management of coastal and marine infrastructure and declared waterways, with responsibility for facilities and services divided and duplicated across multiple agencies. The implication of this fragmentation is inefficiency, duplication of resources and effort, customer and waterway user confusion and variable standards of management services and infrastructure.

• Inadequate ongoing operational and capital funding for Gippsland Ports to ensure assets don’t deteriorate to an unacceptable level.

• Absence of critical mass to provide for appropriately trained personnel to be readily deployed on a 24/7 basis, with particular vulnerability in South Gippsland due to smaller scale of SG operations.

• An ageing employee profile with very limited financial capacity to implement strategic and timely succession management.

Source: Gippsland Ports Strategic Plan, 2018-2021


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5.2 Ports & Waterways Descriptions Descriptions of the local ports and waterways under Gippsland Ports’ management are provided below. The local port and waterways areas of management and waterway boundaries, including relevant surrounding land tenure and key infrastructure and facilities shown on the maps in Appendix 4. Details of tenancies and storage areas (specifically those which may contain dangerous goods or hazardous materials) are at Appendices 5 and 6.

5.2.1 Port of Anderson Inlet

The Port of Anderson Inlet is a coastal barrier lagoon forming an estuary of the Tarwin River with an entrance to the sea, with strong tidal influences and very high levels of seasonal recreational activity, located at Inverloch. Low dunes separate the inlet from Bass Strait. The port covers all estuarine waters of Anderson Inlet between Inverloch and Tarwin Lower including lower reaches of the Tarwin River and near shore waters of Venus Bay out to Petrel Rock. The port area of management covers approximately 29 km2 and overlays or is adjacent to areas of Fisheries Reserve and Reserved Crown land. The port features an extensive open-water estuarine ecosystem which includes: seagrass meadows, fringing reed beds, wetlands, intertidal rocky shore platforms, rocky marine shorelines, intertidal sandy beaches and spits, abundant species of marine and estuarine fish and an important habitat for migratory bird species.

5.2.2 Port of Corner Inlet & Port Albert

The Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert is a large shallow coastal embayment comprising marine waters of Corner Inlet and Shoal Inlet. The western half of the port area is sheltered by Wilsons Promontory and sandy barrier islands (including Snake Island and Sunday Island) and numerous sand spits with intervening shallow entrances. The port covers the waters along the South Gippsland coast between Wilson Promontory and McLoughlins Beach including Corner Inlet, Shoal Inlet and inshore waters of Bass Strait.


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The port area of management covers approximately 870 km2 and overlays or is adjacent to significant areas such as Corner Inlet Marine National Park, Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park, Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, Wilsons Promontory Marine Park, Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve and Reserved Crown land. The port features a variety of estuarine and wetland ecosystems which include: internationally significant Ramsar wetlands, seagrass meadows, mangroves, intertidal sandy beaches and spits, subtidal soft sediments, rocky shoreline and island habitats, large and diverse populations of marine and estuarine fish species and an important habitat for migratory bird species. Port activities and operations are influenced and characterised by commercial and recreational shipping and boating facilities and activities at Port Welshpool, Barry Beach Marine Terminal, Port Anthony, Port Albert and Port Franklin. Current commercial operations are primarily linked to fishing, Bass Strait trade and the oil and gas industries. Management of port operations and related activities within the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert are significantly influenced by a number of parks, particularly Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Parks, Corner Inlet Marine National Park and the Corner Inlet RAMSAR site. Protecting the high environmental and ecological values of Corner Inlet is an important aspect of managing the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert.

5.2.3 Port of Gippsland Lakes

The Port of Gippsland Lakes is an extensive system of estuarine lakes and wetlands forming a coastal complex separated from Bass Strait by the Ninety Mile Beach barrier dunes. Several large rivers discharge into the system, which has a permanent artificial opening at Lakes Entrance. Much of the Gippsland Lakes are navigable, although shallow near-shore areas often comprise dense sea grass meadows. Extending from Sale to Lakes Entrance, the port covers all waters of the Gippsland Lakes including Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria, Lake King, numerous ‘arms’ and the lower reaches of the Latrobe River (to the Port of Sale), Avon River, Perry River, Mitchell River (to Lind and Eastwood Bridges), Nicholson River, and Tambo River (to Battens Landing). Waters of Bass Strait up to three nautical miles offshore from Lakes Entrance are included. The port area of management covers approximately 421 km2 and overlays or is adjacent to significant areas such as the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Lakes National Park, Wildlife Reserves, Reserved Crown land and Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site as listed under the International Convention on Wetlands (Iran 1971). The port features an extensive open-water estuarine ecosystem which includes: seagrass meadows, fringing reed beds, salt marshes, swamp paperback wetlands, intertidal sandy beaches and spits, large and diverse populations of marine and estuarine fish species, approximately 80 species of water birds and waders including breeding colonies of several rare and endangered species and an important habitat for migratory bird species.


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5.2.4 Port of Mallacoota

The Port of Mallacoota is an inlet formed by a drowned river valley system fed by the Genoa and Wallagaraugh Rivers. A convoluted shoreline forms two distinct lakes (Top and Bottom) with many sheltered arms. Lower reaches of the inlet are characterised by small islands, shallow sandbars and spits. Port waters include the entire inlet from just above Gipsy Point at the convergence of the Genoa and Wallagaraugh Rivers down to the entrance and include ocean waters out to Bastion Point. The port area of management covers approximately 32 km2 and overlays or is adjacent to significant areas such as Croajingalong National Park, Mallacoota Foreshore Reserve and Reserved Crown land.

5.2.5 Port of Snowy River

The Port of Snowy River is a convoluted river estuary located on the Snowy River and Brodribb River floodplain and includes shallow wetland lagoons trapped behind coastal barrier dunes. Floodwaters and coastal processes shift the entrance considerable distances along the coast. Port waters comprise the lower Snowy and Brodribb Rivers downstream from Marlo Road, including The Slips, French’s Narrows and waters of Bass Strait up to three nautical miles offshore from Marlo. The port area of management covers approximately 45 km2 and overlays or is adjacent to significant areas such as Marlo Coastal Reserve, Marlo Foreshore Reserve, Lake Corringle and Lake Wat Wat Wildlife Reserve and Reserved Crown land. The port features a variety of estuarine and wetland ecosystems which include: fringing reed beds, estuarine saltmarsh, seagrass meadows, swamp paperbark thickets, intertidal sandy beaches and spits, large and diverse populations of marine and estuarine fish species, significant populations of water birds and waders including breeding colonies of several rare and endangered species and an important habitat for migratory bird species.

5.2.6 Shallow Inlet

Shallow Inlet is located on the south coast of Victoria, just west of Wilsons Promontory, approximately 180kms (165 minutes travel time) by road from the Melbourne CBD, accessed via the small South Gippsland town of Sandy Point. Shallow Inlet is a small tidal waterway located on the eastern side of Waratah Bay. Although much of the inlet dries at low water, and the depth in the entrance varies, it is suitable for small recreational and fishing vessels.

5.2.7 Lake Tyers

Lake Tyers is located on the south coast of Victoria, east of Lakes Entrance, approximately 350 kms (4 hours travel time) by road from the Melbourne CBD, accessed by the Princes Highway via the major tourist town of Lakes Entrance.


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Lake Tyers is a small waterway which is generally closed to Bass Strait, although on occasions is opened by prevailing weather and water levels or assisted by man. The lake is a popular tourist destination for holiday makers and anglers alike. Most of the Lakes and extending arms are navigable by recreational vessels.

5.2.8 Tamboon & Sydenham Inlets

Note: Whilst Gippsland Ports has accepted that they will be declared as the waterway manager under section 6 of the Marine Safety Act for Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet this had not occurred at the time of issuing this SEMP. The descriptions and risk assessments for these waterways will be updated during subsequent revisions.

Tamboon Inlet consists of a 3 km long coastal lagoon which connects the Tamboon River with the sea. The inlet mouth forms the western boundary of this beach, which extends for 2.5 km from the western Clinton Rocks beach. A strong permanent rip runs out against the eastern rocks; and when the inlet is open, strong tidal currents are present. (Adapted from: https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/vic/east-gippsland/tamboon/tamboon-inlet) Sydenham Inlet is a large open shallow body of water with a short, narrow channel to the ocean. Once closed, the estuary rarely opens naturally. Flooding may occur on roads, wharves and boat ramps. (Source: http://www.egcma.com.au/what-we-do/333/)

5.3 Organisational Functions & Capability

Gippsland Ports is uniquely:

• The only local port manager that exists solely for the purpose of local port management,

• The only local port manager with responsibility, under direction of the Secretary, Department of Transport, as one of the 4 Victorian Marine Pollution Control Agencies under VICPLAN,

• The only local port with responsibility to employ a Harbour Master under direction from Transport Safety Victoria (TSV),

• The only local port with quasi commercial port operations within waters under its management,

• The only Victorian local port required under Commonwealth legislation to develop and maintain a Maritime Security Plan,

• The only Victorian port (local or commercial) with a recurrent dredging program in excess of 200,00m3, (plus the accompanying environmental approval and compliance obligations),

• The manager of 45% of the total area, 46% of total navigation aids, 62% of total wharves and jetties, 22% of total berths and moorings and 60% of people directly employed to manage Victoria’s Local Ports,

• The host port to Victoria’s largest commercial fishing fleet, and

• The appointed Waterways Manager by TSV for two waterways in addition to the 5 Local Ports.

No other Victorian local port or waterway manager has this diverse functional scope and accordingly, Gippsland Ports is unique amongst Victoria’s 8 local port management bodies.

https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/vic/east-gippsland/tamboon/tamboon-inlet

http://www.egcma.com.au/what-we-do/333/


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Gippsland Ports relies on an annual Victorian State Government operating grants, periodic ad hoc grants and a smaller proportion of self-generated income generated from berthing fees and commercial operations for it to undertake its responsibilities. The operating grants are administered by the Department of Transport, via a Management Agreement. Asset renewal and operational funding has declined significantly since 2007/8. Consequently, the success and viability of this plan is subject to Gippsland Ports being able to secure adequate ongoing future funding.

5.4 Statutory and regulatory setting

In performing its diverse functions, Gippsland Ports has specific obligations under the following legislative and regulatory instruments:

• Port Management Act 1995

• Port Management (Local Ports) Regulations 2004

• Marine Safety Act 2010

• Marine Safety Regulations 2012

• Transport Integration Act 2010

• Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

• Marine (Drug, Alcohol and Pollution Control) Act 1998

• Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003

• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012

• Parks Victoria Act 2018

• National Parks Act 1975

The current waterways and coastal infrastructure management model, where there are multiple taxpayer/ ratepayer funded agencies providing similar (e.g. destination jetties, itinerant berthing) or related services (boat ramps) in the same port / waterway, is inefficient, confusing for port / waterway users, delivers variable service and compliance standards, and potentially sub-optimal safety and environmental outcomes.

5.5 Community & Stakeholder Expectations

Gippsland Ports not only provides a range of facilities and services for specific stakeholders (recreational boaters, commercial vessel operators, the commercial fishing sector, maritime industries, event managers, tenants and contractors), but also has responsibilities to local landowners, residents, and the communities of the Gippsland region and State of Victoria. Community members and stakeholders generally have increasing expectations in relation to accessibility of waterways, effectiveness and efficiency of facilities and services, provision of information, protection of public safety and amenity, environmental protection and support for community aspirations in public recreation, foreshore management, tourism and economic development. These community expectations are reflected in the consultation processes implemented in the preparation of this Plan and the community issues raised are summarised in Appendix 7.


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Gippsland Ports faces on-going challenges in managing and meeting these public and stakeholder expectations, given its limited statutory role, resource capacity and the often competing demands of different stakeholder and community groups.

5.6 Key Management Areas

Ports and waterways key management areas, along with respective issues managed by Gippsland Ports, are described below.

5.6.1 Port & Waterway Activities

The five local ports and two waterways under Gippsland Ports’ management host a wide range of activities that fall within and outside the management responsibilities of Gippsland Ports. They include:

• Recreational boating – including power boating, yachting, sailboarding, rowing and paddling,

• Other recreational activities including swimming, diving, fishing, crabbing, and walking along piers and boardwalks,

• Commercial boating – including commercial fishing, Bass Strait commercial shipping, oil and gas industry service vessels, charter boats, tour operators and the Raymond island ferry,

• Provision of public access to waterways, including boat ramps, jetties and boardwalks,

• Development, management and maintenance of coastal and maritime infrastructure, including bridges, beaches Marinas, Boat Harbours Wharves and Jetties, Aids to Navigation, Land Buildings and Structures including seawalls, groynes and Lakes Entrance ocean access Training Walls,

• Port access and dredging,

• Berthing and mooring, and

• Boat slipping, servicing and maintenance,

• Private and other agency marinas,

• Private commercial port facilities ie BBMT and Port Anthony, and

• Private Jetties.

In addition, there are a range of activities undertaken by the community, business and public authorities either on or adjacent to, or impacting, the ports and waterways that have the potential to affect safety and the environment, but are not directly managed by Gippsland Ports. These activities have been risk assessed in accordance with the Gippsland Ports Risk & Compliance Framework (as described at Section 6 below) and recorded in the Ports & Waterways Activity Risk Register at Appendix 9.

5.6.2 Port Tenants, Licensees and Service Providers

There are a variety of tenancies and licensees within the ports boundary. Most of these are small commercial, enterprises located close to the water or on jetties. The table in Appendix 5 lists existing leases and licenses.


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5.6.3 Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Materials Storage Facilities

Gippsland Ports has dedicated dangerous goods and hazardous materials storage facilities at its Lakes Entrance Depot, Paynesville Boatyard and Port Welshpool Depot. These facilities and those described below and are listed at Appendix 6. These facilities are managed under the requirements of the Gippsland Ports Environment, Health & Safety Management System (EHSMS) – MAINSTAY program in compliance with the applicable regulations. There are bunded chemical storage containers at Paynesville and Lakes Entrance. There are quantities of flammable materials such as paints and solvents at Bullock Island and Paynesville Boatyards and Port Welshpool Depot. Battery facilities, containing battery test and charge equipment, safety equipment and various lead acid battery types predominately used for vessel and plant starting, hydraulic plant operation and operation of navigation lights include:

• Dedicated battery storage and charging facilities in shipping containers located at the Lakes Entrance Depot, Paynesville Boatyard and Port Welshpool Depot.

Waste oil facilities include: At Lakes Entrance:

• Eastern Wharf – 4000 litre bulk waste oil storage facility,

• Bullock Island Wharf – 2000 litre bulk waste oil storage facility,

• Central Boat Harbour – waste oil cabinet for minor quantities, and At Port Welshpool:

• Adjacent to the Marginal Wharf and Depot Maintenance Wharf - 2,500 litre bulk waste oil storage facility and a bunded facility for waste oil containers.

