Gwydir Wetlands Environmental Water Management Strategyarchive.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/495771/archive... · Gwydir Wetlands Environmental Water Management Strategy
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GWYDIR WETLANDS
ENVIRONMENTAL WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Draft (for Public Consultation)
Prepared for
Office of Environment & Heritage
23 January 2013
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This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia. 23 January 2013. Gwydir Wetlands Environmental
Water Management Strategy. Prepared for NSW Office of the Environment and Heritage.’
COVER PHOTO
Brolga on sorghum crop – lower Gwydir floodplain (Daryl Alberston).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Office of
Environment and Heritage with the support of the Project Steering Group.
Disclaimer
This report was prepared by Eco Logical Australia in performance of its contract with the Office of Environment and Heritage
(OEH) in good faith exercising all due care and attention, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to
the relevance, accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of this document in respect of any particular user’s
circumstances. Users of this document should satisfy themselves concerning its application to, and where necessary seek
expert advice in respect of, their situation. The views expressed within are believed to accurately reflect the outcomes of
consultation with Gwydir landholders and interested parties but currently are not necessarily the views of the OEH and may not
represent OEH policy.
OEH undertakes, following a further period of consultation and review, to finalise a Gwydir strategy that does represent an
agreed NSW government approach and policy.
© Copyright State of NSW and the Office of Environment and Heritage
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Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Background................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.4 Role of the Environmental Water Manager .................................................................................. 2
1.5 Water Terms and Descriptions ..................................................................................................... 2
2 The Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 4
3 Strategy Development Process................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Project Steering Group ................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Consultation .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Planning Area ............................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Implementation and Review of the Strategy ................................................................................. 6
4 Issues, Actions and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 10
Appendix: Key Issues (Captured by Consultation and grouped by Sector) ................................... 22
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List of Figures
Figure 1 : Strategy planning area within the broader Gwydir floodplain .................................................... 8
Figure 2 : Inundation extent and associated annual return intervals (up to 80,000 Megalitres) ................ 9
List of Tables
Table 1: Key issues identified during stakeholder consultation, and the corresponding actions,
responsibilities, timeframe and policy link ................................................................................................ 11
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1 Introduction
1.1 OBJECTIVE
Eco Logical Australia has prepared this draft Gwydir Wetlands Environmental Water Management
Strategy (the draft Strategy) with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to guide the future
management of environmental water along the Gwydir River Watercourses. Actions within the draft
Strategy will ensure that environmental water planning and decisions on the active management of
environmental water are informed by a clear understanding of the interactions between wetland
conservation, environmental water management and farming on the floodplain.
1.2 BACKGROUND
The Gwydir River Watercourses and wetlands are a significant landscape feature in north-western
NSW. Located on the Lower Gwydir floodplain, they are environmentally and culturally significant, and
contain large areas of highly productive agricultural land. Areas of the wetlands are recognised under
the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
This draft strategy considers the current perspectives of people and interests relevant to or affected by
the management of environmental water, within the context of the Gwydir Wetlands. The draft Strategy
aims to:
(1) Optimise the management of available water so as to maintain the environmental and cultural social and economic values of the Gwydir River Watercourse and wetlands
(2) Avoid, where possible, any adverse impacts of environmental water management decisions or
actions on other floodplain land uses.
Decisions in relation to environmental water deliveries, in particular, can affect a range of interests. The
strategy will improve decisions by achieving a shared understanding of flow objectives and the
constraints on all floodplain users. Specific environmental water deliveries will typically seek to enhance
or support wetland values during periods of low to medium river flows or in association with small to
medium natural flood events. When higher flow levels or extended natural flooding occur, the
environmental water manager has little or no influence on how water is distributed on the floodplain.
1.3 PURPOSE
The draft Strategy is designed to clearly and simply communicate environmental water management
objectives, issues and priorities. The strategy is underpinned by a clear need for better integration of
the goal of wetland conservation with the needs of floodplain landholders including those farming the
immediate Gwydir River floodplain.
It was formulated following consultation with those watercourse landholders most likely to be affected by
environmental water management decisions and with other people with a direct interest in the Lower
Gwydir River floodplain land and water management, including local Aboriginal people. Input from
broader interest groups will be sought through consultation on this draft strategy.
