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REGIONAL CATCHMENT
STRATEGY
G l e n e l g H o p ki n s
2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
79 French Street, Hamilton, Vic 3300
T: 03 5571 2526 F: 03 5571 2935
www.ghcma.vic.gov.au
Development of this strategy has been supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
GSDM_11003
GLE
NE
LG H
OP
KIN
S R
eg
ion
al Catch
me
nt S
trateg
y 2013 - 2019
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide a high quality publication, Glenelg Hopkins CMA does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information in the document and, therefore, disclaims all liability from error, loss or other consequence that may arise from reliance on this publication.
© State of Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
CONTENTS
G l e n e l g H o p ki n s Reg i o n a l C a tc h m e n t S t ra tegy 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
Front Cover: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a major tourist attraction and contains around 1,000 native plant species.
Photo: Southern Grampians Shire
Photo: James Pevitt Photo: Alison Pouliot
Vision 1
Chair’s Foreword 2
About the Strategy 3 Purpose of the Regional Catchment Strategy 3
How was the RCS developed? 3
How will the RCS lead to action? 4
Key Principles 5
The Glenelg Hopkins Region 6 Physical Environment 7
Social Profile 9
Economic Profile 10
Cultural History 10
Cultural Knowledge 11
Challenges and Opportunities 12
Climate Change 12
Pressures on Water Resources 13
Carbon Sequestration Activities 13
Summary 13
RCS Strategic Relationships 14
Key Achievements to Date 15
Thematic Asset Classes 19
Community Participation 20
Rivers and Floodplains 22
Wetlands 29
Estuaries 34
Coasts 38
Marine 43
Terrestrial Habitat 47
Species Populations and Communities 54
Soil and Land 57
Priority Areas for Intervention 62
Significant Risks to Assets 64
Implementing the Strategy 66
Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting 73
Appendix 1: RCS Development Process 75
Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management 77
Appendix 3: Policies, Strategies and Legislation 78
Appendix 4: Bioregional Conservation Status for Remnant Vegetation in the Glenelg Hopkins Region 79
References 79
In moving towards the vision, people of this region aim to create healthy catchments where the integrity of soils, water and biodiversity is maintained or enhanced in the face of a changing climate.
The vision over the next 50-years aims to foster an environment where:
• biodiversitythrivesandcleanwaterisavailableforenvironmental,economicandsocialuses
• environmentalassetsarevaluedandprotectedfrom threats,andtheimpactsofpestplantsandanimalsare greatlyreduced
• thecommunityisproactiveandaware,andunderstandsthatecologicallysustainablemanagementofitsnaturalresourcesisessentialtoahighqualityoflife.
vision
The 50 -year vision
sTaTemenT for The
GlenelG hopkins
caTchmenT is:
“�Achieving�a�healthy�and�sustainable�relationship�between�the�natural�environment�and�the�community’s �use�of� land�and�water�resources.”
1
Below: The vision for the RCS aims to incorporate the social, environmental, economic and
cultural values for the region.
Photo: Ararat Rural City Council
CHAiR’s FoREWoRD
2 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
As�a� long-term�resident�of�the�Glenel g�Hopkins�region, �I �am�proud�to�present�the�Regional �Catchment�Strategy�(RCS).�Our�region�is �home�to�a�magnificent�coastline, �outstanding�national �parks, �rich�biodiversity, �and�a�thriving�agricultural�sector. �Many�of�the�region’s�natural�assets�are�of�national �and�international�significance, �and�help�to�support�a�unique�way�of� l ife.
Thedevelopmentoftheregion’sthirdRCSmarksthebeginningofaneweraofplanningforthemanagementofnaturalresourceswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Itestablishesa50-yearvisionfortheregion,andaseriesofobjectivesandactionsrequiredtoachievethisvision.Togethertheseprovidecleardirectionforthemanyprograms,includingthoseoftheCMAandofotherstakeholders,thatcontinuetoimprovethestateofournaturalresources,whilecontributingtoincreasedprosperity.
TheRCSrenewalprocesshasenabledustocontinueworkingwiththebroadercommunityandregionalstakeholdersinsettingthedirectionforhowourland,waterandbiodiversityresourcesshouldbemanaged.ThisRCSisbasedonextensivecommunityconsultation,andbuildsonpreviouswork,inrecognitionofthelong-terminvestmentthatisrequiredtoachieveamoresustainableuseofourenvironmentanditsnaturalresources.Itappliestobothprivateandpublicland,andencouragesandsupportscommunityparticipationincatchmentmanagement.
Developmentsinthefederalspherearecontributingtosomeimportantprogramchangesforourregion.ThisRCShasbeendevelopedwithconsiderationofopportunitiesforbiodiversecarbonplantingstooptimiseanycarbonorbiodiversityrelatedinvestmentfrommarketandnon-marketincentives.TheFederalGovernmentwillsupporttheCMAtoprepareanaturalresourcemanagementplantoguidemanyofthesecarbonsequestrationactivities.ThisRCS,combinedwiththelandscape-scaleconnectivityforeshadowedintheDraftAustralianWildlifeCorridorsPlan,islikelytogenerateanexcitingeraoflandscaperevivalwithintheregionandcontributetoimprovedlandscapehealthandresilience.
Themajorfloodsof2010-11damagedtownships,ruralareasandlargeareasofourregion.Whilefloodrecoverycontinuestobeanimportantactivityforthisregion,themajorimprovementsthatwillbemadeaspartofthisstrategytoimproveourpreparednessfor,andresilienceto,futurefloodswillbeofgreatersignificance.Floodstudiesidentifyingfloodlevelsandmitigationoptionsareproceedingforfivetownsintheregion,planningschemeamendmentsarebeingpreparedtobetterincludefloodinformationinplanning,municipalfloodplanswillbeupdated,andimprovedfloodwarninginfrastructureistobedeveloped.AlloftheseactionswillbepossiblethroughincreasedVictorianGovernmentsupport.Itisappropriatefortheresidentsofourregiontoenjoytheprotectionofamodernandeffectivefloodmanagementprogram.
This2013-2019RCSwillspanaverysignificant periodfortheregionandItrustitwillenableus tocontinuetoservethepeopleoftheGlenelgHopkinsregioneffectively.
Mike Wagg Chairperson
3
PURPOSE�OF�THE�REGIONAL�CATCHMENT�STRATEGY
TheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy(RCS)2013-2019istheprimaryplanningframework forland,waterandbiodiversitymanagementwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Itsetsthedirectionforhowtheregion’sland,waterandbiodiversityresourcesshouldbemanaged,andisanimportantbuildingblockinimprovingtheconditionofthoseresourcesovertime.1
TheRCSaimstoprovideaframeworkforthecoordinatedmanagementofcatchments,whichwillmaintainandenhancelong-termlandproductivitywhilealsoconservingtheenvironment.Thiswillensurethatthequalityoflandandwaterresourceswithintheregionandtheirassociatedplantandanimallifearemaintainedandenhanced.
HOW�WAS�THE�RCS�DEVELOPED?
TheRCSisastrategythatbelongstotheregion –tothepeopleoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Thestrategyhasbeendevelopedbypeoplelivingandworkinginthearea,incloseconsultationwiththeregionalcommunity,local,VictorianandAustraliangovernmentrepresentativesandotherstakeholders.TheRCSwasdevelopedbyGlenelgHopkinsCatchmentManagementAuthority(CMA)inpartnershipwithmanyregionalorganisations,agencies,communitygroupsandindividuals. Thisistheregion’sthirdRCS,withthefirstpublished inMay1997.
TheRCSwasdevelopedinaccordancewithguidelinesfromtheVictorianCatchmentManagementCouncil.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)providedpolicyandadvicetotheCMAonexpectationsforsustainableuseandmanagementofland,waterandbiodiversity,toensuretheRCSmeetsappropriatestandardsandisconsistentwiththoseofotherCMAs.
TheRCSwasdevelopedusinganasset-basedapproach.Thisapproachprovidesastructuredprocesstoidentifyareasforpriorityattentionandtoachievetargetedoutcomes.Inthiscontext,‘assets’aredefinedastangiblebio-physicalelementsoftheenvironmentthatareimportantfortheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.
Assetsweredefinedusingeightassetclasses:rivers,wetlands,estuaries,coasts,marine,terrestrialhabitat,speciespopulationsandcommunities,andsoilandland.Significantassetswithineachassetclasswereidentifiedandmappedatascalethatisappropriateforstrategicplanning.TheInvestmentFrameworkforEnvironmentalResources(INFFER)processwasoneofthetoolsusedforidentifyingandprioritisingassetareaswithintheregion.Othersourcesofinformation,includingpublishedresearchandrelevantstudies,werealsoconsideredinidentifyingandprioritisingassets,andestablishingregionalmanagementpriorities.
Objectivesandmanagementmeasureshavebeen setfortheentireregionforeachassetclassdetailed inthisstrategy.Theobjectivesthatwillcontribute totheachievementofthisvisionarelong-term (20-years)andprovidebroaddirectionforfutureaction.Short-term(six-years)managementmeasureshavealsobeenestablishedforachievementwithinthelifeoftheRCS.Deliveryofthesemanagementmeasuresisdependentonfundingavailabilityandotheropportunitiesbeyondgovernmentinvestment.AnoverviewoftheRCSdevelopmentprocessisprovidedinAppendix1.
ABoUT THE sTRATEGY
Photo: Southern Grampians Shire
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 94
HOW�WILL�THE�RCS� �LEAD�TO�ACTION?
Partnershipswithcommunity,individualsandorganisationswithintheregionarethefoundation foreffectivedeliveryoftheRCS.TheRCSencouragesandsupportstheparticipationofthecommunity,landholdersandresourcemanagersinlandprotectionandcatchmentmanagement.
TheRCSprovidesanintegratedframeworkforinvestinginandprioritisingon-groundworksandprojectswithintheregion.ItwillcontinuetobuildonthesuccessofearlierworkwithinthecatchmentandimplementinitiativesthatwillbeimportantdriversinachievingtheRCSvision.
Someecosystemsareparticularlyvulnerabletotheimpactsofclimatechangeduetothehighlymodifiedandfragmentednatureofthelandscape.Theobjectivesofthestrategyaredesignedtoimproveecosystemresilienceinachangingclimateby:
• maintainingandre-establishingecosystemfunctionsinlargelandscape-scalebiolinksconnectinghighqualityremnantvegetationandfreshwaterandestuarineecosystems,andmaintainingandimprovingthequalityofexistinghabitats
• reducingthreatstonaturalresourcesfrompestplantsandanimals
• improvinghabitatconditionforthreatenedspecies
•makingthebestuseofenvironmentalwater
• reducingthethreatofsoilacidificationandsalinity tohigh-valueenvironmentalandeconomicassets,andimprovingthecapabilityofregionalsoils.
Thestrategyseekstomaximisethebiodiversitybenefitsofsequesteringcarboninthelandscape andtheenvironmentalco-benefitsoftheseopportunities,whichincludeimprovedlandscapefunctionandconnectivity,establishmentofwildlifecorridors,biodiverseplantingsandprotectionofremnantvegetation.
aBoUT The sTraTeGy
Thestrategywillalsocontributetoimprovedpreparednessforandresiliencetofuturefloodsthrough:
• anupgradeoftheregionalfloodwarningsystem
• investmentinfloodplainandwaterwaymanagementsystems
• implementationofarangeofinitiativesaimed atimprovingfloodplainknowledge
• completionofaregionalfloodplainmanagementstrategy.
ThisstrategyrecognisesthatnaturalassetsfoundintheregionareinterconnectedwithnaturalassetsfoundinneighbouringregionsandmanagementjurisdictionssuchasWimmeraCMA,CorangamiteCMAandSouthAustraliannaturalresourcemanagement(NRM)agencies.EffectiveimplementationofthestrategyisreliantonstrongandeffectivepartnershipsbothwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionandwithneighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies.Examplesofcross-boundarypartnershipopportunitiesincludetheGrampiansNationalPark(knowntoIndigenouspeopleoftheareaas‘Gariwerd’),theVictorianVolcanicPlainandtheMillicentCoastBasin.Keystrategiesforengagingwithcross-boundarypartnerswillbeoutlinedintheRCSCommunityandStakeholderEngagementPlan,whichwilldetailengagementandcommunicationprocessesforimplementationoftheRCS.
TheRCSseekstocreatecloselinkswithlocalgovernmentandinfluencetheplanningschemesundertheircontrol,andwillbeusedtoinformthedevelopmentofRegionalGrowthPlans.Itincludesarangeofmeasuresthataredesignedtoprotect,maintainorimprovetheconditionoftheregion’sassetsandcomplementstheactionsoftargetedregionalNRMstrategiessuchastheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy.
KEY PRinCiPLEsTheRCSisunderpinnedbyasetofprinciplesdesignedtoguidetheimplementationofthestrategy(Table 1).
Below: The region is one of Australia’s biodiversity ‘hot spots’.
5
Principles
SustainableDevelopment
Awhole-of-catchmentapproachtonaturalresourcemanagementthatseekstodeliversocial,economicandenvironmentaloutcomesforthecommunityandreduceourecologicalfootprint.
EcologicalResilience
Naturalresourcemanagementshouldbuildecologicalresilienceandcontributetotheongoingprovisionof ecosystemservices.
Biodiversity BiodiversitywithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentwillbepreservedandenhanced.
PreventionPreventionofecosystemdamageandspeciesdeclineismorecost-effectivethanattemptingrehabilitation orrecovery.
CommunityEmpowerment
Catchmentmanagementisapartnershipbetweencommunityandgovernment.Planningandimplementation ofnaturalresourcemanagementprogramsshouldmaximiseopportunitiesforcommunityengagement. Theinvolvementoflandholdersiscrucialtotheeffectiveimplementationofnaturalresourcemanagement.
IndigenousKnowledge
Theskills,knowledgeandperspectivesofIndigenouspeopleshouldbeincorporatedintonaturalresourcemanagement.
IntegratedManagement
Integratedcatchmentmanagementisanimportantmeansofachievingsustainabilityoflandandwaterresourcesandcontributingtobiodiversitymanagement.Managementofnaturalresourcesshouldrecognisethelinkagesbetweenland,waterandbiodiversityandthatthemanagementofonecomponentcanimpactontheother.
TargetedInvestment
Governmentandcommunityneedtoensurethatresourcesaretargetedtoaddressprioritiesanddelivermaximumon-groundbenefits.
AccountabilityThosemakingdecisionsonnaturalresourcemanagementshouldbeclearlyaccountabletogovernmentandthecommunity,bothinafinancialsenseandforbiophysicaloutcomes.
AdministrativeEfficiency
Tomaximiseon-groundresults,catchmentmanagementstructuresshouldfacilitatemoreefficientprocedures andpractices.
AdaptationtoClimateChange
Whereverpossibleundertakeactiontomanageorreducetheimpactofclimatechange.
Table 1: Principles designed to guide implementation of the strategy.
THE GLEnELG HoPKins REGion
6 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
The GlenelG
hopkins reGion
lies soUTh of The
GreaT DiviDinG
ranGe in vicToria’s
soUTh wesT.
The�region�is �renowned�for� its �scenic�beauty,�dramatic�coastline�and�rich�biodiversity.
Photo: James Pevitt
7
Figure 1: Basins of the Glenelg Hopkins region.
AreaoftheRegion 26,910sqkm
AreaoftheGlenelgBasin 12,370sqkm
AreaoftheHopkinsBasin 9,897sqkm
AreaoftheMillicentCoastBasin 431sqkm
AreaofthePortlandCoastBasin 3965sqkm
LengthofCoastline 220km
Table 2: Catchment facts.
Itcoversapproximately26,910squarekilometres (sqkm),extendingfromBallaratintheeasttotheSouthAustralianborderinthewest,andfromthesoutherncoastofVictoriatothetownshipsofHarrowandAraratinthenorth(Table 2).Therearefourmainbasinsoccurringwithintheregion:Glenelg,Hopkins,PortlandCoastandMillicentCoast(Figure 1). Theboundariesoftheregionincludemarineandcoastalwatersouttothestatelimitofthreenauticalmiles.Theregionischaracterisedbyflatvolcanicplainsinthesouth,whiletheGrampians,DundasTablelands,andCentralHighlandsaredominantin the north (Figure 2).
PHYSICAL�ENVIRONMENT
Photo: James Pevitt
8 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
Figure 2: Glenelg Hopkins region: Elevation.
The GlenelG hopkins reGion
TheGlenelgHopkinsregioncontainsanumberofnaturalfeaturesthatareofnationalandinternationalsignificance,including:
• BudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape (MtEccles/LakeCondah/TyrendarraArea)
• Grampians(Gariwerd)NationalPark (listedonNationalHeritageRegister)
• KanawinkaGeopark(UNESCOlisted),encompassingsitesofgeologicsignificancesuchasWannonFalls,TowerHill,MtNooratandPrincessMargaretRoseCaves
• GlenelgRiver–thelowersectionoftheGlenelgRiverisoneof18heritageriverareasinVictoria
• WesternDistrictRamsarlakes–onelake (LakeBookar)intheregionisrecognisedasinternationallyimportantundertheRamsarConventiononWetlands
• threeImportantBirdAreas(IBA)(sitesofglobalbirdconservationimportance)–YambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsIBA
• significantareasoftwoof15recognisedAustralianGovernment‘biodiversityhotspots’(VictorianVolcanicPlain,SouthAustralia’sSouth-east/Victoria’sSouth-west)
• 13endangeredEcologicalVegetationCommunities
• 94federallylistedspecies
• theiconicRed-tailedBlackCockatoo, Orange-belliedParrotandendemicGlenelgSpinyCray,and173ofVictoria’sthreatenedspecies.
Theregionisrenownedforitsvisualamenityandaestheticvalues.ThecatchmentishometoAustralia’smostextensivevolcanicprovince(containingsixgeositesofinternationalsignificance)2andalargesectionoftheinternationallyrenownedGrampiansNationalPark,whichcomprisesaseriesofruggedsandstonemountainranges3andaround1,000nativeplantspecies,23ofwhicharefoundnowhereelseintheworld.4Oldriverredgumswithintheregionalsoholdconsiderableappeal,manyofwhicharemorethan300yearsold.
Waterisabundantandreliableinmanypartsoftheregion.Theregionhas17ofVictoria’s134declaredwatersupplycatchments.ThesecatchmentshavesignificantvalueasasourceofwatersupplyforbothstockanddomesticuseandareprotectedundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act 1994(Victoria).
Extensivewetlandsareakeyfeatureandprovideimportanthabitatforadiverserangeofspecies,manyofwhicharethreatened.Theregioncontainsapproximately44percentofVictoria’swetlands.Twenty-sixoftheregion’swetlandsarelistedontheAustralianDirectoryofImportantWetlands.
Thecatchmentcontainssubstantialreservesofgroundwaterwithvaryingsalinities.RegionalgroundwatersystemsunderlietheregionincludingtheOtway,Murray,HighlandandDilwyn–withothershallowlocalaquiferspresent.Groundwaterisanimportantsourceofstockanddomesticwaterforlandholdersandsuppliesmuchoftheregion’sirrigatedhorticultureandfodderindustries.Italsosupports arangeofecologicalandphysicalenvironmentalassetssuchasrivers,wetlandsandgroundwaterdependentecosystems.Groundwatermanagement isacomponentoftheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy.
9
Asignificantproportionofthepopulationisover theageof45(morethan50percentwithintheGreatSouthCoastregion),andthisproportionisexpectedtoincrease.9Manyoftheregion’ssmallertownshavedeclinedinpopulation.Populationdeclineinruralareashasbeenexacerbatedbythetrendtowardslargerfarmsandreducedfarmnumbers.
“The old Wannon Shire, centered around Hamilton, had 566 predominantly sheep farms in 1961. By 2001 this had halved to 287. The average farm had almost doubled in size from 340 to 650 hectares.”10
Manyareasoftheregionareundergoingchangeascommunitiesageandemploymentcentresshift.Somesettlementswillcontinuetodecline.Conversely,therewillbemajorchallengesinvolvedinplanningforsignificantpopulationgrowthinWarrnamboolandBallarat.Thedisproportionateageingoftheruralpopulation,exacerbatedbythelossofruralyouthandyoungadultstolargerurbancentres,presentsakeychallengefornaturalresourcemanagementwithin theregion.
RecentworkbyRMITUniversityhasidentifiedanumberofprospectivechallengesfornaturalresourcemanagementwithinthearea,including:11
• populationpressuresonnaturalresourcesasdemandformorehousingrises
• increasedculturalpressuresbetweenurbanand ruralpopulations
• pressureonaquaticsystemsfromanincrease inaquaticsportsactivity
• reducedoverlandwaterflowandgroundwaterrechargeduetolandusechange,particularly fromincreasesinwoodyandnon-woodyvegetation
• increasedgroundwaterextractionwithintensivefarmingsuchasdairyandhorticulture.
Below: The Glenelg Hopkins region is important for biodiversity values as well as social values.
Photos (L-R): Bob McPherson, James Pevitt and Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
Whiletherearelargesectionsofhighconservationvaluenativevegetationsecuredthroughnumerousparksandreserveswithinthesouth-westandnorthofthecatchment,othervegetationisoftenfragmented,especiallyacrossprivateland.MajorparksandreservesintheregionincludetheGrampiansNationalPark,LowerGlenelgNationalPark,andCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark.Around1,000sqkmofintactnativevegetationisestimatedtoremainonprivateland.Intactareasofnativevegetationareofparticularimportance,astheycontainmuchoftheregion’srareecologicalvegetationcommunities.
Theregionhasadiverserangeofsoiltypes,reflectingtheancientanddiversegeologyofparentmaterialandclimaticconditionsunderwhichthesoilswereformed.
TheclimateoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionisgenerallycharacterisedbywarmdrysummersandcool,wetwinters.Averageannualrainfallinthearearangesfrom500mmperyearnearLakeBolactomorethan910mmperyearintheCobbobooneeForestwestofHeywood.Theaverageannualdailymaximumtemperatureintheregionis19°C.6
SOCIAL�PROFILE
POPULATION, AGE STRUCTURE AND FUTURE SETTLEMENT GROWTH
Thecatchmentsupportsapermanentpopulationof130,000withyear-roundtourismaddingsignificantlytothisnumber.MajorcitiesandtownsincludeBallarat,Warrnambool,Hamilton,PortFairy,Portland,Ararat,CastertonandBeaufort.Morethan33,000ofthecatchment’sresidentsresideinWarrnambool,andstrongpopulationgrowthisforecastforthisarea.7 Ballarat,WarrnamboolandPortlandhavebeenidentifiedduringrecentstrategicplanningactivitiesasareasofeitherveryhighorhighforecastfuturesettlementgrowth.8
10 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
The GlenelG hopkins reGion
ECONOMIC�PROFILE
TheGreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan12 highlightstheimportanceoftheregion’sterrestrial andaquaticsystemsinunderpinningtheregion’seconomicstrengthandlivability.Keyfeaturesincludesignificantareasofnationalparksandpublicland,productiveagriculturalland,andlargeareasofundevelopedcoastline.
Thesouthwestcoast’swaterresourcessupportimportantagriculturalproductionincludingdairying,grazing,croppingandforestry.ThisareaisAustralia’smostproductivemilkregion,providingnearlyaquarterofthenation’smilk.Themanufacturingsectorgenerates$4billionayear,aquarterofwhichisderivedfromdairyproducts.13
Value-addingtoprimaryproductsoccursviamilkprocessinginWarrnambool,AllansfordandKoroit,meatprocessinginWarrnambool,andtimberprocessinginPortland.OthersignificantmanufacturingincludesaluminiumproductionnearPortlandand windturbinesystemsfabricationandassemblyinPortland.Forestryisamajorindustry–theharvestingof180,000haofbluegumplantationsoverthenextfewyearswillmakethePortofPortlandAustralia’slargesthardwoodchiphandlingport.Almost20percentofthenation’sforestryplantationsarein,ornear,thesouthwestcoast.Manyoftheforestryplantationsareinhighrainfallareas.
TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmenthasarichresourcebasethatsupportsadiverseandgrowingeconomicindustry.Themaineconomicdriversareagriculture,fisheries,retail,manufacturing,healthandcommunityservices,educationandconstruction,whileagriculture,forestryandfishingarethemajoremployers,providingnearly25percentoftotalemployment.TheregionhasoneofthepremierdeepwaterportsinAustraliaatPortland,arailnetworkandseveralcommercialairports.Inaddition,thereissignificantinvestmentoccurringinsustainableenergy,particularlyinwindenergyinnovationandgas-firedpowerplants.
Theregionattractsthousandsoftouristseachyearduetoitsspectacularcoastlineandexcellenttourisminfrastructure.DestinationsfavouredbytouristsincludetheGrampiansNationalPark,PortFairy,GreatOceanRoadandGreatSouthWestWalk.Nature-basedtourismmakesasignificanteconomiccontribution totheregion.TheGrampiansNationalParkgeneratesvisitorexpenditureofmorethan$211millionperyearintheregion,14withasubstantialneteconomicproductforVictoriaestimatedat$65millionperyear.15
Approximately81percentofthecatchmenthasbeendevelopedforagriculturaluse,primarilywidespreadgrazingenterprisesandcerealandoilseedcropping.Theregionisalsohometoalargeandexpandingdairyindustry.
Theviabilityoftheseagriculturalenterprisesisreliantonthehealthyandproductivesoilsoftheregion.
Land-usechangeinagriculturalareasoftheregioninthepasttwodecadeshasbeenduelargelytotheexpansionofbroadacrecropping,dairyandbluegumplantations,withcroppingastheonlylanduseexpectedtocontinuetoexpand.
Inspiteofrapidchanges,livestockstillaccountsfor 65percentoftheregion’slandusewithcropping6.7percent,plantations4.7percentandnativevegetation16.6percent.16
Manufacturingintheregionisalsosignificant. Itgeneratesalmost$4billion,aheadofagricultureatnearly$2billionannually.17FourofthemostimportantindustriesinsouthwestVictoria–agriculture,fisheries,forestryandtourism–dependonmaintainingahealthynaturalresourcebase.
CULTURAL�HISTORY
AtleasttendifferentAboriginallanguagegroupsoccurredinsouthwestVictoria,oftenidentifiedonthebasisoftheirenvironmentalassociations.18Clanscloselyassociatedwiththeoceanwereverymobileinthesummermonthsandlargenumberswouldcongregateinthenearbyhinterlandstoexploitconcentrationsofyamdaisy,kangarooandemu. Theirbasecampswereincoastalswamps,suchas theTowerHillandMoyneswamps,whichprovidedeasyaccesstonearbyforest.
Temporarycampswerelocatedintheduneswhereseabirds,crayfish,shellfish,fishandsealswereharvested.Inautumn,coastalclansmovedtocampbesideriversandstreamswhere,assemi-sedentarygroups,theyexploitedanabundanceofeelsand otherfish.Eelswereharvestedusingcomplexstone orwoodenweirserectedacrossriversorstreams.Stoneweirscanstillbefoundinmanyregionalstreams.Duringwinter,coastalclansgravitated toplaceswithamplewater,fuelandfoodsupply.19
Aboriginalpeoplelivingawayfromthecoasthavebeendescribedas‘plainspeople’.Theirmostcommonformofcampsitewasanartificiallyconstructedearthenmoundoccupiedonaseasonalbasisandusuallylocatedclosetorivers,streamsorwetlands.Insummer,plainspeopleusedfireasahuntingaid.Birdhuntingandcommunalkangaroohuntingwereimportantsummeractivities.Eelsandfishwerecaughtintraps–whichweremajorengineeringachievements–inwetlandssuchasLakeCondah.
11
Below: The region has a rich cultural history that has shaped the region and led to its present day management.
CULTURAL�KNOWLEDGE
Indigenouspeoples’relationshiptocountryisbasedonalongtraditionofownership,custodianship,utilisationandculturalsignificance.WithintraditionalAboriginalsociety,menandwomenhaveparticularrolesandresponsibilitiesintheprocessof‘caringforcountry’.Thesearelargelydeterminedbytheirrelationshiptoothersandtoparticularplacesonthelandscape.Theyhaveadeepandhistoricunderstandingoftheirenvironmentandstrategies forenvironmentalprotectionandenhancement.
Traditionalenvironmentalknowledgereferstoaparticularformofplace-basedunderstandingofthediversityandinteractionsamongplantandanimalspecies,landforms,watercoursesandotherqualities ofthebiophysicalenvironmentinagivenplace.
Indigenousperspectivesonresourcemanagementtendtoreflecttheholisticnatureoftraditionalknowledge,whichcannotbeseparatedfromlandsandresources.Thereisoftennodistinctionmadebetweentheenvironmentalandculturalvaluesofnaturalresources–land,water,plantsandanimalsareconceivedasthesourceandfocusofalllife,andthekeytocultural,spiritual,socialandeconomicsurvival.22 TheRCSrecognisesculturalknowledgeasavaluableassetforlong-termmanagementofnaturalresources.
Thepracticalimportanceoftheinterweavingofenvironmentandcultureisthatthereisadistinctoverlapbetweenplacesofculturalimportanceandnaturalheritage.
Astraditionalowners,Indigenouscommunitieshaveacentralroleinlandmanagementintheregion.Indigenouscommunitiesmanagesignificantparcelsoflandofhighenvironmental,historicalandculturalvalue,includingareasatMtEccles,LakeCondahandTyrrendarra,whicharelistedontheNationalHeritageRegisteraspartoftheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape.
AtthetimeofEuropeansettlement,someAboriginalgroupsintheregionlivedinsubstantialsettlementscomprisingclustersofupto30circularshapedhuts.Largegatheringsofpeopleoccurredatlocalitiesthatexperiencedaseasonalabundanceoffood,particularlythefreshandsaltwaterwetlandsthatwereaprominentandimportantlandscapefeatureoftheregion.Theseoccasionsweretimesofgreatceremonialimportance,wheretradingandsocialarrangementsweremade.
CurrentevidencesuggeststhatAboriginalpeopleoccupiedpartsoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionforatleast11,000yearsandprobablymorethan40,000years.ThousandsofancientandmorerecentAboriginalsitesandplacescanbefoundthroughouttheregion.EvidenceofAboriginallanduseintheregionincludesscarredtrees,stonearrangements,mounds,rockshelters,stoneengravingsites,middens,rockpaintings,surfacescatters,fishtraps,burialplaces,stonehousesites,quarriesandaxe-grindingplaces.20
TheDuttonfamily,whichengagedinwhaling,andtheHentyfamily,whichwasinvolvedinwhalingandpastoralactivitiesaroundPortlandBay,arerecognisedasthefirstEuropeansettlersintheregion.
