Waterway Strategy 2014 to 2022 Part a and Introduction

WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose. It therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

The level of government investment in this Strategy will depend upon budgets and government priorities.

First published 2014. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

Accessibility This document is available in alternative formats upon request.

Acknowledgements The development of this West Gippsland Waterway Strategy has involved the collective effort of a number of individuals and organisations. In particular:

Primary Author - Michelle Dickson (WGCMA)

Contributing Authors: • Tracey Jones, Eleisha Keogh, Mandy Leggett, Rachael Millar (WGCMA) • Mark Stacey (Alluvium Consulting) • Geoff Park (Natural Decisions) • Taylor Hunt (DEPI)

Technical input from WGCMA staff: Matt Bowler, Richard Allen, Dan Cook, Rod Johnston, David Stork, Tammy Logan.

Steering Group members: Ian Gibson and Ian Hill (WGCMA board), Martin Fuller, Kylie Debono, Dan Garlick, Adam Dunn.

Information on Aboriginal cultural and community values and the priorities of Traditional Owners was prepared by Mandy Leggett, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer with WGCMA for the Gunaikurnai Land and Waterways Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and the BoonWurring Foundation. It has contributions from GLaWAC elders, board, staff and community members, Barry Kenny, Lloyd Hood and Albert Mullet.

BoonWurrung Foundation director Aunty Caroline Briggs and Anne Fildes

Acknowledgement of Country We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Land Owners and other indigenous people within the catchment area: the Gunaikurnai, The Bunurong and Boon Wurrung, and the Wurundjeri people. We also recognise the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in Land and Natural Resource Management.

2 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table of Contents Disclaimer ...... 2 Copyright ...... 2 Accessibility ...... 2 Acknowledgements ...... 2 Acknowledgement of Country ...... 2 Table of Contents ...... 3 List of Figures ...... 4 List of Tables ...... 5 Abbreviations ...... 5 Chair’s Foreward ...... 6 Executive Summary ...... 7 Document structure ...... 8 Part A - Overview and Strategic Context ...... 9 1 Context ...... 9 2 Waterways ...... 15 Part B – Management responses to waterway threats ...... 20 3 Introduction ...... 20 Part C – Approach to prioritisation ...... 29 4 Introduction ...... 29 5 Description of prioritisation process ...... 32 6 Fishery management priorities ...... 39 7 Aboriginal cultural values and participation ...... 40 Part D –Work Program ...... 44 8 Implementation ...... 44 9 Work Program ...... 44 10 Strategic Management Program ...... 45 11 Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands Management Unit ...... 48 12 Avon and Perry Rivers Management Unit ...... 54 13 Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit ...... 58 14 Mid Latrobe Management Unit ...... 63 15 Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Management Unit ...... 67 16 Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek Management Unit ...... 73 17 Strzelecki Management Unit ...... 77 18 Bunurong Coast and Inlets Management Unit ...... 81 19 Tarwin and Powlett Rivers Management Unit ...... 85 20 Wilsons Promontory Management Unit ...... 90 21 Corner Inlet Management Unit ...... 93 22 Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Management Plan ...... 99 23 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting ...... 112 24 References ...... 115