The intended life of the strategy is five years (2013 - 2017). During this period a Floodplain
Management Plan will be developed by the OEH and the NSW Office of Water (NOW) for the wider
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Gwydir Floodplain as part of the Commonwealth-funded NSW Healthy Floodplains Project. The final
Strategy will inform the development of the Floodplain Management Plan.
1.4 ROLE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL WATER MANAGER
OEH is responsible for holding and managing environmental water for the benefit of priority wetlands
and river systems.
The objectives of OEH in managing environmental water are to contribute to improving the ecosystem
function of wetlands and rivers, including habitat for aquatic dependent biodiversity, and to contribute to
meeting international obligations with respect to wetlands and migratory birds.
OEH utilises environmental water advisory groups to assist in developing annual and longer term plans
for the use of environmental water. In the Gwydir valley the Environmental Contingency Allowance
Operations Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC) was established for this purpose under the Water Sharing
Plan for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source 2004 (Gwydir WSP).
OEH cooperates with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office to plan, manage, monitor and
evaluate the use of all available environmental water to improve environmental outcomes. OEH
prioritises the management of environmental water based on the conservation and cultural significance
of rivers and wetlands, the risks currently posed to those values, and other factors such as the potential
for developing strategic alliances with other stakeholders and building on the outcomes of other
initiatives.
For the Gwydir valley, the objectives, purposes and priorities for the management of delivered
environmental water are documented in the Gwydir WSP and the Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive
Environmental Management Plan 2010 (Gwydir AEMP). Water is also directed to the environment under
provisions of the Gwydir Water Sharing Plan that are not subject to discretionary management
decisions. The NSW Office of Water (NOW) has responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of
these provisions.
1.5 WATER TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS
The following are general ‘water’ terms and descriptions used in this strategy to distinguish between
sources of water flowing west into the Gwydir wetlands and their management context.
Gwydir Water Sharing Plan (WSP): In the context of this document refers to the Water Sharing Plan
for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source 2004 made under the Water Management Act 2000. The
WSP was developed by a local committee representing relevant stakeholders and contains rules for the
sharing of water across all users in the Gwydir River system, including the environment. The NOW is
responsible for implementing the WSP. State Water Corporation is licensed by NOW to operate the
regulating structures of the river system, and account for and deliver water to water users, in
accordance with the rules of the Plan.
Environmental Water: The collective for all water protected from diversion by the rules of the Gwydir
WSP. Environmental water may flow to the Gwydir floodplain, its watercourses and wetlands as a
consequence of unregulated natural flows arising from tributaries downstream of Copeton Dam or spills
from the dam, rules within the Gwydir WSP (e.g. 3T flows below), or water orders from environmental
water accounts in Copeton Dam.
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The upstream Gwydir River is a regulated system, however, the river regulating structures often do not
have the capacity to mitigate larger flow events that can occur in the system and result in localised or
widespread flooding into the watercourse and across the floodplain.
Natural Flows: When sufficient rainfall, runoff and stream flow occurs upstream of the wetlands, the
Gwydir River may rise and cause localised or widespread flooding along the river. When there is
sufficient water volume for State Water to announce a ‘Supplementary’ flow event they authorise a
proportion for extraction. The proportion NOT extracted is ‘environmental water’ and will typically flow
west to the wetlands as a natural or unregulated flow.
3T Flows: The 3T rule in the Gwydir WSP applies to river flows that occur below the Copeton Dam and
in the catchment of the three named tributaries: Horton River, Myall and Halls Creeks, located upstream
of Tareelaroi Weir. The rule provides that up to 500 ML per day from these tributaries is to flow to the
Gwydir wetlands for the benefit of river and wetland health. This provision is also termed the ‘low flow
rule’.
Delivered Environment Water or Environmental Water Deliveries: A term to describe specific water
orders, lodged with State Water, for a volume or regime of water flow to be delivered from a regulating
structure for an environmental purpose. The water may be ordered from NSW or Commonwealth
Government licenses, or from the Environmental Contingency Allowance (ECA) in Copeton Dam. Water
is ordered in accordance with an Annual Environmental Watering Plan developed in cooperation with
the Gwydir ECA Operations Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC or ECA Committee) which establishes
priorities for the use of environmental water. The objectives and purposes for the management of
delivered environmental water are documented in the Gwydir WSP and the Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive
Environmental Management Plan. These deliveries are generally targeted at a specific location for a
defined purpose, but will provide additional environmental benefits as they flow downstream via the river
system.