5.6.4 International vessel quarantine requirements

Australia has mandatory requirements to reduce the risk of introducing harmful aquatic organisms into Australia’s marine environment through ship’s ballast water. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is the lead agency for the management of ballast water taken up overseas. By law, all ships (including vessels less than 25 metres in length) arriving into Australia must arrive in a first port of entry. There are only four proclaimed first ports of entry into Victoria for international vessels, at Melbourne, Geelong, Portland and Westernport. When a vessel arrives at a proclaimed first port of entry, it must arrange for quarantine clearance. There should not be any international vessels landing in Gippsland. However, there have been occasions when the first port of entry is Corner Inlet. Under these circumstances, entry should be managed by the vessel master in contact with AQIS.


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5.6.5 Domestic vessel quarantine requirements

Vessel owners, Masters and agents must comply with the Environment Protection (Ships’ Ballast Water) Regulations 2006 and ensure that there are no discharges of high risk ballast water into Victorian State waters. The EPA has published a Protocol for Environmental Management: Domestic Ballast Water Management in Victorian state waters. All ships’ masters must provide accurate and comprehensive information to EPA on the status and risk of any ballast water contained on their ships. Domestic ballast water may only be discharged in Victorian State waters with EPA written approval. Gippsland Ports assists by disseminating information about policy and domestic ballast water management obligations to port users, providing advice to EPA regarding expected shipping arrivals and incorporating domestic ballast water management arrangements into Harbour Master’s Directions and Port Management Plans.

5.6.6 Boatyards and Slipways

The Port of Gippsland Lakes has a 120 tonne slipway, 40 tonne travel lift and boat repair yard located at the Paynesville Boat Yard. The slipway accepts both commercial and recreational vessels which may have work undertaken directly by Gippsland Ports' staff or by the owner, charterer, contractors and/or support personnel. Adjacent to the slipway and boat yard are maintenance berths and jetties. A 100 tonne travel lift is located at Bullock Island Boatyard, Lakes Entrance. Gippsland Ports' personnel undertake travel lift, hydro-blasting operations and some maintenance works, and all other maintenance work is carried out by owner, charterer, contractors and or support personnel. Mallacoota slipway (16 tonne capacity) is located adjacent to the main boat ramps. Gippsland Ports undertakes slippings and launchings however once a vessel is slipped, maintenance work is carried out by the owner, contractors and or support personnel. An induction process is also undertaken at this facility. The Port Welshpool slipway (75 tonne capacity) is managed directly by Gippsland Ports (i.e. all slipping is undertaken by Gippsland Ports' staff). Once a vessel is slipped, maintenance work such as vessel repairs, shipwright work, cleaning, and painting and mechanical work is carried out by the owner, contractors and/or support personnel. The Port Welshpool slipway is a key maintenance and vessel retrieval facility used by both commercial and recreational users in the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert. The Port Franklin slipway (4 tonne capacity) is operated by the Port Franklin Public Purposes and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management. Part of the slipway land is not under Gippsland Ports control, however, the infrastructure is managed and maintained by Gippsland Ports and is leased to the committee.


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5.6.7 Wharves, Jetties & Moorings

Gippsland Ports along with other agencies manages wharves, marinas, jetties and boardwalks throughout the local ports and waterways, serving several different functions including:

• Provision of vessel berthing, loading and servicing facilities for commercial shipping, commercial fisheries and maritime services including vessel maintenance;

• Permitted ,transient and itinerant recreational vessel berthing;

• Provision of fueling facilities and boat sewage pumpouts;

• Public access to waterways and foreshores;

• Destination jetties for recreational boating;

• Private jetties and private marinas; and

• Public and private mooring buoys.

15 year asset plans are developed by Gippsland Ports for the Department of Transport (DoT). Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements are addressed during asset development and planning. Audits and inspections of wharves and jetties inform planning for the upgrading of facilities to improve condition, capacity, accessibility and safety and to:

• Improve and maintain them to acceptable condition having regard to criticality, use and available funding,

• Monitor , maintain and improve load bearing capacity of wharves for vehicles and mobile plant and to support port activity,

• Comply with Disability Discrimination Act requirements for access to facilities noting that AS 1428 suite of standards focus on the design and construction of buildings, and there may be cases where the best application of these standards to the design and construction of marine infrastructure is not clear,

• Control risks from competing uses, (eg. vehicles, mobile plant and pedestrians on working wharves,

• Upgrade public lighting commensurate with facility use,

• Install Fire Services, subject to risk assessments and commensurate with design guidelines,

• Provide or improve access to water and power, and

• Provide waste collection services, subject to facility use and consideration of available alternatives.

5.6.8 Aids to Navigation

Safety of vessels by the provision of navigation aids has a very high importance throughout particularly at Lakes Entrance and Corner Inlet due to the numbers of commercial and recreational vessels that use the ports and the nature of the waterways. There are in excess of 900 aids to navigation in Gippsland Ports managed port waters . Lakes Entrance is dominated by a narrow entrance opening, a sand bar that forms just outside the entrance, strong tidal currents in the Entrance Channel and long internal channels with variable channel location and depth.


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Corner Inlet is dominated by long channels, a large tidal range and strong tidal flows. The port has 15 class 1 buoys deployed and all navigation aids are larger than in other ports under Gippsland Ports’ management. They require larger vessels and plant to service and are more expensive to build, install, deploy and retrieve and maintain.

‘Standards for Aids to Navigation on Victorian State Waters 2012’, under directions issued by the Safety Director, requires the process of risk assessment to underpin the management of aids to navigation. Risk assessments of all Gippsland Ports aids continue to be carried out by Gippsland Ports Maritime Services group.

5.6.9 Land Buildings and Structures

There is a range of land, buildings and structures primarily adjacent to or in port waters which support port operations, activities and waterway integrity. These include depots, boatyards and slips. Structures include towers, seawalls and groynes and significantly the trainings walls which are critical to the navigability and integrity of access between Bass Strait and the Port of Gippsland Lakes at Lakes Entrance.

5.6.10 Dredging

As a Port & waterway manager Gippsland Ports maintains a dredging capability to ensure navigability within the limits of environmental consents. The dredging capability consists of the:

• TOMMY NORTON trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) operating on the Lakes Entrance Bar and inner channels, and

• KALIMNA cutter suction dredge (CSD) and associated Sand Transfer System predominantly in the inner channels of Lakes Entrance, however may be required to work in other areas of the Port of Gippsland Lakes.

5.6.11 Coastal & National Parks and RAMSAR Sites

The Ports of Gippsland Lakes, Snowy River and Mallacoota abut National and Coastal Parks. Gippsland Ports provides input into the planning and implementation of marine management and risk management within the Coastal and National Parks and Ramsar sites. The Port of Gippsland Lakes is in a Ramsar site covering an area of approximately 60,000 hectares which includes Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria and Lake King systems. The Lakes National Park is situated 20 kilometres on the western side of Lakes Entrance. The Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park includes the land along the coast immediately to the west of the Entrance. The land to the east of Lakes Entrance, and the islands near the Entrance (namely Rigby, Fraser and Flanagan Islands) are not included in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. The Port of Snowy River is adjacent to Marlo Coastal Reserve, Marlo Foreshore Reserve, Lake Corringle and Lake Wat Wildlife Reserve. The eastern tip of the port waters is adjacent to Cape Conran Coastal Park. The Port of Mallacoota is surrounded by Croajingalong National Park and Mallacoota Foreshore Reserve. Port waters for the Port of Corner Inlet and Port Albert overlay or are adjacent to areas of significant natural values such as Corner Inlet Marine National Park and Ramsar site, Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park, Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, Wilsons Promontory Marine


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Park and Wilsons Promontory Marine Reserve. Parks Victoria has responsibility to manage parks, reserves and other public land including areas reserved under the National Parks Act 1975. Parks Victoria have developed the Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Management Plan and the Corner Inlet Marine National Park Management Plan. These plans along with further information regarding Coastal and National Parks can be downloaded from the Parks Victoria website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. Gippsland Ports operations within these areas are conducted in compliance with these plans and the Gippsland Ports Environment Management Framework. Within and abutting the port waters there are various other reserves. including Crown land Foreshores primarily managed under the Crown Lands Reserves Act by municipalities. These are generally at township interfaces and activity nodes managed by municipalities (e.g. marinas).

6.0 SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

6.1 Integrated Management System Gippsland Ports deals with risk, including safety & environment risk, within a strategic framework linking corporate strategy and planning to operational management. To achieve this a management system integrating risk and safety & environment management, is applied as shown in the diagram below.

Source: Gippsland Ports Integrated Management System, Revision 190415

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/


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6.2 Risk & Compliance Framework

The Gippsland Ports Risk & Compliance Framework provides the basis and direction for risk management within GIPPSLAND PORTS. The Framework is based on AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines and promotes best practice risk management across all aspects of port operations and administration providing:

…….guidelines for managing GIPPSLAND PORTS’s risks, protecting our employees, assets and the community against potential losses, minimising uncertainty and maximising opportunities when achieving GIPPSLAND PORTS’s objectives.

Source: GIPPSLAND PORTS Risk & Compliance Policy

GIPPSLAND PORTS is committed to managing risk and improving risk & compliance management through:

• An integrated risk management approach using a Risk & Compliance Framework, where risk is consciously addressed prior to making decisions with the view to reducing overall risk and adding value;

• Impediments to delivering benefits from GIPPSLAND PORTS Risk & Compliance Plan objectives being identified and addressed (threat risk);

• Identifying opportunities for continual improvement (opportunity risk);

• the establishment of a GIPPSLAND PORTS risk profile across strategic and corporate areas;

• Risk being acknowledged, communicated and reviewed across GIPPSLAND PORTS under the guidance of an annual Risk & Compliance Plan;

• Strategic and Corporate risks being MONITORED, REPORTED, and CONTROLLED;

• Identifying risks and treatment strategies within proposals and business cases to enable effective decision making;

• Risk being accepted by those with the appropriate authority for the level and type of risk being addressed;

• Compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations and any other requirements adopted by the organisation;

• Contingency planning, including Business Continuity and Emergency Management;

• All operational tasks and supporting activities being carried out using a systematic, structured risk based approach;

• Communicating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders at each stage of the risk management process and concerning the process as a whole; and

• Training our people to effectively manage risk in their area of responsibility.

Source: GIPPSLAND PORTS Risk & Compliance Policy

The outcomes of the risk management process identify significant risk exposures and find acceptable solutions for eliminating, reducing, sharing or accepting these exposures. These outcomes include:

• Development of Risk Management Plans;

• Establishment and maintenance of the Corporate Risk Register (CRR) dealing with organisation wide risk and other risk registers dealing with specific areas of risk (for example this SEMP, GLOA, LESMP, a specific project etc.);

• Risk analysis to enable prioritisation of risk;

• Integration of existing specific risk management processes;

• Risk controls outlining specific plans for identified significant areas of risk exposure;


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• Assurance that audits and inspections of systems and assets are regularly undertaken;

• Education and training of employees on risk management practices; and

• Allocation of sufficient funds to maintain a pro-active approach to risk management.

6.3 Port & Waterway Risk Management

Within the GIPPSLAND PORTS Risk & Compliance Framework, the Corporate Risk Register (CRR) is used to monitor & report those risks having potential impacts across all Ports & waterways. This enables effective management through the GIPPSLAND PORTS Committee structure. Higher level SEMP risks are MONITORED and REPORTED through the CRR.

Risks associated with activities occurring in the Ports & waterways are described in the Port & waterway Activity Risk Register at Appendix 9. The implementation of associated strategies at Appendix 8 is MONITORED and REPORTED through the Environment, Health & Safety Preventative & Corrective Action register (EHS PCAR).

This integrated system is shown in the diagram below:

Source: Gippsland Ports Port & Waterway Management Framework, Revision 190417


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A review of all risks is conducted using the processes at the Risk & Compliance Framework. Additional reviews will occur if there is a major change in the nature of an activity conducted at the port and/ or significant new hazards or impacts are identified or introduced. Specific responsibilities for risk management are defined in the Risk & Compliance Framework as:

Positions Roles

Board

• Oversee the establishment of and endorse the Risk Management Policy & Plan.

• Provide adequate budgetary provision for risk management programs.

• Monitor the risk profile of the organization.

• Provide direction to management as a result of findings and recommendations from management reviews and audits.

Audit & Risk Committee

• Review the Risk Management Policy and Plan on behalf of the Board.

• Assess related management reviews and audits.

• Regularly review risks in the risk register.

• Provide advice to the Board as a result of findings and recommendations from management reviews and audits.

Chief Executive Officer

• Promote effective management of all types of risks across Gippsland Ports operations and ensure staff are aware of risk management policies, objectives and programs.

• Direct appropriate action as a result of findings and recommendations from Audit & Risk Committee assessments, management reviews and audits.

• Provide direction to management as a result of findings and recommendations from management reviews and audits.

• Report on the performance of the Risk & Compliance Plan and Framework to the Audit & Risk Committee and Board.

• Allocate adequate resources (human, physical and financial) for the successful implementation of risk management.

Executive Managers

• Implement appropriate action as a result of findings and recommendations from the Audit & Risk Committee, internal and external audits and management reviews.

• Administer internal resources (human, physical and financial) for the successful implementation of risk management in their areas of responsibility.

Executive Manager Corporate Services

• Ensure Audit & Risk Committee internal audits program are conducted and completed within audit program parameters and timeframes.

Area Managers

• Participate in the development, implementation and review of risk management and associated systems.

• Identify areas of risk concern/priority/improvement.


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Positions Roles

• Advocate and communicate risk management initiatives and programs to staff and contractors.

•

Risk & Compliance Manager

• Ensure Framework requirements are established, implemented and maintained.

• Provide day-to-day risk management operational support and advice to internal personnel, agencies and stakeholders.

• Ensure management reviews and audits are conducted and completed within audit program parameters and timeframes.

• Report and prepare advice on the performance of the Risk Management Strategy, Plan and Framework to the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, CEO and senior management as required.

• Manage specific risk management projects.

• Manage the Corporate Risk Register and associated reporting.

•

Staff & Contractors

• Perform duties in a manner which reduces the level of risk to oneself, other employees, Port users, the public and the surrounding environment.

• Report risks in their area of operation to Gippsland Ports management.

• Discuss areas of safety risk concern/priority/improvement with the Health & Safety Representatives.

