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DRAFT

Waterway Health Strategy

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Closing date for submissions: 30th September 2001

Comments to: Simone Gunn CCMA 64 Dennis Street Colac 3250 info@ccma.vic.gov.au 5232 9100

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FOREWORD

The Draft Waterway Health Strategy is an important step in continuing to build on the planning

framework for integrated natural resource management in the Corangamite region. This Draft Strategy

aims to take an integrated and whole of catchment approach to managing the region‟s waterways.

Waterway management is a core responsibility of this Authority and as such it is important that our

efforts are clearly and effectively directed. The Draft Waterway Health Strategy attempts to do this

through identifying the condition of our waterways, the issues and proposing priorities for their

treatment.

The board encourages the input to the Strategy by our partnership agencies, stakeholders and the

broader community. This is essential if the Strategy is to reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of

the whole community. I thank those involved in the preparation of this Draft and commend it to you for

your consideration and input.

Bob Carraill

Chairman- Corangamite CMA

I am pleased on behalf of the Authority‟s Water Resources Implementation Committee to present this

Draft Waterway Health Strategy to the regional community. Improving the health of our waterways

will require strong partnerships between the Authority and the community, and this Draft Strategy

identifies many opportunities for such partnerships to flourish.

The Strategy builds on the strong foundation of community work undertaken over the last four years to

protect the health of the regions waterways, and provides a strong basis for community support for

undertaking priority action over the next ten years. By establishing a benchmark of current waterway

conditions, we can now move forward and focus on targeted actions to primarily protect our most

valuable waterway assets and then to provide a framework for rehabilitating our more degraded

waterways.

The vision we have proposed best sums up what this Draft Strategy proposes for our waterways;

“Working in Partnership, our community will maintain, protect and improve the regions waterways.”

Importantly, the process for achieving this vision will be dynamic, and your input on the document is

the first step in this evolution. I look forward to your involvement.

Frank Buchanan

Chairman- Water Resources Committee & Waterway Health Strategy Steering Committee

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority acknowledges the contribution of the Consultants

EGIS Consulting Pty Ltd, their sub-consultants Neil Craigie and Associates and Read Sturgess and

Associates, who investigated and compiled the background information, which has formed the basis of

this strategy.

The Board of the Authority also expresses its thanks to the following members of the Authority‟s

Water Resources Committee, which has acted as the Steering Committee for this strategy:

Frank Buchannan (Chair) Carlisle River

Ross Alexander Berrybank

Les Barrow Geelong

Robert Ford Ballarat

Richard Gloyne Timboon

Jan Laidlaw Newtown

Erica Nathan Yendon

Colin Peel Inverleigh

Jim Seagar Ballan

Graeme Sutherland Gellibrand

Greg Bell NRE

Rowan McKenzie EPA

Figure 1 Corangamite CMA Water Resources Committee inspect streamside work at Carlisle River

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................ 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... 6

1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... 10

2. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 11

2.1 The Need for a Strategy 11

2.2 Role of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority 12

2.3 Improving Waterways through Community Action 12

3. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................ 14

3.1 Waterways - An Integrated Approach 14

3.2 Current Responsibilities 16

3.3 Current Programs for Waterway Health 18

4. WATERWAYS – A REGIONAL OVERVIEW ................................................................ 20

4.1 Waterway Basins 20

4.2 Post European Settlement and Waterways in the Corangamite region 27

4.3 The Condition of our Waterways 28

5. THE STRATEGY ........................................................................................................... 30

5.1 Vision 30

5.2 Principles 30

5.3 Priority Waterway Issues 31

5.4 Priority Setting Famework 33

6. STRATEGY PROGRAMS ............................................................................................. 34

6.1 Program 1 – Hydrology 34

6.2 Program 2 – Physical Form 35

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6.3 Program 3 – Streamside Zone 39

6.4 Program 4 – Aquatic Habitat 42

6.5 Program 5- Water Quality 43

6.6 Program 6 – Community Awareness and Involvement 44

6.7 Program 7 – Benchmarking, Monitoring and Evaluation 45

6.8 Program 8 –Research and Investigation 46

6.9 Program 9 - Strategy Coordination 47

7. RESPONSIBILITIES AND COST SHARING ................................................................ 49

7.1 Responsibilities 49

7.2 Strategy Costs and Cost Sharing 51

7.3 Implications for the CCMA 53

7.4 CCMA Funding 53

8. FEEDBACK FORM ....................................................................................................... 54

Appendix A: Waterway basins and ISC reaches in the CCMA region 56

Appendix B: BASIN ACTION PLANS 58

8.1 Moorabool 59

8.2 Barwon 60

8.3 Corangamite 62

8.4 Otway Coast 64

Appendix C: – REFERENCES 66

Appendix D: RELATED STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS 70

Appendix E: GLOSSARY 73

Appendix F: CONSULTATION 77

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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8

9

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1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATION

CCALP Corangamite Catchment and Land Protection Board

CCB Central Coastal Board

CCMA Corangamite catchment Management Authority

COGG City of Greater Geelong

DOI Department of Infrastructure

EPA Environment Protection Authority

ISC Index of Stream Condition

LCC Land Conservation Council

LH Landholder

LG Local Government

LWD Large Woody Debris

LWRDC Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corp.

NHT Natural Heritage Trust

NRE (Department of) Natural Resources and Environment

RCS Regional Catchment Strategy

SCS Surf Coast Shire

SKM Sinclair Knight Merz

SRW Southern Rural Water

VPPs Victoria Planning Provisions

WCB Western Coastal Board

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2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 The Need for a Strategy

Our rivers, creeks, streams and wetlands – our waterways – are fundamental to our very existence.

Water regulates all human activities and is implicit in all life. Waterways, wetlands and their

floodplains act as natural water filters, helping to protect the quality of water for the environment and

for human consumption. The aesthetic beauty of our tree-lined rivers is an intrinsic part of the

Australian landscape. The overall quantity and quality of water gives the Corangamite region a

significant natural advantage over drier areas of the state (CALP, 1997).

Our waterways need our help. Recent assessments of the region‟s waterways found them in poor to

moderate condition. Problems include loss of flora and fauna along stream banks, reduced water flows,

deteriorating water quality, sedimentation, erosion and salinity. Our waterways have been substantially

changed since European settlement by clearing of catchments for agriculture, intensive use of

floodplains, draining of wetlands and development of water resources.

A waterway is a function of its landscape, continually changing according to variations in the

topography, climate, geology, vegetation, and land use. Improving the health of our waterways can

only be achieved by the collective efforts of the entire regional community working together to

rehabilitate both the land and waterway environments.

Figure 2 View from Red Rock scenci lookout- Lake Corangamite Catchment

In recent decades, the community has recognised the need

for action to achieve integrated catchment management and

the evolution and continued success of the Landcare

movement has pioneered this approach. The emphasis for

much of this work has focused on catchment or land based

issues, with less focus on those issues directly relating to

waterways. Consequently, many of our waterway problems

have remained untreated and in some cases they have

worsened. We now acknowledge the need to concentrate on

the waterways themselves, for we cannot just rely on other

works, which might be implemented in the catchments.

This Draft Strategy for waterway health complements other regional strategies and plans designed to

improve the management and enhancement of all of our natural resources. It focuses on developing and

implementing actions that will directly maintain or improve the waterway environment, including the

water, the bed, the banks and the streamside or „riparian‟ zone. Its scope includes rivers, creeks,

streams, watercourses, tributaries and wetlands, however, as wetlands are such unique feature of the

landscape, their management will be covered in more detail through prescriptive plans in the future.

This Draft Strategy includes both strategic and operational recommendations relating to the

improvement of waterway health. In addition to strategic recommendations, Action Plans have been

developed for each of the key waterway systems in the region. These Plans provide a more detailed

guide to the recommended works required to protect or rehabilitate the major rivers and waterways.

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Community consultation, support and acceptance of the recommendations in this strategy are

fundamental to providing a basis for partnership between the community and Government to ensure its

implementation over the long term. Accordingly, we consider it essential that you have input into this

Draft Strategy through your comments and feedback.

2.2 Role of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

Victoria‟s waterways have experienced various trends in management policy. The first formal

institutions for waterway management were established in the 1950s with the formation of local River

Improvement Trusts. These trusts principally focused on the application of engineering solutions for

problems associated with waterway erosion and flooding. Since the 1970s the application of waterway

management has broadened to cover wider environmental issues.

In 1995 a multi-disciplinary Consultative Action Team (CAT) was established to advise the Minister

for Natural Resources on the wider community‟s preferred option for waterway management in the

Corangamite Region. Subsequently, after extensive consultation with individuals representing

communities throughout the catchment area, the CAT recommended that a new waterway management

authority be established.

In July 1997 the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) was established together

with eight other Catchment Management Authorities across the state under the provisions of the Water

Act 1989 and the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Through the Water Act, the Corangamite

Catchment Management Authority is now the key authority responsible for ensuring the protection and

rehabilitation of waterways in the Corangamite region.

2.3 Improving Waterways through Community Action

It is important to recognise what the Corangamite community has achieved in the protection and

rehabilitation of our region‟s waterways. Over the past two decades, farmers, landholders and

government agencies including the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, local shires and the

Soil Conservation Authority have undertaken a considerable number of works designed to protect or

improve the waterway environment. More recently, the development of Landcare and the introduction

of the Natural Heritage Trust have facilitated an unprecedented level of landholder activity associated

with the implementation of waterway rehabilitation works.

Figure 3 Planting day at Lake Bullen Merri

Following the establishment of the CCMA in 1997, the

level of activity in waterway protection and rehabilitation

further increased. During the past four years the Authority

has invested almost $6 million in waterway projects

through its Healthy Waterways Incentive Program across

the region. This program enables individuals and groups

to undertake waterway protection and rehabilitation works

including:

Riparian revegetation

Riparian rehabilitation and protection

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Community education

Investigations

Stormwater and nutrient management

Management of proclaimed water supply catchments

The funds allocated by the CCMA have been matched on at least a dollar for dollar basis by the grant

recipients – taking the total regional investment in waterway rehabilitation and protection projects over

the past four years is close to $17 million (Figure 4). The last four years has also seen a steady rise in

the number of projects being funded on an annual basis and an increasing number of larger,

coordinated community projects to deal with whole sections, or reaches of waterways.

Figure 4: Healthy Waterways Incentive Program Funding 1997- 2001

$-

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000

$6,000,000

$7,000,000

$8,000,000

97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01

Financial Year

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

CCMA $

Community $

Number of projects

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3. BACKGROUND

3.1 Waterways - An Integrated Approach

Natural resources management in the Corangamite region is an integrated whole of catchment process

involving cooperation and partnerships at all levels in the regional community. Whilst the CCMA takes

a lead role in coordinating this approach, it is the collective effort of the regional community, which

delivers the results on the ground.

The Corangamite Waterway Health Strategy (CWHS) will be one of a number of regional plans

developed under the Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy, developed to provide an integrated

approach to managing the region‟s natural resources. Figure 2 outlines the relationships between the

strategies and plans for natural resource management in the Corangamite Region.

The CWHS will outline the strategic framework for maintaining or improving waterway and wetland

environments in the region. It must include a combination of strategic regional actions that will apply

to all waterways across the region, whilst providing a basic plan of action for on-ground works in the

major waterways. As indicated in Figure 5, it requires strong links to the following key strategies and

plans for maintenance and improvement of the regions natural resources.

Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan. Currently in draft form, this plan sets the strategic direction

for management and conservation of all native vegetation in the region, including protection of

remnant native vegetation and revegetation. It will include specific objectives linked to native

vegetation along waterways and wetlands and is a key source offering the underlying principles

associated with vegetation management.

Corangamite Nutrient Management Plan. Developed in 1999, this management plan focuses on

addressing the load of nutrients within the water quality component of our waterway environments.

Under the Waterway Management Strategy, it is effectively an Action Plan aimed at reducing the

concentration and quantity of nutrients entering the regions waterways and the incidence of Blue Green

Algae blooms. It includes actions that relate to both the catchments and the waterways themselves,

with an emphasis on improving land management practices, thereby reducing nutrient concentrations

and volumes.

Corangamite Floodplain and Rural Drainage Strategies. Currently in preparation, these

strategies will provide strategic directions for the management of floodplains and existing rural

drainage systems in the region. They will focus on the strategic and operational management of these

particular parts of the waterway system. A key principle will be to promote those actions on

floodplains and in relation to rural drainage, which are essential to maintaining or improving waterway

health.

Corangamite Restoring the Balance – A Strategy for Managing Salinity in the Corangamite

Region. This strategy, currently under review, aims to greatly reduce the future effects of salinity, and

recommends a program to direct community effort to where salinity is causing the biggest problem.

The main emphasis of the strategy provides encouragement, assistance, and technical support to groups

and group projects for onground activities.

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Figure 5: Waterway Health Strategy Relationships

Biodiversity WaterLand

Regional Salinity Plan

(1993)

Rabbit Action Plan

Weed Action Plan

Native Vegetation Plan

(2001)

Urban Stormwater Management Plans

Nutrient Management Plan

2000

Waterway Rehabilitation Plans

Sub Catchment Management Plans

Estuary Management Plans

RAMSAR Lakes Management Plan

Waterway Health Strategy

(2001)

Flood Studies

Floodplain Management Strategy

(In prep.)

Rural Drainage Strategy

(In prep.)

Corangamite Regional Catchment StrategyProviding overall direction for all natural resources management in the region

(1997)

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3.2 Current Responsibilities

Improving the health of the region‟s waterways is a complex task involving cooperation and action by

a wide range of key stakeholders, as indicated in the following Table 1.

Table 1: Current Responsibilities for issues affecting Waterway Health

(See Key Stakeholder column for list of Abbreviations)

Key Stakeholder

Responsibilities

Support Role

Corangamite

Catchment

Management

Authority

(CCMA)

Strategic direction for land and water resource

management - through development and implementation of

Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) and reporting to

government

NRE

Development of Regional Waterway Health Strategy and

detailed works programs to improve waterway health

Regional

Community

Waterway, floodplain and rural drainage management All

Management of Aire Heritage Rivers (outside of National

Parks)

LH

Community education & involvement in waterway health NRE, UWA, LC

Implement works for stabilisation of bed and banks of

waterways

LH, LC, UWA

Development of detailed water quality plans NRE, EPA

Licensing of works on waterways SRW, NRE, LG

Coordinating Dryland Salinity Management NRE, LH, LC

Index of Stream Condition monitoring (5 yearly)

Regional oversight of National Heritage Trust process NRE

Management of the Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme and

Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme

Management of the Barwon through Geelong#

Department of

Natural Resources

and Environment

(NRE)

Strategic direction for all public land management

Management of Crown water frontages and other public

land, except parks and reserves.