FurtherEuropeansettlementwasrapid.Pastoralistsmovedinwithstocktotakeupruns,andbytheend ofthe1840smanyoftheareassuitableforgrazingwereoccupied.21
ThepassingoftheLand Actin1898beganbreakingupthelargesquatterestatesoftheregion.Smallerfarmerswereencouragedtocleartheland,butsoillimitationsandtheinfluxofrabbitsdramaticallyaffectedfarmingsuccess.SoldiersettlementschemeswereintroducedafterbothWorldWars,furtherincreasinglandclearancepressures.TheCloserSettlementBoardencouragedmixedfarmingenterprisesafteravailabletimberhadbeenclearedandmilled.Inrecentyears,significantworkhasbeenundertakenintheregiontoconserveremnantbushlandandrevegetatethelandscape.
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 912
The GlenelG hopkins reGion
CHALLENGES�AND�OPPORTUNITIES
The2003-2007GlenelgHopkinsRCSidentified anumberofkeyregionalchallenges,including:
• Regional sustainability RegionalsustainabilitywasidentifiedastheoverarchinggoalfortheRegionalCatchmentStrategy2003-2007.ThisacknowledgedthatthesocialandeconomicfutureofsouthwestVictoriawasdirectlylinkedtothehealthandmaintenance oftheregion’snaturalresources,whilesupportingtheencouragementanddevelopmentofhumanenterpriseandinnovation.
• Biodiversity TheGlenelgHopkinsregionhassignificant,butoftenthreatened,biodiversityfoundinuniqueandcomplexsystemsonland,insoil,freshwater,estuariesandthesea.NumerousEcologicalVegetationClasses(EVCs)andfloraandfaunaspecieshavebecomeextinctandmanymorearethreatened.Themajorthreattobiodiversityacrosstheregionisthedestructionofhabitat.ExtensiveclearingofnativevegetationintheyearssinceEuropeansettlementhasdrasticallyreducedtheextentandqualityofavailablehabitatfornativespecies.Whilesalinityhasbeenrecognisedasanaturalfeatureoftheregion,extensiveclearinghasgreatlyincreasedtheareasaffectedandhasthepotential,ifleftunchecked,tofurtherreducesuitablehabitatinaquaticandterrestrialenvironments.
• Waterway health and water quality Highqualityfreshwaterisoneoftheregion’smostimportantnaturalassetsandaresourceatenormousrisk.Majorthreatstowaterhealthincludepollutionfromfarmingactivities,stockaccesstowaterways,salinity,erosion,pestplantsandanimalsandoveruseofwaterresources.
• soil decline and salinity HealthysoilisanessentialassetforagriculturalindustriesoperatingintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment,includinghorticulture,cropping,dairyandlivestock.Soilswithintheregionhavebeenrecognisedfortheirveryhighproductivitypotential,withappropriatemanagement.SoilerosionhasbeenafeatureoftheDundasTablelandssinceEuropeansettlement.Extensivesheet,tunnel,gullyandstreambankerosionhasleadtolargevolumesofsandbeingtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.Soilacidificationandsodicityareemergingissuesinpartsofthecatchment.Salinity,erosionandsoildegradationwereconsideredbythecatchmentcommunitytobethegreatestthreatstoagriculturalland.23Compactionofsoilsbystock,farmmachineryandintensivecultivationalsothreatenssoilhealth.
• Pest plants and animals Pestplantsandanimalsposesomeofthemostsignificantthreatstoregionalenvironmentalassets.Appropriatepestmanagementactionswilldramaticallyincreasethechanceofsuccessfuloutcomesacrossavarietyofnaturalresourceprograms.Researchcommissionedinsupportoftheregion’ssecondRCSfoundthatweedsandpestanimalswereperceivedtobethegreatestthreattotheregionbehindsalinity.24
• Coastal areas ThecoastalareaoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontributessignificantlytotheeconomic,cultural,environmentalandrecreationallifeofregionalcommunities.Coastalareas,particularlyaroundWarrnambool,areexperiencingunprecedentedincreasesinpopulationandtourismactivity.However,pollution,erosionandoverdevelopmentareperceivedbythecommunitytobemajorthreatstothecoastalenvironment.25
Whilethesechallengesstillremain,thereareanumberofemergingchallengesfornaturalresourcemanagementwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment –someofwhichmayleadtoopportunities.These neworemergingchallengesaresummarisedbelow.
CLIMATE�CHANGE
TheVictorianGovernment’srecentreportonClimateChangeandGreenhouseGasEmissionsinVictoriaidentifiedthefollowingobservedtrendsthatindicatethatVictoria’sclimateischanging:
• Victorianminimumtemperaturesaveragedoverthedecade2000-2010wereatleast0.2°Cwarmerthananyotherdecadefrom1910
• thefrequencyandseverityofveryhottemperatureshasincreased,andthefrequencyandseverityofverycoldtemperatureshasdecreasedsincethebeginningofthetwentiethcentury
• annualrainfallinVictoriaexperiencedlargedecadalvariationsoverthepastcentury,withnocleartrend.Overthepast20-yearstherehasbeenalargedeclineinautumnrainfall,asmalldeclineinwinterandspringrainfall,andasmallincreaseinsummerrainfall
• sincethemid-twentiethcenturytherehavebeenreductionsinthefrequencyofweathersystems overVictoriathatareassociatedwithwetterconditions.ThenumberofseverestormsaffectingthesouthwestVictoriancoasthasdecreasedbyaround40percentfrom1856to2006
13
CARBON�SEQUESTRATION�ACTIVITIES
Thereareanumberofpossiblefuturecarbonsequestrationactivitiesintheregionthatmayenhanceoradverselyimpactonvaluesandservicesprovidedbynaturalassets.Carbonsequestrationisageneraltermusedforthecaptureandlong-termstorageofcarbondioxide.
Inplanningforthedevelopmentofcarbonmarketswithintheregion,GlenelgHopkinsCMAwillpursueopportunitiestoidentifypriorityareasforsequestrationplanting.AregionalNRMplanwillbedevelopedaspartofthisstrategytoassistwithplanningforfuturecarbonsequestrationactivities.Biodiversecarbonplantingshavethepotentialformultiplenaturalresourcemanagementoutcomes:improvingcatchmenthealth,expandingandreconnectinghabitatsandsequesteringcarbon.Theseplantingswillneedtoconsiderpotentialadverseimpactsonwateravailability,pestplantandanimals(i.e.dispersalpotential),agriculturalproductivityandfireriskstothecommunity.Potentialnegativeeconomicandecologicalconsequencesoftreeprogramsaimedexclusivelyatmitigatingclimatechangeeffectsandreducingatmosphericcarbondioxideinclude:
• treeplantingsthatimpactnegativelyonecosystemprocessessuchashydrologicalandfireregimes
• establishmentoftreesthatbecomeinvasive.28
SUMMARY
Theenvironmentalchallengesaresignificant; however,thecommunityhasagrowingawareness oftheneedtostrikeabalancebetweendevelopment,sustainablegrowthandprotectionoftheenvironment.Akeychallengeistocontinuetomakenaturalresourcemanagementscientificallyrigorousandsociallyrelevantinthefaceoffundingvariations,lifestyleandpopulationchanges,climatevariabilityandincreasingdemandforwaterresources.Achievingbiodiversityimprovementsandfarmproductivitygains,andbalancingpublicuseanddevelopmentwithenvironmentalprotectionofcoastsandestuarieswillalsobemajorchallenges.SecuringenvironmentalwaterfortheGlenelgRiverfromthesavingsresultingfromtheWimmera–Malleepipelinewillbeanotherchallenge.
• theaveragesealevelalongtheVictoriancoastlinehasrisen,consistentwithglobalincreases
• seasurfacetemperaturesinAustraliahavewarmedsinceatleast1960,withtheoceansurroundingVictoriashowingsomeofthehighestwarming.26
TheCMAanditsregionalpartnerswillundertakeactiontomanageorreducetheimpactofclimatechangewherepossible.AustralianandVictoriangovernmentfundingopportunitieswillbepursued tohelpidentifywhereinthelandscapeadaptationandmitigationactivitiesshouldbeundertaken,andproduceregional-levelclimatechangeinformation tosupportmediumtermregionalNRMandland useplanning.
PRESSURES�ON�WATER�RESOURCES
Watersecuritywillbeakeydriverforcapitalinvestmentandland-usechangeintheregion.Sustainablemanagementoftheregion’sgroundwaterandsurfacewater’snaturalcapitalwillunderpintheforecastresidential,agriculturalandindustrialdevelopmentoftheregion.
AsnotedintheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy,27‘Therecentprolongeddryperiodandsubsequentheavyfloodinginmanypartsoftheregiondemonstratedthatwatermanagementneedstoaddressclimatevariability’.Therewillbesignificantpressuresonfuturewateruseintheregionduetothecombinedimpactsofpopulationgrowthandclimatechange.Annualstreamflowsfellby40,56and 65percentrespectivelyintheHopkins,PortlandCoastandGlenelgbasinsduringthe1997-2009drought.Droughtremainsasignificantriskfortheregionandislikelytobemorefrequentthaninthepast.Otherkeypressuresinclude:
• increaseddemandsforwaterduetochangingfarmingpractices(e.g.increaseduseofirrigation fordairying)
• reducedsurfaceflowofwaterduetoland-usechange(e.g.increasednumberoffarmdams, anexpandingplantationindustry).
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 914
RCs sTRATEGiC RELATionsHiPs
Figure 3: RCS Strategic Context.
Figure 3summarisestherelationshipbetweentheRCSandAustralianandVictorianlegislation,policiesandstrategies.Linkstorelevantregionalpolicies,strategiesandactionplansarealsoshown.
KeyregionalstrategicplanningdocumentssuchastheGreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan,CentralHighlandsRegionalStrategicPlan,andSouthWestSustainabilityPartnershipPrioritiesDirectionStatement2010-2012wereusedtoinformthedevelopmentoftheRCS.ThesedocumentsarebasedonextensivestakeholderconsultationandprovideanimportantregionalframeofreferenceforthedevelopmentoftheRCS.
REGionAL
Regionalstrategiesandplanse.g.localgovernmentsustainabilityplans,GreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan,CentralHighlandsRegionalStrategicPlan,SouthWestManagementPlan(ParksVictoria),Portland/HorshamForestManagementPlan,WesternSustainableWaterStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan(WesternCoastalBoard).
oTHER
• Community
• Indigenousgroups
• Stakeholders
• Researchinstitutes
• Industrybodies
GLEnELG HoPKins REGionAL CATCHMEnT sTRATEGY
Legislation, policies, strategies, agreements and discussion papers
FEDERAL
CommonwealthGovernmentActs,strategies,agreements,anddiscussionpapers e.g.Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, The AustralianFrameworkforLandcare,Australia’sBiodiversityConservationStrategy,NationalStrategyforEcologicallySustainableDevelopment.
sTATE
VictorianGovernmentActs,Strategies,agreements,anddiscussionpaperse.g.Catchment and Land Protection Act, Water Act, Planing and Environment Act, Climate Change Act, Aboriginal Heritage Act, Fisheries Act, Coastal Management Act,InvasivePlantsandAnimalsPolicyFramework,VictorianRiverHealthStrategy,VictorianCoastalStrategy,VictorianSalinityStatement,IndigenousPartnershipStrategy,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy.
REGionAL sTRATEGiEs AnD sUB-sTRATEGiEs
Forexample:NativeVegetationPlan,EstuaryManagementPlans, SoilHealthStrategy&Plan,RegionalWaterwaysStrategy,RegionalNRMPlan.
inform the development of
sets the direction for
15
KEY ACHiEvEMEnTs To DATE
Figure 4: Timeline of key events and challenges.
• TheGlenelgHopkinsCMApioneereditsfirstRegional CatchmentStrategy
• RedTailedBlackCockatooRecoveryteamestablished
• DistributionofWaterwayInitiativeFundingforon-groundworkstoMerriRiverLandcareNetworkforrevegetationandtotheSandfordLandcareGroupforerosioncontrolworksalongLowerWannonRiver
• ImplementationofHopkinsRiverWaterQualityPlanand SouthWestRiversRestorationProject
• PreparationofwaterwaysWorksProgramaspartoftheCMA’sBusinessPlan
• TheVictorianSalinityManagementFrameworkwasreleased
• RabbitBusterProgramrunacrosstheregion
• WestVictoriaRegionalForestAgreement
• CarpdiscoveredatRocklandsReservoir
• Thedrywinterof2002resultedinseverelylowstoragelevels inRocklandsReservoirleadingtoonlyasmallenvironmental flowallocation
• Carpfishingcompetition–700anglerscaught600kgofcarpwhichwereturnedintofertiliser
• TheCMAstrengthensitsinvolvementinLandcarewiththeappointmentof10federallyfundedLandcarefacilitators
• VictorianRiverHealthStrategyreleased
• GlenelgHopkinsRCS2003-2007thefirsttobeapproved inAustraliabyjointState/FederalGovernments
• MajorfireintheGrampians
• CompletionoftheWarrnambool/PortFairyFloodStudyandRegionalWetlandsGuide
• GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008launched
• CarpscreensinstalledatRocklandsReservoirandmajorinfrastructureupgradedtomanagefutureenvironmentalreleasesintotheGlenelgRiver
• GrampiansArk,BackinBalanceprogramestablished
• CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestParkestablished
• LargescaleriverrestorationprojectontheGlenelgRiverdelivers230kmofwaterwayprotection,removalof180,000m³ofsandandpreventionofcarpmovementdownstream
• Removaloffivefishbarriersopens198kmofwaterwaytofishpassage
• BushTenderprotects2,836haofnativevegetation
• Sixestuarymanagementplansdeveloped
• WimmeraMalleePipelinecompleted,givingmuchgreatersecuritythanpreviouslypossibleforenvironmentalflows
• FiveBrush-tailedRockWallabiesreleasedintotheGrampiansNationalPark
• SoilHealthPlanlaunched
• RegionalWeedPlanlaunched
• WeirconstructedatLakeCondah
• SignificantenvironmentflowsreleasedtotheGlenelgRiver
• GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015launched
• Floodrecoveryassistanceprovidedtothecommunity
• StatefundedLandcarefacilitorsappointedtotheregion
• RegionalCatchmentStrategy2013-2019
• PortFairy–WarrnamboolRailTrailopened
• ThefirstpartnershipprojectwasdeliveredalongtheWannon
• ThefirstIndexofStreamConditiondatacollected
• GlenelgHopkinsCMAstartsworkingcloselywithlandholders andcommunitygroupstohelpprotectriparianlandtoimprovewaterquality,reducesevereerosionandreducesedimentation in waterways
• ThestategovernmentfundsthefirstRegionalLandcareCoordinatorposition
• Analysisofgroundwaterflowsystemscompletedfortheregion
• Landcareachievementawardsinitiated
• Thefirstsoilandlandhealthprojectcommencedwiththeappointmentofasalinitycoordinator
• CarpdiscoveredintheGlenelgRiverdownstreamof RocklandsReservoir
• IntensivecarpmonitoringprogramwasundertakentomonitorcarpwithinRocklandsReservoirandintheriverdownstream
• Communityfishingdaycaught500kgofcarp
• ResnaggingoftheGlenelgRiver
• MtEcclesKoalacontrolprogramcommenced
• GlenelgRiverrestorationworksforin-streamhabitatincluded thereinstatementof3kmoflargewoodydebris (approx170logsperkm)
• Protectionofmorethan200haofnativevegetationatCastertonthroughcovenant,withmorethan85percentoftheareaprovidinghabitatforthreatenedspecies
• Improvedmanagementacross10,000haofcovenantedland
• Approximately70haofOrange-belliedParrothabitatprotectedandenhanced
• Biodiversityoverlaysincludedinlocalgovernmentplanningschemes
• 300kgoflocalprovenanceseedsuppliedtoprojects
• CollaborationbetweenpublicandprivatelandmanagersthroughtheWeedSpottersandGoodNeighbourprograms
• DraftSoilHealthPlan,WeedActionPlan,LandcareStrategyandCommunityEngagementPlandelivered
• 465haoffloodplainwetlandsfencedontheWannonRiver
• Estuaryhabitatsmapped
• Twomajorbarrierstofishmovementremoved,opening 11kmoftheGlenelgRivertofishmovement
• PortFairyRegionalFloodStudycompleted
• SecondIndexofStreamConditioncompleted
• FloodscausesignificantdamagetotheGrampiansNationalPark
• 13,300haofagriculturallandwithpropertymanagementplansimplemented
• 250haofperennialpasturesowntomitigatesalinityandreducetheriskofsoilacidification
• Pigtrappingover3,000haintheDiscoveryBayCoastalPark
• 5,467haofprivateandcrownlandmanagedtoaddresspestplant,cat,pigandfoxthreats
• 238haofWeedsofNationalSignificancetreatedbyCMA
• Milestoneof1,000kmofriparianfencingachieved
• RiverTenderdelivers18kmofriverfrontagefencingand206haofrevegetationandpestplantanimalcontrol
• EnvironmentalwaterallocationsfromtheWimmeraMalleePipelinedeliveredtotheGlenelgRiver
• SpinyCrayEPBClisted
• FirstIndexofWetlandConditioncompleted
1997
1999
2002
2004
2007
2009
2011
2012
2010
2008
2006
2005
2003
2001
2000
1998
• TheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategyislaunched –thefirstsuchstrategyinVictoria
• Hamilton’sGrangeBurnWetlandprojectwasa‘showcase’CommunityPartnershipProjectwhichinvolvedrehabilitationof14haofwetlands,treating70percentofHamilton’sstormwater
• Sustainabilityindicatorsreport
• EstablishmentofMarineNationalParks
• GlenelgArkPestAnimalProjectestablished
SignificantachievementshavebeenmadeinnaturalresourcemanagementintheGlenelgHopkinsregionsince1997byarangeoflandmanagers,communitygroups,governmentandnon-governmentorganisations.Akeyfocushasbeenondevelopingstrongpartnershipswithintheregiontoachievehealthyandsustainablerelationshipsbetweenthenaturalenvironmentandthecommunity’suseoflandandwaterresources.
Figure 4showsatimelineofkeynaturalresourcemanagementeventsandchallengesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionsince1997,whileregionalprojecthighlightsareillustratedinFigure 5.
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 916
Figure 5: Key Regional Achievements.
Disclamer: The map shown in this figure is representational of the Glenelg Hopkins region and is not intended to accurately reflect land use on a finer scale. Locations are indicative only.
key achievemenTs To DaTe
NatioNal Park
EstablishmentofCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark.
restoriNg lake CoNdah
LakeCondah,asignificantculturaliconoftheGunditjmarapeople,wasre-established.Aweirwasconstructedacrossachannelthatdrainedthelake.Asaresultofheavyrainfall,LakeCondahwaterlevelsimproved.
PlaNNiNg for healthy estuaries
Estuarymanagementplans,mappingandanestuaryentrancemanagementsupportsystemtoimprovethehealthandmanagement of estuaries.
imProviNg eNviroNmeNtal flows
Morethan100,000m³ofsandhasbeenextractedfromtheGlenelgRiver,improvingtheeffectivenessofenvironmentalflowreleasesandrestoringthenaturalriverchannel.
the graNge BurN wetlaNd
Projecttransformed14haofgrazinglandintoaconstructedwetlandsystemtotreat70%ofHamilton’sstormwaterbeforeitenterstheGrangeBurn. Thishasresultedinasignificantreductioninlitterandcontaminantsinthewaterway,vitalhabitatforbirdsandprovidedanimportantrecreationalassettothetown.
eNviroNmeNtal water
ReservesandinfrastructureupgradesalongtheGlenelgRiverwillrealisethefullbenefitsoftheWimmeraMalleePipelineProject.WorksincludeoutletupgradesandinstallationofcarpscreensatRocklandsReservoir.
the gleNelg river restoratioN ProjeCt
400kmoffencingovereightyearsprotectingriparianlandtoimproveriverhealth.
duNdas taBlelaNd
PartnershipprojectsruntomitigateerosionandsalinityintheDundasTablelandtobenefitwaterqualityandagriculture.
westerN gleNelg wetlaNds
Stewardshippaymentstoprivatelandownerstoconserveuniquewetlandsonfossilsanddunes.
Biodiversity hotsPot
ProtectingthreatenedwildlifethatusetheGlenelgRiverandnearbyconservationparksandreserves.
gleNelg alliaNCe
Amajorpartnershipprojectaddressingprioritypestplantandanimalthreatson34,603haofpublicandprivatelandintheLowerGlenelgRiverHighEcologicalValueEcosystemregion.
gleNelg ark
Isafoxcontrolprogramcovering 90,000haofStateForestandNationalParkinsouthwesternVictoriathataimstoreducepredationonsignificantfaunaspecies.Rigorousmonitoringindicatesthatfoxnumbershavedecreasedsignificantlyinbaitedareas.Long-nosedPotoroosandSouthernBrownBandicootsareincreasinglylikelytobefoundinsomeoftheseareas.
gleNelg edeN
Protects90,000haofStateandNationalparksthroughweedmanagement.
maPPiNg
Identifieskeymarineandcoastalassets.
Budj Bim
DeclaredalandscapeofNationalSignificance.
researCh statioN at hamiltoN estaBlished
17
Disclamer: The map shown in this figure is representational of the Glenelg Hopkins region and is not intended to accurately reflect land use on a finer scale. Locations are indicative only.
laNdCare
A25-yearhistoryofleadingtheway inprotectingtheenvironment.
CreatiNg Coastal CoNNeCtioNs
Developingprojectswithcommunitygroupstoprotectwaterways,wetlandsandterrestrialhabitatalongthecoast.
ProteCtiNg threateNed sPeCies
Theregionalbiodiversityprogramhasseentheonce-commonMellblom’sSpider-orchidbroughtbackfromthebrinkofextinction.Withasfewassixplantsremainingin1996,therearenowmorethan1,000plantsgrowinginthewildtodayafteranintensiverecoveryprogram.TheEasternBarredBandicootisanotherspeciesbroughtbackfromthebrinkofextinctionthroughrecoveryprograms.
flood reCovery assistaNCe
GlenelgHopkinsCMAworkcrewsinstalled 64kmofnewfences,repairedorcleaned127kmofriparianfences,revegetated 61ha,anderadicated211haofweeds.
laNdmate suCCess
Prisonworkcrewssupportcommunityandagenciesinenvironmentalon-groundwork.
westerN uPlaNd
CMAandlandownerpartnerships tocontrolsoilerosionandsalinity intheWesternTablelands.
workiNg with the CommuNity
AcrosstheGlenelgHopkinsregion,communityvolunteershavefenced2,200km ofwaterwayand revegetated3,784ha ofwaterwayareas.
gramPiaNs ark
17,000hafoxbaitingwascompleted byGrampiansArkprogram.
wetlaNds of the waNNoN
CMAandlandownerpartnershipshaveledtochangedgrazingregimesfortheprotectionofseasonalwetlands.
saviNg the Bush
1,400haofremnantbushprotectedthroughvoluntarylegalagreementswithprivatelandowners.
reduCiNg soil aCidifiCatioN
Reducingsoilacidificationandimprovingnutrientmanagementondairyfarmsthroughimprovingknowledgeandskillsinnutrientmanagementpractices.
farm PlaNNiNg
Extensionprogramsincreaseknowledgeoflandproductivityandenvironmentalmanagement.
PartNershiP ProjeCts imProve stream health
FencingalongtheMtEmuCreekandFieryCreektoexcludestockimprovesstreamhealth.
eel festival & healiNg walk
Raiseawarenessoftheenvironment.
CAsE sTUDY: environmenTal waTer reserve
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
The�Wimmera–Mal lee�Pipeline�Project�provided�a�major�investment�in�water�security�and�environmental �water�recovery�for�western�Victoria.�
TheproblemsassociatedwiththeinefficientearthenwaterchannelandstoragesystemsoftheWimmeraandMalleeregionswererealisedthroughtheprolongeddroughtwhichdominatedthefirstdecadeofthiscentury.
Leakage,seepageandevaporationmeantthataslittleas15percentofthewaterreleasedtosupplythesystemfromheadworkdamssuchasRocklandsReservoirontheGlenelgRiver,wouldreachtheenduser.Inadrylandscape,theadverseenvironmental,socialandeconomicimplicationsofsuchinefficiencywerestark.
ThenegativeimpactsofchangedflowsintheGlenelgRiverwereevidentwithinafewyearsofthecompletionofRocklandsReservoir.Long-termdeclinesinwaterqualityandtheformationofsandslugsthatsmotheredsectionsoftheriverbedbothimpacteddramaticallyontheecologyoftheriverandthecommunitiesthatrelyontheGlenelgRiver.
Thebusinesscasefortheprojectpromisedtodeliverimprovedsecurityofsupplyforallentitlementholders(includingtheenvironment)andtoincreaseenvironmentalflowstotheWimmeraandGlenelgriversbyanaverageof83gigalitresperyear.
InOctober2010,theWimmeraandGlenelgRiversEnvironmentalEntitlementwascreated,formalisingtheenvironment’srighttopipelinewatersavingsandconsolidatingpreviousentitlementstoenvironmentalwater.Thenewentitlementprovideswatertotheenvironmentthroughpassingflowrules,allocationsofwaterinstoragesforlaterreleaseandunregulatedflowsorspillsfromstorages.
Theenvironmentalbenefitsofthenewentitlementwerequicklyrealisedwhendrought-breakingrains fellduringspring2010.Inadditiontoshort-termfloodsthatprovidedamuch-neededresetforinstreamconditions,theraincontributedtohighallocationscreditedtotheEnvironmentalEntitlement. TheEnvironmentalEntitlementisoverseenbytheVictorianEnvironmentalWaterHolderwhoisresponsibleforsharingtheentitlementbetweentheWimmeraandGlenelgsystemsbasedonwateringproposalssubmittedbyGlenelgHopkinsandWimmeraCMAs.
ContinuedrainfalleventscombinedwithstrategicdeliveryofenvironmentalflowshaveproducedvisibleimprovementsinthehealthoftheiconicGlenelgRiver.Waterplantrecoveryandincreasedbreedingactivityofwaterbirdshavebeenthemostvisibleresponsestoimprovedflowsandwaterquality.Underthesurface,dramaticallyimprovedwaterqualityandincreasedhabitathavesupportednativefishbreedingevents.
Inplanningforenvironmentalwateruse,GlenelgHopkinsCMAhasanobligationtomaximisetheecologicalbenefitsofenvironmentalreleases;however,wherepossible,effortsaremadetosupportothercommunityvalueswithenvironmentalreleases.AnexampleofthisistheconcurrentreleasingoftheGlenelgRiverCompensationFlow,whichprovideslandholderswithstockanddomesticwater,andtheenvironmentalsummerbase-flowreleasesthrough thesummerof2011-12.
Below: Environmental water releases for the health of the region’s rivers.
Opposite Page: The CMA works with land managers for the protection of the region’s biodiversity.
18
This secTion of The
rcs DescriBes The
reGion’s asseTs
anD Their cUrrenT
conDiTion.
Management�objectives�are�long-term�(20-years)�and�set�broad�direction� �for�future�action.�
19
THEMATiC AssET CLAssEs
Photo: Reto Zollinger
Catchment-levelobjectivesandmanagementmeasureshavebeenidentifiedforeachthematicassetclassdescribedinTable 3.Throughextensivecommunityandstakeholderconsultationtheyhavebeensummarisedunderninethemes:communityparticipation,riversandfloodplains,wetlands,estuaries,coasts,marine,terrestrialhabitat,speciespopulationsandcommunities,andsoilandland(Table 3).
Aprogramofmeasures(orcommitments)thatidentifiestheactionnecessarytoachievetheseobjectivesisprovidedinTable 26. These measuresareplannedforimplementationduringthesixyearlifeofthisRCSandaresupportedbyactionsinassociatedsub-strategiesandplans.ObjectivesandassociatedmeasuresthatrelatetoallormorethanoneassetclassarelistedinTable 26.
Thematic Asset Class
Definition
Community Individualsandgroupsinvolvedinnaturalresourcemanagement.
Riversandfloodplains
Individualriverreachesandtheirassociatedriparianecosystems.Reachescanbegroupedintolargercomponentsofariversystem.
Wetlands Individualwetlands,wetlandcomplexes,andtheirassociatedfloodplainecosystems.
Estuaries Individualestuariesandtheirassociatedriparianecosystems.
Coasts Stretchesofcoastline.Coastalassetscanextendinlandasfarasappropriate.
Marine Marineecosystemsorsub-systems,uptothehighwatermark,includingmangroves.
Terrestrialhabitat IndividualecologicalclassesorspatialoccurrencesofEcologicalVegetationClassesbasedontheirintrinsicvalueortheircontributiontolandscapeprocesses(e.g.connectivity,refugeareasbuffering).
Speciespopulationsandcommunities
Populationsofthreatenedorsignificantspecies.Occurrences ofthreatenedcommunities.
Soil/land Selectedgeographicareasoflandand/orspecificsoiltypes.
Table 3: Definition of Thematic Asset Classes.
The GlenelG
hopkins commUniTy
plays an inTeGral
role in The Delivery
of naTUral
resoUrce
manaGemenT
acTions anD The
mainTenance anD
improvemenT of
naTUral asseTs.
Fostering�a�strong�regional � identity�and�connection�with�the�environment�wil l �be�key� �to�achieving�the�objectives�outlined�in�the�RCS.
CoMMUniTY PARTiCiPATion
20 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
Thereisalreadystrongcommunitycommitmenttoimprovenaturalresourceoutcomesacrosstheregion.ThisisclearlyevidentwiththeuptakeinCMApartnershipprojects,Landcareandparticipationatcommunityforumsandfielddaysoverthelastdecade.TheStatewideSocialBenchmarkingresultsforwaterways29showedthattheHopkinsBasinhadthehighestscoreacrossallthestatebasinsforpeoplethatareinvolvedwithrehabilitatingnativehabitat.
Landmanagerswithintheregionarecharacterisedbytheirstronglandstewardship,withthemajorityaspiringtopassontheirpropertytofuturegenerationsinbettercondition.ThisaspirationisillustratedbythestrongLandcarenetworkandvolunteerismwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Landcareacrosstheregiontakesavarietyofformsandperformsarangeoffunctions,whilemaintainingthecoreobjectiveofconservingnaturalresources,enhancingprofitabilityandsupportingcommunities.30Programsconductedbyarangeofnaturalresourcemanagementorganisationsattractvolunteersthatplayasignificantroleindatacollection,on-groundworksandfeedback orissueidentification.Figure 6illustratestheapproximatedistribution ofLandcaregroupswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.