Management of SEMP related risks is supported by integrated processes within the Environment, Health & Safety Management System (EHSMS) - MAINSTAY Program which is described at the EHS Management Manual (EHS 100-00-01) primarily. This system deals primarily with workplace safety and the context is provided at the diagram below:


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6.4 Service & Support Context

The GIPPSLAND PORTS Service & Support context for identification of risks is summarised in the diagram below. This context informs how risks and control actions are categorized and identifies primary, ongoing risk controls in relation to the services Gippsland Ports provides and the support mechanisms required to provide these services.


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6.5 Risk Identification

Port & waterway risks are identified using:

• Annual review of the Port & Waterway Activity Risk Register at Appendix 9,

• Recommendations from SEMP audits,

• Feedback from stakeholders and the community, and

• Gippsland Ports monitoring of emerging risks, including incidents and events.

6.6 Risk Assessment Processes

Risk management processes within the Gippsland Ports Risk & Compliance Framework have been developed using guidance from ISO 31000 and an overview of these processes as they apply to the SEMP is provided below. SEMP related risk is managed using the Gippsland Ports Risk & Compliance Framework processes which involve the systematic application of management policies, plans, procedures and practices to the risk management process. This process is summarised as: establishing the context, identifying, analysing, evaluating and monitoring the risks that may impact Gippsland Ports and its stakeholders. Risk assessments take into account the likelihood and consequences of safety and environmental hazards to determine the potential impacts on Ports & waterways. To achieve this Gippsland Ports has established qualitative risk consequence and likelihood measures within a matrix to consistently risk assess key activities, products and services within Ports & waterways using available . The risk assessment process involves a collaborative approach with Gippsland Ports' management, staff and stakeholders where available expertise is utilised to establish appropriate consequences and likelihoods. Assessments incorporate a risk evaluation which compares the level of risk found during the assessment process with risk criteria established within the Risk & Compliance Framework. Using this method a risk rating of EXTREME, HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW is assigned to each risk. This enables risks to be prioritised with the focus being on EXTREME and HIGH risks which are deemed to be ‘significant risks’. Where LOW and MEDIUM risks are deemed to be acceptable they will be monitored and periodically reviewed to ensure they remain acceptable.

6.7 Occurrences & Investigations

Occurrences; including positive outcomes, incidents and accidents, are managed through the Gippsland Ports Environment, Health & Safety Management System which incorporates a reporting system (refer to procedure EHS 204-00-01 Incident/ Hazard Reporting & Investigation). This system aims to record all significant occurrences across ports & waterways and is used to identify emerging trends. It is a key reporting element across safety & environment governance processes. Reasonable and practicable actions are undertaken to prevent a recurrence of incidents. These actions are reported and monitored through the Incident/ Hazard Register and the Preventative & Corrective Action Register (PCAR), as appropriate, until completed.


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Where required, Gippsland Ports also conducts investigations along with incident de-briefings and end-of-season de-briefings to review, evaluate and address safety and environmental risks encountered and undertake further risk assessment and action where necessary.

7.0 PORT SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT RISKS

7.1 Safety – Risk Factors

Contributing factors to the safety risk profile in the Gippsland’s ports and waterways include:

• Coastal processes including tidal currents and shoaling – particularly in the Entrance Channel at Lakes Entrance and other estuary openings,

• Entrances to Bass Strait with changing conditions and potentially dangerous sand bars;

• Maintenance of waterway channels,

• High seasonal visitation and waterway use,

• Limited capacity or functionality of boating infrastructure,

• Conflicting uses on waterways and jetties,

• Limited refueling facilities,

• Mix of commercial and recreational boating activity particularly at Lakes Entrance and Corner Inlet,

• Variable vessel operator awareness skill and knowledge of waterways,

• Irresponsible behavior,

• Inappropriate and unsafe work and safety risk management practices associated with activities in ports and waterways e.g. users, contractors and tenants, and

• Gippsland Ports activities.

Note: Workplace safety and environment is managed under the processes established within the Gippsland

Ports’ Environment, Health & Safety Management System.

7.2 Environmental – Risk Factors

Contributing factors to the environmental risk profile in the Gippsland’s ports and waterways include:

• Increased boating activity and high seasonal use,

• Limited refueling facilities,

• Limited sewage pump-out facilities,

• Port/waterway infrastructure including that used for commercial purposes,

• Mix of commercial and recreational boating activity,

• Poorly maintained vessels,

• Fuel and oils spills,

• Inappropriate disposal of bilge water,

• Vessel maintenance at boatyards and slipways,

• Inappropriate vessel maintenance activities on port waters and foreshores abutting port waterways,

• Gaps or overlaps in management responsibilities,

• Illegal or irresponsible behavior,

• Inappropriate and poor environmental management practices associated with activities in and abutting or within ports and waterways and their catchments by others e.g. land holders, industry, users, public, contractors and tenants,

• Introduction and translocation of marine pests, and


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• Livestock and across the wharf activities.

Environmental impacts may occur as a result of public recreational, commercial and Gippsland Ports activities. The majority of significant environmental impacts relate to wastes or contaminants entering the immediate environment. A number of measures have been identified to control wastes and contaminants in Gippsland Ports’ activities including establishing a detailed Port Waterways Environmental Management Plan, a Waste Management Plan, education strategies, a permit and monitoring regime, along with environmental assessments and inspections. These environmental hazards arise from situations where there is a risk of marine pollution, disturbance of coastal processes, fuel or sewage spills, inadequate planning for infrastructure, or insufficient local knowledge and experience. The measures to control these impacts include development of an Emergency Management Plan, a Long Term Management Plan for Dredging, a Port Waterways Environmental Management Plan, a Waste Management Plan, establishment of environmental management criteria for permits and licenses and a review of Local Knowledge Certificate management.

7.3 Stakeholder Input

Stakeholders and the community have identified a range of safety and environmental issues across Gippsland’s ports and waterways, ranging from broad issues associated with boater experience, navigability and competing uses on waterways, to location-specific risks associated with particular waterways or infrastructure. These issues are detailed at Appendix 7. Issues identified by stakeholders and the community have been used to inform strategic planning associated with this SEMP and generally fall within the following categories:

• Vessel operator skills and knowledge,

• Navigability of waterways and channels,

• Aids to navigation,

• Competing uses (waterways and infrastructure),

• Waste disposal,


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• Boater behaviour (including boat speed and wake), and

• Infrastructure capacity and demand.

7.4 Issues & Challenges

The table below summarises significant safety and environmental risk related issues identified through risk review and stakeholder input provided at Appendix 7. Some of these issues are inherent port & waterway management issues whilst others are emerging. These issues have been used to inform the identification and monitoring of risk within the Corporate Risk Register and the Port & Waterway Activity Risk Register.

Port & Waterway Management Congestion on waterways and at boat ramps (which may be outside port boundaries) and jetties due to increasing and more diverse boating and waterway activity, particularly seasonally. Waterway awareness. Vessel grounding or collision due to lack of local knowledge or adequate information to inform vessel navigation. Increase in use of human powered craft (including paddlers) with lack of awareness of safety requirements amongst the inexperienced. Refueling, waste and sewerage discharge. Increased demand for berths and moorings and conflict with jetty set aside overstays Capacity for larger commercial and recreational vessels and increasing size of recreational vessels. Increased expectation for services & security at berths. Funding renewals and compliance upgrades of existing facilities. Boat ramp accessibility and functionality. Aged and failing critical infrastructure including Lakes Entrance Training Walls, LEFCOL and other wharves and jetties. Unseaworthy and derelict vessels. Commercial Vessels Competition for use of commercial vessel berths and moorings. Control of public access to commercial wharves and jetties. Commercial vessel safety, environmental and maritime security hazards.


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Inter-agency coordination and management Overlapping management responsibilities. Variable agency resources to undertake management responsibilities. Lack of agency coordination in the planning and management of infrastructure assets, particularly at the land/water interface. Limited resources for integrated planning of boating and land-based infrastructure. Inconsistent policy or management arrangements (e.g. licensing of berths and moorings). Port Access Maintenance of agreed levels of navigability. Bar conditions, tides and channels limit access and egress in and around ports and waterways. Increased planning timelines/costs of dredging. Greater focus on environmental issues and permits and consents for dredging. Demand for dredging at locations other than Lakes Entrance. Risk of groundings in waterways subject to shifting channels. Port Safety & Environment Management Vessel operations in ports and waterways and port users have the potential to pollute water bodies through fuel and oil leaks, sewage and bilge-water discharge and inappropriate waste management. Hazards are presented by poorly maintained or derelict vessels and the risk of vessel collision and/or fire. Gippsland Ports has limited resources in place for pollution response. Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Materials use & storage. Conflict between jetty anglers and vessels. Use of facilities by land based recreational anglers. Conflicting use between recreational and commercial vessels. Activities at private jetties. Port and waterway access provides the opportunity for vessel-borne pests and diseases to enter local ports and waterways, with significant potential damage to the natural environment, fisheries, and agriculture.


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The transportation of livestock presents animal welfare risks in the event of rough seas and other potential hazards. Coastal hazard and asset management -Predicted sea level rise and more frequent and severe storm events pose a hazard for maritime infrastructure and activities. Unauthorised and inappropriate on water vessel maintenance Unauthorised works in ports and waterways Slipways & Boatyards Maintenance operations at boat yards and slipways involve the potential discharge of pollutants to waterways and the atmosphere.

This SEMP highlights a number of safety and environment related challenges that Gippsland Ports will seek to address through implementation of the Gippsland Ports Strategic Plan. These challenges have emerged due to; known occurrences (e.g. marine pests) or their importance at a broader policy level.

7.4.1 Port Strategy & Regulatory Expertise

The lack of an overarching, state Port Management Strategy presents significant challenges to Gippsland Ports in relation to establishing strategic direction, inter agency coordination (refer below) and sustainable funding. Additionally, changes in the regulatory agencies, Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) have led to significantly reduced expertise within MSV resulting in challenges for Gippsland Ports when advocating for vessel safety related issues such as pilotage requirements.

7.4.2 Consolidated Management

Many agencies have management responsibilities and accountabilities for waterways and adjacent lands and these are sometimes complex, overlapping and unclear. In particular, there are shared and overlapping responsibilities for marine infrastructure, boat launching and retrieval, provision and licensing of berths and moorings, incident response, maritime safety, and other areas of shared Gippsland Ports responsibility. There are many opportunities to improve the effective and efficient management of waterways, and address safety and environmental risks through improvements to inter-agency waterway management and coordination arrangements. Gippsland Ports has a role and interest in brokering more effective waterway management, where this can contribute to clearer accountabilities and improved safety and environmental outcomes.


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7.4.3 Maritime Emergency Response (non-search & rescue)

There is the potential for response effectiveness to be compromised due to lack of clear responsibilities and processes in relation to prevention of pollution events. For example, proactive management of derelict vessels is likely to prevent a pollution event, however, Gippsland Ports is not funded for derelict vessel management but can seek cost recovery for responding to a marine pollution or marine casualty event following the sinking of a derelict vessel.

7.4.4 Cargo Movements at the Port of Corner Inlet & Port Albert

There is the potential for increased cargo operations through Corner Inlet including Port Welshpool. There are implications for the Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) facility for cargo movements and as a storage area for general cargo and machinery. Gippsland Ports is monitoring those operations and cattle management infrastructure at Port Welshpool RORO facility has been constructed.

The arrival of the special project vessel BBC Africa at Barry’s Beach Marine Terminal (BBMT, pictured above) illustrates a dimension of the challenge and Gippsland Ports’ capabilities to meet the challenge and other strategically significant operations. BBC Africa operated outside the vessel limits prescribed for the port, however, parameters and conditions set by Gippsland Ports for the arrival and departure ensured a successful and safe voyage to and from BBMT. Gippsland Ports remains in a strong position to manage future up scaling of vessel capacity, subject to capital improvements to infrastructure and channel depths. BBMT currently has three large Offshore Support Vessels operating from the facility, in support of the off shore oil and gas industry, while another operates from the adjacent Port Anthony Facility. Port Welshpool has seen a steady flow of drought affected cattle being shipped from the mainland to Tasmania, highlighting the contribution made by Gippsland Ports to provide suitable alternative port access to industry.


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7.4.5 Vessels & Competing Activities

In general, user demands on waterways are increasing. This includes an increase in the size and number of vessels with a particular challenge being presented by boat wake creating additional safety and environment hazards. In turn, this places pressure on Gippsland Ports’ limited resources in relation to: sustaining and developing maritime infrastructure and providing public safety education. Additionally, the number, size and complexity of events e.g. power boat races is increasing.

Swimmers jumping from jetties, bridges and other structures continue to be a challenge. This matter was discussed with stakeholders including VICPOL, MSV and Charter operators. Gippsland Ports will continue to enforce compliance to the extent possible with available resources. Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks. Inexperienced SUP and kayak hirers use general areas and can venture into the speed restricted zones. Risks of the use of SUP and kayaks has been discussed with the hire business operator and MSV. Increased patrolling by Gippsland Ports has been established.

7.4.6 Tenants, Licencees & Service Providers

Engagement of tenants and service providers not under the direct control of Gippsland Ports, is primarily through permits and leases. The extent to which these deliver safety and environmental management across the ports was reviewed and an assurance program has been developed and is being implemented to ensure all tenants, licensees, commercial businesses and service providers are operating within SEMP requirements.

7.4.7 Marine Pests

Marine pests can seriously affect waterway habitats, food chains, the ecosystem and general enjoyment of the marine environment. Some marine pest species are found in the Gippsland Lakes, including the European Shore Crab which arrived in dry ballast in the early 20th Century. Northern Pacific Sea Stars have been known at Wilson’s Promontory, and were identified for the first time in the Gippsland Lakes in 2015. Japanese seaweed or Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) was identified for first time in 2018 at Port Welshpool. Vessel movements are one of the key causes of marine pest invasion and spread, as pests are easily transported in ballast and bilge water, on fishing equipment or as fouling, etc. Commonwealth Government controls are in place to minimise risks associated with transportation of marine pests by any visiting international vessels. Gippsland Ports plays an important role in supporting marine pest research, investigations and prevention as part of a multi-agency effort which includes:

• Provision of passive surveillance during operational activities (where resources permit), including the monitoring of maritime infrastructure for marine pests.

• Recording commercial vessel movements.

• Training Gippsland Ports employees in the recognition of marine pests.

• Raising awareness amongst boaters for the need to clean equipment and avoid transport of bilge water from other waterways.


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• Providing agency information to users and customers on marine pest recognition, biofouling and prevention measures through Gippsland Ports stakeholder engagement channels and induction programs.