Management of flora and fauna LH, PV,

CCMA, LC

Catchment management and agricultural services (salinity,

soil conservation, pest plants and animals, agriculture)

CCMA, LH,

LC, PV

Water quality monitoring CCMA, UWA,

EPA

Monitoring of environmental flow allocations CCMA, SRW

Bulk entitlement conversions CCMA, SRW,

UWA

Licensing of sand and gravel extraction from waterways

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Key Stakeholder

Responsibilities

Support Role

Parks Victoria

(PV)

Management of Crown water frontage in parks and

reserves and waterways in parks and reserves (including

Ramsar lakes and other lake foreshores with public land

frontage)

LH, CCMA

Southern Rural

Water (SRW)

Water allocations private and industrial users

Streamflow Management Plans CCMA, NRE,

UWA, LH, EPA

Waterway determinations

Groundwater allocations and monitoring CCMA, NRE,

UWA

Urban Water

Authorities

(UWA)

Management and compliance of sewerage systems LG

Referral authority under planning scheme for works in

PWSC

Waterwatch CCMA

Diversion of water for urban use

Local

Government (LG)

administer planning schemes- permits for off stream dam

development

UWA, SRW

boating authority for boating and water ski zones CCMA

Road crossings of all waterways and floodplains (except

for VicRoads assets)

VR

VicRoads (VR) Main road crossings of all waterways and floodplains

(except for municipal assets)

LG

Environment

Protection

Authority (EPA)

License sewage and other discharges to the environment

Monitor water quality CCMA, NRE,

UWA

Produce State environment protection policies for

protection of surface water, groundwater and other

segments of the environment

all

Aboriginal

Affairs Victoria

(AAV)

Registration and management of Aboriginal archaeological

sites

ICG

Crown water

frontage licensees

Management of Crown water frontages in accordance with

licence conditions

NRE, CCMA,

UWA

Indigenous

Community

Groups (ICG)

Management and maintenance of places of Aboriginal

cultural significance

AAV

Cultural education

Landcare Groups

(LC)

Community action to address land and water resource

management issues

NRE, CCMA

Community education

Private

landholders(LH)

Management of pest plants and animals on private and

licensed public land

NRE

Voluntary on-ground works to improve waterway health CCMA

Coastal Boards

(CB)

Strategic management of coastal environments LG

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Note:

# Operational functions are contracted to Barwon water

Coastal Boards includes both the Western and Central Coastal Board

Local Government includes Corangamite, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Colac-Otway, Moyne and

Surf Coast Shires, City of Greater Geelong, City of Ballarat and the Borough of Queenscliff

Urban Water Authorities include South West Water, Barwon Water and Central Highlands

Water

3.3 Current Programs for Waterway Health

As previously described, the regional community and the CCMA are already undertaking the huge task

of improving the condition of our waterways through a variety of activities and functions. As part of its

annual business planning process the CCMA delivers a range of projects and actions through the

implementation of nine broad programs under its waterway management function, as described in

Table 2 below.

Table 2: Current CCMA Waterway Management Programs

CCMA

Program

Project

Description & CCMA Role

Hydrology Bulk

Entitlement

(BE)

Conversion

Process

State wide process converting current rights to water into a legal

entitlement. CCMA is one of many key stakeholders involved in

the consultation of this process in order to protect and improve the

rights of the aquatic environment

Streamflow

Management

Plans (SMP)

Local planning mechanism to manage water appropriately to

satisfy consumptive demands and environmental needs. The

CCMA is one of many key stakeholders involved in project groups

guiding their development

Physical Form Waterway

Rehabilitation

Plans

Priority structural waterway works according to local Waterway

Rehabilitation Plans being coordinated by CCMA.

Asset

Management

& Operations

CCMA manages and maintains the Lough Calvert Drainage

Scheme and the Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme

Management

of the Barwon

River through

Geelong

CCMA manages and maintains public land and waterway along

the Barwon River through Geelong from Orana Road above

Buckley Falls downstream to the lower breakwater at Lake

Connewarre.

Riparian Zone Healthy

Waterways

Incentive

Program

Key incentive program for interested individuals and groups to

undertake voluntary waterway rehabilitation works in the region

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CCMA

Program

Project

Description & CCMA Role

Aquatic

Habitat

State Fishways

Program

State wide program of structural modifications to in stream

barriers to improve passage for native fish migration

Water Quality Corangamite

Nutrient

Management

Plan

Plan includes a variety of actions aimed at reducing nutrient

volumes and loads to regional waterways, including urban

stormwater, improved agricultural land management, improved

forestry practices

Community

Awareness

and

Involvement

Waterwatch National community education and river health monitoring

program. In the Corangamite region it is partly funded by the

CCMA and is delivered through Central Highlands Water and

Barwon Water.

Barwon River

Health

Strategy

Joint NHT/CCMA community biodiversity assessment project to

engage community commitment to improving the health of the

Barwon River

Research and

Investigation

Deakin

University

Aquatic Macrophytes as an Indicator of River Health

Analysis of Nutrient Loadings and Speciation in Runoff from a

West Victorian Dairy Farm

The Effect on Estuarine Water Quality of the Gradual Removal of

a Sandbar that blocks the Estuary Mouth

Examination of the effectiveness of riparian revegetation in

increasing aquatic ecosystem health

Nutrient and the Phytoplankton Community of the Curdies River

University of

Ballarat

Catchment Characterisation and River Health

Impact of Shading by Riparian Vegetation

Land & Water

Aust

Assessment of aquatic macro invertebrates as biodiversity

indicators of change in salinity

Benchmarking

Monitoring

and Evaluation

Index of

Stream

Condition

(ISC)

State wide five yearly long-term monitoring and evaluation

program of waterway health. Supplemented in CCMA region by

annual collection of data at limited sites

Victorian

Water Quality

Monitoring

Network

Statewide program of ongoing water quality monitoring at sites

throughout the region.

Coordination

and Planning

Waterway

Rehabilitation

Plans

Local community driven development of reach or sub catchment

based action plans to provide a medium term framework to

improve waterway health.

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4. WATERWAYS – A REGIONAL OVERVIEW

4.1 Waterway Basins

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority‟s region includes four major drainage basins – the

Moorabool, Barwon, Corangamite and Otway Coast (Appendix A). Within each of these basins there

are several major catchments, or river systems, including the Aire, Barwon, Gellibrand, Curdies, Leigh,

Moorabool, and Woady Yaloak Rivers.

Figure 6 Barwon River at Murgheboluc

In the Barwon basin the Barwon River drains both the northern

slopes of the Otway Range whilst the Leigh River drains the

central Victorian uplands around Ballarat, joining the Barwon

at Inverleigh. The Corangamite basin is a landlocked (terminal)

drainage system, with predominantly small ephemeral

waterways feeding Lake Corangamite and other significant

lakes and wetlands.

Figure 7 The islands within Lake Corangamite

The Moorabool Basin

includes the Moorabool River and Hovells Creek, a small creek

system that rises in the southern foothills of the Brisbane Ranges

and the You Yangs and flows into Corio Bay. Little River also

falls within the Moorabool Basin, however the Port Phillip

Catchment and Land Protection Board guide management

activities.

Figure 8 The Moorabool River

The waterways of the Otway Coast Basin can be divided into

three distinct sections: West, Central and East. The west

section of the Otway Coast Basin is drained by the Curdies

River, which drains the partly cleared catchments of the

Heytesbury where dairying is the predominant agricultural

practice.

Figure 9 Little Aire Creek

The Gellibrand and

Aire and numerous small coastal streams drain the central

Otways whilst the east section includes the Erskine River,

Thompsons and Spring Creeks. The Otway Coast Basin is noted

as having excellent water quality with low levels of salinity and

turbidity in most streams.

The condition, values and threats relevant to each major drainage

basin are represented in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13.

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Figure 10 Moorabool Basin- Condition, Values and Threats

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Figure 11 Barwon Basin- Condition, Values and Threats

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Figure 12 Corangamite Basin- Condition, Values and Threats

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Figure 13 Otway Coast Basin- Condition, Values and Threats

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Aboriginal Culture and waterways in the Corangamite Region

R.B. Smyth made the first critical attempt to delineate Victorian Aboriginal tribes in 1878 and

according to Ian D. Clark (Monash University, 1990), Smyth suggested that:

the basalt plain stretching from the Moorabool River in the east to the Wannon River in the

west, and from Mount Cole in the north to the southern shores of Lake Corangamite was occupied by numerous small „tribes‟ that were focused on rivers.

They were principally members of the Wathaurung tribe, with a lesser number of individuals drawn

from the Kolakngat in the area to the west of Lake Corangamite. In addition, their clan members

belonged to one of three principal language groups: the Wada wurrung, the Gulidjan, and the Djargurd

wurrung.

It is not easy to estimate accurately Aboriginal numbers prior to white settlement, however, there were

probably between 11,000 and 15,000 Aborigines living in Victoria previously. They were divided

among 38 tribes which varied in size according to the richness of their environment. Each tribe

occupied a recognised are, spoke a common language and called itself by a specific name (Radcliffe-

Brown, 1930). The population decline and loss of lifestyle of those Aboriginals who occupied the lush

grasslands, steep or rolling hillsides, abundant creeks, rivers and lakes across the Corangamite region is

particularly well documented in Clark (1990). Aldo Massola‟s book Journey to Aboriginal Victoria

(Rigby, 1969) is another excellent publication which documents the daily activities of local Aboriginals

in nineteenth century Victoria.

Clark reveals that in 1837 the Barrabool Hill tribe numbered 300, and by May 1853 its population had

been reduced to nine women, seven men and one child (Lloyd 1862:456). He estimated that births

within the clan had not exceeded 24 over a period of seventeen years. In 1853 thousands of gold

miners began to descend upon their lands in the upper part of the Corangamite catchment. Lloyd listed

the reasons for the decline in their population: diminishing food sources due to the occupation of

grassed portions of their land; influenza and association with the colonists; brandy, rum and tobacco;

and the fact that they regarded their indigenous neighbours with enmity and exacted revenge upon

those who intruded into the tribe‟s hunting ground. In 1881 Dawson estimated that each Wada wurrung

speaking clan had a population of 120, giving a total population of 3,240, however, the real figure was

probably somewhere between 1620 and 3240.

Clark documents twenty-five Wada wurrung speaking clans and the approximate location they

occupied between the Werribee River in the east, the Fiery Creek and Mount Emu Creek to the west,

and Mount Misery marked the northern boundary while to the south-east their lands encompassed Lake

Corangamite. Importantly, their lands also extended to Port Phillip Bay, around the Bellarine

Peninsula, past the coastal port of Geelong to Aireys Inlet. The Wothowurong [sic] established several

large camps around Corio Bay, Stingaree Bay and Point Henry with one particularly good camp at

Clifton Springs. According to Massola (1969) traces of it remain with perhaps the most rewarding site

left on the Peninsula being „situated on the sand ridges alternating with swamp depressions between

Portarlington and Indented Head.‟

In a landlocked area bordered by Warrambine Creek and the Barwon River, Clark records that there

were four clans who spoke the Gulidjan language. They could be found at Birregurra, Lake Beeac,

Lake Colac and „Ingleby‟ station on the Barwon River, and they occupied the rich hunting country as

far south as Gellibrand River. In September 1837 their numbers were estimated at between 35 and 40,

in December 1850 Gray estimated the population of the „Colac tribe‟ to be 78 (43 males and 35

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females) but by 1857, following the arrival of huge numbers of European settlers across the region,

only 16 Gulidjan survived (Massola 1966b). In 1862 Lloyd (1862:458) also identified the causes of this

clan‟s diminution, caused through increased difficulty gathering food due to European occupation of

the best grassed areas of their lands; influenza; association with convicts; and tribal enmity.

Land to the south of the Wada wurrung, and west of the Gulidjan, was occupied by the at least 12

Djargurd wurrung speaking clans. Their western boundary followed the course of the Mount Emu

Creek, with the eastern boundary being formed by the western shore of Lake Corangamite.

Aboriginal culture in the Corangamite Region has strong links to the waterways of the region. Even

today, sites along waterways, both the lakes and streams can still be identified which have evidence of

the traditional ways of the indigenous people. Shell middens (evidence of eating places), rock fish

traps, stone tools and scarred trees (evidence of taking materials to build canoes) can all be found

associated with the Regions waterways.

4.2 Post European Settlement and Waterways in the Corangamite region

Water Victoria- A resource handbook, provides a useful summary of the European settlement in the

region. “ John Batman and his party arrived in the Port Phillip region in 1835 and within just two years

runs were taken up as far as Winchelsea… The Gold rush of the 1850‟s attracted a large number of

people to the Ballarat region and henceforth the area developed rapidly.

Figure 14 Degraded riparian swamp land and remnant native grassland plants

Early agriculture was dominated by sheep and later cattle grazing pursuits which were suited to the vast

treeless volcanic plains stretching from Geelong to beyond Lismore. PH Kinimonth, in „The Western

Plains: A Natural and Social History (Eds. Conley and Dennis 1984), cites a map compiled in 1857

describing these grasslands as “fitted for grazing purposes alone, consisting of open plains, utterly

devoid of timber and scantily supplied with water.”

The demand for land in the post gold rush era saw the lake Corangamite Basin almost entirely cleared

for pasture and agriculture and large areas of the Otway forests were opened up for selection in this

period (DWR, 1989). The relentless push for more arable land led to widespread drainage of

floodplains and wetlands. Unsustainable agricultural practices in the early 1900s led to extensive gully

and sheet erosion, and several of the swampy creeks draining into the Barwon from the Northern

Otway slopes were channeled and drained, leading to massive erosion of the valley floors. The

resulting sediments liberated by such broad catchment wide erosion filled many of the major

28

waterways. Crown Water Frontages protected some sections of waterways, but licensed grazing of such

frontages has meant there is now little discernible distinction between management regimes of public

or private land adjoining waterways. Despite such intervention, the riparian zones of the region‟s

waterways have survived to be an invaluable remnant of the original indigenous vegetation.