Connectinghistoricalactionstopresent-dayenvironmentalissues, andrecognisingthediversewaythatpeopleviewtheenvironment areimportantconsiderationsfornaturalresourcemanagement.31
Awiderangeofprogramscentredonculturalheritage,culturallysustainabledevelopmentandIndigenousecologicalknowledgeareworkingtowardsmaintainingandimprovingpartnershipsandoutcomesforcommunitieswithintheregion.OfnoteistheGunditjMirringPartnershipProject,fundedbytheAustralianGovernment’sCaringforourCountryprogramanddeliveredbytheGlenelgHopkinsCMAandGunditjMirringTraditionalOwnersAboriginalCorporationpartnership.TheprojectbuildsonrelationshipswithTraditionalOwnerstocollatetraditionalIndigenousecologicalknowledgeandtotrialpracticeswithinacontemporarysetting.Theimportanceofintegratingtraditionalknowledgeandpracticesintolandmanagementisrecognisedintheregion.32Theextensioncomponentoftheprojectaimstocollaboratewithlandmanagerstoincreaseknowledgeandimplementtraditionalpracticesonfarms.Thecollaborativenatureoftheprojecthasresultedinalargenetworkoforganisationscontributingtotheoutcomes,includingagencies,universities,Indigenouscorporationsandthecommunity.
InvolvementfromtheGlenelgHopkinsregionalcommunityanditsneighboursisessentialforthesuccessfulimplementationoftheRCS.DetailedengagementandcommunicationprocessesforimplementationoftheRCSwillbedevelopedaspartofanRCSStakeholderandEngagementPlan.
Figure 6: Approximate distribution of Landcare groups within the Glenelg Hopkins catchment.
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
ObjectivesandmanagementmeasuresforcommunityparticipationareshowninTable 4.
objectives (20-years) Management Measures (6-years)
2.1 Maintainandenhancecommunitycapacity,awarenessandinvolvementinnaturalresourcemanagement within the region
2.1.1 PrepareaStakeholderandCommunityEngagementPlanfortheimplementationofthe RCSby2013.
2.1.2 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategybythe endof2013.
2.1.3 Developatargetedcommunityeducationprogramtoincreaseawarenessofnaturalassetswithintheregionandencourageactionsthatimproveland,waterandbiodiversityoutcomes.
2.1.4 Developandimplementprogramstobuildcommunitycapacityinnaturalresourcemanagement.
2.1.5 Undertakecommunityawarenessandextensionactivitiestopromotenaturalresourcemanagementandbestmanagementpracticesinagriculture.
2.1.6 Involvethecommunityindecisionsrelatingtonaturalresourcemanagementwithin theirregion.
2.2 FacilitateacollaborativeapproachtoNRM
2.2.1CollaboratewithIndigenouscommunities,communityorganisations,localgovernment,agencies,tertiaryinstitutionsandindustrygroupstodeveloppartnershipprojectsandjointinitiatives.
2.2.2Improveinter-agencyandcrossbordercommunicationthroughactivesupportofgroups.
2.2.3 Seekopportunitiesforcrossborderandinteragencypartnershipstoaddressmutualnaturalresourcemanagementpriorities.
2.3 Supportlandmanagersinmeetingtheirresponsibilitiesasactivestewardsofthecatchment’sland,waterandbiodiversity
2.3.1 ProvideinformationtolandmanagersontheirresponsibilitiestoconservesoilandprotectwaterresourcesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act.
2.4 Supportfarmerstoincorporateenvironmentaloutcomesintotheirfarmsystems
2.4.1 Wherepossible,makeexistingpropertymanagementplanningtoolsavailable tolandownerson-line.
2.4.2Raiselandownerawarenessofincentiveprograms.
Table 4: Objectives and management measures for community participation.
21
TherearefourmainbasinswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion:Glenelg,Hopkins,PortlandCoastandMillicent (Figure 7). TheMillicentBasinwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregiondoesnotcontainanyrivers,butthereisasmallsectionofthecatchment whichflowsnorthintotheMosquitoCreekcatchmentarea.
TheGlenelgRiveristhelargestriverinsouthwestVictoriaand boastssomeofthestate’sbestriverreaches.BetweenDartmoor andthecoast,theGlenelgRiverisclassifiedasaHeritageRiverundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic).TheGlenelgBasincontainsmorethan150threatenedtonear-threatenedspeciesandecologicalcommunities.TenpercentofallVictorianthreatenedspeciesareresident.Theregionisoneof15listed‘biodiversityhotspots’inAustralia,andoneofonlytwoinVictoria.Significanttributariesof theGlenelgRiverincludetheWannon,Chetwynd,Stokes,CrawfordandWandorivers.
ThefourmaincatchmentswithinthePortlandCoastBasinaretheMoyne,Eumeralla/Shawsystem,DarlotsCreek/FitzroyRiversystemandtheSurry.Thesearerelativelyshortriversandalldraintheimmediateinlandareas,meetingtheSouthernOceanatavariety ofpoints.
TheHopkinsRiverisamajorwaterwaydrainingtheeasternpartoftheregionandenteringtheSouthernOceanatWarrnambool.TheHopkinsBasinislargelyclearedanddevotedtosignificantagriculturalactivity.TheHopkinsestuaryisoneofonlythree‘PremierRivers’forfishingacrossVictoria.TheMerriRiver,theFieryCreekandMtEmuCreekareothersignificantwaterwayswithintheHopkinsBasin.
Theregion’srivershavearangeofsocialvaluesincludingfishing,boating,camping,swimming,picnickingandbushwalking.Inaneconomicsenseriversintheregionarevaluedforthesupplyofwaterforagriculture(andtheirproximitytoagriculturalland),drinkingwater,tourismandfishing.
RivERs AnD FLooDPLAins
22 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
Below: Flooding often poses problems for the community but are a natural process for the maintenance of biological diversity and river health.
rivers anD
flooDplains are
an inTeGral parT
of The caTchmenT
anD proviDe many
social, economic
anD environmenTal
services.
They�are�valued�by�the�community�and�are�highly�important�in�the�movement�and�cycling�of�sediment�and�nutrients�through�the�landscape.
Figure 7: Map of the key river basins in the Glenelg Hopkins region.
1 Glenelg River
2 Wannon River
3 Crawford River
4 Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve
5 Fulhams Reserve
6 Brucknell Creek and Deep Creek
7 Mathers Creek
8 Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve
9 Fitzroy Darlots System
10 Moleside Creek
11 Fiery Creek
12 Mt Emu Creek
13 Stokes River
23
Riversandfloodplainsintheregionareprotectedbytwokeypiecesoflegislation:theWater Act 1989 (Vic)andtheCatchment and Land Protection Act.CurrentlytheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategyandtheVictorianRiverHealthStrategyareinplacetoassist inmanagementofwaterwaysinthisregion.
Bothofthesestrategieswillbesupersededby theVictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy (indevelopment),andtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWaterwayStrategy.
Duringperiodsofprolongedheavyrainfall,stormsurgesorhightides,waterlevelsalongriversrise,oftencausinginundationofthesurroundinglandscape.Whilefloodingcanbecomeaseriousproblemforthecommunityifnotadequatelymanaged,itisanaturalprocessandisimportantforthemaintenanceofbiologicaldiversity.33Akeyfuturechallengewillbetoensuretheprotectionoflifeandproperty,whileallowingriverstomaintaintheirnaturalfloodingprocesses.
LocalfloodmanagementplansandstudieshelpmanagefloodplainsandoutlyingareasintheGlenelgHopkinsregionthatareathighriskofinundation.TownswithareassubjecttofloodingareshowninTable 5.TheRCSoutlinesmeasures(Table 26)thatwillbeundertakeninthefuturetomanagethisrisk.
Glenelg Basin Hopkins Basin Portland Basin
Casterton Beaufort PortFairy
ColeraineUrbanareaofBallarat(withinCMAregion)
Urbanareas ofPortland
Sandford Warrnambool Heywood
Hamilton Skipton Macarthur
Harrow Wickliffe
Dunkeld Ararat
Table 5: Towns in the region with areas subject to flooding.
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rivers anD flooDplains
The2004RiverHealthStrategyrecognisedthesechallengesandmappedoutaprogramofrivermanagement.Significantgainsintheregion’sriverhealthhavebeenmadeoverthepasteightyears. Forexample,intheupperGlenelgRiverregion, 441kilometres(km)ofwaterwayhasbeenprotectedthroughfencing,withassociatedrevegetationandweedcontrol.Instreamhabitatandaquaticbiodiversityhavebeenenhancedthroughenvironmentalwatering,removaloffishbarriers,restoringdeeppoolsandnaturalriverbedformthroughsandremovalandinstallationoflogs,aswellasthecontrolofcarp.
TheRCSwillbuildonthisworkthrougharangeofinstreamandstreamsideinitiatives,andinvestinginon-groundactionssuchasrevegetationandfencing ofriparianareastohelpimprovewaterquality.
Thehigheststreaminflowsinthecatchmentinmorethanadecadeoccurredduring2010-2011.This hadbothpositiveandnegativeimpactsoninlandaquaticecosystemsandwaterqualitymeasures. Threehigh-valuereachesalongtheGlenelgRiverbetweenRocklandsReservoirandtheestuarymetagreedecologicalflowobjectives,withflowlevelsmonitoreddaily.Theaboveaveragerun-offalsobenefitedlakesandwetlandsystemsintheregion,manyofwhicharefullforthefirsttimeinmorethan adecade.
THREATS
TheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy2004-2009identifiedanumberofpotentialthreatstoriverhealthwithintheregion,including:stockaccesstoriparianzones,barrierstonativefishmovement,channelmodification,bankandbedinstability,poorwaterquality,flowdeviation,lossofin-streamhabitat,sanddepositsandpestplantsandanimals(eg.carp).Otherthreatstoriverhealthincludechangesinlanduseandclearanceofstreamsidevegetation.
Currentclimatechangemodellingpredictschangingseasonalpatternswithanincreaseinintenseperiodsofrainfalloverashortertimeframe.Thisislikelytoexacerbatetheriskofflood.Sea-levelrisewillalsoimpactonfloodplainmanagement,increasingtheextentanddepthofinundationoffloodplainsandestuarineareas.Inadditiontoanincreaseinfloodevents,climatechangeisexpectedtopresentfurtherchallengesforthemanagementofriversandfloodplainswithanincreaseintheseverityofdroughtconditions.Annualrun-offintheHopkinsandGlenelgriversispredictedtobereducedby5and30percentby2030.37Thiswillmostlikelyresultinareductioninriverflows,areductioninwaterquality,increasingdemandsonwaterresourcesaswellasincreaseddevelopmentoftheregion’sfloodplains.
Floodinvestigationsarebeingundertakentobetterunderstandandpredicttheoutcomesoffuturefloodevents,whichwillinformfloodplainplanningprocesses.TheRCSseekstomaintainandimprovethehealthofriversandfloodplainsinrelationtoriparianextent,connectivityandhydrologicalregime.
CONDITION�OF�RIVERS�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
RiverconditioninVictoriaisassessedusingtheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC).TheISCisanintegratedtoolforcatchmentmanagementthatmeasurestheenvironmentalconditionofriverreaches.34
The2004ISCassessmentindicatedthatmostriverreachesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionareinmoderatetoverypoorcondition.Thisisgenerallyduetomodifiedflowregimes,degradedriparianvegetation,poorbankconditionandlowwaterqualityfromelevatednutrientsandsalinity.SomeriverreachesintheGlenelgandPortlandbasinswereassessedasbeingingoodcondition.UpdatedISCdataisdue tobereleasedin2012.
TheGlenelgBasinisrecognisedasoneofthemostseverelyerodedcatchmentsinVictoria.ExtensiveerosionhasdeliveredlargevolumesofsandfromtheDundasTablelands,withbetweenfourandeightmillioncubicmetresofsandtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.Biodiversitywithintheriverhasbeenseverelyaffectedbysandbuild-up,withtheoriginalsequenceofdeeppoolsnowfilled,reducinghabitatanddroughtrefuge.35Despitethis,theGlenelgBasinstillcontainsthegreatestbiodiversityvaluesintheregion,withanumberofriverreachesinmoderatetogoodcondition.Thebasinalsocontainsallfiveofthereachesclassifiedas‘ecologicallyhealthy’undertheRegionalRiverHealthStrategy.
StreamswithintheHopkinsandPortlandCoastalbasinsarephysicallystablewithminorerosionassociatedwithstockaccess.Blue-greenalgalbloomshaveoccurredwithincreasingfrequencyinsomeareas.Clearingnativeriparianvegetationandtheintroductionofunsuitableexoticshavealsocontributedtothedeclineinriverhealth.36Moststreamsareinpoortomoderateenvironmentalconditionandhavereducedwaterquality.Poorwaterqualityacrossthecatchmentisgenerallyduetorisingsalinitylevels,increasedsedimentationandnutrientenrichment.However,recenthighflowshaveseenimprovementsacrossanumberofwaterqualitymeasures.
25
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
Identificationofregionallysignificantriverareashasbeenacollaborativeprocess.Theprioritisationprocess hasbeeninformedbyanalysisofexistingstrategiesandconsultationwithregionalexpertsinriverhealth, andcommunityandagenciesthroughuseoftheINFFERprocess.
RiverassetsthathavebeenidentifiedasbeingexceptionalorveryhighlysignificantinvaluearedetailedinTable 6.
River Asset Regional significance
1. GlenelgRiver (as shown in Figure 7)
ThelowersectionoftheGlenelgRiverislistedasaheritageriverundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic), fromsouthofDartmoortoitsmouthatNelson,reflectingitshighnatural,socialandlandscapevalues. Theriverisusedforavarietyofrecreationandtourismactivities,andisapopularcampingdestination. Theriverreachessupportarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheGlenelgSpinyCray.
2. WannonRiver Thiswaterwaycontainshighenvironmentalvaluereaches,arepresentativereachandanecologicallyhealthyreachwithanexcellentISC.Ithasalsobeenidentifiedasakeymechanismforconnectivityinthelandscape. TheWannonfloodplainplaysakeyroleinimprovingwaterqualityforthelowerGlenelgRiver.TheWannonrapidsareacontainsaround237differentnativeplantspeciesandisofhighconservationvalue.
3. CrawfordRiver Thisisamajorwaterwayofaprioritysub-catchmentwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.ThiswaterwaycontainsahighenvironmentalandsocialvaluereachandanecologicallyhealthyreachwithanexcellentISCrating.Theareacontainsanumberofthreatenedfaunaspecies,includingBrolga,BrownQuail,RiverBlackfishandVariegatedPygmyPerch.Recreationalvaluesincludefishingandcamping.TheareaishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.
4. WannonFalls ScenicReserve
Apopularrecreationalreservewithhighscenicandconservationvalue.Itcontainsoneofthefewremnants ofDundasTablelandnativeriparianvegetation.TheareaispartofthewildlifecorridoroftheWannonRiverValleyandhasconsiderablegeomorphicandgeologicalsignificance.Themajorvegetationcommunityismannagumwoodlandandtheflorareservecontainsabout250indigenousplantspecies.Ahealthynativegrassland isalsopresent.38
5. FulhamsReserve
FulhamsReserveisan860hastreamsidereservelocatedalongtheGlenelgRiver.Ithashighrecreationalvalueandishometoadiverserangeoffloraandfaunaspecies.Theareaisanimportantcorridorforthemovement ofbirds,duetothepresenceofwaterinthereserve.111birdspecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinthisarea.
6. BrucknellCreekandDeepCreek
TheareacontainsanumberorrareorendangeredriparianEVCsincludingSwampScrubwhichisoneof therarestEVCsinVictoria.Remainingriparianvegetationhasgoodstructuralintactness.Itisoneofthebest streamsintheHopkinsbasinandprovidesexcellenthabitatforfish.Significantfishspeciesincludethe AustralianGraylingandRiverBlackfish.
7. MathersCreek,Downstream of Cameron’sRd
UppertributaryoftheGlenelgRiverthatislargelyinaccessibletostock,withintactpermanentdeeppoolsprovidingdroughtrefugeforarangeoffauna.Thechainofdeeppoolsisararefeaturefortheregion.39
8. NigrettaFallsScenicReserve
Thisareaisofhighconservationandscenicvalueandisapopulartouristdestination.TheareaislocatedontheWannonRiverandisbotanicallyrich–over165plantspecieshavebeenrecordedwithinthearea,includingimportantremnantgrasslands.40
9. FitzroyDarlotssystem
DarlotcreekflowssouthfromCondahtotheFitzroyRiveratTyrendarra.Theareacontainsanumberof threatenedspecies.
10.MolesideCreek ThiswaterwaycontainsanecologicallyhealthyreachwithagoodISCrating.Theareaisofhighconservationvalue,andsupportsadiverserangeofspecies.Theareahashighsocialvalues,andisapopularlocationforfishingandcamping.
11.FieryCreek(reaches26, 27and28)
Anumberofreacheswithinthissystemareofecologicalsignificanceandsupportsocialandeconomicactivityintheregion.GoodexamplesofremnantCreeklineGrassyWoodlandandRiparianWoodlandoccurwithinthearea.Thelowersectionsofthecreek-especiallyLakeBolac-havehighrecreationvalue,andarepopularforcamping,walking,boatingandfishing.FieryCreekishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.
12.MtEmuCreek(reaches15, 18and22)
Thiscreekcontainsreacheswithrelativelyintactremnantriparianvegetationanddeeppermanentpoolsprovidingdroughtrefugeforthreatenedspecies.
13.StokesRiver TheStokesRivercontainsahighenvironmentalvaluereachandanecologicallyhealthyreach.Riparianvegetationwhichhasgoodstructuralintactness.SignificantEVCsincludeDampsSandsHerb-richWoodland,FloodplainRiparianWoodland,RiparianWoodlandandrareSwampScrub.SignificantfaunaincludeRed-tailedBlackCockatoo,GlenelgSpinyFreshwaterCrayfish,RiverBlackfishandVariegatedPygmyPerch.41
Table 6: Significant river areas within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
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OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
Objectivesandassociatedmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sriversandfloodplainsareshowninTable 7.
TheRCSwillsupporttheimplementationofactionsfromtheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategythatapplytotheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentregion.TheseactionsaresummarisedinTable 8andaredesignedtoprotectandimprovethehealthofwaterways,aquifers,wetlandsandestuaries;andpromotesustainableurban,industrialandruralwateruse.
Table 7: Objectives and management measures for rivers and floodplains.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved by 2019)
3.1WaterwaysclassifiedasgoodorexcellentintheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC3)willremainassuchin2033
3.1.1DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy.*
3.2 TheconditionofspecifiedwaterwayscurrentlyclassedaspoortomoderateintheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC3)isimprovedby2033
3.2.1DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy.
3.3 Improveriverhealthinrelationtoriparianextent,connectivity,hydrologicalregimeandwaterquality
3.3.1 Developandimplementactionplansforprioritywaterwaysandtheircatchmentsexceptwhereexistingparkandforestmanagementplansaddressprioritywaterwaysthatoccurwithinparks,reservesandforests.
3.3.2 Developandimplementseasonalwateringproposals.
3.4 Increaseprovisionof reliablefloodinformation forsettlements
3.4.1 By2014completeaRegionalFloodplainManagementPlan.
3.4.2 Supportthedevelopmentofaframeworkforupgradingfloodwarningsystems.
3.4.3 Completeaprioritylistfornewandupgradedfloodwarningsystemsfortheregion.
3.4.4 Undertakefloodstudiestoimproveknowledgeofpotentialfloodimpactsonsettlements.
3.4.5 Workwithlocalgovernmenttoamendplanningschemestoreflectbestavailable floodinformation.
3.4.6 Developguidelinesforappropriateuseandmanagementoffloodplains.
3.5 Improveriverandfloodplainmanagement
3.5.1Increasecommunitypreparednessforfloodeventsthroughdevelopmentofearlywarningsystemsandfloodawarenessprograms.
3.5.2Seekcommunityinputduringtheplanninganddeliveryofstrategicmanagementplans.
* This strategy will implement actions relevant to the 2013-2019 timeframe of the Regional Strategy for Waterways.
rivers anD flooDplains
27
Action no.
Action
Promoting sustainable water management
3.1 Providingmoresecuritytosection51takeanduselicence-holders.
3.9 Streamliningtheapprovalofsection67storageconstructionlicences.
3.10 Investigatingthepotentialtoharvesthighflows.
3.12 Improvingopportunitiesforwatertradingingroundwaterandunregulatedriversystems.
3.20 Usingconsumptivewaterenrouteforenvironmentalandsocialbenefits.
3.21 Managingriparianland–programstoassistlandholderstoprotect,improveandbettermaintainhighpriorityriparianland.
3.22 Changingenvironmentalmanagementobjectivesinresponsetolong-termchangesinwateravailabilitywillbeconsideredbytheregionalstrategiesforhealthyriversandwetlands.
3.24 DevelopingcapacityforIndigenousinvolvementinwatermanagement.
Making the best use of the region’s groundwater resources
4.7 Systemswithgroundwater/surfacewaterinteractionswillbeidentifiedandconsideredaspartofstrategicgroundwaterresourceassessmentandlocalmanagementplansorstatutorymanagementplans.
4.11 DevelopingMinisterialguidelinesforgroundwaterdependantecosystems.
The Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline and the Wimmera-Glenelg system
6.1 Reviewingoperationofthebulkentitlements.
6.2 Collaboratingtoimproveefficiencyofmanagingandoperatingthesupplysystems.
6.8 ManagingtheWimmera-Glenelgenvironmentalentitlementtoachieveoptimumenvironmentaloutcomesforflows.
The South-west Coast
8.1 Revisedcapsontheamountofunallocatedsurfacewateravailableforwinter-filldiversionsintheSouth-westCoast.
8.4 ImprovedenvironmentalflowsfortheMerriRiver.
8.5 InvestinginintegratedcatchmentmanagementtoimproveSouth-westwaterways.
The Western District
9.3 Investinginintegratedcatchmentmanagementtoimprovewesterndistrictwaterways.
Table 8: Actions from the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy relevant to Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
Below: Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve is a significant river asset and popular
tourist destination.
CAsE sTUDY: lake conDah weir
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‘ �Listen�to�the�land, �respect� it , �walk�softly�on�it �and�it ’ l l �relate. �If �you�l isten�to�the�land�you’l l �hear�things. ’� �
– �Uncle�Johnny�Lovett
Anambitiousinfrastructureprojecttorestorewater toLakeCondahwaswelltimed,withtheconclusion oftheprojectgreetedbythebestrainsexperienced intheregionformorethan10years.
Fouryearsofresearch,planningandcommunityconsultationpavedthewaytoconstructaweiratthesouthernendofLakeCondah,asiteofnationalculturalsignificanceinordertoprovidewatertothelakeallyear.TheLakeCondahSustainableDevelopmentProjectalsoconstructeda450metrepipelinetoensureenvironmentalflowisretainedinDarlot’sCreek.A90metreweirandfishladderwereaddedtorestorefishandeelaccesstothelake,previouslyblockedbythedrain’sconstructionin1946.
Thehigherthanaveragerainfallinthesummerof2010-11meantthewaterlevelinthelakewashigherthanexpectedatthatearlystage.Sincecompletionoftheweirandfillingofthelake,nativebirdshavearrivedinremarkablenumbers:blackswans,blackducks,hardheads,cormorants,grebes,andshovelersintheirhundreds,withmanybreeding,aswell asnotablearrivalsofapairofBrolgas,anda White-belliedSeaEagle.
TheLakeCondahprojectwaswidelysupportedandprovidedanexampleforreconciliationthroughapracticalmeans.ItwasapartnershipbetweentheWinda-MaraAboriginalCorporation,DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,ParksVictoria,GlenelgShireandSouthernRuralWater.
Theprojectprovidedworkfor25Indigenousemployees,whogainedarangeofpracticalworkskillsandaccreditation.
TheweirwascompletedinAugust2010andnamedtocommemoratetheKerrup-jmarapeoplewhoconceivedandconstructedthesophisticatedsystem ofchannelsandfishtrapsatleast6,000yearsago.
ThelakeisinterwovenwiththehistoryoftheGunditjmarapeople.ForthousandsofyearstheGunditjmaramodifiedmorethan100sqkmofthelandscapetobreedandfarmeels.
SomemodificationsofthelandscapebytheGunditjmaraincludeddiggingthroughrocktoallowwatertoflowfromswamptoswamp.Somechainsofchannelsandpondsstretchedmorethan30km,carryingwatertolow-lyingareaswhereasystemofweirswasusedtopondthewater.Thepondsandwetlandsenabledaformofaquaculturewheretheygrewfishandeelsandthenharvestedthemwithwovenbaskets.Eelswerethenpreservedthroughsmoking,andtradedwithneighbours.
StonehousesandstonefishtrapscanstillbeobservedinthebedandshoresofLakeCondahandalongtheBudjBimlandscape.
Below: Lake Condah is a site of national cultural significance.
Photo: Leonard Cooper.
28
The weTlanDs
of The GlenelG
hopkins reGion
conTriBUTe To
environmenTal,
social anD
aGricUlTUral
healTh, anD have
siGnificance
BeyonD The reGion.
Wetlands�are�a�significant�environmental �feature�of�the�Glenel g�Hopkins�region.�
29
WETLAnDs
Thecatchmenthasmorethan5,400wetlands,covering73,000ha orthreepercentoftheregion’sarea.Thisrepresents14percentofVictoria’stotalareaofwetlandsand44percentofthestate’stotalnumberofwetlands.42TheborderregionbetweenSouthAustralia andVictoriahasthehighestdensityofwetlandsinsouthernAustralia. Thedistributionofwetlandsintheregion,aswellassignificantwetlandareas,areindicatedin Figure 8.
SeasonalHerbaceousWetlands(Freshwater)oftheTemperateLowlandPlainshavebeennominatedforlistingundertheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.SeasonalHerbaceousWetlandsareisolatedfreshwaterwetlandsthatareephemeral (non-permanent).
Mostephemeralwetlandsprovidecriticalhabitatforarangeofinvertebratecommunities.Reptilessuchassnakes,lizardsandturtles liveinornearthesewetlands.BrolgasbuildtheirnestsfromgrassymaterialonsmallislandsordirectlyonshallowwatersandarelistedasthreatenedinVictoria,SAandNSW.Theabsenceoffishduetoseasonaldryperiodsprovidesgoodbreedingandforaginghabitatwherefrogspeciescancompletetheirlifecycles.43Thesewetlandsalsoprovidefeedingsitesforarangeofnativewaterbirdspecies.Someterrestrialmammalsmakeuseofthesewetlandsforfeedingorhabitat,andbats flyoverthewetlandstofeedoninsectsemergingfromthewaterandhabitatsonthewetlandmargin.
Wetlandsareanintegralpartoftheregion’slandscapeandunderpinsomeofthemostsignificantrecreationalattractionsintheregionincludingboating,fishing,camping,swimmingandsightseeing. Theyalsohelpsupporttheregionaleconomythroughtourism,agricultureandfisheriesactivities.
Below: Wetlands provide critical habitat for a range of species.
Photo: James Pevitt.
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weTlanDs
WetlandsoftheGlenelgHopkinshavelongbeenacknowledgedaskeyareasforconservationunder anumberofinternationalagreements.LakeBookaar,nearCamperdown,isrecognisedundertheRamsarConventionasawetlandofinternationalimportance,44 whileseveralotherwetlandsfallwithintheflywaysofbirdspeciesrecognisedunderinternationaltreaties(JAMBA,CAMBAandROKAMBA).ThereisalsothreeImportantBirdAreas(IBA)45includingYambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBaytoPiccaninniePondsIBA.Sixteenoftheregion’swetlandsarelistedintheDirectoryofImportantWetlandsofAustralia(DIWA).
SinceEuropeansettlement,manywetlandshavebeendrained,reducingtheirextentandconnectivity.46Otherwetlandshavebeenaffectedbygrazing,croppingorestablishmentoftreeplantations.
Wetlandsareintegraltohealthyecosystemsintheregion’slandscape,particularlywithrespecttowaterqualityandbiodiversity.Theyreceiverun-off,absorbandfilterfloodwaters,replenishgroundwaterreserves,actasdirectsurfacewatersupplies47andareimportantdroughtrefugesforwildlife.
Theregion’swetlandsvarygreatly,rangingfromlargeandpermanentfreshwaterlakestosmallandephemeral(non-permanent)freshwatermeadows.
CONDITION�OF�WETLANDS�IN� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
Theconditionofwetlandsvariesconsiderablyover theregion.Whilemanyareingoodcondition,largenumbershavebeendegraded.
Theextentofwetlandshasdeclinedbyapproximately50percentsinceEuropeansettlement.Primarycausesforthedeclinearedrainageandconversiontoagriculture.
Permanentlakeshaveafairlystablewaterlevelwhileephemeralwetlandsareexposedtofluctuatinglevels,includingadryingphase.Theseprocessesinfluenceplantcommunities,whichwillreactdifferentlyunderdifferentthreatsandstressors.
TheIndexofWetlandCondition(IWC)wasdevelopedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)inNovember2005tomeasuretheconditionofwetlandsacrossVictoria.TheIWCmeasuresaspectsofthewetland’ssoils,water,plantsandthewetlandcatchment.Themethodisdesignedfornaturallyoccurringwetlandswithoutamarinehydrologicalinfluence.DEPIcoordinatedanassessmentofthecondition(health)ofapproximately600wetlandsacrossthestateinspringandsummer2009using theIWCmethod,andafurther300inearly2011. Table 9providesabreakdownofwetlandcondition forsixwetlandtypesintheregion.
ThisbreakdownoftheIWCresultsrevealsthatamajorityofthewetlandswereingoodtoexcellentconditionwiththeexceptionofmeadows.Thisisconsistentwiththefactthatmeadowsaretheleastobviousonthelandscapeandtendtoexistonlandthatisfavourableforagriculture.Ontheotherhand,deepandshallowmarshestendtohavelongerperiodsofinundationandarethereforelessconducivetoagriculturalconversion.
Figure 8: Wetlands in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment.
1 Boiler Swamp
2 Dergholm Wetlands
3 Long Swamp
4 Bridgewater Lakes
5 Lake Condah
6 Tower Hill
7 Lake Bookar
8 Nerrin Nerrin Wetlands
9 Woorndoo Wetlands
10 Lake Linlithgow
11 Bryans Swamp
12 Lake Muirhead
13 Mt William Swamp
14 Lake Muirhead
15 Gooseneck Swamp
3131
CONDITION�OF�WETLANDS�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
Wetland condition rating for six wetland types found in the region
Type % of all wetlands % Surveyed % of all types
surveyed Excellent Good Insufficient Data Moderate Poor
Deepmarsh 12.3% 6.9% 27.0% 30 15 4 1
Shallowmarsh 20.3% 4.1% 27.0% 33 6 2 5 4
Meadow 47.4% 2.5% 37.8% 17 8 1 13 31
Openwater 13.9% 0.8% 3.8% 3 1 3
Permsaline 1.5% 8.0% 3.8% 3 3 1
Semisaline 4.5% 0.4% 0.5% 1
Table 9: Wetland condition assessment by wetland type for the Glenelg Hopkins region.
