CatChment aCtion Plan 2013–2023 - Hunter - Websitehunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/493130/huntercent… · Catchment action plan strategies delivering on NSW 2021

Hunter-Central Rivers CatChment aCtion Plan

2013–2023

A strategy for regional natural resource management

1B

© State of New South Wales 2013

This publication has been developed by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

To the extent permitted by law, the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA excludes liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation arising directly or indirectly from using this publication (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in it.

Information and agency names were correct at the time of printing (February 2013).

Enquiries should be directed to the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (02) 4930 1030

Mail: The General Manager Hunter-Central Rivers CMA Private Bag 2010 PATERSON NSW 2421

Map data sourcesBase cadastral, topographic and aerial imagery data supplied by NSW Department of Finance and Services, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst. Base Satellite Imagery supplied by CNES Distribution © Spot Image S.A., France, All Rights Reserved. Reference data © Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Map disclaimer The maps displayed in this document are to be used as a guide for regional and landscape scale natural resource planning and management only, not for assessment of specific sites. The field information in these maps may be unverified or incomplete. Positional variations of some features within the map may occur due to differences between the sources of the information; this includes scale, date and method of collection. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in these maps, you should seek further clarification as to the accuracy of the information before relying on the maps. The maps have been compiled from various sources and the State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequence of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of these maps.

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013–2023

Statement of approval

Under Section 23 of the Catchment Management Act 2003, I approve the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013–2023.

The Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson MPMinister for Primary Industries

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hunter-Central Rivers Catchment action Plan 2013–2023

ContentsStatement of approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Minister’s foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Chair’s foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9About this plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section 1: A new plAn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12What this plan aims to achieve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12How was this plan developed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13A whole-of-government approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Who is the plan for? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14What nature provides to us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Nature and people are interdependent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Understanding nature’s limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The Hunter-Central Rivers region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 2: iSSUeS, VAlUeS & lAnDScApeS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Defining the big issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20What do people value in our region? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Understanding our landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Upper Hunter landscape at a glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Lower Hunter landscape at a glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Lower North Coast landscape at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Central Coast landscape at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Section 3: GoAlS, tARGetS & oUtcoMeS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Catchment goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Targets and strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Catchment goal 1: Governance and planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Catchment goal 2: Knowledge and research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Catchment goal 3: Empowerment and capacity building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Catchment goal 4: Land and soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Catchment goal 5: Freshwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Catchment goal 6: Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Catchment goal 7: Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Catchment goal 8: Estuaries and marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Catchment goal 9: Community wellbeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Catchment goal 10: Economic prosperity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Regional assessment maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Guiding principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Section 4: iMpleMentinG tHe cAtcHMent Action plAn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Working together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Deciding actions and priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Resourcing the plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Using evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Measuring and reporting progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Dealing with uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Updating the plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

AppenDiceS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Appendix 1. Glossary of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Appendix 2. Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013–2023 targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Appendix 3. NSW state-wide targets for natural resources and catchment action plan strategies 101Appendix 4. Catchment action plan strategies delivering on NSW 2021 State Plan targets . . . . . . 104Appendix 5. Alignment with NSW and Australian government policies and plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Appendix 6. Catchment action plan strategies by relevance to landform, land use and landscape 108Appendix 7. Guide to catchment action plan maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Appendix 8. Draft action prioritisation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

List of tAbLes

Table 1. Summary of catchment goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Table 2. Catchment Goal 1: Governance and planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Table 3. Catchment Goal 2: Knowledge and research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Table 4. Catchment Goal 3: Empowerment and capacity building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Table 5. Catchment Goal 4: Land and soils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Table 6. Catchment Goal 5: Fresh water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Table 7. Catchment Goal 6: Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Table 8. Catchment Goal 7: Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Table 9. Catchment Goal 8: Estuary and marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Table 10. Catchment Goal 9: Community wellbeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Table 11. Catchment Goal 10: Economic prosperity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Table 12. Summary of regional assessment maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Table 13. Which strategies contribute to achieving multiple catchment action plan targets? . . . . . . 75Table 14. Guiding principles for the catchment action plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Table 15. Implementation partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Table 16. Catchment action plan and implementation plan review triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

List of figures

Figure 1. What we derive from natural capital and functioning ecosystems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 2. Hunter – Central Rivers region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Figure 3. The ‘big issues’ affecting our region as identified through community workshops . . . . . . 21Figure 4. The Upper Hunter landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Figure 5. The Lower Hunter landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 6. The Lower North Coast landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Figure 7. The Central Coast landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Figure 8. Development of a goal hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Figure 9. Land and soils map 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Figure 10. Land and soils map 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Figure 11. Freshwater map 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Figure 12. Freshwater map 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Figure 13. Freshwater map 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Figure 14. Freshwater map 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Figure 15. Biodiversity map 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Figure 16. Biodiversity map 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Figure 17. Biodiversity map 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Figure 18. Estuaries and marine map 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Figure 19. Estuaries and marine map 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Figure 20. Estuaries and marine map 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Figure 21. The process of adaptive environmental assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86


eXeCUtiVe SUmmaRY

Executive summary

The Hunter-Central Rivers region is a very diverse landscape covering 37,000 square kilometres on the east coast of NSW and includes an additional 1,500 square kilometres of marine area which extends three nautical miles offshore. It is home to approximately 1.26 million people and supports a large range of land uses that rely on natural resources — power generation, mining, significant agricultural industries including horse, wine, grazing and irrigation industries, fishing, tourism and recreation. Our natural resources provide a number of ‘ecosystem services’ so it is important that they are managed in such a way that they can continue to support social and economic development. This plan has adopted a resilience or systems approach to managing our natural resources to ensure that this happens.

A significant part of developing this plan was a review of our existing 2006–2015 Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan with the Board, staff and partners, including what had worked well and what needed to be improved. This process commenced in June 2011 with a review of our management targets and the development of 31 management target report cards. These report cards identified how much we had achieved and how valuable partnerships are to improving our environment and natural resources.

Public consultation has occurred over the past 18 months through a series of workshops, community meetings, one on one discussion, community reference group meetings and regular meetings of the CMA Board. The document was put on public exhibition for three weeks. Outcomes from this consultation process together with guidelines from the NSW Natural Resources Commission have helped develop this document.


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Under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 one of the functions of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority is to develop a catchment action plan and ensure its delivery through annual implementation programs. Our first catchment action plan was approved in 2006. As part of a mid plan review the Natural Resources Commission conducted a pilot process and then provided a framework for developing and assessing upgraded catchment action plans for the remaining CMAs. The key requirements were to include resilience or systems thinking, spatial prioritisation and develop a whole of government and community plan.

This updated catchment action plan for the Hunter-Central Rivers region of NSW differs in a number of significant ways from the previous plan. The most significant differences are:

• It is a whole of government and whole of community strategic plan which aims to capture the full range of issues, roles and responsibilities of all the key organisations involved in natural resource management and decision making.

• It looks at our region as a complex social and ecological system recognising that effective natural resource management must acknowledge and respond to the needs of communities, industries and individuals, as well as the natural resources of the region.

• It provides detailed spatial information through a series of maps showing where some catchment management actions and initiatives may need to occur to address threats and get the best possible outcomes.