• Participation in active surveillance programs (where resources permit) which may include taking bilge and hull samples from vessels at Gippsland Ports boatyards during periodic slipping.

• Development and implementation of marine pest action plans within the Port Management Framework.

• Oversight of periodic slipping of vessels berthed at the port.

• Management of longer stays to mitigate marine pest translocation.

Sightings of marine pests should be reported immediately to:

[email protected] OR Phone 136 186

Provide the exact location and a clear photo.

7.4.8 Animal Welfare

The shipping of livestock to and from Port Welshpool presents various hazards potentially affecting environmental, animal and human health. The primary identified hazards are unintentional transfer of cattle with infectious diseases, or livestock injury/sickness during shipping, particularly in rough conditions. Gippsland Ports will maintain liaison with the Department of Transport and other agencies to ensure that risk assessment tools, when developed, are applied to the risk associated with ports in Gippsland. This is likely to include risk mitigation for livestock injury, animal welfare hazards and ‘çhain of responsibilities’ for livestock.

7.4.9 Protection of Coastal Assets

The Gippsland coast is likely to experience significant impact from climate change in the future, with as yet unknown long term effects on maritime use and activity. Risks associated with sea level rise in particular are managed through development processes in accordance with inundation mapping and advice from Catchment Management Authorities. The design of new infrastructure to minimise damage or loss due to inundation is a consideration in Gippsland Ports’ asset management program. In addition to Gippsland Ports’ consideration of climate change in infrastructure planning and design there is a role in interagency planning and adaptation at the broader level.

mailto:[email protected]


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7.5 Port & Waterway Risks and Controls (Measures & Strategies)

Port & waterway safety and environment risks are addressed at two levels within this SEMP which are related to each other through the Corporate Risk Register (CRR) and the Port & Waterway Activity Register and are:

• Corporate (management) risks, and

• Activity based (operational) risks. Actions & controls for Port & waterway risks are identified at Gippsland Ports Strategies – at Appendix 8 and the Port & Waterway Activity Risk Register at Appendix 9. (A related Port Emergency Risk Register is established within the Gippsland Ports – Port Emergency Management Plan.) Controls for these risks are MONITORED and REPORTED, through the Corporate Risk Register (CRR) and the Environment, Health & Safety Preventative & Corrective Action Register (PCAR), to the Gippsland Ports Board and Committees in accordance with Gippsland Ports governance processes – refer to Section 6 above. Gippsland Ports has strategies in place (refer to Appendix 8) to manage the issues and challenges identified above through controls (actions) which are monitored for effectiveness through the Risk & Compliance Framework. This is primarily achieved through monitoring the related risks identified the Corporate Risk Register reproduced at the table below:

CRR No.

Corporate Risk Description

60 Maritime infrastructure deteriorates beyond accepted intervention level resulting in an increased level of risk to public.

120 Budgeting - As a result of inadequate budget provision and management funds may not be available leading to inability to fulfil Management agreement requirements.

77 Due to lack of knowledge, information and/or navigational aids vessels run aground or collide resulting in channel obstruction, damage to property, environment and threats to safety of persons.

118 Port access does not meet requirements or expectations or aspirations of port users.

122 Activities undertaken by users/tenants in waterways & ports expose public to health & safety hazards and waterways to environmental hazards.

124 Public information for waterway navigability, safety and the environment is not accurate and/or timely leading to damage and/or public injury.

133 Marine pests - the consequences of marine pests are increased as a result of lack of resources, planning and preparedness by Gippsland Ports.

139 As a result of marine emergencies non-search & rescue not being managed effectively, environmental damage and injury occurs.

144 Port planning - As a result of failing to apply port related legislation inappropriate activities


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CRR No.

Corporate Risk Description

could occur resulting in financial, safety and environmental issues.

145 Waste generated by Customers (tenants, customers, commercial & recreational users) causes damage.

158 Inadequate engagement with commercial & recreational communities and stakeholders leads to dissatisfaction.

33 Failure to effectively plan for protection of coastal assets including Climate Change.

49 Optimum availability of commercial vessel berths and moorings to support economic activity associated with ports is not maintained.

3 Workers are exposed to incidents and/or circumstances leading to a detrimental affect on their health & well being.

4 Waste generated by Gippsland Ports activities causes damage to the environment.

8.0 CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS Gippsland Ports emergency management and planning processes for Port, waterways and sites are developed through the Gippsland Ports Emergency Management Committee (refer to procedure EHS 400-00-01 Emergency Management). Using Gippsland Ports Risk Management Framework principles appropriate and effective Emergency Response and Recovery plans are developed and implemented. The Port & Waterway Activity Risk Register is used to inform the emergency risk assessment process undertaken by the Emergency Management Committee to ensure that all risks are identified and contingency plans are in place and exercised. This includes ensuring that the Port Emergency Management Plan (PEMP) is effectively integrated with respective Municipal Emergency Management Plans (MEMPs) for the Shires in which the Ports & waterways are located. This is achieved primarily through Gippsland Ports Emergency Management Committee consultation with Shire emergency management departments and emergency services (CFA, VICPOL, Ambulance etc.) as required. Gippsland Ports Disruption Response & Recovery (Business Continuity) Plan within the Risk & Compliance Framework deals with events that disrupt the continuity of Gippsland Ports operations, including Port operations. This Planning ensures that Gippsland Ports can recover from disruptions and minimise the impacts of emergencies on business processes and importantly, people. (Refer to the Gippsland Ports Business Continuity Framework for details.)


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9.0 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW

9.1 Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for implementation, monitoring and review of the SEMP rests with the Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board. Specific areas under the Plan are implemented by Responsible Officers identified at the Corporate Risk Register and the Environment, Health & Safety Preventative & Corrective Action Register (PCAR). The Risk & Compliance Manager has day-to-day responsibility for preparation and review of the SEMP, and the monitoring and reporting of risk management performance.

9.2 Implementation

Strategies required to implement SEMP related risk controls are provided at the Gippsland Ports Strategic Plan. These strategies are reproduced at Appendix 8 and are primarily monitored and reported using the Gippsland Ports Corporate Risk Register. Agreed recommendations from tri-ennial SEMP audits and internal audits and reviews of safety & environment related processes, are recorded in the Environment, Health & Safety Preventative & Corrective Action Register (EHS PCAR). Corporate Port & waterway risks are incorporated in the Corporate Risk Register, through the Strategic Risk Profile, which is reviewed 6 monthly by the Gippsland Ports Board’s Audit & Risk Committee.

9.3 Review & Audit

Gippsland Ports will undertake an internal review of this Plan annually using Risk Management & Compliance Framework guidance. A major review and update will be undertaken on a tri-ennial basis. The internal review will address the following:

• Currency of the Port & Waterway Activity Risk register,

• Progress in implementation of risk reduction measures,

• Adequacy and performance of current controls, and

• The need to update any or all sections of the plan.

Additional reviews will be considered whenever any of the following occur:

• Incidents and near miss incidents;

• Changes to key legislation or regulations; and

• Changes in the nature, scale or extent of port activities.

Lessees, licensees and service providers and agency stakeholders will be encouraged to participate in the triennial review process.


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9.4 Monitoring Control Assurance The implementation and effectiveness of Port risk controls is monitored and reported using the processes at the Port Management Framework. The primary instruments listed in the table below are used in providing assurances that controls are in place:

RCF 3B – Table 1

Code Control Assurance Instruments

AUTHORISE & 1. AA Port Activity Application

INFORM 2. Al Licence & conditions (Crown Land Reserves –VIC- Act)

3. Ap Permit & conditions (Port Management –VIC- Act)

4. Aw Works permits & conditions (Port Management –VIC- Act)

5. Awp Works permit & conditions (OHS –VIC- Act)

6. SE Safety & Environ. Statement

7. SA Works Site Access Application & conditions

8. In Release & Indemnity form

9. R Restrict access - issue card/key

10. N Notification – refer to HM Directions e.g. Dangerous Goods

SUPPORT & 11. Ci Corporate induction

TRAIN 12. Si Site induction

13. Ti Task induction

14. P Procedures & information

MONITOR & 15. I Gippsland Ports Inspections (within available resources)

REPORT 16. Cf Contractor/Customer/Public ‘feedback’.

17. Om Onsite Monitoring Checks

18. Lm Limited/ Remote Monitoring Checks

Internal Audit

Systems and processes within Gippsland Ports are reviewed in accordance with corporate governance processes, including the Risk & Compliance Framework and the Environment, Health & Safety Management System, which are reviewed annually for their effectiveness in relation to implementing the SEMP. A key process is the Internal Audit program which is based on risks identified through the Corporate Risk Register (CRR). This program will include safety & environment related risk areas as dictated by the respective risk rating in the CRR.


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External Audit

Gippsland Ports will arrange a triennial external audit of the SEMP in accordance with the Port Management Act and Ministerial Guidelines. The audit scope and criteria will be established by the auditor in accordance with the guidelines’, however in general it will determine whether:

• The SEMP meets the requirements of section 91 of the Port Management Act

• The SEMP has been prepared in accordance with the Ministerial Guidelines and the Port Management Act.

• Gippsland Ports is applying a strategic and systematic approach to safety and environmental management.

9.5 Implementation Monitoring Key performance indicators through which Gippsland Ports can assess the extent to which the implementation of this plan achieves the safety and environmental management planning objectives of the Port Management Act - Section 91CA are identified against Gippsland Ports strategic objective themes and Port Management Act SEMP objectives as:

Ref. no.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) – SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

Port Management Act, Section 91CA, SEMP Objective

Customer Service

a. Improvement

5.1A Publicly available Port & waterway information is up to date.

5.1B % of requested responses/ feedback received on SEMP.

5.1C Timely completion of customer “Feedback” items.

Integrated Port Planning & Development

c. Integration

5.2A Port Master Plan development progress.

5.2B % of licenced facilities and commercial activities identified as high risk assessed for compliance.

Port Access

b. Compliance

5.3A Navigation Aids Light Compliance targets met.

5.3B State government and port access dredging targets met.

5.3C Review of waterways risk assessments completed.


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Ref. no.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) – SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

Port Management Act, Section 91CA, SEMP Objective

Environmental Sustainability

b. Compliance

5.4A Environment; % completion of the Environmental Framework including site environmental management plans.

5.4B % of identified environmental monitoring completed.

5.4C An annual pollution and security response exercise is completed.

Organisational Capability

a. Improvement

5.5A % Incident Hazard Reports (IHRs) closed out and the originator informed.

5.5B Gippsland Ports Lost Time Injuries (LTIs).

5.5C % of identified plans & procedures issued for use.

Each SEMP related Strategy at Appendix 8 is assigned a KPI from the list above as appropriate.


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10.0 CONSULTATION & INFORMATION

10.1 Stakeholder Engagement Plan

During reviews of the SEMP there are opportunities to engage a range of community and stakeholder groups on SEMP matters. This fosters greater awareness of, and effective control of safety and environmental risks in the local ports and waterways of Gippsland. A stakeholder engagement plan is provided at Appendix 1 detailing those to be consulted with. Stakeholders will be advised of final document availability and information regarding future consultation.

10.2 Licensees, lessees and service providers

Gippsland Ports will take reasonable steps to provide licensees, lessees, permit holders, service providers and other port and waterway users with information and advice on safety and environmental requirements to assist Gippsland Ports to safely and efficiently manage the port. This may include but is not limited to:

• Changes to permit, license, lease terms and conditions enacted for reasons of safety and environmental protection;

• Assistance to proponents of port development/infrastructure/events in meeting their permit obligations to Gippsland Ports;

• General advice to port and waterway users (e.g. general refueling requirements, location of sewerage pump out points, fuel availability, etc.)

• Educational programs on safety and environmental protection as they relate to the functions of Gippsland Ports; and

• Providing the opportunity and encouraging participation for agency and stakeholder involvement in forums for specific risk mitigation activities (e.g. TACC meetings prior to dredging campaigns).

10.3 Port & Waterway Users Gippsland Ports maintains a proactive approach to keeping waterway users informed on matters relating to boating safety and local conditions via Notices to Mariners (NtMs), Media Releases, Gippsland Ports’ Website and Facebook, via the recently released App, as well as via local patrols; on-site Notice Boards and by direct engagement.


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SEMP AVAILABILITY

A copy of the Safety and Environmental Management Plan will be available for viewing at all Gippsland Port offices and depots:

Gippsland Ports Head Office 97 Main Street (PO Box 388) Bairnsdale Victoria 3875 Telephone: (03) 5150 0500 Lakes Entrance Depot Bullock Island Lakes Entrance Victoria 3909 Telephone: (03) 5155 6900 Paynesville Boatyard Slip Road Paynesville Victoria 3880 Telephone: (03) 5156 6352 Port Welshpool Depot 84 Lewis Street Port Welshpool Victoria 3965 Telephone: (03) 5150 0500; and The Plan is also available to download on the Gippsland Ports website – www.gippslandports.vic.gov.au

Contact: David Rose, Risk and Compliance Manager [email protected] Tel: (03) 5150 0500

http://www.gippslandports.vic.gov.au/

mailto:[email protected]


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REFERENCES

Port Management Act 1995

Marine Safety Act 2010

Ministerial Guidelines: Port Safety and Environmental Management Plans, November 2012

Risk & Compliance Framework, Gippsland Ports

Environment, Health & Safety Management System, Gippsland Ports

Victoria’s Boating Safety Action Plan 2015-2018, Marine Safety Victoria and Victoria Police, 2015

Protocol for Environmental Management: Domestic Ballast Water Management, EPA, 2015

State Maritime Emergencies (non search and rescue) Plan, Emergency Management Victoria, Edition 1 November 2016

Victorian Auditor-General’s Report, ‘Bio-Security: Livestock’, August 2015

DELWP web site: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/coasts/marine/marine-pests

Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Management Plan, 2015

Corner Inlet Ramsar Management Plan, 2003

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/coasts/marine/marine-pests


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LIST OF APPENDICES

1. SEMP Stakeholder Engagement Plan

2. Gippsland Ports Health & Safety Policy

3. Gippsland Ports Environmental Policy

4. Maps of Port and Waterway Boundaries, Infrastructure and Management

5. Port Tenants, Licensees and Service Providers

6. Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Materials Storage Facilities

7. Issues Identified by Stakeholders and Waterway Users

8. SEMP Strategies (reproduced from GP Strategic Plan 2018-2021)

9. Port & Waterway Activity Risk Register

RECORD OF REVISION

Rev Change Author Review & Consultation

Authorisation Date

6.0

Risk & Compliance Framework processes integrated.