Photo: James Pevitt
THREATS
Ofthewetlandsthatremainintheregion,mostareonprivatelandandexistasrelicsacrossalandscapelargelyconvertedforagriculture.Manyaredirectlyaccessedbystockorlackfringingvegetation,resultinginchangedhydrologyandimpactingontheirnaturalprocesses.Consequently,thebulkoftheremainingwetlandsareartificiallydryand/orareexposedtopollution,nutrientenrichment,pesticidesandherbicides(throughrun-offanddrift),andpestplantandanimalinfestations.
Climatevariabilityinfluenceshowlandadjacenttoandwithinwetlandsismanaged.Overthepastfiveyearsandpriortothewetsummerof2010-11,manywetlandsweredryforanextendedperiodandsomehadbeenconvertedtocroppingorplantationforestry.BasedoncurrentestimatesofVictoria’sfutureclimate,theextentandfrequencyofdroughtsinVictoriamaymorethandoubleby2050.48ThiswillundoubtedlypresentincreasedpressuresonthewetlandsoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion.
Recentrainhasnotnecessarilyalleviatedthepressureonwetlands.Followingthespringandsummerrainfalleventsof2010and2011,therearerenewedcallsfordrainageofwetlandsandfloodplainsinordertoreturnthislandtoagriculturalproduction.
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weTlanDs
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
SignificantwetlandareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionareshowninTable 10 and Figure 8.TheseareashavebeendeterminedfromanumberofprocessesincludingINFFERandconsultationwithkeypartners.
Asset name Regional significance
1. BoilerSwampWetlandSystem
Thissystemconsistsofabandofwetlandsandisofhighconservationvalueforitsfloraandfauna. ThiswetlandsystemisfrequentedbytwospecieslistedunderJAMBAandCAMBA.49Thesewetlands arenationallysignificantandarelistedontheDirectoryofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(DIWA).
2. Dergholm(Youpayang)Wetlands
Thesewetlandsareanetworkofshallowanddeepfreshwatermarshes.Theysupportadiverserange offloraandfauna,andareofhighconservationvalue.ThiswetlandcomplexislistedontheDIWA.50
3. LongSwampAcoastalfreshwaterwetlandseparatedfromtheseabyanextensivedunefield.Thiswetlandisutilised bythecommunityforrecreationandisofhighscenicvalue.Thislakeisratedasawetlandofnationalimportance(DIWAlisted)andisnotedforitsfloraandfauna.
4. BridgewaterLakesAfreshwaterlineoflakesinadunecorridor.Theareahashighsocialvalueswithwatersports,fishing,swimmingandbushwalking(GreatSouthWestWalk).Theareaisanimportantdroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandprovidesfreshwaterhabitat.
5. LakeCondahandAllambieWetlands
Aseasonalstream-fedwetlandwhichprovidesrichseasonalhabitatforavarietyofwildlife.Geomorphologicalfeaturesareofnationalsignificance,theareacontainsIndigenoussitesofinternationalsignificance.Theareaisrenownedforshort-finnedeel,blackfishandmanywaterbirds.51LakeCondahislistedontheDIWA.
6. TowerHillIsauniquewetlandtypeformedinavolcaniccrater.Thesewetlandsareofhigh-valuefortheirfloraandfaunaaswellastheirgeomorphology,geologyandinvertebrates.Socially,TowerHillisanimportanttouristattractionduetoitsscenery,walkingtracks,wildlifeandfacilities.52TowerHillislistedontheDIWA.
7. LakeBookaarLakeBookaarisRAMSARlisted.Itisapermanent,brackishlakeformedbetweenbasaltflows.Itisa high-valuewetlandforitsecologicalandeducationalfeaturesandparticularlyforitsbirdlife.53Itisratedasbeingofnationalandinternationalimportance.
8. NerrinNerrinWetlands
Thissystemconsistsofanetworkofstream-fedfreshwatertobrackishwetlands.Itconsistsoffivewetlandsthatprovideavarietyofhabitatswhichsupportadiversityofvegetationtypesandwaterbirds.Currentrecreationalusesincludenatureconservation,grazing,waterextraction,commercialeelfishingandduckhunting.Grazingandcroppingoccurinthesurroundingarea.54ThesewetlandsarelistedontheDIWA.
9. WoorndooWetlandsAnarrowstringoflunettewetlandsbetweenWoorndooandtheHopkinsRiver.Currentlandusesincludenatureconservation,grazing,andduckhunting.55ThesewetlandsareratedasanationallysignificantwetlandandarelistedontheDIWA.Thewetlandsprovideimportanthabitatforanumberofthreatenedbirdspecies.
10.LakeLinlithgowSystem
Thesewetlandsareofhighconservationvaluefortheirfloraandfauna.TheycoveralargeareaandhavethecapacitytoholdverylargenumbersofwaterbirdsinapartoftheVictorianVolcanicPlainswhichhasfewlargepermanentwetlands.Thissystemactsasadroughtrefugeandincludesseveralwetlandtypesthatvaryinsalinityanddepth.Socially,thewetlandsystemisimportantforrecreationactivitiessuchasboatingandfishing.56ThiswetlandislistedontheDIWA.
11.BryansSwamp An805haswampwhichisaccessibletothepublicandisgoodforbirdwatching.
12.LakeMuirheadAlarge,permanent,shallowfreshwaterswampthatisanexampleofanuncommonmechanismforwetlandformationinVictoria.ItisamajorflockingsiteforBrolgasaswellasotherbirdspecies.ThiswetlandisratedasanationallysignificantwetlandandislistedontheDIWA.
13.MountWilliamSwamp
Alarge,shallowfreshwaterswampsurroundedbygrazingland.Thewetlandisagoodexampleofa reed-dominatedshallowfreshwatermarshwhichisnotcommoninVictorianmidlands.ThewetlandsupportsmanywaterbirdspeciesincludingBrolga.Duckhuntingispopular.58ThiswetlandislistedontheDIWA.
14.CockajemmyLakes Asystemofsaltlakesthatisaflockingareaforbirds,includingBrolga.Thisattractionmakesitapopularsiteforbirdwatching.Thelakesaresurroundedbyagriculturalland.
15.GooseneckSwampA60haephemeralwetlandthatispubliclandandclassifiedasNationalPark.Theswampprovideshabitatandrefugeforanumberofthreatenedfaunaandfloraspecies.InrecentyearsithassupportedbreedingeventsforIbisandfeedinggroundsforthethreatenedBrolga.
SeasonalHerbaceousWetlands
ThisassetincorporatestheSeasonalHerbaceousWetlands(Freshwater)oftheTemperateLowlandPlains.SeasonalHerbaceousWetlandsareisolatedfreshwaterwetlandsthatprovidecriticalhabitatforanumber oflistedthreatenedspecies.
Table 10: Significant wetland areas within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
The priorities listed in Table 10 may be refined with the completion of the Aquatic Value Identification and Risk Assessment (AVIRA) database and development of the Regional Waterway Strategy.
3333
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
ObjectivesandrelatedmanagementmeasuresforwetlandsaredetailedinTable 11.
Below: Wetlands are important for agriculture, biodiversity
and social values.
Photos (L-R): James Pevitt, Rob Drummond, James Pevitt.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved by 2019)
4.1 By2033,improvetheconditionofwetlands,andmaintainthediversityofwetlandtypes(usingIWC1assessment for comparison)
4.1.1DevelopandimplementawetlandstrategicframeworkaspartoftheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.
4.1.2Developstrategicmanagementplansforsignificant(priority)wetlands.
4.1.3Developbestmanagementpracticesforwetlands.
4.1.4 SupportIndigenouswetlandrestorationprojects.
4.1.5Establishamanagementframeworkforreinstatingdrainedwetlands.
4.1.6 Reviewtheeffectivenessofcurrentmeasurestomitigatetheimpactofland-use changeonwetlands.
4.1.7 Througheducationandincentiveprograms,increasethenumberofprivatelandmanagersimplementingbestwetlandmanagementpractices.
4.1.8 Preventnegativeimpactstowetlandsfromnewdevelopmentsbyworkingwithcouncilstoimplementwetland-specificplanningschemeoverlays.
4.1.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandpurchaseofprioritywetlands.
Table 11: Objective and management measures for wetlands.
esTUaries are
BoDies of waTer
where rivers meeT
The sea.
The�ever-changing�characteristics�of�estuaries�are�influenced�by�catchment�rainfal l �and�subsequent�run-off, �ocean�swel ls, �winds�and�tides. 59�
EsTUARiEs
34 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
TheeightmajorestuariesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionare theGlenelgRiverEstuary,FawthropLagoon,SurryRiverEstuary, FitzroyRiverEstuary,YambukLake,MoyneRiverEstuary,MerriRiverEstuaryandtheHopkinsRiverEstuary(Figure 9).MoyneEstuaryandthesmalleroutletassociatedwiththeFawthropLagoonarekeptpermanentlyopenwhiletheremaindernaturallyintermittentlyclosefollowingtheformationofasandbarattheestuarymouth.Closureoftencoincideswithseasonalperiodsoflowcatchmentrainfall andrun-off.Estuariesthatintermittentlyclosewithintheregiontypicallyreopenfollowinghighrainfalleventswhenthereisenough waterflowingdowntherivertoflushthebuilt-upsandfromtheestuarymouth.
Estuariesarehighlydynamicandproductivesystemswhichsupport arichanddiversearrayofwildlifeanduniquewetlandvegetationcommunities.Theyprovidekeyspawningandnurserygroundsformanyspeciesoffish,criticalbreedingandforagingareasforbirds, areadroughtrefugeandplayapivotalroleinmaintainingwaterqualitythroughnutrientandsedimentfiltering.Regionalestuaries alsosupportasignificantnumberofthreatenedspeciesthatare listedundertheFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic)andtheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Estuariesunderpinkeysocial,economicandculturalheritagevalueswithinsouthwestVictoria.Theyareasignificantdrawcardfortourismandarehighlyvaluedbythelocalandbroadercommunityforscenicbeauty,recreationalfishing,swimming,camping,birdwatchingandboating.Investmenthasbeenmadeinpublicinfrastructuretosupportrecreationaluseofestuaries,particularlythosenearpopulationcentresatWarrnambool,PortFairy,Yambuk,Narrawong,PortlandandNelson.Estuariesareculturallysignificant,andtheFitzroyEstuaryoccurswithintheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape.
Whenestuariesintermittentlyclose,theresultantincreaseinwaterlevelhassignificantenvironmentalbenefitswhenadjoiningwetlandsandfringingvegetationareflooded.However,therearealsoeconomiccostsassociatedwithfloodingofhighlyproductiveagriculturallandandinfrastructuresuchasjettiesandroads.Therefore,thedecisiontoartificiallyopentheestuarytorelievefloodingrequiresconsiderationofarangeofenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.
Thereareanumberofpotentialconsequencesofartificiallyopeningestuariesatinappropriatetimes,includingfishkillsandtheflushing offisheggsandlarvaeouttosea.60GlenelgHopkinsCMAusestheEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS)toconsidertherisksofartificiallyopeningestuarymouthsatdifferentwaterlevelsandtimesoftheyear,andpossibleimpactsoninfrastructureandnaturalassets.61TheRCSwillimplementthissystemacrosstheregion’ssixintermittentlyclosedestuariestoensurethattheyareappropriatelymanaged.
35
Theenvironmentalsignificanceofseveralofthecatchment’sestuariesisrecognisedatanationalandinternationallevel.TheGlenelgRiverestuaryislistedasaHeritageRiverunderthe Heritage Rivers ActandasawetlandofnationalsignificanceintheDirectory ofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(DIWA).TheYambukLakecomplex,alongwiththeLowerMerriRiverWetlands(Kelly’sandSaltwaterswamps)are alsolistedasnationallyimportant(DIWA)wetlands.Estuariesalsoprovideimportanthabitatformigratoryspeciesandareprotectedunderinternationalagreements.
CONDITION�OF�ESTUARIES�IN� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
AVictorianIndexofEstuaryCondition(IEC)is currentlyindevelopment.TheIECwillidentifypotentialmeasuresforuseinaconsistent,systematicassessmentofestuarineecologicalcondition. Thisdata,togetherwithinformationaboutthesocial,economicandculturalvaluesofeachestuary,willcontributetoacomprehensiveriskassessmentthatidentifiesthevaluesandthreatstoeachoftheestuariesinthisregion.TheRegionalWaterwayStrategywillidentifypriorityreachesandmanagementactionsrequiredtoprotectorenhancethosevalues.
Regularwaterqualitymonitoringcontributestotheregulationandadministrationofartificialrivermouthopenings,implementationofmanagementactions andidentificationofemergingissuestoestuaryhealth.DatafromregularwaterqualityprofilesandsurfacemeasurementsfromtelemetrystationscontributetotheunderstandingofphysicalandbiologicalprocessesandareanimportantcomponentoftheCMA’sestuarymanagement.Thelong-termdatasethasbeenprovidedtoseveralresearchprojects,includingthetrialIndexofEstuaryCondition.Ultimately,estuarymonitoringaimstoimproveknowledgetoenablebetterprotectionandmanagementofestuarineassets.
Toimprovetheconditionforestuarineenvironmentsthefollowingpointsneedtobeaddressed:
• improvementofwaterqualityinwaterwaysfeedingestuaries
• restorationandprotectionofnaturalriparianvegetationalongmajorwaterwaysintheGlenelgHopkinsregion
• increasedlengthofriveravailabletonativefish intheGlenelgHopkinsregionwhilemaintainingcarp-freestatusandexcludingexoticpredatorfish
• nofurtherdeclineorlossofrareorthreatenedestuarinedependentfloraorfaunaspecies.
Figure 9: Location of estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins region.
36 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
esTUaries
THREATS
Estuariesaredynamicandresilientsystems,butfaceabroadrangeofthreatsfromhumanandnaturalcauses.Theproximityofestuariestocoastalsettlementsexposesthemtointensivelevelsofrecreationandsocialuse.Predictedrapidpopulationgrowthincoastalareaswillincreasedevelopmentpressure,particularlyalongwaterways.Thehigh-valueofcoastalagriculturalland willcontributetothepressureoncoastallandgenerally,includinglandadjacenttoestuaries.62
Themainthreatstotheregion’sestuariesinclude:inappropriatedevelopment,inappropriatelanduse,lossofinstreamhabitat,ripariandegradation,reducedwaterquality,exoticfloraandfauna,bankandbedinstability,stockaccesstoriparianzonesandflowdeviation.
Unlicensedartificialestuarymouthopeningscanalsohaveanegativeimpactontheformandfunction ofestuaries.ImplementationoftheEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemandassociatedincreasedcommunityunderstandingofestuaryfunctionwillreducethepotentialthreatfromtheseactivities.
Estuariesandtheirassociatedwetlandcomplexesareparticularlysusceptibletoclimatechangeimpacts.Hydrologicalchangesassociatedwithclimatechangeprovideachallengeformanagementoflanduseandhabitatvaluesinareasadjacenttoestuaries.Alteredinundationandsalinityregimesfromincreasedsealevels,stormsurges,lowerrainfall,increasedtemperaturesandincreasedstormeventswillaffectinfrastructureandbiotabothinandadjacenttoestuaries.
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
Identificationofregionallysignificantestuarieshasbeenacollaborativeprocess.Consultationwithregionalexpertsinestuarinehealth,analysisofexistingstrategiesandextensivecommunityandagencyconsultationusingtheINFFERprocesshasbeenundertakentoidentifyandprioritisetheregionalassetsshowninTable 12.
Asset Regional Significance
GlenelgRiverEstuary
TheGlenelgRiverEstuaryisaheritagereach.ItispartoftheDiscoveryBayCoastalParkandtheGlenelgRiver islistedontheNationalEstateRegister.TheGlenelgRiverEstuaryislinkedtoPiccaninniePondsConservationParkinSouthAustralia.Itisahigh-valuewetlandforitsecologicalfeatures,andistheonlyestuarinelagoonsysteminVictoriadevelopedwithinaframeworkofdunecalcareniteridges.ItistheonlyremainingrelativelyundisturbedsaltmarshcommunityinwesternVictoria.Socialvaluesincludefishing,boatingandwalking.
MoyneRiverEstuaryandBelfastLough
Thissystemsupportskeysocialandeconomicvalues,includinganoperationalportandsubsequentcommercial,recreationalactivitiesandsupportsarangeofcriticalhabitatsandspecies.63Thesystemisadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandisanurseryareaforfish.
MerriRiverEstuary
ThisestuaryisawetlandofnationalsignificanceandislistedontheDIWA.ThesystemsupportssignificanthabitatforrareandthreatenedspeciesandhasbeenanimportantmeetingplacefortheGunditjmarapeopleforthousandsofyears.64TheareacontainssignificanthabitatforrarespeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrotandarebreedinggroundsfortheHoodedPloverandothernestingbirds.TheareacontainsanumberofplantspeciesthatareconsideredrareorthreatenedinVictoria.65
YambukLake
ThesystemisawetlandofnationalsignificanceandislistedontheDIWA.Itsupportsadiverserangeofhabitatforalargenumberofnationallyandinternationallyprotectedspecies.66Duringdroughtthelakeandwetlandsprovidefeedingandbreedinggroundsofstate-wideimportance.28nativefloraspeciesofregionalsignificancehavebeenrecordedwhicharerareorthreatenedinthelocalbioregion.Itisanimportantregionalrecreation andtouristdestination.
Below: Hopkins River Estuary is an important nursery area for juvenile fish, and supports a range of recreational activities.
Photo: James Pevitt.
37
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS�(Cont.)
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURESObjectivesandmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sestuariesaresummarisedinTable 13.
Below: Estuaries underpin many social, economic, cultural and environmental
values within the region.
Photos (L-R): James Pevitt.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved by 2019)
5.1By2033,improvetheconditionofestuariesacrosstheregionascomparedwiththe 2018IECassessment
5.1.1 DevelopandimplementanestuariesstrategicframeworkthroughtheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.
5.1.2 ReviewEstuaryManagementPlansastheyexpire,inconjunctionwiththe RegionalWaterwayStrategy.
5.1.3RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlanby2014.
5.1.4 DevelopEnvironmentSignificanceOverlaystoprotectestuariesfrominappropriatedevelopmentanduse.
5.1.5 Whereappropriateidentifystrategiclandpurchasesitesfortheprotectionandimprovement ofestuaryfunctionandbiodiversityvalues.
5.1.6 ImplementEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemacrosstheeightestuariesthatoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.
5.1.7 Conductresearchintoestuarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithcoastalandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.
5.1.8 ContinueestuarymonitoringtoinformEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS) andenableimplementationofIEC.
Table 13: Objectives and management measures for estuaries.
Asset Regional Significance
HopkinsRiverEstuary
Atotalof39fishspecieshavebeenfoundintheestuarywhichisanimportantnurseryareaforjuvenilefish.Terrestrialhabitatsurroundingtheestuaryisequallyimportantforbirds,mammalsandreptiles.TherivermarksthetribalborderoftheKirraeWhurrong,GunditjmaraandTjapWhurrongpeoplesandishighlyimportanttotheIndigenouscommunity(listedontheNationalTrustofAustralia).67Theestuaryisusedforavarietyofrecreationalactivitiesincludingwalking,cycling,boating,waterskiing,swimming,rowingandrecreationalfishing,andisapopulartouristdestination.
FitzroyRiverEstuary
TheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscapeisakeyculturalsitewithintheDarlotsCreekcatchment. RareandthreatenedplantsarefoundintheareaincludingtheSaltPaperbark.120birdspecieshavebeen identified,17ofwhicharelistedundertheFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act)andtwounder theCommonwealthEnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (including theOrange-belliedParrot).ThreatenedfaunathatoccurwithintheareaincludetheSpot-tailedQuoll (listedunderFFG ActandEPBC Act).
Table 12: Significant estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins region.
CoAsTs
38 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
The reGion’s
DramaTic
coasTline, wiTh
iTs TowerinG cliffs
anD exTensive DUne
sysTems, has Been
carveD oUT By
chanGinG sea
levels, volcanic
acTiviTy anD winD
anD waTer
erosion.68
The�coastal �area�contains�some�of�Australia’s �most�beautiful, �spectacular�and�pristine�environments�that�represent�a�unique�blend�of�values�important�to�residents�and�visitors.�
Photo: James Pevitt
SeventythreepercentofVictoriansratecoastalandmarineenvironmentsasthemostimportantnaturalfeatureofVictoria.69 Thecoastcontributessignificantlytotheeconomic,cultural,environmentalandrecreationallifeoflocal,regionalandstatecommunities.Environmentally,thecoastisrichinbiodiversityand ishometoavarietyofthreatenedspecies.Thecoastalzonealsocontainsregionallysignificantports,industryandmanysitesofAboriginalandEuropeanhistoricalsignificance.70
Theboundariesofthecoastlinearecurrentlynotformallydefined.WhendeterminingtheextentoftheGlenelgHopkinscoastline,referenceismadetotheVictorianCoastalStrategy.Thestrategyrefersto‘…allprivateandcoastalCrownlanddirectlyinfluencedbytheseaordirectlyinfluencingthecoastline.Thoseinfluencesrangefromvisualtodrainageimpacts’.71
TheGlenelgHopkinsCMAdevelopedaCoastalAssetTooltoguidethedefinitionoftheinlandextentofthecoastalzone.Figure 10 shows theGlenelgHopkinsregioncoastalzoneandthesignificantareasthatitcontains.
Themajorityofthecoastisinpublicownership,withspecificareasunderdelegatedcommunitymanagement,andalimitedamountinprivateownership.72AproportionofthecoastlineisprotectedasparksandreservesmanagedbyParksVictoria.ParksVictoriaisthereforeakeystakeholderinurbanandindustrialdevelopmentincoastalareasandinthemanagementofcoastalandestuarineenvironments.73
CoastalareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionoccurwithinthreebioregions:GlenelgPlain,WarrnamboolPlainandBridgewaterPlain.
CoastalfloraandfaunacommunitiesoftheGlenelgPlainbioregionarecomposedofbeachanddunevegetation.Italsoincludesalargelyunvegetatedextensivedunesystemwithlakesthatsupportwetlandvegetation.Geomorphicallysignificantbasalticseacavesoccuralongadjoiningcoastline,withextensivecoastalcliffs,saltmarshesandwetheathlands.74Thebioregionsupportsawidevarietyofreptiles,birdsofprey,waterbirds,woodlandandground-dwellingbirds, andanarrayofmammalspecies.75
39
Figure 10: Distribution of the Glenelg Hopkins coastal zone and significant areas.
1 Moyne River Estuary and Belfast Lough
2 Glenelg River Estuary
3 Merri River Estuary
4 Yambuk Lake
5 Hopkins River Estuary
6 Fitzroy River Estuary
7 Long Swamp
8 Bridgewater Lakes
9 Tower Hill
10 Lower Glenelg National Park
11 Discovery Bay Coastal Park
12 Mt Clay State Forest and Narrawong Flora Reserve
13 Cobboboonee National Park and Forest Park
14 Mount Richmond National Park
15 Bats Ridge Wildlife Reserve
16 Cape Nelson State Park
MostoftheWarrnamboolPlainbioregionisinprivateownership.AtthetimeofEuropeansettlementthecoastalplainsweredominatedbyforests,heathyandgrassywoodlandsandcoastalshrubsandgrasslands.Therehasbeensubstantialclearingofallvegetationtypes,particularlythoseondeeper,morefertilesoils.
Theremainingnativeecosystemsarehighlysignificantandvitalforbiodiversityconservation.Severelydepletedecosystemsofparticularimportanceincludeopencoastalshrubsandshallowfreshwaterwetlands.Vegetationremnantsareatriskfromweedinvasionandrabbits,whilenativefaunaisincreasinglyaffectedbyintroducedpredators(foxesandferalcats),fragmentationandmodificationofhabitats.
TheBridgewaterbioregionisathincoastalplainwith asandridgestretchingalongthecoastlineandalagoonalsystemsituatedbehind.Thelagoonalsystemsupportsanetworkofdeep-waterpools,collapsedcavernsandsinkholes.
CONDITION�OF�THE�COAST�ALONG� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
Thecoastalzoneencompassesanumberofvalues thatneedtobeincorporatedintoaconditionassessment.Theseincludeestuarinehealth,wetlandhealth,extentofnativevegetationandthepresence ofthreatenedspecies.
Basedontheseconsiderations,itcouldbedeterminedthat,overall,thecoastalenvironmentisunderextremepressureandmaybeconsideredtobeinmarginalcondition.
Somespecificassetareasmaybeconsideredtobe inmarginaltogoodconditionbutgenerallythiswouldberelatedtotheprotectionthatisaffordedtothem(forexample,areasofnationalpark).
Akeychallengeforimprovingormaintainingtheconditionofthecoastalzoneiscoastaldevelopment.Whereareasofthecoastlineareunderhighdemandandaresubjecttodevelopmentpressures,coastalhabitatstendtograduallyfragmentorarelost.76
Thelikelyimpactsofclimatechangewilladdfurtherchallengesandposeseriousimpactsonbiodiversityandecosystemhealth.77
ESTUARIES
Theconditionofestuariesisaddressedinthe previoussection.
COASTAL WETLANDS
WetlandswithintheGlenelgHopkinsCMAcoastalzonecover6,073ha,ofwhichhalfisonCrownlandprimarilyassociatedwithparksandreserves. ThenumberofcoastalwetlandsonCrownlandis one-quarterofthetotalnumberofcoastalwetlands.
MostofthesystemsonCrownlandarelargerandmoreconnected.Theremaining50percentofthecoastalwetlandareamakesupapproximately 75percentofthetotalnumberofcoastalwetlands.Theyaregenerallysmallerinsize,aremorefragmentedandoccuracrossamatrixoflandthatislargelyusedforstockgrazing.Manyareopentostockaccessandalargenumber,primarilythosebehindthedunes,aresinksforagriculturaldrainageandrun-off.
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coasTs
Thisislikelytoresultinincreasedperiodsofinundationandcompromisedwaterquality.
Coastalresidentialdevelopmenthasimpactedseveralareasofcoastalwetlands,bothdirectlythroughdrainageandconversion.Theyarealsoexposedtohigherintensityrecreationaluse.
Coastalwetlandsareparticularlyvulnerabletoclimatechangeimpactssuchasinundationfromrisingsealevelsandstormsurges.
COASTAL HAbITAT
ThecoastalregionoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontainsawiderangeofhabitatsthatsupportdiverseanduniquefloristicspeciesandcommunities.Thisincludesrelativelylargepocketswithgoodlevelsofconnectivityinthewest,tosmallerisolatedpatches intheeast.ThemajorvegetationcommunitiesincludeCoastalDuneScrub,DampSandsHerb-richWoodlandandassociatedWetandDampHeathlandcomplexes.
Europeansettlementbroughtvastchangestothecoastallandscape,resultinginhighlymodifiedplantcommunities.Largeexpansesofcoastalvegetationhavebeenclearedforagriculturalpurposesandthisfragmentationcontinuestobeamajorconcernthroughfuturedevelopmentofhigh-valuecoastalland.
Introducedanimalssuchasrabbits,havebeenresponsiblefortheongoingdeclineofindigenousspecieswhiletheintroductionofexoticandenvironmentalweeds–inparticular,speciessuchasMarramGrass,CoastalTea-treeandNewZealandMirrorBush–hashadanirreversibleeffectonvegetationcommunities.Akeychallengeistomaintainahealthyanddiversecoastalecosystemthatexhibitsconnectivityonalandscapescale,particularlywherethecoastisinhighdemandorunderthreatfromtheimplicationsofclimatechange.
COASTAL THREATENED SPECIES
AnumberofEPBC Actlistedthreatenedspeciesoccurwithinthecoastalzone,includingtheOrange-belliedParrot(endangered),SouthernBent-wingBat(vulnerable),LimeFern(endangered),Pretty Leek-orchid(endangered)andMetallicSun-orchid(endangered).
THREATS
Coastalareasareexperiencingunprecedentedincreasesinpopulationandtourismactivity,and thecoastalenvironmentishighlyvalued.However,pollution,erosionandover-developmentaremajorthreats.78
Impactsofmanagementactivitiesinthecatchmentdirectlyandindirectlyaffectthecoastalzone.Nutrientandsedimentenrichmentofwaterways,chemicalpollutionandreducedwaterflowspotentiallyimpactonthehealthofthecoastalenvironment.
Similartootherareasofthecatchment,thecoastisthreatenedbylossofbiodiversity,pestplantandanimalinvasionanderosion.However,instarkcontrasttoothercatchmentareas,theincreaseinpopulationgrowthandassociatedurbandevelopmentalongthecoastalstripiscontributingtothesignificantimpact onthehealthofthecoastalenvironment.79
ThekeythreatstotheGlenelgHopkinscoastline canbesummarisedas:
• inappropriateplanninganddevelopment
• pestplants
• pestanimals
• sea-levelrise
• stormsurges
• inundation
• coastalacidsulphatesoils
• unsustainabletourism
•waterquality
• waterquantity
• unauthorisedartificialrivermouthopenings
• erosion.
Climatechangepredictionshaveindicatedthatsealevelsareprojectedtorise.Thisisasignificantissue fortheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentregion,asitcontainsmorethan220kmofcoastline.Thefrequencyofstormeventsandstormsurgesincoastalareasisalsoforecasttoincrease,anderosionandinundationmayworsen,impactingcoastalandmarineecosystems.80
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
SignificantcoastalareasarelistedinTable 14.Itshouldbenotedthattheseareasarealsoidentifiedunderotherassetthemesincludingterrestrialhabitat,estuaries,andwetlands.AnumberofconsultativeprocessescontributedtothislistofsignificantareasincludingtheINFFERprocess,agencyconsultationandconsultationwithcoastalexperts.
DEPIiscurrentlydevelopingamethodologytoidentifycoastalassets.Significantcoastalassets(Table 14) willbereviewedfollowingthecompletionofthiswork.
41
Asset name Regional significance
1. MoyneRiverEstuaryand BelfastLough
ThissystemsupportskeysocialandeconomicvalueswithinthePortFairyarea,includinganoperationalportandrecreationalactivities.Theareaprovidescriticalhabitatforthreatenedspecies,81isadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandisanurseryareaforfish.
2. GlenelgRiverEstuary
TheGlenelgRiverestuaryhassignificantnatural,recreation,scenicandIndigenousculturalvalues.ItistheonlyestuarinelagoonsysteminVictoriadevelopedwithinaframeworkofdunecalcareniteridges,andtheonlyremainingrelativelyundisturbedsaltmarshcommunityinwesternVictoria.Socialvaluesincludefishing,boatingandwalking.
