Lake Clarendon Recreation Management Discussion Paper
February 2014
Contents
Background ...... 3
Overview of Lake Clarendon ...... 6 Recreation Usage ...... 6 Cultural Heritage ...... 7 Commercial Development ...... 7 Trespassing ...... 7
Areas of Discussion ...... 8 Swimming ...... 8 Picnicking ...... 8 Playgrounds ...... 9 Camping ...... 9 Motorised Watercraft ...... 9 Non-Motorised Watercraft ...... 9 Fishing ...... 10 Recreation Trails ...... 11 Dogs ...... 11 Site Access...... 11 Opening Hours ...... 11 Environment ...... 12
Have Your Say ...... 13
Version – Final Page 2 of 15
Background
Seqwater manages access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality.
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 deliver a plan based on this feedback.
Recreation on Seqwater lakes and land must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the core role of these assets – providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply for our growing region. The operational requirements of Seqwater’s business will always override any recreational use. All opportunities identified as part of this recreation review must not impact on Seqwater’s regulatory obligations. This is particularly important in regard to water quality and the potential risks to water supply. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are not only limited by available space, but also by the other values and uses that exist for our sites. 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. The purpose of this paper is to open up discussion on the opportunities relating to the management and allocation of recreation facilities at Lake Clarendon, keeping within the key principles of the Recreation Management Framework. The paper includes 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 and understood. We strongly encourage you to have your say. Lake Clarendon is being reviewed in conjunction with Lake Dyer (Bill Gunn Dam). Managing these sites in a local cluster group provides the opportunity to cater for differing experiences and settings, assisting to meet the key management principle of Diversity. This paper provides information on: Existing recreational facilities Areas for further discussion
Version – Final Page 3 of 15
The Recreational Review Process
To deliver safe, secure, resilient and reliable water supplies at least cost to its customers.
Recreation Management Framework
Our Objective: Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality.
Key Recreation Management Principles Water Quality Environmental Diversity Asset and Sustainable External Financial Sustainability Land Recreation Engagement Management Management
Recreation Review Discussion Paper
Land Based Water Based Operational Environmental Activities Activities Considerations Considerations
Community Consultation Activities Survey Information Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Session
Review Considerations
Community Financial Operational Recreation Wide Benefits Consideration Imperatives Opportunities
Final Site Management Plan
Version – Final Page 4 of 15
Summary of Activities and Feedback
Activity Existing Community Feedback Swimming No No identified issues
Picnicking Yes The picnicking area at Lake Clarendon is managed by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Playgrounds No No identified issues
Camping No No identified issues
Motorised No No identified issues Watercraft
Non-Motorised No Some interest in paddle craft access. Watercraft
Fishing No Some interest in fishing.
Trails No Some interest from bird-watching groups.
Dogs No No identified issues
Site Access No identified issues
Opening Hours No identified issues
Trespass No identified issues
Note –Visitor surveys have not been undertaken for Lake Clarendon. The issues highlighted in this discussion paper are based on feedback provided to Seqwater staff.
Version – Final Page 5 of 15
Overview of Lake Clarendon
Lake Clarendon is an offstream storage completed in 1992. The lake is located 10km north-east of Gatton. The lake has a catchment area of 3.4 km2 and holds 24,276 megalitres of water at full supply.
Lake Clarendon provides water to the Central Lockyer Valley irrigation scheme. The water level in the lake varies depending on demand from irrigation customers and rainfall.
Dam wall
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Park
Recreation Usage
Seqwater does not own significant catchment land around Lake Clarendon. The land owned/controlled by Seqwater is essentially a small riparian strip around the perimeter of the lake.
Recreational activities are not currently permitted on Seqwater land at Lake Clarendon. There is a picnic area provided by Lockyer Valley Regional Council adjacent to Lake Clarendon.
Version – Final Page 6 of 15
Cultural Heritage
Seqwater will work with the Aboriginal Parties for the area to determine their aspirations with regard to any recreation activities at Lake Clarendon, and the impacts of any new infrastructure on Indigenous cultural heritage and how these can be mitigated if necessary. Seqwater will also work with any local historical societies with regard to the same aspects for historical cultural heritage. Commercial Development
Regular requests to use the lakes and their catchments are received by Seqwater from businesses, individuals, community organisations, and other groups. These requests are for either one-off events (e.g. weddings) or for new activities to be approved at the lake. Each request is processed by Seqwater so that the risks and impacts are assessed and managed.
Seqwater’s primary objective in its management of recreation is to manage access to recreation opportunities for the public. It is, however, recognised that commercial operators can play a role in supporting visitor needs and increasing the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of our natural areas.
Seqwater has developed a Commercial Activities Policy which outlines the process and requirements for any commercial use of sites. Where sites are used either temporarily or more permanently for commercial purposes, a commercial fee will be applied.
While this review did not highlight any potential sites suitable for commercial use, proposals from interested parties are welcomed. Trespassing
There have been no identified issues.
Version – Final Page 7 of 15
Areas of Discussion
Swimming
Discussion Point:
Should a designated swimming area be established?