This landscape information has been used to develop ten catchment goals for our region which highlight the improvements we would like to see over the life of this plan. These goals are a mixture of biophysical, social and economic goals. The top three priority goals — governance and planning, knowledge and research, empowerment and community capacity — are overarching goals and relate to issues that need to be addressed to enable the remaining goals to be met.

Strategies have been developed to respond to the big issues and the specific drivers and threats that impact on the values in our region. These were developed through consultation with community and government, and refined and finalised through CMA Board discussions and staff working groups. Each strategy has key outcomes identified against it which will be used to develop measurable achievements and actions for the CMA and its partners as part of the implementation of this plan. These outcomes consider social, biophysical and economic outcomes.

Maps showing key regional focus areas and priorities for collaborative investment and action by the CMA and its partners have been developed through a consultative process. Expert panels involving staff, state government agencies, local government and external researchers identified suitable state-scale data sets and developed decision rules and key questions to allow development of spatial priorities for us to focus our collaborative efforts on. In keeping with the need for adaptive management, as new data and information becomes available, existing maps can be refined and additional ones developed. This will be particularly important in the area of climate change adaptation, as further information becomes available and the need for cohesive government policy, direction and leadership across all levels of government becomes more apparent.

One of the strengths of this plan is that it has been developed as a ‘whole of government’ strategy. We need to ensure it is compatible with federal, state and local government policies and plans and have therefore engaged with all the relevant government agencies in our region. It was also important to identify how our plan supports the targets of the NSW Government’s NSW 2021 Plan and the 13 NSW state wide natural resource targets. Appendices 3–5 of this document show how this plan aligns with other state and local government plans.

Implementing this plan will require collaboration, cooperation and investment across multiple levels of government. It is anticipated that a four-year implementation plan will be developed which identifies partners, investment levels and clear and measurable actions that will deliver against the targets, strategies and outcomes identified in this ten year plan. This will be done through regular collaboration that involves input from federal, state and local government agreement on priority actions and identification of what can be achieved within available resources. Through the implementation process we will also strive to ensure consistent monitoring and reporting and collaborative sharing of data and information amongst the key players involved in natural resource management.

eXeCUtiVe SUmmaRYhunter-Central Rivers Catchment action Plan 2013–2023

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We asked the community what they valued about the region and what they thought the ‘big issues’ were that threatened these values. A number of big issues were identified at different scales ranging from local to global issues and include threats from beyond our regional boundaries. The big issues identified were:

• Reduced abundance and distribution of native species: Since European settlement there has been a measurable and continuing decline in the abundance of native species in the region. This biodiversity underpins the continued resilience of our region.

• The planning framework: A complex suite of legislation and planning instruments combine to create a multi-layered land-use planning system which is often difficult to understand and use.

• Land management: The way land is managed, and in some cases mismanaged, can have impacts well beyond our immediate area, and far into the future. Land-use conflicts between different land users are also increasing.

• Community and institutional capacity and values: The values that underpin the choices we make as individuals and communities, combined with the available skills, resources and knowledge, impacts on how well we can manage the natural resources in our region.

• Population growth: The overall population of the region is and will continue to grow, significantly increasing our impact on a range of natural resources and ecosystem functions.

• Economic growth model: Our economic model strives for perpetual economic growth which poses challenges in a world with finite resources.

• Waste: There is considerable scope to reduce the waste of resources and energy at a personal, community and industrial scale, thereby reducing pressure on resources and the need to manage the waste.

• Community health and wellbeing: The effective management of natural resources and ecosystems can have significant benefits for human health and wellbeing.

• Natural disasters: The communities of the region will increasingly become vulnerable to natural disasters as the climate changes and the population grows.

• Climate change: The earth’s climate is warming and this is predicted to cause significant and widespread impacts on the region.

• Governance and decision making: The complexity of environmental management means that we must all work together more in order to be more effective. We must also address challenges from the misalignment of existing plans, strategies and legislation which affects the success of this work.

• Water quality: The quality of water in our freshwater and marine systems has impacts on human health and wellbeing, and for the region’s plants and animals.

• Water quantity: We have a limited amount of freshwater in the region, which needs to be used for a wide range of purposes by an increasing population.

For the purpose of managing these issues using a systems approach, the Hunter-Central Rivers region has been divided into four landscapes - Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast and Lower North Coast. These landscapes have very different characteristics and face different issues. Each of these landscapes has been displayed pictorially in section two of this document, showing the values, issues and relevant economic, social and environmental characteristics of the landscape.

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Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013–2023 Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2013–2023

Minister’s foreword

Catchment Action Plans are developed in partnership with local communities and present a vision for healthy natural landscapes across New South Wales to help support

regional prosperity.

As Minister for Primary Industries, I am pleased that through implementation of these regional plans we have motivated, supported, encouraged and funded local communities to deliver more than 13,000 important projects, both large and small to NSW.

Against the backdrop of many serious natural events, including drought, flood and bushfire, the achievements in natural resource management across NSW have continued to be both impressive and ground-breaking.

Catchment Action Plans benefit from regular review in order to incorporate the growing knowledge of the catchment’s natural, social and cultural resources.

This second iteration of Catchment Action Plans has provided an opportunity to cast a critical eye over the objectives, investment priorities and targets outlined, as well as an opportunity to outline new approaches to setting priorities for investment in natural resources.

The Catchment Action Plans have been developed in close consultation with local communities, shire councils and government agencies, using the latest scientific knowledge.

This is a plan that outlines the shared vision for the sustainable management of the catchment’s natural resources. The successful implementation of the Catchment Action Plan will be driven by continued good relations between government agencies at all levels, industry and the wider community.

From January 2014, Local Land Services will deliver functions currently provided by Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), Livestock Health & Pest Authorities (LHPAs) and advisory services of Agriculture NSW (part of the Department of Primary Industries).

This upgraded Catchment Action Plan will play a critical role in planning natural resource management so that Local Land Services can continue with the building of healthy and resilient regional communities.

We all have a role to play in the sustainable and productive management of the region’s resources and this Catchment Action Plan will ensure positive and practical outcomes for the years ahead.

The Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson, MP.

Minister for Primary Industries

Chair’s foreword

This Catchment Action Plan is the new strategy for natural resource management in the Hunter-Central Rivers region over the next ten years. It is a plan for all of us — whether

working as part of a group or as an individual — to enhance and protect our natural resources and environment, whilst improving our primary production, community wellbeing and economic prosperity.

We consulted widely with our community. We have listened to farmers, fishers, local business owners, urban communities, youth, Aboriginal and community groups. We have met with industry sectors such as mining companies and water utilities. We have also ensured this plan aligns with other government plans and priorities for our region by talking to all levels of government. This will ensure we have developed a whole of government, industry and community plan.

Our existing plan has highlighted the importance of partnerships and the value of what can be achieved when we all work together towards common goals. Our partnerships have resulted in substantial achievements including:

• Morethan1,100agreementswithlandmanagers, landholders and community groups to deliver on projects in line with the Catchment Action Plan

• Helpingfarmerstoimplementsustainableagriculture on more than 14,000 hectares of land

• 3507demonstrationorfielddaysheldinvolving 90,092 attendees

• 1473workshopsortrainingprogramspresented

• 785hectaresoferodedlandtreatedwithsoilconservation works

• 1,118kilometresofriparianvegetationmanagement

• 119propertyvegetationplansprotecting15,700hectaresofhighvaluenativevegetation.