3. MerriRiver Estuary
ThesystemhasbeenanimportantmeetingplacefortheGunditjmarapeopleforthousandsofyears.82 TheareacontainssignificanthabitatforrarespeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrot,andisabreedinggroundfortheHoodedPloverandothernestingbirds.AnumberofplantsthatoccurwithinthisareaareconsideredrareorthreatenedinVictoria.83
4. YambukLakeThesystemprovidesimportanthabitatforalargenumberofnationallyandinternationallyprotectedspecies,includingtheOrange-belliedParrot.84Duringdrought,thelakeandwetlandsprovidefeedingandbreedinggroundsofstate-wideimportance.Itisanimportantrecreationandtourismdestination.
5. HopkinsRiverEstuary
Atotalof39fishspecieshavebeenfoundintheestuarywhichisanimportantnurseryareaforjuvenilefish.TherivermarksthetribalborderoftheKirraeWhurrong,GunditjmaraandTjapWhurrongpeoplesandishighlyimportanttotheIndigenouscommunity(listedontheNationalTrustofAustralia).85Theestuaryhashighsocialvalue,andisusedforavarietyofrecreationalactivitiesincludingwalking,cycling,boating,waterskiing,swimming,rowingandrecreationalfishing.
6. FitzroyRiverEstuary
TheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscapeisakeyculturalsitewithintheDarlotsCreekcatchment.120birdspecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinthearea,includingthecriticallyendangeredOrange-belliedParrot.Anumberofthreatenedfloraandfaunaspeciesarealsopresent,includingtheSaltPaperbark,andSpot-tailedQuoll.
7. LongSwampLongSwampisacoastalfreshwaterwetlandseparatedfromtheseabyanextensivedunefield.Thiswetland hashighscenicandsocialvalue,andisusedbythecommunityforavarietyofrecreationpurposes.86Thislake isDIWAlistedandisnotedforitsfloraandfauna.
8. BridgewaterLakesAfreshwaterlineoflakesinadunecorridor.Theareahashighsocialvalues,andisusedforavarietyofwatersportsincludingfishing,swimmingandbushwalking(e.g.GreatSouthWestWalk).Theareaisadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandprovidesimportantfreshwaterhabitat.
9. TowerHill
Thisareacontainsauniquewetlandtypeformedinavolcaniccrater.Theareahashighsocialandnaturalvalues,andisnotedforitsgeomorphology,geologyandinvertebrates.Socially,TowerHillisanimportanttouristattractionduetoitsscenery,walkingtracks,wildlifeandfacilities.87TowerHillprovidescriticalhabitat forarangeofbirdspeciesandisDIWAlisted.
10.LowerGlenelgNationalPark
LowerGlenelgNationalParkhassignificantsocial,economic,naturalandculturalvalues,andisabiodiversityhotspot.Theparkreceivesover200,000visitorsperyear,andsupportsawiderangeofrecreationactivitiesincluding:recreationalsightseeing,fishing,pleasureboating,canoeing,water-skiing,picnicking,campingandbushwalking.Theparkcontainsavarietyofbiologicalandlandscapefeaturesassociatedwiththelimestoneterrain,includingKentbruckHeath,MolesideCreekcatchmentandtheGlenelgRivergorge.Theparkis hometoanumberofunusualplantcommunities,andfloraandfaunaspeciesthatarenotwellrepresentedinotherconservationreserves.Theareaisan‘interchangezone’whereelementsofAustralianflorafromwetterpartsofVictoriareachtheirwesternmostlimit.Over600vascularplantspecieshavebeenrecordedwithintheparkboundary.88
11.DiscoveryBayCoastalPark
Theparkcontainsfreshwaterlakes,massivesanddunes,coastalcliffs,volcanicfeaturesandoceanbeachesandispopularforsight-seeing,picnics,swimming,boating,surfingandcamping.AcolonyofAustralianFurSealsislocatedatCapeBridgewater.ThesectionofDiscoveryBayCoastalParkcontainingtheGlenelgRiverandOxbowLakeispartoftheGlenelgRiverHeritageArea,andismanagedundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic.).BridgewaterBaydunescontainimportantandhighlysensitivecoastalnaturalandscenicenvironments.WetlandsandbeachesareimportanthabitatforthreatenedfaunasuchastheOrange-belliedParrot,HoodedPloverandLittleTern.Theareaisaninternationallyimportantnon-breedingareaforSanderling,whichusethewholeofthecoastalstripbutconcentratearoundtheGlenelgRivermouth.TheparkcontainsimportantnaturalandIndigenousculturalvaluesandsignificantarchaeologicalsites.89
12.MtClayStateForestandNarrawongFloraReserve
TheareacontainsendangeredandvulnerableEVCs,andprovideshigh-valuehabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheSouthernBrownBandicootandLong-nosedPotoroo.Theareahashighsocialvalues. Itcontainsasceniclookout,andpopularwalkingtrails.
13.CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark
Theparkprotectsalargeareaoflowlandforestandhassignificantnaturalvalues.ItincorporatesmostoftheSurryRivercorridor,theheadwatersoftheFitzroyRiver,andanumberoftributariesoftheGlenelgRiver. Theparkprovidescriticalhabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includinglargeforestowls,smallmarsupialsandlizards.Theparkhashighsocialvalues,andoffersarangeofrecreationalopportunities,includingasectionoftheGreatSouthWestWalkandcamping.90
14.MtRichmondNationalPark
Theparkcontainsahighdiversityoffloraandfauna.Over498vascularplantspecieshavebeenrecorded withinthepark.91
15.CapeNelson StatePark
Theparkhassignificantnatural,culturalandsocialvalues.TheparkcontainstheonlyknownstandofSoapMalleeinVictoria,anditsgeomorphologicalfeaturesareofStatesignificance.92ThehistoricCapeNelsonLightstationandspectacularcoastalcliffsceneryattractsmanyvisitors.
16.BatsRidge WildlifeReserve
Thereserveprovidescriticalhabitatforanumberofthreatenedspecies,includingtheLimestoneCaladeniaspiderorchidandCoastDandelion.
Table 14: Significant coastal areas of the Glenelg Hopkins region.
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OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
TheVictorianCoastalStrategy2008identifiesprinciplestoguideplanninganddecision-makingaboutlanduse anddevelopmentoncoastalprivateandCrownland,aswellasestuarineandmarinewaters.TheRCSsupports theprinciplesoftheVictorianCoastalStrategythroughtheobjectiveandmeasureslistedinTable 15.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved be 2019)
6.1By2033maintaintheconditionofthecoastandmanagespecificthreatstoimproveconditionwhereappropriate
6.1.1 RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaRegionalCoastalActionPlanby2014.
6.1.2 Developenvironmentalsignificanceoverlaysfortheprotectionofcoasts.
6.1.3 Developcoastaladaptationplanstomanagetheimpactofsea-levelrise,stormsurge andfloodinginpriorityareas.
6.1.4 Includeneedforcoastalpestplantandanimalmanagementintoregionalplans.
6.1.5 Monitorandworktocontrolpestplantandanimalspeciesonthecoast.
6.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismandrecreationtominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts.
6.1.7 Continuetoconveneamarine,coastalandestuarinecrossagencymanagementcoordination forumfortheregion.
6.1.8 Consultthecommunityincoastalplanningandmanagementprocesses.
6.1.9 Conductresearchintocoastalenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureand connectivitywithestuarineandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.
Table 15: Objectives and management measures for coasts.
coasTs
Below: The region’s coastline faces a number of pressures including coastal erosion and new development.
Photos (L-R): Glenelg Shire, Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
The marine
environmenT
of The GlenelG
hopkins reGion
falls enTirely
wiThin The oTway
marine BioreGion,
which rUns
from cape Jaffa,
soUTh aUsTralia
To cape oTway,
incorporaTinG kinG
islanD.
It� is �one�of�five�bioregions�in�Victoria�which�are�distinguished�by�their�physical �characteristics�and�ecological�communities.
43
MARinE
TheOtwaymarinebioregionischaracterisedbycold,nutrient-richwater,powerfulwaves,kelp-dominatedrockyreefs,andaseafloor thatdropsawaysteeplyoffshore.Thecold,nutrient-richwaters ‘wellup’fromdeepwatertothesurfaceattheedgeofthecontinentalshelfinanoceanographiceventknownastheBonneyUpwelling.Thissupportsavarietyofplanktonicorganismsand,inturn,richassemblagesofsessilefilterfeederssuchasspongesandbryozoans.Theregionisafeedinggroundforseabirds,fishes,whalesandotherhigherorderpredatorssuchasfursealsandpenguins.
Marinenationalparksandsanctuariesrecogniseandprotectimportantmarinehabitatsandspecies,naturalfeatures,culturalheritageandaestheticvalues.AreasformallyrecognisedwithintheregionincludetheDiscoveryBayMarineNationalParknearPortlandandtheMerriMarineSanctuarynearthemouthoftheMerriestuary.TheseareashavebeenestablishedundertheNational Parks Act 1975 (Vic).Inaddition,specialmanagementareaswereidentifiedatCapeBridgewater,LawrenceRocks,PortlandBay,DeenMaarIslandandLogansBeach.
Themarineenvironmentcontributessignificantlytotheenvironmental,economicandsocialvaluesoftheregion.TheOtwayBioregionisaproductivefishinggroundsustainingvaluablecommercialfisheries, inparticularrocklobsterandabalone,andbothland-basedand off-shorerecreationalfishing.
ThereisastrongIndigenousculturalassociationwiththeregion’smarineenvironment.ThisisinevidencebythemanymiddensalongthecoastwhichindicatealonghistoryofIndigenouspeopleutilisingthemarineenvironmentforfood.
DeenMaarIslandislocatedbetweenPortFairyandPortland.ItisofnationalgeologicalandgeomorphologicalsignificanceandofculturalandspiritualimportancetothelocalGunditjmarapeoples,whoassociatetheislandwiththespiritsofthedead.94Theislandishometothesecond-largestAustralianFurSealcolonyinVictoriaandisabreedinggroundfornumerousbirds.MiddleIslandandGriffithsIslandarealsositesforkeyseabirdcolonies.
SignificantmarineareasfortheregionareindicatedinFigure 11.Theseareasaresignificantenvironmentallyatthestateor bioregionalscale.
CONDITION�OF�THE�MARINE�ENVIRONMENT
TheGlenelgHopkinsmarineenvironmentprovides arangeofecosystemservicesandiscriticalhabitat foranumberofrareandthreatenedspecies. KeymarineassetareasandassociatedthreatswererecentlyidentifiedforwesternVictoriaaspartoftheWesternMarineAssetsIdentificationProject.Thisworkprovidesafoundationforfutureinvestigationsofmarinecondition.However,therearechallengesindescribingandmonitoringmarineconditiongiventhehighlydynamicnatureoftheenvironmentand ourlimitedunderstandingofmarinebiotaanditslikelyresponsetovariousthreatsthatoftenactoverlargespatialscales.Forthesereasonsitisalsochallengingtomeasuretheeffectivenessofregulationsinplace tomitigatetheimpactofthreateningactivitieson themarineenvironment.
TheBonneyUpwellingoccursregularlybetweenNovemberandAprilasaresultoftheprevailingsoutheasterlywindscausingsurfacewaterstobemovedoffshoreandanupwellingofthedeeper,colder,nutrient-richwaterattheedgeofthecontinentalshelf.Theupwellingproducessurfaceswarmsofkrillthatarethoughttodrivemuchofthearea’sproductivity.PygmyBlueWhalesareattractedtotheregionbytheseswarms.Theintensityandfrequencyoftheseeventsmaybeaffectedbychangesinsea-surfacetemperaturesandcurrentsanticipated inafutureclimate.
PortlandBayfeaturesextensiveseagrassmeadowswhichperformimportantecologicalfunctions,includingactingasfishnurseriesforcommerciallyimportantspeciessuchasKingGeorgewhiting,breamandgarfish,andrareandthreatenedspeciesofpipefishesandseahorses.ThePortofPortlandharboursmanycommercialandrecreationalvessels,increasingtherisksfromphysicaldamagetotheseafloorandintroductionofforeignspecies.
SouthernRightWhalesfrequenttheLogansBeacharea.PortFairyandLawrenceRockssupportthelargestcolonyofAustralasianGannets,andoneof thelargestbreedingcoloniesofAustralianfurseals inAustraliaisfoundonDeenMaarIsland.Allsitesaresubjecttoecotourismactivitiesandthereforepotentialdisturbancefromhumanvisitationandphysicaldamagefromrecreationalandcommercialcrafts.
ThemorphologicallycomplexreefsystemssurroundingDeenMaarIsland,andotherreefsintheregion,supportdensemacroalgalcommunitiesandhabitatfornumerousfishandinvertebratespecies,includingcommerciallyimportantrocklobsterandabalone.However,thepopulationofrocklobsterhasdramaticallyreducedinrecentyears,despitetheintroductionofmeasurestoreducefishingpressureonthisspecies.Theabalonepopulationwasdecimatedbyaviraldisease,abaloneviralganglioneuritis.
The2008VictorianCoastalStrategyoutlinespoliciesandactionstoaddresstheissueofmarineecologicalintegrity,includingactionstoprotectthemarineenvironment,improveknowledgeofmarinebiodiversityandprocesses,andimprovemonitoringandreportingonmarinecondition.
Figure 11: Glenelg Hopkins marine extent and significant areas.
1 Southern Right Whale nursery area
2 Childers Cove Reefs
3 Middle Island and surrounds
4 Migratory shorebird feeding area
5 Port Fairy boulder shores
6 The Crags
7 Deen Maar Island and Georgia’s Peak
8 Julia Reef
9 Portland Bay
10 Cape Bridgewater
11 Portland Reefs
12 Lawrence Rocks and Grant Bay
13 Discovery Bay
14 Blue Whale feeding zone/Bonney upwelling
15 Bonney upwelling epicenter
16 Blue Whale distribution
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marine
4545
THREATS
Thescopeofthisstrategyislimitedtoaddressingcatchment-basedthreatstomarinenaturalassets.TheWesternMarineAssetIdentificationProjectidentifiedanumberofpotentialcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets,including:urbanisation(urbanstormwater,recreationalfishingandsewage),agriculturalbasederosionandrunoff,andindustrialdevelopments.
Climatechangeislikelytoposeadditionalthreatstothemarineenvironmentthroughincreasedstormsurgesandinundationinthenearshore,increasedseawateracidityandtemperature.Boththetiming andextentofcatchmentinputsarealsopredicted tochangeinamorevariablefutureclimate.
Threats to the marine environment are not well-understoodandinteractionsamongthreats canbecomplexanddifficulttopredict.95
Inaddition,thelevelofthreatsislikelytovaryacrossbaysandopencoastsandhabitattypessuchasseagrass,rockyreefsandsand.
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
RegionallysignificantmarineareashavebeenidentifiedthroughtheWesternMarineAssetsIdentificationProjectandaredetailedinTable 16.Thisprojecttookanasset-basedapproachtoidentifymarineenvironmentalassets.Assetswereidentifiedusingexpertecologicaljudgmentwhich wassupportedbytherecentextensivespatialmappingofVictoria’smarinehabitatsanddataavailableintheOilSpillResponseAtlas.96Inadditiontotheassetsidentifiedthroughthisproject,DiscoveryBayMarineNationalParkandMerriMarineSanctuaryhavebeenincludedasprioritymarineareasfortheGlenelgHopkinsregionduetotheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicsignificancetotheregion.
Asset Regional significance
1.SouthernRightWhalesnurseryarea
ThisareasupportstheregularoccupationofcalvingfemaleSouthernRightWhales(SRW)from MaytoOctoberandoccasionalnon-calvingwhales.
2.ChildersCoveReef ThisareaextendsfromChildersCovetoDogTrapBayreef.Ithasahighdiversityofendemicseaweedsthatarerelativelyintact(highnaturalness),withhighwaveexposureandlowhumanexposure.
3.MiddleIsland andsurrounds MiddleIslandisabreedingcolonyforlittlepenguins,cormorantsandshearwatersandhashighalgaldiversity.
4.Migratoryshorebirdfeedingarea Thisareasupportsadiverseassemblageofshorebirdspecies.
5.PortFairybouldershores Thisareahasahighdiversityofmicrohabitats.
6.TheCragsThisareaiscomprisedofcalcarenite(cementeddunelimestone)intertidalandsubtidalreefs. Pittedrockstructurescreatecomplexhabitatsforahighabundanceofvariousinvertebratesandverydiverseseaweedassemblages.Thereisahighlevelofnaturalnessasaccesstothereefsislimited.
7.DeenMaarIsland andGeorgia'sPeak
DeenMaarIslandisthelargestbreedingcolonyintheworldofAustralianfurseals.NewZealand fursealsandPenguinsarealsopresent.TheislandishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.
8.JuliaReef ThisreefisacontinuationoftheMtEccleslavaflow.ItcontainsanunusualseaweedassemblageandprovideshabitatforthreatenedspeciesincludingweedyseadragonsandPortJacksonsharks.
9.PortlandBay (MinervaReef)
ThisisauniquehabitatareainVictoria.Itissheltered,containsextensiveseagrassbedsnotfoundelsewhereinthewest.Theareaprovideshabitatforgreenlipabalone,kingfish,mullowayandsnapper. Itisalsolikelytobeaproductivefeedingareaformanyfishedspecies.
10.CapeBridgewater Thisareaischaracterizedbyhugeunderwatercliffswith25-30metredrop-offs.Algaeispresenttodepthsof45metres.
11.PortlandReefComplex TheareafromPointDangertoWhitesbeachisconsideredoneofthemostproductivereefsystems inVictoria.Thereisahighabundanceofrocklobsterandblacklipabalone.
12.LawrenceRocks andGrantBay
Importanthabitatforpenguins,sealsandgannetsandisaproductivefisheriesarea.Steepwallsform auniquereefhabitatwithcollapsedvolcaniccaldera.
13.DiscoveryBay ThisareaisformallyrecognisedasanInternationalFlywaySiteandprovideshabitatforarangeofmigratorybirds.Theintertidalareasupportsthehighestdensityofpippiesinthebioregion.
14.BlueWhaleFeedingZone/Bonneyupwelling ThisisanimportantfeedingareafortheEPBC-listedBlueWhale.
15.BonneyUpwellingCore TheupwellingextendstoCapeOtwaybutismostintensewestofPortlandwherethecontinental shelfisnarrowest.
Asset Regional significance
16.BlueWhale DistributionZone IncludesmovementareaormigratorypathfortheEPBClistedBlueWhale.
DiscoveryBayMarineNationalPark
Covering2770ha,thisparkprotectspartofthelargestcoastalbasaltformationinwesternVictoria.Thereisarichdiversityofmarinelifeduetothecold,nutrientrichwatersofthearea.97
MerriMarineSanctuary This25hasanctuaryhasadiverserangeofmarinelifebecauseofthevaryingsandandrockyhabitatsandcool,nutrientrich,oxygenchargedwaters.98
Table 16: Significant marine areas of the Glenelg Hopkins region.
46 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
marine
Theidentificationofthesesignificantmarineenvironmentalassetsprovidesaresourcetoinformprioritisationofriskmitigationactivities.Thisfoundationwillcontinuetobebuiltonasscientificunderstandingdevelops.99
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
ObjectivesandmanagementmeasurestomanagecatchmentbasedthreatstomarineassetsareshowninTable 17.
Below: The marine environment supports a rich diversity of life that contributes significantly to the environmental, social, economic and cultural values of the region.
Photo: Daniel Ierodiaconou, Deakin University.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved by 2019)
7.1By2033,maintaintheconditionofthemarine environment andmanagespecificcatchment-basedthreatstoimproveconditionwhereappropriate
7.1.1 Supportandassistinfisherieseducationprogramwithaparticularfocusonspeciesthatutiliseboththemarineandestuarinefreshwaterenvironments.
7.1.2 Consolidateandintegrateprogramstoaddressland-basedsourcesofmarinepollution.
7.1.3 Reducetheimpactofcatchmentdischargesonthehealthofmarineecosystemsbypromotingoperationalchangesinfarmpractices.
7.1.4 Support,whereappropriate,deliveryofregionalactionslistedinthe2008VictorianCoastalStrategydesignedtoprotectmarinebiodiversityandecosystems.
7.1.5 Conductresearchintomarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandcoastalenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.
7.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismindustrytominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts.
7.1.7 Monitordevelopmentsinalternativeenergyandresourceuseandworkwithagenciesfortheirecologicallysustainabledevelopment.
7.1.8 Undertakeresearchtobetterunderstandcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets.
Table 17: Objectives and management measures for marine.
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS�(Cont.)
TerresTrial haBiTaT
refers To non-
marine areas where
species live, anD
may inclUDe soils,
rocky oUTcrops,
GrasslanDs,
rivers, weTlanDs,
shrUBlanDs,
wooDlanDs anD
foresTs.
Terrestrial �habitat�provides�a�range�of�economic, �social �and�environmental �benefits,�including�supporting�biodiversity, �protecting�soil �and�water�resources,�cycling�nutrients�and�maintaining�regional�rainfal l �patterns.
47
TERREsTRiAL HABiTAT
Economicvaluesincludeecologicalservicesthatcontributetoagriculturalproduction,suchashabitatforbeneficialinvertebrates andbirds,windbreaksforcrops,soilerosionandsalinityprevention,shelterandfeedforstock,andproductionoftimber,honeyandflowers.Terrestrialhabitatalsoplaysanimportantroleinmaintainingmicroclimates–akeyfactoraffectingthedistributionofmanyspecies–andloweringwatertables.
Whiletherearelargesectionsofhighconservationvaluehabitatsecuredthroughparksandreservesinthewestoftheregion,vegetationisoftenfragmented,especiallyacrossprivateland.Lessthan18percentofthepre-Europeancoverageofnativevegetationwithintheregionnowremains.Ofthisamount,around12percentoccursonCrownland,and5percentonprivateland.100 The Lower Glenelg,CobbobooneeandGrampiansNationalparksandthe BlackRangeStateParkcontainmostoftheintactnativevegetationandhabitatwithinthecatchment,buttherearealsoimportantvegetationremnantsonprivateland,especiallyalongwaterways. Arecentregionalhighlightwasthecreationofthe18,150haCobbobooneeNationalParkand8,685haCobbobooneeForestParkinlate2008.
Importantexamplesofremnantnativevegetationcanbefoundalongroadsides.25percentofallplantspecieslistedundertheVictorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act,and45percentoftheremainingWestern(Basalt)PlainsGrasslandcommunitiesoccuronroadsidereserves.101
Muchoftheeucalyptwoodlandswithintheregionhavenowbeenclearedforfarming.InVictoria,nativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandshavebeenreducedtolessthanonepercentoftheirpreviousextent.Thesupportofprivatelandmanagersiscrucialtohelpconservethesmallfragmentsofnativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandsthatremain,asabout75percentofthesecommunitiesnowoccuronprivatelandwithinVictoria.
AreasinthewestoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionandaroundtheGrampianshavenotexperiencedthesamewidespreadclearing aselsewherewithintheregion,leavingalargereserveofremnantvegetation,andtheopportunitytoconnectvegetationacrossthelandscape.Speciesbecomelessresilienttoexternalpressureswhentheyareisolatedfromeachother,orwhentheirecologicalcommunitiesshrink.102Re-establishmentofconnectivityisimportantforbuildingecosystemresiliencetotheeffectsofclimatechangeandimproving‘thepotentialofplantsandanimalstodisperse,recolonise,evolveandadapt.’103Improvedconnectivityoffersopportunitiesforspeciestomoveandlocateresourcesastheclimatechanges,and isimportantformaintenanceofgeographicdiversity.104
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TerresTrial haBiTaT
Figure 12: Habitat 141 zones within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
Terrestrialhabitatconnectivityismorethansimplycorridors,andincludeslargeareassuchasthoseprotectedthroughtheconservationreservesandparkssystem,smallerpatchesofremnantvegetationthatmayoccurwithinfarmlandandlinearcorridorssuch asthosealongroadsidesandrailways.Vegetationremnantsandlinearcorridorsprovideimportant‘steppingstones’toassistthemovementofspecies105 andareanimportantfocusoftheRCS.
TheHabitat141(H141)projectisidentifiedinthe 2012DraftNationalWildlifeCorridorsPlanasone ofsixmajorexistingcorridorinitiativesinAustralia. Theseinitiativeshavebeenhighlightedinthedraftplanonthebasisoftheir‘biodiversityvalues,aswell asconservationandcommunityneeds’.ThevisionforH141is‘toworkwithcommunitiestoconserve,restoreandconnecthabitatsforplantsandwildlifeonalandscapescalefromtheoutbacktotheocean’.
TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentisamajorH141focus,astheregioncontainsfourofthenineH141zones(Figure 12).TheGlenelgRiverisconsideredthe‘spine’ofZone1undertheH141program,andtheregionanchorsthesouthernendofthisvisionaryproject.Partnersinthisprojectincludecatchmentmanagementauthorities,theWildernessSociety,TrustforNature,GreeningAustralia,andVictorianandSouthAustraliangovernmentagencies.106
TheRCScomplementstheH141initiativebysupportingprogramsthatimproveconnectivity withinthesezones,andotherpriorityareas,such astheGrampianstoPyreneesBiolink,wherethere issignificantcommunitysupport.
Figure 13showssignificantareasofterrestrialhabitatandincorporatesthebestinformationavailableonspeciesdistributionforplantsandanimalsintheGlenelgHopkinsregion,includingmammals,birds,amphibians,reptilesandfish,andexplicitlyconsidersrareandthreatenedspecieslocationinformation.ThemapshowsareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionthatcontributemosttobiodiversityconservation107 andwasdevelopedusingDEPI’sNaturePrintVersion2.0biodiversityplanningtool.Thistoolcanbeused toinformbiodiversitydecision-makingbyidentifyingbiodiversityassetsthatarethemostusefulfocusforplanningandmanagement.108Thered,pinkanddarkgreencoloursshowhigh-valueareaswhereitisessentialtoprotectcurrentvalues.Lightgreen,purpleandmauveareascanindicatewherethereissignificantvalueinre-establishingandimprovinghabitatvaluesthroughrevegetationandimprovingconnectivity.
Significantareasofterrestrialhabitataredescribedin Table 20.Theseareasareimportantfortheenvironmental,socialandeconomicservicestheyprovide.TheVictorianVolcanicPlainisconsideredtobeasignificantareaofterrestrialhabitatbutdueto itsextensivebuthighlyfragmentednaturehasnotbeenincludedinFigure 13.
49
Figure 14: Bioregions of the Glenelg Hopkins catchment management area.
Figure 13: NaturePrint strategic natural values map including significant areas of terrestrial habitat.
CONDITION�OF�TERRESTRIAL�HABITAT�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
ParksVictoriaarecurrentlypreparingareportontheconditionoflandthattheymanage.Whenavailable, thisinformationwillbeusedtoinformfutureconditionassessments.
Bioregionsareframeworksforterrestrialandmarineenvironmentclassificationonthebasisofecologicalcharacteristics.Assessmentoftheconditionandextentofvegetationwithinthesebioregionsprovidesanindicationoftheconditionofterrestrialhabitatataregionallevel.NinebioregionsoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion(Figure 14).Theextentofremnantvegetationcomparedwithestimatedpre-1750coverageisshowninTable 18.
50 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
TerresTrial haBiTaT
Bioregion Condition of native vegetation
GreaterGrampians
TheGreaterGrampiansbioregionsupportsadiverserangeofnativevegetationwhichisgenerallyingoodcondition.About86%oftheestimatedpre-1750nativevegetationcoverremains.VegetationwithinthisbioregionismostlyprotectedintheGrampiansNationalPark,whichisofoutstandingconservationsignificance.TheParkcontainsover athousanddifferentplantspecies,including23speciesthatarefoundnowhereelseintheworld.
BridgewaterNativevegetationcoverwithinthisbioregionhasbeenreducedtoapproximately63%ofitspre-1750extent. About70%oftheremainingnativevegetationoccurswithinpublicland.DiscoveryBayCoastalParkisthemostsignificantreservewithinthisbioregion.
GlenelgPlainApproximately60%oftheGlenelgPlainhasbeenclearedforagriculture.About40%ofthebioregion’soriginalvegetationcoverremainsandconsistsofamixoflargesizedblocksonpublicland,scatteredremnantsonprivateland,andlinearstripsofvegetationalongroadsidesandcreekswithhighlyvaryinglevelsofconnectivity.
WimmeraArelativelysmallproportionoftheWimmerabioregionoccurswithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentmanagementarea.Nativevegetationhasbeenreducedtoapproximately20%ofitspre-1750extentwithinthisareaandishighlyfragmented.
Goldfields AsmallsectionoftheGoldfieldsbioregionoccurswithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentmanagementarea. Nativevegetationthatoccurswithinthisareaishighlyfragmented,andismostlyclearedforagriculture.
CentralVictorianUplands
LargerareasofnativevegetationoccurwithinmostlyintactlandscapesatMountBuangorStatePark,LangiGhiran StateParkandAraratHillsRegionalPark.111Theseareascontainrelativelyundisturbedplantcommunitiesandare ofhighconservationvalue.Muchoftheremainingareahasbeenclearedforagriculture.
DundasTablelands
LargeareasofnativevegetationwithintheDundasTablelandshavebeenclearedforsheepandcattlegrazing. Onlyaround10%oftheDundasTablelandspre-1750nativevegetationcoverageextentnowremainswithinthe GlenelgHopkinsregion.Muchoftheremainingvegetationisinadegradedstateduetoitshighlyfragmentednature,andcontinuestodeclineincondition.NativegrasslandsthatonceoccurredtotheeastoftheGrampianswithintheWillauraPlainsarea(DundasTablelandsbioregion)havenowbeensubstantiallyclearedormodified.112
WarrnamboolPlain
NativevegetationwithintheWarrnamboolPlainhasbeensubstantiallyclearedormodified.Approximately10%ofthepre-1750extentisestimatedtoremainwithintheGlenelgHopkinsareaandtherehasbeensubstantialclearingofallvegetationtypes.TheWarnamboolPlainwasoncedominatedbylowlandandfoothillforests,heathyandgrassywoodlands,coastalshrubsandgrasslands.Remainingvegetationremnantsaremostlyconfinedtocrownland.
VictorianVolcanicPlains
NativevegetationwithintheVictorianVolcanicPlainbioregionisamongstthemostdepletedintheState.Onlyaround 1%oftheoriginalextentofgrassywoodlandandnativegrasslandcommunitiesnowremain.113AlmostallnativevegetationwithinthebasaltplainsofthecentralandeasternpartoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion(VictorianVolcanicPlainsbioregion)hasnowbeenclearedorsubstantiallymodified.114Veryfewareasofnativevegetationoccurwithin theformalreservesystem,115andmostoccuronprivateland.
