woolgoolga lake - city of coffs harbour...long-term fluctuations in water depths associated with...

q u a l i t y s o l u t i o n s s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u r e

Estuary Management S tudy

Woolgoolga Lake

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Estuary Management S tudy

Woolgoolga Lake

Prepared for: Coffs Harbour City Council and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

© GeoLINK, 2011

PO Box 119 Lennox Head NSW 2478

T 02 6687 7666

PO Box 1446 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

T 02 6651 7666

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Version History UPR Description Date Issued Issued By Reviewed By 1616875 Initial Draft 19/09/2011 Tim Ruge Cate Walsh 1616375 Final Draft 25/11/2011 Tim Ruge Kim Casson 1616048 Final 15/12/2011 Tim Ruge Kim Casson

Table of Contents

Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Management Study 1616048

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1 Introduction 3

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Report Structure ............................................................................................................................................ 5

1.3 Planning Framework ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Estuary Processes 7

2.1 Hydrodynamics ............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.1.1 Hydrodynamic States and Entrance Behaviour...................................................................................... 7

2.1.2 Coastal Processes and Inundation ......................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Geomorphology and Sediment Dynamics ................................................................................................... 9

2.2.1 Bank Erosion ............................................................................................................................................ 9

2.2.2 Sedimentation ........................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3 Water Quality Processes ............................................................................................................................ 11

2.4 Ecological Processes.................................................................................................................................. 11

2.4.1 Estuarine Habitat .................................................................................................................................... 11

2.4.2 Aquatic Fauna ........................................................................................................................................ 13

2.4.3 Woolgoolga Lake Flying Fox Camp ...................................................................................................... 13

2.4.4 Riparian Vegetation ................................................................................................................................ 13

2.4.5 Estuary Health ........................................................................................................................................ 14

2.5 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ......................................................................................................... 15

2.5.1 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Impacts on Estuary Processes ................................................ 15

3 Community Consultation 17

3.1 Previous Consultation ................................................................................................................................. 17

3.2 Initial Community Workshop ...................................................................................................................... 17

3.2.1 Goals: ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.2.2 Issues: ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

3.3 Community Survey...................................................................................................................................... 18

3.4 Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................................................... 19

4 Values 21

4.1 Local and Regional ..................................................................................................................................... 21

4.2 Cultural Heritage ......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.3 Recreational Values .................................................................................................................................... 21


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4.4 Scenic Values ............................................................................................................................................. 22

4.5 Hydrodynamic Values ................................................................................................................................. 22

4.6 Water Quality Values .................................................................................................................................. 22

4.7 Ecological Values........................................................................................................................................ 22

5 Objectives and Management Issues 25

5.1 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 25

5.1.1 Entrance Conditions and Hydrodynamics Objectives .......................................................................... 25

5.1.2 Bank Stability and Sedimentation Objectives ....................................................................................... 27

5.1.3 Ecological, Habitat and Biodiversity Objectives ................................................................................... 27

5.1.4 Water Quality Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 28

5.1.5 Recreational Use and Access Objectives ............................................................................................. 28

5.1.6 Views and Visual Character Objectives ................................................................................................ 28

5.2 Issues .......................................................................................................................................................... 29

5.2.1 Entrance Conditions and Hydrodynamics Issues ................................................................................. 29

5.2.2 Bank Stability and Sedimentation Issues.............................................................................................. 30

5.2.3 Ecological, Habitat and Biodiversity Issues .......................................................................................... 31

5.2.4 Water Quality Issues .............................................................................................................................. 32

5.2.5 Recreational Use and Access Issues ................................................................................................... 35

5.2.6 Views and Visual Character Issues....................................................................................................... 36

5.3 Ranked List of Issues ................................................................................................................................. 38

6 Management Strategies 41

6.1 Potential Estuary Management Strategies ................................................................................................ 41

Illustrations Illustration 1.1 Study Area ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Illustration 2.1 Estuarine Habitat Mapping .......................................................................................................... 12

Illustration 5.1 Existing Path Network .................................................................................................................. 37

Illustration 6.1 Location of Specific Strategies .................................................................................................... 42


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Tables Table 2.1 Lake Water Levels for Non-Flood Periods – Existing and Future ........................................................ 8

Table 3.1 Consultation Correspondence .............................................................................................................. 20

Table 5.1 Lake Water Levels for Non-Flood and Flood Periods – Existing and Future .................................... 30

Table 5.2 Ranked List of Key Estuary Management Issues ............................................................................... 39

Table 6.1 Potential Estuary Management Strategies for Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Management Plan ......... 43

Plates Plate 1.1 Aerial Image of Woolgoolga Lake Estuary............................................................................................. 3

Plate 2.1 Beach Erosion and Shoreline Recession Mapping for the Year 2050 ................................................. 8

Plate 2.2 Coastal Inundation Mapping for the Year 2050 ..................................................................................... 9

Plate 2.3 Bank Erosion Severity (mapped January 2011) .................................................................................. 10

Plate 2.4 Entrance Conditions – Aerial Photographs –1943 and 1974 ............................................................. 10

Plate 2.5 Entrance Conditions – Aerial Photographs – 1994 and 2009 ............................................................ 11

Plate 2.6 Riparian Vegetation Condition (mapped January 2011) ..................................................................... 13

Plate 2.7 Distribution of Priority B and Priority C Invasive Weed Species (mapped January 2011)................ 14

Plate 5.1 Coastal Inundation Mapping for the Immediate and 2050 Planning Horizons .................................. 26

Appendices A Community Survey Data

B Planning Framework

Executive Summary


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This Estuary Management Study has developed a range of potential management strategies for the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Woolgoolga Lake estuary. Woolgoolga Lake is an Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoon (ICOLL). The estuary has areas of high environmental, recreational and aesthetic value. A key focus of recreational activity occurs at the public picnic area adjacent to the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park near the estuary entrance. The close proximity of residential communities and the variety of natural settings around Woolgoolga Lake combine to create a broad range of passive land and water based recreational opportunities that optimise the scenic potential of the area. The catchment area of Woolgoolga Lake includes a significant area of State Forest in the upper limits of the catchment. Banana plantations and blueberry farms cover a significant proportion of the upper slopes in the mid-catchment. Residential development and the commercial centre of Woolgoolga occupy a significant proportion of the lower catchment. The estuary is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Some of the key estuary management issues that have been identified relate to:

artificial opening of the estuary entrance to address flood mitigation and other issues while minimising interference with the natural opening and closing processes and associated estuary processes;

management of sediment, nutrient and other pollutant inputs from the catchment;

poorly managed recreational activities and other practices have the potential to impact on riparian vegetation and also degrade the recreational experience and scenic / natural amenity of the lake;

climate change impacts (particularly sea level rise and consequent lake water level increases) on the estuarine ecology and water quality; and

the need to upgrade and manage existing recreational facilities and opportunities to enhance and protect the recreational experience offered by Woolgoolga Lake.

A range of potential management strategies have been developed and prioritised to address the key issues. The potential strategies will be further considered and developed (including actions required for implementation, estimated costs, responsibilities, funding sources, etc) in the Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Woolgoolga Lake estuary. This will include development of a formal Entrance Management Protocol for the lake. Some of the key management strategies include:

minimise the need for artificial entrance opening in the long-term by active measures such as removing, relocating or otherwise managing items of low-lying infrastructure that currently necessitate openings;

continue educational strategies that address the management of soil resources and pesticide / herbicide / fertiliser use in agricultural activities and ensure that best practice erosion control methods are applied during forestry operations;

encourage the regeneration of riparian vegetation on the southern foreshores of the lake with measures such as increasing awareness of the local community about the importance of native riparian vegetation and establishing a pedestrian path as a defined maintenance boundary along the foreshore adjacent to residential areas and replace mown grass on the lakeside of the path with endemic riparian vegetation;

proposed improvements in riparian vegetation and aquatic habitats and management of sediment, nutrient and other pollutant inputs from the catchment will have ‗flow-on‘ effects for fish stocks in the lake;

maintain and consolidate the existing function and capacity of the lakeside picnic area as the main focus for family, water and land based recreational activity around the lake (including addressing bank erosion); and

consolidate and upgrade walking trails around the lake, remove and revegetate unnecessary routes and provide a continuous walking track along the southern shore of the lake Jarrett and Woolgoolga Creeks to formalise and enhance the recreational experience for public use.


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Dredging of the lake has been recommended by some community groups. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the estuary was previously deeper in the 1970‘s. Community consultation has highlighted a perceived loss of recreational opportunity due to decreased waterway depth relative to this period. Historical aerial photography indicates that water depths in 1943 were similar to present conditions, and deeper water depths were experienced in the 1960‘s and 1970‘s. This is attributed to very large flooding events in combination with large ocean swell events during the 1960‘s / 1970‘s which had the effect of removing a significant amount of marine derived sediments near the entrance. Since the 1960‘s / 1970‘s marine derived sediments have gradually built-up and subsequently reduced water depths in the vicinity of the lake picnic area / lake entrance. Fluctuations in the amount of marine sediment in the estuary and consequent fluctuations in water depths are a natural trend. This estuary management study does not recommend dredging of Woolgoolga Lake for the purpose of providing deeper water depths on the basis of the following considerations: long-term fluctuations in water depths associated with infilling of the estuary by marine derived sands is a

natural process that has occurred prior to the 1970‘s; dredging is expensive and generally only achieves short-term benefits in respect to removal of sediment; dredging can have significant negative impacts on water quality, estuary processes, health, and ecology; the lake is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and is listed as ‗Habitat Protection Zone‘ which has the

objective of protecting habitats and reducing high impact activities (eg. dredging); and an approval process involving NSW government agencies is required before dredging is undertaken and it is

considered unlikely that dredging would be approved for Woolgoolga Lake for the primary purpose of increasing water depths for improved swimming amenity.

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Introduction 1

1

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This study develops the framework for the preparation of a Coastal Zone Management Plan‘s (CZMP) for Woolgoolga Lake estuary. This study identifies:

the pressures impacting on the health and values of the estuary; and

management options to address these pressures.

The area addressed by this Estuary Management Study is shown in Illustration 1.1. The study area comprises the waterway, foreshores and land adjacent to the estuary up to the tidal limit of the tributary creeks and the drainage catchment contributing to the estuary. The study also considers issues associated with the wider catchment upstream of the tidal limit.

Source: NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Plate 1.1 Aerial Image of Woolgoolga Lake Estuary

1.1 Background In 2004, the Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC) Coastal Estuary Management Advisory Committee (CEMAC) adopted the goal ―to assist council in achieving an integrated, balanced, responsible and ecologically sustainable use of the Woolgoolga Lake Estuary.‖ In 2010, CHCC and Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) engaged GeoLINK in association with Aquatic Science and Management and GECO Environmental to develop a CZMP for Woolgoolga Lake estuary. The engagement includes the preliminary phases of data compilation and preparing an Estuary Processes Study and Estuary Management Study.

Creek

Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga Lake

WOOLGOOLGA

SAFTEY BEACH

Woolgoolga

Beach

Beac

h

Back

Woo

lgoo

lga

Sa

Poundyard Creek

South Woolgoolga Creek

Cemetery Creek High School Creek

Paci

fic H

ighw

ay

Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Management Study1616118

Illustration

Study Area

North 1.1

Drawn by: RE Checked by: TIM Reviewed by: TIM Date: August 2011Source of base data: Coffs Harbour City CouncilInformation shown is for illustrative purposes only

0 300


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The Data Compilation and Estuary Processes Study was completed in July 2011. This provides an understanding of the relationship between the estuary processes, external influences and issues of concern which are summarised in Section 3 of this report. This Estuary Management Study has been prepared in consideration of the OEH Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW, 2010). It is noted that the CZMP will only address coastal risks insofar as how they affect estuarine processes. Coffs Harbour City Council is developing a Coastal Zone Management Plan under a separate study to directly address coastal risks in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area. For the purpose of avoiding confusion between the CZMP‘s, the body of this report will refer to the CZMP for Woolgoolga Lake estuary as an ―Estuary Management Plan‖ or ―EMP‖.

1.2 Report Structure This report is structured in the following manner:

Section 1 Introduction

Describes the study area and outlines the statutory framework for estuary management in NSW including the various legislative, policy, and planning instruments that apply to the Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Management Plan

Section 2 Estuary Processes

Presents an overview and the outcomes of the Estuary Processes Study.

Section 3 Community Consultation and Stakeholder Liaison

Presents a summary of the outcomes of community and stakeholder consultations.

Section 4 Estuary Values

Presents an overview of estuary values, uses of the estuary, and issues derived from the consultation and literature review.

Sections 5 Objectives and Management Issues

This section outlines the vision, objectives and issues for the Woolgoolga Lake estuary including an overview of the current status of the topic, and associated management issues, objectives and proposed management strategies. The issue topics comprise: entrance conditions and hydrodynamics, bank stability and sedimentation objectives, ecological, habitat and biodiversity, water quality, recreational use and access and catchment management.

Section 6 Summary of Management Strategies

Presents a summary and prioritisation of the proposed management strategies from the previous sections

1.3 Planning Framework The planning framework (planning instruments, policies and management plans) relevant to the proposed estuary management strategies will be detailed for each strategy / action as part of the Estuary Management Plans. An overview of the planning framework is provided in Appendix B.

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Estuary Processes 2

2

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Woolgoolga Lake is an Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoon (ICOLL). The estuary has areas of high environmental, recreational and aesthetic value. A key focus of recreational activity occurs at the public picnic area adjacent to the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park near the estuary entrance. The estuary catchment area to the tidal limit is 343 ha, and the water body area is 37.6 ha. The total catchment (including drainage catchment upstream of the tidal limit) covers an area of 2,185 ha. State Forest area encompasses a large proportion of the upper limits of the catchment. Banana plantations and blueberry farms cover a significant proportion of the upper slopes in the mid-catchment. The main creeks flowing to the estuary are Woolgoolga Creek and Poundyard Creek. Other tributaries include South Woolgoolga Creek, Cemetery Creek and High School Creek. The estuary is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and zoned as a Habitat Protection Zone up to the tidal limit of the tributary creeks. A portion of the vegetated area adjoining the northern shore of the lake is located in the Coffs Coast Regional Park. The key findings and recommendations of the Data Compilation and Estuary Processes Study – Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and Willis Creek (GeoLINK et al., 2011) is summarised below for Woolgoolga Lake.

2.1 Hydrodynamics 2.1.1 Hydrodynamic States and Entrance Behaviour Woolgoolga Lake is generally classified as an ‗intermittently open‘ system. Water level data for the period of 2007 to 2011 indicates the lake is predominantly open during high rainfall years. During this period the entrance was open for approximately 66% of the time. The number of entrance openings over a 5 year period from 1982 to 1988 was 17 (an average of 3 to 4 entrance openings per year) of which Council initiated nine. This latter period included a range of varying rainfall years from very dry to very wet with some average rainfall years. Opening of the entrance has been initiated by Council in the past as a flood control measure. Council‘s informal policy is to open the lake entrance when the lake water level reaches an established flood mark of 1.8 m AHD at the Council depot in Ganderton Street, Woolgoolga. The last opening initiated by Council was in 2007. When the entrance is open, water levels in the lake can vary by 0.5 to 0.8 m over a full tidal cycle which will promote vertical and horizontal mixing between marine and estuary waters. A closed entrance results in perched water levels in the lake with water levels approximately 0.25 to 0.5 m higher than when the entrance is open. The maximum water level in the lake is typically in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 m AHD immediately prior to the entrance opening ‗naturally‘. Water levels in the lake are likely to increase by the same amount as sea level rise increases as a result of climate change. A summary of existing and future water levels for the lake is shown overleaf in Table 2.1. Reference to deeper water levels in the lake in the 1970‘s is discussed in Section 2.2.2.


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Table 2.1 Lake Water Levels for Non-Flood Periods – Existing and Future

Existing1 (2011) 2050 2100

Average water level (m AHD) 0.7 1.1 1.6

Maximum water level (m AHD) 1.5 1.9 2.4

Minimum water level (m AHD) 0.2 0.6 1.1

90th percentile water level2 (m AHD) 1.1 1.5 2.0 Notes: 1. Averaged from 2004 data and 2007 – 2011 data in Estuary Processes Study (GeoLINK et al, 2011); 2. The water level greater than 90 percent of all recorded water levels;

2.1.2 Coastal Processes and Inundation The long term shoreline recession on Woolgoolga Beach from coastal processes will result in some erosion of the north-eastern section of Lakeside Caravan Park and erosion of the reserve in the vicinity of the existing timber walls/rock revetment wall opposite the Woolgoolga Lake entrance – refer to Plate 2.1.

Source: BMT WBM (2010b)

Plate 2.1 Beach Erosion and Shoreline Recession Mapping for the Year 2050 Flooding along the margins of the lake as a result of elevated ocean levels during storms will be exacerbated by sea level rise – refer to Plate 2.2. Modelling indicates increased inundation of Sunset Lakes Estate along the southern shores of the lake, increased inundation of Woolgoolga Sunset Caravan Park and areas adjoining Woolgoolga Creek, and inundation north of Beach Street in Woolgoolga.


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Plate 2.2 Coastal Inundation Mapping for the Year 2050 Increased inundation of developed areas surrounding Woolgoolga Lake as a result of sea level rise will limit the effectiveness of existing low-lying stormwater treatment measures.