In the post war era, emphasis moved towards securing water resources for the regions growing

population and agricultural industries. The West Barwon dam was completed in 1965 and is the major

storage providing Geelong, whilst the Lal Lal Reservoir, on the upper Moorabool was built in 1972 to

supply both Ballarat and Geelong. Incremental growth of water consumption for both urban and

agricultural purposes has continued throughout the region, to the point where for the Moorabool, over

80% of the total divertible water resources have been developed (DWR, 1989).

Prior to the formation of the CCMA waterway management was not actively undertaken in the

Corangamite region, although the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission along with the Soil

Conservation Authority undertook some erosion control work on badly degraded sections of

waterways. Growing global consciousness of environmental issues in the late 20th century contributed

to an increasing awareness of the need for sustainable land and water management at the regional and

local scale. The Landcare movement, which evolved in Victoria in the 1980s then capitalised on this

bottom up community support and saw a level of land and water rehabilitation works not previously

experienced in the region. The legacy of this commitment continues to this day, in the form of

regionally community based Catchment Management Authorities making strategic and operational

decisions for sustainable land and water management.

4.3 The Condition of our Waterways

4.3.1 Measuring Waterway Condition

Waterways and wetlands are environments made up of a complex web of interconnecting parts or

components, including the flow and quality of the water, the bed and banks, the organisms living in the

water and the organisms living on the banks. In order to understand and compare the current condition

of our waterways, Victoria has adopted a statewide procedure for measuring waterway health, which

incorporates all the components of the waterway environment.

The Index of Stream Condition (ISC) (DNRE 1997) was introduced in Victoria in 1999 and has now

been applied to all major waterways in the state. The index includes qualitative measures of the

following components of the waterway environment, as shown in Figure 15 in terms of its:

Hydrology quantity and duration of flow

Physical form degree of bed and bank erosion

Riparian Zone quality and diversity of riparian vegetation

Water quality quality of water

Aquatic habitat quality of in stream habitat, including snags

The Index places a „score‟ on each of these components for any given section or „reach‟ of waterway.

Reaches are lengths of the same waterway, which can be treated as a distinct unit because of their

uniform characteristics, including hydrology, geology, vegetation, and land use. The location of

reaches within the Corangamite region are represented in Appendix A.

29

Figure 15 The Waterway Environment

Streamside

Zone

Physical Form

Water Quality

Hydrology

Aquatic Life/ Habitat

30

5. THE STRATEGY

5.1 Vision

A vision for waterways in the Corangamite Region has been developed with the help of key

stakeholders in the region. It defines the desired outcome of responsibly managing the environmental

condition of the regions waterways, reflects the significance of the partnership between the CCMA and

the community, and it also defines a time frame which matches the ten year planning framework

provided by this strategy.

In ten years time, through the implementation of this strategy in

partnership with the community, we will have maintained, protected and

improved the environmental condition of the Corangamite region’s

waterways.

The Vision complements the expected outcome of the Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy – that

is to have „the Corangamite community managing land and water resources based on an understanding

and a commitment to sustainable use, conservation and rehabilitation of those resources.‟

5.2 Principles

To help us understand what the Vision means, we need to identify the significant social, environmental

and economic values or principles, which are important to the community at all levels. These values are

summarised below:

Integration The effective integration of environmental, social and economic considerations in

decision making.

Community involvement Recognition that our Vision can not be achieved nor significant

progress made towards it without the support of the whole community.

Precautionary behaviour Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage

to waterways, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing

measures to prevent waterway degradation.

Equity within and between generations Fairness and equal access to opportunities both in our

lifetimes as well as for future

Continual improvement The declining environmental condition of our waterways means there is

an imperitive to take immediate action to become more sustainable and to make continual

improvement.

(Note: Adapted from ‘Our Community our Future, a Guide to Local Agenda 21’, Cotter and

Hannan, 1999).

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5.3 Priority Waterway Issues

The following are priority issues or threats relating to waterway management in the Corangamite

region. Many of the threats are listed under the State Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 legislation

in Schedule 3, as Potentially Threatening Processes whilst others have been identified through

community and stakeholder consultation.

5.3.1 Alterations to Natural Flow Regimes

Urban and agricultural development has necessitated the abstraction of water from waterways, causing

alterations to quantity and timing of flows and reducing the biodiversity of our rivers, creeks and

streams. Drainage of wetlands and floodplains for cultivation has upset the natural water cycles of

these wet environments, thus reducing their capacity to filter out nutrients and store floodwaters.

5.3.2 Degradation of Native Riparian Vegetation

Indigenous riparian vegetation is vital to the functioning of stream ecosystems. Riparian vegetation

helps to maintain bank stability, through the binding nature of root systems and also provides an

important buffer zone for the filtering of sediments, nutrients and catchment runoff. Instream habitats

are derived from riparian vegetation including fallen branches and trees (snags), leaves and barks.

Undercut banks, important for platypus and other aquatic species, are maintained through the presence

of streamside vegetation.

Removal of riparian vegetation impacts the aquatic environment by increasing the amount of light into

the system. This may result in increased aquatic weed growth and algal growth, which can in turn lead

to choking of the waterway. Stability of the bed and banks will also decline following the removal of

streamside vegetation.

5.3.3 Introduction of exotic plants and animals to aquatic environments

Introduced aquatic plants are a threat to waterways from both an ecological and socio-economic point

of view. These plants can be associated with damage to irrigation pumps and other machinery as well

as to with changes to light availability, nutrient levels and the resultant impacts on aquatic life. The

introduction of European Carp, Mosquito fish and many other exotic fish species has dramatically

impacted on the ecology of our waterways. Exotic fish species can out compete native fish species for

habitat areas and food resources often at the exclusion of the species of the original community.

5.3.4 Increase in Sediment Input into Waterways

Clearing of catchments and cultivation of fragile flood plains and wetlands has resulted in an increase

in the erosive forces, which act on our waterways. The resulting soil erosion from catchments and in

natural channels has caused a build up of sediments that smother aquatic habitats and block up the

waterways. Also, these sediments are often associated with high concentrations of nutrients, such as

phosphorous and nitrogen, which pollute the waterways and contribute to outbreaks of toxic blue-green

algae and the rampant growth of nuisance aquatic weeds.

5.3.5 Input of chemical substances into waterways

The input of toxic substances into waterways can result in immediate kills of aquatic organisms along

with reduced vigour and changes to the behaviour and growth of fish. The effects of residual

substances are particularly devastating however, many of these herbicides and pesticides are being

replaced with ones, which are much less persistent in the aquatic environment. A variety of

environmental factors such as temperature and oxygen levels in the water can also result in significant

impacts to aquatic communities.

32

5.3.6 Removal of wood debris from Victorian Streams

Removal of snags decreases the variety of instream habitat and results in significant changes to the

channel morphology [shape]. Channelisation of waterways and removal of large woody debris, or

„snags‟ has increased water flows and caused accelerated erosion processes downstream, often

resulting in major changes in the waterways shape and behaviour and causing loss of property.

5.3.7 Barriers to fish movement

Figure 16 Weirs, dams and culverts can all be barriers to fish migration

Structures such as dams, weirs, culverts and fords can impede the

migration of native fish. Many native fish require migration, either

upstream or downstream, in order to complete their lifecycle. Barriers to

fish migration can impede spawning migrations and the mixing of genes

within populations, resulting in unviable native fish populations.

5.3.8 Invasion of Native Vegetation by Environmental weeds

The invasion of environmental weeds into the streamside zone can

results in the loss of both terrestrial [land] and aquatic species from particular habitats. Blackberries,

gorse, bridal creeper and other environmental weeds are all significantly impacting on streamside

habitats within the region. Environmental weeds can often out compete indigenous plants resulting in a

lowered potential for natural regeneration and a reduction in native biodiversity.

5.3.9 Channelisation of waterways

Many waterways are subject to engineering schemes aimed at controlling the impacts of flooding and

enhancing the waterways drainage efficiency. This is achieved by the removal of logs and debris,

removal of vegetation with the potential to block the waterway, extraction of gravel and sediment from

the channel, straightening of the channel, and in some cases lining of the channel with concrete or

similar materials.

These river engineering works significantly impact on the ecology of the waterways, resulting in low

species diversity and abundance. High maintenance costs can also be associated with some waterway

engineering works.

5.3.10 Loss of indigenous cultural heritage

Indigenous cultural heritage may include burial sites and remains, shell middens, stone tools or scarred

trees. Federal and state legislation contains provisions for the protection of indigenous cultural heritage.

Sites are often associated with waterways in the Corangamite region, however many sites will never be

identified and may be damaged as a result.

5.3.11 Loss of recreational opportunities associated with waterways

Our waterways can provide a myriad of opportunities for recreation, including fishing, boating, nature

appreciation or swimming. Any decline in water quality and other waterway issues may result in

reduced opportunities for recreation.

5.3.12 Damage to human assets associated with waterways

Floods and erosion processes can cause significant damage to human assets including farmland,

bridges, roads etc. Waterway management in the Corangamite region must achieve a balance between

the protection of ecological assets and human assets.

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5.4 Priority Setting Famework

In the past waterway restoration activities have primarily focussed on protecting assets such as bridges,

roads and other infrastructure, with works usually carried out on the most degraded sections of stream.

However, in recent years the priorities for waterway management have changed, and waterway

managers in Australia are beginning to prioritise works by including the „natural assets‟ of streams as

well as the continuing need for protection of life and property. The Cooperative Research Centre for

Catchment Hydrology has developed A Rehabilitation Manual for Australian Streams, in partnership

with the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation (LWRDC). This

document outlines the current priority setting framework for waterway management.

Priorities must take into account the following:

The over-riding need to protect streams or reaches that have high biodiversity values or significant

assets which protect life and property,

The need to act first on those waterway problems which are relatively easy to fix,

The need to act in those waterways where community support and ownership is greatest.

In terms of waterway health, it is usually more efficient to protect reaches that remain in good

condition, than to spend huge amounts of money trying to rehabilitate reaches that are already damaged

(Rutherford et al, 1999). Similarly, it is usually more efficient to stop a stream from deteriorating than

to try to fix it later. Within reaches, it is crucial to identify the potential barriers to recovery and

address these first.

The fundamental approach that we need to adopt for long term improvement in waterway health needs

to ensure that any works proposed must be in accord with the underlying physical processes occurring

in the waterway. If this is not the case, our works – whether they be revegetation in the streamside

zone, fencing to control stock access or erosion control – are at risk of being lost through sudden or

gradual changes in the physical form of the waterway. The best way to ensure a long-term

improvement in the health of a waterway is to develop an understanding of its behaviour and

characteristics, then implement a plan to work within these characteristics.

Many of the actions recommended in this Draft Strategy for improving waterway health relate directly

or indirectly to biodiversity conservation, and specifically protection and re-establishment of

indigenous native vegetation. Accordingly, the direction and principles for management of native

vegetation as described in the Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan are applicable to the Waterway

Health Strategy.

Priorities discussed herein include primarily targeted works on designated waterways. However,

CCMA will continue to encourage voluntary participation in works conducted on minor waterways or

tributaries that are not specifically mentioned in this Draft Strategy. Recommended actions have been

grouped according to their scope of application. Those recommendations, which apply to all waterways

across the region or are strategic in nature, have been split into nine Regional Programs according to

the nine Strategy objectives.

In addition, four Basin Action Plans (Appendix B) have been developed to include all those

recommended actions, which relate to a specific basin or to specific waterways within that basin.

Within each Basin Action Plan, recommended actions have been grouped according to the regional

program classification where possible.

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6. STRATEGY PROGRAMS

6.1 Program 1 – Hydrology

AIM: Maintain and seek to restore appropriate water regimes necessary to sustain waterway, wetland and riparian ecosystems

The hydrology component of a waterway includes the volume of water

flowing and the annual variation or „seasonality‟ of flows and pays

particular attention to changes to the waterways original flow regime,

such as the impact of dams, diversions and urbanisation. Changes to the

flow regime of waterways can have significant impact on wetlands and

floodplains, the structure of the bed and banks of the waterway, fish and

other aquatic life populations, riparian vegetation and water quality.

Key influences on these alterations have been the need to develop water resources for consumptive use,

or in the case of wetlands, floodplains and estuaries, to improve or protect productive areas. It is likely

that improvements in flow regimes will be gained through water resource planning mechanisms such as

the Bulk Entitlement conversion process, Streamflow Management Plans, and through Municipal

Planning Schemes. Greater emphasis will also need to be placed on ensuring greater accountability for

water use across all catchments. Structural measures may also be employed to recreate appropriate

hydrological regimes in wetlands and „chain of ponds‟ systems.

Planning for water resource use

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

1.1 Complete Streamflow Management Plans for priority waterways across

the region

High

1.2 Encourage effective and efficient farm dam management in accordance

with Streamflow Management Plan requirements and active distribution

of farm dam water supply management guidelines

High

1.3 Develop model permit conditions for local government as part of the

review of planning schemes, to reflect the outcomes of the Victorian

Farm Dams Irrigation Review recommendations.

High

1.4 Ensure compliance with Streamflow Management Plans and existing

operating rules or environmental flow guidelines

Ongoing

1.5 Support and encourage reductions in the use of water for irrigation and

for maximum re-use of irrigation drainage water “on-farm” to reduce

quantities of water draining to the natural wetland and waterway

systems

Medium

1.6 Ensure planning & development decisions consider the potential impact

on stream flows and existing water allocations

Ongoing

Key Issues Addressed Alteration to

natural flow

regimes

35

Altered hydrological regimes

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

1.7 Determine appropriate monitoring regimes for delivery and impact of

environmental flows

High

1.8 Identify opportunities to restore Chain of Ponds systems High

1.9 Develop and implement management plans to protect and enhance

private and public wetlands of regional importance

High

6.2 Program 2 – Physical Form

AIM: Protect community assets and stabilise waterways through structural means where sustainable community benefits will arise.