Table 19: Condition summary by bioregion.
ThegeneralconditionofnativevegetationineachbioregionwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentisdescribedinTable 19.Ofthemajorfloracommunities,onlylowlandforestsandheathlandsarestillreasonablyrepresented.Mostofthewoodlandshavebeenclearedoralteredforagricultureandtheareasthatremainaregenerallyonpublicland,occurringassmallremnants.Nativevegetationnowcoverslessthan18percentoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Twooftheregion’sBroadVegetationcommunities,BoxIronbarkForestandRiparianForestnowappeartobeextinct.110
Bioregion Pre-1750 area (ha) Remnant vegetation remaining (ha) Percentage of original no. of endangered
regional EvCs
GreaterGrampians 151,140 129,634 86% 22
Bridgewater 18,192 11,471 63% 4
GlenelgPlain 383,116 148,554 39% 34
Wimmera 24,861 4,953 20% 16
Goldfields 15,363 4,000 26% 9
CentralVictorianUplands 81,351 22,123 27% 12
DundasTablelands 660,782 64,319 10% 49
WarrnamboolPlain 113,598 7,742 7% 18
VictorianVolcanicPlain 1,223,766 72,286 6% 58
Total 2,672,169 465,082 17.4% 222
Table 18: Remnant vegetation compared to pre-1750 figures.
InformationonthebioregionalconservationstatusofremnantvegetationintheGlenelgHopkinsregionisprovidedinAppendix4:BioregionalconservationstatusofremnantvegetationintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.
51
THREATS
Land-usechangescontinuetoposeasignificantthreattoterrestrialhabitatwithintheregion.The2010GreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan116providesthefollowingsummary:
“Once extensive ecosystems are now highly fragmented. A range of land use changes including raised bed and broad acre cropping, rock crushing and subsequent pasture improvements, increased use of pivot irrigation systems, blue-gum farming and rural residential development have seen an acceleration of the loss of native vegetation on private land resulting in shrinking habitats for a range of threatened species. There are significant areas of dry land salinity and soil acidification and the native vegetation quality of the majority of the region is classified as low.”
ThePortlandandHorshamForests:ForestManagementPlan2010117identifiesanumberofpotentiallythreateningprocessesthatcanadverselyaffectthedistributionandstructureofecosystems,includingthelossofhollow-bearingtrees,inappropriatefireregimesandremovalofcoarsewoodydebris.
Otherkeythreatstoterrestrialhabitatwithinthe regioninclude:
• bushfire
• extremeweatherevents
• pestanimalgrazing
•weedinvasion
• pathogensanddiseases
• habitatfragmentationandlossofconnectivity
• inappropriatewaterregimes
• biomassaccumulationinnativegrasslands.
Remnantgrasslandandgrassywoodlandhabitatsremainatriskofhabitatlossanddegradationduetothreateningfactorssuchasinappropriatemowingandherbicideregimes,pestanimalsandplants,increasedusedoffertiliser,andchangedfireregimes.
Climatechangemayposeanadditionalthreatbyinfluencingthedistributionandcompositionofecosystemsbyalteringwaterflowsinriversandwetlandsandthroughbushfiresandfloods.Existingthreatswillmostlikelybeamplified,suchashabitatlossandinvasivespecies,makingtheimpactsconsiderablyworse.
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS
Significantareasofterrestrialhabitatarelistedin Table 20andhavebeenidentifiedthroughtheINFFERprocessandconsultationwithDEPIandParksVictoria.TheseareasoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionprovideeconomic,environmentaland/orsocialvalues.Anumberofcriteriawereusedwhenassessingtheirsignificanceincluding: valueoftheassetarea,thelevelofthreattotheassetareaandthefeasibilityofmanagingthosethreats.120
Asset name Description
CoastalZone
Incorporatesadiverserangeofcoastalecosystems,andextendsfromtheCorangamite–GlenelgHopkinscatchmentboundarytotheSouthAustralianborder.TheareaprovidescriticalhabitatforthreatenedspeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrotandHoodedPlover,aswellasimportantshorebirdnestingsites.KeyareasofpubliclandincludeDiscoveryBayCoastalPark,BelfastCoastalReserve,andBayofIslandsCoastalPark.ThiszonecontainsthreeImportantBirdAreas:(sitesofglobalbirdconservationimportance) –YambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsIBA.
VictorianVolcanicPlainsGrasslands
OnlyonepercentoftheoriginalextentofgrasslandandgrassywoodlandcommunitiesremainwithinVictoria.TheVictorianVolcanicPlainsprovidescriticalhabitattoarangeoffloraandfauna.KeyareasincludeBlacksCreekNatureConservationReserve(234ha)whichisoneofthelargestgrasslandreservesinVictoria,CobraKillucWildlifeReserve,andMortlakeCommon.
UpperHopkinsCatchmentPublicLand
ThisareaislocatedwithinthevicinityofAraratandBeaufort.Itcontainsareasofexceptionalriparianandremnantvegetationhabitatthatsupportsanumberofthreatenedspecies.Thefollowingareasofpubliclandhavebeenidentifiedashavingsignificantterrestrialhabitatvalues:LangiGhiranStatePark,MountBuangorStateParkandAraratHillsRegionalPark.
FarSouthWest StonyRises
ThisareaincludesMountEcclesNationalPark/LakeCondahandMountNapierStatePark.ItcontainsthelargestcommunityofMannaGuminVictoria,andprovidescriticalhabitatforanumberofthreatenedspecies.
FarSouthWestLowlandForests
Containsoneofthelargestareasofrelativelycontinuouslowlandforestwithintheregionandsupportsadiverserangeoffauna,manyofwhicharethreatened.PriorityareasofpubliclandthatoccurwithinthisareaincludeLowerGlenelgNationalPark,CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark,MtRichmondNationalPark,NarrawongFloraReserve,MumbannarNatureConservationReserve,CrawfordRiverRegionalParkandWeecurra,Hotspur,AnnyaandMtClayStateForests.HotspurStateForesthasbeenidentifiedasakey(butnarrow)corridorthatlinkslargeareasofterrestrialhabitattothenorthandsouthofthisforest.CapeNelsonStatePark,MountRichmondNationalParkandBatsRidgeWildlifeReservehavealsobeenidentifiedthroughtheINFFERprocessashavingexceptionalhabitatvalues.Itincludescovenantedlandthatabutsorisincloseproximitytopublicland.
52 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
Acoreobjectiveofthisstrategyistoworkwithregionalpartnerstoimprovetheconditionofremnantsandincreaseconnectivityacrossthelandscape,helpingtobuildecosystemresilienceinresponsetoclimatechange.Objectivesandmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sterrestrialhabitatarelistedinTable 21.
Asset name Description
GreaterGrampians
ThisareaislocatedinthenorthoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentandincludesareaswithexceptionalterrestrialhabitatvalues,suchastheGrampiansNationalPark,BlackRangeStatePark,andDundasRangeScenicReserve.TheGrampiansNationalPark(167,200ha)isoneofthelargestnationalparksinVictoria.121 BlackRangeStatePark(11,700ha)occurstothewestoftheGrampiansRangesandprovidesimportanthabitatforarangeofthreatenedfauna.122
FarNorthWestLowlandForestsandHeathyWoodlands
Thisareaoccurstothenorthwestofthecatchmentandcontainsseverallargeareasofprotectedhabitat.Areaswithexceptionalhabitatvaluesinclude:DergholmStatePark,Tooloy-LakeMundiWildlifeReserve,WilkinFloraandFaunaReserve,andKaladbroWildlifeReserve.Itincludescovenantedlandthatabutsor isincloseproximitytopublicland.
Table 20: Significant areas of terrestrial habitat.
SIGNIFICANT�AREAS�(Cont.)
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objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved be 2019)
8.1Maintainextentandimproveconditionofterrestrialhabitat
8.1.1 By2019,maintainand/orincreasetheextentofnativevegetationonpublicandprivateland(comparedwith2012levels)andimproveitsquality.
8.1.2 ImplementactionswithintheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlantoimprovethecondition ofnativevegetation.
8.1.3 Protectandimprovetheconditionofterrestrialhabitatthroughrevegetation,fencingwhereappropriateandimplementationofbestmanagementpractices.
8.1.4 Improvenativevegetationresourceconditionbybuildingpartnershipswithprivatelandholders topreserverareEcologicalVegetationClasses.
8.1.5 Protectimportantbiodiversityvaluesfoundintheparksandreservesnetworkthroughtheimplementationofparkandforestmanagementplans.
8.1.6 SupportthedevelopmentandimplementationofRoadsideVegetationPlansforpriorityroadsideswithsignificantremnantvegetation.
8.1.7 Increasetheextentofprivatelandmanagedforbiodiversityconservation.
8.1.8 Developconservationcovenantstoprotectareasofhigh-valueremnantvegetation.
8.1.9 Developconditionstatementsforterrestrialhabitatasinformationbecomesavailable.
8.1.10 By2015,developandcommenceimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy.
8.2Improveconnectivityofhabitatforspeciespopulationsandcommunities
8.2.1 Identifypriorityregionalbiolinksbytheendof2013.
8.2.2 Identifyandmapareaswithinbiolinkswhereecosystemshavenaturalregenerativecapacity.
8.2.3 Implementcross-tenurelandscapeconnectivityprogramsonprivateandpublicland.
8.2.4 Whereappropriate,pursueopportunitiesforlandpurchasewithinprioritybiolinkareas.
8.3Publiclandismanagedasthecoreofresilientecosystems
8.3.1 ImplementPortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan(StateForests).
8.3.2 DevelopandimplementNgootyoongGunditj,NgootyoongMaraSouthWestManagementPlan.
8.3.3 Supportresilientecosystemmanagementonpubliclandwithbufferzonesandlinkagesbyprotectingadjacentprivateland.
Table 21: Objectives and management measures for coasts.
CAsE sTUDY: The GlenelG alliance
The�Glenel g�Al l iance�is �a�four-year�program�which�began�in�2009�to�address�priority�pest�plant�and�animal�threats�on�34,603�ha�of�public�and�private�land�threatening�habitat�values�within�the�lower�Glenel g�River�High�Environmental�Value�Aquatic�Ecosystem�(HEVAE)�region.�
Thetitlefortheprogram–TheGlenelgAlliance–reflectsthefocustoimprovetheco-ordinationandintegrationoflandmanagersinthetargetarea,includinglocalgovernment(GlenelgShireCouncil),agencies(ParksVictoria,DepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries,GlenelgHopkinsCMA)andthelocalcommunity.
TheGlenelgAllianceprogramtargetstheGlenelgRiverdownstreamoftheStokesRiverconfluence, thelowerStokesandCrawfordrivers,theLowerGlenelgNationalPark(LGNP)andtheDiscovery BayCoastalPark.
Bytheendofthesecondyearprioritypestplantandanimalthreatswereaddressedacross28,107haofpublicandprivatelandwithintheLowerGlenelgHEVAEregion.Activitiesincludedtreating9,343ha ofpriorityinfestations,andmapping,extensionandmonitoringof25,260ha,witheachagencyundertakingseparatebutcomplementarytasks.
Forexample,ParksVictoriatackledpestplant controlintheLowerGlenelgNationalParkandDiscoveryBayCoastalParkandwasresponsibleforpigmonitoringandcontrol.DEPItreatedBlackberryalongtheGlenelgRiverStreamsideReserveatDartmoorandranafox-baitingandcat-trappingprogram.DEPIhasinspectedpropertiesforWeedsofNationalSignificance(WoNS),and15landholdershaveestablishedpartnershipagreementswiththeGlenelgHopkinsCMAforthecontrolofpestplants.
Thesuccessoftheco-operativepartnershipshasresultedintheprojectexceedingtargets.
Theprojecthascontinuedtoshowimprovementsintheco-ordination,integrationandknowledgeofpestplantandanimalmanagementacrossalllandmanagersandtenuresintheLowerGlenelgregion,resultinginpriorityspeciesbeingtargetedinastrategicandeffectivemanner.
Thesecond-yearachievementssignificantlycontributedtotheprogram’saimofsustaining thehighconservationvaluesofthiscriticalaquaticecosystem.
Furtherworkswillfocusonimprovingriverineandcatchmenthealththroughtargetedassessments,engagementandfinancialincentivesforon-groundworks.Invasivespecieshavebeenidentifiedastheprimarythreat.
Engagementactivitiesandsurveysconductedwithlandholdersinvolvedintheprojectalsohighlightedtheimportanceoftheco-operativeapproach.
Photo: The Glenelg Alliance project aims to address pest plants and animals that are threatening habitat values.
53
The GlenelG
hopkins reGion
is home To over
94 naTionally
lisTeD ThreaTeneD
species inclUDinG
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sPECiEs PoPULATions AnD CoMMUniTiEs
54 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
TheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasahighconcentrationofthreatenedspecieswhencomparedwithotherareasofVictoriaandAustralia. TheGlenelgBasincontains10percentofVictoria’sthreatenedspecies.TheGlenelgBasincontainswellover150threatened ornear-threatenedfloraandfaunaspecies.Twospeciesof pygmy-possumoccurtogetherinthelandscape,anditis‘oneoftwohighlylocalisedareasinAustraliasupportingthenationallyendangeredheathmouse.’123
Theregionisrenownedforitsfloravaluesandsupportsmorethan 20threatenedspeciesoforchid,withatleast10listednationally.124 ArecentdiscoveryoftheLimestoneSpider-orchidwasthefirstrecordedinVictoria,andanewlydiscoveredbottlebrushendemic towesternVictoria,Callistemonwimmerensis,isastateandnationallylisted,criticallyendangeredplantspecies.
Thewetlandsoftheregionarerichinbirdlife,andprovideimportanthabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheBrolgaandcriticallyendangeredOrange-belliedParrot.
Theprimarytoolusedtoplanandprioritisespecies-specificon-groundactionsinVictoriaistheDEPIdevelopedActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database.TheStrategicNaturalValuesmap(Figure 13),inconjunctionwithDEPI’sABCsystem,hasidentifiedsevenkeypriorityassetareasfortheGlenelgHopkinsregion.TheseareasareshowninFigure 15andencompassprioritypopulationsandhabitatsfortheregion’sthreatenedspeciesandcommunities.Thiswillhelpdirectprojectsandinvestmenttomaximisebiodiversityoutcomes.ItmustbenotedthatthesesevenareasdonotincludeallthreatenedspeciespopulationsandcommunitiesintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Sitesoutsidetheassetareaswillnot beexcludedfromtheobjectivesoftheRCSandfutureinvestment.
Below: The region contains a number of iconic species including the Growling Grass Frog, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and the Glenelg Spiny Crayfish.
Photos (L-R): Leonard Cooper, Bob McPherson, Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
55
Figure 15: Significant asset areas for species populations and communities.
CONDITION�OF�SPECIES�POPULATIONS�AND�COMMUNITIES� �IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
Theecosystemsthatprovidehabitattothreatenedfloraandfaunaspeciesandcommunitiesrangefromhighlyfragmented(VolcanicPlain)tolargelyintact(Grampians)andoccuracrossprivateandpublicland.Since2003,DEPIandGlenelgHopkinsCMAhaveimplementedarecoveryprogramfor57nationallyand/orstate-listedthreatenedspecies(47flora and10fauna)acrosstheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Thesespeciesrangefromthewell-knownBrush-tailedRockWallaby,Eastern-barredBandicoot,Orange-belliedParrotandRed-tailedBlackCockatoo,to thelittleknownCorangamiteWaterSkink,Southern Bent-wingBat,BasaltGreenhood,Portland Long-tongueShellOrchid,SquareRaspwortand therecentlydiscoveredWind-blownTussock-grass.
CentraltothedeliveryoftherecoveryprogramhasbeentheActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database–aweb-basedinformationsystemadministeredbyDEPIasarepositoryforknowledgeaboutthreatenedspeciesandcommunitiesinVictoria.Ittrackstheprogressofmanagementactionsdocumentedinactionstatementspreparedunderthe Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActandinrecoveryplanspreparedundertheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
TheABCsystemisavitalreportingtoolthatenablesDEPItodeliverdetailed,qualitativereportstothe CMAandinvestors,whileprovidingatooltomonitorandmanagedeliveryoftherecoveryprogram.
Priorityactionssuchasthreatabatement,habitatmanagementandenhancement,andinsomecasesspeciesreintroduction,havebeenimplementedaspartoftheGlenelgHopkinsthreatenedspeciesrecoveryprogram.Overthepastsevenyearstheseactionshavestabilisedthedeclineandledtoagradualrecoveryofmostofthethreatenedspeciescoveredbythisprogram.Partnershipsandcommunityinvolvementhaveplayedasignificantroleinthesuccess,withover5,500communitymembers,landmanagersandvolunteersparticipatinginon-groundactionssuch assurveys,threatassessment,seedcollection,weedingandhabitatrevegetation.
Theprogramhasbridgednumerouskeyknowledgegaps,suchasspeciesdistributions,habitatrequirements,lifehistoriesandbehaviours.Thisknowledgeisnotonlybeingusedtoboostspeciesrecoveryandhabitatmanagement,butiscontributingtootherbiodiversityprograms,includingfireandnativevegetationmanagement,waterwaysandwetlandprograms,andmajorprojectdevelopments.
THREATS
MajorthreatstospeciespopulationsandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregioninclude:
• lossofinstreamhabitatduetostockaccess andexcessivesedimentation
• pestplantandanimalinfestation
• clearingandfragmentation
• salinity
• intensificationofagriculturalpractices
• extremeeventssuchasfire,floodanddrought
• nutrientenrichment,sedimentation,chemicalcontaminationandotheragriculturalimpacts
• long-termimpactsfromreducedinflows duetoclimatechange
• lackofenvironmentalflows
•marinepests
• bushfire.
Theeffectsofclimatechangeonspeciespopulationsandcommunitieswilloccuratdifferentlevels –fromindividualspeciestoecosystems.Speciesmayaltertheirdistribution,abundance,behaviorandthetimingofeventssuchasmigrationorbreeding.Themostsusceptiblespecieswillbethosewithrestrictedorspecialisedhabitatrequirements,poordispersalabilitiesorsmallpopulations.Indirectimpactsmayincludeincreasedpressurefromcompetitors,predators,parasites,diseasesanddisturbances (suchasbushfireordrought).125
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 956
Theobjectiveanditsassociatedmanagementmeasuresforthreatenedfloraandfaunawithin theGlenelgHopkinsregionarelistedinTable 22.
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
species popUlaTions anD commUniTies
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved be 2019)
9.1Improvethehealthofkeypopulationsofthreatenedspeciesandcommunities
9.1.1 By2015,developandimplementregionalbiodiversitystrategy.
9.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015.
9.1.3 ContinuetosupportregionalThreatenedFloraandFaunaProgramandtheimplementationofhighpriorityactionsinhighprioritylocationsconsistentwiththeActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database.
9.1.4 Achieveanimprovementintheconservationstatusoflistedthreatenedspeciesand ecologicalcommunities.
9.1.5 ReviewandimplementActionStatementandRecoveryPlansforlistedthreatenedspeciesandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.
9.1.6 Investinimprovingtheresilienceofthreatenedspeciesthroughprogramstargetedathabitatimprovement.
9.1.7 Implementecologicallyappropriateburningforprotectionoffloraandfaunacommunitieswhereappropriate.
9.1.8 Supportlong-term,two-wayknowledgetransferandcapacitybuildingtoenhancetherole oftraditionalecologicalknowledgeinbiodiversityconservation.
9.1.9 Buildcapacityandenhanceknowledgeofindustryandlocalgovernmenttoplanandprotectbiodiversity,particularlythreatenedspeciesandcriticalhabitats.
9.1.10Buildregionalcapacitythroughtrainingandeducationprograms(e.g.wholefarmplanning) toincreaseawarenessofregionalbiodiversityassets,valuesandthreats.
9.1.11Collaboratewithotherstakeholders(e.g.universitiesandresearchinstitutions)toincreasecapacitytosurveyandmonitorthreatenedspecieswithintheregion.
Table 22: Objective and management measures for species populations and communities.
57
healThy soil is a
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chemical anD
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ThaT sUsTain
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32nd�President�of� �the�United�States� �(1933–1945).�
57
soiL AnD LAnD
Soilprovidesthefoundationforagriculturalproductionandhastheabilitytocycleandstorecarbon.Thecatchmentsupportsmajorindustriessuchascattle,wool,primelambs,forestryandcropping,generatingoverabilliondollars126fortheregionaleconomy.Majorland-usewithintheregionisshowninFigure 16.Woolproduction hastraditionallybeenthemainagriculturalcommodityproducedintheregion;however,itisnolongerthedominantindustryandtherehasbeenasignificantincreasesinthenumberofbeef,dairy,croppingandprimelambenterprises.127
Withmorethan80percentoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentusedforagriculturalproduction,theprotectionandenhancementofsoiliscloselylinkedtoregionalandnationalprosperity.
TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontains49differentsoiltypeswithcharacteristicsthatvarywiththeparentmaterialgeology,landscapelocationandtheweatheringprocessesactiveovertheperiodoftheirformation.Theresultingsoilsvaryinsuitabilityandcapabilityforagriculturalproduction,andinsusceptibilitytoprocessesthatdegradesoilhealth.
Figure 16: Major land-use in the Glenelg Hopkins region (DPI, 2003).
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soil anD lanD
CONDITION�OF�SOIL�AND�LAND�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION
Soilhealthcanbedefinedasthecapacityofasoiltosustainbiologicalproductivity,performessentialecosystemservices(cyclenutrients,maintainairandwaterquality,andprovidehabitat)andtopromoteplant,animalandhumanhealth.
Inanagriculturallandscape,soilisvaluedforitsproductionpotential.SouthwestVictoriaisrecognisedashavingsomeofthemostfertileandproductivesoilsinAustralia.Historicalwidespreadremovalofindigenousvegetation,rabbitinfestationsandagriculturalproductionhaveeachcontributedtoadeclineinsoilhealth.Deteriorationinsoilhealthcontinuestodayunderinappropriatemanagementregimes.
Declineinsoilhealthusuallyoccursoverlongperiodsandcanprovechallengingtoameliorateonceestablished.Soilconservationprogramsintheregionbeganinthe1950s;however,despitetheseefforts,soilhealthinthecatchmenthascontinuedtodecline,withdetrimentalimpactsonwaterwaysandbiodiversity.
‘To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil.’ –XenophonofAthens,‘Oeconomicus’,362BC
Managingsoiltolandcapabilityisacoreprincipleinsustainingsoilhealth.Soilhealthcanbeimprovedwherelanduseaccordswithlandcapability:thecapacityoflandandsoilstosustainproductionwithoutdegradation.Landcapabilityisaproductofthelandscape’sinherentproperties(e.g.geomorphology,soiltypeandtopography),landmanagementpracticesandclimate.
FarmersoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhaveastrongstewardshipethic.A2004surveyoflandowners’attitudestonaturalresourcemanagementidentified‘Beingabletopassthepropertyoninbettercondition’astheprimaryaspirationof81percentoffarmerrespondents.128
Itisrecognisedthatindividuallandmanagers,urbanandrural,arebestplacedtomakelandmanagementdecisionsandimplementsoilimprovementactions.Managingforhealthysoilscanreducenegativeenvironmentalimpacts,improvefarmproductionandformanecessarystepinatransitiontowardssustainablelandmanagement.Limitationsinmanagingforhealthysoilscanincludeinformationavailabilityandfinancialconstraints.
THREATS
Threatstosoilhealthinvolvephysical,chemicalorbiologicalprocessesthatexceedthecapabilityofthesoiltoabsorbdisturbanceandreturntoaprevious,long-termstablestate.
Inappropriatelandmanagementpracticesthatexceedtheresiliencelimitsofaspecificsoilsystemcanleadtodegenerationofsoilhealthandreducedproductivecapacity.
TheGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014identifiessixprioritythreatstosoilhealth:acidification,soilstructuredecline,nutrientdecline,salinity,watererosionandwinderosion.129 Declineinsoilorganicmatterwasidentifiedasanemergingthreat.Figure 17showssub-catchmentareasatriskofsoilhealthdeclinefromprioritythreats.
Figure 17: Sub-catchment areas at risk of soil health decline from priority threats.
59
Soilerosionanddrylandsalinityarisingfrompastpracticeshavelongbeenrecognisedastheforemostthreatstosoilhealthwithintheregion.Primarysalinityisanaturalfeatureofthecatchmentillustratedbythelabellingofstreamsassaltyandbrackishbyearlysettlers.130Drylandsalinityarisingfromthealteredhydrologicalcharacteristicsofclearedlandscapesinhibitsplantgrowth,reducesfarmproductivity,degradessoilstructureandcanresultinareasofexposed,dispersivesoilpronetoerosionbywind orwater.
Salinitymanagementprogramshavebeenactivesincethe1970s.TheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityStrategywasreleasedin1994,andin2005theCMAproducedtheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008.A2008reviewofSalinityPlanimplementation131identifiedsignificantgainsmadeinsalinitymitigationandincreasedlandholderawarenessofsalinityprocessesandmanagementskills.
Adecadeoflower-than-averagerainfall132atHamiltonandclimatechangeprojectionsofreducedmeanannualrainfallshavereducedconcernforsalinityas along-termthreat.However,therecentwetting-phaseoftheclimateislikelytoreactivatesalinity.133Salinityremainsathreattonaturalresourcesthatrequiresongoingmonitoring,planningandmanagement. Anyrecurrenceofsalinityinthisregionplaceshigh-valueassetsatconsiderablethreatofdegradation.
Inthepast,combatingsoilerosionhasbeenamajorfocusofon-groundwork.Soilsusceptibilitytoerosionisincreasedbyadoptionoffarmingpracticesthatexposesoil,exceedlandcapabilityorareunsuitableforsoiltype.
Recenthighrainfallandfloodingeventsduringseasonalperiodsoflowgroundcoverresultedinincreasederosionanddemonstratedtherisksof thechangingrainfallpatternsfromclimatevariation.Reducedsoilhealthincreasessusceptibilityofsoilstoerosionwithsignificantoff-farmimpactsonwaterways,biodiversityandinfrastructure.SoilsoftheDundas andMerinotablelandsareparticularlysusceptible toerosion.
Productiveagriculturenecessarilyinvolvesmovementofstockandmachinery,cultivationandremovalofnutrientsasfoodandfibre.Theseactionscanleadtoreducedproductivitythroughdeclineofplant-availablenutrients,lossofsoilcarbon,lossofsoilstructureandincreasedsoilacidity.Thelonghistoryofagricultureintheregionandincreasingeconomicpressureonproducershasmeantthatnutrientdecline,soilacidificationandlossofsoilstructureremainprioritythreatstosoilhealth.Theextentofsoildegradationdependsonthenatureofthelanduse,theinherentsusceptibilitiesofthesoilsandthecapacityofthe landmanagertoidentifyandamendthesethreats.
Occurrencesofcoastalacid-sulphatesoilshavebeenidentifiedwithinthecatchment.134 These areas have beenmappedandthisinformationisusedtoinformlocalgovernmentplanningprocesses.
Climatechangewillhavepositiveandnegativeimpactsonthetypesofcropsthataregrownand theproductivityofprimaryproductionsystems. Anyreductioninrainfallislikelytoplacemostfarms understress,particularlywhenlinkedtohighertemperatures.Inaddition,heavyrainfalleventsandwindsfromstormeventswillcontributetocropdamageandsoilerosion.135
Below: View of the landscape from Mount Napier.
Soil �acidification�poses�a�major� �threat�to�the�long-term�sustainability� �of �agriculture.�
TheAustralianGovernment’sCaringforourCountryprogramfundedafour-yearproject(commencing2009-10)toincreaseknowledgeandskillsof1,200farmerstoreducetheriskofsoilsbecomingacidic.Theresultwasthat200farmersadoptedimprovedlandmanagementpracticeson6,400hectares.EvidenceforoutputachievementwasafundingconditionandaMonitoring,Evaluation,ReportingandImprovement(MERI)planwascompiledtodirectoutputachievementverification.RoyalMelbourneInstituteofTechnologyUniversity(Hamilton)wasengagedtoimplementtheMERIplanandprovideindependentevaluationofprojectdelivery.
Toengagekeyagriculturalenterprisesandconnectwithexistingnetworks,partnershipswereestablishedwithSouthernFarmingSystems(cropping),WestVicDairyandDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(meatandwool).Toaccommodateadiversityoffarmpractices,fundingsupportwasmadeavailabletocommunitygroupstoholdeventsinformingfarmersonsoilhealth,managingsoilacidificationrisksandproduction.
Traditionally,annualeventssuchasworkshopsandfielddaysinvolveDEPI,industryorganisationsandcommunitygroups.Surveyandanecdotaldatafromtheseeventsverifytheincreasedknowledgeandskillsgainedbyparticipants.Manyfarmershaveadoptedimprovedpractices,anditisexpectedthatactualachievementswillexceedtargets.
CAsE sTUDY: reDUcinG risks of soil aciDificaTion (rsa)
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Below (L-R): The farming community plays an important role in the management of the region’s natural resources.
A visual soils assessment workshop.
60
OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES
Severalobjectivesforsoilandlandhavebeendevelopedthroughconsultationwithpartnersandstakeholders.TheseobjectivesandtheirassociatedmanagementmeasuresaredetailedinTable 23.Theaimoftheseactionsis toincreasecommunitycapacityinthemanagementofsoil,resultinginhealthy,productiveandresilientlandscapes.
objectives (to be achieved by 2033)
Management Measures (to be achieved be 2019)
10.1Animprovement insoilcondition (asmeasuredbykeyindicators)by2033*
10.1.1 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsregionSoilHealthStrategyand SoilHealthPlan2009-2014.
10.1.2 UpdateandcommenceimplementationoftheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan.
10.2Anincreasein theareaofsoilsmanagedwithin theircapability
10.2.1 Investigatebenchmarksforkeyindicatorsofhealthysoils(stable-statetargets).
10.2.2 Investigateopportunitiesforsoilcapabilitymappingunderdifferentlandmanagementpractices.
10.2.3 Identifysoilsatriskundercertainmanagementregimes.
10.2.4 Promoteincreasedlevelsofawarenessandadoptionoflandmanagementmethodstomaintain orimprovethehealthandproductivityofsoil.
10.2.5 Undertakeeducationprogramsthatpromotesoilasafinite,valuableresourceandecosystemservicesprovidedbysoils
10.2.6 Continuedevelopmentandcommunicationoflandcapabilityinformation (e.g.trialsandon-farmdemonstrationsites)toguideland-usechangedecisions.