D.Rose GP Board, Management, Public

CEO 23 May 2019

5.0 East & South Gippsland Plans combined providing an improved strategic focus.

M.Richardson Board, GP Management, Public

CEO 17 Apr 2016

4th ed East & South Gippsland SEMPs D.Holding - CEO 2012

3rd ed East & South Gippsland SEMPs G.Creedon Greg Hatt - 19 Sep 2007

2nd ed East & South Gippsland SEMPs N.Antonopoulos - G.Creedon 24 Jul 2006

1st ed East & South Gippsland SEMPs N.Antonopoulos - CEO 01 Aug 2005

Safety & Environment Management Plan 2019-2022 – APPENDICES, Revision 23/5/19 CONTENTS Link

Page 0

Safety and Environment Management Plan

SEMP 2019-2022

APPENDICES


Page 1

CONTENTS

APPENDIX 1. SEMP STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN .......................................................................................................... 2

APPENDIX 2. HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY ...................................................................................................................................... 3

APPENDIX 3. ENVIRONMENT POLICY ........................................................................................................................................... 4

APPENDIX 4. MAPS OF PORT & WATERWAY BOUNDARIES, INFRASTRUCTURE & MANAGEMENT ........................................ 5

APPENDIX 5. PORT LICENSEES ................................................................................................................................................... 29

APPENDIX 6. DANGEROUS GOODS OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE FACILITIES .................................................... 30

APPENDIX 7. ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY STAKEHOLDERS AND WATERWAY USERS ................................................................. 32

APPENDIX 8. GIPPSLAND PORTS SEMP STRATEGIES .............................................................................................................. 41

APPENDIX 9. GIPPSLAND PORTS & WATERWAYS - ACTIVITY RISK REGISTER ..................................................................... 42

Stakeholder Engagement Plan for: Safety & Environment Management Plan (SEMP)

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Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP)

SEMP Stakeholder

Engagement Plan

Contents

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 1

CONTEXT ............................................................................................................................... 2

PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................... 2

REVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 3

CONSULTATION OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................. 3

STAKEHOLDERS ..................................................................................................................... 3

BENEFITS ............................................................................................................................... 4

SITUATION ............................................................................................................................. 5

ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................. 6

KEY MESSAGES ..................................................................................................................... 7

KEY COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 9

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ................................................................................................... 9

ATTACHMENTS.................................................................................................................... 9

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT - ACTION PLAN ........................................................................ 11

INTERNAL ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 11 EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT .................................................................................................. 12 PRIORITY EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS ................................................................................ 13 AGENCIES ........................................................................................................................ 13 FEEDBACK CHANNELS ....................................................................................................... 13

References

Gippsland Ports Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Plan


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Context The Gippsland Ports Safety and Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) provides a framework for safety and environmental management of Gippsland ports and waterways, to meet statutory, community and stakeholder requirements. It identifies and affirms the significant safety and environmental hazards and risks that exist across the ports and waterways activity and the control mechanisms used both by Gippsland Ports, and other responsible parties. The SEMP also maintains currency and consistency between documents and clearly communicates the safety and environmental management framework and objectives. During reviews of the SEMP there are opportunities to engage a range of community and stakeholder groups on SEMP matters. This fosters greater awareness of, and effective control of safety and environmental risks in the local ports and waterways of Gippsland. During a major 2015 review of the SEMP, substantial community and stakeholder input was facilitated through a series of community forums conducted in September and October 2015. Forums were held in seven locations throughout Gippsland and were attended by over 100 people. Surveys of waterway users were also conducted to gather community views on safety and environmental management priorities. Approximately 800 people completed survey responses, providing a wealth of information on the perceptions, concerns and views of port and waterway users. The concerns and views expressed are relatively enduring. Since 2015, SEMP consultation has continued through public feedback via the Gippsland Ports website, Facebook site and customer service centres. This consultation will continue into the future.

Purpose This Plan guides review of the Gippsland Ports SEMP and stakeholder engagement and consultation in relation to ensuring that the SEMP remains current. The Plan identifies effective consultation strategies within the following priorities:

• Maintaining the public profile of Gippsland Ports and its role;

• Provide leadership in advocating for safe and environmentally sustainable use of local ports and waterways;

• Strengthen Gippsland Ports’ position as a source of information, expertise and management decisions;

• Communicating the value and benefits of the SEMP;

• Dissemination of information regarding safety and environmental issues for the Gippsland Lakes;

• Promotion of an understanding of the important values of the local ports and waterways to the community;

• Influencing behaviour to encourage responsible and sustainable use and management of local ports and waterways;

• Garnering participation, input and support from stakeholders and the community.


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Review This Plan shall be reviewed:

• When there are major change(s) to GP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and/ or the SEMP,

• If there is a major occurrence/ incident, and

• At least every 12 months.

Consultation Objectives As aligned with the Gippsland Ports Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, SEMP stakeholder engagement & consultation Strategy objectives are:

• Ensure that stakeholders’ issues, interests and influence are fully considered in the delivery of Gippsland Ports’ services;

• Build stakeholder trust and confidence in Gippsland Ports as an inclusive, consultative and responsive organisation;

• Provide for effective and efficient decision-making by Gippsland Ports through meaningful and timely stakeholder engagement;

• Assist in the delivery of infrastructure and services that meets stakeholder needs. Specific consultation objectives in relation to the SEMP are:

• Increase stakeholder awareness of safety and environmental issues and the existence and value of the SEMP.

• Build stakeholder and community support for the outcomes of the SEMP.

• Ensure that stakeholders are provided with a range of opportunities and mechanisms to provide input and have their views heard on the SEMP.

• Foster better access to information about safety and environmental management.

• Build community capacity to understand risks and help manage them.

• Increase support for, and confidence in the future management of safety and environmental risks.

Stakeholders SEMP stakeholders (internal and external to Gippsland Ports), are identified at the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. Key stakeholders identified at the SEMP Review & Consultation Action Plan (tri-ennial) at attachment 1 will be consulted in relation to the SEMP

Port and Waterway Users and Interest Groups

1. A variety of industry-based stakeholders and interest groups play an important role in

working with Gippsland Ports in managing port waterways, including:

• Australian Anglers’ Association

• Berth & mooring permit holders

• Boat repairers / shipwrights

• CoastCare / CoastAction

• Commercial charter and boat hire operators

• Commercial shipping

• Fishing /Angling Clubs


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• Fishing vessel owners

• Foreshore Committees of Management

• Lessees and tenants

• Recreational boat owners

• Retailers and restaurant owners

• Yacht / Boating Clubs

Benefits Good communications and engagement is critical to the success of the SEMP and provides the following benefits:

• Access to a wide range of views, opinions and expertise on which to base decisions and actions;

• An understanding of public and stakeholder perceptions and the issues that need to be addressed to overcome potential obstacles to achieving consensus and common ground;

• Improved chances of stakeholder buy-in, support and agreement;

• Clear and targeted messages that reduce confusion and misinterpretation;

• Informed decision-making; and

• Positive and constructive relationships in an environment of openness, cooperation, information sharing and trust.

These benefits will help to deliver an effective plan and support a successful outcome for safety and environmental management.


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Situation

Strengths Weaknesses

• Highly valued ports and waterways with an important role in the regional economy

• Low level of public knowledge of Gippsland Ports’ responsibilities

• A significant body of existing knowledge • Diverse vested interests in the community with specific agendas

• Important economic, social and tourism values

• Public perceptions about the effectiveness of ports and waterway management

• An organisation with expertise and established management systems

• Limited influence on many issues

• A very good understanding of risks • Widely shared, but poorly understood, responsibilities for managing risk

• Experience in the decision-making and management environment

• Complex bureaucratic processes, roles and responsibilities for waterway management

• Strong community and stakeholder interest in public safety and environment

• Dispersed and informal stakeholder groups

Opportunities Threats

• Continue to improve public awareness of safety and environment

• Misinterpretation of the purpose of the plan or the specific intentions for key issues

• Use examples to demonstrate tangible benefits and leverage support

• Poor relationships with key stakeholders

• Encourage public discussion about safety and environment

• Loss of strategic focus

• Engage “peripheral” groups – residents, visitors and the regional community

• Distraction by peripheral issues

• Provide leadership in community engagement in the region

• Misinformed stakeholders obtaining too much airtime

• Use social media, social marketing and innovative communication techniques

• Diminution of stakeholder and community support

• Build understanding of the connections between safety, sustainability and community and economic well-being

• Over-engagement or audience confusion

• Share and celebrate stories about the local ports and waterways

• Using the wrong techniques or channels


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Engagement Principles

Past experience indicates that the following principles should be applied:

• Information gained from the SEMP should be actively communicated and targeted to stakeholders – we need to find out what people want to know,

• Benefits of previous and current activities to manage boating to be communicated,

• Communication must be accessible and user-friendly - tailored for the audience,

• Risk assessments need to be clearly understood and communicated to provide an evidence base for information,

• “Institutional/bureaucratic” communication often lacks effectiveness or credibility with the public - need to keep information accessible and user-friendly,

• There should be a specific focus on engagement with key players to increase “buy-in”,

• Communications and engagement need to be properly resourced, to get wide coverage of communication channels,

• Positive messages should be disseminated at every opportunity,

• Communications on SEMPs and positive achievements are a valuable way to build support,

• Association of the SEMP with local champions, events and cultural activities provides an effective way to get key messages to target audiences,

• Local knowledge, experience and opinion needs to be tapped into, formally and informally,

• The values of the Ports & waterways and boating activity are to be promoted and celebrated. People’s connection to the positive experiences provides a good vehicle for communication, and

• Certain stakeholders require specific management approaches to maintain relationships. Principles used to increase the level of public impact in relation to the SEMP are provided in the GP Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the table below:


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INFORM CONSULT INVOLVE COLLABORATE EMPOWER

Public Participation Goal

To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and /or solutions

To obtain public feedback n analysis, alternatives and/or decisions.

To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered.

To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution.

To place final decision-making in the hands of the public.

Promise to the Public

We will keep you informed.

We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.

We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and issues are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.

We will look to you for direct advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

We will implement what you decide.

Example Tools

Fact sheets

Web sites

Open houses

Public comment

Focus groups

Surveys

Public meetings

Workshops

Deliberate polling

Citizen Advisory Committees

Consensus building

Participatory decision-making

Citizen juries

Ballots

Delegated decisions

(Noting that final decision making is generally appropriately done by port managers rather than the public.)

Source: 2012 SEMP Ministerial Guidelines

Key Messages The following key messages will be used to inform SEMP consultation: Gippsland Ports’ role and responsibilities:

• Gippsland Ports has statutory responsibilities for managing waterway safety and environmental risks.

• Gippsland Ports also undertakes various community service obligations.

• Public and environmental risk is a key consideration in our activities. What we can’t control:

• There are limited resources to manage our responsibilities.

• Many environmental influences impose risk and create uncertainty.

• Risk management is a shared responsibility, with the person/agency with most control over the risk being the best to manage it.


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• Management of many safety and environmental risks is about education and behaviour. The value of the SEMP:

• The SEMP is seeking to improve safety and environmental outcomes for the community.

• It will assist in making the local ports and waterways safer and minimising environmental impact.

• It will assist in identifying stakeholder and community priorities and broader needs in relation to safety and environmental management.

• It will seek to identify cost-effective strategies for managing safety and environmental risks.

• Issues and priorities will be identified in a collaborative, consultative way. The nature of local ports and waterways:

• There is an increase in activity on Gippsland’s local ports and waterways.

• Waterway activity is diverse and there are several potential conflicts between users.

• There is significant capacity for growth in activity. The involvement of the community:

• There are a wide range of views and values in the community that need to be considered.

• Identifying priorities and options for addressing them will be strongly based on engagement.

• Safety and environmental protection is important to the community; together we can maintain both values.

• Community involvement brings custodianship, shared responsibility and increased capacity for future management and decision-making.

The value of good management of the local ports and waterways:

• Local ports and waterways are recognised as important environmental assets.

• Local ports and waterways support an important recreational and commercial fishery, commercial shipping, and are an important asset for a range of social/cultural purposes and for the lifestyle and amenity they offer.

• Local ports and waterways are important to jobs, tourism and the local economy.

• The above values can be preserved by ensuring sound and sustainable management. The need for evidence-based decisions:

• Risks and impacts can be real or perceived, but need to be prioritised based on evidence

• Anecdotal evidence is not usually a sufficient basis to make management decisions.


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Key Communications Methods used for stakeholder and community engagement are identified at the GP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. Primary SEMP communications are identified in the table below:

Channel Content/ Audience© Purpose Frequency

Website and Social media

SEMP updates and sharing seeking informal feedback on key issues

To maintain stakeholder/community knowledge, seek informal feedback

Regularly

Seminars and Forums

Technical forums involving guest speakers, new information

To convey boating and related information and seek stakeholder feedback

As required

Media releases

Radio interviews Newspaper articles

etc

To maintain the profile of GP in boating management

To promote specific findings or directions for the plan

At key milestones

Briefings Targeted briefings to decision-makers

To communicate SEMP progress and seek feedback on key issues

At key milestones

Speaking Engagements

Conferences

Community organisations

Industry groups

Build partnerships

Inform stakeholders

Promote the SEMP and seek feedback

Regularly

Informal discussions

One on one conversations To build relationships and gather information

Frequently

Performance Indicators The following performance indicators will be used to gauge the success of this plan:

• Number of complaints received.

• Response rate to survey(s).

• Agency response rate.

• Number of potential improvements identified.

• ‘Hits’ at GP website on SEMP 2019-2021

Attachments

1. Key SEMP Stakeholders 2. SEMP Review – Stakeholder Engagement Action Plan 3. SEMP flyer example


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Attachment 1 Key SEMP Stakeholders

Ancon Australia P/L LD Shipping Angling Clubs and Associations Lessees, Licensees and Tenants Australian Border Force LEFCOL Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service Local Ports Managers Bass Coast Shire Council Loch Sport Foreshore Committee of Management Berth and mooring permit holders Port Anthony Coastcare Port Franklin Professional Fisherman’s Association

Coastguard Port Franklin Foreshore Committee of Management

Boating and Yacht Clubs Port Welshpool Fishermen’s Association

Boating Industry Association of Victoria Port Welshpool Working Group Inc.

Corner Inlet Fisheries Habitat Association Parks Victoria

Country Fire Authority QUBE

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Industry, Transport and Resources

Royal Australian Navy

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Seafood Industry Victoria Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

South Gippsland Shire Council

East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority South Gippsland Water East Gippsland Water South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association Environment Protection Authority Tek Ocean ESSO Australia Limited Victoria Police Furneaux Freight P/L Victorian Coastal Council West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Wellington Shire Council Gippsland Coastal Board West Gippsland catchment management Authority Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Work Safe Victoria


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Attachment 2

Safety & Environment Management Plan (SEMP) 2019-2022 - Review

Stakeholder Engagement - Action Plan

Internal Engagement

Activity/ Action Lead Methods & Channels Indicative Timing

Conduct an initial review of the SEMP ensuring integration of Risk & Compliance Framework elements and develop draft SEMP 2019-2021.