Background and Considerations For public safety reasons, swimming is only a permitted activity at sites that have a designated swimming area. Currently there is no designated swimming area at Lake Clarendon.
Due to the size of Lake Clarendon and the varying level of the lake, installing a designated swimming area would need to be carefully considered. Seqwater will need to review the issues that will arise when the lake is low and the availability of a suitable area near the current recreation area.
Considerations Constraints Nil Water quality testing is required to ensure public health standards are met. Limited suitable areas Varying levels of lake
Picnicking Background and Considerations The picnic area at Lake Clarendon, including the shade shelters, tables, bbq and toilet, are provided and maintained by Lockyer Valley Regional Council. Due to the limited land Seqwater owns around the lake, and the current picnic area, Seqwater will not be looking at implementing any additional facilities.
Version – Final Page 8 of 15
Playgrounds Background and Considerations The picnic area is provided and maintained by Lockyer Valley Regional Council. As such Seqwater will not be considering the installation of playground equipment in that park.
Camping Background and Considerations Seqwater does not own suitable land for this purpose.
Motorised Watercraft Background and Considerations Lake Clarendon has limited scope for suitable access points and has not historically been open to motorised watercraft due to its size, access constraints and fluctuation of water levels in the lake. Water levels frequently reduce to such low levels that on- water recreation activities would not be safe for motorised watercraft. On this basis, allowing motorised watercraft on Lake Clarendon will not be considered.
Non-Motorised Watercraft
Discussion Point:
Should Lake Clarendon be opened up to non- motorised watercraft?
Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities?
Version – Final Page 9 of 15
Background and Considerations Lake Clarendon has not historically been open to non-motorised watercraft. During times of low water levels, access to the lake may prove difficult for paddle craft users.
Considerations Constraints Lockyer Valley Regional Council Limited access points to the lake park Size of the lake A Boating Permit Scheme already Fluctuating water levels in lake
exists at Lakes Somerset and Wivenhoe One permit could provide access to all Seqwater lakes Database of permit holders would allow targeted communications regarding sites to be easily done and also aid education
Fishing
Discussion Point:
Should Lake Clarendon be opened to fishing?
Background and Considerations Seqwater has limited scope for suitable access points. Lake Clarendon is not currently stocked with fish. Water level fluctuates frequently as Lake Clarendon is an irrigation supply. Low water levels could lead to fish strandings/kills. For this reason, Seqwater would not support fish stocking at this lake.
Considerations Constraints Public access point is through Limited access to the lake Lockyer Valley Regional Council park
Version – Final Page 10 of 15
Recreation Trails Background and Considerations There are no trails around Lake Clarendon. Seqwater owns limited land around the lake, meaning that no trails can be established. Due to operational requirements, public access to the dam wall is not possible.
Dogs Background and Considerations No domestic pets are permitted on Seqwater land at Lake Clarendon.
Site Access Background and Considerations Opportunities for the provision of access points around Lake Clarendon are extremely limited. Opening Hours
Discussion Point:
Should opening hours for summer months and winter months be adjusted to more closely correspond to daylight hours? For example:
October – March 5.30am – 6.30pm April – September 6.30am – 5.30pm
Background and Considerations Access to all Seqwater sites, including on-water access, is currently permitted between 6am – 6pm. The only exception to this is camping at a designated campground or if a permit expressly provides permission.
Considerations Constraints Nil Opening hours need to be consistent across all sites
Version – Final Page 11 of 15
Environment
Discussion Point:
Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Lake Clarendon?
Background and Considerations The natural areas in and around Lake Clarendon provide habitat to an abundance of native fauna, particularly birdlife.
Considerations Constraints Nil Nil
Version – Final Page 12 of 15
Have Your Say
We are undertaking a Recreation Review to listen and learn about the recreational opportunities the community would like to see in and around the lakes and, within defined constraints, deliver a suite of management plans based on this feedback.
You can have your say on the recreational activities specific to this paper in 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 771 497 or [email protected].
Survey An online survey is available at our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. Simply click on the survey online and follow the prompts to select the area of your choice.
Information Session Seqwater will be advertising an information session where you can ask questions or get additional information on the review process.
Details of the information session can be located online at www.yourseqwater.com.au and the session will also be advertised in local newspapers.
Workshop Nominate yourself to attend the following workshops. Details of the workshops are on our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. The content of the two workshops is 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
Version – Final Page 13 of 15
Appendix A: Table of Discussion Points Activity Discussion Points Swimming Should a designated swimming area be established?
Picnicking
Playgrounds
Camping
Motorised Watercraft
Non-Motorised Should Lake Clarendon be opened up to non-motorised Watercraft watercraft?
Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities?
Fishing Should Lake Clarendon be opened to fishing?
Trails
Dogs
Site Access
Opening Hours Should all sites operate under different opening hours for summer months and winter months to more closely correspond to daylight hours eg: October - March 5.30am-6.30pm April – September 6.30am-5.30pm
Environment Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Lake Clarendon?
Version – Final Page 14 of 15
Version – Final Page 15 of 15