10.2.7 Maintainaminimumof70percentgroundcoverduringthesummerseason.
10.2.8 Examineopportunitiesforcomplianceprograms.
10.2.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandcapability,overlaysandplanningcontrols.
10.2.10 Raiseawarenessoffundamentalsofsoilcarboncomposition,functionandsequestrationopportunities.
10.3By2033reducetheimpactofsoil-basedthreats,includingsalinityanderosion,onwaterwaysandwetlandsasmeasuredbyimprovedISCandIWCscores(turbidityandEC)
10.3.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan.
10.3.2 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan.
10.4By2033soilsaremanagedforprotectionandenhancementofthebeneficialecosystemservices theyprovide
10.4.1 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan.
* Key indicators are identified in the Glenelg Hopkins region Soil Health Strategy and Soil Health Plan.
Table 23: Objectives and management measures for coasts.
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AllsitesofregionalsignificanceidentifiedwithintheRCShavebeenaggregatedinonemaptodemonstrateareasforpriorityattention.Figure 18 providesasummaryofpriorityareasthathaveresultedfromtheassetidentificationandfilteringprocessesdescribedinAppendix1:RCSdevelopmentprocess.Thesepriorityareasrepresentcatchmentlevelassetsandhaveresultedfromanumberofconsiderationsincludingsignificance,threatandfeasibilityofintervention.
SignificantfeaturesofeachcatchmentlevelassetaredescribedinTable 24.
Thesepriorityareaswillprovideimportantdirectionduringimplementationofthestrategyintermsofguidinginvestmentandprojectdevelopmentopportunities,andwillbeusedtoinformthedevelopmentofregionalsub-strategiesandplans suchastheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.
Sitesoutsidethesepriorityassetareaswillnotbeexcludedfromfutureinvestment.Forexample, theVolcanicPlainsBioregionasawholeisnoted foritsagriculturalpotentialandhassomeofthebest soilsintheregion.Itisimportantthatinvestmentcontinuestobetargetedtotheseareasto mitigatesoilhealthrisks.
Figure 18: Priority areas for intervention within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
PRioRiTY AREAs FoR inTERvEnTion
Penola
Ballarat
63
Priority Area Description
1.GlenelgPlain
• TheGlenelgPlaincontainsseverallargeconservationparksandreservesthatareofsignificantenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalue.TheareaislocatedwithinZone1oftheHabitat141corridor,whichstraddlestheSouthAustralianandVictorianborders.TheGlenelgPlainhasanumberofinterconnectedareasofsmallnativevegetationfragmentsthatprovideimportantlinkagesbetweenlargerareasofpublicland.Improvingandrestoringlinkageswithinthisarea isakeyfocusoftheRCS.
• Therearefivelistedecologicallyhealthyriverreachesintheregion.Threeofthese-theStokesRiver,CrawfordRiverandMolesideCreekarecontainedwithintheGlenelgPlain.
• Theareaishometoadiverserangeoffloraandfauna,includingmanyendemicand/orthreatenedspecies,andislocatedwithinoneof15AustralianGovernmentbiodiversityhotspots.
• TheGlenelgRiverislistedasaheritageriverundertheVictorian Heritage Rivers Act 1992fromsouthofDartmoortoitsmouthatNelson,reflectingitshighnatural,socialandlandscapevalues.TheGlenelgEstuaryisthelongestestuaryinVictoriaandhasveryhighhabitatvalues.ItislistedasawetlandofnationalsignificanceontheDIWAduetothehabitatitprovidesforanimaltaxaatvulnerablelifecyclestages,anditsfunctionasarefugeduringdrought.
• TheGlenelgPlainhasoneofthehighestdensitiesofwetlandsinVictoria.SeveralofthesewetlandsareDIWAlisted:BoilerSwampSystem,Dergholm(Youpyang)WetlandsandLongSwamp.TheareaisalsohometotheBridgewaterLakes,oneofthelongestfreshwaterlakessystemsinVictoria.TheDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsImportant BirdAreaisofglobalbirdconservationimportance.
• TheareaincorporatespartoftheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape(TyrrendarraArea)whichisrenownedfor itsculturalvalues.
• CapeBridgewaterandDiscoveryBayCoastalParkhavebeenidentifiedaskeynaturebasedtourismassetsata Statelevel.
• Theareahasbeenidentifiedasoneoftheareasthatcontributemosttobiodiversityconservationataregionalscale(seeNaturePrintFigure 13).
2.Grampians
• TheGrampiansareaisdominatedbytheGrampiansNationalPark,whichislistedonthenationalheritageregister foritsoutstandingnationalheritagesignificance,Indigenousrockartsites,andoutstandingspeciesdiversity.
• TheGrampiansNationalParkisalargelyintactlandscape.Itsupportsover1,000nativeplantspecies,including 23thatarefoundnowhereelseintheworld.
• TheGrampiansregionprovidessignificantnature-basedtourismandrecreationalservices,andhasrecordedover 1.5millionvisitordaysannually.
• Theareahasbeenidentifiedasonethatcontributesmosttobiodiversityconservationataregionalscale (seeNaturePrintFigure 13),andoneoffivelistedecologicallyhealthyriverreachesintheregion (HeadwatersoftheWannon).
3.UpperHopkins
• UpperHopkinscontainsseveralareasofpubliclandthathavebeenidentifiedashavinghighqualityterrestrialhabitatandsignificantenvironmentalvalues,includingLangiGhiranStatePark,MountBuangorStateParkandAraratRegionalHillsPark.Theseareascontainrelativelyundisturbedplantcommunitiesandareofhighconservationvalue.
4.VolcanicPlains
• TheVictorianVolcanicPlainisrecognisedasoneof15AustralianGovernmentbiodiversityhotspots.Onlyaround onepercentoftheoriginalextentofnativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandcommunitiesnowremainwithinthisbioregion.Remainingareasofhabitatprovideimportantrefugesitesforarangeofthreatenedspecies.
• Theareacontainsasignificantnumberoftheregion’swetlands,particularlywithintheLakeBolacarea.LakeBookar isrecognisedasinternationallyimportantundertheRamsarConventiononWetlands.Severalotherwetlandsarelisted ontheDIWA,including:Woorndoo-HopkinsWetlands,LakeLinlithgow,LakeMuirheadandMtWilliamSwamp.TheLakeLinlithgowwetlandsystemisofnationalsignificance,andisoneofthefewlargepermanentwetlandsthatoccurwithintheregion.Itprovidesanimportantdroughtrefugeformanywaterbirds.
• TheareacontainssomeofthemostproductivelandwithintheregionandisnotedforitscontributiontothegrossvalueofAustralianagriculturalproduction.
5.Coast
• Twolocationswiththisareathathavebeenidentifiedasbeingofglobalbirdconservationimportance:theYambukLakecomplex,andthePortFairytoWarrnamboolImportantBirdAreas.BoththeYambukLakecomplex,and LowerMerriRiverWetlands(Kelly’sandSaltwaterswamps)arelistedontheDIWA.
• TheestuarinesectionoftheHopkinsRiverisoneofthree‘PremierRivers’thathavebeenidentifiedforfishing acrossVictoria.
• Coastalinletsthatoccurwithintheareaprovideimportantareasofhabitatformigratorywadersandshorebirds. ManyofthesespeciesarelistedontheJapan-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(JAMBA),China-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(CAMBA),andRepublicofKorea-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(ROKAMBA).
6.FarSouthWestStonyRises
• TheFarSouthWestStonyRisesareaencompassestheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape–MtEcclesLakeCondahArea.
• LakeCondahislistedontheDIWAandisofoutstandinghistoricalandculturalsignificance,withevidenceoftheoldestaquaculturesystemsintheworld.TheMtEccles/LakeCondahareahavebeenidentifiedaskeynaturebasedtourismassetsataStatelevel.
• TheareacontainsthelargestcommunityofMannaGuminVictoria,andprovidescriticalhabitatforadiverserangeofthreatenedspecies.
Table 24: Description of catchment level assets within the Glenelg Hopkins region.
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SignificantriskstoassetshavebeenidentifiedandevaluatedthroughtheapplicationofariskassessmentframeworkbasedontheAustralian/NewZealandStandard.136
SignificantriskshavebeeninterpretedattheregionalscaleandaredescribedinTable 25.Theriskassessmentincorporatedthreatinformationthatwasidentifiedforeachoftheassetthemes.Alikelihoodandconsequenceassessmentwasappliedandthoserisksthatwerecalculatedasbeingsignificantorhighhavebeendescribed in Table 25.
siGniFiCAnT RisKs To AssETs
64
significant Risks
Description
Riv
ers/
Fl
oo
dp
lain
s
Wet
land
s
Est
uari
es
Co
asts
Mar
ine
TH sPC
soil/
Land
Land-usechange
Land-usechangescausingtheacceleratedlossofnativevegetationandnaturallandscapesincluderaised-bedandbroadacrecropping,rockcrushingandsubsequentpastureimprovements,increaseduseofpivotirrigationsystems,bluegumplantationsandruralresidentialdevelopment.Inmanycasesland-usechangeleadstoadegradationofwetlands,nativegrasslands,soilandwaterresourcesandimpactsonthreatenedspeciesandhabitats.137 Large-scalelandclearinghasraisedwatertablesandleachedsaltintogroundwater,rivers,wetlandsandupperlayersofthesoil.Itcontinuestocontributetowidespreadlossofnativespecies,lossofecosystemfunction,andlandandwaterdamage.138
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Clearanceof native vegetation
Clearanceofnativevegetationreducesthediversityofhabitatsandecologicalprocessesthatoccurwithinthem.139Approximately81percentoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasbeenclearedforagriculture.140
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Stockaccess Stockaccessandgrazingofsomeassetareascanleadtoremovalof,ordamageto,nativevegetation,areductioninwaterquality,andriverbankerosionandwetlanddegradation.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
PestplantsPestplants(weeds)arearisktoregionalbiodiversityandagricultureandcansignificantlylowerlandvalues.141Pestplantsinvadenativevegetation,providehabitatforpestanimalsandcreatefuelloadsforfire.142
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Pestanimals
PestanimalsimpactingnegativelyontheGlenelgHopkinsregionincluderabbits,foxes,feralgoats,carp,pigs,feralcatsandferaldeer.143Thesespecieshavecausedwidespreadeconomicandenvironmentalimpactandhavesignificantpotentialforfurtherimpact.111 InvasiveanimalsdeclaredundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act,suchasrabbitsandfoxes,arewellestablishedintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Somestudiesindicatethatfoxesmayaccountforupto30percentofthedeathsofnewbornlambs.144
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Drainage of wetlands
Themajorthreatstowetlandsaredrainage,salinity,agriculture,dredging,landfilling,pollution,watersupplyandrecreation.145SinceEuropeansettlementtherehasbeena 21percentdecreaseinthenumberofwetlandsanda49percentlossofwetlandarea(includespartialdrainage).
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Reductioninriverflows
Reducedflowsthreatenanumberofenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues,suchasaquaticlife,riparianvegetation,recreationalfishingopportunitiesandfloodplainprocesses.Climatechangeisforecasttohaveanimpactonrivers.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Decliningwaterquality
Waterqualitycanbeaffectedbyanumberofinfluencesincludingurbanandagriculturalpollution,salinity,erosionandoveruseofresources.Poorwaterqualityhasimpactsonaquaticecosystems,aquacultureandagriculture,water-basedrecreation,suitabilityforsustainingaproductiveagriculturalindustry,domesticuse,recreationalpursuitsandenvironmentalneeds.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Below (L-R): As a pest animal, foxes pose a significant risk to the region both environmentally and economically.
Photos: Bob McPherson.
Opposite Page: Major bushfires pose a threat to many species.
Photo: DEPI.
656565
significant Risks
Description
Riv
ers/
Fl
oo
dp
lain
s
Wet
land
s
Est
uari
es
Co
asts
Mar
ine
TH sPC
soil/
Land
Flooddamage
Whilefloodingandinundationoflandislargelyconsideredanaturalprocess,itcanbeexacerbatedbymodificationofwaterways.TheGlenelgHopkinsregionmayhaveagreaterpotentialforfloodingduetoclimatechange.Withchangingseasonalpatterns,itispredictedthattherewillbeanincreaseinintenseperiodsofrainfalloverashortertimeframe,increasingthelikelihoodoffloodsoccurring. Sea-levelrisewillalsoimpactonfloodplainmanagement,increasingtheextentanddepthofinundationoffloodplainsandestuarineareas.
3 3 3 3
Inappropriateartificialrivermouthopenings
Withintheregion’sestuaries,thereisahistoryofartificialrivermouthopeningsundertakentoalleviatelandinundation.Ifartificialrivermouthopeningsareundertakenwhentheconditionsintheestuaryareunfavorablemassfishkillscanoccurandfisheggsandlarvaecanbeflushedouttosea.146
3 3 3 3
Barrierstofishmovement
Structuresplacedacrosswaterwayscanformabarriertofishmovement.147Structurescanincludedams,weirsandroads.Thesebarrierscanaffectthemovementofindigenousfishspecies,isolatingfishpopulationsandrestrictingspawningactivities.
3
Soilerosion(on-site andoff-siteimpacts)
Vegetationremovalandintensiveagriculturalproductioncanleadtoalossofsoilorganicmatter,resultinginsoilstructurebreakdownandincreasederosion.Long-termoutcomes ofcontinuederosioncanbeseeninsedimentdepositsintheriversystems.Extensivesheet,tunnel,gullyandstreambankerosionhasledtolargevolumesofsandbeingtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.148GullyandtunnelerosionaremostsignificantintheGlenelgBasinwhere52percentofagriculturallandisestimatedtobeaffectedtoamoderateorsevereextent.149
3 3 3 3
Soilsalinity
Salinityhasdevelopedinresponsetochangesinlanduseandvegetationcoverwithsettlementclearingandagriculturaldevelopment.150Salinityaffectsmorethan27,000ha151 andcoststheregionmorethan$44millionannually.Itimpactstheregion’sagriculturalproduction,waterquality,riverhealth,biodiversity,andenvironmental,heritageandinfrastructureassets.152Theseimpactsareexpectedtoincreasesubstantiallyoverthenext 30years.153
3 3 3 3 3
Soilacidity
Soilacidificationposesamajorthreattotheproductivityandprofitabilityofagricultureandtothehealthofterrestrialbiodiversity.Someagriculturalpracticesacceleratetherateofacidification.154MostoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasahigh,inherentsusceptibilitytosoilacidification,withanestimated74percentofagriculturalsoilsintheregionstronglyacidic(pH<5.6).Thereisariskoffurthersoilacidificationinpartsoftheregionunderagriculture,particularlyinareasreceivingmorethan500millimetresofannualrainfall.Undertheinfluenceofcurrentagriculturalpracticesaround10to15percentoftheregioncouldbecomeextremelyacidicinthefuture.155
3 3 3
Declineinsoilorganicmatter
Soilorganicmatterisavitalcomponentofhealthysoilsandhasmanybenefitsintermsofsoilstructure,waterholdingability,itssupportofsoilorganismsanditsreleaseofnutrients.Somefarmingpracticesmayreducesoilorganicmatter,suchasburning,tillage,overgrazingandcropping.Sixty-sixpercentoftheregionisconsideredhighlysusceptibletosoilstructuredecline.156
3 3
Bushfires Whilefireisanintegralpartoftheenvironment,majorbushfiresmayposeathreattomanyspecies,particularlythoselocatedinisolatedremnants.
3 3
ClimateChange
Duringthiscentury,itislikelytheVictoriancoastlinewillbeimpactedbysealevelriseandincreasedfrequencyandseverityofstormeventsleadingtoinundationanderosion.Itisalsopredictedthathighertemperatureswillincreasebushfireriskalongthecoast,andincreasedseatemperatures,changingseacurrentsandfurtheracidificationoftheoceanwillaffectthemarineenvironment.157
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Table 25: Summary of significant risks to regional assets.
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iMPLEMEnTinG THE sTRATEGY
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
ObjECTIvES AND MEASURES THAT RELATE TO ALL OR MULTIPLE ASSET THEMES
Objective 1.1: Protect and improve the region’s waterways, wetlands and estuaries
1.1.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy(whichincludesrivers,estuariesandwetlands)
VictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy(indevelopment)
CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities, ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard, communitygroups
1.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategythatapplytotheGlenelgHopkinsCatchmentRegion
WesternRegionSustainable WaterStrategy
CMA,DEPI,WaterAuthorities
ParksVictoria, communitygroups
Objective 1.2: Reduce the impact of pest plants and animals on the region’s natural resources and agricultural industries
1.2.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy(2010-2015)
CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment,TrustforNature
1.2.2 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkins RegionalWeedPlan
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan(2008-2012)
CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment,TrustforNature
1.2.3 UpdatetheGlenelgHopkins RegionalWeedPlan
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan(2008-2012)
CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment
Objective 1.3: Maximise biodiversity benefits of sequestering carbon in the landscape and minimise adverse effects
1.3.1 DevelopaRegionalNRMPlantoguidefuturecarbonsequestrationactivities
- CMA DEPI
1.3.2 Identifyprioritylandscapesforpotentialcarbonsequestrationopportunities
- CMA DEPI
1.3.3 Identifyopportunitiesandmanagementstrategiestomaximiseenvironmentalco-benefitsofcarbonbio-sequestrationopportunities
- CMA DEPI, TrustforNature
1.3.4 Provideguidanceonthepotentialrisksandadverseimpactsassociatedwithcarbonsequestrationinthelandscape,includingimpactstobiodiversity,waterresourcesandproductionsystems
- CMA DEPI
Objective 1.4: Protect and manage the visual character of the landscape
1.4.1 UndertakesouthwestVictoriaLandscapeAssessmentStudy
- DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure
DEPI,ParksVictoria,CMA, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard
1.4.2 Provideguidancethroughlocalplanningschemestoprotectandmanagethevisualcharacterofthelandscapeinthefuture
- DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure
DEPI,ParksVictoria,CMA, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard
COMMUNITy PARTICIPATION
Objective 2.1: Maintain and enhance community capacity, awareness and involvement in natural resource management within the region
2.1.1 PrepareaStakeholderandCommunityEngagementPlanfortheimplementationoftheRCSby2013
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy2013-2019
CMA -
2.1.2 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategybytheendof2013
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategy
CMA DEPI,industrygroups,Landcaregroups,Landcarenetworks, landmanagers,WesternCoastalBoard
2.1.3 Developatargetedcommunityeducationprogramtoincreaseawarenessofnaturalassetswithintheregionandencourageactionsthatimproveland,waterandbiodiversityoutcomes
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard
2.1.4 Developandimplementprogramstobuildcommunitycapacityinnaturalresourcemanagement
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment
676767
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
2.1.5 Undertakecommunityawarenessandextensionactivitiestopromotenaturalresourcemanagementandbestmanagementpracticesinagriculture
- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,communitygroups,TrustforNature,WesternCoastalBoard
2.1.6 Involvethecommunityindecisionsrelatingtonaturalresourcemanagementwithin their region
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment,
Objective 2.2: Facilitate a collaborative approach to NRM
2.2.1 Collaboratewithindigenouscommunities,communityorganisations,localgovernment,agencies,tertiaryinstitutions,industrygroupsandneighbouringNRMbodiestodeveloppartnershipprojectsandjointinitiatives
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,TrustforNature,Indigenouscommunities
2.2.2 Improveinter-agencyandcrossbordercommunicationthroughactivesupport ofgroups
- CMA DEPI,WimmeraCMA,SouthernRuralWater,GWMWaterSouthEastNRMBoard,DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,DepartmentforWater,SouthEasternWaterConservationandDrainageBoard
2.2.3 Seekopportunitiesforcrossborder andinteragencypartnershipstoaddressmutualnaturalresourcemanagementpriorities
- CMA DEPI,WimmeraCMA,SouthernRuralWater,GWMWaterSouthEastNRMBoard,DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,DepartmentforWater,SouthEasternWaterConservationandDrainageBoard
Objective 2.3: Support land managers in meeting their responsibilities as active stewards of the Catchment’s land, water and biodiversity
2.3.1 ProvideinformationtolandmanagersontheirresponsibilitiestoconservesoilandprotectwaterresourcesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act
- DEPI CMA
Objective 2.4: Support farmers to incorporate environmental outcomes into their farm systems
2.4.1 Wherepossible,makeexistingpropertymanagementplanningtoolsavailabletolandownerson-line.
- DEPI Landcare,DemoDairy
2.4.2 Raiselandownerawarenessofincentiveprograms
- CMA Localgovernment,Landcare,DEPI,Demo Dairy
RIvERS AND FLOODPLAINS
Objective 3.1: Waterways classified as good or excellent in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) will remain as such in 2033
3.1.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy
RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped)
CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,communitygroups,landmanagers
Objective 3.2: The condition of specified waterways currently classed as poor to moderate in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) is improved by 2033
3.2.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy
RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped)
CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,communitygroups,landmanagers
Objective 3.3: Improve river health in relation to riparian extent, connectivity, hydrological regime and water quality
3.3.1 Developandimplementactionplans forprioritywaterwaysandtheircatchmentsexceptwhereexistingparkandforestmanagementplansaddressprioritywaterwaysthatoccurwithinparks,reservesandforests
RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped)
CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,landmanagers
3.3.2 Developandimplementseasonal wateringproposals
RegionalWaterwayStrategy(tobedeveloped)
CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,communitygroups,landmanagers
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implemenTinG The sTraTeGy
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
Objective 3.4: Increase provision of reliable flood information for settlements
3.4.1 By2014,completeaRegionalFloodplainManagementPlan
- CMA DEPI,localgovernment
3.4.2 Supportthedevelopmentofaframeworkforupgradingfloodwarningsystems
- CMA Localgovernment
3.4.3 Completeaprioritylistfornewandupgradedfloodwarningsystemsfor the region
- CMA Localgovernment
3.4.4 Undertakefloodstudiestoimproveknowledgeofpotentialfloodimpacts onsettlements
- CMA Localgovernment, communitygroups
3.4.5 Workwithlocalgovernmenttoamendplanningschemestoreflectbestavailablefloodinformation
- Localgovernment
CMA,DEPI
3.4.6 Developguidelinesforappropriate useandmanagementoffloodplains
- CMA DEPI,localgovernment
Objective 3.5: Improve river and floodplain management
3.5.1 Increasecommunitypreparednessforfloodeventsthroughdevelopmentof earlywarningsystemsandfloodawarenessprograms
- CMA Localgovernment
3.5.2 Seekcommunityinputduringtheplanninganddeliveryofstrategicmanagementplans
- CMA Communitygroupsand communitymembers
WETLANDS
Objective 4.1: by 2033, improve the condition of wetlands, and maintain the diversity of wetland types (using IWC1 assessment for comparison)
4.1.1 DevelopandimplementawetlandstrategicframeworkaspartoftheRegionalWaterwayStrategy
VictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy(indevelopment)
CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,VicRoads,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,EPA,communitygroups, TrustforNature
4.1.2 Developstrategicmanagementplans forsignificant(priority)wetlands
- CMA(DEPIonpublicland)
DEPI,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,community,adjacentlandmanagers,TrustforNature
4.1.3 Developbestmanagementpractices forwetlands
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment
4.1.4 Supportindigenouswetland restorationprojects
- CMA/Winda-MaraAboriginalCorporation
ParksVictoria,DEPI,SRW, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard(consult)
4.1.5 Establishamanagementframework forreinstatingdrainedwetlands
- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,Indigenouspartnerorganizations,TrustforNature
4.1.6 Reviewtheeffectivenessofcurrentmeasurestomitigatetheimpactof land-usechangeonwetlands
- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,TrustforNature
4.1.7 Througheducationandincentiveprograms,increasethenumberofprivatelandmanagersimplementingbestwetlandmanagementpractices
- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,landmanagers
4.1.8 Preventnegativeimpactstowetlandsfromnewdevelopmentsbyworkingwithcouncilstoimplementwetland-specificplanningschemeoverlays
- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,Indigenouspartnerorganisations
4.1.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandpurchase ofprioritywetlands
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria
696969
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
ESTUARIES
Objective 5.1: by 2033 improve the condition of estuaries across the region as compared with the 2018 IEC assessment
5.1.1 DevelopandimplementanestuariesstrategicframeworkthroughtheRegionalWaterwayStrategy
DraftVictorianWaterStrategy CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,VicRoads,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,EPA,Community
5.1.2 ReviewEstuaryManagementPlansastheyexpire,inconjunctionwiththeRegionalWaterStrategy
Regionalestuarymanagementplans CMA DEPI,ParksVic,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard
5.1.3 RevisetheSouthWestVictoria CoastalActionPlanby2014
SouthWestEstuariesCoastal ActionPlan
WesternCoastalBoard
Localgovernment,DEPI,ParksVic,CMA,CommitteesofManagement
5.1.4 DevelopEnvironmentSignificanceOverlaystoprotectestuariesfrominappropriatedevelopmentanduse
Regionalestuarymanagementplans,municipalplanningschemes
CMA Localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI,DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure
5.1.5 Whereappropriateidentifystrategic landpurchasesitesfortheprotection andimprovementofestuaryfunction andbiodiversityvalues
Regionalestuarymanagementplans CMA DEPI,ParksVic,localgovernment,TrustforNature,BHF,privatelandmanagers
5.1.6 ImplementEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemacrosstheeightestuariesthatoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion
RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped),regionalestuarymanagementplans
CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,
5.1.7 Conductresearchintoestuarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithcoastalandmarineenvironmentsand toreducenegativeimpacts
- Universities DEPI,ParksVictoria, WesternCoastalBoard
5.1.8 ContinueestuarymonitoringtoinformEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS)andenableimplementationofIEC
RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped),regionalestuarymanagementplans
CMA DEPI
COASTS
Objective 6.1: by 2033 maintain the condition of the coast and manage specific threats to improve condition where appropriate
6.1.1 RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaRegionalCoastalActionPlanby2014
SouthWestVictoriaRegional CoastalActionPlan
WesternCoastalBoard
CMA,localgovernment,DEPI, ParksVic,CommitteesofManagement
6.1.2 Developenvironmentalsignificanceoverlaysfortheprotectionofcoasts
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,VictorianLandscapeSettingTypes fortheVictorianCoast
Localgovernment
CMA,DEPI,WesternCoastalBoard,DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure
6.1.3 Developcoastaladaptationplans tomanagetheimpactofsea-levelrise,stormsurgeandfloodinginpriorityareas
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,LocalManagementPlans
DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure
CMA,DEPI,WesternCoastalBoard,TrustforNature,localgovernment,CommitteesofManagement
6.1.4 Includeneedforcoastalpestplantandanimalmanagementintoregionalplans
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy(tobereplaced byRegionalWaterwayStrategy)
CMA Localgovernment,ParksVic,EPA,DEPI
6.1.5 Monitorandworktocontrolpestplantandanimalspeciesonthecoast
GlenelgHopkinsInvasive AnimalStrategy
CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment
6.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismandrecreationtominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts
Regionalestuarymanagementplans,VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestVictoriaEstuariesCoastalActionPlan
Localgovernment
TourismVictoria,VRFish,WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI
6.1.7 Continuetoconveneamarine,coastalandestuarinecrossagencymanagementcoordinationforumfor the region
VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestCoastalActionPlan
CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment
6.1.8 Consultthecommunityincoastalplanningandmanagementprocesses
VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestCoastalActionPlan
Localgovernment
WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,CMA
6.1.9 Conductresearchintocoastalenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts
- Universities CMA,DEPI,ParksVictoria, WesternCoastalBoard
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Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
MARINE
Objective:7.1: by 2033 maintain the condition of the marine environment and manage specific catchment-based threats to improve condition where appropriate
7.1.1 Supportandassistinfisherieseducationprogramwithaparticularfocusonspeciesthatutiliseboththemarineandestuarinefreshwater environments
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,FisheriesManagementPlans
DEPI Fisheries,industry,CMA,volunteers,communitygroups
7.1.2 Consolidateandintegrateprograms toaddressland-basedsourcesof marinepollution
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan
CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment
7.1.3 Reducetheimpactofcatchmentdischargesonthehealthofmarineecosystemsbypromotingoperationalchangesinfarmpractices
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan
EPA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment
7.1.4 Support,whereappropriate,deliveryofregionalactionslistedinthe2008VictorianCoastalStrategydesignedtoprotectmarinebiodiversityandecosystems
VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan
CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment,communitygroups
7.1.5 Conductresearchintomarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandcoastalenvironmentsand toreducenegativeimpacts
- Universities Universities,DEPI,ParksVictoria,WesternCoastalBoard
7.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismindustrytominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts
VictorianCoastalStrategy WesternCoastalBoard
Localgovernment,TourismVictoria,DEPI,VRFish
7.1.7 Monitordevelopmentsinalternativeenergyandresourceuseandworkwithagenciesfortheirecologicallysustainabledevelopment
VictorianCoastalStrategy CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVictoria,localgovernment
7.1.8 Undertakeresearchtobetterunderstandcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets
- CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI,EPA,localgovernment
TERRESTRIAL HAbITAT
Objective 8.1: Maintain extent and improve condition of terrestrial habitat
8.1.1 By2019,maintainand/orincreasetheextentofnativevegetationonpublicandprivateland(comparedwith2012levels)andimproveitsquality
- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, Landmanagers,TrustforNature, localgovernment
8.1.2 ImplementactionswithintheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlantoimprovetheconditionofnativevegetation
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012
CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroup,landmanagers, TrustforNature
8.1.3 Protectandimprovetheconditionofterrestrialhabitatthroughrevegetation,fencingwhereappropriateandimplementationofbestmanagementpractices
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012
GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006
CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroupsandlandmanagers
8.1.4 ImprovenativevegetationresourceconditionbybuildingpartnershipswithprivatelandholderstopreserverareEcologicalVegetationClasses
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan
CMA DEPI,landmanagers, TrustforNature
8.1.5 Protectimportantbiodiversityvaluesfoundintheparksandreservesnetworkthroughtheimplementationofparkandforestmanagementplans
PortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsRegionParkManagementPlans,SouthWestManagementPlan(tobedeveloped),WannonWaterBiodiversityStrategy
DEPI/ ParksVic
-
8.1.6 SupportthedevelopmentandimplementationofRoadsideVegetationPlansforpriorityroadsideswithsignificantremnant vegetation
GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,WannonWaterBiodiversityStrategy
VicRoads,localgovernment
DEPI,CMA, communitygroups,CFA
8.1.7 Increasetheextentofprivatelandmanagedforbiodiversityconservation
TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan
TrustforNature
DEPI,CMA,landowners, Indigenousgroups
71
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
8.1.8 Developconservationcovenantstoprotectareasofhigh-valueremnantvegetation
- TrustforNature
DEPI,CMA,localgovernment,landowners
8.1.9 Developconditionstatementsforterrestrialhabitatasinformationbecomesavailable
- CMA ParksVic,DEPI
8.1.10 By2015,developandbeginimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015,GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan
CMA DEPI,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups
Objective 8.2: Improve connectivity of habitat for species populations and communities
8.2.1 Identifypriorityregionalbiolinksby theendof2013
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan
CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature
8.2.2 Identifyandmapareaswithinbiolinkswhereecosystemshavenaturalregenerativecapacity
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan
DEPI CMA,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature
8.2.3 Implementcross-tenurelandscapeconnectivityprogramsonprivateandpublicland
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006
CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature
8.2.4 Whereappropriate,pursueopportunitiesforlandpurchasewithinprioritybiolinkareas
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006
CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers, localgovernment,communitygroups,AustralianGovernment,TrustforNature
Objective 8.3: Public land is managed as the core of resilient ecosystems
8.3.1 ImplementPortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan(StateForests)
PortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan2011
DEPI
8.3.2 DevelopandimplementNgootyoongGunditj,NgootyoongMaraSouthWestManagementPlan
- ParksVictoria TrustforNature
8.3.3 Supportresilientecosystemmanagementonpubliclandwithbufferzones andlinkagesbyprotectingadjacentprivateland
- CMA TrustforNature,landmanagers
THREATENED SPECIES POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
Objective 9.1: Improve the health of key populations of threatened species and communities
9.1.1 By2015,developandbeginimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015,GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan
CMA DEPI,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups
9.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy 2010-2015
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015
CMA DEPI,localgovernment, landmanagers,CommunityGroups
9.1.3 ContinuetosupportregionalThreatenedFloraandFaunaProgramandtheimplementationofhighpriorityactionsinhighprioritylocationsconsistentwiththeActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015,GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan
DEPI CMA,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups,BirdlifeAustralia
9.1.4 Achieveanimprovementintheconservationstatusoflistedthreatenedspeciesandecologicalcommunities
ActionStatements,RecoveryPlans DEPI CMA,Regionalstakeholders, TrustforNature
9.1.5 ReviewandimplementActionStatementandRecoveryPlansforlistedthreatenedspeciesandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion
ActionStatements,RecoveryPlans,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan
DEPI CMA,Regionalstakeholders,BirdlifeAustralia,TrustforNature
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Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
9.1.6 Investinimprovingtheresilienceofthreatenedspeciesthroughprogramstargetedathabitatimprovement
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan
CMA -
9.1.7 Implementecologicallyappropriateburningforprotectionoffloraandfaunacommunitieswhereappropriate
DistrictFireOperationsPlans DEPI ParksVic,CFA, landmanagers
9.1.8 Supportlong-term,two-wayknowledgetransferandcapacitybuildingtoenhancetheroleoftraditionalecologicalknowledgeinbiodiversityconservation
- CMA,DEPI,inpartnershipwith indigenouspeoples
Communitygroups
9.1.9 Buildcapacityandenhanceknowledgeofindustryandlocalgovernmenttoplanandprotectbiodiversity,particularlythreatenedspeciesandcriticalhabitats
- CMA/DEPI Regionalstakeholders, TrustforNature, communitygroups
9.1.10 Buildregionalcapacitythroughtrainingandeducationprograms(e.g.farmplanning)toincreaseawarenessofregionalbiodiversityassets,valuesandthreats
- CMA/DEPI DEPI,ParksVic,TrustforNature,communitygroups
9.1.11 Collaboratewithotherstakeholders (e.g.universitiesandresearchinstitutions)toincreasecapacitytosurveyandmonitorthreatenedspecieswithintheregion
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan,RegionalWaterwayStrategy(tobedeveloped)
CMA DEPI,universities, researchinstitutions
SOIL AND LAND
Objective 10.1: An improvement in soil condition as measured by key indicators by 2033
10.1.1 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsregionSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy
CMA DEPI,landmanagers, communitygroups
10.1.2 Updateandcommenceimplementation oftheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan
GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan 2005-2008
CMA DEPI,communityandindustrygroups,landmanagers
Objective 10.2: An increase in the area of soils managed within their capability
10.2.1 Investigatebenchmarksforkeyindicatorsofhealthysoils(stable-statetargets)
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
DEPI CMA
10.2.2 Investigateopportunitiesforsoil capabilitymappingunderdifferent landmanagementpractices
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI
10.2.3 Identifysoilsatriskundercertainmanagement regimes
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI,industrygroups
10.2.4 Promoteincreasedlevelsofawareness andadoptionoflandmanagementmethodstomaintainorimprovethehealthandproductivityofsoil
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
DEPI CMA,communitygroups, industrygroups
10.2.5 Undertakeeducationprogramsthatpromotesoilasafinite,valuableresourceandecosystemservicesprovidedbysoils
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI,communitygroups, industrygroups
10.2.6 Continuedevelopmentandcommunicationoflandcapabilityinformation(e.g.trialsandon-farmdemonstrationsites)toguideland-usechangedecisions
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI,industrygroups, landmanagers,communitygroups
10.2.7 Maintainaminimumof70percentgroundcoverduringthesummerseason
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI,industrygroups,landmanagers,communitygroups
10.2.8 Examineopportunitiesforcomplianceprograms
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014
CMA DEPI
10.2.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandcapability,overlaysandplanningcontrols
- DEPI CMA
10.2.10 Raiseawarenessoffundamentalsofsoilcarboncomposition,functionandsequestrationopportunities
- CMA DEPI
implemenTinG The sTraTeGy
MoniToRinG EvALUATion AnD REPoRTinGREVIEW�AND�MANAGEMENT� �OF�THE�RCS
TheprimarygoalofthisMonitoring,EvaluationandReporting(MER)frameworkistoprovidetheprocessesandactionsforunderstanding,improvingandcommunicatingtheimpactofmanagingtheregion’snaturalresourceassets.