2.2 Geomorphology and Sediment Dynamics 2.2.1 Bank Erosion Bank erosion is not a significant issue in the Woolgoolga Lake estuary with only 5% of estuary banks subject to minor erosion and no moderate or severe erosion reaches identified – refer to Plate 2.3. Several areas of past erosion have been remediated using predominantly rock revetment or mixed timber walls/rock revetment (e.g. north bank near Woolgoolga Creek entrance), or tyre walls. 2.2.2 Sedimentation Aerial photography indicates the marine tide delta near the estuary entrance varies significantly in association with major flooding / rainfall events. Community experience of deeper water levels in Woolgoolga Lake in the 1970‘s relates to natural variations in the accumulation of marine sediment in the estuary. Erosion and transport of marine sediments out of an estuary is related to flood size and duration. The years 1964 and 1974 show a distinct reduction in the extent of the marine tide delta and a relatively deep estuary entrance area in comparison to other years (refer to Plate 2.4 to Plate 2.5). This is attributed to: the exceptionally large rainfall events experienced prior to the photographs; the generally ‗wet‘ years during this period; and potentially the large wave conditions and severe coastal erosion experienced in 1974. The rainfall events experienced during this period include:

A flood in April 1962 - the second largest flood on record for Woolgoolga Lake;

305 mm of rainfall in one day in April 1963 (the third largest daily rainfall total on record for Woolgoolga);

196 mm of rainfall in one day in March 1964 (the 14th largest daily rainfall total on record); and

A flood in March 1974 - the largest flood on record for Woolgoolga Lake. The rainfall during this flood included 146 mm, 306 mm and 138 mm on three successive days.


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Source: GeoLINK et al. (2011)

Plate 2.3 Bank Erosion Severity (mapped January 2011)

1943 (12 March): General El Niño Southern Oscillation phase in preceding years: El Niño

1974 (18 August): General El Niño Southern Oscillation phase in preceding years: La Niña

Plate 2.4 Entrance Conditions – Aerial Photographs –1943 and 1974

Marine Tide

Delta


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1994 (17 May): General El Niño Southern Oscillation phase in preceding years: El Niño

2009 (May): General El Niño Southern Oscillation phase in preceding years: La Niña

Plate 2.5 Entrance Conditions – Aerial Photographs – 1994 and 2009

2.3 Water Quality Processes Physico-chemical water quality data for Woolgoolga Lake shows a high degree of variability, a common and defining feature of ICOLLs. Median turbidity readings exceed ANZECC (2000) guidelines and OEH MER guidelines, however the default guidelines may not be readily applicable to shallow ICOLLs such as Woolgoolga Lake where re-suspension of sediment occurs as a result tidal fluctuations and wind-driven currents. Limited chemical water quality data indicates Woolgoolga Lake is slightly nitrogen enriched but is not phosphorus enriched. Nutrient and sediment modelling of the estuary catchment indicates that: forestry operations in the upper catchment area are the main contributor of nitrogen and sediment; horticultural land uses contribute most of the phosphorus; and residential land-use is also a significant contributor of sediments and nutrients. Faecal indicator organism samples indicate the waters of Woolgoolga Lake (for the period sampled) are generally safe for primary contact recreation. Chlorophyll-a concentrations indicate that Woolgoolga Lake has a slightly elevated trophic status.

2.4 Ecological Processes 2.4.1 Estuarine Habitat Benthic habitat is a mixture of sand, mud and gravel bars. Mangroves are the dominant vegetative habitat type in Woolgoolga Lake, and the extent of mangroves has increased – refer to Illustration 2.1. The area of saltmarsh at Woolgoolga Lake between the southern shores and Sunset Lakes Estate is likely to be ‗squeezed‘ and potentially lost with higher water levels resulting from sea level rise as there is nowhere for the salt marsh to retreat / re-establish.

WOOLGOOLGA

Woolgoolga Lake

Creek

Woolgoolga


Illustration

Estuarine Habitat Mapping

North 2.1

Drawn by: RE Checked by: MVE Reviewed by: TIM Date: September 2011Source of base data: Coffs Harbour City CouncilInformation shown is for illustrative purposes only

0 100

L E G E N D Mangrove (Aquatic Science and Management - 2009)Mangrove (Comprehensive Coastal Analysis - 2004)

Saltmarsh (Comprehensive Coastal Analysis - 2004)Saltmarsh (Aquatic Science and Management - 2009)


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2.4.2 Aquatic Fauna Macroinvertebrate fauna were sampled and analysed. The results indicated that the central regions of the waterway contain the most diverse and abundant benthic macroinvertebrate fauna. A survey of fish species was undertaken with relatively few animals from a small number of taxa collected. No threatened aquatic species have been individually reported from Woolgoolga Lake. 2.4.3 Woolgoolga Lake Flying Fox Camp A Grey-headed Flying-fox maternity camp occurs along the eastern banks of Woolgoolga Lake. This species is listed as vulnerable. Council plans on developing a long-term Flying-fox Management Strategy for the camp. 2.4.4 Riparian Vegetation Riparian vegetation in the study area is predominately in moderate to good condition (96% of mapped estuary banks) – refer to Plate 2.6. Only 3% of banks had riparian vegetation in poor to very poor condition and these reaches were confined to the southern bank of Woolgoolga Lake where it is clear of riparian vegetation with the exception of fringing saltmarsh which is impacted by mowing practices. An analysis of aerial photography shows the site was cleared prior to the 1940‘s. However, since the 1980‘s when residential development accelerated the native vegetation has not been allowed to regenerate as a result of mowing practices.


Plate 2.6 Riparian Vegetation Condition (mapped January 2011)


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The distributions of major weeds along the estuary have been mapped – refer to Plate 2.7. Four of the mapped invasive weed species are listed as Priority B or C in coastal or riparian landscapes under the Northern Rivers Invasive Weed Strategy 2009-2013.


Plate 2.7 Distribution of Priority B and Priority C Invasive Weed Species (mapped January 2011) 2.4.5 Estuary Health In general, the health of Woolgoolga Lake is average:

water quality is generally acceptable for recreational use and for the protection of aquatic ecosystems;

saltmarsh is scarce and poorly managed. Mangroves appear to be recruiting to the system, a positive indication. Seagrass appears to have disappeared from the system in the past decade, though the original extent is unknown. Weeds and other disturbances to riparian vegetation are common;

fish and macroinvertebrate populations are scarce and lack diversity;

fish kills have been related to pesticide spills; and

algal blooms and pest invasions do not appear to be an issue.


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2.5 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Climate change is projected to include an increased frequency of hot days, increased intensity and frequency of extreme daily rainfall events and droughts, changes to sea levels and changes in the occurrence of intense storm events. Climate change projections at the local scale for the Coffs Harbour area are described in a report by BMT WBM (2010a). The climate change projections for the Coffs Harbour area (relative to the 1977 to 2007 period) include the following:

evaporation: decreases in summer and spring and increases in autumn and winter;

temperature: decreases in average temperatures for summer, autumn and spring and increases in winter;

Extreme Hot Days: significant increases in the annual number of extreme hot days;

Average Rainfall: increases in annual totals and seasonal totals except for decreases in autumn totals for the Coffs Harbour area;

High Rainfall Events: increases in frequency of high rainfall events in summer and autumn;

Sea Level Rise: 0.4 m increase in mean sea level by 2050 and 0.9 m increase by 2100 (relative to 1990 mean sea levels); and

Wave Climate: future wave climate will be similar to the present or within the variability of the existing wave climate. However, the Coffs Harbour Coastal Processes and Hazards Definition Study (BMT WBM, 2010b) investigated the possibility of a permanent shift from the existing south easterly wave climate to a more easterly wave climate with average wave height remaining the same.

2.5.1 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Impacts on Estuary Processes General estuary processes that will be impacted by climate change include (after Haines, 2006 and 2008; Mackenzie et al., 2009):

coastal processes and interactions with estuary entrances: e.g. a landward and upward shift in entrance channels in response to sea level rise;

hydrodynamics: changes in water level and altered tidal prisms due to changes to entrance conditions; impacts of altered rainfall and evaporation patterns. Predicted sea level rise may result in higher water levels within the estuary and potentially an increase in typical water depths;

sediment dynamics: changes to ingress of marine sediment due to changes to entrance conditions and changes to sediment derived from catchment runoff in response to an increase in high rainfall events;

water quality: changes to water temperature and sediment dynamics and subsequent changes to chemical and physical processes in the estuary; and

ecology: the impacts of increased water levels and altered hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics and water quality on ecological processes.

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Community Consultation 3

3

3

Community consultation aims to discover community aspirations and gain stakeholder input to the Project to ensure that the Estuary Management Plan is accepted by the community as a coherent, practical and achievable plan.

3.1 Previous Consultation The outcomes from the public participation for the 1991 Woolgoolga Lake Plan of Management reflect the issues of concern that have arisen under the current project. The 1991 main issues of concern include: erosion at the mouth of the lake; dredging of marine sand deposits near the mouth; removal of sediments within the lake near Sunset Lakes Estate to improve recreational use of the lake; reduction in bushfire hazard; restoration and protection of the eroding northern bank near the lake entrance; formalisation of walking tracks in bushland areas; water quality monitoring; stormwater treatment; increased signage for public access points; and rehabilitation of eroded and weed infested areas.

3.2 Initial Community Workshop A community workshop was held at Woolgoolga Community Centre on 14 September 2010. The purpose of the Initial Community Workshop was to gain input on community values, issues and objectives for the three estuaries. Approximately 30 people attended the workshop. Council and the consultant team (GeoLINK / GECO Environmental / Aquatic Science and Management) provided an introduction on the Estuary Management Plan process. The attendees then formed five groups to discuss and compile a list of key issues and goals for the estuaries. Following the group work a representative from each group summarised their key issues and goals. A final question time was undertaken before the workshop concluded. The key focus of the attendees was generally Woolgoolga Lake, however some specific comments relating to Darkum Creek were provided. The main issues arising from the workshop related to the need for improved water quality and reduced sedimentation in Woolgoolga Lake and an entrance management protocol to assist these two issues. The various goals and issues developed by the group work are summarised below. A copy of the notes from each group is attached. The comments below refer to Woolgoolga Lake except where noted otherwise. 3.2.1 Goals: improved water quality for Woolgoolga Lake; increased water depths in Woolgoolga Lake for improved recreation (swimming and boating); a protocol for opening the entrance to Woolgoolga Lake to improve water quality and assist with preventing

sedimentation in the lake; maintenance of a stable sand spit on the south side of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance; dredging was recommended by some groups to address the sedimentation issues in Woolgoolga Lake; a return to a past condition of Woolgoolga Lake when it was considered deep and clean and allowed a

range of recreational activities – swimming, boating; removal of the training wall on the north side of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance was suggested by one group

to establish a ‗more natural‘ amenity and function;


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foreshore management; water quality monitoring; improved fish breeding; improved signage and walkway access to the lake foreshore; improved passive recreation facilities eg. picnic facilities; and a telephone ‗hotline‘ to advise Council of problems associated with Woolgoolga Lake.

3.2.2 Issues: sedimentation in Woolgoolga Lake resulting in reduced water depth and thereby impacting on recreational

use of the lake; poor water quality in Woolgoolga Lake; erosion of the sand spit on the south side of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance was a concern for a number of

groups; diminishing fish stock in Woolgoolga Lake; urban drainage systems causing flooding issues; damage to existing walkways and lake of maintenance of the walkways; previous channel works to Poundyard Creek having a negative impact on Woolgoolga Lake; address water quality issues associated with runoff from rural lands and urban areas (nutrients, herbicides,

pesticides, sediment and organic matter); fire management was expressed as a concern by one group; seepage into Woolgoolga Lake from the cemetery on the northern foreshore; and concern was expressed by some attendees regarding pollution from Flying-fox excrement.

Some concerns were also expressed in relation to the estuary management planning process in regard to: public availability (and ease of access) of documentation; and scepticism as to whether management plan actions will be undertaken and the timeframe of actions.

3.3 Community Survey A community survey was undertaken over a two month period from April to May 2011, encompassing a school holiday period to provide opportunity to capture input from the widest possible catchment of users. The surveys were located at Council offices, local outlets in the estuary catchments such caravan parks, newsagents and post offices. In addition, a web survey was made available through the website. The survey data is tabulated in Appendix A and summarised below. The total number of completed surveys received was 50. 1. Where are respondents from? Sixty percent of respondents were from the Woolgoolga area, 22 % from Safety Beach and 16 % from elsewhere in the Coffs Harbour Council area. One respondent was from outside the Coffs Harbour Council area at the time of completing the survey. 2. How often do you visit use Woolgoolga Estuary? All respondents indicated they visit or use Woolgoolga Lake. Respondents visiting the Woolgoolga Lake on a daily basis made up 38% of the total respondents, with a few times a week and a few times a year the next highest responses at 18% and 20% respectively. 4% of respondents rarely or never visit the Woolgoolga Lake. 3. Indicate how you use the estuary: Survey results indicate the main use of the Woolgoolga Lake is walking, with 86% of total respondents identifying this use. Respondents identifying swimming, picnicking, dog walking, fishing and bird-watching were similar in number, from 36-46%. Boating was listed by 14% of respondents as a use. 8% of respondents listed other uses including kayaking.


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4. Indicate your level of concern for the following estuary-related issues: The estuary issues of most concern, identified by 66 to 68% of respondents were: water quality issues associated with runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas; increasing levels of sedimentation in Woolgoolga Lake; and sand build-up in the entrance to Woolgoolga Lake causing blocking of outflows and high flood levels. The estuary issue of least concern, identified by 38% of respondents, was inadequate public access around Woolgoolga Lake foreshores / creeks. 5. Indicate the importance you place on the following estuary related goals: The estuary goals of most importance, identified by 76-82% of respondents were: improved water quality; improved aquatic habitat within the lake and creeks to support fish stocks, crustaceans, etc; and improved runoff control in urban areas of the catchment. 6. Artificial opening of the Woolgoolga Lake Entrance: Sixty-four percent of respondents indicated they would support artificial opening of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance. 18% of respondents do not support artificial opening with a further 16% undecided. 7. Use of motor boats in the estuary: 76% of respondents indicated they do not support the use of motor boats. 26% of respondents indicated that they would support the use of motor boats in Woolgoolga Lake estuary, with canoes with a mini outboard motor considered the most suitable. 8. Flying Fox colony at Woolgoolga Lake 52% indicated that they were not concerned about the flying fox colony at Woolgoolga Lake. 9. Other comments A summary of other comments supplied is provided in Appendix A.

3.4 Stakeholder Consultation The organisations listed below were consulted to obtain initial input to the study: NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water – Environmental Protection Authority NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water – Parks and Wildlife Group Solitary Islands Marine Park Authority Primary Industries (Fisheries) – Industry and Investment NSW Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority - Coffs Harbour Department of Planning - Grafton NSW Department of Water Land and Property Management Authority NSW Maritime Roads and Traffic Authority Coffs Coast Tourism Association Local Aboriginal Land Council – Coffs Harbour Gumbular-Julipi Elders Council, c/o Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club Coffs Harbour Historical Society and Museum Inc. Landcare Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism Inc

Let's Save Woolgoolga Lake Coffs Harbour City Council


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Garby Elders Jim Stevens Woolgoolga Returned Services Golf Club Input received from various organisations has been incorporated into the assessment of the relevant issues in the EMS. Letters that were received from organisations have been included in Appendix D, and the issues are summarised below. Table 3.1 Consultation Correspondence

Stakeholder Section Addressing Issue

Department of Planning (DoP)

The DoP refers to the following documents for consideration in preparing the CZMP:

Mid North Coast Regional Strategy; and SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection.

Appendix D – Planning Framework

The DoP raises the issue of future sea level changes and its consideration in planning for coastal areas. The DoP refers to the following documents and guidelines for consideration in preparing the CZMP:

NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement; NSW Coastal Planning Guideline: Adapting to Sea Level Rise; Coastal Risk Management; and Flood Risk Management.

Appendix D – Planning Framework

4


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Values 4

4

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4.1 Local and Regional The natural settings of the estuaries and coast within the Mid North Coast area are a feature that attracts visitors and locals to the area. Woolgoolga Lake and its tributaries are in keeping with this natural setting, form part of the network of bushland settings along the coast and estuaries and are of local and broader significance due to their proximity to residential communities of Woolgoolga and Safety Beach. Key values of the estuary include its natural setting and recreational opportunities including the public picnic area adjacent to the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park and the walking and cycling track network. The sites attributes create a highly attractive and popular recreation destination for the local and wider community.

4.2 Cultural Heritage Aboriginal, European and Sikh cultural heritage values are significant for the Woolgoolga area. The Woolgoolga area was (and continues to be) inhabited by the Gumbayngirr people prior to European Settlement. Records show that artefact finds and earth mound / shell middens, a possible burial site and a camp site are located within the within the Woolgoolga Lake catchment. Europeans moved into the area from the 1870s. Records indicate that there are cultural items of significance within the study area associated with the timber harvest industry that established in the early days of European settlement. The cultural values of these Aboriginal and European sites within the Woolgoolga Lake catchment area require sensitive consideration and preservation.

4.3 Recreational Values The close proximity of residential communities and the variety of natural settings around Woolgoolga Lake combine to create a broad range of passive land and water based recreational opportunities that optimise the scenic potential of the area. A key focus of recreational activity occurs at the public picnic area adjacent to the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park. The sites attributes create a highly attractive and popular recreation destination for the local and wider community. The area has a long open foreshore that allows easy, soft water entry for swimming and canoe / kayak launching. Picnic facilities, barbeques, toilets, a playground and maintained open spaces cater to high number of visitors and family groups. Some minor damage to the foreshore environment is evident around the edge of the lake where access for water-based recreation has exposed or compacted the ground and inhibited vegetation recovery. The predominant activity elsewhere around the lake is recreational walking, jogging and cycling which are facilitated by a network of boardwalks, bridges and bush tracks of varying standard that extend around the lake periphery and provide access to key destinations at the water‘s edge.