The physical form component of a waterway includes those

physical features which determine the shape, size and form of

the waterway, including the riffles and pools, bed, banks,

instream bars, extent of erosion and sedimentation, the

instream physical habitat and the degree of connection.

Included in this program are those measures and works that

directly alter the physical form of the waterway, including:

Bed stabilisation

Structural Bank protection

In-stream sediment and vegetation management

Willow Management

Maintenance and Operations

These measures are needed to stabilise and protect the physical structure of the waterway. They often

require specialist planning, design and construction. An overview of each of the measures is described

here, but for a full description of the various structural stream management techniques that are

available to address waterway instabilities, refer to the "Guidelines for Stabilising Waterways"

(Standing Committee on Rivers and Catchments, 1991).

6.2.1 Bed Stabilisation and/or Restoration

Erosion of streambeds can occur as a gradual deepening process over considerable lengths of stream,

more abruptly as head-ward erosion, or more usually as a combination of both. If this erosion is not

stabilized through some sort of structural control, the waterway will continue to deepen and in turn,

cause bank erosion. The standard technique for treating this problem is to stabilise the slope or grade of

Key Issues Addressed Increase in sediment

input into waterways Channelisation of

waterways Damage to human

assets

36

the bed of the waterway by building steps, or drops in the bed level at appropriate distances along the

waterway.

Figure 17 Extensive bed erosion has occurred in the eastern Otway catchments

This helps the waterway restore its natural sequence of

pools and riffles, enhancing the diversity of habitat for

aquatic life. This measure can also be used to restore pool

and riffle sequences to artificial drains, enhancing their

ecological value. Bed stabilisation is a relatively minor

component of long-term resolution of the problems with

eroding waterways in the Corangamite region and it will

only be undertaken as a component of an integrated reach

rehabilitation project. Priority reaches for stabilisation of

bed erosion are shown on the map figure 18.

Figure 18 Priority reaches for bed stabilisation work

6.2.2 Structural Bank Protection

Bank erosion can be caused by a number of factors, including natural meander processes, the absence

of protective bank vegetation, scour caused by the deflection of flows around instream obstructions and

islands, stock damage, bed erosion, stream widening and channel anabranching. Some erosion resulting

from natural meander processes is inevitable, therefore adjoining land uses should be planned so as to

accommodate this risk. Historically this has not always been the case, and in cases where erosion has

been caused or exacerbated by human activities, management strategies should aim to address these

factors before structural works are considered. Management actions to be considered before structural

bank protection is contemplated include stock control, regeneration or revegetation of banks and

verges, removal or realignment of obstructions and relocation of assets threatened by the erosion

Bank erosion is often a function of bed erosion, which must be treated prior to consideration of any

structural protection of eroding banks. Structural bank protection works include physical protection of

the bank with placement of rock, steel or wood and this is only considered to be appropriate where

public safety, significant remnant vegetation, or important assets or infrastructure are threatened by

erosion processes. There are relatively few such instances over the CCMA region.

Some eroding tributaries have deepened to the point where they are now steep gullies with near vertical

walls. In these waterways, natural fretting of steep banks to more stable slopes, and/or collapse of cliffs

must be anticipated over the longer term. It is considered unlikely that it will be economically possible

to stabilise the banks in place, except where important assets are threatened. Bank battering is not

recommended as a general approach to waterway bank management. As a generalisation, over the

CCMA region most of the bank erosion problems observed can be treated by the establishment of

appropriate indigenous vegetation and/or improved management of stock access. Priority reaches for

bank stabilisation works are shown in figure 19.

Figure 19 Priority bank stabilisation works

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6.2.3 Instream sediment and vegetation management

Eroding gullies and sheet/rill/tunnel erosion contribute sediment to waterways, leading to aggradation,

erosion, and nuisance aquatic plant growth. Spiny Rush and gorse can invade highly aggraded

waterways but rampant growth of aquatic macrophytes such as Cumbungi and Phragmites is often the

major problem. In general these aquatic reeds perform a useful function in filtering out and binding

sediments and attached nutrients. However, their effectiveness in trapping sediment can lead to

significant changes in the available aquatic habitat by steadily reducing the depth of pools. Treatment

of the sources of sediment in the eroding catchment will mitigate inputs over the longer term but will

not address existing problems of major infestations of these plants in waterways. However it is

considered that as a general rule the sediments and weeds may best be left undisturbed with the focus

being on land restoration activities and streamside revegetation.

There may be some local benefits to be gained by implementing strictly controlled (recurrent) instream

sediment management activities in terms of improvements in drainage performance, aquatic habitat,

and protection of remnant vegetation as well as protecting land and assets from bank erosion. Any

invasive treatment activities will need to be developed with specialist geomorphological oversight and

could include:

Excavation of sediment deposits immediately downstream of confluences with those tributaries,

which are carrying, elevated sediment loads, to create sediment trap zones,

Controlled spraying programs to mitigate macrophyte growth, especially in “riffle” zones,

Targeted mechanical removal of spiny rush and follow up chemical treatment,

Selective removal of islands, bars and aggraded “riffle” zones.

Excavation of instream sediment to create a continuous low flow course along any creek is not

recommended as this is not the natural form and such works would be likely to encourage further

erosion cycles and downstream movement of sediment and nutrients.

Structural measures

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

2.1 Establish the operational framework for the CCMA to provide

structural waterway management services

High

2.2 Implement Priority 1 structural measures High

2.3 Implement Priority 2 structural measures Medium

2.4 Implement Priority 3 structural measures Low

6.2.4 Willow Management

Figure 20 Willows can cause serious bank erosion

Willows in and along waterways can cause significant

waterway health problems. Issues associated with willows

include:

38

They form obstructions which cause bank erosion and impede channel conveyance,

They reproduce both vegetatively and by seed and will spread profusely downstream, out-

competing native species,

They offer a lower potential for indigenous biodiversity along waterways than local indigenous

vegetation.

However, willows also have some positive benefits:

They shade the waterways during summer,

Willow roots provide bed level controls in some situations,

Willows provide a source of (low grade) woody debris,

Willows can provide some habitat diversity in the form of pools, runs and drops.

The detrimental environmental effects of willows and the need to use indigenous vegetation

communities in waterway revegetation projects are important messages for the community education

and awareness program. Willow management is a component task in the process of revegetating a

waterway with local indigenous vegetation, rather than an objective for waterway management in itself.

Priority reaches for willow management works are shown in figure 21.

Figure 21 Priority reaches for willow management works

Willow control

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

2.5 Conduct Willow removal works on Priority 1 reaches High

2.6 Conduct Willow removal works on Priority 2 reaches Medium

2.7 Conduct Willow removal works on Priority 3 reaches Low

2.8

Conduct Willow removal works on other priority reaches which are

identified through Local Waterway Rehabilitation Plans

Medium

6.2.5 Management and maintenance of assets

All works of construction require provision for on-going operation and maintenance. This is

particularly so for engineering works where the focus is on recognition of governing natural waterway

processes, minimum structural intervention, use of natural materials and indigenous vegetation to

restore a sustainable ecological environment. The works are based on proven techniques, which retain

or enhance environmental benefits and in the longer term lead to restoration of "natural" waterways. By

their nature and location they are susceptible to damage by flood during the establishment period and

repairs or adjustments may prove necessary i.e. fencing and revegetation projects on a floodplain.

Management and maintenance of assets

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

2.13 Prepare schedules for ongoing operation and maintenance activities for

existing assets and those created through implementation of structural

measures

High

39

2.14 Implement operation and maintenance programs Medium

2.15 Compile a register of assets of joint interest to CCMA and utilities

(road drop structures, water/sewer crossings, weirs, main urban and

rural drains) and develop asset management maintenance guidelines

for their protection

Medium

2.16 Identify privately owned assets which may be considered as barriers to

fish migration

Ongoing

2.17 Resolve the ownership of drop structures listed in asset register.

Undertake a thorough assessment of future management and

maintenance requirements for those assets that are the responsibility of

the CCMA

High

2.18 Implement effective and efficient management of land and water for

which the CCMA is responsible on the Barwon River through Geelong Ongoing

6.3 Program 3 – Streamside Zone

AIM: Protect and where appropriate enhance environmental, cultural and social values of streamsides.

The streamside or „riparian zone‟ of a waterway is a

fundamental part of the landscape that characterises a

waterway. They are long, linear sections of land, often with

high soil fertility and moisture, and are some of the most highly

productive and sought after for agricultural production.

The streamside zone has many important roles, acting as a filter

for nutrients before they reach the waterway, as a source of

organic inputs to the stream (leaves, twigs and logs), providing

habitat for native fauna, contributing to bank stability,

providing shade for stock, ecological and recreational purposes

and providing aesthetic and recreational values.

The major threats to the health of the streamside zone are pest

plants and animals, stock access, waterway instability and declining biodiversity.

Revegetation of the streamside zone provides a filter for reducing sediment and nutrient inputs to

waterways and is invaluable in its role in stabilising stream banks. Across the Corangamite region, re-

establishment of indigenous vegetation cover is considered to be the most appropriate universal

technique for stabilisation of streams that are not subject to active headward erosion processes.

Plantings or natural regeneration is rarely successful unless protected from stock grazing through

provision of suitable fencing. Fencing may be continuous along one or both sides of the waterway

(depending on stream size and land use), or it may protect discrete areas of plantings. In areas where

natural regeneration is adequate, or where additional plantings are not judged to be necessary, fencing

alone may be sufficient to achieve restoration objectives.

Key Issues Addressed Degradation of native

riparian vegetation Invasion of native

vegetation by environmental weeds

Loss of indigenous cultural heritage

Loss of recreational opportunities associated with

waterways

40

The provision of adequate setbacks from the edge of the waterway for fencing will be critical to longer-

term improvements in waterway health, especially on main rivers and creeks streams and along the

unstable hill country tributaries. Fencing close to outer banks of bends is generally not recommended

for any stream. Fencing setbacks should be a minimum of ten metres and desirably at greater distances

where considerable streambed and bank instability exists. Priorities for streamside zone protection

works are shown in figure 22.

Figure 22 Priorities for streamside zone protection works

On ground protection of streamside zone

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

3.1 Undertake Priority one streamside protection works High

3.2 Undertake Priority two streamside protection works Medium

3.3 Undertake Priority three streamside protection works Low

3.4 Encourage re-establishment of local indigenous vegetation along all

waterways through control of stock access and planting where required

through incentives via;

Pro-active recruitment of land managers with high priority

waterways or reaches

An annual Incentive Program for Voluntary Riparian protection and

rehabilitation works on other waterways

High

3.5 Encourage participation in voluntary participation schemes to improve

biodiversity conservation in rural landscapes, including Landcare, Land

For Wildlife and Farm$mart/ Farm Biz

High

3.6 Establish a streamside management team including community „link‟

people (similar to those used to implement the Corangamite Salinity

Strategy), to work d work with Landcare groups, networks and

individuals and encourage reach based streamside protection and

rehabilitation projects

High

Planning & incentives

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

3.11 Develop regional guidelines for best practice riparian protection and

rehabilitation

High

3.12 Review the CCMA Healthy Waterways Incentive Program High

3.13 Implement sub catchment and catchment management plans for the 14

proclaimed water supply catchments

High

3.14 Implement guidelines for proclaimed water supply catchments through

the local planning schemes

High

41

3.15 Encourage the development of Property Management Plans and the use

of management agreements and covenants to ensure long term

protection of riparian environments

Medium

6.3.1 Cultural Heritage Protection in the Streamside Zone

Archaeological surveys in the Corangamite region have identified a large number of significant cultural

heritage sites. These are fairly evenly distributed across the region, however there is a strong

association between site locations and waterways. Many of the wetlands, lakes and streams in the

region were either permanently inhabited or used as travelling routes by Aboriginal people in the

Corangamite region prior to European settlement. The lower Leigh, Barwon and Moorabool Rivers

have a relatively high concentration of identified sites. Shell middens are the main site type found

along the coastal and estuarine areas. Inland sites generally comprise of isolated artefacts, however

some sites include burial grounds, mounds, scarred trees, rock arrangements and surface scatter.

Aboriginal cultural heritage sites are protected under both State and Commonwealth legislation. In

cases of conflict Commonwealth legislation takes precedence over state legislation. The Victorian

Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act (1972) provides blanket protection of all

material relating to Aboriginal occupation prior to European settlement. The Act establishes

administrative procedures for surveys and mandatory reporting of the discovery of sites to AAV. The

Commonwealth governments Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (1984)

covers protection of cultural property in a wider sense than the State legislation in that it includes

places, objects and folklore that have traditional significance for Aboriginal people. The Native Title

Act (1993) relates to all public land, irrespective of whether a native title claim has been lodged. In

particular notice must be given if earthworks are going to occur.

Three Aboriginal Co-operatives, in consultation with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria help to maintain,

monitor and register significant sites in the Corangamite region. They are the Wathaurong,

Framlingham and Ballarat and District Co-operatives. Three cultural heritage officers, who are

available to provide advice and technical information regarding cultural heritage sites, are employed

under the South West Cultural Heritage Program. In the region there is currently a distinct lack of

information about, and active participation in, the protection and identification of cultural heritage

sites.

Cultural heritage protection

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

3.7 Develop site protection plans to protect Aboriginal sites of significance

along waterways in consultation with the local Aboriginal community in

conjunction with AAV

Ongoing

3.8 Develop regional guidelines and protocols to ensure protection of

cultural heritage values along waterways

High

3.9 Encourage greater community awareness of Aboriginal cultural

heritage protection

High

3.10 Develop one demonstration site with emphasis on Indigenous cultural

associations with waterways

High

42

6.4 Program 4 – Aquatic Habitat

AIM: Enhance and protect the instream environment in order to preserve ecological processes and functions and maintain biodiversity

The aquatic life component of waterway health can look at the diversity

of macro-invertebrates, fish, algae, aquatic plants or the presence of

platypus. In particular, macro-invertebrates are a very useful indicator

of waterway health. The Aquatic habitat program will largely cover the

need to repair or protect the instream environment for the benefit of

aquatic animals.