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2 The Strategy
This strategy will guide and assist the management of environmental water along the Gwydir River
watercourses and wetlands from 2013 - 2017. It seeks to:
1. Protect the Gwydir Wetlands
Support landholders, government agencies, Aboriginal people and interested community
members to work together to improve the health of the Gwydir Wetlands.
Avoid further loss of wetland areas.
2. Improve the Management of Environmental Water
Manage delivered environmental water to maximise environmental benefits whilst limiting
or avoiding impacts on cropping or other floodplain land uses.
Build on existing local knowledge and scientific evidence to improve the delivery of
environmental water under a range of conditions and constraints.
3. Increase Landholder Representation on the Gwydir Environmental Water Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC)
Increase landholder representation from the both the Gwydir and Mallowa Watercourses
on the Gwydir ECA Committee.
Improve information transfer from the ECA Committee to landholders and other
stakeholders
4. Support Review of the Gwydir Water Sharing Plan
Provide information for improved outcomes for water and floodplain users, and in
particular guidance on management flexibility during climate extremes (i.e. very wet or
dry).
Support analysis of rules that provide a more natural long term river flow regime.
5. Better Communicate Environmental Water Management Actions and Outcomes
Clearer, more concise and timely communication to watercourse landholders and other
relevant people about environmental water and wetland management plans, decisions
and outcomes.
Improve coordination of approach between government departments, and relevance and
efficiency in communication with landholders.
6. Consider Existing Works on the Floodplain
Investigate existing works that may contribute to unintended or negative impacts on
wetland or farming areas.
Build understanding of the impacts of works on water flow paths across the floodplain and
how these may interact with natural flow variability.
7. Support Local Small Works and Measures
Investigate the feasibility and benefits of co-ordinated small scale works that either
contain and direct environmental water or directly protect crops.
Investigate cooperative measures to support environmental water delivery or wetland
health, which may include on-farm changes in land use or mechanism to facilitate agreed
water flows.
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8. Give Recognition to and Incorporate local Aboriginal People’s values
Utilise Aboriginal people’s existing knowledge of wetlands and country in environmental
water planning and decision making. Investigate further avenues to gather knowledge
where needed.
Support Aboriginal cultural, heritage and resource values in the Gwydir River and its
Wetlands with environmental water use.
Help connect local Aboriginal people with wetland country and its resources through
access to country and by involvement in wetland and water management activities.
9. Improve Knowledge, Information and Access to the Gwydir Wetlands.
Improve information available to people directly affected by, and broadly interested in,
environmental water management in the Gwydir Valley. Information should relate to the
whole system, including the rivers and the wetlands, natural and delivered environmental
water, and of flooding events. The aim is to build a shared understanding of the
requirements of the Gwydir Wetlands and the values that they support for the community.
Provide opportunities for interested people and groups to visit and experience the Gwydir
Wetlands.
10. Conservation of the Gwydir Wetlands and Ramsar Site.
Recognise the importance and values of wetland conservation both in formal reserves
and on private land.
Assess the current Ramsar site boundary in the context of the recent reserve additions
and the ability of environmental water to support the values of individual land parcels.
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3 Strategy Development Process
3.1 PROJECT STEERING GROUP
OEH formed a Project Steering Group to oversee the planning, progress and development of the
strategy. The group included representatives from relevant agencies and the Border Rivers Gwydir
Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
3.2 CONSULTATION
Targeted consultation was undertaken with concerned groups to identify key issues that relate water
management in the wetland area. The groups consulted were:
Watercourse landowners
Conservation Reserve managers
Border-Rivers Gwydir CMA
Local Aboriginal peoples
State and Federal Government water holders and managers.
As farming occupies a significant proportion of the floodplain, targeted consultation was undertaken with
floodplain landholders/farmers (Eco Logical Australia 2012). The consultation process was undertaken
by Dr Paul Frazier of Eco Logical Australia, assisted by Jane Humphries of OEH.