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4.4 Scenic Values There are a number of scenic values of Woolgoolga Lake and its tributaries: the majority of the foreshores around the lake comprise a continuous edge of natural vegetation, often

extending well back from the foreshores and rising up adjoining slopes producing an attractive natural skyline and backdrop to views across the lake;

the surrounding ridges enclose and help to protect the lake, further enhancing the microclimate and visual experience to visitors; and

one of the most popular public reserves occupies the southern edge of the lake near the Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park. Here, open grassed spaces beneath remnant trees produce a highly attractive recreation area with panoramic views across the lake to the north and west.

4.5 Hydrodynamic Values A key issue raised through community consultation relates to the depth of Woolgoolga Lake and its subsequent impact on recreational use of the estuary. Consultation indicated that the community aspirations for Woolgoolga Lake include. improved water quality for Woolgoolga Lake; increased water depths in Woolgoolga Lake for improved recreation (swimming and boating); a protocol for opening the entrance to Woolgoolga Lake to improve water quality and assist with preventing

sedimentation in the lake (an opening strategy for Darkum Creek was also suggested by one group); a return to a past condition of Woolgoolga Lake when it was considered deep and clean and allowed a

range of recreational activities.

4.6 Water Quality Values Despite showing high levels of variability common to ICOLLs, when assessed against the ANZECC (2000) guidelines the water of Woolgoolga Lake is generally acceptable for the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The main exception to this pattern is that the TN concentration is generally above the ANZECC (2000) guideline trigger value. In addition to this, the waters of Woolgoolga Lake in the area around the caravan park have been shown to be suitable for primary contact recreation such as swimming for 9 of the 13 months that sampling was undertaken. The entrance to Woolgoolga Lake is frequently open to tidal exchange. As a result of this, flushing times are likely to be relatively low throughout the system, maintaining good water quality. To the knowledge of the author there have been no algal blooms recorded from Woolgoolga Lake and the only reported fish kill was associated with an isolated chemical spill.

4.7 Ecological Values There are a number of ecological characteristics of the Woolgoolga Lake estuary that can be considered values. These include the following: approximately 1ha of mangrove habitat distributed around the lake that is largely in good condition and

actively recruiting in many areas. Mangroves are an important primary producer driving the overall productivity of the system, provide structural habitat for fish and invertebrates and stabilise banks and sediment;

a mostly intact and healthy riparian vegetation, that filters overland flows, stabilises banks, provides structural habitat for fish and contributes to the overall productivity of the estuary;


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fish and invertebrates that provide a resource for recreational fishers. Commonly targeted species include flathead, bream and mudcrabs;

a large population of saddle tree oyster (Isognomon ephippium) that provides structural habitat, stabilises bottom sediments and filter the water;

snags in the ecological zones referred to as the upper and lower creeks that provide habitat for fish, help to slow flows and reduce erosion;

intertidal sand and mud banks that provide foraging habitat for wading birds (some of which are protected under international treaties and Australian legislation) and a substrate for primary producers that drive the food webs of the estuary;

a pleasant and attractive environment created by the combination of the above features; and a maternity camp of the vulnerable species Grey-headed Flying-fox occurs along the banks of Woolgoolga

Lake. In order to protect, restore and manage the camp CHCC as part of the Our Living Coast program, plan on developing a Flying-fox Management Strategy to achieve an equitable balance between conservation and the social, cultural, aesthetic and environmental values shared by the community (Our Living Coast 2010).

5


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Objectives and Management Issues 5

5

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5.1 Objectives 5.1.1 Entrance Conditions and Hydrodynamics Objectives 5.1.1.1 Develop a Formal Entrance Management Policy

Woolgoolga Lake is an ‗intermittently open‘ system. The entrance opens and closes to the ocean naturally in a constant but irregular cycle depending on fluvial, tidal and wave processes. Artificial opening of the entrance has been initiated by Council in the past as a flood control measure. Council has an informal policy of opening the lake entrance when the lake water level reaches an established flood mark indicating the adjoining sewerage system is at risk of being flooded. The last opening initiated by Council was in 2007. CEMAC identified the need for a formal entrance management policy for Woolgoolga Lake which is to include matter such as criteria for artificial opening. Additionally, the OEH Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW, 2010) requires Estuary Management Plans for ICOLL‘s to include an entrance management policy. 5.1.1.2 Minimise Interference with Natural Entrance Opening / Closing Processes

Artificial opening of ICOLL‘s can have significant negative impacts on water quality, fish and other ecological communities. Under natural conditions, ICOLL entrances open over a relatively wide range of water levels termed the ‗natural breakout range‘. Lake water level records for the period of 1982 to 1988 (a period with varying rainfall years from very dry to very wet with some average years) indicate a ‗natural breakout range‘ of 1.2 to 1.8 m AHD – the lake water levels at which a closed entrance naturally opens. Lake water level records for the period of 2007 to 2011 (a high rainfall period) indicate a similar ‗natural breakout range‘ of 1.2 to 1.6 m AHD. An occasional artificial opening of the entrance within the ‗natural breakout range‘ is not likely to have a significant environmental impact since it falls within the expected natural variation. However, over the longer term, numerous artificial openings especially at a comparatively low water level are likely to have a significant environmental impact since the natural frequency and duration of opening and closing to the ocean will be significantly altered. In the short term, more frequent openings can lead to increased exposure and death of aquatic vegetation and increased risk of low dissolved oxygen and incidence of fish kills. Over the long term, more frequent openings will lead to shifts in the structure and distribution of fringing riparian vegetation communities and public health considerations including smells / odours and poor water quality. Therefore the objective is to maintain a natural opening / closing regime for the lake entrance. Interference (artificial opening of the entrance) would only be employed for critical situations such as to mitigate and reduce the impacts of flooding on properties and infrastructure adjoining the lake. Artificial opening would ideally be initiated within the ‗natural breakout range‘.

Image: Artificial opening of Burrill Lake. Photo by R. Massie Source: NSW Government (undated)


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5.1.1.3 Minimise Flooding of Properties and Infrastructure

Some properties and infrastructure adjoining Woolgoolga Lake are at risk of flooding including residential areas of Sunset Lakes Estate along the southern shores of the lake, Woolgoolga Sunset Caravan Park and areas adjoining Woolgoolga Creek and Jarrett Creek – refer to the upper map of Plate 5.1. Sewage pump stations adjoining the lake and its creek are also impacted by flooding with water entering the pump stations and potentially leading to sewage entering the lake system – refer to Section 5.2.1.1 for further details. Flooding of properties and infrastructure along the margins of the lake will be exacerbated by sea level rise for flood events influence by elevated ocean levels - refer to the lower map of Plate 5.1. Artificial opening of the lake entrance has the potential to reduce flood levels in the lake for certain flood events. It is important to note that for large flood events, flood levels in the lake have been shown to be independent of any artificial entrance opening works. This is due to the effect of the elevated ocean water levels which would ‗over-ride‘ any impact of an open entrance. There are a variety of strategies to minimise or avoid flooding of properties and infrastructure around the lake including: appropriate development controls for future development in flood prone areas; artificial opening of the lake entrance where appropriate; flood-proofing infrastructure; etc. These strategies are addressed in Section 6.


Plate 5.1 Coastal Inundation Mapping for the Immediate and 2050 Planning Horizons


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5.1.2 Bank Stability and Sedimentation Objectives 5.1.2.1 Determine priorities for the implementation of appropriately designed bank stabilisation and

rehabilitation works in areas with important estuary values.

Bank erosion is not a significant issue in the Woolgoolga Lake estuary (GeoLINK et al., 2011). Only 1% of banks surveyed (approximately 80 m total) had minor erosion and there was no moderate or severe erosion recorded. The relatively stable nature of this system is primarily due to the low energy environment of the estuary, the cohesive nature of the bank materials, and the mostly well-vegetated estuary banks. Nevertheless, the presence of remedial bank protection works on the north bank of the lake entrance and on the southern bank picnic area foreshore demonstrate that active management is required to maintain bank stability in the lower reaches of Woolgoolga Lake. The intention of this objective is to develop bank remediation plans for areas of minor bank erosion that intersect with areas of importance from a recreational, estuarine health, or estuarine ecology perspective. 5.1.3 Ecological, Habitat and Biodiversity Objectives 5.1.3.1 Improve the Condition and Extent of Aquatic Habitats

The Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) Catchment Action Plan (CAP) lists rehabilitation of aquatic habitats among its goals. Analysis of estuarine habitat extent in Woolgoolga Lake indicates that seagrass has disappeared in recent years and that some saltmarsh and mangrove habitats show signs of disturbance. 5.1.3.2 Restore terrestrial habitats of high ecological or conservation value by removing threats and through

targeted rehabilitation (e.g. riparian vegetation, endangered ecological communities such as Coastal Saltmarsh, Freshwater Wetlands, etc)

Restoration of riparian vegetation is also listed among the goals of the NRCMA CAP. A variety of terrestrial habitats of high conservation value have been identified within the Woolgoolga Lake estuary. A major threat to the integrity and viability of these habitats is weed invasion, and to a lesser extent clearing or suppression of natural regeneration. This management objective is aimed at the rehabilitation of sites with high ecological or conservation value where degradation through weed infestation or other impacts has occurred. 5.1.3.3 Flying-Fox Camp

In regard to the Grey-headed Flying-fox maternity camp on the eastern bank of Woolgoolga Lake, Council plans to develop a management strategy with the objective of maintaining the camp over the long-term while ameliorating concerns within the community. Other objectives of the management strategy include restoring the area‘s value as Secondary Koala Habitat, enhance the Woolgoolga Lake riparian and coastal values and providing for community‘s needs in terms of recreation, education and interpretation of these values to ensure the long-term management of the camp. 5.1.3.4 Increase Fish Stocks

Recreational fishing is a common use of the Woolgoolga Lake estuary. Increasing fish stocks was raised as a goal during community consultation. 5.1.3.5 Monitor and Improve the Health of the Woolgoolga Lake Estuary

The Estuary Processes Study (GeoLINK et al., 2011) describes the overall health of the Woolgoolga Lake estuary system as average. Improvements in the health of the estuary could be achieved by better management of water quality, removal of weeds from the riparian zone and improvement of the condition and extent of saltmarsh vegetation. This management objective generally relates to achieving all other specific management objectives for the estuary.


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5.1.3.6 Make Provisions for the Ecological Effects of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Some negative ecological impacts are likely to result under current climate change and sea level rise scenarios. These may include changes in the distribution and extent of mangrove and saltmarsh colonies and reductions in the overall productivity of the estuary. Effective planning for future changes to help to mitigate negative impacts may include strategies such as establishment of buffer areas between development and the lake edge to enable ‗retreat‘ of riparian vegetation as lake levels rise over the longer term. 5.1.4 Water Quality Objectives 5.1.4.1 Improved Water Quality

The NRCMA CAP lists an improvement in the condition of coastal zone natural resources as one of its targets. This was also identified as a goal during community consultation. Whilst analyses of water quality data against existing guidelines have not uncovered major issues there are a number of ways in which the water quality of Woolgoolga Lake could be improved. These include;

reduce nutrient and sediment inputs from the catchment through better land, stormwater and wastewater management; and

reduce the risk of sewage entering the waterway as a result of flooding of sewerage infrastructure (refer to Section 5.1.1.2).

5.1.4.2 Improve the monitoring of water quality

This is one of the goals identified during community consultation and is also a wish of the Coastal Estuary Management Advisory Committee (CEMAC). A suggested water quality monitoring program that meets NSW government reporting obligations will be delivered as part of the Estuary Management Plan. 5.1.5 Recreational Use and Access Objectives Woolgoolga Lake occupies a predominantly natural setting although urban development has encroached around the southern foreshores and dominates the catchment areas of Woolgoolga and Jarrett creeks. The close proximity of residential communities and the variety of natural settings combine to create a broad range of passive land and water based recreational opportunities that optimise the scenic potential of the area. The following objectives are aimed at maintaining and enhancing the natural setting and existing recreational opportunities. 5.1.5.1 Maintain and enhance the existing passive water and land based recreational experiences and

opportunities in a manner that complements and sustains the natural values of the lake and its tributaries.

5.1.5.2 Encourage low key recreational activities that are compatible with each other and the natural

environment.

5.1.5.3 Enhance, protect and restore natural values to foreshore areas.

This latter objective is aimed at restoring the natural amenity of foreshore areas that have been degraded or prevented from regenerating through poor or conflicting maintenance practices such as mowing of riparian habitats. 5.1.6 Views and Visual Character Objectives The majority of the foreshores around the lake comprise a continuous edge of natural vegetation. This often extends well back from the foreshores and rise up adjoining slopes to produce an attractive natural skyline and backdrop to views across the lake. The surrounding ridges also enclose and help to protect the lake, further enhancing the microclimate and visual experience to visitors. The following objectives are aimed at maintaining and enhancing these characteristics.


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5.1.6.1 Preserve and enhance the natural appearance of the lake particularly along the southern foreshores adjacent to existing residential development.

This objective relates to a previous objective in Section 5.1.5.3. 5.1.6.2 Optimise the attractive outlook across the lake and creeks from path routes, recreation areas and

other destinations for public enjoyment.

5.1.6.3 Undertake management practices and provide infrastructure and facilities that complement the natural

appearance and values of the setting.

5.2 Issues 5.2.1 Entrance Conditions and Hydrodynamics Issues 5.2.1.1 Entrance Management to Address Water Quality, Sedimentation and Flooding

Effect of Closed Entrance on Water Quality

A significant proportion of community participants in the consultation phase have indicated a desire for an entrance opening protocol for the purpose of ‗flushing‘ the lake to improve water quality. An entrance opening protocol will be developed as part of the Estuary Management Plan. However, the protocol will need to take account of the potential negative impacts of artificially opening the entrance, as described in Section 5.1.1.2, including negative impacts on water quality, fish and other ecological communities. Artificially opening estuary entrances is often carried out as a ‗quick fix‘ to redress water quality problems stemming from other causes such as inadequate stormwater treatment from urban areas or inadequate erosion control measures in the catchment (refer to Section 5.1.4.1). Best practice for estuary management is based on addressing the source of the water quality issues rather than treating the symptoms by artificially opening entrances to ‗flush‘ an estuary. It should also be noted that water quality data indicates that Woolgoolga Lake is generally in good condition with a high natural variance which is characteristic of ICOLLs. Nevertheless, in addition to flood mitigation purposes, there may be instances where artificial opening is justified to address extreme water quality issues. Effect of Closed Entrance on Sedimentation in the Lake

A significant proportion of community participants in the consultation phase have also indicated a desire for an entrance opening protocol to minimise sedimentation in the lake. The Processes Study (GeoLINK et al, 2011) indicates artificial opening of the lake entrance will not have any significant impact on reducing sedimentation in the lake or removing the shoals of marine sand from the entrance. Data indicates that only very large flooding events (eg. 1974 event), potentially in combination with large ocean swell events, will remove significant quantities of marine sand from the entrance. Artificial opening will only result in minor scouring near the entrance. The effect of this would be short-lived with relatively quick in-filling with marine derived sands. This is addressed further in to Section 5.2.2.2. Flooding of Properties and Infrastructure

Artificial opening of the entrance has been initiated by Council in the past as a flood control measure. The initiation of entrance opening involves direct excavation of a narrow ‗starter‘ channel. Council‘s informal policy is to open the lake entrance when the lake water level reaches an established flood mark which is set at 1.8 m AHD. This is the level of the overflow pipe from Sewage Pump Station No.1 (PS 1) in Ganderton Street. At lake water levels greater than 1.8 m AHD, water will flood PS 1 causing water to enter the sewerage system (and cause excess pumping) and potentially lead to sewage entering the lake system via Jarrett Creek. There is another low-lying sewage pump station (PS 16) on the southern foreshore of the lake, however this pump station is higher than PS 1 and does not currently dictate artificial opening of the entrance.