The instream habitat required by these aquatic animals such as fish,

platypus and macro invertebrates might include the presence of snags

(Large Woody Debris), the presence of large rocks and other material and the composition of the bed

of the waterway, whether that is gravel, silt or rock. Snags provide habitat for many plants and animals,

from bacteria and fungi through to native fish and platypus. Snags that protrude from the water also

provide roosting places for birds and turtles. They also help to shape waterways by helping to create

deep pools and undercut banks, which are all important as aquatic habitat.

Figure 23 Fishway constructed on Thompsons Creek

There are several weirs, culverts and ford crossings, which

require works to facilitate native fish migrations. Seventy

percent of the native fish species in Victoria require a

migration between the coast and freshwater in order to

complete their lifecycle. Adjustments to such structures could

range from removal of those that may no longer be required,

through to provision of low flow bypass and to provision of

fish ladders or rock chute fishways.

Structural works & on ground solutions

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

4.1 Implement structural modifications to existing weirs and structures to

facilitate fish passage and provision of environmental flows Medium

4.2 Identify and remove redundant structures in waterways to facilitate fish

passage

Ongoing

4.3 Identify opportunities to undertake instream habitat rehabilitation Medium

Key Issues Addressed Removal of

wood debris from Victorian streams

Barriers to fish

movement

43

works such as large woody debris reintroduction

4.4 Identify and protect significant fish and platypus habitat areas,

particularly in ephemeral streams

High

Planning controls

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

4.5 Identify conditions to apply to works on waterways that will protect fish

movement past structures

High

6.5 Program 5- Water Quality

AIM: To assist in the protection of, and continually enhance water quality standards to maintain biological processes, biodiversity and satisfy consumptive needs.

The quality of the water in a waterway is a crucial component of its

overall health and includes measures of nutrient concentration,

turbidity, salinity, acidity, dissolved oxygen, and toxicants.

Community concern is rising over the inputs of nutrients, salinity and

other contaminants to our waterways from all sources in the

landscape.

The Corangamite region has identified the specific need to address the issue of nutrient inputs to the

waterways through the Corangamite Nutrient Management Plan, whilst the Corangamite Salinity Plan

addresses the issue of salinity across the region. A Salinity and Water Quality Plan will be developed

for the region, following the audit of the Corangamite Salinity Plan. It will be primarily through

implementation of these plans that the Waterway Health Strategy objective for water quality will be

met. For more detailed information on the recommended actions for reducing nutrient and salt inputs to

our waterways, refer to the Corangamite Nutrient Management Plan and Corangamite Salinity

Management Plan.

Planning & implementation

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

5.1 Review, assess and prioritise current contribution of catchment erosion

areas to waterway siltation

High

5.2 Support the Review of the Corangamite Salinity Plan and its

implementation

Medium

5.3 Support the integrated implementation of the CMA Nutrient

Management Plan

Ongoing

Key Issues Addressed Input of toxic

substances into

waterways

44

5.4 Promote best management practices in the catchment which ameliorate

salinity problems in the regions waterways

High

5.5 Support and encourage the use of artificial wetland filtration and flow

retardation systems on the constructed rural drainage lines (not the

natural waterways which receive the flows), and urban/industrial drains

Medium

6.6 Program 6 – Community Awareness and Involvement

AIM: Increase community awareness of and support for waterway health and involve the community in decision making to improve waterway health

Figure 24 Landcare members attending a field day in the Swan Bay catchment

Community education planning

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

6.1 Publicise the availability and effectiveness of waterway rehabilitation

incentive schemes

Ongoing

6.2 Encourage increased general community awareness of and support

waterway health through implementation of the CCMA Communications

Strategy (including sponsorship, media articles, presentations and

seminars)

High

6.3 Compile and maintain register of all interest groups and persons

involved in waterway health or related fields

High

6.4 Review roles, membership and operation of existing waterway health

related committees and, if necessary, modify arrangements to ensure

appropriate community representation.

Medium

45

Community education materials and on ground action

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

6.5 Establish a program of sign posting major waterways along key

regional routes

High

6.6 Encourage improved understanding of waterway health issues to key

clients and stakeholders through support for educational and training

opportunities in technical issues and formal tours

Ongoing

6.7 Support and encourage community involvement in waterway conditions

monitoring through programs such as Waterwatch

Ongoing

6.8 Develop a stream frontage/ wetland management module for inclusion

in Property Management Planning courses

High

6.9 Establish and utilise a range of waterway protection and rehabilitation

protection sites for demonstration of best management practices.

High

6.10 Develop user friendly technical information for protection and

rehabilitation of riparian zones, including; appropriate local plant

species lists, revegetation options and techniques, fencing and stock

control options, stock crossings, off stream watering options, woody

weed control, riparian zone maintenance

High

6.7 Program 7 – Benchmarking, Monitoring and Evaluation

AIM: Develop ongoing consistent programs to monitor the ecological character of waterways

Lack of attention to benchmarking and monitoring of waterway conditions has been a contributing

factor to the occurrence of some existing waterway management problems in the region. Similarly,

information gaps in our knowledge can result in uncertainty and even conflicts over what has happened

and how it should be addressed. Monitoring for waterway condition has only recently become more

focused and much of the existing information has been collected with other objectives in mind, and

may not suit the needs for targeted monitoring of waterway health.

An integrated monitoring program for waterways is essential to provide contemporary data on:

The occurrence and status of problems,

The condition of waterway environments,

The success of waterway management efforts,

The potential for new problems to develop or for existing problems to worsen,

Identifying developing threats to waterway/riparian areas with existing high environmental values.

46

Benchmarking and planning

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

7.1 Review the effectiveness and adequacy of current water quality, quantity

and biological monitoring

Medium

7.2 Review all waterway health related operations and maintenance activities

to ensure consistency with environmental, cultural, social and economic

objectives

Medium

7.3 Implement Index of Stream Condition Assessment every 5 years and

undertake 50 additional ISC sites every other year

Ongoing

7.4 Develop standard guidelines for monitoring of all waterway protection

and rehabilitation works

High

7.5 Initiate a wetland inventory study to address existing conditions, values,

threats, key issues and management options for all significant wetlands

across the region, on both private and public property.

High

Monitoring and evaluation

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

7.6 Undertake a monitoring program following fishway construction at all

sites

Ongoing

7.7 Adopt appropriate performance monitoring criteria for waterway health

projects and develop a representative monitoring program to allow valid

assessment of conditions of waterways

Medium

7.8 Implement Regional Audit process for all Waterway Incentive Projects

and establish a Regional Data Net project administration system

High

6.8 Program 8 –Research and Investigation

AIM: Increase our scientific and practical understanding of waterway and wetland ecosystems in order to effect their sustainable management

Additional investigation and research is required to improve our understanding of waterway health.

Investigations, which seek to improve our understanding of the condition, values and threats to

waterways in the region, will enable the CCMA to develop a sound scientific basis for waterway

improvement works.

At the local level, community groups and/or groups of adjacent landholders who have a vested interest

in rehabilitating their waterway should be encouraged to undertake waterway assessments. These

assessments could then become the basis for the development of localised Waterway Rehabilitation

47

Plans for the local community to implement over time. Aerial photo interpretation is an economical and

appropriate method of assessing waterway health over a broad area and it is important that the CCMA

be able to offer this service to its clients.

In addition to the proposed program of catchment and waterway stabilisation, there is a pressing need

to review the operation of the drainage diversion schemes and the present lake water level control

protocols. The review would assess opportunities to reduce lake management problems and also

stability problems in the diversion system.

Research and investigation

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

8.1 Encourage the development of community led Waterway Rehabilitation

Plans. High

8.2 Support existing research into waterway health High

8.3 Identify information gaps in our knowledge of waterway health and

support research into these areas.

Medium

8.4 Investigate the impacts of natural and artificial sources of salinity on

biodiversity in the Barwon River

High

8.5 Undertake long term studies of the efficiency of fishway construction in

the Corangamite region

Medium

6.9 Program 9 - Strategy Coordination

AIM: To ensure effective implementation of the Waterway Health Strategy over its ten year timeframe.

Agency coordination

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

9.1 Establish a regional resume of all natural resources extension staff for

staff and clients to ensure provision of appropriate technical advice for

all integrated catchment management activities

Medium

9.2 Establish strong relationships with key utility and road construction

providers to ensure understanding of mutual obligations with respect to

protecting and improving waterway health

High

9.3 Establish guidelines for referral of new dams and model permit conditions

for local government

High

9.4 Encourage cooperation with other CMA regions, and where possible

integrate programs to ensure consistency across the state

High

9.5 Encourage knowledge transfer between CMA regions including

secondments, Landcare tours etc.

Medium

48

Programs coordination

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

9.6 Establish and maintain a register of potential private, state and federal

government funding sources for natural resource management projects

affecting waterways and potential projects

High

9.7 Integrate priorities of waterway health with land and biodiversity

functions

Ongoing

9.8 Conduct an annual information forum for all natural resource

management extension staff in the region to ensure delivery of quality,

integrated catchment management advice to clients

High

9.9 Provide input to the Review of MSS and Planning Schemes to ensure they

are consistent with CCMA principles and programs to improve waterway

health

High

Strategy review

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

9.10 Conduct Bi- annual review of implementation of the CCMA Waterway

Health Strategy

Ongoing

Planning tools

Action No. Recommended Action Priority

9.11 Identify appropriate non-structural measures to support the structural

works program, and the mechanisms available to implement these

measures (eg. model permit conditions for use by municipalities,

inclusions in MSS and Planning Schemes, provision of “best management

practice” guidelines to municipalities, support for Landcare groups etc.)

High

49

7. RESPONSIBILITIES AND COST SHARING

7.1 Responsibilities

The CCMA as the waterway management Authority for the region is the lead agency for

coordinating the implementation of the strategy. Landholders, local government, water authorities

and government agencies all share in the responsibility of improving waterway health. This section

outlines the recommended responsibilities for waterway management works across the region and

provides for lead and support roles.

The CCMA has a direct role in delivering waterway management services for priority areas of

waterways. In some parts of the State CMAs have traditionally undertaken the services, because

they directly affect the physical form and behaviour of the waterway and its flow.

Given the complexity, variability and flow-on effects of waterways, as well as the need to protect

life and property, it is essential that activities that involve in-stream works are appropriately

designed and implemented according to rigorous standards. In most cases, the costs of building

major waterway structures are beyond the capabilities of adjoining landholders.

These activities make up the recommended Waterway Service Delivery Role of the CMA, which

include:

Bed stabilisation / or restoration,

Structural Bank Protection,

Instream Sedimentation and Vegetation Management,

Willow Management,

Fishways.

Where any assets are created from these activities by the CCMA, their operation and maintenance

will be the responsibility of the CCMA.

The CCMA also has a responsibility to assist in implementation of other waterway activities, but

does not retain the responsibility for operation and maintenance of these assets. This is the

Waterway Services Assistance Role of the CCMA, which, includes:

Fencing, revegetation, pest plant control,

Gully and land erosion stabilisation,

Altered flow regimes,

Urban stormwater,

Estuary management.

50

The following table lists the recommended responsibilities and support roles for all waterway

health activities:

Note:

AAV/I = Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and (Local) Indigenous Communities

UW = Urban Water Authority

CB = (Western or Central) Coastal Board

CCMA = Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

LH = Landholder

LG = Local Government

RWA = Rural Water Authority

PV = Parks Victoria

Table 3: Recommended Responsibilities for Waterway Management

Program Activity Planning &

Implementation

Maintenance

Lead

Role

Support

Role

Lead

Role

Support

Role

Hydrology Streamflow Management Plans SRW CCMA SRW CCMA

Altered flow regimes NRE RWA/UW

A

Estuary Management CCMA

Physical

Form

Bed stabilisation/restoration CCMA LH CCMA L/h

Structural Bank Protection CCMA LH CCMA L/h

Instream Sedimentation and

Vegetation Management

CCMA LH CCMA L/h

Willow Management CCMA LH LH CCMA

Streamside

Zone

Fencing, revegetation, pest plant

control

LH CCMA LH

Cultural Heritage Protection AAV/I CCMA LH AAV/I

Crown Frontage Management NRE, PV CCMA LH,

NRE

Water

Quality

Gully and land erosion

stabilisation

LH NRE LH

Urban Stormwater LG CCMA LG

Aquatic

Habitat

Fishways CCMA NRE CCMA NRE

51

7.2 Strategy Costs and Cost Sharing

Table 4, below, outlines a proposed sharing framework based on the Beneficiary Pays Principle as

applied to various waterway health related activities. Given that many of the actions to improve

waterway health involve the CCMA and rural landholders, these key stakeholders bear much of the

direct costs. However it should be emphasised that costs in this sense can include the value of in-

kind services, such as labour, project management and use of private equipment. The category

„Other‟ can include any key stakeholder or organisation previously mentioned in this document as

being directly or indirectly involved in improving waterway health. Determining appropriate cost

sharing guidelines is a dynamic and adaptive process, and the following summary is intended as

guide only.

Table 4: Recommended Cost Sharing for Waterway Health Activities

Program Activity % of Cost Share

CCMA Landholder OTHER

Hydrology Streamflow Management Plans 50 50

Altered flow regimes

Estuary Management Plans 50 50

Physical

Form

Bed stabilisation/restoration 100 #

Structural Bank Protection 100 #

Instream Sedimentation and

Vegetation Management

100 #

Willow Management 100 #

Streamside

Zone

Fencing, revegetation, pest plant

control

50 50

Cultural Heritage Protection 50 50

Water

Quality

Gully and land erosion

stabilisation

30 30 30

Urban Stormwater Plans 50 50

Aquatic

Habitat

Fishways 100

# Note that these activities can only be undertaken as a component of a broader integrated

waterway rehabilitation or protection project involving complementary streamside zone

activities by landholders.

As shown in Table 5 on the following page, the direct annual cost to the CCMA for implementing

the proposed Draft Strategy is estimated at $3.8 million. This figure does not include community

cash or in kind contributions.