In addition, workshops were held in Moree with local Aboriginal Reference Panel members and the
Project Steering Group in order to establish and organise key issues from a wider range of interests.
3.3 PLANNING AREA
The planning area for the draft Strategy (the ‘Plan Area’) comprises land on the Gwydir floodplain
wetlands (Gingham Watercourse and Lower Gwydir River) that is either a managed wetland asset,
occupied by native vegetation, a current reserve area, a farming area located on the boundaries of
watering assets, a farming area at the next medium level of flooding away from those assets, or land
that may be influenced by environmental flows. It does not include farming areas that may be inundated
by large, uncontrolled floods (Eco Logical Australia).
3.4 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW OF THE STRATEGY
This Strategy has been prepared using the results of consultation during the period October –
November 2012. It will be provided in draft to the consultees and interested parties for consideration
over the 2012-13 summer period prior to its finalisation by OEH as a five year strategy.
The primary implementation responsibility of the Strategy will rest with OEH in its environmental water
management role, undertaken in consultation with the Gwydir ECA Committee. That Committee will
provide the conduit for communication between OEH and watercourse landholders, and for fine-tuning
of actions that will implement that strategy in relation to environmental water management.
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The ECA Committee will be asked to evaluate the performance of the strategy on an annual basis, and
OEH will report on this evaluation in its annual reporting of environmental water management reporting
for the Gwydir Valley.
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Figure 1 : Strategy planning area within the broader Gwydir floodplain
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Figure 2 : Inundation extent and associated annual return intervals (up to 80,000 Megalitres)
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4 Issues, Actions and Responsibilities
Nine key themes were identified during the consultation process. Several of the themes and associated issues were common to two or more groups. The key themes are:
environment; flow timing; communication; water sharing plan; system knowledge; ECA committee make up and focus; culture; access to wetlands; and flow operations. A
summary of the key issues, and corresponding actions, responsibilities, timeframe for assessment, and legislative and policy links for each of the themes is provided at
Table 1.
Abbreviations used: NSW Office of Water (NOW); NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH); Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive Environmental Management Plan
(AEMP); Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority (BRGCMA); National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Gwydir Environmental Contingency
Allowance Operational Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC or ECA Committee); Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs); Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).
Current: means within existing programs, projects and/or as of the making of this plan.
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Table 1: Key issues identified during stakeholder consultation, and the corresponding actions, responsibilities, timeframe and policy link
Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
1. GWYDIR WETLANDS: Protect the Gwydir Wetlands
Preserve the remaining extent of
the Gwydir Wetlands, and where
possible improve the health,
condition and extent of wetlands
Implement current watering procedures,
objectives and priorities described in the
Gwydir Water and Wetland Plans
OEH and BRGCMA
Current
Ramsar Agreement
Gwydir WSP provisions
Gwydir Annual Water Use
Plan.
Gwydir AEMP
Support a collective approach by all
groups to protect the wetlands
OEH, NOW, BRGCMA
Watercourse Landholder
Current
Water Management Act
No further loss of wetland areas
or conditions over the next 5
years
Undertake comprehensive land cover
survey across the planning area within
this planning period. Adding to existing
assessment so as to allow comparative
analysis
OEH 2015/16
Spring/Summer
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
2. MANAGEMENT OF WATER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Improve Management
Avoid Environmental Water
Deliveries during winter cropping
period
Plan, where possible, annual
Environmental Water Deliveries during
post harvest period (Dec– April)
Consult directly with potentially affected
landowners if pre harvest deliveries are
required
OEH and BRGCMA
Current
Gwydir WSP provisions
Gwydir Annual Water Use
Plan.
ECA Committee advice
Good neighbour principles
Watercourse landholders to keep water
staff aware of harvest progress /
completion and local issues as they
arise.