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The highest recorded flood level in Woolgoolga Lake was reported as 2.1 m AHD in 1974 (Bewsher Consulting, 1989). Table 5.1 summaries the water levels experienced in the lake during non-flood periods and for major flood events. Table 5.1 Lake Water Levels for Non-Flood and Flood Periods – Existing and Future

Existing1 (2011) 20502 21003

Non-Flood Periods

Average water level (m AHD) 0.7 1.1 1.6

Maximum water level (m AHD) 1.5 1.9 2.4

Minimum water level (m AHD) 0.2 0.6 1.1

90th percentile water level4 (m AHD) 1.1 1.5 2.0

Natural breakout range5 (m AHD) 1.2 – 1.8 1.6 – 2.2 2.1 – 2.7

Flood Events

1 in 100 Year Flood 2.6 3.0 3.5

Probable Maximum Flood 2.7 3.1 3.6 Notes: 1. Averaged from 2004 data and 2007 – 2011 data in Estuary Processes Study (GeoLINK et al, 2011); 2. Existing water level plus 0.4m sea level rise; 3. Existing water level plus 0.9m sea level rise 4. The water level greater than 90 percent of all recorded water levels 5. Water levels at which a closed entrance naturally opens

Water levels in the lake are likely to increase by the same amount as sea level rise increases caused by climate change. Future water levels and flood levels considering the impact of sea level rise are summarised in Table 5.1. It is important to note the above flood levels for major events are independent of any artificial entrance opening works. This is due to the effect of the elevated ocean water levels which would ‗over-ride‘ any impact of an open entrance. However, floods which occur at low ocean water levels would be limited by artificial opening of the lake entrance. 5.2.2 Bank Stability and Sedimentation Issues 5.2.2.1 Bank Erosion of Picnic Area Foreshores

Mapping of bank erosion has been completed. No severely eroding or moderately eroding sites were identified. However, minor erosion was recorded in the vicinity of the Lakeside Picnic Area foreshore. The site is adjacent to an area of high recreational use, which in part would be contributing to the issue. As such any remedial actions planned would need to consider the recreational values of the site. An assessment of this site and a determination as to whether remedial action is required will be undertaken as part of the Estuary Management Plan. This issue is addressed in combination with Section 5.2.5.2 regarding upgrading and management of existing recreational facilities. 5.2.2.2 Dredging – the need to address effects of sedimentation including a perceived loss of recreational

opportunity due to decreased waterway depth

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the estuary was deeper in some locations in the past (around the 1970‘s), particularly in the mid to lower reaches. Community consultation has highlighted a perceived loss of recreational opportunity due to decreased waterway depth relative to this period. Due to a lack of historical bathymetric data, changes in the depth of the estuary and lake cannot be quantified. However, historical aerial photography indicates that water depths in 1943 were similar to the period from the 1990‘s to present. The aerial photography indicates deeper water depths in the 1960‘s and 1970‘s. This is considered to be due to very large flooding events in combination with large ocean swell events during this


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period which had the effect of removing a significant amount of marine derived sediment near the entrance. Aerial photographs in subsequent years show the gradual build-up / replenishment of this marine sand and subsequent reduced water depths in the vicinity of the lake picnic area / lake entrance. Fluctuations in the amount of marine sediment in the estuary and consequent fluctuations in water depths are a natural trend. The major source of sedimentation in the estuary is from marine derived sands which are naturally pushed into the estuary through the entrance by tidal flows assisted by tidal and ocean currents and wind and ocean waves. Secondary sources include inputs from the broader catchment including from bank erosion and as a result of sheet, rill and gully erosion associated with catchment land management practices. Infilling of the estuary by marine derived sands is a natural long-term process that is not easily reversed. Intervention works such as dredging are expensive and generally only achieve short-term benefits in respect to removal of sediment. In addition, dredging can have significant impacts on estuary processes, health, ecology and water quality, for example: dredging of marine delta shoals creates an increased sediment demand for infilling of the entrance which

would result in a net depletion of sand on Woolgoolga Beach; and dredging of the deep mud basin in the lake can modify natural sediment processes and associated benthic

metabolism and chemical processes thus degrading water quality and exacerbating eutrophication (Haines, 2006).

Therefore, this estuary management study does not recommend dredging on the basis of the following considerations: long-term fluctuations in water depths associated with infilling of the estuary by marine derived sands is a

natural process that has occurred prior to the 1970‘s (water depths in 1943 were similar to present water depths based on aerial photography);

dredging is expensive and generally only achieves short-term benefits in respect to removal of sediment; dredging can have significant impacts on water quality, estuary processes, health, and ecology; the lake is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and is listed as ‗Habitat Protection Zone‘ which has the

objective of protecting habitats and reducing high impact activities (eg. dredging); and an approval process involving NSW government agencies is required before dredging is undertaken and it is

considered unlikely that dredging would be approved for Woolgoolga Lake for the primary purpose of increasing water depths for improved swimming amenity.

5.2.3 Ecological, Habitat and Biodiversity Issues 5.2.3.1 Loss of Aquatic Habitats

A decline in the area and condition of seagrass beds, mangroves, saltmarsh and sedge heath communities was identified by CEMAC as possible issues concerning Woologoolga Lake. Detailed mapping analysis of aquatic habitats shows that seagrass has disappeared from Woolgoolga Lake in recent years. The factors causing the decline in the area of seagrass are uncertain, though factors commonly associated with seagrass loss that may be present in Woolgoolga Lake include: high suspended sediment loads in catchment runoff; natural fluctuations in the area of seagrass common to ICOLLs; and natural fluctuations in the position of the marine tidal delta. 5.2.3.2 Loss of riparian vegetation on the southern lake foreshore.

The riparian vegetation of the Woolgoolga Creek and Lake estuary is predominantly in moderate to very good condition (GeoLINK et al, 2011). Only a small area of vegetation in very poor condition was identified, occurring on the southern foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake, immediately adjacent to the residential area of Sunset Lakes Estate. Although the site has the appearance of having been cleared to facilitate resident‘s views, an analysis of air photography dating back to 1943 shows that the site was cleared prior to the 1940‘s. However, the native vegetation has been allowed to regenerate along most of the reach, except in this area, since the 1980‘s when residential development accelerated. Generally, it is an objective of estuary management to maintain a continuous swathe of native vegetation along the foreshore and banks to maintain the estuary health, ecology,


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bank stability and aesthetics. Encouraging native riparian vegetation including saltmarsh habitats to regenerate at this site would further this objective. This issue is addressed under Section 5.2.5.1.

Plate 5.2 Southern Foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake 5.2.3.3 Environmental weeds degrading native riparian vegetation communities in mid to upper reaches of

Woolgoolga and Poundyard Creeks.

Weed mapping undertaken in January 2011 identified the presence of environmental weeds in the upper reaches of Woolgoolga and Poundyard Creeks (GeoLINK et al., 2011). The main species identified included groundsel bush, senna, camphor laurel, and pink lantana. Environmental weeds degrade the native riparian vegetation, reducing its ecological value and in some cases potentially impacting upon bank stability and other estuary values including recreational amenity and aesthetics. Weed control is a long-term and costly management action and so it is recommended that areas with important estuary values be targeted as a priority. Reaches of high priority for weed control will be determined as part of the Estuary Management Plan. 5.2.3.4 Diminishing Fish Stocks

At the community meeting diminishing fish stocks were raised as an issue. Fish sampling undertaken as part of the Estuary Management Study (EMS) detected a lower diversity of fish species than previous studies, though the methods used and timing of the study may not have been comparable. 5.2.3.5 Flying-Fox Camp

Concern has been expressed about the flying-fox camp along the banks of Woolgoolga Lake during the project consultation phase. Concerns have related to impacts of excrement on water quality, odours, and impacts on vegetation in the roosting area. Community comments also included support for retaining the camp. Council plans on developing a management strategy for the long-term management of the camp which will include vegetation management and direct amelioration of concerns within the community. 5.2.3.6 Impacts of Climate Change on Estuary Ecology

Some negative ecological impacts are likely to result under current climate change and sea level rise scenarios. These may include changes in the distribution and extent of mangrove and saltmarsh colonies, reductions in the overall productivity of the estuary and a reduction in feeding and nesting areas for wading birds. 5.2.4 Water Quality Issues 5.2.4.1 Elevated Turbidity, Total Nitrogen and Chlorophyll-a Values

Poor water quality was identified during community meetings as a perceived issue and also by CEMAC as a potential issue. However, analysis of existing water quality data indicates that for the majority of the time, (9 out of 13 months of Beachwatch data collection) the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are suitable for primary contact recreation. Analysis of other water quality data indicates that the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are within ANZECC (2000) guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems by all measures except turbidity and total nitrogen


33

concentration, but that they exceed DECCW guideline values for chlorophyll-a concentration and turbidity in lagoons. In summary, whilst the water quality is generally acceptable for current uses, careful management of land use and runoff in the catchment could result in improvements. Additional motivation for improvements in water quality lies in the stated goals of the NRCMA CAP, and the fact that the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Turbidity

Poor water quality was identified during community meetings as a perceived issue and also by CEMAC as a potential issue. However, analysis of existing water quality data indicates that for the majority of the time, (9 out of 13 months of Beachwatch data collection) the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are suitable for primary contact recreation. Analysis of other water quality data indicates that the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are within ANZECC (2000) guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems by all measures except turbidity and total nitrogen concentration, but that they exceed DECCW guideline values for chlorophyll-a concentration and turbidity in lagoons. In summary, whilst the water quality is generally acceptable for current uses, careful management of land use and runoff in the catchment could result in improvements. Additional motivation for improvements in water quality lies in the stated goals of the NRCMA CAP, and the fact that the waters of Woolgoolga Lake are part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The assembled water quality data for Woolgoolga Lake triggers ANZECC (2000) and DECCW interim guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystems for turbidity. The specific cause of elevated turbidity levels in Woolgoolga Lake is uncertain, though the following factors may be contributing:

Wind resuspension of fine sediments on the bottom – this is considered likely, due to the wide shallow nature of the main body of the lake, though a single water quality profiling undertaken in 2004 showed limited mixing during closed conditions (see GeoLINK 2011a);

Resuspension of fine sediments on the bottom due to tidal flow; and

Elevated suspended sediment loads in catchment runoff.

The median turbidity value is only slightly above the ANZECC (2000) guideline value for estuaries. Nitrogen

Analysis of the existing water quality data against ANZECC (2000) guidelines indicates that Woolgoolga Lake is also nitrogen enriched on a regular basis. Whilst he ANZECC (2000) guidelines are the best currently available measuring stick for water quality they have not been developed specifically for ICOLLs like Woolgoolga Lake and can result in misleading conclusions. Chlorophyll-a

Elevated nitrogen concentrations are an indirect threat to an ecosystem. The main problem associated with elevated nitrogen concentrations is that under specific conditions they may lead to algal blooms. Chlorophyll-a concentrations are measured as an indicator of the status of algal populations. Whilst the median chlorophyll-a concentration for Woolgoolga Lake is within ANZECC (2000) guideline values, it is greater than the DECCW guideline value for lagoons. The authors have not been made aware of a history of algal blooms in Woolgoolga Lake but the combination of slightly elevated total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a concentrations constitutes an issue. 5.2.4.2 Stormwater Management and Pollutant Inputs from the Catchment

During community consultation water quality issues associated with runoff from rural and urban lands were raised as a perceived issue. Nutrients, sediments, pesticides and herbicides, and organic matter were all seen as potential contaminants in runoff. A basic modeling exercise was undertaken as part of the Estuary Processes Study using the Catchment Management Support System (CMSS). The CMSS is a method of calculating nutrient and sediment budgets based upon landuse types and their distribution within a catchment


34

Forestry Operations

The CMSS indicated that the greatest contribution of sediments and nitrogen potentially comes from forestry operations in the upper catchment due to the large proportion (approximately one third) of the catchment under this landuse. This highlights the importance of erosion and sediment controls during forestry operations. Rural Landuse

The CMSS indicated phosphorus input to the lake was largely attributed horticultural land uses. This highlights the importance of erosion and sediment controls for the main agricultural practices in the catchment (eg. banana and blueberry cultivation) and wastewater controls for intensive horticultural practices such as excess fertigation from greenhouse cucumber production. Urban Development

Urban development comprises over half of the immediate estuary catchment area of Woolgoolga Lake. There is also a potential long-term urban expansion area west of the existing highway should population targets be achieved sooner than currently predicted. New development areas have the potential to reduce the quality of catchment runoff during and after the construction phase. It is important that controls placed on new developments are sufficient and enforced to ensure no negative net impact upon water quality. It is equally important that stormwater management (treatment and detention) improvements are pursued in existing urban areas. This may include retrofitting of existing drainage systems to improve treatment and detention as opportunities arise in association with redevelopment. However, it is noted that some older drainage systems based on grassed swales as opposed to kerb and gutter, such as older areas of Safety Beach, provide effective treatment of runoff. Old on-site sewage management systems (septic systems) on rural and rural-residential properties also have potential to deliver excess nutrients and pathogens to the estuary system. Pacific Highway Upgrade

An additional and immediate development within the greater catchment area is the construction of the Woolgoolga bypass. It is important that water quality runoff from the construction of this major development is subject to strict controls and does not result in adverse impacts to water quality. 5.2.4.3 Sewage Input During Times of High Water Levels

During times of very high water levels in Woolgoolga Lake (>1.8m AHD) there have been pollution events associated with overflows from sewage pump stations that have led to sewage entering the water. This matter is addressed in a previous issue relating to flooding of infrastructure – refer to Section 5.2.1.1. 5.2.4.4 Water Quality Impacts Associated with Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

It is difficult to predict precisely how forecast climate change and sea level rise may impact upon water quality in Woolgoolga Lake. It is likely, however, that some existing issues might become more pronounced under climate change and sea level rise scenarios, particularly issues relating to catchment inputs. In respect to the impacts of sea level rise on stormwater management, there are a number of low-lying stormwater treatment systems that will be impacted along the southern foreshore of the lake adjoining Sunset Lakes Estate. These are mini-wetland treatment systems which will be impacted as a result of being largely submersed with higher lake levels resulting from sea level rise. These mini-wetland treatment systems are estimated to have an invert level of approximately 1.5 m AHD. Based on the lake water levels shown previously in Table 5.1, these systems will be frequently submerged in the future during high tide events when the lake entrance is open. This will render the systems ineffective for treatment during these submerged periods. It may also result in entrapped pollutants being released into the lake system. Therefore, to maintain effective stormwater treatment of the respective drainage catchments, retrofitting of the systems or installation of replacement systems at more appropriate locations requires consideration.


35

5.2.4.5 Residues from the 1989 Dieldrin/Aldrin Spill

To date, no follow up information has been gathered to described the status of sediment, water or biota with respect to the pollution event in 1989. 5.2.4.6 Water Quality Impacts from the Flying Fox Camp

This was raised as a potential issue during community consultation. This matter will be addressed under a previous issue addressing the camp – refer to Section 5.2.3.5. 5.2.4.7 Lack of Continuity and Detail in Existing Water Quality Data

The conclusions that have been drawn about nutrient and sediment concentrations and trophic status are based upon a limited dataset. In general the available water quality data for Woolgoolga Lake could be described as lacking in continuity and detail. 5.2.5 Recreational Use and Access Issues 5.2.5.1 Poorly managed recreational activities and other practices have the potential to impact on riparian

vegetation and thereby degrade the recreational experience of the lake

As indicated in Section 5.2.3.2, a small area of vegetation in very poor condition occurs on the southern foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake, immediately adjacent to a residential area. Management practices such as mowing continues to impact on the regeneration of native riparian vegetation in areas previously cleared. Modifying current management practices to encourage native riparian vegetation to regenerate at this site would further objectives associated with improving estuarine habitat and improving the natural amenity of the lake for recreational purposes. Similarly, understorey vegetation has been cleared to create / maintain a fire buffer along a strip of the bushland reserve in the north of the lake adjacent to the residential area of Safety Beach. The ground cover of grass is routinely mown or slashed with potential encroachment beyond the necessary fire buffer into natural vegetation. At the Lakeside Picnic Area and Caravan Park there are a number of factors impacting on riparian vegetation and bank erosion that could be significantly improved with appropriate measures: concentrated pedestrian access onto a ‗sandy beach area‘ at the main picnic area has impacted on

vegetation cover on the banks and exacerbated bank erosion. Strategies are required to mitigate the impact of pedestrian access across the bank in specific locations (compatible with the recreational use of the picnic area) and preventing access across the bank in other more sensitive location to enable reestablishment of riparian vegetation and thereby reinforcing against bank erosion; and

unmanaged mowing practices adjacent to the caravan park along the bank between the picnic area and the lake entrance is impacting on the riparian vegetation. Installation of a defined edge is required between riparian vegetation and mowed areas to help protect and reestablishment a sufficient riparian border while defining a walkway along this section. This will then assist in reinforcing the bank against erosion.

Uncontrolled and inappropriate pedestrian access through other riparian areas also has the potential to damage natural values and degrade the recreational experience to visitors. 5.2.5.2 Existing recreational facilities and opportunities require upgrading and management to enhance and

protect the recreational experience offered by Woolgoolga Lake

The desirable assets of Woolgoolga Lake (high scenic amenity, close proximity to the township, and the range of passive land and water based recreational opportunities) provide an incentive and pressure for expanded tourism development of the foreshores. However inappropriate development has the potential to detract from the assets and amenity of the lake. This issue relates to the objectives of protecting the natural values of the lake. Recreational walking, jogging and cycling are key activities around the lake. These activities are facilitated by a network of boardwalks, bridges and bush tracks of varying standard around the lake periphery (refer to Illustration 5.1). There is a lack of a continuous walking trail network that is clearly defined and provides optimal


36

access into and through the area such as around the southern / western periphery of the lake and Woolgoolga Creek. The paths are particularly important for the residential community in the remote southern neighbourhoods of the lake where the restricted street layout offers minimal access options. Similarly, there is a lack of appropriate directional and interpretive signage to complement the network of boardwalks, bridges and bush tracks around the lake periphery. Rubbish around the foreshore areas was identified as an issue during community consultation that also relates to maintaining the recreational experience offered by Woolgoolga Lake. 5.2.6 Views and Visual Character Issues Woolgoolga Lake is a relatively large water body that includes creeks and water courses that extend into a variety of catchments including urban, natural, and highly modified rural environments. Issues pertaining to views and visual character include: 5.2.6.1 Maintenance of existing views and solar access by residents along the southern foreshores of the lake

conflicts with the retention of foreshore vegetation

This issue relates to the issues described in Section 5.2.3.2 and 5.2.5.1 - regarding modifying current management practices to encourage native riparian vegetation to regenerate along the southern foreshores of the lake. The design and/or management of revegetation will require careful consideration and consultation to mitigate conflicts with regard to shading of winter sun and impacts on views for landholders adjoining the southern foreshores of the lake. This issue is addressed under Section 5.2.5.1. 5.2.6.2 Loss of visual amenity resulting from weed growth, poor maintenance practices, rubbish deposition

and provision of unattractive and poorly located infrastructure

The above matters have the potential to impact on the visual amenity experienced around Woolgoolga Lake foreshores. This issue requires a range of strategies which are partly dealt with in previous issues relating to weed growth (Section 5.2.3.2), undesirable impacts on existing riparian vegetation (Section 5.2.5.1), and rubbish (Section 5.2.5.2). The issue of unattractive and poorly located infrastructure refers to issues such as past practices of bank erosion protection that are visually unsympathetic to the setting. 5.2.6.3 Limited opportunity to appreciate the intimate visual character of the tributaries in the upper catchment

areas of the lake.