52

Table 5: Overall Summary Of Activities And Costs

BASIN Bed Stabilisation

and/or restoration

Structural Bank Protection

Instream sediment and

vegetation management

Willow management

Fencing, reveg’n, weed

control

Altered flow regimes

Structure retrofits for fish passage

TOTAL

MOORABOOL $36,000 $30,000 $1,040,000 $1,745,000 $180,000

(Suggested CCMA Share) $36,000 $30,000 $1,040,000 $1,221,500 $90,000

BARWON $937,000 $348,000 $120,000 $1380,000 $6,158,000 $280,000

(Suggested CCMA Share) $937,000 $348,000 $120,000 $1,380,000 $4,317,600 $140,000

LAKE CORANGAMITE $1,908,000 $57,000 $80,000 $130,000 $4,994,000 $200,000 $120,000

(Suggested CCMA Share) $1,908,000 $57,000 $80,000 $130,000 $3,495,800 $100,000 $60,000

OTWAY COAST $189,000 $15,000 $2,335,000 $4,260,500 $235,000

(Suggested CCMA Share) $189,000 $15,000 $2,335,000 $2,982,350 $117,500

Subtotals $3,070,000 $450,000 $200,000 $4,885,000 $17,157,500 $300,000 $815,000

Suggested CCMA Share $3,070,000 $450,000 $200,000 $4,885,000 $12,016,450 $150,000 $407,500

Suggested duration (yrs) 10 10 10 20 50 2 5

ANNUAL CAPITAL COSTS $307,000 $45,000 $20,000 $244,250 $343,150 $150,000 $163,000 $1,272,000

Suggested CCMA Share $307,000/yr $45,000/yr $20,000/yr $244,250/yr $240,205/yr $75,000/yr $81,500/yr $1,012,00

CCMA Ongoing Projects Annual Cost

HWIP $800,000

Barwon Through Geelong $800,000

Drainage/Diversion Schemes $400,000

Strategy Implementation $300,000

Monitoring $195,000

Operation/Maintenance (5%) $50,000

Corporate Contribution (15%) $150,000

Survey/Design/Contract (10%) $100,000

Sub Total (CCMA 100%) $2,795,000

TOTAL ANNUAL CCMA COSTS $3,807,000

53

7.3 Implications for the CCMA

There are major implications of this Draft Strategy in terms of how waterway management

expenditure is allocated in the region. Current expenditure for on-ground works is allocated via

grants through the Healthy Waterways Incentive Program for voluntary works by agencies, groups

and landholders to improve waterway health.

Improvement in waterway health across the region will require a more sophisticated approach

including a commitment to works on major waterways (undertaken principally by the CCMA) as

well as the ongoing support for voluntary works on both major and minor tributaries by

landholders and the community in partnership with the CCMA. The following table provides an

indication of the potential division between these allocations.

Table 6: Indicative Expenditure Allocation for Waterway Health Activities

Type of works Location Method % Annual Budget

Targeted Major Waterways Service Delivery 40%

Voluntary Major Waterways HWIP 30%

Voluntary Minor Waterways HWIP 30%

7.4 CCMA Funding

The costs of current CCMA commitments and initiatives detailed in this Draft Strategy fall short

of current funding allocations. The Authority faces the challenge of demonstrating to State and

Federal governments the need for further resources. It must also seek external funding and

sponsorship from industry, the private sector and other agencies.

Note: The costs of implementing this Draft Strategy cannot be taken as a guarantee of funding by

either the CCMA or the State Government.

54

8. FEEDBACK FORM

This Draft Waterway Health Strategy is just the start of the process. We need your feedback to

help us refine it so it best reflects community expectations for the region‟s waterways. This form

may assist you in providing your comments on the strategy. Please return your responses,

together with any additional information by 30th

September 2001, to:

Waterway Health Strategy Feedback

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

64 Dennis Street

COLAC VICTORIA 3240

Telephone: 52329100 Fax: 52322759 Email: info@ccma.vic.gov.au

QUESTIONNAIRE

The parts of the strategy, which I most agree with, are:

The parts of the strategy, which I disagree with, are:

General Comments:

The Final Strategy should contain the following improvements:

I am currently involved in actions to improve waterway health (please circle)

Yes No

I wish to become more involved with actions to improve the health of our waterways

Yes No

Name: Affiliation:

Postal Address:

Phone: Fax:

Email:

55

56

Appendix A: WATERWAY BASINS AND ISC REACHES IN THE CCMA REGION

57

58

Appendix B: BASIN ACTION PLANS

This Appendix outlines the management actions and activities recommended to being the process

of waterway rehabilitation at the Basin scale. However they should not be viewed as the sum total

of all work required within each basin to improve the health of its waterways. Rather, they provide

a basic framework and starting point to stimulate community discussion and feedback. The

process for refining and implementing these plans will be dynamic, as additional information

becomes available through community feedback, new investigations and assessments.

It is important to re-emphasise the scope of the plans – at this stage they provide a rough guide to

activities or actions for the main rivers, creeks and wetlands within the basin. They are far from

complete waterway rehabilitation plans as they do not cover the specific needs of each waterway

in minute detail. Nor do they cover those smaller creeks, tributaries and wetlands which together

with the main waterways, make up a basins drainage network.

In terms of waterway health, we could consider any river creek, stream, tributary, gully, or even

drainage line as being worthy of works that could in the long term improve its health. The strategy

predominantly covers works on major waterways, as these main rivers, creeks and wetlands

require relatively greater effort to effect an improvement in their overall health. Improvement in

the health of these major waterways also provides a more direct benefit to the broader community.

Whilst a detailed assessment of the smaller streams and tributaries was beyond the scope of this

strategy, one of the major recommendations for each Basin is to encourage the local community to

develop their own reach or sub-catchment based “Waterway Rehabilitation Plans. These plans will

provide an opportunity for 1ocal people along a certain waterway, reach or reaches of a waterway

or within a sub-catchment to develop a long-term action plan to improve the health of their

waterway or reach.

59

8.1 Moorabool

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Hydrology

Physical Form Implement bed stabilisation works in the following reaches:

Reach 16 Hovells Creek 2

Implement bank protection works in the following reaches:

Reach 16 Hovells Creek 2

Implement willow management works in the following reaches:

Reach 3 Moorabool River 2

Reach 4 Moorabool River 2

Reach 1 Moorabool River 3

Reach 2 Moorabool River 3

Reach 6 Moorabool River West branch 3

Reach 10 Moorabool River East Branch 3

Streamside

Zone Encourage fencing and/or revegetation of streamside zones

along all basin waterways through an incentive program. High

priority reaches include:

2

Reach 1-4 Moorabool River 1

Reach 5 Moorabool River West Branch (ds reservoir) 1

Reach 7-9 Sutherlands Creek 1

Reach 11 Hovells Creek 1

Aquatic

Habitat Implement fishway(s) at key in-stream barriers in the following

reaches:

Reach 1 Moorabool River (2) 1

Reach 2 Moorabool River (4) 1

Reach 4 Moorabool River (2) 1

Water Quality Develop Urban Stormwater Management Plans for the

following urban centres:

Lara 1

Support catchment gully and land stabilization works in the

following reaches:

Reach Tributaries to the (middle) Moorabool River 1

Reach 7-9 Tributaries to Sutherlands Creeks 2

Reach 21 Tributaries to Hovells Creek 3

60

8.2 Barwon

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Hydrology Develop Estuary Management Plans for the following Estuaries

Barwon River 1

Physical Form Implement bed stabilisation works in the following reaches:

Reach 20 Wormbete Creek & Scrubby Creek 1

Reach 21 Retreat Creek 1

Reach 5b Birregurra Creek 2

Reach 15b Yarrowee River, Wilson Creek, Ross Creek 2

Reach 18 Warrambine Creek, Five Mile Creek 2

Reach 21 Deans Marsh Creek, Matthews Creek Gosling creek 2

Reach 15 Monmouth Gully, Cargerie Creek 3

Implement bank protection works in the following reaches:

Reach 15a Yarrowee River 2

Reach 18 Warrambine Creek 2

Reach 20 Scrubby Creek, Wormbete Creek 2

Reach 21 Deans Marsh Creek, Matthews Creek 2

Reach 9 Bruces Creek 3

Reach 15a Cargerie Creek 3

Implement instream sediment and vegetation works in the

following reaches:

Reach 8 Waurn Ponds Creek 3

Reach 9 Bruces Creek 3

Reach 10 Native Hut Creek 3

Reach 20 Scrubby Creek 3

Reach 21 Retreat Creek, Yan Yan Gurt Creek 3

Implement willow management works in the following reaches:

Reach 4 Barwon River 2

Reach 12 Leigh River 2

Reach 21 Matthews Creek 2

Reach 27 Barwon River East Branch 2

Reach 5 Barwon River 3

Reach 6 Barwon River West branch 3

Reach 13 Leigh River 3

Reach 14 Yarrowee River 3

Reach 15b Yarrowee River 3

Reach 23 Penny Royal Creek 3

Streamside

Zone Encourage fencing and/or revegetation of streamside zones

along all basin waterways through an incentive program. High

priority reaches include:

2

61

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Reach 1 Barwon River 1

Reach 2 Barwon River 1

Reach 3 Barwon River 1

Reach 4 Barwon River 1

Reach 5 Barwon River 1

Reach 7 Barwon River West Branch 1

Reach 11 Leigh River 1

Reach 12 Leigh River 1

Aquatic

Habitat Implement fishway(s) at key in-stream barriers in the following

reaches:

Reach 3 Barwon River (Inverleigh Weir, Macmillan‟s Lane) 1

Reach 4 Barwon River 1

Reach 5 Barwon River 1

Reach 8 Barwon River East branch 1

Reach 12 Leigh River 2

Reach 16 Williamson Creek (3) 3

Reach 10 Native hut Creek 3

Water Quality Develop Urban Stormwater Management Plans for the

following urban centres:

Greater Geelong, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads 1

Inverleigh, Winchelsea, Birregurra, Forrest,

Bannockburn, Teesdale, Shelford, Buninyong

3

Support catchment gully and land stabilization works in the

following reaches:

Reach Wensleydale Coal Mine 1

Reach 14 Tributaries to the (middle) Leigh River 2

Reach 20 Tributaries to Wormbete, Scrubby creeks 3

Reach 21 Tributaries to Retreat, Yan Yan Gurt, Matthews

Creeks

3

Reach 10 Tributaries to native Hut, Bruce‟s Creeks 3

Community

Awareness &

Involvement

Involve the community in an investigation of the health of the

main trunk of the Barwon River (from Buckley Falls to the West

Barwon Dam) and recommend management actions to improve

its condition.

Research &

Investigation Using an expert panel, investigate and review all aspects of the

Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme.

Using an expert panel, investigate and review all aspects of the

Lough Calvert Drainage Scheme.

62

8.3 Corangamite

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Hydrology Complete investigations into appropriate hydrologic regimes

and management to support the ecological values of the

following waterways and wetlands:

Lake Corangamite 1

Lake Colac 1

Lake Terangapom 1

Lake Milangil 1

RAMSAR wetlands 2

Warrambine Creek 2

Physical Form Implement bed stabilisation works in the following reaches:

13 Mundy Gully 1

16a Gnarkeet Chain-of-Ponds 1

2 Woady Yaloak River (Werneth) 2

6 Kuruc-A-Ruc, Pinchgut, Corindhap Creeks 2

8 Spring/Ferrers Creek near Woodbank 2

9 Naringhil Creek (u/s Werneth) 2

14 Mundy Gully 2

15 Salt Creek (Browns Waterholes/Haunted Gully) 2

16b Gnarkeet Chain-of-Ponds 2

17 Pirron Yaloak Creek 2

18 Spring Gully 2

9 Naringhil Creek (headwaters – Geelong-Portland Rd) 3

10 Little Woady Yaloak (Mt Misery), Moonlight Creeks 3

19 Deans Creek 3

20 Barongarook Creek 3

Implement bank protection works in the following reaches:

2 Woady Yaloak River (Werneth) 2

19 Deans Creek 3

20 Barongarook Creek 3

Implement instream sediment and vegetation works in the

following reaches:

10 Little Woady Yaloak (Mt Misery), Moonlight,

Illabarook Creeks

3

Implement willow management works in the following reaches:

17 Pirron Yaloak Creek 2

18 Spring Gully 3

19 Deans Creek 3

20 Barongarook Creek 3

63

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Streamside

Zone Encourage fencing and/or revegetation of streamside zones

along all basin waterways through an incentive program. High

priority reaches include:

2

1-4b Woady Yaloak River 1

5,6 Kuruc-A-Ruc Creek 1

10, 11 Little Woady Yaloak (Mt Misery) Creek, Moonlight

Creek

1

12 Springdallan Creek, Italian Gully, 1

13, 14 Mundy Gully, 1

15 Haunted Gully, Salt Creek 1

16a, 16b Gnarkeet Chain-of-Ponds 1

Aquatic

Habitat

Water Quality Develop Urban Stormwater Management Plans for the

following urban centres:

Colac, Camperdown 2

Cressy, Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Linton 3

Support catchment gully and land stabilization works in the

following reaches:

Tributaries to the Woady Yaloak Creek River 1

64

8.4 Otway Coast

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

Hydrology Develop Estuary Management Plans for the following

Estuaries:

Angelsea River, Spring Creek, Erskine River 1

Skenes Creek, Aire River, Gellibrand River, Barham

River

2

Physical Form Implement bed stabilisation works in the following reaches:

26A Ford River 1

30C Barham River 1

11 Port Campbell, Eastern Creeks 2

26A Calder River 2

30C Anderson Creek 2

Implement bank protection works in the following reaches:

30 Barham River 2

Implement willow management works in the following reaches:

13-15 Gellibrand River 1

26A Ford River 1

21 Carlisle River 1

2,3 Curdies River 2

24 Love, Porcupine Creeks 2

30A Barham River, Wild Dog Creek 2

Streamside

Zone Encourage fencing and/or revegetation of streamside zones

along all basin waterways through an incentive program. High

priority reaches include:

2

1, 2 Curdies River, Power Ck 1

12-16 Gellibrand R. 1

17 Kennedy‟s Ck 1

18 Tomahawk Ck/Murree Ck 1

19 Chapple Ck 1

20 Sandy Ck 1

21 Carlisle R. 1

22 Un-named Ck 1

23 Lardner Ck 1

24, 25 Love/Porcupine Ck 1

26A, 26B Ford River (d/s Glenare), Ford River West Branch 1

27, 28 Aire River (d/s State Forest) 1

29 Little Aire Creek, Calder River (d/s State Forest) 1

30A-30D Barham River (d/s Anderson Ck) 1

65

Program

Recommended Action Priority

Reach Waterway(s)

31 Barham River West Branch, Anderson, Smythes,

Carisbrook, Orchard Creeks, Separation, Bogalley

Creeks, Jamieson, Grey, Kennett and Wye Rivers

1

32A, 32B Cumberland River, Sheoak Creek, St George River 1

33A, 33B Erskine R (Lorne) 1

Aquatic

Habitat Implement fishway(s) at key in-stream barriers in the following

reaches:

Reach 1 Curdies River (2) 1

Reach 14,16 Gellibrand River (5) 1

Reach 30 Barham River 1

Cumberland River 1

Reach 3 Curdies River 2

Reach 5 Scotts Creek 2

Water Quality Develop Urban Stormwater Management Plans for the

following urban centres:

Lorne, Aireys Inlet, Angelsea, Torquay, Breamlea 1

Peterborough, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, Skenes

Creek, Kennett River, Wye River,

2

Cobden, Timboon, Moriac, Bellbrae 3

Support catchment gully and land stabilization works in the

following reaches:

Curdies River – Eastern catchment tributaries 1

66

Appendix C: – REFERENCES

Adams, H. (1998). Nutrient Assessment and Direction Statement for Corangamite Landcare

Region, Colac DNRE

Adams, H. (1999). Corangamite Region Nutrient Management Plan Final Version, A framework

to reduce the incidence of Blue Green Algae in Victoria, DNRE.