ECA Landholder reps Current
Build on existing knowledge on
delivering environmental water
over the next 5 years
Seek opportunities to gather key
information on watering and outcomes
during this timeframe. Document and
seek to improve current watering
procedures
OEH and BRGCMA Current
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
3. LOCAL WATER (ECA) COMMITEE: Composition and Scope of the Gwydir ECA Committee
Increase landholder
representation for the Gwydir
and Mallowa Watercourses on
the ECA Committee
Invite nominations from watercourse
landholders
BRGCMA and OEH
ECA Landholder Reps
Current and in the
interim and in prep. for
WSP review (2013)
WSP Review 2014
NSW Water Management
Act
Gwydir WSP Plan
Appoint two additional landholders on
committee, such that representation
equals: Mallowa = 1, Lower Gwydir = 1
Gingham = 2 (East and West) Total = 4
on ECA Committee
NOW and OEH
Current and in the
interim and in prep. for
WSP review (2013)
WSP Review 2014
A broadening of ECA committee
focus to other environments
The ECA Committee work at benefiting
other environments. Consideration given
to other ecological objectives (e.g. fish,
frogs etc)
OEH and BRGCMA
ECA Committee
Current Gwydir Wetlands AEMP
The need for a performance
review of this strategy
Include an annual review of this strategy
as a role of ECA Committee
OEH, BRGCMA and ECA
Committee
Annual within
current planning
cycle
Gwydir WSP Plan
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
4. WATER SHARING PLAN: Support Review of the Current Gwydir River Water Sharing Plan 2004
Improved outcomes for all
groups, in particular greater
flexibility during extremes (i.e.
very wet or very dry)
Develop an appropriate WSP Rule(s)
that provides flexibility for managing
tributary flows while ensuring protection
for the environment
OEH and NOW
NOW, OEH and all groups
involved in new plan development
In the interim and in
preparation for WSP
review (2012-14)
WSP Review
NSW Water Management
Act 2000
Gwydir WSP Plan
Gwydir Wetlands AEMP
A WSP that is more responsive to
the needs of the environment by
facilitating natural flow timing and
regime to support long term river
and wetland functioning
Assess the suitability of current WSP
rules. Consider options for an improved
suite of Environmental provisions for
next WSP
OEH and NOW
In the interim and in
preparation for WSP
review (2013)
Cwl Water Act 2007 and
MDBP
MDBP Long Term
Environmental Watering
Plan
Recognition of the importance of
cultural flows to local Aboriginal
peoples
Consider ‘cultural’ flows in the review of
the WSP
NOW, OEH and all groups
involved in new plan development
WSP Review 2014 Gwydir Wetlands AEMP and
associated Aboriginal /
Wetlands studies
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
5. COMMUNICATION: Better Communication of Environmental water and Wetlands Management
Clearer, more concise and timely
communication to watercourse
landholders and other relevant
groups
Regular flow advice sent to all
watercourse landowners. Brief, clear
and easily read format required and
include:
- Pre season advice - Progressive seasonal updates sent
out and hosted on CMA website
OEH and BRGCMA
Current
NSW 21 State Plan
Watercourse landholders inform water
staff of suitability of communication for
their local purpose
ECA landholder reps. Current
Ensure a working, coordinated
and united approach between
government departments and
Watercourse Landholders
Seek opportunities to incorporate whole
of government approaches when
dealing with matters of water for the
environment
OEH, BRGCMA and NOW
Current
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
6. EXISTING WORKS ON THE FLOODPLAIN: Ensure Compliance of all floodplain works
Investigate existing and
unapproved works that may be
contributing to unintended or
negative impacts on wetlands or
farming areas
Finalise investigations related to existing
works complaints/notifications
Provide a mechanism to distribute
investigation outcomes. Respond to
new allegations as reported
NOW Current and as
reported
NSW Water Management
Act
NSW Healthy Floodplains
Project
Build understanding of the
impacts of works on flow paths
and how these may interact with
natural flow variability
Map all future flood flows across the
floodplain. Locals and department staff
to highlight areas of concern for
investigation
OEH and NOW Current
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
7. NEW SMALL WORKS AND MEASURES: Support the project for landholder support
Small works that contain and
direct water for the environment,
while minimising potential
impacts on cropping and other
floodplain users
Investigate the feasibility and benefits of
a co-ordinated project within the
planning area and at key sites
ECA Landholder representatives
and Watercourse landholders
Current NSW Water Management
Act
Measures may include allowing
water passage by agreement, on-
farm changes in land use and/or
the use of land for wetland
conservation
Provide watercourse landholders with a
forum for further development of options
BRGCMA, OEH and NOW 2013/14
NSW Healthy Floodplain
Project
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
8. LOCAL ABORIGINAL VALUES: Give Recognition and Incorporate Local ‘Aboriginal Peoples’ Values
Utilise Aboriginal people’s
existing knowledge. Investigate
further avenues to gather
knowledge with them, where
needed
Review existing reports and records
currently for wetlands area. Provide
information to LALCs for review
OEH and NPWS where
applicable.