This issue is associated with limited public access along the foreshores of Woolgoolga Creek, South Woolgoolga Creek, Jarrett Creek. This issue relates to a lack of a continuous walking trail network (Section 5.2.5.2) to provide optimal access around the periphery of the lake and creeks. Accordingly, this issue is addressed under Section 5.2.5.2.

Woolgoolga Lake

Pacific Hig hwa y

Creek

Woolgo

olga

Poundyard Creek

Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Managemnt Study1616361

Illustration

Existing Path Network

North 5.1

Drawn by: RE Checked by: MVE Reviewed by: TIM Date: September 2011Source of base data: Coffs Harbour City CouncilInformation shown is for illustrative purposes only

0 200

L E G E N D Car parkDeveloped parkland settingCreeks Walking trackPotential future walking trackOn road cycleway routeShared cycle / pedestrian path


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5.3 Ranked List of Issues Table 5.2 shows the ranked management issues in terms of their priority for management over the next five years. Five years is the expected planning timeframe for the Estuary Management Plan before it undergoes review and adjustment. The ranking has been based on the scoring system below. The scoring attributed to each management option is shown in Table 5.2. Priorities have been allocated to management objectives based on a matrix assessment that considers: the degree to which the management objectives will impact on estuary issues:

(scoring: low = 1, moderate = 3, high = 5); timeframe over which the impacts are likely to occur:

(scoring: short (< 3 years) = 1, medium (5-8 years) = 3, long (>10 years) = 5); extent of the estuary addressed by the management objective:

(scoring: lower estuary = 1, middle estuary = 1, upper estuary = 1, whole estuary = 3); and community rating of the issues addressed by the management objectives based finding from the community

survey detailed in Section 3): (scoring: not important = 0, important = 3, very important = 5).


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Table 5.2 Ranked List of Key Estuary Management Issues

Priority Key Estuary Management Issue Report Section Reference

Potential for Impact on Estuary Objectives

Timeframe over which Impacts Occur

Extent of Estuary Addressed

Community Rating

Priority Score

1 Entrance Management to Address Water Quality, Sedimentation and Flooding

5.2.1.1 5.2.4.3 5 5 2 5 17

2 Stormwater Management and Pollutant Inputs from the Catchment 5.2.4.2 3 5 3 5 16

3 Poorly managed recreational activities and other practices have the potential to impact on riparian vegetation and thereby degrade the recreational experience of the lake

5.2.5.1 5.2.3.2 5.2.6.1 4 5 2 4 15

4 Elevated Turbidity, Total Nitrogen and Chlorophyll-a Values 5.2.4.1 3 5 2 5 15 5 Impacts of Climate Change on Estuary Ecology 5.2.3.6 4 5 3 2 14

6 Diminishing Fish Stocks 5.2.3.4 3 5 2 4 14

7 Loss of Aquatic Habitats 5.2.3.1 3 5 2 3 13 8 Environmental weeds degrading native riparian vegetation in mid to

upper reaches of Woolgoolga and Poundyard Creeks 5.2.3.3

2 5 2 4 13 9 Water Quality Impacts Associated with Climate Change / Sea Level

Rise 5.2.4.4

3 5 2 3 13

10 Lack of Continuity and Detail in Existing Water Quality Data 5.2.4.7 2 5 2 3 12 11 Existing recreational facilities and opportunities require upgrading and

management to enhance and protect the recreational experience offered by Woolgoolga Lake

5.2.5.2 5.2.2.1 5.2.6.3 3 3 2 3 11

12 Flying-Fox Camp

5.2.3.5 5.2.4.6 3 3 1 3 10

13 Loss of visual amenity resulting from weed growth, poor maintenance practices, rubbish deposition and provision of unattractive and poorly located infrastructure

5.2.6.2

2 3 2 2 9

14 Dredging – the need to address effects of sedimentation including a perceived loss of recreational opportunity due to decreased waterway depth

5.2.2.2

1 1 1 5 8

15 Residues from the 1989 Dieldrin/Aldrin Spill 5.2.4.5 1 3 2 1 7

6


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Management Strategies 6

6

6

6.1 Potential Estuary Management Strategies Table 6.1 lists potential management strategies for addressing the key estuary management issues identified in the preceeding section of this Study. The potential strategies will be further considered and developed (including actions required for implementation, estimated costs, responsibilities, funding sources, etc) in the Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Woolgoolga Lake estuary. The general location of a number of the proposed strategies are shown on the aerial photograph in Illustration 6.1 overleaf.

Creek

Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga Lake

SAFTEY BEACH

Woolgoolga

Beach

Poundyard Creek

South Woolgoolga Creek

Cemetery Creek

High School Creek


Illustration

Location of Specific Strategies

North 6.1

Drawn by: RE Checked by: TIM Reviewed by: TIM Date: September 2011Source of base data: Coffs Harbour City CouncilInformation shown is for illustrative purposes only

0 150

Install a defined public walkway

Replace ’car-tyre’ erosion works with more appropriate treatment

Replace park and entrance furniture overlong term with consistent theme

Restore degraded riparian vegetation and define boundary between lawns and estuarine vegetation

Consider simple ways tomitigate visual impacts of existing erosion works

Clearly define 20 m bushfire asset protection zoneto minimise excessive clearing into forest vegetation

Rehabilitate bank erosion in combination with revegetation and landscaping / access works


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Table 6.1 Potential Estuary Management Strategies for Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Management Plan

Strategy / Action Number

Description of Strategies

Objectives Addressed (Report Section)

Estimated Timeframe for Implementation

1 Entrance Management to Address Water Quality, Sedimentation and Flooding 1.1 Develop a formal Entrance Management Policy

As part of developing the Estuary Management Plan (EMP), a formal Entrance Management Policy will be formulated to guide artificial opening of the entrance primarily for the purpose of flood mitigation. The policy will also consider the need for artificial opening for water quality and sedimentation control. The policy will aim to minimise interference with the natural opening and closing processes of the lake entrance. The policy will include the following:

consideration of impacts on water quality, fish and other ecological communities;

criteria for triggering and preventing artificial opening (eg. flood levels, ocean water levels, entrance berm heights, predicted rainfall, water quality) and optimum water levels for opening the lake;

timing of artificial opening in respect to tides and flood levels;

approval processes for opening the lake;

consultation and communication protocols including public education on the issue;

monitoring and reporting requirements; and

consideration of the impacts of sea level rise on trigger criteria and water levels for opening the lake.

5.1.1.1 5.1.1.2 5.1.1.3 5.1.3 5.1.4

To be developed as part of the EMP

1.2 Minimise the Need for Artificial Opening of the Entrance The need to artificially open the lake entrance can be reduced or avoided in the long-term by taking active measures such as removing, relocating or otherwise managing items of low-lying infrastructure that currently necessitate artificial openings. The intention of this objective is to minimise the need for interference to the natural opening / closing regime of the lake entrance.

5.1.1.2 5.1.1.3 5.1.3 5.1.4

2-5 years for identifying and auditing vulnerable services and assets


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In association with Council‘s Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plan (BMT WBM, et al, 2010), identify vulnerable services and assets (Action A-3 and A-4 in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plan) and relocate, replace or modify essential services and assets (Action A-7 in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plan) where appropriate to reduce potential for disruption and/or the need for artificial opening of the entrance.

5 – 15 years for relocate, replace or modify essential services and assets

1.3 Implement community awareness campaign to gain broad based understanding and support for the environmentally responsible entrance management of ICOLLs

5.1.1.1 5.1.1.2

2-5 years

2 Stormwater Management and Pollutant Inputs from the Catchment 2.1 Continue educational strategies that address the management of soil resources and pesticide/herbicide/fertiliser

use in agricultural activities. Workshops run by Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare targeting fertiliser use on blueberry farms are an example of recent initiatives.

5.1.4.1 1-2 years.

2.2 Ensure that best practice methods are applied during forestry operations within the Woolgoolga Lake catchment. These include adequate riparian buffer widths, restrictions on harvest in steep country and drainage management on cleared areas.

5.1.4.1 When forestry operations are running.

2.3 Stormwater Management for New Urban Development: Council currently has a policy / guidelines addressing stormwater management for new development (Coffs Harbour City Council Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Policy, 2009). This policy / guidelines adequately address contemporary standards for stormwater treatment and detention. Therefore no estuary management strategies are suggested in respect to controlling stormwater management for new development.

5.1.4.1 n/a

2.4 Stormwater Management for Existing Urban Areas: In association with Action A-3 and A-7 in Council‘s Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plan (BMT WBM, et al, 2010), (identify, audit and relocate, replace or modify essential services and assets at risk from sea level rise), identify opportunities for retrofitting of existing drainage systems to improve treatment and detention.

5.1.1.3 5.1.4.1

As detailed for Action 1.2


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2.5 On-site sewage management systems: Council currently has a program for upgrading old on-site sewage management systems (septic systems) through inspection regimes. Therefore no specific estuary management strategies are suggested.

n/a

3 Poorly managed recreational activities and other practices have the potential to impact on riparian vegetation and thereby degrade the recreational experience of the lake

3.1 Southern Foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake A small area of vegetation in very poor condition occurs on the southern foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake, immediately adjacent to the residential area of Sunset Lakes Estate. Management practices such as mowing continues to impact on the regeneration of native riparian vegetation in areas previously cleared. Modifying current management practices to encourage native riparian vegetation to regenerate at this site would further objectives associated with improving estuarine habitat and improving the natural amenity of the lake for recreational purposes.

3.1a Increase awareness of the local community about the importance of native riparian vegetation on the banks and foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake and estuary and improve management of the local natural environment by encouraging residents to participate in local landcare activities.

5.1.3.2

1-2 years

3.1b In consultation with the adjoining residential community:

encourage natural regeneration of native riparian vegetation on the foreshore through suppression of non-native species and prevention of practices that suppress native regrowth;

establish a new path (in combination with Action 11.2b ) as a defined maintenance boundary along the southern lake foreshore adjacent to residential areas and replace mown grass on the lakeside of the path with endemic riparian vegetation.

5.1.3.2 5.1.5.1 5.1.6.1 5.1.6.2

2 + years

3.2 Lakeside Picnic Area and Caravan Park At the Lakeside Picnic Area and Caravan Park recreational access and mowing practices are impacting on riparian vegetation and bank erosion. Modifying current management practices to encourage native riparian vegetation to regenerate at this site would further objectives associated with improving estuarine habitat and improving the natural amenity of the lake for recreational purposes.


46





3.2a Bank Erosion: Develop rehabilitation options for the area of bank erosion adjacent to the Lakeside Picnic Area and Caravan Park, giving due consideration to the recreational amenity of the area. This may include more formalised access (such as a platform structure) to prevent impacts on the banks whilst providing additional recreational functions at a key access point to the lake.

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.1

Will form part of EMP

3.2b Bank Erosion: Prevent access across the steeper, more sensitive sections of the shoreline and revegetate to mitigate the impact of intensive recreational activity. Encourage water access across other less vulnerable foreshore areas or ‗treated‘ areas by modifying the layout and provision of facilities within the park.

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.1

1 – 5 years

3.2c Install a properly defined public walkway adjacent to the caravan park between the picnic area and the lake entrance to ensure clear public delineation of the route. Establish the new path as a defined maintenance boundary and replace mown grass along the lake side with indigenous vegetation

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.1

Will form part of EMP

3.3 Clearly define the 20 metre bushfire protection buffer adjacent to the northern residential area of Safety Beach to minimise unnecessary encroachment of management practices into undisturbed natural vegetation. This action includes increasing the awareness of the adjoining community about the importance of native riparian vegetation on the banks and foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake.

5.1.3.2

1-2 years

3.4 Install locally indigenous trees and riparian vegetation in carefully considered locations to mitigate the existing dominance of built form across the skyline and along the foreshores

5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1 5.1.6.2

2 + years


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4 Elevated Turbidity, Total Nitrogen and Chlorophyll-a Values 4.1 Addressing the sediment loads in catchment runoff may result in reductions in turbidity measurements over the

long term by reducing suspended sediment in the water column following rainfall events. Strategy 2 actions address sediment loads from the catchment.

5.1.4.1 n/a

4.2 There is some evidence that increased turbidity occurs in Woolgoolga Lake when the entrance is open and benthic sediment is disturbed by tidal movements. This is a natural phenomenon and no strategies will be suggested to address it.

5.1.4.1 n/a

4.3 The limited dataset available indicates that nitrogen concentrations are highest when the entrance to Woolgoolga Lake is open to the ocean. This may indicate that tidal waters are rich in nitrogen, that tidal movements result in resuspension of benthic nitrogen into the water column and/or that rainfall events that lead to an open entrance deliver higher concentrations of dissolved nitrogen from the catchment. Addressing the sediment and nutrient loads in catchment runoff may result in reductions in nitrogen concentrations over the long term by reducing nitrogen delivery following rainfall events. Strategy 2 actions address this issue.

5.1.4.1 n/a

5 Impacts of Climate Change on Estuary Ecology 5.1 Assess available corridors for the migration of mangrove and saltmarsh colonies in response to sea level rise.

Identify priority areas for protection under local and state planning instruments. This will include the potential inclusion of appropriate provisions into Councils proposed Riparian Lands Development Control Plan.

5.1.3.6 2+ years

5.2 There may be indirect impacts upon estuary ecology related to climate change impacts upon water quality. Strategies that will reduce the impacts of forecast climate change scenarios are discussed under Strategy 9.

n/a


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6 Diminishing Fish Stocks 6.1 Improving fish stocks is a likely outcome of actions that improve the extent and condition of aquatic habitat

(Strategy 7 actions), improve the condition and continuity of riparian vegetation (Strategy 3 actions) and improve water quality (Strategy 2 actions).

5.1.3.4 n/a

6.2 Continue to regulate recreational fishing practices in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 1994. 5.1.3.4 Ongoing for the life of the plan

7 Loss of Aquatic Habitats 7.1 Undertake targeted education of landholders around the foreshore of Woolgoolga Lake to ensure that landholders

understand the importance of healthy saltmarsh and mangrove habitats and how landholder actions could result in an improvement in the condition of these resources. To be undertaken in association with Action 3.1a.

5.1.3.1 1 to 2 years

7.2 Follow strategies to reduce the inputs of sediment from the catchment (see Strategy 2 actions) to maximise the opportunities for the recruitment of seagrass to the system.

5.1.3.1 Ongoing for the life of the plan

8 Environmental weeds degrading native riparian vegetation communities in mid to upper reaches of Woolgoolga and Poundyard Creeks. 8.1 Develop a weed management strategy which prioritises areas of riparian foreshore to be treated and priority

weeds to be targeted. 5.1.3.2 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1

Priority areas to be identified in

the EMP

8.2 Utilise specialist bush regeneration contractors to undertake primary weed control in priority areas.

5.1.3.2 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1

2-5 years

8.3 Foster a local Landcare group to undertake the secondary control or follow-up maintenance of areas treated by contractors.

5.1.3.2 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1

2+ years


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9 Water Quality Impacts Associated with Climate Change and Sea Level Rise 9.1 Climate change scenarios may result in an intensification of existing issues with water quality. Addressing current

issues in accordance with Action 1.2 and Strategy 2 actions will be the best preparation for the impacts of climate change on water quality.

5.1.4.1 n/a

10 Lack of Continuity and Detail in Existing Water Quality Data 10.1 Develop and implement a water quality monitoring program for Woolgoolga Lake that meets local and state

government reporting requirements and identifies water quality issues as they arise. 5.1.4.2 A suggested

program will be developed as part of the EMP.

11 Existing recreational facilities and opportunities require upgrading and management to enhance and protect the recreational experience 11.1 Lakeside Picnic Area and Caravan Park

11.1a Maintain and consolidate the existing function and capacity of the lakeside picnic area as the main focus for family, water and land based recreational activity around the lake.

5.1.5.1 Ongoing for the life of the plan

11.1b Support non-motorised water craft use such as kayaks by providing easier access and a dedicated soft launching area along the foreshore of the lakeside picnic area.

5.1.5.1 5.1.5.2

2 + years

11.1c Continue to prohibit the use of recreational motorised watercraft in the lake. 5.1.5.1 5.1.5.2

Ongoing for the life of the plan

11.1d Replace car tyres used to protect the southern bank near the entrance (adjoining the caravan park) with a more visually sympathetic, natural treatment

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1


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11.2 Walking Trails 11.2a Consolidate walking trails around the lake and remove and revegetate unnecessary or duplicated path routes.

Upgrade tracks to generate visual continuity with a consistent standard of construction detail, surface treatment and alignment design. Ensure that path routes are clearly defined and continuous between destinations. Highlight starting points with signs or maps to ensure legibility

5.1.5.1 1 – 5 years

11.2b Provide a continuous, universally accessible walking track along the southern shore of the lake and along one or both sides of Jarrett and Woolgoolga Creeks to formalise and enhance the recreational experience for public use. Connect the track to existing access routes from adjoining streets and cul de sacs. Incorporate boardwalks, viewing platforms and low key surface treatments to create a well-defined, controlled pedestrian route. Identify a path route that minimises views and loss of privacy into adjoining residential properties. Establish new paths as a defined maintenance boundary between mown grass and riparian vegetation where applicable.

5.1.5.1 1 – 15 years

11.2c Replace and rationalise the existing signage system with appropriate and consistent directional, identification and informational signs and maps at key locations to improve pedestrian legibility, orientation, site interpretation and enjoyment of the lake environment.

5.1.5.1 1 – 15 years

11.2d Investigate opportunities to install a footpath through land belonging to Woolgoolga High School along the eastern foreshores of Woolgoolga Creek to provide a continuous public access route.

5.1.5.1 1 – 10 years

11.3 Abandon previous proposals specified in the Woolgoolga Lake and Lake Reserve Plan of Management (John Allen & Associates and Bruce Fidge & Associates, 1992a) for further tourism development including cabin, caravan park and backpacker accommodation in favour of preserving and enhancing the natural values of the area.