ThisframeworkwillprovidetheoverarchingdirectionfortheapplicationofMERprinciplesandprocessestotheimplementationoftheRCS.ItwillbesupportedbyaMERplanthatwillbedevelopedbyJuly2013.
AMERframeworkisvitalforunderstandingsuccess(andfailures)andhowbesttolearnfromthem.MERprovidestheinformationthatisrequiredtoadaptivelyrespondandmanageprogramsinanoftenuncertainfieldofmanagement.
GlenelgHopkinsCMAcommitstoco-ordinatingamid-termreviewoftheRCS(duein2015)usingtheseadaptivemanagementprocessesaswellasundertakingacomprehensiveevaluationattheconclusionofthestrategy’simplementation.
MER�PRINCIPLES�FOR�THE�RCS
TheRCSMERisbasedonthefollowingprinciples:
• DuringthelifeoftheRCS,newinformationandknowledgewillmostlikelybecomeavailable.ThisinformationandknowledgewillneedtobeincorporatedintotheRCSbytakinganadaptivemanagementapproach.
• Managementinterventionsfornaturalresourcemanagementoftenhaveimpactsatdifferenttemporalscales.Notallimpactsofmanagementinterventionswillbeexpectedtobeapparentwithinthelifetimeofthisstrategy.Ongoingmonitoringmayberequiredtorecognisetheselongertermachievements.
• ThesuccessofMERfortheRCSwillrequirestrongpartnershipstoensuredataanditsinterpretationisuptodateandavailable.Datacollectionandsharingproceduresmayneedtobeestablished.
• Variousstandards(forexamplevegetationworksstandardsandstandardoutputprotocols)areorwillbeavailabletosupportMERandshouldbeconsidered.
• TheMERframeworkshouldalsoconsider sub-strategyandactionplanimplementation.
Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation
Lead or coordinating responsibility
Delivery partners
Objective 10.3: by 2033 reduce the impact of soil based threats, including salinity and erosion, on waterways and wetlands as measured by improved ISC and IWC scores (turbidity and EC)
10.3.1 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan
GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan 2005-2008
CMA GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy
10.3.2 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy
CMA DEPI,landholders,communitygroups,industrygroups
Objective 10.4: by 2033 Soils are managed for protection and enhancement of the beneficial ecosystem services provided by soils
10.4.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy
CMA GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy
MONITORING, EvALUATION AND REPORTING
11.1 Conduct a mid-term and full-term review of the RCS
11.1.1 DevelopanRCSMERPlanbyJuly2013 - CMA -
11.1.2 ReviewRCSMERPlanannually - CMA -
11.1.3 Conductamid-termreviewoftheRCS byJuly2016
GlenelgHopkinsRCS,RCSMERPlan CMA -
11.1.4 ConductafinalreviewoftheRCS byJuly2019
GlenelgHopkinsRCS,RCSMERPlan CMA -
ImplementationoftheRCSisdependentonfundingavailability.
Table 26: Implementing the Strategy.
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OUTCOMES�HIERARCHY
TheRCSisinformedbyahierarchyofoutcomesorinotherwords,thingsthatcanbeachievedbothintheshortandlong-term.Aseriesof20-yearobjectiveshavebeendevelopedthatwillberequiredtoachievetheregion’s50-yearvision.Six-yearmanagementmeasureshavebeenidentifiedforeachobjective.
CRITICAL�ASSUMPTIONS�FOR� �THE�OUTCOMES�HIERARCHY
Assumptionsaretheexpectations,basedoncurrentknowledgeandexperience,aboutwhatisimportantforastrategy’ssuccess.
Thefollowingbroadassumptionscanbeapplied:
• dataisavailableandcanbemeaningfullyappliedwhenevaluatingandreportingonimplementation
• resourcesareavailableformonitoringactivities, datacollectionandmanagement
• resourcesareavailabletodeliverthenecessaryaction
• newlandmanagementpracticeswillbeadopted
• predictedconditions(takingintoaccountpredictionsaboutclimatechangeandland-usechange)forthelifeoftheRCSarecorrect
• resourcesareavailableforthepreparationandimplementationofsupportingsub-strategiesandactionplansduringthelifeoftheRCS
• landmanagersengageandareencouraged andempoweredtoact
• landmanagersareinterestedinattending trainingandworkshopeventsandactively seektechnicaladvice
• FundingisavailableforRCSactions.
ARE�THE�RIGHT�RESULTS� �BEING�ACHIEVED?Keyevaluationquestions,formthebasisforassessingwhetherthemanagementmeasureshaveoccurred asrequiredandwhethertheyhavebeeneffective inbringingaboutthedesiredchange.
Keyevaluationquestionsagainstthecategoriesofimpact,appropriateness,effectiveness,efficiencyandlegacyaredetailedbelow(Table 27).AssociatedmonitoringactivitieswillbedetailedintheRCSMERPlantobedeveloped.
REPORTING�GlenelgHopkinsCMAmustreportannuallyontheconditionandmanagementoflandandwaterresourcesintheregion.Thisreportissubmittedas acomponentoftheCMA’sannualreportandisbasedonasetofguidelinesissuedbyDEPI.
TheCMAwillconductamid-termandafull-termreviewoftheRCS (Table 19).Thesereviews,whilesimilartotheannualreportingprocess,willplacegreateremphasisonreportingoncondition,achievementofthe20-yearobjectivesandeffectivenessoftheRCS(intermsofimplementationofmanagementmeasuresandactions).ThesereviewsmayalsoindicatenecessarychangestoimplementationoftheRCStoensureobjectives willbemet.
impact
InwhatwaysandtowhatextenthastheRCScontributedtochangingmanagementpractices?Whatincreasehastherebeeninthenumberoflandmanagersapplyingbestmanagementpractices?
Whatisthestatusandtrendinassetconditionintheregion?
Whatprogresshasbeenmadetowardsachievingthe20-yearobjectives?
Appropriateness
Dothemanagementmeasuresandactionsremainthebestmanagementpracticesavailableoraretheremoreappropriatemethodsthatshouldbeimplemented?
Effectiveness
Howeffectiveweretheimplementedmeasuresatmeeting theobjectives?
Arethecurrentmanagementmeasuresandactionsstillthemosteffectiveformeetingthe20-yearobjectivesorarethereother,moreeffectiveways?
Efficiency
Towhatextentwerethestrategyimplementationactionscompleted?
Towhatextenthavetheprogramofmeasuresbeenimplemented?
Legacy
HowaretheeffectsofRCSimplementationexpectedtocontinueovertime,particularlyafterthestrategyhasreachedtheendofitscycle?
Table 27: Key evaluation questions.
moniTorinG evalUaTion anD reporTinG
75
RCS�WORKING�GROUP
AnRCSWorkingGroupwasestablishedtoprovideadviceonthedevelopmentoftheRCS.ThecompositionofthegroupisshowninTable 28.
75
Figure 19: RCS development process.
TheGlenelgHopkinsRCSistheresultofacollaborativeprocessinvolvinggovernmentdepartments,manyregionalorganisations,agencies,communitygroupsandindividuals.Thedevelopmentofthestrategyinvolvedfourbroadstages,asshowninFigure 19.
1. REviEW
• Reviewofregion’ssecondRCS
• Reviewofrelevantlegislation,policiesandstrategies
• Asset-basedworkshopswithkeyregionalstakeholderstoidentifysignificantassets
2. DRAFT RCs
• Programlogic,vision-setting,andobjective-settingworkshops
• DevelopmentofDraftRCS
3. PUBLiC ExHiBiTion
• Publicexhibitionperiod
• Reviewofpublicsubmissions
• Publicinformationsessions
4. FinAL RCs
• Considerandincorporatefeedbackondraft
• BoardendorsementoffinaldraftforsubmissiontoMinisters
• PresentationofRCSforMinisterialapproval
appenDix 1: rcs DevelopmenT process
Organisation Representative
GHCMARiverandWetland HealthAdvisoryGroup • MichelleCasanova–communityrepresentative
GHCMABiodiversityandLandHealthAdvisoryGroup
• MartinWestbrooke–communityrepresentative• MikeWaite–communityrepresentative
DepartmentofEnvironmentand PrimaryIndustries
• AllysonLardner–ProgramCoordinatorCatchmentsandWater,SouthWestRegion• ValerieLittle–WholeFarmPlanningOfficer
ParksVictoria • EvanMcDowell–EnvironmentProgramManagerGrampians
RMIT • MaryJohnson–ResearchFellow
GlenelgHopkinsCMA
• MichaelRees–PartnershipandInvestmentProgramManager• AdamBester–WaterwayandCatchmentHealthProgramManager• BradHenderson–StatutoryWaterProgramManager• PhilPerret–StrategyandInvestmentManager• KellieNilsson–StrategicPartnershipsManager• HannahBrook–MER&RCSCoordinator• GabrielleLanman–RCSOfficer
Table 28: RCS Working Group.
REVIEW�OF�THE�2003-2007�RCS
GlenelgHopkinsCMAundertookareviewoftheGlenelgHopkins2003-2007RCSin2009.Theintent ofthereviewwastocapturelearningsfromthepreviousRCSandtorecordcommunityperceptionsabouttheimplementationandeffectivenessofthestrategy.Theaimwastoensureimprovementfor the2013-2019RCS.ThereviewconcludedthattheGlenelgHopkinsRCS2003-2007wasviewedasavaluedregionaldocument;however,someofitsapproacheswereconsideredoutdated.
Thefourmainopportunitiesidentifiedwere:
• ensuringSMART(Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Relevant,Timely)targets
• moreclearlydefiningprojectlogicandmonitoringandevaluationprocesses
• integratingprogressagainsttargetreporting tostakeholdersandcommunity
• clarifyingtheapproachtoassets.
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9767676
OpportunitiesforusingregionalpartnershipsmoreeffectivelyforRCSdevelopmentandimplementationwerealsoidentified,withaparticularemphasisontheroleoflocalgovernment.Respondentsalsosuggesteddevelopingadocumentthatwassimplerandeasier touse.
Severalopportunitieswerehighlightedregardingthecommunityengagementcomponentofthestrategydevelopment.Ninety-threepercentofsurveyrespondentsindicatedthattheyortheirorganisationwouldliketoparticipateinthedevelopmentofthenextRCS.Respondentswereinvitedtoprovidesuggestionstoassistwithplanningengagementactivitiesforthe2013-2019RCS.
Fivethemesemergedfromthisprocess:
1.appropriatetailoringtovariousaudiences
2.establishingandseekingguidancefromadvisory/workinggroups
3.providingfeedbackopportunities
4.engagingwithIndigenouscommunityonCountryabouttheRCS
5.ensuringinvolvementofappropriaterepresentativesfromalllevelsofgovernment.
Thereviewprovidedvaluableguidanceforplanningstakeholderandcommunityengagementduringthedevelopmentofthe2013-2019RCS.
STAKEHOLDER�WORKSHOPS� �AND�FORUMS
Publicforumswereheldduring2011inHamilton,Portland,Balmoral,MortlakeandSkipton,wherecommunitiesassistedwiththeidentificationandprioritisationofenvironmentalassetswithineach oftheassetclasses.Allcontributionsnominated bythecommunitywererecordedandusedtoassist indevelopingthefinalprioritisedlistofassets.
InFebruary2012,anRCSworkshopofregionalenvironmentalexpertshelpeddevelopkeyguidingstatementsfortheRCS.Thereweremorethan 30participantsrepresentingDEPI,GrampiansWimmeraMalleeWater,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WannonWater,TrustforNature, GlenelgHopkinsCMAandCMAadvisorygroups, andrepresentativesfromlocalIndigenouscommunities.
TwomajorcommunityworkshopswereheldinHamiltoninMarch2012toseekpublicinputinto thedevelopmentoftheRCS.Theworkshopsplayed akeyroleinthedevelopmentoftheregionalvisionfortheRCS,andassociatedhigh-levelnaturalresourcemanagementobjectives,andwereattendedbyover50communitymembers.AdditionalpublicinformationsessionswereheldinCasterton,Heywood,Portland,Ararat,LakeBolacandWarrnamboolduringMayandJune2012todiscussandseekfeedbackontheRCS.
ASSET-BASED�APPROACH�
Thestrategyhasbeendevelopedusingan asset-basedapproach.Anasset-basedapproachisastructuredprocesstoidentifyareasforpriorityattentionandtoachievetargetedoutcomes.Inthiscontext,assetsaredefinedastangiblebio-physicalelementsoftheenvironmentthatarevaluablefortheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.158
TheINFFERprocesswasusedduringthedevelopmentoftheRCStoidentifyandprioritisesignificantassets.Incloseconsultationwiththecommunityandregionalpartnersalistofmorethan300significantregionalassetswasdeveloped.
Toreducethenumberofsignificantassetsitwasthennecessarytoapplya“filter”usingasimplifiedsetofcriteriaincluding:
1.Howsignificantistheasset (exceptional,veryhighorhigh)
2.Whatisthedegreeofthreattotheasset?Withoutamajornewprojectforthisasset,howdamagedwilltheassetbein20-yearstime?(veryhigh,high,medium,low)
3.Canyouclearlyidentifytheasset?
4.Willitbepossibletodefineagoalfortheassetthatis‘SMART’(specific,measurable,achievable,relevantandtimebound)?
5.Isthereevidencetoindicatethatmanagementactionscanmakearealdifference,sufficienttoachieveaworthwhileSMARTgoalfortheasset?
6.Ifthedesiredmanagementactionsaremainlyonprivateland,isitlikelythatthoseactionswouldbereasonablyattractivetofullyinformedlandmanagerswhenadoptedovertherequiredscale?
7.Iftheprojectrequireschangebyotherinstitutions(e.g.localgovernment,stategovernment)isthere agoodchancethatthiswilloccur?
Thelistofsignificantassetsforeachoftheasset-basedchaptersappearinginthisdocumentaretheresultofthisprocess.Theselistsofpriorityassetsweretakenastepfurtherwiththecreationofacatchmentassetsmap(Figure 18).Thecreationandintendeduseofthismaparedescribedinthesectiontitled:“Priorityareasforintervention”.
7777
appenDix 2: roles anD responsiBiliTies for naTUral resoUrce manaGemenT
Regional Group Roles and Responsibilities
GlenelgHopkinsCMA
ResponsibleforpreparingtheRCSandcoordinatingitsimplementation,settingregionalpriorities,providingregionalleadershipandcoordination,coordinatingworkstoprotectandenhanceregionallandandwaterresources,licensingofworksonwaterways,regionalfloodplainanddrainagemanagementandmanagementoftheEnvironmentalWaterReserve.ReportstotheVictorianGovernmentoncatchmentconditionandmanagement.
NeighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies
ImplementationofthestrategyisreliantonstrongandeffectivepartnershipswithneighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies.
CommonwealthDepartmentofAgricultureFisheriesandForestry
Developnationalinitiativesforsustainableresourcemanagementanduseandadministerprogramstopromotethewidespreadadoptionofsustainablenaturalresourcemanagementpractices.
VictorianCatchmentManagementCouncil
ReporteveryfiveyearsontheenvironmentalconditionandmanagementofVictoria’slandandwaterresourcesthroughtheVCMCCatchmentConditionreport,advisetheMinisterforEnvironmentandClimateChangeandMinisterforWateronlandandwatermanagementissues,andencouragecooperationandfacilitatescommunicationthroughvariousprojectsandforums.
DepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)
DEPIisVictoria’sleadgovernmentagencyforsustainablemanagementofwaterresources,climatechange,bushfires,publicland,forestsandecosystems.
DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure
Conductland-useplanningandenvironmentalassessmentinVictoria,managethelegalframework fortheVictorianplanningsystemandprovideadviceonplanningpolicyandstrategicplanningforlanddevelopment.TheDepartmentalsohasarolewithAboriginalaffairsthroughAboriginalAffairsVictoria(AAV).AAVprovidesadvicetotheVictorianGovernmentonAboriginalpolicyandplanning,anddeliverskeyprograms.
LocalGovernmentInfluencesnaturalresourcemanagementthroughitsresponsibilitiesforland-useplanning,developmentapprovalsandmaintenanceactivities.Somelocalgovernmentauthoritieshavebeeninvolvedwiththedevelopmentofenvironmentalplans.
UrbanwaterauthoritiesProvidewaterandwastewaterservicestourbancommunitiesandmanagementofspecificwatersupplycatchments.MeetobligationsissuedbytheMinisterforWaterundertheWater Act,including:preparingplans,communityengagementprocesses,managingassetsandsafetyandenvironmentalmanagement.
Ruralwaterauthorities Provideirrigation,drainage,watersupplyandmanagementofspecificwatersupplycatchments.Theyissuelicensesforsurfaceandgroundwaterextractions.
WesternCoastalBoard
ImplementstheVictorianCoastalStrategy,providesleadershipincoastalplanning(developCoastalActionPlans),promotesthesustainableuseofnatural,socialandeconomicsystemswithinthecoastalenvironment,managesignificantcoastal,estuarineandmarineareasorissues,facilitatesappropriatedevelopment,recognisestheimportanceofculturalandhistoricvaluesandencouragescommunityparticipation.
ParksVictoria Primaryroleistheprotectionofthenaturalandculturalvaluesintheregion’sterrestrialandmarineparksandreservesnetworkthroughecologicallysustainablemanagementandvisitoraccess.
TrustforNature Isanon-profitorganisationworkingtoprotectremnantvegetationandwildlife.TheTrustfocuseson itsconservationcovenantprogramandthepurchaseandre-sellingofhighconservationvalueland.
BirdLifeAustralia PrimaryobjectiveistoconserveAustralia’sbirdsandtheirhabitats.Thisisachievedthroughinvolvement inconservationscienceandprojects.
EnvironmentProtectionAuthority
Primaryroleistoprotectair,waterandlandfrompollution,controlindustrialnoiseandminimisewastegenerationthroughtheadministrationofenvironmentalprotectionpolicies.
VicRoadsIsactivelyinvolvedindevelopingroadsidemanagementplansformajorroads.Theseplansassistwithmanagingroadsideenvironmentsandconsiderpestplantsandanimals,retentionofsignificantroadsideareas,maintenancestrategiesandmaintenanceoffirebreaks.
CommitteesofManagement
AreappointedundertheCrown Land (Reserves) Act 1978tomanagetheirreserveonbehalfofthe MinisterforEnvironmentandClimateChange.Theyhavetheresponsibilitytomanagecrownlandreserves.
Landcareandothercommunitygroups
Participationinspecificareaplanningandongroundworks.Itisimportantthatcommunitygroupsaresupportedtobeinvolvedininitiativestoimprovethehealthoftheregion.
Landmanagers
HaveresponsibilitiesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Acttoavoidcausingorcontributingto landdegradation.Responsibilitiesincludeconservingsoil,protectingwaterresources,eradicatingregionallyprohibitedweeds,preventingthegrowthofregionallycontrolledweedsandpreventingthespreadof (oreradicatingwherepossible)establishedpestanimals.
Indigenouspartnerorganisations
Possessknowledgeofthecatchmentanditsprocesses.Theydirectlycontrolareasoflandandshouldbeinvolvedtoensureknowledgeiscapturedandutilised.
Universitiesandresearchinstitutions
Assistwithfillinginformationgapsacrosstheregion.Theyalsoprovidearoleinsupportingnaturalresourcemanagersthroughstudentandstaffinvolvementinregionalinitiatives.
Table 29: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management.
G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9787878
appenDix 3: policies, sTraTeGies anD leGislaTion
Title
Asset Class
Riv
ers
Wet
land
s
Est
uari
es
Co
asts
Mar
ine
sPC
TH
soil/
Land
international agreements
WesternDistrictLakesRamsarsite:strategicmanagementplan(2002) 3
ConventiononMigratorySpecies(‘Bonn’Convention) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
TheJapan-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(JAMBA)andtheChina-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(CAMBA) 3 3 3 3 3
RepublicofKorea-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(ROKAMBA)
Australian Government legislation and strategies
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (1984) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Australia’sBiodiversityConservationStrategy2010-2030 3 3 3 3 3 3
StrategyforAustralia’sNationalReserveSystem2009-2030 3 3 3
TheAustralianWeedsStrategy(revised2007) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
AustralianPestAnimalStrategy(2007) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
DirectoryofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(2001) 3
Native Title Act (1993) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
state Government legislation and strategies
Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act (1972) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Climate Change Act (2010) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Coastal Management Act (1995) 3 3 3 3
Crown Land (Reserves) Act (1978) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Planning and Environment Act (1987) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Environment Effects Act (1978) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Environment Protection Act (1972) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Forests Act (1958) 3 3 3
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) 3 3 3
InvasivePlantsandAnimalPolicyFramework(2010) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
National Parks Act (1975) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
NutrientManagementStrategyforVictorianInlandWaters(1995) 3 3
SEPP(WatersofVictoria)(updated2003) 3 3 3
StrategicDirectionStatementforVictorianRamsarSites(2002) 3
VictorianActionSecondGenerationLandcare2002-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
VictorianCoastalStrategy2008 3 3 3
Victorian Conservation Trust Act (1972) 3 3 3
Victorian Environment Assessment Council Act (2001) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Victorian’sNativeVegetationManagement–AframeworkForAction2002 3 3 3
Victoria’sBiodiversityStrategy(1997) 3 3 3
VictorianPestManagementFramework(2000) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
VictorianSalinityManagementFramework 3 3 3 3
VictorianSoilHealthStrategy2012 3 3 3 3 3
Water Act (1989) 3 3 3
Wildlife Act (1975) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Regional sub-strategies and plans
GlenelgHopkinsCMARevegetationStandards 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan2007 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015 3 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlanMarch2006 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategy2007-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWaterwaysStrategy(tobedeveloped) 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008 3 3
GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandPlan2009-2014 3 3
Table 30: Policies, Strategies and Legislation
7979
appenDix 4: BioreGional conservaTion sTaTUs of remnanT
veGeTaTion in The GlenelG hopkins reGion
EcologicalVegetationClasses(EVCs)arethevegetationmappingdatasetsusedfordetailedbiodiversityplanningandmanagement.ThedefinitionofeachEVCisbasedonawiderangeoffactorsincludingvegetationstructureandfloristics,lifeformsofplants,landsystems,ecologicalresponsestodisturbance,andotherenvironmentalparameters(suchasaspect,slope,elevation,rainfallandfirefrequency).EachEVCrepresentsoneormoreplantcommunitiesthatoccurinsimilartypesofenvironments.ThecommunitiesineachEVCtend toshowsimilarecologicalresponsestoenvironmentalfactorssuchasdisturbance.
TheGlenelgHopkinsregioncontains180differentEVCsandthedistributionoftheregion’soriginalnativevegetationislargelydeterminedbysoiltypeandrainfall.AsshowninFigure 20,theconservationstatusofmuchoftheremnantvegetationthatoccurswithintheregionisendangered,vulnerableordepleted(withtheexceptionoftheGrampiansregion,andsomeareasofpubliclandwithinthesouthwest ofthecatchment,suchasCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark,andAnnyaStateForest).
Figure 20: Bioregional conservation status of Glenelg Hopkins remnant vegetation.
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Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide a high quality publication, Glenelg Hopkins CMA does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information in the document and, therefore, disclaims all liability from error, loss or other consequence that may arise from reliance on this publication.
© State of Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
CONTENTS
G l e n e l g H o p ki n s Reg i o n a l C a tc h m e n t S t ra tegy 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
Front Cover: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a major tourist attraction and contains around 1,000 native plant species.
Photo: Southern Grampians Shire
Photo: James Pevitt Photo: Alison Pouliot
Vision 1
Chair’s Foreword 2
About the Strategy 3 Purpose of the Regional Catchment Strategy 3
How was the RCS developed? 3
How will the RCS lead to action? 4
Key Principles 5
The Glenelg Hopkins Region 6 Physical Environment 7
Social Profile 9
Economic Profile 10
Cultural History 10
Cultural Knowledge 11
Challenges and Opportunities 12
Climate Change 12
Pressures on Water Resources 13
Carbon Sequestration Activities 13
Summary 13
RCS Strategic Relationships 14
Key Achievements to Date 15
Thematic Asset Classes 19
Community Participation 20
Rivers and Floodplains 22
Wetlands 29
Estuaries 34
Coasts 38
Marine 43
Terrestrial Habitat 47
Species Populations and Communities 54
Soil and Land 57
Priority Areas for Intervention 62
Significant Risks to Assets 64
Implementing the Strategy 66
Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting 73
Appendix 1: RCS Development Process 75
Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management 77
Appendix 3: Policies, Strategies and Legislation 78
Appendix 4: Bioregional Conservation Status for Remnant Vegetation in the Glenelg Hopkins Region 79
References 79
REGIONAL CATCHMENT
STRATEGY
G l e n e l g H o p ki n s
2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9
79 French Street, Hamilton, Vic 3300
T: 03 5571 2526 F: 03 5571 2935
www.ghcma.vic.gov.au
Development of this strategy has been supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
GSDM_11003
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