Some of the real measures of our success have been the direct feedback we have received from the community about the difference they are making. The satisfaction a farmer has in discovering that sustainable farming practice can also result in improved production and environmental values. The joy school children experience when they observe their environment and actively participate in its preservation. The comfort local government agencies have in understanding that improved riparian management and flood mitigation can help minimize the risks from natural disasters.

We will continue to build on our achievements. However, our past experience and the information shared with us from government, industry and community has helped us develop a plan with a sharper focus, more in tune with community needs, with more achievable targets and more measurable results. It will help us all work together towards our targets of improved land management, soils, biodiversity, air, freshwater, estuaries and marine environments, community wellbeing and economic prosperity in the Hunter-Central Rivers region.

Please read our plan and continue to make contributions.

Thank you to all who have contributed over the past 18 months, particularly our staff who have toiled long hours to bring it all together, and my fellow board members Arthur Burns, Julia Imrie, Jeff Jansson, Ted Laurie, Jane Smith and John Weate. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated. Your satisfaction will be seeing the targets in our plan achieved.

Susan Hooke Chair, Hunter-Central Rivers CMA February 2013

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About this plan

This updated catchment action plan is the first of two volumes, and represents the regional strategic planning component of what will ultimately be a suite of plans covering strategy, implementation, data and evidence. A supporting evidence library will be maintained by the CMA. This plan does not contain specific information or direction about ‘where’ to do ‘what’ in the region. Rather, it provides the strategic direction to allow the development of programs and projects in order to deliver the outcomes described.

This document has four sections:

• Section one provides information about how we developed this plan and background information about our region.

• Section two describes the values, assets and important relationships in the region as a whole and within four distinct landscapes.

• Section three sets out ten goals and 22 targets for natural resource management in the region, and 42 strategies aimed at achieving them. Each strategy has specific outcomes that we hope to achieve over the next ten years. This section also contains some of the key spatial considerations for many of our goals, and the maps which can guide the design and delivery of specific programs to ensure the actions are coordinated and achieve the best possible outcomes.

• Section Four sets out how we will implement this plan including the process for ensuring that our management of the region’s natural resources is best practice, adaptable, and can be improved over time. It also focuses on the governance arrangements needed to ensure that all the key people and organisations — whether they be community or industry based, or state, local or federal government agencies — can be involved in the coordinated and collaborative implementation of this plan.

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1312 1312

SECTION 1 — A new plan

SeCtion 1

A new plan

What this plan aims to achieve

This plan will continue to deliver on the vision for the region established in our first catchment action plan — the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2006–2015.

Healthy and productive catchments, through

ecologically sustainable management of our natural

resources and environment, for the benefit of present

and future generations.

We know that good natural resource management maintains and enhances the ecosystem services which underpin prosperous and vibrant communities and ensures that economies that rely on the land, water, air and sea will be viable in the long term. The wellbeing of our community cannot be separated from the successful management of the natural resources we all rely on.

This plan provides direction for actions at all levels of government, industry and community to maintain or improve the long-term viability of healthy and productive natural systems in our region.

‘Viability’ can be many things: economic (business viability); social (quality of life, liveability and wellbeing); or environmental (ecosystem health). While this catchment action plan cannot address all of these things, it is responsible for establishing the arrangements for managing and improving natural systems at a regional scale so that they can support other aspects of community viability.

The plan has been developed to manage natural systems within natural limits. However, because what we value changes over time and differs between people, and the future is uncertain, we also have to manage natural resources to maximise our options for the future.

As a community we need to make sure that the natural systems we rely on are resilient, i.e. strong, healthy and able to withstand disturbances and unexpected threats so that they can continue to function and provide services to us. Communities in our region must have the ability to anticipate and plan for the future and be able to adapt to any challenges the future may present1.

This plan outlines how we can all work together to deliver these outcomes over the next ten years.

How was this plan developed?

Many land managers, community organisations, industry groups, experts, and state and local government staff were invited to participate in the review of the previous Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2006–2015 and assist in the development of this new updated plan. We asked a diverse range of stakeholders about the region — what they valued, what was changing, and what was threatening our long-term viability? We asked them what they thought the ‘big issues’ were that needed to be addressed in this plan to ensure our vision is achieved.

Many organisations must be involved in the implementation of this plan for it to succeed. We will work with all levels of government, community groups and industry organisations to determine which organisation will partner in the implementation of each strategy. We will also start the process of identifying partnerships for delivery.

A whole-of-government approach

We have endeavoured to ensure this plan is compatible with federal, state and local government policy, plans and targets. In developing the strategies we considered the needs and priorities of other state and local government bodies and an extensive list of government plans, policies, programs and guidenotes (as shown in Appendix 5). We have also made sure that our targets and strategies support the 13 NSW state wide natural resource targets, and the targets of the NSW 2021 Plan. Appendices 3 and 4 show in detail how the strategies proposed in this plan will help deliver on these state targets.

Appendix 5 sets out a list of state and federal government policies and plans that this plan aims to align with, and indicates where alignment is strong and where work will need to be done to achieve alignment over time.

Section 4 of this plan sets out how this whole-of-government approach can be achieved.


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Who is the plan for?

‘UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’

The Lorax by Dr Suess2

Every person who lives in the Hunter-Central Rivers region relies on natural systems and resources to be healthy, to enjoy life and to earn a living. Therefore, this plan is written with the interests of the Hunter-Central Rivers community in mind.

The region supports a range of people who all have a stake in how the natural resources in the region are managed — we call them stakeholders. There are many different individuals, groups and institutions involved in the management of natural resources. This plan provides the big picture so that we can work in a coordinated and collaborative way to ensure that nature can continue to provide for us in the long term.

Many people in the region also rely directly on natural resources for their income. One of the big issues that faces our region is the competition for access to natural resources. This plan is the continuation of a conversation started with the development of the first catchment action plan in 2006 and is one we need to have in order to work together as a community to maintain and improve our natural resources into the future.

What nature provides to us

Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from nature or ecosystems3,4. This plan aims to better manage our natural resources to protect, enhance and maximise the full range of ecosystem services available to us now and into the future.

There are many different types of services provided to us by natural resources and the functioning of ecosystems, and they all contribute differently to our wellbeing. For example, ecosystems provide us with material goods such as crops, livestock, forest products, fibre and coal. These types of services are usually the ones we are most familiar with because they can be privately owned and form the raw materials traded within our economy. A fundamental requirement of sustainability is that we do not use the resources that are supplied by ecosystems at a greater rate than nature can supply them i.e. we need to learn to live off the interest and not eat into our capital5.

There are also other types of ecosystem services which are regarded as public goods which are owned by all Australians, such as biodiversity, air and water. Traditionally it is the role of organisations and individuals in the fields of natural resource management, sustainability and environmental management to ensure that degradation to these types of ecosystem services does not

FIGURE 1. What we derive from natural capital and functioning ecosystems6,4

ecoSySteM FUnctionS

PROvISIONING• Food• Pharmacological resources• Water for consumption• Building materials• Fibre• Fuels• Genetic resources• Bio-chemicals• Ornamental resources• Transport• Arable land

CuLTuRAL/SOCIAL• Cultural diversity• Spiritual and religious value• Knowledge systems• Inspiration• Aesthetics• Affect on social interaction• Sense of place• Icons• Recreation opportunities

REGuLATING• Air quality• Habitable climate• Water quality• Buffering extreme weather• Pollination• Reduced pest and disease• Productive soils• Noise abatement

SuPPORTING• Soil formation• Nutrient cycling• Pollination• Habitat• Food• Water supply• Genetic resources

REGuLATING• Water regulation• Gas (air) regulation• Climate regulation• Disturbance regulation• Soil/sediment retention• Waste treatment and assimilation • Biological control• Micro climate (shade/shelter)

ecoSySteM SeRViceS

nAtURAl cApitAl

occur. These ecosystem services underpin our health, survival and the success of our economy.