5.1.5.1 5.1.5.2 5.1.5.3

1 – 2 years

11.4 Prevent unnecessary car movement into the western side of Lake Road and limit parking to small grassed sections along the road edge as an overflow to the formal car parks on the eastern side of the road. Revegetate existing cleared and managed areas and install discrete car barriers where necessary to prevent car access

5.1.5.1 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1

1 – 5 years

11.5 Replace and enhance existing park furniture over the longer term by adopting a consistent theme and suite of new fixtures and materials that are robust, attractive and complementary with the natural visual character of the setting

5.1.5.1 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1

1 – 15 years


51





11.6a Rubbish Around the Foreshores: Continue to provide appropriate rubbish disposal and removal facilities in high use foreshore areas.

5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1 5.1.6.2

Ongoing

11.6b Rubbish Around the Foreshores: Organise foreshore clean-up activities for the local community to coincide with existing organised activities such as ‗Clean Up Australia Day‘ and ‗World Environment Day‘.

5.1.5.3 5.1.6.1 5.1.6.2

1-2 years and ongoing

12 Flying-Fox Camp 12.1 Council plans on developing a Flying-fox Management Strategy for the camp to achieve an equitable balance

between conservation and the social, cultural, aesthetic and environmental values shared by the community. The plan will include vegetation management, direct amelioration of concerns within the community, protective fencing, and interpretive signage. Key objectives of the strategy also include restore the area‘s value as Secondary Koala Habitat, enhance the Woolgoolga Lake riparian and coastal values and providing for community‘s needs in terms of recreation, education and interpretation of these values to ensure the long-term management of the camp. It is considered these objectives are consistent with the objectives developed for the Woolgoolga Lake estuary. Therefore the EMP supports Council‘s development of the Flying-fox Management Strategy.

5.1.3.2 5.1.3.3 5.1.5.3

1 – 5 years

12.2 Whilst faecal material contributed to Woolgoolga Lake by flying foxes would result in elevated concentrations of faecal coliforms and enterococcus (and therefore result in more days where swimming would be considered risky) there is no evidence that it would result in an increased actual risk to human health (ref) or a reduction in the quality of the water for ecosystem protection. No actions are recommended for this issue.

n/a

13 Loss of visual amenity resulting from weed growth, poor maintenance practices, rubbish deposition and provision of unattractive and poorly located infrastructure

13.1 Preserve the extent of continuous natural vegetation across the surrounding slopes and skyline of the lake to maintain the visual buffer to adjoining land uses such as the playing fields, RTA depot, cemetery and the southern residential fringe of Safety Beach

5.1.6.2 Ongoing


52





13.2 Enhance the visual, cultural and environmental appreciation of the lake and its surrounding area by installing a coordinated system of interpretive signs at key locations along pedestrian access routes and at existing foreshore destinations and vantage points. This action should be undertaken in association with Action 11.2c.

5.1.5.1

1 – 15 years

13.3 Implement planting ‗pockets‘ of vegetation along the northern shoreline retaining wall (both in front and behind the wall) to minimise or ‗soften‘ the visual impact of the wall (eg. pockets of locally endemic Casuarina species behind the wall and potentially mangrove species in front of the wall)

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.2 5.1.6.3

1 –5 years

13.4 Review the method and type of bank erosion /edge reinforcement required along the northern shoreline near the lake entrance and consider a more visually sympathetic solution when the existing timber wall requires replacement or upgrading.

5.1.2.1 5.1.5.3 5.1.6.2 5.1.6.3

1 – 15 years

14 Dredging – the need to address effects of sedimentation including a perceived loss of recreational opportunity due to decreased waterway depth

14.1 Sedimentation in the estuary is primarily the result of the continual ingression of marine-derived sands through the entrance of the estuary. The process is a long-term process and little can be done in the way of active management short of on-going dredging to continually remove sediments. Dredging has significant deleterious effects on other aspects of estuary health and is not considered an appropriate long-term strategy to alleviate sedimentation in Woolgoolga Lake. Therefore no management strategies are suggested.

5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4

n/a


53





15 Residues from the 1989 Dieldrin/Aldrin Spill 15.1 Follow up testing undertaken immediately after the spill to assess the status of pesticides in the water, sediment

and biota of Woolgoolga Lake.

5.1.4.1 1 year

Project Team


55

The GeoLINK project team members included: GeoLINK Ali McCallum David Andrighetto Garry Murray Richard Elliot Simon Waterworth Tim Ruge Aquatic Science and Management Matthew Birch GECO Environmental Damon Telfer The following people and organisations have provided technical input to the preparation of this report: Coffs Harbour City Council Malcolm Robertson Martin Rose Office of Environment & Heritage, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Mohammed Hanif Rob Kasmarik Coffs Harbour City Council Coastal Estuary Management Advisory Committee

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Acronyms


61

ALUM Australian Land Use and Management

AHD Australian Height Datum

ANZECC Australia and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council

ASS Acid sulfate soils

ASSRM Acid Sulfate Soil Risk Maps

BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand

CAP Catchment Action Plan

CCA Comprehensive Coastal Assessment

CEMAC Coffs Harbour City Council Coastal Estuary Management Advisory Committee

CHCC Coffs Harbour City Council

CMSS Catchment Management Support System

DECCW NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (now Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH))

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EMS Estuary Management Study

Hs Significant wave height (the average height of the highest one-third of waves recorded in a given monitoring period)

ICOLL Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon

LGA Local Government Area

LPMA Land and Property Management Authority

MER Monitoring Evaluating and Reporting

NEXSYS Nutrient Expert System

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council

NRCMA Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet

ppt Parts per thousand (equivalent to kg/m³ or g/L)

TDN Total Dissolved Nitrogen

TDP Total Dissolved Phosphorus

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

TKN Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen

TN Total Nitrogen

TP Total Phosphorus

TSS Total Suspended Solids

WSUD Water Sensitive Urban Design

Glossary


63

ANZECC guidelines Guidelines for water and sediment quality, prepared by the Australian and New Zealand Environmental Conservation Council

bathymetry the measurement of the depth of bodies of water, particularly of oceans and seas

ebb tide outflowing tide (flowing seaward)

El Niño El Niño refers to the extensive warming of the central and eastern Pacific that leads to a major shift in weather patterns across the Pacific. In Australia (particularly eastern Australia), El Niño events are associated with an increased probability of drier conditions

El Niño Southern Oscillation the El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a global climatic phenomenon marked by see-saw shifts in air pressure between the Indo-Australian and eastern regions of the Tropical Pacific. El Niño and La Niña refer to extreme phases in the 2-7 year cycle. The strength and phase of ENSO is measure by the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI).

estuaries estuaries are semi-enclosed waterbodies with open or intermittently open connections with the ocean. Estuaries are waterbodies which receive sediment from both river and marine sources and contain geomorphic and sedimentary features influenced by tide, wave and river processes.

flood tide incoming tide (flowing landward)

fluvial pertaining to a river or freshwater source

geomorphology the study of the nature and history of landforms and the processes which create them.

hydrodynamics the study of changes in flow behaviour (depth, direction, etc.) within a waterbody resulting from the interaction of hydrologic and hydraulic attributes of the system and surrounding environment

ICOLL Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon - saline coastal waterbodies with an intermittent connection to the ocean. These coastal waterbodies mostly comprise lakes or lagoons, although in rare cases, small riverine systems can also be intermittently closed to the ocean (Haines, 2006).

Inter-decadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO)

the influence of ENSO on Australia is shown to vary in association with an inter-decadal (one to three decades) oscillation in surface temperature over the Pacific Ocean. When this Inter-decadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) raises temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, there is no robust relationship between year-to-year Australian climate variations and ENSO. When the IPO lowers temperature in the same region, on the other hand, year-to-year ENSO variability is closely associated with year-to-year variability in rainfall, surface temperature and river flow (Power, et. al., 1999).

La Niña the term "La Niña" has recently become the conventional meteorological label for the opposite of the better known El Niño. The term La Niña refers to the extensive cooling of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. In Australia (particularly eastern Australia), La Niña events are associated with increased probability of wetter conditions.

marine tidal delta a sand shoal located immediately inside the mouth of an estuary, which has developed from landward sediment transport during flood tide conditions

MER Strategy The NSW Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy 2010 – 2015 which guides the efforts of natural resource and land

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/elnino.shtml

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/soi.shtml



64

management agencies and Catchment Management Authorities to better understand whether the overall health of the natural resources of NSW are changing and to assess the effectiveness of remedial action in reversing observed trends.

neap tide neap tides occur throughout the year at regular intervals. When the Moon is at first quarter or third quarter, the Sun and Moon are separated by 90° when viewed from the Earth, and the Sun‘s tidal force partially cancels the Moon's. At these points in the lunar cycle, the tide's range is at its minimum: this is called the neap tide. The neap tidal range occurs every 14.5 days. There is about a seven-day interval between spring tides and neap tides.

percentile percentile is the value below which a certain percentage of observations fall e.g. the 90th percentile water level for Woolgoolga Lake (≈ 1.0 m AHD) is the water level greater than 90 percent of all recorded water levels

planform shape of a river as seen from above

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is calculated from the monthly or seasonal fluctuations in the air pressure difference between Tahiti and Darwin. Sustained negative values of the SOI often indicate El Niño episodes. Positive values of the SOI indicate La Niña episodes

spring tide spring tides occur throughout the year at regular intervals. The term ‗spring‘ is not named after the season but derives from an earlier meaning of "jump, burst forth, rise". The ‗spring‘ tidal range occurs every 14.5 days when the Moon is either full or new which results from the Sun, Earth and Moon falling into alignment, therefore combining their gravitational attractions on the ocean water surface and creating a larger tidal range.

thalweg the line defining the lowest points along the length of a river bed or valley. The thalweg thus marks the natural direction (the profile) of a watercourse.

http://www.cma.nsw.gov.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_phase#Names_of_lunar_phases

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percentage


http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/lanina.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_(season)

Appendix A


A Community Survey Data


1. Where respondents are from Number of responses Percentage of total

respondents

Woolgoolga area 30 60%

Safety Beach area 11 22%

Elsewhere in the Coffs Harbour Council area 8 16%

Outside the Coffs Harbour Council area 1 2%

Total 50 100%

2. Frequency of use/visit of the Darkum Creek Estuary

Number of responses Percentage of total respondents

Daily 11 23%

A few times a week 6 12%

A few times a fortnight 5 10%

A few times a month 5 10%

A few times a year 11 22%

Rarely or never 9 18%

Total 50 100%

3. Uses of the Darkum Creek Estuary Number of responses Percentage of total

respondents

Swimming 9 18%

Picnicking 8 16%

Walking 32 64%

Dog Walking 13 26%

Fishing 13 26%

Boating 6 12%

Bird-watching 14 28%

Other (please describe) 3 6%

Total 192 n/a


4. Level of concern for estuary related issues

Very Concerned

Concerned Unconcerned Don't Know Number of responses

Water quality issues associated with runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas 33 14 1 2 50

Bank erosion 28 15 5 0 48

Decline in aquatic habitat (e.g. seagrass, mangroves, wetlands) 20 20 7 0 47

Loss of native vegetation along the lake / creek shoreline 23 19 2 2 46

Protection of cultural heritage areas on the lake / creek foreshores 9 22 15 2 48

Increasing levels of sedimentation in Woolgoolga Lake 33 13 3 0 49

Sand build-up in the entrance to Woolgoolga Lake causing blocking of outflows and high flood levels

34 7 9 0 50

Erosion of the sand spit on the south side of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance 28 15 5 2 50

Diminishing fish stock in Woolgoolga Lake 27 15 4 2 50

Impact of recreational fishing on fish stocks, aquatic habitat and other fauna 20 17 8 4 49

The state of existing walkways around Woolgoolga Lake foreshores 18 16 13 1 48

Inadequate public access around Woolgoolga Lake foreshores / creeks 15 8 24 1 48

Insufficient walking tracks around Willis Creek estuary 5 12 19 10 46

Impacts of motor boats in the lake / creeks 25 12 9 1 47

Loss of foreshore habitat (e.g. seagrass, mangroves, wetlands) due to higher lake / creek water levels from sea level rise

13 20 12 1 46

Other 25 3 0 2 30

Other concerns included: 4WDs on foreshores & lake surrounds; illegal campers in dunes; changes to drainage that reduce flows with no flush e.g. 27 Wharf St development on the foreshores and over development; litter; storm water erosion exiting onto Cabin's beach pipe-work is an urgent and major problem; loss of edible foods; Woolgoolga Lake needs to be regularly opened;


people poisoning and cutting down trees; insufficient launching areas for kayaks/canoes; loss of amenity views of the lake for residents due to the re-establishment of vegetation on the southern shore of Woolgoolga Lake, a stable area suffering from

sedimentation, not erosion; build up of sand in these lakes prevents fish breeding and our local fish population is suffering, our breaches are being closed off for recreational fishing because of this; weeds around the Woolgoolga Lake and Darkum Creek has increased significantly particularly Asparagus fern and Lantana; poorly constructed and unmaintained steps and pathways on the northern shore of Woolgoolga Lake and Safety Headland loss of native species both flora and fauna; and dunes destroyed on Cabin Beach.

5. Level of importance for estuary related goals Very

Important Important

Not Important

Don't Know Number of responses

Improved water quality 41 7 0 1 49

Improved runoff control on agricultural land in the catchment 33 13 1 0 47

Improved runoff control in urban areas of the catchment 38 8 0 1 46

Improved aquatic habitat within the lake and creeks to support fish stocks, crustaceans, etc. 40 7 0 1 48

Protecting the banks from erosion 34 13 0 1 48

Providing / protecting an adequate fringe of native vegetation along the lake / creek banks 32 14 1 1 48

Improved understanding of cultural heritage areas on the lake / creek foreshores 11 31 5 1 48

Continued shorebird protection measures at Willis Creek entrance (e.g. measures to protect Little Tern colony)

32 10 2 4 48

Removal of sediments in Woolgoolga Lake to provide increased water depths 30 9 8 2 49

Stabilisation of the sand spit on the south side of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance 28 14 5 2 49

Improved signage and walkway access to Woolgoolga Lake foreshore 18 14 14 1 47

Improved passive recreation facilities at Woolgoolga Lake (e.g. picnic facilities) 19 17 11 0 47

Improved walking tracks around Willis Creek estuary 11 17 11 8 47

Providing a buffer area around the shorelines to allow for 'retreat' of aquatic habitat (e.g. seagrass, mangroves) in response to rising lake/creek water levels from sea level rise

21 15 9 2 47

Other comments included: stop 4WDs on the Back Beach - Willis Creek area;


clean out tributaries to improve flows and water quality; dredging; maintaining tidal flows in Woolgoolga Lake would be beneficial to the community and biodiversity. more sharks and other edible creatures in the estuaries to make hunting easier for those of us that cannot afford to buy food; minimisation of human impact; protection of fish and crustaceans; protection of the Little Tern colony at the Willis Creek entrance; poor quality of walking tracks and steps need replacing with in-ground pathways as opposed to above-ground "crusher dust" type pathways. Many less-used pathways

could remain earthen and some scenic locations e.g Safety Headland, retaining wall would suit a vandal-proof, bench-like seating; a more formalised pathway could include the lake perimeter directly east of the school oval.

maintenance of weed-free, riparian vegetation around waterways and prevention of the spread of salvinia from Woolgooga Creek to Woolgoolga Lake; stop locals cutting trees down and destroying vegetation at Darkum Lake walk entrance; maintaining an adequate fire protection zone between housing and the lake foreshore bushland; maintaining aesthetics, the fewer the signs the better;

6. Artificial opening of the Woolgoolga Lake entrance Yes No Don't Know

Would you support artificial opening (with an excavator) of the lake under certain conditions? 32 9 8

7. a) Do you support the use of motor boats in the estuaries Yes No Don't Know

11 38 0

7. b) Which estuaries to you think are suitable to motor boat use? Darkum Creek Woolgoolga Lake Willis Creek

3 13 2

7. c) What type of motor boat suitable to motor boat use? Speed Boat Open runabout (tinny) Canoes with mini outboard motor

3 10 19

Comments received regarding the use of motor boats in the estuaries include: prefer a junior sailing club established on the lake foreshore; use of battery operated motors would be OK; just canoes are suitable, and oar-powered craft only; motor boats cause bank erosion, foreshore damage, noise pollution and oil/grease release; area is not large enough to accommodate motorised craft; estuaries are too shallow for motor boats; and


Woolgoolga lake suitable for a small motor boat but not until it is dredged.

8. Flying Fox Colony at Woolgoolga Lake Yes No Don't Know

Are you concerned by the flying fox colony at the lake?

Comments received regarding the flying fox colony at Woolgoolga Lake include: they are an important natural pollinators; they smell, and cause destruction of vegetation; health, safety, ongoing disturbance, noise and pollution, and destruction of vegetation; disincentive to tourists. could carry disease; their numbers are increasing and they need culling; they chase me; they are an important part of the ecosystem as long as they are left alone; effluent contaminates the lake; flying foxes are not suited to urban location; this colony is an important tourist attraction and should be promoted as such; and they should be destroyed, they are disease riddled filthy pests.