Apollo Bay Land Care Group (1997). Wild Dog and Skenes Creek Valleys – A Reference Guide

1997, Landcare Victoria.

Australian Nature Conservation Agency (1993). Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia,

178 pages published by Commonwealth of Australia.

Barwon, Moorabool, Corangamite, Waterway Management Consultative Action Team (1995)

Framework for Waterway Management Barwon, Moorabool and Corangamite Basins.

Binnie & Partners and NMC (1990). Geelong and District Water Board River Management Study,

Final Report Geelong and District Water Board.

Christie, M.F. (1979). Aborigines in Colonial Victoria 1835-86. Sydney University Press.

Clark, I.D. (1990). Aboriginal Languages and Clans: An Historical Atlas of Western and Central

Victoria, 1800-1900. Monash University.

Cottingham, P., Bennison, G., Dunn, R., Lidston, J. and Robinson, D. (July 1995). Status Algal

Bloom and Nutrient Status of Victorian Inland Waters, Status Document, Government of Victoria.

Clarke, T. (1996). Barwon River and Lake Colac Nutrient Study, WES.

Corrick (1982). Wetlands of Victoria III, Wetlands and Waterbirds between Port Phillip Bay and

Mount Emu Creek, vol 94, issue 2, pp 69-87.

Conley, D & Dennis, C, Eds. (1984). The Western Plains – A Natural and Social History, Papers

from the Symposium, October 1983.

Coram, J. E. (1996). Groundwater Surface Interactions around Shallow Lakes of the Western

District Plains, Victoria, University of Melbourne.

Corangamite Catchment and Land Protection Board (1997). Corangamite Regional Catchment

Strategy, Barwon Region Water Authority.

Corangamite Catchment and Land Protection Board (1996). Corangamite Region Catchment

Condition Report 1996.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (11/04/2000). Lake Corangamite Basin, 28 page

PowerPoint presentation.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (2001). Regional Vegetation Plan, Draft CCMA.

67

Cottingham, P., Bennison, G., Dunn, R., Lidston, J. and Robinson, D. (1996). Blue Green Algae

and Nutrients in Victoria - A Resource Handbook, Water Ecoscience Pty Ltd and the EPA.

Craigie, N.M. and Brizga, S. (1996). Wormbete Creek Erosion, NMC.

Department of Conservation Forest and Lands. Geelong Moorabool Basin, 92/6986.

DCNR (1995). Barwon River Basin Overview Report. Environmental Input into the Bulk

Entitlement Conversion Process (Draft).

DNRE (1997). Heritage Rivers and Natural Catchment Area, Draft Management Plans, Volume 1

–West Victoria, DNRE.

DNRE, Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Council and EPA (1997). Know your

catchments Victoria 1997– An Assessment of Catchment Condition Using Interim Indicators,

DNRE, Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Council, EPA.

Duthie, T. (1999). Nutrient Management Strategy for the Pirron Yaloak Creek, School of Aquatic

Science and Natural Resource Management, Deakin University, Warrnambool, 29 pages.

EPA (1982). SEPP No. W-34B (The Waters of the Western District Lakes), Victorian Government

Gazette vol.12, EPA, pp. 431-443.

EPA (1982). SEPP No W-34A (The Waters of Lake Colac and Catchment) vol.17, Victorian

Government Gazette, EPA, pp. 515-528.

Fisher Stewart Pty Ltd and Ian Drummond & Associates Pty Ltd (1990). Waterway Management

Strategy Final Report, Melbourne, Colac District Water Board.

GHD (1991). Wurdee Boluc Reservoir Enlargement Project, Regional Salinity, Geelong and

District Water Board.

Gippel, C.J., Finlayson, B.L. and O‟Neill, I.C. (1998). Managing Snags in Rivers. Land and Water

Resource R&D Corporation, Riparian Management Guidelines no.7.

Hooke, D. (1991). Salt Loads Generated By Lough Calvert and Woady Yaloak Diversion Scheme,

and their Contribution to Barwon River Salinity, Short Version, RWC.

Hunter, K.M. (1993). Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network – August 1990-December

1992, Report no.110, State Water Laboratory of Victoria.

Hunter, K.M. and Zampatti B.P. (1994). Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network – Annual

Report 1993, Report no.112, State Water Laboratory of Victoria.

Hydro Technology (1994). Upper Moorabool Catchment – Bore Monitoring Network,

Corangamite Salinity Forum.

Jeffrey, P.J. and Costello R.T. A Study of Land Capability in the Shire of Ballan, Soil

Conservation Authority

68

Kefford, B.J. (1996). The effect of electrical conductivity on selected macroinvertebrates in four

river systems of South Western Victoria.

Kefford, B.J. (1997). The effect of saline water disposal on the aquatic environment using

macroinvertebrates as indicators, Final Report.

Kefford, B.J. (2000). A preliminary investigation of the toxicity of saline lakes that are disposed

into the Barwon River, South West Victoria, DNRE

Lamkert, C. and Armfield, S. (1996). Investigation of the flushing of riverine saline pools.

Lamson, D.R., (1990). Barwon River Salt Generation Processes, RWC.

LCC (1980). Report on the Ballarat Area, Land Conservation Council Victoria.

LCC (1991). Rivers and Streams Special Investigation – Final Recommendations, Melbourne:

Land Conservation Council.

LCC (1996). Marine and Coastal – Special Investigation – Draft Final Recommendations, Land

Conservation Council.

Loch R.G., Duthie, T.A., Mitchell B.D., Sherwood, J.E. and Tyler, P.A. (1998). The Barwon River

Health Strategy – Phase 1 – Final Draft Report, School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin

University.

Luca, T.J. (1990). A Study of the Physical and Chemical Parameters of the Curdies River,

Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education.

Macmillan, L., Kunert, C. and Blakers, M. (1987). Nature Conservation value and status of

Rivers in the South-West Region, RMIT Faculty of Environmental Design and Construction

Research.

Marshall, A. (1998). Gellibrand River Streamflow Management Plan, (Draft), Southern Rural

Water.

Massola, A. (1969). Journey to Aboriginal Victoria. Rigby Ltd.

Natural Resources and Environment Committee (1989). Inquiry into Water Resources

Management in Victoria – South Western Region Water Management Strategy, Parliament of

Victoria.

Parks Victoria (2000). Western District Lakes Ramsar Site – Draft Management Strategy,

Melbourne Parks Victoria.

Pitt, A.J. (1981). A Study of the Land in the Catchments of the Otway Range and Adjacent Plains,

Soil Conservation Authority.

Rees, D.B. and White L.A. (1996). The Upper Barwon River and Tributaries water supply

catchment: Land Inventory and Land Capability Assessment.

69

Regional Forest Agreement Steering Committee (##). West Victoria – Comprehensive Regional

Assessment, Volume 1, DNRE.

Rural Water Commission of Victoria (1987). Recreational Values Associated with Water Bodies

in the South Western Region Victoria, Department of Water Resources Victoria.

SKM (1999). Assessment and Review of Crown Water Frontage in the Corangamite Region, Draft

Report for CCMA.

Sheehan, G. (1990). Wimmera River Integrated Catchment Strategy – Stream Frontage

Management, Discussion Paper, November 1990.

Standing Committee on Rivers and Catchments, Victoria (1991). Guidelines for Stabilising

Waterways.

Stormwater Committee (1999). Urban Stormwater Best Practice Management Environmental

Management Guidelines.

Thiess Environmental (1999). Corangamite CMA Surface Water Salinity, Melbourne: DNRE.

Waterways Unit DNRE (1999). An Inventory of Fishways and Potential Barriers to Fish

Movement and Migration in Victoria, State Fishway Program, DNRE.

Williams, W.D. (1995). Lake Corangamite, Australia, a permanent saline lake: conservation and

management issues, Volume 1, Lakes and Reservoirs Research and Management, pp. 55-64

Water EcoScience, Cannon, F. and O'Connor, N. (1996). Barwon River and Lake Colac System

Nutrient Study: Monitoring Program, LIB 16-0014, Water Eco.

Water Ecoscience (1996). Barwon River and Lake Colac System Nutrient Study Resource

Document, LIB 16-0015, (second edn), Southern Rural Water.

WaterClarke, T. (1996). Barwon River and Lake Colac System Nutrient Study: The AEAM Model,

WES.

Wilson, P. and Nason, S. (##). SACRED: Stream and Catchment Reference for Environmental

Data, A stream numbering system for Victoria, Department of Conservation and Environment.

Zampatti B. and Grgat, L. (2000). 1999 Fish Survey of the Barwon River, DNRE.

70

Appendix D: RELATED STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS

National

National Water Quality Management Strategy

The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity (1996)

The National Weeds Strategy (1997)

National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (1992)

State

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Strategy: Conservation of Victoria’s Biodiversity (Draft, 1992).

Focuses on managing floral and faunal assets within the public estate, enhancing those on private

lands in cooperation with landholders, and managing potentially threatening processes that are

pervasive throughout Victoria.

Groundwater Management Strategy (1993). Aims to ensure the efficient, equitable, and

sustainable use and conservation of the State‟s groundwater resources for the maximum benefit of

the community and the environment. The Strategy also recognises that, in some instances, there

will be a need to balance these aims with the need to control groundwater levels for salinity

mitigation purposes.

Nutrient Management Strategy for Victorian Inland Waters (1995). This strategy aims to

provide a policy and planning framework to assist local communities and state government to

manage nutrient levels in water bodies to minimise the potential for the development of algal

blooms, particularly blue-green algae.

Victorian Inland Fisheries Strategy (1997). This Strategy aims to outline broad fisheries

management arrangements for inland water bodies, provide a strategic framework and action plan

for preparing specific freshwater fisheries management arrangements, provide a framework for

regulating fisheries activities, and ensure understanding regarding which areas are managed for

which fisheries purposes.

Victoria’s Biodiversity: Directions in Management (1997). The Strategy aims to increase

awareness of the need to conserve biodiversity, enable the continued development of partnerships

in the custodianship of our biodiversity, indicate mechanisms for achieving flora and fauna

conservation in the context of ecological sustainability, and detail strategic frameworks to both

prevent further loss of habitat and also enable better habitat management and the continuation of

natural ecological processes.

Willows Along Victorian Waterways: Towards a Willow Management Strategy (1997). The

aims of this Report are to consolidate and review current knowledge of willows along waterways

in Victoria, to document alternative erosion control techniques, and to identify issues to be taken

into account in both developing guidelines for willow planting or removal and a state wide willow

management policy. The Report will be used by government to prepare a willow management

strategy.

71

Victoria Flood Management Strategy (1998). This Strategy aims to enable effective flood

management for the next 10 years by providing a consistent state wide framework for best practice

management of flood related issues, establishing priorities for state wide action, identifying roles

and responsibilities of key stakeholders, and providing the context for developing regional

floodplain management strategies, plans, and specific guidelines.

Victorian Weeds Strategy (1999)

Regional

Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy (1997). The Corangamite Regional Catchment

Strategy (RCS), produced by the Corangamite Catchment and Land Protection Board in June

1997, provides a strategic and integrated analysis of resource management units within the region.

The current Waterway Management Strategy will build on the existing strategy, in respect to the

strategic management of waterways within the CCMA Region.

Corangamite Regional Nutrient Management Plan (2000). The Plan aims to reduce the

occurrence of potentially toxic blue-green algal blooms by achieving a reduction in nutrient levels

in regional waterways, and thus reducing the nutrient loads entering water bodies. Nutrient sources

throughout the region have been identified and measured, and Action Programs developed to

minimise the detrimental impacts of nutrient movement and to co-ordinate the Plan.

South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (Draft, 2000). This Plan aims to establish a regional

planning framework and statutory basis which sets out how and what to consider when preparing

Estuary Management Plans for each of South West Victoria‟s estuaries. Individual estuary

management plans will address issues like river entrance openings and management, water quality

and quantity, habitat and species conservation, and land use planning, development and land

management practices.

South West Ragwort Strategy 1999-2002 (1999). This Strategy sets the direction for ragwort

control by establishing programs which, when implemented, will result in cost effective long term

management of ragwort in South West Victoria. This will be achieved through a range of actions

developed in line with community and government priorities.

Coastal and Marine Planning Program: South West Victoria (Discussion Paper, 2000). This

Discussion Paper presents to both government and the community the opportunity to assist in

developing and implementing strategic directions for better planning and management of the

coastal and marine environment. It will culminate in both a Regional Coastal and Marine Planning

Strategy and Regional Coastal Action Plan.