There are three different aspects of environmental services which are dependent on and interconnected with healthy ecosystem functions and the natural capital of the region (see Figure 1). These are:

• provisioning services — the resources that we can derive directly from nature

• cultural and social services — these are services we derive from ecosystems and natural resources which enable and enrich our social and cultural wellbeing

• Regulating services — the ecosystem services that make life possible for people because they play a role in regulating or moderating natural systems.

• Soil/sediment• Water• Biodiversity (flora and fauna)

• Atmosphere• Landforms• Climate


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Nature and people are interdependent

Because the health of natural systems and the communities which rely on them are completely interdependent, they cannot be managed in isolation. It is well recognised that access to nature enhances physical and mental wellbeing7,8. Working towards improving natural resources can play an important part in improving wellbeing by providing employment and opportunities for volunteering, strengthening social networks, improving health and reducing obesity.

Different stakeholders have different interests and perspectives. This has a significant influence on the success of natural resource management because when faced with the same evidence, people who hold different values may choose different actions9. This means that, not only do interests vary between stakeholder groups, but also across our region10. We must account for this in our management of natural resources.

understanding nature’s limits

‘Managed well, soil circulates carbon, nutrients, water

and energy for great environmental and human

benefit. Managed poorly, it is impossible to imagine an

optimistic future.’

Greg Chapman, NSW OEH, 2012, After Richter & Markewitz 200111

A resilient system is one which can maintain its functions despite being disturbed. In contrast, a system which has lost its resilience does not require much disturbance for it to suddenly reach a ‘tipping point’ or ‘threshold’ past which it changes completely. It is now known that, whilst systems may appear to be being managed sustainably, they may be slowly and incrementally becoming less healthy and less resilient.

The way that we have historically managed ecosystems has assumed that we could manage them by controlling them or being able to harvest an optimal, ‘sustainable’ yield. Nature’s ability to provide material goods and services was assumed to be endlessly renewable12. However, this has led to many examples of ecosystems slowly losing resilience and crossing a threshold without us being aware of it e.g. long-term incremental land clearing leading to dryland salinity.

The societies and economies that rely on these ecosystem services may themselves be made vulnerable and may face crisis. Crossing such tipping points can have significant consequences for us and can be very expensive to address, or be irreversible. Furthermore, changes in one part of a system can lead to changes in other parts of the system resulting in a cascading effect.

Dramatic examples of ecosystem collapse are becoming more common in Australia and internationally13. What natural resource managers hadn’t realised in these cases was that, whilst they thought these systems were being managed sustainably, they were slowly and incrementally becoming less healthy and less resilient.

By looking at the timeline of historical changes that have occurred in our region (see below figures 4, 5, 6 and 7), we can see that the small but cumulative impacts on our region have been significant. The pressure that our natural resources are currently experiencing is increasing, as is our population. We must ensure that we learn from examples of ecosystem collapse elsewhere in the world so that we can protect the services we receive from our ecosystems for our community in the future.

It is clear that managing for a safe and sustainable collective future requires us to manage natural resources in a way that promotes good ecosystem functions and avoids crossing environmental thresholds. This is the key to maintaining our ability to pursue social and economic development within a safe operating space14.

1918

THE HUNTER-CENTRAL RIVERS REGION

the Hunter-central Rivers region CLimAteThe region has a temperate climate with mild temperatures on the coast. Temperatures are higher inland and the tendency for frost increases with distance from the coast. Snow can fall in winter on the Barrington Tops. Rainfall tends to be highest in coastal areas (1400 millimetres) and the Barrington Tops, and decreases inland (600 millimetres). Climate change is likely to have a significant impact on the climate of the region and this will require significant adaptation in the way we make a living and of our lifestyles.

PoPuLAtioN

Over one million people live in the region15. The population is growing, especially in coastal areas. The largest population growth outside Sydney in 2011 was experienced in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle local government areas16. Growth inland is also significant. Maitland and Cessnock local government areas both experienced the largest population increases of all inland local government areas in NSW in 201124. However, there are also areas of declining rural populations in our region and this challenges the economic viability of agricultural enterprises and rural communities, the provision of infrastructure and services and community wellbeing in these areas17.

Aboriginal people have lived in the Hunter-Central Rivers region since the Dreaming and the whole region has Aboriginal cultural significance. The understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and heritage has changed in recent times. It has

moved from a limited scientific definition of archaeological sites to a much broader understanding that Aboriginal people have a commitment to care for country and therefore should be responsible for the co-management of natural resources. The region is made up of 13 local Aboriginal land councils, numerous traditional owner groups and Aboriginal organisations engaged in natural resource management.

Since European invasion, people have settled in our region from all over the world. During that time, the regional environment has changed dramatically. The region has experienced large scale vegetation clearing, increased water extraction, increased levels of pollution and biodiversity decline as a direct result of increasing human pressures on the environment.

LANd use ANd

iNdustry

These changes to the landscape have also resulted in increasing economic prosperity of the region. The majority of the region is managed for grazing of modified pastures (44 per cent). More than 17 per cent of the region is reserved for conservation and 20 per cent has minimal use. Eight per cent of the region is used for production forestry. Just over one per cent of the area is used for dryland cropping and 0.2 per cent for horticulture. Urban settlements cover three per cent of the region and rural residential two per cent. The region, in particular the upper Hunter landscape, is a major centre for coal mining. Coal seam gas exploration is increasing.

People in the region see secure employment as important to maintaining community vitality17. The main industries in our region that directly utilise natural resources are: grazing, cropping, dairy, viticulture and horticulture, equine, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, mining and extractive industries and power generation. There are also a range of other industries that are indirectly dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services. This is why ensuring that ecosystems and natural resources are resilient in the face of continued change is critical to community vitality.

goverNANCe

The governance of the region and its natural resources is complex. There are multiple federal, state and local government agencies responsible for managing aspects of the environment together with the community. Not only do these organisations have different roles, but they also have different jurisdictional boundaries which are not necessarily compatible. Solutions to environmental issues will require the integration of economic, social and environmental governance18 and transitioning to such a structure will be one of the most important challenges for the region. The Hunter-Central Rivers region covers 3.7 million hectares (see

Figure 2). It extends from Diamond Head in the north, to Broken Bay and the coastal waterways of the Central Coast in the south, and from the Merriwa Plateau and Great Dividing Range in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, extending three nautical miles into marine waters.

The region is one of the most diverse regions in NSW. This diversity of people, industries, communities, climates, landforms, ecosystems and natural assets is one of the region’s greatest strengths. The wide range of landforms provides opportunities for a rich and complex range of ecosystems that in turn support a diverse range of profitable and prosperous communities.

FIGURE 2. Hunter-Central Rivers region

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SECTION 2 — Issues, values & landscapes

SeCtion 2

issues, values & landscapes

defining the big issues

In order for all those working towards healthier natural resources to work successfully together, we must refocus and address our efforts to the big issues that are critical to making our region successful and resilient.