9. Other Comments Other comments received whilst I realise your main concern is humans, please give consideration to the wildlife & nature member of Northern Beaches Residents Association has Council changed drainage behind 21-27 Wharf St? The drain no longer flushes properly, is blocked and filthy. Letter also attached with returned survey add more fish to creeks; stormwater channel and Small Creek, southern end of Cabin's Beach (rear of caravan park) is completely dead, stagnant; as a member of landcare we will welcome any help to restore the lake; the development of an estuary management plan is a step in the right direction for the future of these important assets; Woolgoolga Lake was a beautiful place for family recreation, children once learned to swim there. Lake has been spoiled by lakes closure, the siltation and the

contamination and smell of bats; get rid of the flying foxes would like to see toxicology tests on resident fish and crabs;


the entire coastal area from Sapphire to Arrawarra is valuable because of the diversity of species (flora and fauna) occurring here as well as for the number of threatened species which utilise the region. In addition, it is a naturally attractive section of the NSW coastline and the natural beauty, high level of biodiversity and threatened species should be protected and promoted. This can be done in a manner which both proctects the natural amenity of the area as well as enhancing its appeal to visitors to the area;

I love Woopi Lake if it wasn‘t there, I would not be here I have encountered 20 different types of fish in the lake and the birdlife is amazing. One day I saw 21 black swans arrive here at night. They left the next morning;

thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue; my main concern is for Woolgoolga Lake but as a child I also spent time at Darkum Creek and I have talked to people about Willis Creek. All these natural waterways

need your help. There is no point in stopping the fishing by closing up the beaches and ocean fishing if we don't protect the areas our fish need to start their life in. We need to give the lakes back to the fish, and we can still swim and paddle boat on these lakes because when there is deep water there is enough room for us and the fish. Thank you for the time you are spending working out the best way to go. Please fix our lakes;

I would fully support a Woolgoolga Lake hydrological study in support of an attempt to maintain tidal conditions in this particular waterway. I also believe water quality should be continually monitored by Council particularly for E. coli (sewerage pumps on the foreshores have failed in the past) and pesticides/herbicides. All results should be made public and dangerous results acted upon promptly and openly. Thanks for the consideration.

Appendix B


B Planning Framework


B.1 The NSW Coastal Zone Management Planning Process The development and implementation of Estuary Management Plans or Coastal Zone Management Plans is overseen by the Coastal Estuary Management Advisory Committee established by Coffs Harbour City Council. Coastal Zone Management Plans are prepared under the guidance of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997, Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW, 2010) and the North Coast Rivers Healthy Rivers Commission Report (HRC, 2003). A range of NSW legislation and policies are also relevant and will be discussed later is this section. The Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW, 2010) supersedes the Estuary Management Manual (NSW Government, 1992). B1.1 Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW, 2010) The Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMP) (DECCW, 2010) provides a framework for and specifies minimum requirements for preparing a Coastal Zone Management Plan. These guidelines have replaced the: Coastline Management Manual 1990; and Estuary Management Manual 1992. The primary purpose of a CZMP is to describe proposed actions to be implemented by a council, other public authorities and potentially by the private sector to address priority management issues in the coastal zone over a defined implementation period. These may include: Managing risks to public safety and built assets; Pressures on coastal ecosystems; and Community uses of the coastal zone. CZMPs should support the goals and objectives of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997 and the NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement and assist in implementing integrated coastal zone management. The Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek Estuary Management Study and Plan are to be developed in accordance with the Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans. . B1.3 NSW Coastal Policy 1997 The NSW Coastal Policy deals with population and economic growth whilst protecting the natural, cultural, heritage and spiritual values of the coastal environment. The policy has a strong focus on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and incorporates its four principles: the precautionary principle; inter-generational equity; conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; and improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms. Through the principles of ESD and the principle of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) the 1997 Coastal Policy has set out the following nine goals: protecting, rehabilitating and improving the natural environment of the coastal zone. recognising and accommodating the natural processes of the coastal zone. protecting and enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the coastal zone. protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the coastal zone. providing for ecologically sustainable development and use of resources. providing for ecologically sustainable human settlement in the coastal zone. providing for appropriate public access and use. providing information to enable effective management of the coastal zone. providing for integrated planning and management of the coastal zone.


The Coastal Policy 1997 understands that the management of coastal zones is the responsibility of State and Local Government as well as the community. ICZM is linked to the framework through the primary goal to maintain, restore or improve the quality of coastal zone ecosystem and the societies they support. The ICZM is unique in that it addresses both the development and conservation challenges for specific coastal areas of Australia. Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek fall within the defined coastal zone, therefore the coastal policy needs to be considered in the preparation of the Estuary Management Study and Plan. Councils are required to implement the policy when making local environmental plans applying to land within the coastal zone and to take the provisions of the policy into consideration when determining development applications in the coastal zone.

B.2 Legislative and Policy Frameworks for Estuary Management in NSW B2.1 Coastal Protection Act 1979 The NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979 aims to protect, enhance, maintain and restore the environment with concern for both the natural and built environments. The NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979 is the principal legislation relating to coastal management in New South Wales. Key provisions of the Act include requirements relating to Ministerial concurrences for certain developments in the coastal zone, and requirements relating to preparing coastal zone management plans. It also includes order powers relating to unlawful dumping of material on beaches. In 2010 the Act was amended by the Coastal Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010. This included new provisions allowing landowners to temporarily place sand or sandbags as emergency coastal protection works under certain conditions. The amendments also improved the arrangements for preparing coastal zone management plans and the ability of public authorities to require the removal of unlawful material dumped on beaches. They also increased penalties for a breach of the principal Act. The Coastal Protection Act 1979 has a strong link with the principles of ESD in that the final determination by the Minister for Planning may be rejected if the proposal is not consistent with the ESD principles. The Act also recognises the importance of the social and economic benefits which are a result of sustainable coastal environments. Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek are subject to the Coastal Protection Act as the coastal zone of protection includes the land one kilometre landward of coastal waters, estuaries, lakes and tidal limits of rivers; therefore having implications for the subject estuaries. B2.2 Coastal Protection Regulation 2011 The primary objective of the Coastal Protection Regulation 2011 which commenced on 3 March 2011 is to support the amendments to the Coastal Protection Act. The main provisions of the Regulation are:

requirements relating to emergency coastal protection works by landowners, specified in a Code of Practice under the Regulation and also explained in a guide to these requirements;

requirements relating to Ministerial concurrences which must be obtained before carrying out certain off-shore development activities, similar to the requirements in the Coastal Protection Regulation 2004;

defining the arrangements for categorising land according to its vulnerability to coastal hazards, based on information in council coastal zone management plans.

B2.3 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 One of the key pieces of NSW legislation is the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This Act provides a system of environmental planning and assessment for NSW, and involves developing plans to


regulate land uses, through ‗environmental planning instruments‘. A primary objective of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) 1979, is the proper management, development and conservation of natural and artificial resources for the promotion of economic and social welfare and a better environment. The EP&A Act enables the creation of Local Environmental Plans and State Environmental Planning Policies which deal with land, development and resource management at the local, regional and state level. The relevant plans created under the EP&A Act that are applicable to Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek include the Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2000 (discussed later)and the following State Environmental Planning Policies. SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands The objective of SEPP 14 is to ensure that coastal wetlands are preserved and protected in the environmental and economic interests of the State. The policy provides protection to specific wetland areas that have been mapped and gazetted by Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Development that involves the following activities is not allowed to be carried out unless consent (designated development) is provided by local council and concurrence is sought from the Director General of Planning: clearing of land, construction of levees, draining of land, and filling of land. If this development is to be carried out, an Environmental Impact Statement first needs to be prepared. There is one SEPP 14 coastal wetland identified within the study area located around Willis Creek. Protection and management of this wetland is supported by the EMS which is consistent with the aims and objectives of SEPP14. SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforest SEPP 26 aims to provide consideration for development applications which are likely to damage or destroy littoral rainforest with a view towards preserving their natural state. Council consent is required for any land directly affected by or within 100m of mapped littoral rainforest. The SEPP requires that any person shall not erect a building, carry out work, use land for any purpose, or subdivide it, disturb, change or alter any landform or disturb, remove, damage or destroy any native flora or other element of the landscape or dispose of or dump any liquid, gaseous or solid matter, without the consent of Council. The SEPP is relevant to developing the estuary management study and planand therefore all potential works should be designed to be consistent with the SEPP and consent should be sort where appropriate. Some SEPP 26 Littoral Rainforest is mapped in the vicinity of Willis Creek. SEPP44 – Koala Habitat Protection State Environmental Planning Policy 44 – Koala Habitat aims to encourage the conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for koalas to ensure a permanent free-living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of population decline. SEPP44 requires that consent authorities must not issue a development approval without prior investigation of potential and core koala habitat. As Coffs Harbour has a Koala Plan of Management, the SEPP does not apply to the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area. The estuary management plan must be consistent with the Koala plan of management. SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection SEPP 71 aims to protect and manage the natural, cultural, recreational and economic attributes of the NSW coast through the use of the Ecologically Sustainable Development principles. More specifically this is achieved through the protection and preservation of public access, aboriginal heritage, visual amenity, beach environments, native coastal vegetation, marine environments, rock platforms and management of coastal zones.


Clause 9 of SEPP 71 refers to Significant coastal development.(1) This Part applies to: (a), (b) (Repealed) (c) development within 100m below mean high water mark of the sea, a bay or an estuary, and (d) development on land described in Schedule 3, Subject to subclause (2) (2) This Part does not apply to:

(a) development in relation to which, under another environmental planning instrument, development consent cannot be granted without the concurrence of the Minister or the Director-General, or (b) development in relation to which, under another environmental planning instrument, the Minister or the Director-General is the consent authority.

(3) Despite subclause (2), this Part does apply to development in relation to which, under: (a) State Environmental Planning Policy No 1—Development Standards, or (b) State Environmental Planning Policy No 14—Coastal Wetlands, or (c) State Environmental Planning Policy No 26—Littoral Rainforests, development consent cannot be granted without the concurrence of the Director-General, whether or not the concurrence may be lawfully assumed. Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek are within the NSW Coastal Zone as defined by the Coastal Protection Act 1979. Consequently, SEPP71 is applicable and requries consideration during the development of management strategies and during implementation. SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 came into force in January 2008 and was an amalgamation of several repealed SEPPs in order to facilitate the effective delivery of infrastructure across the State. The repealed SEPP 35 – Maintenance Dredging of Tidal Waterways in now included as a part of SEPP (Infrastructure). The SEPP: outlines planning processes for considering classes of public infrastructure and particular infrastructure

projects; exempts some minor public infrastructure from the need for an approval; clarifies where new infrastructure can be located and provides for additional permissible uses on

government land; and requires State agencies constructing infrastructure to consult local councils when a new infrastructure

development is likely to affect existing local infrastructure or services. Division 25 of the SEPP under Waterway or Foreshore Management Activities permits without consent certain development for the purposes of waterway or foreshore management activities carried out by or on behalf of a public authority. These include: Construction works; Routine maintenance works; Emergency works, including work required as a result of flooding, storms or coastal erosion; and Environmental management works. Maintenance dredging at Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and / or Willis Creek may be required in the future in order to maintain the natural flow and ecological processes, therefore SEPP (Infrastructure) is considered relevant. These works and consent requirements (or lack of) are considered relevant to the preparation of an EMP. North Coast Regional Environmental Plan (Deemed SEPP) Regional plans have been repealed and a number of regional plans are now deemed to be SEPPs. The North Coast Regional Environmental Plan 1988 (deemed SEPP) aims to protect the natural environment whilst


maintaining a development that promotes economic and social benefit. The North Coast Regional Environmental Plan draws from other policies to formulate a regional focus in order to develop policies that deal with regionally specific issues. This planning document guides local environmental plans so as to control development within the region and define future land use and development. B2.4 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 deals with the identification of threatened species, ecological communities and the threatening processes whilst aiming to conserve biodiversity and promote ecologically sustainable development. The Act also aims to minimise the external threats which may upset or disturb the functioning of the threatened or endangered species. A licence is required in order to harm or remove any threatened species or ecological community. Other aspects addressed in the Act include: Critical habitat identification; Recovery plans for threatened species, populations and communities; Threat abatement plans to manage threatening processes; Threatened species priorities action statements; Correct licensing; and Biodiversity banking. The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 applies to the areas of Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek as many threatened species listed under the TSC Act are present in the study area. The Act will assist in implementing strategies to ensure habitat protection and conservation within the estuaries catchments. It is noted that the NSW Biobanking Scheme is established under this Act. However, it is considered the Biobanking Scheme will not influence the development of the relevant EMP(s) other than potentially protecting areas that would otherwise not be protected by application of the biobank site tool. B2.5 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 is responsible for the establishment of the National Parks and Wildlife Service which is now integrated into the Office of Environment and Heritage. The objectives of the National Parks and Wildlife Act include: The conservation of nature; The conservation of objects, places or features of cultural value within the landscape; Fostering public appreciation understanding and enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage and their

conservation; and Providing for the management of land reserved under this Act. According to the NP&W Act it is an offence to harm threatened species; buy, sell or possess threatened species; damage critical habitat; or damage the habitat of a threatened species without the issuing of a Section 120 licence. If any identified archaeological sites or remains need to be removed or destroyed, prior to commencement of management works, an approval is required from the Office of Environment and Heritage. The Act also requires a Plan of Management to be prepared for National Parks and this plan provides the framework for park use and management. The EMP will need to be consistent with relevant plans of management if any management strategies involve works in a National Park. No National Parks occur within the Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek Estuary Management Study Area, however the Coffs Coast Regional Park is located within the study area and is under the management of National Parks and Wildlife. No Plan of Management affects the Coffs Coast Regional Park.


B2.6 Fisheries Management Act 1994 The Fisheries Management Act 1994 aims to conserve, develop and share the fishery resources of the State for the benefit of present and future generations. The Fisheries Management Act is the primary piece of legislation that protects the aquatic flora and fauna. The aims are achieved by; Conserving fish stocks and habitats; Conserving threatened species and ecological communities; Promoting ecological sustainable development; Promoting quality and viable recreational and commercial fishing; and Providing social and economic benefits for the wider community of New South Wales. NSW Fisheries which is a part of the Department Trade and Investment under Primary Industries is the regulatory body of the Fisheries Management Act. Under the Act, removal of or damage to seagrass and mangroves requires a permit to be obtained from NSW Trade and Investment. The Woolgoolga Lake, Darkum Creek and Willis Creek study areashas several areas of mangroves. Work proposed in the EMP that will impact on the mangroves or other threatened species or their habitats requires approval from NSW Trade and Investment. Dredge or reclamation works are also restricted. Any dredge or reclamation to be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority (other than a local authority) must seek concurrence from the minister and consider any comments received before undertaking the works. A local government authority must not carry out dredging or reclamation work except under the authority of a permit issued by the Minister. A person must not carry out dredging or reclamation work except under the authority of a permit issued by the Minister. B2.7 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, aims to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in New South Wales, recognising the need for ecologically sustainable development. The Act provides opportunities for the public to be involved in environmental protection as well as information about pollution. The Act addresses pollution of the air, water and land as well as noise pollution. An environmental protection licence is required for any form of pollution under the Act. Licences are issued by the Office of Environment and Heritage. There is at least one scheduled activity pursuant to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 within the estuary study area, being theWoolgoolga waste water treatment facility. Reference and review of the existing Environmental Protection Licenses for scheduled activities may be required. B2.8 Crown Lands Act 1989 The Crown Lands Act is administered by the Crown Lands Division within the Department of Primary Industries (formerly managed by the Land and Property Management Authority) to provide for the administration and management of crown land in the eastern and central division of the State. Crown land shall not be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed, dedicated or reserved or otherwise dealt with unless the occupation, use, sale, lease, licence, reservation or dedication or other dealing is authorised under this Act. The Crown Lands Division is the custodian of crown land status information and administers crown land held under lease, licence or permit under the Crown Lands Act. The Division also manages vacant crown land, land retained in public ownership for environmental protection purposes and the lands of the crown public roads network. Crown land is commonly allocated for public uses, including schools, hospitals, sports grounds, community recreation and housing development. Crown reserves are managed in partnership with both councils and local community groups. The goal of crown Land management is to optimise environmental, economic and social outcomes for the benefit of the people of NSW. Clause 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 outlines the Principals of Crown land management as follows:


For the purposes of this Act, the principles of Crown land management are: (a) that environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and administration of

Crown land,

(b) that the natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) be

conserved wherever possible,

(c) that public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged,

(d) that, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged,

(e) that, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that both the land and its

resources are sustained in perpetuity, and

(f) that Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the best interests of

the State consistent with the above principles.