RCM 27 Jul 18

Management Team reviews initial draft SEMP and SEMP Stakeholder Engagement Plan (this plan).

EM-CS & RCM • MT meeting – paper, email, workshop 18 Oct 18

DEVELOP SEMP Summary (facts sheet/ brochure)

RCM • 16 Nov 2018

DEVELOP SEMP survey instrument.

RCM

APPROVE SEMP Summary (facts sheet/ brochure)

EM-CS • 20 Nov 2018

APPROVE SEMP survey instrument.

EM-CS

Board releases draft SEMP for external consultation to external priority stakeholders identified at the GP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and page 12 below.

Board Chair • Board meeting - paper 22 Nov 2018


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External Engagement

Activity/ Action Lead Methods & Channels Indicative Timing

Provide CEO notification to external priority stakeholder agencies listed below that draft SEMP is available at the GP website.

RCM • Formal letter

• GP website

23 Nov 2018

Notify all stakeholders that draft SEMP is available at GP website and at GP customer service centres (BHO, PW LED, Boatyards) for comment. Widest distribution – refer to GP Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

RCM • Facts sheet/ brochure

• GP website

• Email

• Facebook

• Local newspapers

• Survey Monkey

• SEMP & survey hardcopy at service centres.

23 Nov 2018

TACC meeting presentation and invitation to comment.

CEO/ RCM • Presentation

Provide information and invitation to comment to seminars/ networking groups (as opportunity arises).

As required. • Speaking engagement as required

Leverage off GP Stakeholder Engagement Plan strategy 3.# - Stakeholder forums with groups including waterway users, boatyard users, and community to present information about GP roles and activities and gain insights into stakeholders needs.

As required. • Presentation as required

Close survey & draft SEMP for comment.

RCM 18 Feb 2019

Review/ amend SEMP against comment provided

RCM 28 Feb 2019

Audit SEMP External Auditor

Ministerial guidelines Mid Mar 2019

Finalise & approve SEMP and advise all stakeholders of document availability and information regarding future consultation.

CEO/ RCM Mar 2019


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Priority External Stakeholders

The Priority Stakeholders identified at the GP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy (Table 7) shall be engaged during review of the SEMP.

Agencies

The following priority agencies, licensees, lessees, port operators, service providers, key users and stakeholder representative groups will be formally invited to provide input to the draft SEMP:

• Department of Economic Development , Jobs, Transport and Resources

• Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

• Parks Victoria

• East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

• West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

• East Gippsland Shire Council

• Wellington Shire Council

• South Gippsland Shire Council

• Bass Coast Shire Council

• Transport Safety Victoria

• Environment Protection Authority

• WorkSafe

• Victoria Police – Gippsland Water Police

• Coastguard

Feedback Channels

Feedback on SEMP issues can be provided:

• Directly by phone or email to GP

• By email – GP website, ‘Feedback’ or the ‘[email protected]’ email address.

• Using the Amendment & Comment form at the SEMP.

• Through Informal one-on-one meetings or arranged drop-in sessions.

• Through all GP staff.


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Policy Number: 3.2 Date of Current Issue: 22 February 2018 Date of Next Review: 22 F e b r u a ry 2021

3.2 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY Policy Scope: This policy applies to all Gippsland Ports’ employees, contractors, customers

and visitors to Gippsland Ports facilities and work locations and all activities associated with Gippsland Ports’ functions. This policy is a statement of Gippsland Ports’ intentions and principles in relation to its overall health and safety performance and provides the direction for action and for setting safety objectives and targets.

Policy Purpose: This policy informs and guides Gippsland Ports in providing a work environment which improves the safety, health and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It supports an effective safety culture within Gippsland Ports and a safety first approach to all Gippsland Ports operations.

Policy: Gippsland Ports is committed to providing and maintaining, where reasonable and practicable, a safe and healthy environment for its employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This will be achieved by implementing a safety first approach to all areas of our operations. Gippsland Ports will continually monitor our systems and operations by establishing targets to drive progress towards best practice health and safety across our organisation.

The leadership team at Gippsland Ports will ensure that employees receive

information and training to enable them to identify and control workplace hazards.

Consultation with employees on all matters pertaining to health and safety will

occur as part of normal operations. Health & Safety obligations are a shared

responsibility, in which all the employees, contractors, customers and visitors have

a defined role to play.

Gippsland Ports will ensure that its contractors, customers and visitors are informed of hazards they may be exposed at its sites, and that everyone is made aware of their obligations to conform to Gippsland Ports’ policy and standards for health & safety.

The implementation of this policy will maintain and further develop a culture of safety within our organisation, a culture that will sustain best practice in health & safety.

Related Processes: The following documents, policies and procedures are related to this policy: Safety and Environmental Management Plans Gippsland Ports Environmental, Health & Safety Management MAINSTAY

Program

Related legislation: OHS Act (VIC) 2004 OHS Regulations (VIC) 2017

Date Adopted: 28 August 2012 Date Reviewed & Endorsed: 22 February 2018 Next Review Date: 22 February 2021

Policy Number: 3.1 Date of Current Issue: 22 February 2018 Date of Next Review: 22 February 2021

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Policy Scope: This policy applies to all Gippsland Ports’ employees, contractors, customers,

visitors and the general public. The policy applies to all activities associated with Gippsland Ports’ functions and includes GP interests and involvement in wider regional environmental management.

Policy Purpose: This policy will inform and guide Gippsland Ports in the management of environmental impacts associated with work practices, operations and decision making involving management of Gippsland Ports’ managed ports, waterways and related assets.

The Environment Policy is a statement of Gippsland Ports’ intentions and principles in relation to its overall environmental performance and provides guidance for action and the setting of environmental objectives and targets.

Policy: Gippsland Ports recognises that the environmental health of our ports and waterways has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of Gippslanders. We are therefore committed to minimising the environmental impacts of our operations and adapting to changes in the environment.

Gippsland Ports is committed to operating in accordance with relevant environmental legislation in a manner that includes and respects environmental values and sustainability for the benefit of present and future generations.

We will aim to go beyond our legislative obligations in order to ensure, where opportunities exist, best practice environmental management is implemented. We will engage with key agencies and stakeholders to respond to environmental matters of mutual interest and support regional environmental management initiatives.

Through the setting of targets and monitoring the port and waterway environment, Gippsland Ports will aim to ensure that our ports and waterways natural environments are not adversely impacted. In our everyday operations we will implement waste management strategies that will encourage energy reduction, reuse and recycling. The training of our personnel, provision of information to our contractors, customers, visitors and the general public will lead to the development of improved and sustainable environmental practices. We will identify where GP actions may lead to environmental impacts and implement programs to eliminate, or where elimination is not possible, reduce to the practicable minimum, the effects of such actions.

Related Processes: The following documents, policies and procedures are related to this policy:

Gippsland Ports Environmental Policy statement (Attached) Safety and Environmental Management Plans

Gippsland Ports Environmental, Health & Safety Management MAINSTAY Program

Related Legislation: Environment Protection Act (VIC) 1970

Pollution of Waters by Oils and Noxious Substances Act 1986 (POWBONS)

Date Adopted: 28 August 2012 Date Reviewed & Endorsed: 22 February 2018 Next Review Date: 22 February 2021

2

Safety & Environment Management Plan 2019-2022 - APPENDICES CONTENTS Link

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APPENDIX 4. Maps of Port & Waterway Boundaries, Infrastructure & Management

4A. Port and Waterway Boundaries and Tenure


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4B. Port Infrastructure


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PLLE02

PLLE03

Licencee – position approximate only. Refer to Appendix 5

PLLE07 & 08, 09 & 10

PLLE01

LECQ001 & 002

N/N

PLLE05 & 06


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PLPY02 & 03

PLPY01 & 06, 04

PLLE08



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Licencee – position approximate only. Refer

to Appendix 5

PLPA01 & 03


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Fisheries & Parks Vic



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4C. Gippsland Ports Managed Sites


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Licencee – position approximate only. Refer

to Appendix 5

PLPF02

PLPF01


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APPENDIX 5. Port Licensees

Name At 13 March 2019 Facility Port Site ID

BS Bolding Pty Ltd - (Ferry Café Site) Berthing area near L/E Eastern Wharf GL PLLE02

Port Franklin Foreshore Reserve Committee Port Franklin Slipway CI PLPF01

Para Park Co-Operative Game Reserve 4m2 area on Pt Albert Wharf - Fixed Crane. Swing moorings -Para Park appointed Comm of Mgmt

CI PLPA01 & 03

Nautilus Floating Restaurant -Dedman Holdings Area at L/E Western Boat Harbour GL PLLE03

Victorian Police Office & Shedding in Boatyard P'ville. Berthing are in Paynesville Boatyard.

GL PLPY01 & 06

Peels Tourist & Ferry Service Section of Jetty - Post Office Jetty. Area of Land booking office - Post Office Jetty. Section of Jetty - Progress Jetty

GL PLLE05, 06, & 08

Port Franklin Fishermans Association Port Franklin Wharf Shed CI PLPF02

Leftrade Fuel jetty & Fuel jetty licence GL PLLE07 & 08

LEFCOL Unloading jetty 1 & Unloading jetty 2 GL PLLE09 & 10

Bulls Cruisers House & Land & Bberths Paynesville

GL PLPY02 & 03

Shayne Clarke Eastern Residence GL PLLE01

Lonsdale Cruises Lakes Entrance Cunningham Quay GL LECQ001

AT Pollard T/A Mako Fishing Charters Lakes Entrance Cunningham Quay GL LECQ002

Lakes Entrance Baptist Church-Old S/way Sheds Lakes Entrance Old Slipway Sheds GL tbc

Quaintmere Contracting - Advance Marine Diesel Services

Shed at Paynesville Boatyard GL PLPY04

Victorian Fisheries Authority Shed at Port Welshpool CI tbc

Parks Victoria Shed at Port Welshpool CI tbc

East Gippsland Shire Mallacoota Wharf Shed MA tbc

State Oil Pollution Response Shed at Bullock Island Dredge Facility GL tbc

* Refer to the Gippsland Ports Port & waterway Activity Register for further details.


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APPENDIX 6. Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Materials Storage Facilities

Location Description Type Use

SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Port Welshpool Depot 4000 litre capacity above ground “convault” self- contained & bunded and fire rated fuel tank

2000L ULP 2000L diesel

Port Welshpool Depot wharf Above ground storage tank Waste oil Waste oil collection.

Port Welshpool Depot (Victorian Fisheries Authority)

2000L above ground “convault” self- contained & bunded and fire rated fuel tank

2000L ULP Supplies Victorian Fisheries Authority.

Entrance to the Eastern Harbour, Port Welshpool

Underground storage tank 30,000L diesel Operated by Peter Rose (Port Welshpool General Store) under arrangement with Evans Petroleum.

Barrys Beach Marine Terminal (BBMT)

Above ground storage Diesel Methanol

Support offshore oil & gas industry -‘Qube’.

EAST GIPPSLAND

Paynesville 25,000 litre above ground ‘convault’ storage tank

12,500L ULP 12,500L diesel

Supplies the public on water fuel dispensing facility operated by Bulls Cruisers.

Paynesville Boatyard Storage tank on a trailer 1000L Diesel Mobile plant fuel.

Paynesville Boatyard Flammable Liquid container ~2,500L paints and

thinners Boatyard supplies.

Metung, On water fuel facility Two underground Storage tanks ~2,500L ULP

~2,500L diesel Supplies the public on water fuel dispensing facility operated by Riviera Nautic.

Bullock Island Dredge Facility Flammable Liquid Container ~1,000L various

flammable and combustible liquids

Support dredger.


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Location Description Type Use

Bullock Island (LEFCOL) Above ground storage tank Diesel Supplies fishing vessels and the public at the

LEFCOL operated fuel jetty.

Bullock Island Fuel Jetty, Lakes Entrance Depot

25,000 litre above ground ‘convault’ storage tank located at Lakes Entrance Depot

12,500L ULP 12.500L diesel

Supplies the public on water fuel dispensing facility operated by Gippsland Ports.

Lakes Entrance Depot Flammable liquid container ~2,300L various

flammable and combustible liquids

ULP, Diesel fuel for vessels and plant; paint and thinners.

Lakes Entrance Depot Oil container 2,200L various oils Dredger, vessels and mobile plant.

Lakes Entrance Depot Fuel Barge 8,000L diesel Fuel for dredger and booster pump.

Bullock Island Boatyard Tank on skids 500L Diesel Fuel for Travel Lift, mobile plant.

Bullock Island Boatyard 2,200L storage tank Waste oil Waste oil collection from LED, BIBY and collection

points provided on LE wharves & jetties


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APPENDIX 7. Issues Identified by Stakeholders and Waterway Users

Port/Waterway Issues Theme/Response

Anderson Inlet Lack of casual boater knowledge of safety and responsible boating. Many casual waterway users are not aware of, or don’t observe boating rules. Lack of permanent moorings/berths at Inverloch including SES vessel. Insufficient boating facilities during peak season. Dangerous launching and retrieval at boat ramp in rough weather and currents and at high tide. Need for other jetty/landing/boat launch locations. Additional charter boats (houseboats) will increase demand for berthing. Potential for fishing platform to provide an alternative to the jetty. Health of inlet due to re-directed water flow. Litter and discarded objects/materials near jetty. Fish-cleaning facility creates a mess and attracts wildlife to jetty area. Potential damage to the relatively pristine environment – fuel spills, etc. Limited Tarwin River access. Toora boat ramp accessibility. Incorrect buoyage location due to shifting channels.

Information and education. Especially for casual boaters. Promote respectful use of the waterway by all users. Boater education, especially at peak times. Access to navigation information. Infrastructure Planning Demand analysis proposed by Bass Coast Shire for a marina at Mahers Landing to take pressure off the existing ramp and jetty and provide additional berthing. Follow up with Fisheries Victoria and recreational fishers. WGCMA Coordinated management of land-based facilities More fish cleaning tables away from ramps. Information and education – review of signage and educational materials Port access and channel maintenance. Convey channel maintenance and port access arrangements and limitations to stakeholders. Aids to Navigation.