This plan was developed by asking our stakeholders what they considered to be of greatest environmental concern for their region i.e. what are the big issues? We got different answers depending on who we spoke to and what part of the region was mentioned. Figure 3 represents the combined understanding of issues and threats to natural resources in our region. It shows that the big issues vary at different scales and that there are many threats resulting from influences beyond the boundaries of our region, such as national or global pressures.

To resolve the big issues we need to address the risks, threats and drivers that contribute to them. This is what the goals, targets, strategies and outcomes in this plan do.

FIGURE 3. The ‘big issues’ affecting our region (as identified by stakeholders)

THE bIG ISSuES

HUnteR-centRAl RiVeRS ReGion

—Reduced abundance and distribution of native species —Planning framework —Land management —Community and institutional capacity and values —Population growth —Economic growth model —Waste —Community health and wellbeing —Natural disasters —Climate change —Governance and decision making —Water quality —Water quantity

NATIONAL —Climate change —Urban air quality and human health —Water quantity —Water quality —Soil health: acidification, salinity, erosion, loss of carbon — Integrated coastal and marine management —Biodiversity decline —Human over consumption —Environmental leadership —Lack of information —Connection with environment

NSW —Governance —Economic impacts —River degradation —Awareness and education —Climate change —Weeds and pests —Mining and extraction —Agricultural land use beyond land capability —Coastal planning/urbanisation —Overfishing —Complex stakeholder relationships —Lack of knowledge —Land-use change —Vegetation clearing —Groundwater extraction —Aboriginal cultural heritage

GLObAL —Climate change —Deforestation —Desertification —Air/water pollution —Declining fish stocks —Toxic waste management —Poverty —National external debt management —Unsustainable consumption —Population growth —Structure of international economy —Food and water distribution and access

WATER quALITy & quANTITy —Sedimentation —Nitrification —Eutrophication from soil nutrients, especially phosphorus from agriculture —Pollution —Changed flow regimes —Overuse and contamination of groundwater —Degradation of riparian areas —Degradation and destruction of wetlands — Increasing demand for a finite resource —Total water extracted from rivers and ground water

PLANNING —Competing demand for land, leading to conflict and uncertainty —No cohesive management framework for marine estate — Inability of governments to effectively consider cumulative effects at all stages of developments — Increasingly intensive land use (urban and rural) —Effectiveness of offsets and biobanking and unforeseen consequences —Expansion of mining and extractive industry —Planning for the future post-coal mining needs to occur now — Inconsistent capacity of local government to administer EP&A Act — Ineffective community input into plans and decision making

CLIMATE CHANGE

—Sea level rise —Reduced/changed rainfall — Increasingly severe weather events and flooding — Increased temperature (land and sea) — Increased fire — Increased drought — Increasing variability and unpredictability of weather —Oceans acidification and current changes

CAPACITy & vALuES —Community values are diverse —Awareness of issues and consequences of action/inaction is poor —Lack of knowledge —Limited natural resource management expertise and skills —Funding availability and systems — Increasing need for information, skills and knowledge required for new landowners, generational change in land management and changing environmental and economic conditions confronting natural resource managers.

LANd MANAGEMENT — Inappropriate land management —Changes to natural geomorphology — Infrastructure as a barrier —Absentee and unskilled land owners —Unsustainable farming practices —Need for effective regulation and monitoring of mining —Land use post mining —Reduced soil productivity and loss of soil —Soil salinisation —Decreasing productivity of agriculture = reduced resources for natural resource management —Reduced lot size = more landowners —Mining, urban expansion and land managed for conservation (offsets) are reducing land resources available for agriculture

HAbITAT LOSS & fRAGMENTATION —Reduced connectivity in vegetation habitats —Reduced habitat quantity and quality —Current and new aquatic, terrestrial and marine pests, weeds and disease —Need to protect what is left —Protection must be cost effective —Total fishing pressure —Changing climate and increased severity of fires and floods — Inappropriate fire regimes

GOvERNANCE — Ineffective governance and decision making —Poor coordination and collaboration across levels of government —Regulation complex and difficult to enforce — Inequity of access to decision makers —Unforeseen consequences of policy —Legislative barriers to some changes —Poor data management and data sharing — Inefficient funding cycles —Level of natural resource management expertise

dRIvERS & THREATS

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SECTION 2 — Issues, values & landscapes

What do people value in our region?

‘So this is a River!’

‘The River,’ corrected the Rat.

‘And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!’

‘By it and with it and on it and in it,’ said the Rat. ‘It’s

brother and sister to me, and aunts, and company, and

food and drink, and � naturally� washing. It’s my world,

and I don’t want any other. What it hasn’t got is not

worth having, and what it doesn’t know is not worth

knowing. Lord! The times we’ve had together . . . ’

Kenneth Grahame, � 1908� The Wind in the Willows19

We asked our regional stakeholders to tell us which ecosystem services they most valued to indicate where efforts should be focussed to ensure that natural resource management was effective.

Although the products that ecosystems supply (such as crops, livestock, forestry products and mining products) were all considered important to varying degrees by different stakeholders, it was the availability and quality of water which were regarded as most valued, closely followed by healthy soils and air quality.

Ecosystem services which make our lives comfortable, safe and more reliable (such as pollination, genetic resources and seed banks, biological control of pests and diseases, a habitable climate and flood control) were also considered very important.

Our stakeholders told us that the intrinsic value of nature and the preservation of natural systems for future generations were important to them. Other values that make important contributions to the wellbeing of our stakeholders were the importance of nature for recreation and social interactions, for education and learning, enjoying natural beauty and aesthetics, iconic species, cultural heritage and for providing a sense of place or belonging. Ecosystem functions which play a role in supporting all other ecosystems services (such as biodiversity, habitat, rainfall, nutrient cycling and soil formation) were all highly valued.

Our stakeholders also told us that ecosystem services which do not have an economic value are just as important as those that are valued for monetary reasons, and that a whole range of different values associated with natural resources contributed to their wellbeing. They emphasised that, although it is possible to value some ecosystem services more than others, they are all interdependent and must be managed holistically. In short, although we need

to value ecosystem services, we should not be distracted by the perceived need to put a price or cost on everything we value.

This means that if natural resource management is to serve the interests of regional stakeholders, it needs to consider the whole system which makes up the region and the ecosystem functions which provide goods, regulate and support systems and provide social benefits.

understanding our landscapes

The Hunter-Central Rivers region has four landscapes recognised for administrative and planning purposes. These landscapes acknowledge that natural resources, economies, people and environmental issues vary across the region and management of natural resources should consider these differences appropriately. The Central Coast, Lower Hunter, Upper Hunter and Lower North Coast landscapes have been used as the basis for community consultation, development of information and planning in relation to this plan.

Each of the four major landscapes within the region faces different issues and has different values, although they do share many key issues such as the need to improve governance and planning, build capacity and improve knowledge. As each landscape is unique a different approach will need to be adopted to address the issues in a way relevant to each landscape. The distinct characteristics of the four major regional landscapes are summarised in the following pages.

UPPER HUNTER LANDSCAPE SUMMARY

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Upper Hunter landscape at a glance eNviroNmeNtAL vALuesProtected areas: The Wollemi, Barrington Tops and Goulburn River National Parks along with Munghorn Gap and Manobalai Nature Reserve are the major protected areas. Numerous other smaller areas of national park estate occur across the landscape.