The main areas of Crown Lands within the study area would include the bed and potentially some foreshore area of Woolgoolga Lake and associated tributaries. Beach, foreshore land and the Coffs Coast Regional Park would also be Crown Land. Catchment management activities that impact on Crown Land must be referred to the Crown Lands Division. B2.9 Local Government Act 1993 The Local Government Act 1993 provides the legal framework for an effective, efficient, environmentally responsible and open system of local government in NSW. Council‘s responsibilities are outlined in the Act and include ‗to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development‘. According to the provisions of the Act, Councils have numerous functions. Chapter 6 of the Act requires that all land vested in Councils must be classified as either community or operational land. Community land is land which should be kept for use by the general public (e.g. a public park). Councils must prepare plans of management to guide the use and management of community land. Core objectives are defined in the Act for the management of different types of community land. Plans of management prepared for community land within the study area should be generally consistent with the principles of an EMP. B2.10 Water Management Act 2000 The Water Management Act, 2000 provides an integrated legislative framework for all water resources in the state including groundwater and estuarine and coastal waters to the three nautical mile limit. The overarching objectives of this Act are to provide for the sustainable and integrated management of the water sources of the State for the benefit of both present and future generations and, in particular: (a) to apply the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and (b) to protect, enhance and restore water sources, their associated ecosystems, ecological processes and biological diversity and their water quality, and (c) to recognise and foster the significant social and economic benefits to the State that result from the sustainable and efficient use of water, including:

(i) benefits to the environment, and (ii) benefits to urban communities, agriculture, fisheries, industry and recreation, and (iii) benefits to culture and heritage, and (iv) benefits to the Aboriginal people in relation to their spiritual, social, customary and economic use of land and water,

(d) to recognise the role of the community, as a partner with government, in resolving issues relating to the management of water sources, (e) to provide for the orderly, efficient and equitable sharing of water from water sources, (f) to integrate the management of water sources with the management of other aspects of the environment, including the land, its soil, its native vegetation and its native fauna,


(g) to encourage the sharing of responsibility for the sustainable and efficient use of water between the Government and water users, (h) to encourage best practice in the management and use of water. Under the Act, various licences and permits may be required. For example, development / works on water front land (within 40m of a water course) may require a Controlled Activity Approval and extraction of water from a water course may require an Access Licence. These would be sought from the NSW Office of Water and generally trigger integrated development. B2.11 Other Relevant Acts B2.11.1 Native Vegetation Act 2003

Native Vegetation Act 2003 repealed the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 and regulates the clearing of native vegetation on all land in New South Wales, except for land listed under schedule 1 of the Act. The objectives of the Act are to, in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development: encourage and promote the management of native vegetation in the social, economic and environmental

interests of the State, prevent clearing unless it improves or maintains the environmental outcome, protect high conservation value native vegetation with regard to water quality, biodiversity, or the prevention

of salinity or land degradation, improve the condition of existing native vegetation, and encourage rehabilitation and revegetation of land with appropriate native vegetation, The NV Act aims to promote the management of native vegetation as well as prevent broad scale clearing unless it improves or maintains environmental outcomes. The Act states that native vegetation must not be cleared except in accordance with: a development consent granted in accordance with this Act, or a property vegetation plan. Land to which this Act does not apply: SEPP 14 – coastal wetlands SEPP 26 – littoral rainforests Land reserved under National Parks and Wildlife Act. The clearing of native vegetation can only be granted by development consent in accordance with the Act or a property vegetation plan. Vegetation clearing would not normally be recommended under an Estuary Management Plan. Existing NV Act approaches to vegetation management (such as property vegetation plans) in the EMP could be adopted to assist in implementation. B2.11.2 Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003

The Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 repealed the Catchment Management Act and established 13 Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) across New South Wales. CMAs aimed to create natural resources management by the use of catchment boundaries and are aimed at being an inclusive organisation with participation from local organisations, conservation groups, landholders and uses. Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and Willis Creek and associated catchment falls within the Northern Rivers CMA (NRCMA) therefore the Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (NRCAP) is applicable. The CAP: Identifies and provides long term direction in addressing the sustainable management of our natural

resources. Establishes repair and rehabilitation work, with Government funds within the catchment. Directs incentive projects to maximise the environmental outcomes.


There are several themes within the NRCAP that are appropriate for the catchments of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and Willis Creek: Community; increase the contribution of the community towards natural resource management (NRM). Land use planning; natural resources and Aboriginal cultural landscapes are sustainably managed with

regard to urban development as well as incorporated into local and regional planning frameworks. Biodiversity; the condition of native and aquatic ecosystems are improved. Water; improvements are made towards river and aquifer conditions. Coastal Management; natural resources within the Coastal Zone are improved Marine; the health of the marine environment is improved. Soil/Land Resource; improve soil condition so as to support agricultural production and natural ecosystem

functions in a sustainable manner.

The EMP shall be prepared to be generally consistent with the NRCAP objectives. B2.11.3 Heritage Act 1977

The Heritage Act 1977 protects heritage items, sites, and relics and is administered by the Office of Environment and Heritage. A relic is defined as any item relating to European settlement that is older than 50 years. According to Section 139 an excavation permit must be obtained from the NSW Heritage Office for the excavation or disturbance of a relic. EMP management strategies must ensure they do not detrimentally impact on heritage and proposed items listed under this Act. B2.11.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 identifies noxious weeds and specific control measures and duties of public and private landholders. The Act provides a framework for the state wide control of noxious weeds by the Minister and local control authorities. The EMP can support the management of weeds through incorporating the management strategies contained within the Act for the categories of noxious weeds listed. B2.11.5 Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991

The Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 establishes the Environmental Protection Authority (now known as the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) – formerly Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water). One of OEHs objectives is to report on the state of the environment. The primary objective of OEH is to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment but also to integrate economic considerations into decision making. . The objectives of the POEA Act must be taken into consideration in preparing an EMP. B2.11.6 Natural Resources Commission Act 2003

The Natural Resource Commission Act 2003 established the independent body the Natural Resource Commission to deal with the investigation and reporting of the use and management of natural resources in NSW. The Commission has the following objectives as established in the Act: establish a sound scientific basis for the properly informed management of natural resources in the social,

economic and environmental interests of the State; and enable the adoption of State-wide standards and targets for natural resource management issues; and advise on the circumstances in which broadscale clearing is to be regarded as improving or maintaining

environmental outcomes for the purposes of the Native Vegetation Act 2003. The commission established the Standard for Quality Natural Resource Management which provides a standard for quality assurance in NSW. Thirteen state wide targets for NRM where adopted in the State Plan which will provide guidance and reference for the development of the EMP.

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/xref/inforce/?xref=Type%3Dact%20AND%20Year%3D2003%20AND%20no%3D103&nohits=y


The commission also investigates natural resources management with regard to social, economic and environmental interests in order to standardise targets for natural resource management issues. In addition, the Minister for Planning is required to consult with the commission on certain development in coastal areas. B2.11.7 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (Commonwealth) 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) provides a legal framework in which nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage sites are managed and protected. It is this framework which forms the basis of the federal government‘s environmental legislation. The EPBC Act applies to the following seven matters of national environmental significance; World heritage sites; National heritage places; Wetlands of international importance; Nationally threatened species and communities; Migratory species; Commonwealth marine areas; and Nuclear actions. Management outcomes from the EMP shall be designed and implemented to ensure consistency with the Commonwealth responsibilities under the Act, most notably in relation to wetlands, nationally threatened species and migratory species. The Solitary Islands Marine Park encompasses much of the coastal area adjacent to Woolgoolga, stretching over 75 km from Muttonbird Island in the south to the Sandon River and Plover Island in the north. The marine park incorporates estuaries to their tidal limit, foreshores to the mean high water mark and extends offshore to the 3 nautical mile state waters boundary. This Marine Park is included under national heritage listings. B2.12 Solitary Islands Marine Park AS mentioned above, the Solitary Islands Marine Park encompasses much of the coastal area adjacent to Woolgoolga, stretching over 75 km from Muttonbird Island in the south to the Sandon River and Plover Island in the north. The marine park incorporates estuaries to their tidal limit, foreshores to the mean high water mark and extends offshore to the 3 nautical mile state waters boundary. The Marine Park covers an area of around 72 200 hectares. Marine parks help conserve the State‘s marine life for present and future generations, whilst providing a great opportunity to improve public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of our unique marine environment. Many activities undertaken within the Marine Park require a permit from the Marine Parks Authority. The Solitary Islands Marine Park Zoning Plan identifies activities that can occur without specific permission and those that require a permit. Examples of activities undertaken within the Marine Park requiring permits include: Commercial activities; Organised events (including all local club competitions); Research; and Collecting for private aquariums. For full details of activities permitted in zones please refer to the Marine Parks Regulation 1999. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is a multiple use park with a comprehensive zoning scheme designed to protect the natural values and sensitive areas as well as provide for continued recreational and commercial use. There are four zones in the park as outlined below. Sanctuary Zone: Or ―no-take‖ areas provide the highest level of protection to habitat, animals and plants by

prohibiting all forms of fishing and collecting activities, and anchoring on reefs. Activities that do not harm plants, animals and habitats are permitted.

Habitat Protection Zone: Conserve marine biodiversity by protecting habitats and reducing high impact activities. Recreational fishing, some forms of commercial fishing, tourist activities and fishing competitions


are permitted in habitat protection zones. However, only certain species may be taken from habitat protection zones.

General Use Zones: Provides for a wide range of activities including both commercial and recreational fishing. All standard NSW fishing regulations and bag limits apply. All forms of setline/dropline, longline, purse seine net fishing and estuary mesh netting are prohibited in the Marine Park. Commercial aquarium collecting is also prohibited.

Special Purpose Zones: Four special purpose zones are included in the Marine Park and provide for: management of oyster leases in Sandon and Wooli Wooli Rivers; Aboriginal cultural use, research or rehabilitation in Pipe Clay Lake and at Arrawarra Headland.

Woolgoolga Lake is designated as a Habitat Protection Zone up to its tidal limit. The park‘s operational plan (2003) outlines how the Marine Park Authority will manage the Solitary Islands Marine Park in a sustainable way that is consistent with the objectives of the Marine Parks Act 1997. The plan identifies actions in such areas as: conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes ecologically sustainable use Indigenous culture non-Indigenous heritage values research and monitoring community education and involvement compliance permits management arrangements with the Commonwealth Government (the MPA manages the Commonwealth‘s

Solitary Islands Marine Reserve on a day-to-day basis). B2.13 Marine Parks Act 1997 and Marine Parks (Zoning Plan) Regulations 1999 The objects of this Act are as follows:

(a) to conserve marine biological diversity and marine habitats by declaring and providing for the

management of a comprehensive system of marine parks,

(b) to maintain ecological processes in marine parks,

(c) where consistent with the preceding objects:

(i) to provide for ecologically sustainable use of fish (including commercial and recreational fishing) and

marine vegetation in marine parks, and

(ii) to provide opportunities for public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of marine parks.

The Marine Parks Regulation 1999 provides details of activities permitted in the above listed Marine Park zones. The following relates to activities within the Habitat Protection Zone which affects Woolgoolga Lake to its tidal limit: Subdivision 3 Habitat protection zone 1.16 Protection of animals, plants and habitat in habitat protection zone

(1) A person must not, while in the habitat protection zone of a marine park:

(a) harm, or attempt to harm, any animal (other than fish), or

(b) harm, or attempt to harm, any plant, or

(c) damage, take or interfere with, or attempt to damage, take or interfere with, any part of the habitat

(including soil, sand, shells or other material occurring naturally within the zone),

except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(2) Consent is only to be given under subclause (1):

(a) for research, environmental protection, public health, traditional use or public safety purposes, or


(b) for the purposes of an ecologically sustainable use that does not have a significant impact on fish

populations within the zone or on any other animals, plants or habitats.

(3) A contravention of subclause (1) is designated as a forfeiture offence.

Activities such as, but not limited to, management, environmental, commercial and recreational activities would need to be consistent with the Marine Parks Act and Regulations and the Solitary Island Marine Park Plan where it applies to Woolgoolga Lake.

B.3 Coffs Harbour City Council Planning Framework B.3.1 Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2000 The entire study area of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and Willis Lake and their catchments are within the Coffs Harbour local government area. The Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan 2000 describes the Local Government area in regard to zoning and what development is permissible within each zone. The zoning arrangements within the catchments of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and Willis Creek include a great diversity of zoning types and therefore zoning / development objectives and controls. No one zone clearly affects the majority of catchments or areas surrounding the estuaries. Urban zonings and development is located close to most of these estuarine areas. Areas of open space and recreation are designated around Woolgoolga Lake. Limited environmental protection zonings exist in the vicinity of these estuaries, expect for that of Willis Creek. Coffs Harbour City Council is still in the process of preparing a draft LEP to be consistent with the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan (SLEP). Therefore the current LEP is the main relevant local planning instrument. According to the SLEP, there are three waterway zones that may be applicable to waterways: Zone W1 Natural Waterways Zone W2 Recreational Waterways Zone W3 Working Waterways Applying the most appropriate zoning will need to consider the tenure, anticipated usage and any land use protective or management measures. B.3.2 Coffs Harbour Local Government Development Control Plans The Coffs Harbour Local Government Development Control Plans (DCPs) establish requirements that are specific to different types of development as well as particular locations. The DCP is used as an addition to the LEP providing more specific development advice and they are created by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. There are numerous DCPs which apply to the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area, the majority of which do not apply to the catchment areas of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake or Willis Creek. At the time of implementation of the estuary management plans, site specific DCPs should be reviewed for consistency. The following general DCPs may need to be considered in preparing the EMP: Residential Tourist Lands DCP; West Woolgoolga DCP; Hearnes Lake / Sandy Beach DCP; B.3.3 Coastal Processes and Hazard Definition Study Under recent changes to the NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979, councils along the NSW coast are now required to determine the risk of coastal erosion and sea level rise on their LGAs.

http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/pdfsDCPs/DCP10OPENSPACE_SWR&DISTRICT.pdf


The Coffs Harbour Coastal Processes and Hazards Definition Study is the first step in developing a Coastal Zone Management Plan to help tackle such risks in the Coffs Harbour LGA. The Study contains a thorough technical assessment of the possible threats posed by climate change, extreme weather and sea level rise. The Coffs Coastal Processes and Hazards Definition Study was developed by BMT WBM Pty Ltd consultants. Using the NSW Government's scientific guidelines and forecast sea level rise, it investigates the coastal processes occurring along the Coffs Harbour LGA coastline and the extent of the coastal hazards arising from these processes. The Study looks at the likelihood of either coastal erosion or coastal inundation during extreme weather at three different timescales. These are 'Immediate', in the year '2050' and in the year '2100'. At each of these timescales, maps and hazard lines have been developed for the LGA that show erosion or inundation on the basis of 'almost certain', 'unlikely' and 'rare'.

B.4 Government Policy and Estuaries B.4.1 NSW Government Sea Level Rise Policy Statement In response to sea level rise the State government has released the NSW Government Sea Level Rise Policy Statement, it sets out the risks to property owners from coastal processes and assistance that Government provides to councils to reduce the risks of coastal hazards. The aim of the Government is to create a smooth transition in the adaptation to sea level rise with disruptions to the social, economic and environmental aspects of society. The Government intends to support the community and Council by: Promoting an adaptive risk-based approach to managing the impacts of sea level rise; Providing guidance to local councils to support their sea level rise adaption planning; Encouraging appropriate development on the land projected to be at risk from sea level rise; Continuing to provide emergency management support to coastal communities during time of floods and

storms; and Continuing to provide up-to-date information to the public about sea level rise and its impacts. B.4.2 NSW State Plan 2006 The primary purpose of the NSW State Plan 2006 is for greater efficiencies and better allocation of Government services for the NSW community. The State Plan focuses on five key areas: Rights, Respect and Responsibility; Delivering Better Services; Fairness and Opportunity; Growing Prosperity Across NSW; and Environment for Living. These key areas formulate the goals that have been generated through extensive community consultation and reflect what the community wants the Government to achieve over the next 10 years. Whilst the plan is not all-encompassing it does prioritise the goals by dealing with greatest community concerns first. The Environment for Living is the area primarily linked with estuary managementwith particular regard to the following: E1 – A secure and sustainable water supply for all users. This priority identified by the Government allows

for greater efficiencies in water supply reliability and quality as well as water recycling efficiencies. E4 – Better outcomes for native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways. The natural

environment is a major player in the economic and social health of communities, tourism on the Macleay River is staple industry for the area.

E8 – More people using parks, sporting and recreational facilities and participating in the arts and cultural activity. The priority is applicable to this estuary management plan in that it considers actions that may increase the number of State Government park visitors.


B.4.3 Healthy Rivers Commission – Independent Inquiry into Coastal Lakes 2002 The Healthy Rivers Commission highlighted the lack of understanding about the ecological process at work within coastal lake systems. The lack of understanding has resulted in detrimental consequences to the natural environment as well as the commercial activities these lakes support. In order to improve the management of coastal lakes and their catchments, the Coastal Lakes Strategy incorporates the following six components: principles for managing coastal lakes; a framework for managing major classes of coastal lake; a classification of coastal lakes; requirements for preparing and implementing Sustainability Assessment and Management Plans for each

coastal lake; implementation arrangements; and a range of supporting initiatives. One of the central features of the strategy is that management needs to address the whole system and not just specific sites. This inclusive view allows for issues and their implications to be identified and dealt with in a manner which would promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development. There are four classifications for the Coastal Lakes: Comprehensive Protection; Significant Protection; Healthy Modified Conditions; and Targeted Repair.

These classifications allow for specific goals to be created for each lake thereby providing a basis for an achievable management plan. The classification focuses on the natural environment but allows for social and economic considerations thus addressing the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development . B4.4 NSW Wetlands Management Policy 2010 Originally introduced in 1996, the NSW Wetlands Management Policy was updated in 2010 to reflect developments in natural resource management and planning that affect wetlands. The policy aims to encourage better management of NSW wetlands by halting and, where possible, reversing the loss of wetland vegetation, declining water quality, declining natural productivity, loss of biological diversity and declining natural flood mitigation functions. It also aims to encourage projects and activities that will restore the quality of NSW wetlands, by rehabilitating wetlands, re-establishing buffering vegetation and ensuring adequate water retention. B4.5 NSW State Rivers and Estuaries Policy 1993 Although published in 1993 and a number of organisational and legislative changes have occurred since that time, the overarching objectives and principles of the policy remain the same today. The overarching objectives of the policy are to manage the rivers and estuaries of NSW in ways which: Slow, halt or reverse the overall rate of degradation in the systems; Ensure the long term sustainability of their essential bio-physical functions; and Maintain the beneficial use of these resources. To achieve these objectives, the policy adopts six key principles: Those uses of rivers and estuaries which are non-degrading should be encouraged; Non-sustainbale resources uses which are not essential should be phased out; Environmental degrading processes and practices should be replaced with more efficient and less degrading

alternatives; Environmentally degraded areas should be rehabilitated and their biophysical functions restored;


Remnant areas of significant environmental value should be accorded special protection; and An ethos for sustainable management of river and estuarine resources should be encouraged in all agencies

and individuals who own, manage or use these resources.