LALCs
Current
Seek existing information from the
community, via LALCs
OEH. LALCs Current
Propose a wetland/elders oral history
project
OEH, LALC and NPWS where
applicable
Current
Investigate opportunities for Aboriginal
people to visit private land and where
there is a known cultural heritage
OEH, BRGCMA, LALC Current
Recognition of the importance of
cultural flows to local Aboriginal
peoples
Propose a local wetlands/heritage’
resource study/survey in support of
cultural flows for local people
BRGCMA, NPWS, OEH and
LALC. ECA Aboriginal Reps.
Current
Help to connect local Aboriginal
people with wetland country and
its resources
Facilitate access to park reserve
wetlands areas by Aboriginal people.
This may include organised and funded
wetlands experience days
OEH and BRGCMA Current and ongoing
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Involvement in water
management and management of
country
Participation by Aboriginal reps on ECA
Committee. (water on the land)
NPWS and OEH Current and ongoing
Investigate/develop opportunities for on-
park involvement in land management
NPWS and OEH Current and ongoing
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
9. KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION and UNDERSTANDING: Improve knowledge, awareness and access to the Gwydir Wetlands.
Improve information and access
to all groups and the wider
community of the whole system
functioning. Build a shared
understanding of the Gwydir
Determine what information would best
suit the needs of all. Develop and
provide this information in a way that
would best suit knowledge transfer. May
include web hosting, field days,
extension programs etc
BRGCMA and OEH with ECA
Committee and landholder input
Current
NSW 21 State Plan
Open OEH Policy
Provide opportunities for all
interested people and groups to
visit and experience the Gwydir
Wetlands
Facilitate access to park reserve
wetlands areas by interested parties.
This may include wetlands experience
days, school trips, tourism etc
OEH and NWPS
Current
Investigate opportunities for the public to
visit wetlands on private land.
OEH and NWPS Current
Recognition by other groups of
the cultural connection of local
Aboriginal peoples with rivers,
wetlands and the cultural heritage
across country.
Promote Cultural Awareness and
linkage of Aboriginal people and their
country. e.g. brochures, tours, press,
booklets, signage, video, web based
information.
Watercourse Landholders
ECA Landholder reps.
Current
Innovative festival approach to
celebrating the wetlands. e.g. World
Wetlands day or Brolga Festival and
Tourism.
BRGCMA, LALC, OEH, Moree
Plains Shire Council where
applicable
Current and ongoing
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Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage
10. CONSERVATION OF THE GWYDIR WETLANDS: Effective Reserve Establishment and viable Ramsar sites
Conserve remnant wetlands,
important vegetation communities
and biological systems in NPWS
reserves and on private
properties
Utilise existing mechanisms for
conserving values on public and private
lands and engage landholders in this
process
NPWS and OEH Current
It is currently difficult to support
all the values of the Ramsar sites
with small to medium flows, due
to their location i.e. far west in the
system
Investigate feasible solutions to improve
support to all Ramsar parcels e.g. works
and measures, easements etc
OEH and NPWS Current
Review existing boundaries to
incorporate new reserve areas
OEH and NPWS Current
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Appendix: Key Issues (Captured by Consultation and
grouped by Sector)
During the process of consultation, each sector identified a range of key issues for consideration in the
development of the draft strategy.
1. Watercourse Farmers
Flooding of planted crops during the winter growing period (Apr-Nov) can be detrimental
to successful final harvest. In particular, flooding during the main harvest period (Oct/Nov) is
likely to damage crops and restrict harvest machinery movement on farm.
Flooding benefits grazing at all times. Floodplain graziers generally welcomed inundation at
any time. However, it was identified that extended flooding could limit natural pasture growth
and that summer flooding was the most productive for their wetlands pastures.
Better communication of managed environmental releases. Landowners could make
informed short term decisions and respond better if they were aware of what is planned and
when it is to occur. Communication should be brief, clear, easy to read and understand.