The Greater Blue Mountains world heritage area is partly located in the south of the landscape.

vegetation: Extensive areas of grassy woodlands exist on the Merriwa plateau and adjacent areas.

Steep upland areas often feature rainforest and allied vegetation types.

Mid and lower slopes have been actively cleared and managed and continue to be used for grazing, featuring a mix of modified forests, woodlands and native pastures.

Valley floor and low-slope areas have been extensively cleared and now feature modified pastures and modified open woodlands.

Vegetated corridors exist along most rivers and streams but much of this vegetation is in low condition.

Waterways: Main rivers are the Hunter, Goulburn, Pages, Dart Brook and Wollombi Brook

The Hunter is regulated by Glenbawn and Glennies Creek dams which store water primarily for irrigation; this resource is also used extensively by power generators and the mining sector.

uP

Pe

r H

uN

te

r

tim

eL

iNe

up to 1800sAboriginal people use and manage land and resources. Coastal and inland tribes meet and exchange goods in this landscape

1788European invasion begins with pigs, rabbits, cats, horses, cattle, goats and rats

1818Busby receives original land grant at Cassilis as payment for design of tank Stream and bore in Sydney

1820sAboriginal people lead Major Howe to Upper hunter near Singleton, via the route through Putty Valley

1830sDecimation of local Aboriginal popula-tions due to disease and dispossession

1820sBelltrees Station is formed from early land grant

1820sClearing for farming sheep and cattle commences

1850shorse breeding and coal mining occurring in Upper Hunter. Coal from underground coal mining is transported in barges down river to Sydney for export

1850sLogging red cedar and ironbark in Upper Hunter

1880sIntroduction of wire fencing allows set stocking

LANdformsThe area is bounded by the Great Dividing Range to the west and Liverpool Range to the north. Rich alluvial floodplains

are found adjacent to the Hunter River. Dramatic sandstone escarpments and gorges are found on the Goulburn River.

LoCAL big issues• Mining• Weeds and pests• Environmental governance• Land-use change/conflict• Environmental awareness and

education• Community engagement• Appropriate growth• River degradation• Unsustainable agriculture• Preparation for climate change• Complex stakeholder

relationships• Social health• economic

AborigiNAL CuLturAL vALues• Extensive sandstone rock art• Stone artefact scatters• Tool-making areas• Ochre quarries• Ceremonial areas• Resource gathering and hunting areas• Geographically and culturally linked to neighbouring Aboriginal nations on

the western, south western and north western boundaries

soCiAL CAPitAL

Population: 74,000 (approx.)

Median weekly income: $929–$1,692

Households with internet: 75%

People who completed year 12: 30%

English only spoken at home: 97%

goverNANCe

Local government: Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter and part of Mid-Western Regional Council.

State electorates: Upper Hunter

federal electorates: Hunter and Parkes (part)

Local Aboriginal land councils: Wanaruah, Mudgee

LANd use, iNdustries &

eCoNomiC drivers

Agriculture: Grazing of beef cattle, sheep and others (alpacas, goats), dairying, major concentration of thoroughbred horse breeding, dryland cropping, irrigated cropping including extensive fodder production, vineyards and wine production.

Extractive industries: Major centre for coal mining, both underground and open-cut; coal seam gas exploration, gravel and hard rock quarrying

Electricity generation: From Liddell, Bayswater and Redbank power stations

forestry: Both public and private native forestry and some plantation forestry

Tourism: Centred around eco-tourism, vineyards, cultural activities

Services: Education, machinery and equipment maintenance, hospitality services.

Major urban areas: Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone, Murrurundi, Denman and Merriwa

Other: major Department of Defence landholdings and training facilities

FIGURE 4. The Upper Hunter landscape

1880sRailway established into Upper hunter to Singleton

1914–1918WWI

1938Soil Conservation Act 1938 and Soil Conservation Service is a response to depression, erosion and rabbits/drought

1939–1945WWII

1956Construction of Glenbawn Dam is a catalyst for irrigated agri-culture, dairy, industrialisa-tion (power stations) and coal mines

1950sFarming mecha-nisation increases = increase in size of production, decrease in rural population, land clearing increases, large scale cropping

1970sPromotion and planting of willows for riparian erosion control

1970s–1980sConstruction of Bayswater and Liddell power sta-tions and associated increase in size and number of coal mines

1983Glenbawn Dam wall raised and capacity tripled – filled in three years

1990Decade of Landcare commences

2002Current resources boom commences

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LOWER HUNTER LANDSCAPE SUMMARY

lower Hunter landscape at a glance

LANdforms

Broad alluvial floodplains occur on either side of the Hunter River. Surrounding this floodplain are rolling hills. To the south of the Hunter the predominant geology is sandstone; to the north the geology is volcanic in origin and rises up to the Mt Royal and Barrington ranges. The Paterson, Allyn and Williams river valleys are very fertile and have been used extensively for grazing and agriculture for more than 180 years.

LoCAL big issues

• Environmental governance• Biodiversity loss• Environmental awareness and

education• Mining and extractive

industries• River degradation• Flooding• Land-use change/conflict• Community engagement• Appropriate growth• Preparation for climate change• Lack of knowledge• Weeds and pests• Urban expansion

AborigiNAL CuLturAL vALues

• Extensive sandstone rock art• Stone artefact scatters• Tool-making areas• Ochre quarries• Coastal middens• Ceremonial areas• Resource gathering and hunting areas


eCoNomiC drivers

Agriculture: Grazing of beef cattle, sheep and others (alpacas, goats), dairying, dryland cropping, irrigated cropping including extensive fodder production, vineyards and wine production, poultry production, turf production on alluvial soils.

viticulture: Major wine industry centre with extensive plantings, winemaking and cellar door sales.

Extractive industries: Coal mining activities and coal seam gas exploration; hard rock quarrying; sand mining

forestry: Predominantly native forestry, both private and public, small areas of hardwood plantations.

Tourism: Large scale tourism centred on the wine industry; ecotourism associated with Barrington Tops and national parks; coastal and estuarine areas extensively used for tourism and recreation.

Port of Newcastle: Exports of coal, wheat and other grains; extensive associated industries located around the port.

Services: Retail, health, education, public administration, hospitality services.

fishing: Recreational fishing in coastal, estuarine, marine and freshwaters; commercial fisheries based in Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Other: Major Department of Defence landholdings and training facilities.

Major urban areas: Newcastle, Nelson Bay, Maitland, Raymond Terrace, Cessnock, Dungog.

goverNANCe

Local government: Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie (part)

State electorates: Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Wallsend, Newcastle, Charlestown (part) and Upper Hunter (part)

federal electorates: Hunter, Newcastle, Shortland and Charlton

Local Aboriginal land councils: Awabakal, Worimi, Mindaribba, Karuah

eNviroNmeNtAL vALues

Protected areas: Yengo and the world heritage listed Barrington Tops national parks are the major protected areas. Extensive areas of state forest and recreation reserves exist within the landscape which also contains part of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

The Hunter estuary wetlands, the Hunter Wetlands National Park and the Hunter Estuary Ramsar site are nationally and internationally important wetlands and are key sites for both migratory and resident shorebirds.

vegetation: Steep upland areas often feature rainforest and allied vegetation types. Dry forest types predominate.

Lower slopes have been actively managed and continue to be used for grazing, featuring a mix of modified forests, woodlands and pastures.

