Cluster Overview Recreation Review

Cluster: Cooloolabin, Poona and Wappa

November 2013

Cooloolabin, Poona and Wappa - Cluster Overview

Acknowledgements

In writing this paper we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands that are the subject of this paper. We wish to pay respect to Elders past and present, their continuing culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region.

The preparation of this paper has been based on inputs over several years from a wide variety of government and non-government groups and individuals with special interests in the green space value of the Seqwater sites and their use for recreation.

Special thanks are extended to the many people who provided input and participated in the past visitor surveys and to those who are working with us to shape the new plans.

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Background Seqwater manages all of the major water storages in South East . These water storages provide the majority of sites in SEQ for recreation on/in freshwater. Collectively these water storages provide a “recreational landscape” of regional significance. Seqwater is the only major bulk water provider in that manages ‘open’ catchments, allowing the community to enjoy lakes and catchment land while ensuring quality bulk drinking for . Recreation on Seqwater lakes and land must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the core role of these assets – that is providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply. Many land use decisions are, for all practical purposes, irreversible because of the social and/or financial costs involved. It is important that we make responsible decisions now to ensure a sustainable future. The protection of our catchments and lakes requires careful consideration and planning. While there is strong demand for increased recreation opportunities, this must be balanced with the protection of a precious resource and the ongoing provision of to a growing population. Seqwater recognises the importance of recreation to the community and encourages the responsible enjoyment of our natural areas. Our objective with this review is to listen and learn about what recreational opportunities you would like to see in and around the lakes, and within our constraints will deliver a plan based on this feedback.

Recreation Management Framework

Seqwater’s Recreation Management Framework guides our decision making in regard to recreation management. Seqwater’s objective is to: Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality. This objective will be achieved through the application and implementation of a number of key principles: 1. Minimise risks to water quality 2. Ensure environmental sustainability 3. Diversity in the range of outdoor recreation activities, locations and settings 4. Ensure all use is consistent with Seqwater’s land management practices 5. Facilitate sustainable recreation 6. Engage with external regulating agencies 7. Meeting financial management outcomes

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Seqwater’s Recreation Management Framework recognises recreation in natural areas as a legitimate use, however not all activities can be provided at every site, nor is it desirable to do so.

General Principles in Developing Site Based Management Plans The site based management plans will be developed in line with the principles outlined in the recreation management framework. In addition to those seven principles, there are four general principles that must also be considered during the development of the site based management plans: 1. Operational Imperatives The use of a site/asset for recreational purposes must not impact its primary purpose. The operational requirements of Seqwater’s business will always override any recreational use. 2. Public Use Takes Precedence Seqwater’s primary objective in its management of recreation is to manage access to recreation opportunities for the public. As such exclusive use arrangements at Seqwater sites will generally not be considered appropriate. Where existing exclusive use arrangements presently exist, Seqwater will endeavour to work with those clubs and associations that may be affected to ensure any impacts are managed appropriately. 3. Funding Seqwater’s primary focus is to “deliver safe, secure, resilient and reliable water supplies at least cost to its customers”. While we recognise that recreation is an important element of the services we provide to the community, the provision of extensive recreation facilities and services is not something we are explicitly funded for. Seqwater has to comply with its Statement of Obligations which requires us, amongst other things, to “review opportunities for recreation including strategies to recover costs from users and/or beneficiaries where appropriate”. As such it is important to consider how the funding for the implementation of the recommendations and improvements will be sourced as part of this planning process. 4. Proposals from Individual Clubs and/or Commercial Operators The purpose of this process is to review the permitted activities, the access, the facilities and the management of Seqwater lakes and recreation sites across South East Queensland. As part of this process we recognise that some clubs and/or commercial operators may which to submit proposals for consideration. While we are very happy to receive proposals for consideration, the assessment and approval of any proposals will not be part of this process. They will be assessed and considered on their respective merits separately. In order to be considered, the proposals must, as a minimum, be in alignment with the final site based management plans for each site and/or the commercial activities policy of Seqwater.

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Cluster Overview

Cooloolabin, Poona and Wappa Dams are being reviewed as a local cluster. All three lakes are close to Yandina, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Managing these sites in a local cluster group can provide the opportunity to cater for differing experiences and settings, assisting to meet the needs and demands of the community. The cluster provides recreational opportunities to the surrounding community and South East Queensland in general. A key management principle in the Recreation Management Framework is Diversity. This principle recognises the importance of ensuring that there is a range of recreational experiences catered for so that the recreation spaces meet the needs of the wider community. Not all activities can be provided or accommodated at every site, nor is it desirable to do so. There are no permitted recreation activities at Poona . is an integral component of the treatment process at Image Flat Water Treatment Plant. The catchment at Poona Dam is highly sensitive to external activities. Seqwater is making significant efforts to improve and protect Poona Dam and its catchment due to its sensitivity. On this basis, recreation access to Poona Dam will not be considered by Seqwater during this recreation review process. The fact that Cooloolabin, Poona and Wappa Dams are closely located to one another provides an ideal opportunity to embrace and enhance the diversity of recreational settings and experiences in the region thereby maximising the benefits to both the users and the local community.

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Information specific to Cooloolabin and Wappa Dams is set out in separate discussion papers. Because increasing access to Poona Dam is not being considered during this recreation review process, there will be no separate discussion paper for Poona Dam. Have Your Say

The purpose of the discussion papers is to open up discussion on the opportunities relating to the management and allocation of recreation facilities. The papers include a number of discussion points. These points are not intended to be recommendations, merely a starting point to open the discussion process. For this review to be successful, it is important that the views of all interested parties are heard. We strongly encourage you to take part. You can have your say in one of the following ways:

Website All details of the recreational review process are available online at www.yourseqwater.com.au . Please visit the website for regular updates.

Phone Should you need to know any further information or clarification on this paper please contact us on 1800 505 182.

Survey Online surveys for Cooloolabin and Wappa Dams are available at our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. Simply click on the surveys online and follow the prompts. Please note that there will not be an online survey for Poona Dam.

Information Sessions Seqwater will be advertising information sessions where you can ask questions or get additional information on the review process.

Details of the information sessions can be located online at www.yourseqwater.com.au and it will also be advertised in the local paper.

Workshop Nominate to attend the following workshops. Details of the workshops will be provided on our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. The content of the two workshops will be sequential and therefore only attendees of the first workshop will be attending the second workshop: 1. Round 1 Workshop: Have your say 2. Round 2 Workshop: Feedback so far

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