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Corner Inlet and Port Albert

Reduced level of service for recreational boat users. General upgrades required for boating facilities in South Gippsland. Long jetty reconstruction. Need for a marina to provide berthing facilities and to facilitate growth in boating activity. Safe access to jetties and boating facilities. No navigation lights from Barry Beach to Toora boat ramp. Extension of Port boundaries at Port Franklin to include derelict vessel Vessels (even new vessels) often not properly fitted with lights – need for education on night-time vessel lighting requirements Potential to install wave rider buoy at channel entrance to Corner Inlet to provide weather and wave information Future operation of the Port Franklin slipway – interest from Committee of management in taking over the facility Need for dredging of the Toora Channel Boats at anchor not giving way to commercial vessels in the channel (though sometimes it is unavoidable to anchor within channels due to shallow water elsewhere) Kayakers running the gauntlet with commercial vessels.

Infrastructure planning Navigability Port boundaries Information and education Waterway information Asset management Port access and navigability Conflict in channels. Suggestion that deep water fishing areas should be designated (Singapore deep) to allow anchoring - “grey areas” within channels Information and education

Gippsland Lakes: Lakes Entrance

Conflicts on jetties with crabbers and swimmers. Kalimna Jetty conflicts of use. Swimmers off jetties are creating safety problems. Language an issue on safety and jetty signage, especially for crabbers Zoning in Cunninghame Arm and Hopetoun Channel – increasing conflict due to larger vessels, water-skiing, commercial fishing boats, etc.

Information and education. Jetty and channel conflicts. Waterway zoning. Areas for review. Improvements to hire drive education/local


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Skill and experience of boaters and hire boat drivers Demand for hardcopy boating guide for Gippsland Lakes, Visitor education, access to publications Ramp drop off and condition of jetty North Arm boat ramp. Hopetoun Channel dredging required Sand build-up at Bullock Island boat ramp Speeding around jetties issue with boats being able to speed closer to shore line ie 50m instead of 200m. Big boats going too close to smaller boats – swamping risk, need for greater enforcement and education Need for directional destination signage on lakes (fingerboards have been gradually removed) to provide general directions to towns and facilities (re-fueling, etc.) Bullock Island fueling periodically off-line, Illegal fueling continues. Bullock Island Fueling Jetty sign unlit. No light on Rigby Island. Inadequate seasonal policing – enforcement required of reckless behaviour, speeding. Illegal discharge from boats, including from “permanently” moored vessels, holding tanks need to be legislated. On-shore rubbish disposal Lack of knowledge and abuse of wildlife clearance laws, Lack of knowledge of critical wild life areas, e.g. Rigby Island

knowledge required? Information and education. Asset management. Boat ramp - EG Shire Navigability Access to boat ramps and jetties Information and education/Enforcement Boater behaviour - wake management Review signage Asset management Aids to navigation Gippsland Water Police seek to cover a large area with limited resources Information and education. Illegal discharge from vessels Coordinated management of land-based facilities Information and education Wildlife awareness signage at boat ramps?


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More mooring poles on shores, (e.g. Boxes Creek), consider pole to pole moorings at Cunninghame Arm – south side near footbridge Berth applications – need better information on probable waiting times Fishing platforms on Bullock Island required, Need options for other fishing locations - now some jetties closed off

Infrastructure Planning Information and education – berths and moorings Coordinated management of land–based facilities

Gippsland Lakes: Paynesville

Irresponsible behaviour - especially by jet skiers, boat wake in enclosed areas (e.g. McMillan Strait) and near jetties, lack of enforcement Conflict in Newlands Arm water-ski area, access to beach for water sports (Newlands Arm), direction of travel for water-skiers Dawsons Cove, lack of awareness of skiing protocol. Plan needed for use of Newlands Arm to accommodate all vessel types and activities Speeding boats in canals (especially north of Fort King bridge) Need for safe (enclosed) swimming beaches Fishing nets too close to other recreational activity Boat wake, speeding and congestion in McMillan Strait over summer (boaters not giving way to sail). Hire boats with unlicensed drivers Licensed drivers that don’t know the boating rules. Wake/speed/wash in McMillan Strait, Insufficient 5 knot zones, speeding vessels in canals Demand for moorings and short-term berths Beach launching required for small craft (at Yacht Club), car and trailer parking inadequate seasonally Overstaying on short-term jetty berths

Information and education/Enforcement Waterway management - conflicts between vessels Information and education Information and education - signage Infrastructure Planning. Coordinated management of land-based facilities. Information and education Wastewater discharge and pollution Information and education Aids to navigation Information and education. Need to update Boating


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Water quality - sewage discharge from vessels Fuel spillages Up to date and accurate charts required Visibility of channel markers, pile numbering (confusion between two No2 piles – Aurora/Campbell Channels Lateral markers approaching Aurora Channel are too far apart, confusion between No2 Steamer and No2 Aurora lateral marks Confusion around preferred channel marker at Aurora/Steamer Channel, difficult to see single piled aids to navigation Butler Point – no light Light on Ocean Grange jetty leads vessels direct from Steamer Channel into shallow water Anchoring hazard – underwater cable between Raymond island and Ocean Grange Vessels operating without lights at night Hire/drive boat operators are often inexperienced Vessels not keeping to correct side of McMillan Strait Waste management - removal of skip bins at Esplanade boat ramp leads to overflowing rubbish bins at busy times Toilets required at boating destinations Rubbish and fishing tackle left on jetties, more waste bins required at jetties Boat ramp capacity inadequate at peak times More fixed public mooring buoys ie Storm Bay, Pelican Point, Bunga Arm More short-term berthing in McMillan Strait/Squatters Row. Develop boardwalk/pens, encourage boat pen turn over. Vessels overstay in time limited jetty berths

Guide. Waterway Management Waterway hazards Information and education Planning and coordination of land-based facilities Infrastructure planning Information and education Waste and pollution Infrastructure planning Management of berths and moorings Management of berths and moorings. Infrastructure planning


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Cleats required on public jetties. Vertical fenders required on floating jetties. Missing swing mooring at Picnic Arm should be replaced. Relocate vessels from southern boat harbour to Squatters Row and free-up boat harbour for itinerant berths with access to the town centre. More webcams/weathercams supported. Issue with multiple agency management with associated costs and inefficiencies.

Management of berths and moorings Information and education. Coordination of management and regulatory functions

Gippsland Lakes: Sale

Jet skis not complying with waterway rules. Too close to shore at high speed. Sand on boat ramps at Loch Sport. Functionality of launching/retrieval facilities at Marlay Point. Operation of Lake Wellington Yacht Club is compromised. In the event of an accident on the water, emergency services will not be able to launch from here and the nearest location is Hollands Landing. Enforcement of speed limits on constrained waterways (Sale canal). Falling trees and debris causing obstructions in Sale canal and Latrobe River. More buoys needed to define “no boating” area in Lake Street (buoys also suggested between east-west line of buoys and beach to better demarcate the area) Fishing from wharves and jetties causing obstruction to approaching vessels.

Information and education Asset Management (Local Government) Asset Management (Local Government) Information and education/Enforcement Channel management Aids to Navigation/Conflict between waterway users Conflict between waterway users


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Impact of boat wake on rowers. Channel markers at Manns Beach and McLoughlins Beach are no longer in the right locations due to shifting sand. Lead markers in entrance to McLennan Straits – some are not lit. Need for safety signage at Loch Sport boat ramp and jetty. Latrobe River bank erosion. Find better ways to promote and advertise boating safety messages. More enforcement support from land-based police. Major concern regarding the lack of funding for boating facilities and maintenance of boater safety on the Gippsland Lakes.

Conflict between waterway users Aids to Navigation Aids to navigation Information and education Boat wake Information and education Enforcement Infrastructure Planning

Snowy River/Bemm River

Maintenance and lighting at Brodribb boat ramp and jetty. Big boats causing large wake in top of estuary. Boats also speeding. Navigation aids to channel in Bemm River, lack of navigation aids in Snowy estuary to indicate shallows Safe launching and retrieval in bad weather (Bemm River). Enlargement and re-nourishment of the safe swimming area at Marlo. Inadequacy of boat ramps. Navigational aids required at channel and river mouth (Bemm River), as well as sand bar from Pelican Point to opposite river mouth.

Asset Management Wake management/Education and awareness Aids to Navigation Infrastructure Planning Coordinated management of foreshores Infrastructure Planning Aids to navigation


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Siltation at launching ramp, sub-standard boat ramp (Bemm River). Lighting at boat ramps, trees blocking the light at Marlo lighthouse, light at boat ramp often not working Unsafe conditions at the bar Cardinal marks required at lower island and top island, Green can buoy at top of second island needs new reflective tape and checking of position, Lead markers at Cape Conran required - recently removed from East Cape by Parks Vic (these provided a safe passage into the beach in bad weather) Parks Vic do not maintain Cape Conran boat ramp Drop-off at Brodribb boat ramp Need for hydrographic survey of estuary More resources required for Parks Vic and DELWP to manage waterways under their jurisdiction. Lack of follow up for management of Sydenham Inlet, new jetty (PV) at Corringle Slips is inaccessible due to underwater obstruction of old piles. Suggestion of a web cam at Cape Conran boat ramp Foreshore improvements required in line with foreshore management plan. Improvements to boating safety signage, signage needs to be

Asset management (Local Government) Asset Management Channel management/Information and education Aids to Navigation Aids to Navigation Asset Management/Coordinated Management of Foreshores Asset Management/Infrastructure Planning Navigability Waterway Management Asset Management (Parks Vic) Information and education Coordinated management of foreshores (East Gippsland Shire advised of Shire budget allocation – design 2015/16 and seed capital funding 2016/17)


Page 40


combined with adequate enforcement. Information and education

Mallacoota Sand build-up at Wharf and camp park pens, prevents safe or convenient access. Shallow banks and silted channels elsewhere on the lake create safety hazards. Risk of groundings. Program of channel maintenance required to maintain existing channels (and potentially restore previous channels) to allow better boating access. Need for signage at Bastion Point – information on Coast Guard call signs, and general offshore safety information. Sea kayaks often head out to see without proper preparation or advice of departure. Unlimited time access to trailer sailers, etc. at Parks Vic jetties (Goanna Bay, Allens Head). Visiting vessels and charters come to use the picnic facilities, etc. and cannot get access to the jetties. Question regarding entrance opening protocols – the situation in Mallacoota is different to other waterways which eventually open naturally. Suggested that as soon as the lake closes, planning should commence for its eventual re-opening, due to the damage and safety issues that arise with higher lake levels.

Navigability (Discussions re proposed dredging by East Gippsland Shire) Information and education (signage needs to convey all the necessary messages, without leading to proliferation of signage). Information and education. Conflict on jetties Waterway management (EGCMA)


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APPENDIX 8. Gippsland Ports SEMP Strategies

From Strategic plan

Safety & Environment Management Plan (SEMP) EHS 101-00-01

Page 1

Port & Waterway – SEMP Strategies Source: GP Strategic Plan 2018-2021

Item Strategic Objectives GP Strategies 2019-2022 – SEMP related

5.1 CUSTOMER SERVICE 5.1.1 Plan for and provide improved

and appropriate physical assets, waterways information and services to port and waterways users.

Pursue Boating Safety and Facilities Program grants for recreational boating facilities based on agreed priorities.

Pursue grant funding through regional development and other available programs for development for other (non-specific recreational boating) port and waterway infrastructure.

Continue to collaborate with other agencies in the development and / or of planning processes that have relevance to waterway and maritime services, infrastructure, access and related developments.

5.1.2 Provide improved opportunities, experiences and safety for waterway users.

Develop a maritime activities compliance and enforcement policy.

Review maritime activity compliance and enforcement capability.

Work with other agencies (Water Pol & MSV) to promote safer behavior on waterways.

Work with other waterway and maritime asset managers (Local Govt, DELWP, PV) to more efficiently, effectively and consistently manage assets, provide services, monitor and ensure compliance.

More effectively connect waterway users to available information to improve their enjoyment and safety through increase information availability and accessibility through more effective use of communications technology and contemporary media.

Complete a review of currency and appropriateness of all GP Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules.


Page 2


Establish a more efficient web-based process for event management and permits.

Provide well maintained and reliable assets and services focused on those locations that are most important to waterway users.

5.1.3 Fulfill statutory and regulatory responsibilities efficiently and effectively and to provide regional solutions for port and waterways operations and safety.

Engage with DEDJTR and regulators to define the service standards against which GP will deliver to satisfy statutory and regulatory responsibilities.

Improve internal processes for auditing and recording asset condition, serviceability and performance reliability to improve customer service, waterway safety and to more effectively and efficiently utilize GP resources.

Engage with other regional waterway and maritime asset managers to provide services on a commercial basis, capitalizing on GP competitive strengths.

5.1.4 Understand customers’ needs and behaviours.

Undertake customer surveys of customer and user groups to gather information on customer needs.

Conduct customer forums on key issues to obtain feedback on opportunities and options for changes to service delivery.

5.2 INTEGRATED PORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 5.2.1 To ensure integrated foreshore

and waterways development plans by agencies that reflect the interaction between on- land and on-water activities and developments.

Continue to collaborate with other agencies (GP, coastal shires, DEPI, PV) in the development and planning processes that have relevance to waterway management, land and water interface, maritime services, infrastructure, access and related developments.

5.2.2 To consolidate and rationalise waterway management responsibilities (by regulation or by MOU).

Engage with DEDJTR, MSV, DELWP, PV, Local Government and CMAs to identify opportunities for waterways, services and infrastructure management arrangements that provide improved outcomes for waterway users, more effective and efficient utilization of resources through the rationalization of management responsibilities.


Page 3


Implement rationalized management responsibilities, either through statutory process, delegated responsibility or interagency MoUs.

Continue to engage with Local Government and other agencies to identify and remove unnecessary regulatory processes and constraints to improve GP’s operational efficiency and service delivery.

5.2.3 Develop a Gippsland Ports “Port masterplan”.

Advocate for adoption of a Victorian Ports Strategy as an enabling framework for port development.

Identify and source funding and resources for preparation of a Ports masterplan.

5.3 PORT ACCESS 5.3.1 Maintain navigable access to

ports and waterways to accommodate changing demand and to facilitate new commercial shipping and recreational boating opportunities consistent with the Port masterplan.

Define and agree with DEDJTR, MSV and industry, the regulatory and community service standards for maintenance of navigation channels with port waters.

Develop a strategic plan for channel maintenance based on cost benefit and waterway user safety priorities.

Proactively pursue requisite consents and approvals in advance of expiration of existing approvals to ensure channel maintenance and navigability is not compromised.

5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 5.4.1 Contribute to improving the

environmental values of ports and waterways.