Valley floor and low-slope areas have been extensively cleared and feature modified pastures and modified open woodlands.

Vegetated corridors exist along rivers and streams, but much of this vegetation is in poor condition.

Waterways: The bulk of the reticulated water supply for the lower Hunter is derived from the Williams valley which is dammed at Chichester with a weir located at Seaham. The Paterson valley is dammed at Lostock — this storage is for irrigated agriculture in the lower Hunter. The Hunter estuary is extensive and includes a highly industrialised port. The area is known for its spectacular coastline. The Tomaree–Tomago sandbeds are important groundwater sources providing up to 30 per cent of the reticulated water supply to the lower Hunter and Lake Macquarie areas.

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up to 1800sUse of fire stick farming by Aboriginal people has a major impact on ecological systems

1788European invasion begins with pigs, rabbits, cats, horses, cattle, goats and rats

1804Coal River settlement is established. Coal mining begins in what is now Newcastle.

1810sDecimation of local Aboriginal people due to disease and dispossession

1810sClearing of cedar and other riparian vegetation

1820sChange from intensive cropping to dairy and broadacre grazing in Lower Hunter

1843Wine industry begins – Lindeman at Gresford

1857Railway constructed from Newcastle to East Maitland

1906Commercial fishing industry established

soCiAL CAPitAL


Median weekly income: $1,005 – $1,292

NRM tertiary education institutions: University of Newcastle, TAFE, Tocal Agricultural Centre




FIGURE 5. The Lower Hunter landscape

1914–1918WWI

1938Soil Conservation Act 1938 and Soil Conservation Service is a response to depression, erosion and rabbits/drought

1939–1945WWII

1945Open cut mining begins in hunter

1940s–1950sSeries of devastating floods, 1955 Maitland in particular

1950Formation of Hunter Valley Conservation Trust and establishment of landholder levy

1960s–1970sLarge scale flood mitigation works and willow planting

1972Shift in agriculture from sheep to cattle in Lower hunter


1999Close of BHP results in improved air quality/water quality and change of socio-economics of Newcastle

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LOWER NORTH COAST LANDSCAPE SUMMARY

lower north coast landscape at a glance


• Sandstone rock art • Stone artefact scatters • Tool-making areas • Extensive coastal middens • Ceremonial areas• Resource gathering and hunting areas• Geographically and culturally linked to neighbouring Aboriginal

nations on the northern and north western boundaries.


eCoNomiC vALues

Agriculture: Cattle grazing predominates with some poultry, dairying and irrigated cropping including extensive fodder production.

forestry: Hardwood and softwood plantation operations, private and public native forestry.

Extractive industries: The Gloucester Basin has coal mining activities and coal seam gas exploration; hard rock quarrying.

Tourism: Major focus is tourism associated with Port Stephens, Forster–Tuncurry and Barrington Tops; extensive coastal and estuarine areas are the focus of tourism and recreation. Whale and dolphin watching based in Port Stephens.

fishing: Commercial fisheries in lakes and estuaries; significant offshore fishing industry. Recreational fishing including game fishing is a major driver.

Aquaculture: Oysters; also barramundi, marine fin fish, pearls, perch and yabbies.

Services: Health, education, aged care and residential construction.

Major urban Areas: Taree, Wingham, Gloucester, Forster–Tuncurry, Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest.

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up to 1800s Aboriginal people use and manage land and sea resources

1820s AA Company in Lower North Coast. Manning River surveyed. First planting of European crops in country of the Biripi.

1830s First pioneer farmers, cedar cutters and clear river floodplains in Lower North Coast

1840s Ships navigate the Manning River to taree

1880s Ring barking of trees to clear landscape

1900s Newcastle Railway extends to Lower North Coast (Taree 1913)

1914 Dairy industry in Lower North Coast takes off

1914–1918WWI

LoCAL big issues

• Environmental governance• Biodiversity loss• Mining and extraction• Land-use change/conflict• River degradation• Environmental awareness

and education• Appropriate growth• Coastal planning and

urbanisation• Aboriginal cultural heritage• Social health• Fishing and management of

marine environment


Protected areas: The Myall Lakes and Crowdy Bay, and the world heritage–listed Barrington Tops national parks are the major protected areas.

Extensive areas of state forest and associated reserves feature across this landscape.

The Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park covers deep sea areas, estuaries, coastal lakes and offshore islands. The area has significant soft coral and sponge gardens and important habitat for many marine species.

vegetation: Higher elevations contain extensive areas of wet forest types including rainforests; mid and lower elevations are dominated by wet sclerophyll forests interspersed with areas of rainforest; vegetated corridors exist along rivers and streams, much of this is in good condition. The higher fertility soils, including valley floors and extensive areas of hilly country, have been largely cleared for grazing, with (often highly) modified pastures the dominant type.

Wetland forests feature on large areas of land adjoining the coastal lakes; mangroves and rich seagrass beds are associated with these estuarine areas.

Waterways: The main rivers are the Manning, Karuah, Wallamba and Myall. The area is known for its estuaries and coastal lakes including the Manning Estuary, Myall Lakes system, Wallis Lakes and Port Stephens. The Myall Lakes system is Ramsar listed as an internationally significant wetland site.

soCiAL CAPitAL


Median weekly income: $729–$826




goverNANCe

Local government: Greater Taree, Great Lakes, Port Stephens, Gloucester and minor parts of Hastings, Walcha, Nundle and Upper hunter

State electorates: Myall Lakes, Oxley (part), Port Macquarie (part), Upper Hunter (part) and Northern Tablelands (part)

federal electorates: Lyne and Paterson

Local Aboriginal land councils: Worimi, Karuah, Forster, Purfleet–Taree

FIGURE 6. The Lower North Coast landscape

LANdforms

Bounded by the Great Dividing Range on the west and northwest (including Barrington Tops), the area consists largely of coastal hinterland with seaside fringe and includes several large estuarine lakes.

1914 Floodgates established on coastal floodplains

1930s Commercial fishing expansion in lakes and rivers

1939–1945WWII

1950s Sewerage reticulation and establishment of landfills

1960s Adoption of pasture improvement and aerial fertilisation in grazing areas and steep lands


1990s Pacific Highway upgrades

1997 Hepatitis B outbreak in Wallis Lake forces large scale catchment wide actions.

2000 Dairy industry deregulation

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CENTRAL COAST LANDSCAPE SUMMARY

central coast landscape at a glance


• Extensive sandstone rock art • Stone artefact scatters • Tool-making areas • Ochre quarries • Coastal middens • Ceremonial areas • Resource gathering and hunting areas • Geographically and culturally linked to neighbouring

Aboriginal nations on the southern and western boundaries


Protected areas: Yengo, Wallarah, Watagans, Bouddi and Brisbane Water National Parks are the major protected areas. A number of state conservation areas, nature reserves and state parks are located in the landscape and provide key opportunities for conservation and recreation. Significant areas of state forests also exist in this landscape.

The area has many nationally important wetlands.

vegetation: This landscape features narrow coastal plains backed by hilly uplands; higher elevations contain extensive areas of dry forest types on sandstone geology but include areas of rainforest; mid and lower elevations are dominated by modified dry sclerophyll forests. Vegetated corridors exist along rivers and streams, much of this is in good condition. The higher fertility valley floors have been largely cleared.