More landowner representation on the ECA Committee. Additional landowners on the
committee would provide better information to the committee of local conditions and matters of
concern across the watercourse area. Landowners would also be better placed to communicate
committee processes and outcomes back to the watercourse farming community.
Review of the water sharing plan to be more flexible in response to changing inundation
conditions. In wet conditions following extensive flooding the rules should allow for additional
flows to be diverted away from the watercourse (i.e. 3T rule), whereby providing some
protection from ongoing flooding of farms.
Better understanding of the whole of system (flow directions, wetland responses and the
impact of works etc) to inform better planning for the future. Landowners could make better
long term planning and management decisions if they were more aware of how the system
works and/or know where to access this information. The information must be targeted for
broader community understanding.
The blocks listed under the current Gwydir Ramsar Agreement may not have been well
sited nor in the best locations for the delivery of low to medium flows, especially those west of
the Gingham Bridge. Listed Ramsar blocks, west of the Gingham Bridge have proven difficult
to maintain unless large scale flooding events occur of 100 GL. measured @ the upstream
Yarraman Bridge Gauge.
Opportunities for small works and measures to protect on-farm assets and activities. Works
such as low-level banks and ground level channels may prove suitable in certain locations. All
proposed works must be formally approved. Measures may include innovative solutions such
as land swaps, leases, offsets credits etc. These works may alleviate some of the issues as
stated above (7).
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Recognition that the different land uses, i.e. farming, grazing and conservation, can have a
significant effect on how water moves through the system and how the larger floods are
distributed. A flow path of one flood, may not be the same the next flood, as it is an ever
changing system, on which we have a major influence.
2. Conservation Reserve Managers
Better communication and recognition of the importance of the Gwydir Wetlands State
Conservation Area as an objective and focus of water for the environment, this includes
communication of the natural and cultural values of the reserve.
Current Water Sharing Plan to be more flexible and consider current hydrological conditions
and potential uses of water for environmental purposes across the catchment.
Consider system as a whole and its interconnected nature, not isolated, unconnected
areas. Better information and understanding of the whole of system function and response
(hydrological and ecological).
Broader focus of ECA committee on water to the broader catchment environments.
Focus beyond the main wetlands and consideration of other areas and ecological objectives
such as fish, frogs etc.
Seek to conserve important vegetation communities and biological system. Use current
mechanisms and planning processes to assess the makeup of land in the Gwydir reserve
system.
Consider works and/or measures that maximise the benefit of water for the
environmental and minimise conflict with other landholders.
3. Aboriginal Peoples
The health of local rivers and wetlands is directly related to the health of Aboriginal
people. The fundamental belief of local peoples that the health of their lands and bounty is
directly related to the health of their peoples and their communities. This provides evidence of
the strong links and attachment that locals have with their lands and its resources.
Local Aboriginal people have had no access to the wetlands and resources for an
extended period. Initial pastoral practices, supported by Government policy resulted in the
entire removal of local peoples off the Gwydir River Floodplain.
Floodplain development has disengaged Aboriginal people from the wetlands and its
resources. Due to private land tenure across the majority of the floodplain, since initial land
take-up, local aboriginal people have been largely excluded from the floodplain.
Wetlands are a natural system, needing water to function and be healthy. As flows are the
lifeblood of rivers and wetlands they therefore have great cultural importance to local peoples.
Put the water on the wetlands when it needs it and that there is a cultural component in
all flows. Similar to above (4) in that river flows drive the functioning of a healthy system, native
food resources respond to flows and many need particular flow types to breed, develop and
thrive. A cultural flow may support the general health of the system and/or a specific cultural
outcome. i.e. Stimulate a particular fish species to move or spawn and certain vegetation to
flower and seed.
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A better understanding by landholders of local Aboriginal people’s connections to the
wetlands and the preservation of our Cultural Heritage. There is a desire for floodplain
landholders to be more aware of local aboriginal links to the land they farm and the cultural
heritage that may occur on those parcels.
Identify the cultural features supported by flows – better understanding and communication
of cultural assets and values. Consideration of cultural features in plans. Previous water plans
haven’t seriously engaged with Aboriginal peoples and their values of water systems. Land
surveys identify the cultural assets in the landscape and are important in the Gwydir Wetlands,
where little is currently known due to (2) and (3).