In consultation with other agencies and waterway users, develop environmental KPIs for port operations and waterway management.

Monitor and review social trends and values, or legislative changes that may influence or inform changes to environmental KPIs.

Implement priority recommendations of the “Gippsland Lakes Sustainable Boating Plan”.


Page 4


5.4.2 Ensure that our operations do not unreasonably impact the environment.

Establish baseline knowledge of utilities consumption (water, electricity) and energy consumption (fuels).

Monitor performance and pursue continuous improvement against environmental KPIs.

Apply sustainability principles in purchasing and operational management.

5.4.3 Provide education to port and waterway users to reduce environmental impacts.

Develop educational materials to address key environmental issues in conjunction with stakeholders.

Increase the use of media, promotional opportunities and Facebook posts to promote environmental messages.

5.5 ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY 5.5.1 Position Gippsland Ports as a

sustainably funded agency that delivers integrated port and waterways management to government and community.

Advocate and build support for the development of a local ports strategy through engaging with Minister for Ports, DEDJTR, and regional development agencies.

Review activities and obligations against provided funding (management agreement) and achieve agreement with funding agencies on service and performance delivery standards.

Manage costs and secure revenue streams to deliver against agreed statutory and regulatory performance standards.

Define and develop a long term sustainable funding model including public funding, private investment and self-generated revenue.

5.5.2 Strengthen stakeholder engagement and communications

Refine GP Stakeholder Engagement Plan to reflect IAP2 spectrum for the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement processes.


Page 5


5.5.3 Enhance internal and external communication.

More effectively connect waterway users to available information to improve their enjoyment and safety through increase information availability and accessibility through more effective use of communications technology and contemporary media.

5.5.4 Develop a more diverse and flexible workforce.

Identify critical skills, develop and implement retention strategies for identified priority skills.

Identify opportunities for contingency management through collaboration with other agencies.

Continue to build a ‘safety first’ workplace culture.

5.5.5 Ensure a robust risk management framework is applied to all operations.

Maintain effective and efficient risk management processes and reporting.

Monitor operational processes to ensure unacceptable risks are avoided and effective controls are maintained.

5.6 PARTNERSHIPS 5.6.1 Co-locate with strategic maritime

partners to improve business and customer outcomes. Actively pursue the development of the boatyard precinct in Paynesville to facilitate development of new maritime facilities.

Actively engage with potential partners and service providers to identify co-location opportunities.


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APPENDIX 9. Gippsland Ports & Waterways - Activity Risk Register

Locations: GL = Gippsland Lakes, CI = Corner Inlet, AI = Anderson Inlet, SR = Snowy River, MA = Mallacoota. Risk Ratings (refer to Risk Management Framework): H = High, M = Medium, L = Low

Risk Type: In – in water activities e.g. swimming, On – on waterway e.g. boating, Over – over water e.g. fishing from jetty, Near – adjacent to waterway

Current: 23/5/19 Review by: May 2020 Page 1 G:\Filing\02 - OH&S AND RISK MANAGEMENT\02-920 Review of SEMPS System\2019-2022 SEMP Final\A9. Port Activity Risk Register rev2.0.docx

Gippsland Ports & Waterways - Activity Risk Register

CONTEXT:

Gippsland Ports is a Committee of Management under the Crown Lands Act overseen by a Board responsible to the Minister for Ports under the Port Management Act 1995 and the Marine Safety Act 2010. The organisation has responsibilities for emergency management under Victorian State emergency management plans and for maritime security under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act, along with responsibilities for: navigation, port operations, regulation, security and compliance, boating safety, incident management, emergency response, dredging and sand management activities. Gippsland Ports is a significant provider of public marine infrastructure and services, with oversight of 1400 sq. km. of waterways from Anderson Inlet to Mallacoota, including 800+ navigation aids, 100 wharves and jetties and approx. 900 berths and moorings. Gippsland Ports has a major role in supporting the safe, efficient and sustainable use of our waterways, enjoyed by thousands of people and bringing many benefits to the Gippsland region.

Adapted from: Gippsland Ports, Safety & Environment Management Plan

General Controls:

To be applied across all activities

General controls e.g. emergency response, inspections etc are detailed at Port Management Plans.

Unless identified otherwise below - controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Risk ratings are for GP controlled areas only not privately controlled activities.

Monitor within available resources.

Refer to RECORD OF REVISION at end of register

THIS RISK ASSESSMENT IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND WILL BE REVIEWED ON A PERIODIC BASIS.

Inherent Risk Ratings

Activity

Refer to: Port & Waterway Activity Register for details

Context

Covering significant locations, known issues & incidents.

Control Summary & References

“Measures & Strategies”

Details are provided at respective Port Management Plans.

Potential Key Impact Events

Abbreviations: GL – Gippsland Lakes,

CI – Corner Inlet & Port Albert, AI – Anderson Inlet,

SR- Snowy River, MA- Mallacoota, Ww - waterway

Specific Key Controls

General controls e.g. emergency response,

inspections etc are detailed at Port Management Plans.

Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.0 Commercial Operations

1.1. Fueling – mobile

Bulk fuel (bunkering) of vessels by road tanker occurs at GL and CI. GP is notified by operator if over 10,000L. GP Fuel barge is used to fuel KALIMNA dredge and BOOSTER BARGE. Fueling not permitted at Eastern Wharf, Lakes Entrance.

Security cameras available in some locations.

GP Marine Compliance Handbook controls:

√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution

√ Vessel/ Plant impact

o Other (refer to Context)

√ Permit/ Licence system

√ Notification to GP

o Public notice/ information

√ Operator/ Licencee Plans

√ Control access

Over H H L L L L

1.2. Fueling – fixed facility

Fixed fueling facilities are located at Barry’s Beach Marine Terminal (BBMT), Port Welshpool, Port Antony Marine Terminal (PAMT), Paynesville, Metung, & Bullock Island.

Evidence of fuel system management plans is required. Security cameras available in some locations.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution




o Notification to GP



√ Control access

Over H H N/A N/A N/A N/A




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.3. Dangerous Goods handling

Barry’s Beach Marine Terminal (BBMT) - transfer of explosives and methanol occurs. Lakes Entrance – transfer of flares for commercial vessels. Port Albert - small quantities of small arms ammunition for recreational hunting. Compressed gases are transferred at BBMT, Marginal Wharf.

Commercial operators are required to provide DG Manifests in accordance with HM Directions. Security cameras available in some locations.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution






o Operator/ Licencee Plans

√ Control access

Over H H L L L L

1.4. Cargo handling (general)

Significant cargo handling areas are located in CI- Port Welshpool (Roll-on-roll off) servicing Flinders and King Islands, Marginal Wharf at Port Welshpool, Port Anthony Marine Terminal and Barry’s Beach Marine Terminal servicing off shore fuel & gas. Also Gippsland lakes – Lakes Entrance Eastern & Bullock Island wharves primarily servicing commercial fishing and Offshore Oil & Gas industry.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution



o Permit/ Licence system




√ Control access

Over M M N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.5. Cargo handling (livestock)

Livestock are loaded/ unloaded at CI – Port Welshpool Roll-on- Roll facility and Marginal Wharf. There have been incidents involving livestock.

Security cameras available in some locations. Livestock fencing project underway at Port Welshpool (Roll-on-roll off).


o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution


√ Other (refer to Context)





√ Control access

Over N/A H N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.6. Operate commercial fishing vessel

Fishing fleets located at GL- Lakes Entrance and CI - Port Welshpool, Port Franklin & Port Albert. 2013 MASSBANKER trawler incident was notifiable resulting in serious injury.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution





√ Public notice/ information


o Control access

On M M N/A N/A N/A N/A




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.7. Operate trading or passenger vessel

Charter/ hire operations are conducted from Lakes Entrance, Sale, Metung, Lake Tyers, Port Albert, Corner Inlet, Anderson Inlet, and Mallacoota. Trailerable charter vessels also operate with Ports & Waterways.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On M M M N/A M M

1.8.

Operate Hire & Drive vessels (powered & human powered).

For example, hire boats operated from Cunninghame Arm (Lakes Entrance), includes paddle boats, kayaks,standup paddleboards. In general, those hiring are inexperienced and a potential significant impact is drowning. There has been a recent hire boat incident involving injury.

Controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Monitor within available resources. Security cameras available in some locations.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

H M M N/A M L

1.9. Berthing & mooring (including marinas)

Some areas are access controlled. There was a significant fire at Progress Jetty Paynesville (2015). Derelict & abandoned vessels.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution

o Vessel/ Plant impact






o Control access

On H H M M M M

1.10. Vessel maintenance (on hardstand)

Activity conducted at Paynesville Boatyard, Bullock Island Boatyard, Slip Road Paynesville, Buckley’s – Anderson Inlet, & Sale. Bury’s slipway – Gippsland Lakes.

Controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Monitor within available resources. There is no monitoring of private / commercial sites by GP.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

Near M N/A M N/A N/A N/A




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.11. Vessel maintenance (on water)

Across all areas. Refer to significant incident involving MAASBANKER, Lakes Entrance. Working aloft and pollution issues.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H H L L M L

1.12.

Slipways Vessel maintenance

Slipways are located at Corner Inlet – Port Franklin & Port Welshpool, Paynesville Boatyard,Bury’s Slipway and Mallacoota



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

Over H H N/A N/A M N/A

1.13. Construction & maintenance– maritime structures

Across all areas. Water activities causing boat wake around construction & maintenance sites is a significant hazard to workers. Public safety must also be taken into account in relation to access and lighting of structures.



o Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H M L L L L

1.14. Commercial fishing

This activity includes netting & prawning. Activity occurs in Gippsland Lakes, Corner Inlet, Mallacoota. There is a significant risk of entanglement to to low visibility of nets.

Controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Monitor within available resources. Security cameras available in some locations. Commercial Fishing Code of Practice in place.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H M L L M L




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.15. Government activities

GL – Paynesville VICPOL – Water Police operating vessel e.g. helimed exercises. Using CI – accessing Port Welshpool Depot facilities Fisheries, Parks Victoria. Also Catchment Management Authorities, Coastguard and SES operate within port waters.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







√ Control access

Over M M L L L L

1.16. Dredging

Ongoing GP dredging at GL – Lakes Entrance. EGS Dredging – Mallacoota. Intermittent dredging at various locations.



o Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







√ Control access

On M N/A N/A N/A L N/A

1.17. Surveys & research

This includes hydrographic & marine survey/ testing. May also include surveys using divers & dolphin research.



o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access

In L L L L L L

1.18. Retail sales Includes: booking offices, cafes, restaurants etc. Also sales from fishing vessels alongside.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

Over L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

1.19. Commercial activities adjacent to port waters.

Includes: operation of marine terminals eg. Barry’s Beach and Port Antony.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







√ Control access

Near M H N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.20. Events

Includes: Power boat races, sailing, paddling, pyrotechnic displays, Adventure races. Event size, complexity, & numbers increasing GL - Annual powerboat race, Paynesville Boat rally, Mitchell River rowing regatta.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







√ Control access

On H L L H L L

2.0 Public -Recreational

2.1 Fueling recreational vessels

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways. Risk increases seasonally – high tempo during summer.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H H H H H H

2.2 Operate powered vessels

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways. Potentially inexperienced people operating high powered vessels in “holiday mode”. All Gippsland Ports are bar ports making them hazardous to navigate. Fatalities have occurred during bar crossings. A significant number of breakdowns and low scale SAR occurs. Moored vessel movement and shore erosion due to boat wakes.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H H H H H H




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

2.3 Operate PWC These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways.

Controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Monitor within available resources. Security cameras available in some locations. Anderson Inlet messaging board deployed 5/2/19.


√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H H H H H H

2.4 Operate human-powered vessels

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways and include paddle craft, sail & surfboards. Drowning is a significant potential impact.

Controls are currently effective to the extent of GP knowledge. Monitor within available resources. Security cameras available in some locations. Anderson Inlet messaging board deployed 5/2/19.


o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access

On H H H H H L

2.5 Outdoor education

Includes school camps and all types of vessels. High level of activity around Banksia Pennisula location. GP provides school education programs annually usually during Nov- Dec. Drowning is a significant potential impact.



o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access

H H H H H H

2.6

Recreational Vessel maintenance (on water)

Across all areas. Working aloft and pollution issues. Public exposure can be greater due to less site access control at public wharves & jetties.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

On H H M M M L




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

2.7 Berthing & mooring

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways. Access is controlled at some berths.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







√ Control access

On H H M M M L

2.8

Recreational activities from maritime structures and/or foreshore

Diving/ swimming from structures is not permitted, however, this still occurs. Known areas of risk include AI- Inverloch boat ramp-jetty where there have been near misses between swimmers & vessels. Other risk areas - Bullock Island - fishing & crabbing Reeves Landing, Marlo Jetty – fishing. CI - hunting at Snake Island. Drowning is a significant potential impact.

Advocate for improved infrastructure which separates swimmers & vessels. Monitor within available resources. Security cameras available in some locations.


o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access

Near H M H L L L

2.9

Recreational activities from vessels e.g. fishing, towed water sports etc

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways. Known hot spots are: North Arm, Cunninghame Arm, Barrier, Eagle Bay, Dawsons Cove and Snowy River. Drowning is a significant potential impact.



o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access

On H H H H H H

2.10 Swimming, diving, snorkeling – in water activities.

These activities occur across GP Ports & waterways. Drowning is a significant potential impact.



o Fire/ Explosion

o Pollution







o Control access In M M M M M M




Activity


Context












Ris

k T

yp

e

GL CI AI SR MA Ww

2.11 Air activities

Includes: flyovers by Airforce, para gliding, hang gliding, drone operations etc Lakes Entrance airfield in close proximity to Gippsland Lakes. GP HM authorization required for seaplane operations – occasional during 2010 & 2018.



√ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution







o Control access

Over H L L L L L

3.0 GP Operations

Refer to SEMP and GP Environment, Health & Safety Management System.

Controls are currently effective. √ Fire/ Explosion

√ Pollution



Refer to SEMP and GP Environment, Health & Safety Management System.

On Over Near

M M L L L L

RECORD OF REVISION

Rev Change Author Review & Consultation Date

2.0 SEMP feedback incorporated – 2.2 vessel wake D.Rose External feedback. 17/4/19

1.0 Assessment workshop. D.Rose David Rose (Risk & Compliance Manager), David Holding (Executive Manager Maritime Services). Bevis Hayward (Harbour Master), David Talko-Nicholas (Marine Officer Team Leader), David Ashworth (Marine Officer).

18/11/18

safety and environment management plan · the plan has been developed in accordance with the...

Documents