Waterways: The Wyong River and Jilliby, Mardi and Mangrove Creeks are the sources of domestic water which is pumped and stored in both Mardi and Mangrove Dams and the source of water for irrigated agriculture.

The area has many coastal lagoons and estuaries (Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lakes, Lake Macquarie and Cockrone, Avoca, Terrigal and Wamberal lagoons).

goverNANCe

Local government: Gosford, Wyong and Lake Macquarie.

State electorates: Lake Macquarie, Swansea, Charlestown, Wyong, The Entrance, Gosford and Terrigal.

federal electorates: Dobell, Charlton, Shortland, Robertson and Newcastle.

Local Aboriginal land councils: Darkinjung, Bahtabah, Biraban, Awabakal.

LoCAL big issues

• Environmental governance• economic issues• Land-use change/conflict• River degradation• Water quality• Biodiversity loss• Community engagement• Environmental awareness and

education• Weeds and pests• Appropriate growth• Unsustainable agriculture• Coastal planning and urbanisation• Aboriginal cultural heritage• Waste• Clearing for urban development


eCoNomiC drivers

urban and residential: A dominant land use especially in coastal areas and around coastal lakes.

Agriculture: Mainly horticultural crops grown on family owned farms: turf, citrus, stone fruits, avocados, vegetables, flowers. Poultry, cattle grazing and horse breeding also feature in rural hinterlands.

Extractive industries: Underground coal mining activities; hard rock quarrying.

forestry: Small scale plantation operations, private and public native forestry.

Tourism: Major focus is on beaches, coastal lakes and estuarine areas which are extensively used for tourism and recreation. Ecotourism associated with state forests and national parks. Close proximity to Sydney allows ease of access for large numbers of tourists.

fishing: Commercial offshore fishing industry is of modest scale. Recreational fishing is a major driver. Lake Macquarie is a recreational fishing haven, which allows recreational fishing only.

Electricity: Two active large coal fired power stations.

Services: Retail, public administration, health, education and hospitality services.

Major urban areas: Gosford, Wyong, Charlestown, Morriset, Toronto.

soCiAL CAPitAL


Median weekly income: $934–$1,117

Tertiary NRM Education institutions: University of Newcastle, TAFE




up to 1800sAboriginal people use and manage land and sea resources

1800sEuropean invasion begins with introduction of pigs, rabbits, cats, horses, cattle, goats and rats. Fishing industry established.

1820sShip building commenced at Kincumber, Davistown and Blackwall

1830sPastoralism, intensive timber getting and land clearing

1830sOpening of Great North Road

1830sDecimation of Aboriginal culture

1840seconomic depression and hardship

1880sEstablishment of the railway line, from both north and south

1880seconomic boom, especially in horticulture

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LANdforms

The region is bounded by Lake Macquarie catchment to the north, the Watagan Mountains to the west, and the Hawkesbury River to the south.

It consists of mountainous hinterland, upland valleys and coastal floodplains and estuarine lakes. Lake Macquarie is one of the largest coastal lakes in Australia. The area has many coastal lagoons and estuaries.

FIGURE 7. The Central Coast landscape

1914–1918WWI

1920s –1930stourism takes off

1930sDirect Sydney to Newcastle road link

1939–1945WWII

1960sPower stations built

1974CoSS – Coastal Open Space System established in Gosford LGA

1980sSewerage systems installed to cope with population growth; dairying ceased; major rural land subdivisions


1990sMajor shift to ‘dormitory suburbs’ for Sydney workers

2000smajor lake improvement programs commenced

3332

SECTION 3 — Goals, targets & outcomes

SeCtion 3

Goals, targets & outcomes

‘More and more policy makers in many countries

are reaching the unavoidable conclusion that, to be

valuable and legitimate, development progress . . .

must be people centred, equitably distributed, and

environmentally and socially sustainable.’

UNDP, � 1996� Human Development Report20

Over the next ten years, we aim to see improvements in ten key areas. Following extensive consultation with our stakeholders, we have set catchment goals for each of these key areas. Strategies and outcomes for each goal have also been developed. Our analysis of the key values and assets in the region underpins the development of these goals and targets (see Figure 8). The catchment goals are interrelated and interdependent. No one goal can be achieved in isolation from the others.

The strategies have been developed in response to the big issues and the specific threats and drivers impacting on the identified assets and values (see Figure 3). Strategies can help to achieve more than one goal and most will contribute to achieving many targets. A database has been developed to better illustrate the logical hierarchy and complex relationships between the goals, targets and strategies. This is available at www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au.

This section also contains the key spatial considerations for many of our goals, and the maps which will guide the design and delivery of specific programs to ensure the actions are coordinated and achieve the best possible results in the places needing attention.

OuR vISIONHealthy and productive catchments, through ecologically sustainable management of our natural resources and environment, for the benefit of present and future generations.

OuTCOMES

STRATEGIES

TARGETS

FIGURE 8. Development of a goal hierarchy

CATCHMENT GOALS

CatChment VALUES AND

aSSetS

BIG ISSUES THREATS AND

DRIVERS

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

hunter-Central Rivers Catchment action Plan 2013–2023 SECTION 3 — Goals, targets & outcomes

3534

3 empowerment and

community capacity

• Individuals,organisations,communities and industries are able to effectively protect, improve and manage the natural resources of the region

• Allstakeholdersunderstandthereasons for natural resource management and are willing to change behaviours and management practices where needed

• Allstakeholdershavethecapacityto contribute to natural resource management and decision making

4 Land and soil

Maintain and improve the ability of the land and soils to provide ecosystem functions to support:

• biodiversity• sustainableandviableagriculture• communityamenityand

infrastructure.

5 freshwater � including groundwater and wetlands�

Maintain and improve the ability of our catchments to provide ecosystem functions and secure freshwater to:

• supportbiodiversity• supporthumanhealthand

community wellbeing • supporteconomicopportunities.

6 biodiversity � terrestrial and aquatic�

Maintain and improve the ability of our catchments to provide ecosystem functions and services which sustain biodiversity and regionally significant habitats and species to:

• conserveandrecovernativeterrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and the habitat it depends on

• supportcommunitywellbeing• supporteconomicopportunities.

7 Air

Maintain and improve regional air quality to provide ecosystem functions to:

• supportbiodiversity• supporthumanhealthand

community wellbeing• supportagricultureandother

economic opportunities.

8 estuary and marine

environments

Maintain and improve the ability of oceans, estuaries, beaches and shorelines to provide ecosystem functions and services to:

• supportbiodiversityandregionallysignificant habitats and species

• supportsustainableeconomicandrecreational opportunities

• contributetohumanhealthandwellbeing.

9 Community wellbeing

Manage natural resources to support good health and community wellbeing.

10 economic prosperity

Maintain and improve the ability of our catchments to provide ecosystem services to support:

• communityprosperity• wellbeingofthecommunity• longtermeconomicopportunities.

Catchment goals

Ten catchment goals have been developed. The first three are overarching goals and relate to issues that need to be addressed to enable all the other goals to be met. Four goals relate to the four primary natural elements that underpin the ecosystems of our region — air, water, land and biodiversity. In recognition of the complexity of our estuary and marine systems, and the increasing pressures these areas are under from upper catchment land use and the concentration of residential development in our lower catchments, we have developed a goal specific to these areas. The final two goals address the needs of the people in our region and specifically address how our wellbeing and economic prosperity can be enriched by good natural resource management and healthy e

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