Corangamite Weed Action Plan 1999-2002 (Draft, 1999). This Plan builds upon the successful

components of existing pest plant management arrangements, and seeks to integrate these

components into a more strategic approach to weed management. It provides direction for pest

plant management in the Corangamite catchment for the next three years by defining both a range

of goals and actions for the management of priority pest plants, and will be used by both the

government and community to direct resources for strategic pest plant management.

72

Integrated Serrated Tussock Strategy 1996-98. This Strategy aims to ensure that the efficient

regional management of serrated tussock on both private and public land is in line with

government strategies, and aims to protect farming land and environmentally sensitive areas, as

well as prevent the spread of serrated tussock to non-contaminated land.

Emergency Response Plan for the Management of Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks (1998). This

Plan deals with the monitoring procedures and reporting arrangements associated with the

detection and response to algal blooms.

Gorse Control Strategy – Final Report (1999). The Strategy provides a comprehensive

inventory of the gorse problem, including a full economic analysis and the currently preferred

methods of control. The Strategy aims to both reduce the overall infestation of gorse within the

Gorse Task Force Area, and reduce infestations where there is the greatest chance of spread

(roadsides and waterways) while also providing the greatest public benefit.

Restoring the Balance: A Strategy for Managing Salinity in the Corangamite Salinity Region

(Draft, 1992). This strategy aims to greatly reduce the future effects of salinity, and recommends

a program to direct community effort to where salinity is causing the biggest problem. The main

emphasis of the strategy provides encouragement, assistance, and technical support to groups and

group projects for onground activities.

Local

Linear Network of Communal Spaces (LINCS) Strategy (1996). The main aim of the Strategy

is to produce a useable and accessible document to guide planning, development, and effective

management of linear reserves in the Ballarat region, whilst considering all the needs of the

community, including costs of management, fire risk, conservation, and recreational values.

Thompsons Creek Catchment Plan (1998). The Plan defines major programs that address issues

contributing to environmental degradation in the catchment, promote actions for improving the

catchment‟s environmental and economic health, and provide a framework to support, encourage,

and monitor recommended actions. The Plan also defines short, medium, and long term actions

and strategies that both meet community expectations and achieve the catchment‟s vision within

10 years.

Barwon River Management Strategy (1996). The Strategy‟s objective is to identify Barwon

Water‟s future role in managing the Barwon River, reflecting both the direction and scope of the

organisation‟s future endeavours, and the water management reforms being undertaken by the

State Government.

73

Appendix E: GLOSSARY

Term

Definition

Aggradation A progressive build-up of the channel floor with sediment over several years.

Anabranch A stream that leaves a river and re-enters it further downstream.

Artificial barrier An artificial obstacle in a stream (e.g. a dam wall, weir, culvert or causeway)

that affects (halts or delays) fish migration.

AUSRIVAS Australian River Assessment System - an indicator of stream condition that

is evaluated by comparing the observed aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa at a

site to the taxa predicted to occur at the site in the absence of environmental

stress.

Bank The relatively steep part of a stream channel cross-section, generally

considered as being above the usual water level

Bar A relatively flat, temporary, local feature, typically on the inside of a

meander bend where sediment is deposited. Vegetation that grows on a bar is

usually stripped during large floods (see Figure G.1).

Basin The catchment of a large river or group of rivers. There are 29 basins within

Victoria.

Bed stability Bed stability is when the average elevation of the stream bed does not

change much through time. Aggradation or degradation is the two forms of

bed instability.

Catchment That area of land contributing run-off to a defined stream or stream system;

it includes the soil, water, vegetation and developments.

Cover To do with vegetation density, the percentage of vegetation cover is the ratio

of the area of vegetation when viewed from above to the ground surface area.

Also to do with instream cover. For aquatic biologists, cover can also mean

cover for fish and other animals in a stream.

Degradation Degradation of waterways has a broad meaning including the reduction in

quality, and a specific meaning in geomorphology of general lowering of a

stream bed, usually over a period of years, by erosional processes.

Degradation of land includes a decline in the quality of the soil, vegetation

and other natural resources of the land, resulting from overgrazing, excessive

tillage, over-clearing, mineral extraction, development of towns, disposal of

wastes, road construction, infestation by pest plants and animals or any other

human activity on the land; degraded has a corresponding meaning.

Desnagging Removing large trees (usually willows and river red gum) from the bed and

banks of streams.

74

Drowned out An obstacle to flow (for example a weir) is drowned out if the water surface

elevation immediately downstream of the obstacle is approximately equal to

the water surface elevation immediately upstream, and there is no sudden

change in the water surface between the two points.

Electrical

conductivity

A measure of salinity. The higher the electrical conductivity of a stream the

greater the salinity.

Ephemeral stream A stream, which flows intermittently, that is, it is often dry.

Erosion Modification of the channel boundary by entrainment and removal of

sediment.

Exotic vegetation Introduced species of vegetation from other countries or from other regions

of Australia (i.e. not indigenous to the region).

Floodplain A flat area adjacent to a stream that is covered by floods every year or two.

Flow regime The pattern of flows over many seasons and years that is responsible for the

character of the stream system.

Flow regulation Changes to the timing and volume of flow brought about by dams, diversions

or other interference with a river.

Geomorphology Geomorphology is the study of the earth‟s landforms including their origin

and structure. Fluvial geomorphology is the subset that deals with streams.

Ground layer Plants without woody stems less than 1.5 metres high e.g. sedges, reeds,

grasses, and saltbush (see Figure G.1.).

Head cut A very steep section of stream bed that migrates upstream if not held by a

bed control (e.g. a rock bar, or grade control structure). Downstream of a

head cut is normally incised and eroding.

Incised stream A deep narrow stream that has eroded its bed and banks and has a large

channel capacity, such that overbank flooding is rare.

Indigenous In general, species that originated in, and occur naturally in, a particular

region or environment.

Large woody debris A tree, branch or root system that has fallen into or is immersed (totally or

partially) in a stream.

Longitudinal

continuity

An indicator in the Streamside Zone Sub-Index. A measure of how

continuous streamside vegetation is and the importance of discontinuities in

the vegetation.

Lowland reaches Lowland reaches are low in gradient, and the flow velocity is, on average,

low. Lowland streams often have depositional features. Some lowland

streams are tidal. Lowland streams typically meander across broad (greater

than 1 kilometre wide) alluvial or coastal floodplains.

Macroinvertebrate An invertebrate (animal without a backbone) that is visible to the naked

eye.

Macrophyte A water plant that is not an alga. It may be either floating or rooted.

75

Major streams Major streams are defined in the ISC as those streams with a catchment

area > 30,000 hectares.

Measuring site A length (430 metres) along a stream for which field data is collected to

assess most of the indicators in the Physical Form and the Streamside Zone

sub-indices. There are three transects within a measuring site (see Figure

G.2).

Minor streams Minor streams are defined in the ISC as those streams with a catchment

area < 5,000 hectares.

Modified catchment A catchment that has been altered by human impact. The most common

impacts include altered land use and flow regime, and the introduction of

exotic plants and animals.

Morphology Shape or form.

Natural flows The flow that would have existed if present rainfall patterns fell on

catchments before European settlement.

pH A measure of acidity or alkalinity of water (based on the concentration of

hydrogen ions).

Reach A length of stream typically 10-30 kilometres long (minimum 5 km,

maximum 40 km) which is relatively homogenous with regard to the

Hydrology, Physical Form, Water Quality and Aquatic Life sub-indices.

(see Figure G.2.)

Regeneration Vegetation that has grown from natural sources of seed, from vegetative

growth, or has been artificially planted. In the ISC, the regeneration

indicator is based on the amount of woody vegetation less than 1 metre

high (see Figure G.1).

Regulated stream A stream where flows are controlled by releases from a dam.

Riffle The high point in the bed of the stream between two pools (it is often

covered in gravel or coarser material). Water is often shallow and fast

flowing.

Shrub layer Woody plants < 5 metres tall, frequently with many stems arising at or near

the base e.g. melaleuca, leptospermum, tree ferns, and blackberry. Includes

non-woody vegetation greater than 1.5 metres high (see Figure G.1).

SIGNAL An indicator in the Aquatic Life Sub-index that measures effect of

pollution on aquatic biota. SIGNAL is the acronym for Stream Invertebrate

Grade Number-Average Level.

Snagging See desnagging.

Spatial interpolation To fill a data gap based on data from a reach either upstream or downsteam

of the actual reach.

Specialist Reference

Group

The group of Victorian stream scientists and managers who directed and

oversaw the development of the ISC (see Appendix 1 for more details).

76

Structural intactness An indicator in the Streamside Zone Sub-index that compares the natural

and existing cover of tree layer, shrub layer and ground layer.

Sub-index A group of indicators that measure a particular aspect of a stream. In the

ISC, the five sub-indices are hydrology, physical form, streamside zone,

water quality and aquatic life.

Total phosphorus The sum of the concentrations of soluble and in-soluble phosphorus.

Tree layer Woody plants greater than 5 metres tall, usually with a single stem e.g.

eucalyptus > 5 metres tall, acacia > 5 metres tall, and willow > 5 metres

tall. Note that woody vegetation species less than 5 metres high are classed

as shrub layer

Tributary streams Tributary streams are defined in the ISC as those streams which have a

catchment area between 5,000 hectares and 30,000 hectares.

Unmodified

catchment

A catchment that has not be altered by clearing, forestry or other human

activities.

Urban areas Urban areas are shown as built up on current street directories. The ISC

was not designed for urban reaches.

Verge The area commencing at the top of the bank and extending from the bank to

the next major vegetation or land use change (see Figure G.1.).

Width of stream The distance from one edge of the stream to the other during typical

baseflow conditions.

Width of vegetation Width of vegetation from edge of stream during typical baseflow

conditions to adjacent land use.

Woody plants Vegetation that has a distinct trunk and branch structure, ranging from trees

to small shrubs. Generally hard and fibrous.

77

Appendix F: CONSULTATION

Submissions

During January 2000, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority put a public notice in

the major regional newspapers asking for information on the health, condition and local issues of

waterways in the region. Table 7 outlines the submissions that were received in response to an

advertisement placed in the regional papers during January 2000.

Waterway Strategy Workshop 1

A “Vision and Objectives” Workshop was conducted on the 25 May 2000 by the CCMA.

Participants were asked the following question:

“How do you see the waterways in 10 years time?”

The responses and contributions from the participants were taken into account when developing

the Draft Waterway Health Strategy. Table 8 is a list of the key stakeholders who attended the

workshop.

78

Table 7 Submissions Received in response to call for information for Waterway Health and Floodplain Management

Strategies

CCMA ref Author Re Contact Name Position

STP/02-0010 00/0185

Borough of Queenscliffe Waterway & Management Flood Plain Strategies

Ms Sue Longmore Co-ordinator of the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Group

SG 00/0203 Tony Mahoney Red Rock Lakes

Des Paatsch c/o Tim Fletcher Barongarook Creek

00/0226 Barwon Water Contact: Mr Ian McLachlan 03 5226 2308

Mr Ian McLachlan

Natural Resource Management Students International Fibre Centre Deakin

Blue Green Algae and Barwon River

WLE/49-0001 00/0230

City of Greater Geelong Contact and Cowies Creek

Reports

Richard Wojnarowski Council‟s Drainage Engineer

WLE 49.001 00/0242 NRE Contact: Mr Andrew Morphett Land Use Planner Ballarat office

WLE 49.001 00/0296 City of Ballarat Contact: Mr Uldis Neilands others include Mr Brian Wright, Mr Phillip Holloway and Mr Gavin

Jamieson.

Waste and Environment Engineer

Drain Tech Pty Ltd Contact: Richard Gloyne Director

WLE 49.001 00/0423 Mrs Lex Stray Moorabool River Sharps Bridge at She Oaks camping, litter, waste and weeds

Geelong Advertiser Murgheboluc and Teesdale Sept 14 1880 historic flood

WLE 49.001 00/0481 Leigh Catchment Group Geelong Advertiser August and June 1872

Jeanette Bellchambers Secretary

Lara Action, Lara Progress Association Inc

Hovell Creek Catchment – Lara

Keith Broadbent President

00/0495 Barwon Coast Committee of Management

channel and river mouth Barwon River

Wendy James November 95 and 98 – Flood

through property

79

Table 8: Participants in Waterway Health Strategy Workshop

Name Organisation Town

Trevor Abrahams Wauthaurong Aboriginal Cooperative NORTH GEELONG

Brian Gane Lake Modewarre Committee of Management MODEWARRE

John McDonald CCMA Board WHEELERS HILL

Tony Noble Birregurra Creek Land Protection Group BIRREGURRA

Erica Nathan Water Resources Implementation Committee YENDON

Keith Broadbent Lara Progress Association LARA

John Whitewood South West Water WARRNAMBOOL

Graeme Hanel DNRE BALLARAT

Heather Adams DNRE COLAC

Greg Bell DNRE COLAC

Graeme Sutherland Water Resources Implementation Committee GELLIBRAND

Jim Seager Water Resources Implementation Committee BALLAN

Richard Gloyne Water Resources Implementation Committee TIMBOON

Robert Ford Water Resources Implementation Committee BALLARAT

Ross Alexander Water Resources Implementation Committee BERRYBANK

Kevin Tesselaar Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee TIMBOON

Cam Nicholson Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee QUEENSCLIFF

Malcolm McDougall Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee JAN JUC

Michael Cosgriff Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee MURROON

Sandi Allen Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee MT DUNEED

Tim Bingley Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management

Committee ROKEWOOD

Andrew Bishop Golden Plains Shire BANNOCKBURN

Wendy Briggs Colac Otway Shire COLAC

Bruce Humphries City of Greater Geelong GEELONG

Gavin Jamieson City of Ballarat BALLARAT

Andrew Boyle Thompsons Creek Catchment Group TORQUAY

Chris Pitfield Heytesbury District Landcare Network CAMPERDOWN

Glen Wallace Yuulong-Moonlight Heads Landcare Group YUULONG

Darren Wilkie Pirron Yaloak Creek Catchment Landcare Group COLAC

Jack Holden DNRE COLAC

David Sutherland Barwon Water SOUTH GEELONG

Joan Lindros Geelong Environment Council GEELONG

Glenda Shomaly Spring Creek Catchment Plan Steering Committee TORQUAY