4. Environmental Water Managers
The flexibility to better use environmental water reserves to restore, conserve and/or
enhance wetlands (vegetation, fish and animals) of the Gwydir River floodplain. Development
on the floodplain and a reduced inundation regime has significantly reduced the pre-dam
distribution of wetlands across the floodplain. The remaining core wetland areas of the Gingham
and Lower Gwydir watercourses are well known and currently in an improved state, due to a
succession of watering in more recent times.
Additional wetland remnants exist in various degrees of condition and the delivery of
environmental water to these sites would improve their state and ensure their long term
survival. However, the delivery of environmental water to some sites is often problematic due to
farming activities in close proximity and/or across natural flow paths.
During the post drought recovery phase, water for the environmental has supported and built
the strength of the wetlands. In addition, recognition of the role and investment governments
have taken to preserve these local wetlands, fundamental is sufficient water flows to halt further
decline, restore and conserve them for future generations.
The flexibility to utilise environmental water reserves to support and improve native fish
communities in the rivers and streams of the Gwydir River system. Native fish communities of
the Gwydir River system are both an environmental and a community asset. River flow regimes
associated with irrigation deliveries trend to provide conditions more beneficial for feral fish
species (carp) than natives. Design flow regimes to benefit native fish fundamental for native
fish prosperity.
For all to coexist on the floodplain where conflict is minimised. All surveyed people from
all groups recognised the unique nature of the local Gwydir Wetlands, as a functioning and ever
changing system, that provides variable benefits to all. Therefore much common ground exists
on the issue of protecting local wetlands; however it appears that conflict relates more to the
natural functioning of the floodplain and the ability and/or responsibility for managing
unregulated flows. Improving landholder communication and understanding of the system by all,
may help reduce the conflict in the future.
Consider the system as a whole and not isolated, unconnected blocks. Better information
and recognition that the whole of system function and responses (hydrological and ecological).
Broader focus of ECA Committee on water deliveries throughout the catchment. Widen
its focus beyond the wetlands and consideration of other areas and species of importance.
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To effectively communicate with all other relevant groups on management of water for the
environment. A key role of ECA landholder reps is to provide linkage and communication
between the ECA Committee and landholders on key local issues such as harvests, flow timing
etc.
WSP that provides a suite of rules that better responds to the environmental and cultural
needs. Reflective of as natural timing and a flow regime.
Investigate works and measures to improve the outcomes when watering for the
environment.
Some Ramsar sites, further west in the system, have proven difficult to water with low to
moderate flows. Larger flows needed to wet these blocks have much greater likelihood of
impact on other parties in the process.
5. Border Rivers Gwydir CMA
The need for effective extension programs and transfer of current information in the
management of the natural resource assets and farming in a floodplain environment.
The effective adoption and implementation of the Gwydir Catchment Action Plan
initiatives related to the wetland environments and connected landscapes.
Effective and timely communication of decisions with respect to delivered environmental
water from the decision makers to all stakeholders.
Management of water and decisions made at the valley scale using the best available
information and within a risk framework.
Adequate resourcing of land management initiatives by government where a public benefit
is to be achieved.
Establishment of community endorsed long term strategies for management of
environmental outcomes that are effectively balanced with social and economic issues.
6. NSW Office of Water
Develop and implementation of the Water Sharing Plans and associated rules for access
licences and approvals. NOW has primary responsibility for the review of any Water Sharing
Plans which may affect or be affected by recommendations of this strategy.
State Water has the charter to operate and manage the delivery of water under the Water
Sharing Plans via the major infrastructure it owns and operates.
Provide the mechanism for controlled work approvals on the floodplain (licence and
compliance). Consider flood and water flow distribution changes as a result of changes land
management practices i.e. Irrigation development, grazing, cropping and vegetation cover.
Involvement with OEH in the development of the Floodplain Management Plan (FMP). To
consider in this process relevant recommendations from this Strategy and if necessary assign
any identified areas a specific set of provisions.
Note that all WSP’s and FMP’s are to be reviewed every 10 years to allow for improvements
and changes to be made.
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