3 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 List of Figures Figure 1 Waterway Management Units ...... 11 Figure 2 The planning framework for the West Gippsland Waterway Strategy ...... 12 Figure 3 Major waterways in the West Gippsland Region ...... 16 Figure 4 Index of Stream Condition Results ...... 19 Figure 5 Process for identifying priority waterways ...... 32 Figure 6 Summary of outcomes from prioritisation ...... 35 Figure 7 Priority rivers and estuaries in the West Gippsland region ...... 36 Figure 8 Priority wetlands in the West Gippsland region ...... 37 Figure 9 Program Logic for the Waterway Strategy ...... 38 Figure 10 Gunaikurnai clan map ...... 41 Figure 11 Conceptual diagram of Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands management unit ...... 48 Figure 12 Map of priorities for Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands management unit ...... 50 Figure 13 Map of the Lower Latrobe wetlands ...... 51 Figure 14 Conceptual Diagram of the Avon and Perry rivers management unit ...... 54 Figure 15 Map of priorities for Avon and Perry Rivers management unit ...... 55 Figure 16 Conceptual diagram of the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister management unit ..... 58 Figure 17 Map of priorities for Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister management unit ...... 59 Figure 18 Conceptual diagram of the Mid Latrobe management unit ...... 63 Figure 19 Map of priorities for the Mid Latrobe management unit ...... 64 Figure 20 Conceptual diagram of the Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon management unit ...... 67 Figure 21 Map of priorities for Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister, Avon management unit ...... 69 Figure 22 Conceptual diagram of the Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek management unit ...... 73 Figure 23 Map of priorities for Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek management unit ...... 74 Figure 24 Conceptual diagram of the Strzelecki management unit ...... 77 Figure 25 Map of priorities for Strzelecki management unit ...... 78 Figure 26 Conceptual diagram of the Bunurong Coast and Inlets management unit ...... 81 Figure 27 Map of priorities for Bunurong Coast and Inlets management unit ...... 82 Figure 28 Conceptual diagram of the Tarwin and Powlett Rivers management unit...... 85 Figure 29 Map of priorities for Tarwin and Powlett Rivers management unit ...... 86 Figure 30 Conceptual diagram of the Wilsons Promontory management unit...... 90 Figure 31 Map of priorities for the Wilsons Promontory management unit...... 91 Figure 32 Conceptual diagram of the Corner Inlet management unit ...... 93 Figure 33 Map of priorities for the Corner Inlet management unit ...... 95 Figure 34 Corner Inlet Ramsar Site management arrangements ...... 99 Figure 35 Conceptual Model of Components, Processes and Services/Benefits at Corner Inlet ..... 103 Figure 36 Adaptive Management Cycle ...... 112

4 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 List of Tables Table 1 Summary of objectives for environmental entitlements in West Gippsland ...... 23 Table 2 Priorities for Traditional Owners ...... 43 Table 3 Strategic Management Program ...... 45 Table 4 Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands Work Program ...... 51 Table 5 Avon and Perry Rivers Work Program ...... 55 Table 6 Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Work Program ...... 60 Table 7 Mid Latrobe Work Program ...... 64 Table 8 Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Work Program ...... 69 Table 9 Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek Work Program ...... 75 Table 10 Strzelecki Unit Work Program ...... 79 Table 11 Bunurong Coast and Inlets Work Program ...... 83 Table 12 Tarwin and Powlett Rivers Work Program ...... 87 Table 13 Corner Inlet Work Program ...... 95 Table 14 Summary of critical components, processes and services/ benefits of the Corner Inlet Ramsar site ...... 102 Table 15 Work Program for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Management Plan ...... 108

Abbreviations AVIRA – Aquatic Values Identification and Risk Assessment BMP – Best Management Practice CIFHA – Corner Inlet Fisheries Habitat Association CMA – Catchment Management Authority Cwlth - Commonwealth ECD – Ecological Character Description ESO – Environmental Significance Overlay EWMP – Environmental Water Management Plan DEPI – Department of Environment and Primary Industries DSE – Department of Sustainability of Environment (now part of DEPI) DPI – Department of Primary Industries (now part of DEPI) GDE – Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem INFFER – Investment Framework for Environmental Resources IPA – Invasive Plant and Animal LAC – Limit of Acceptable Change LMP – Local Management Plan MERI – Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Improvement RCS – Regional Catchment Strategy RHS – River Health Strategy VWMS - Victorian Waterway Management Strategy VRHS – Victorian River Health Strategy VROT – Victorian Rare or Threatened Species WBCS – Waterway Benefit: Cost Scoring WGCMA – West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

5 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Chair’s Foreward The health of the waterways in West Gippsland is critical to the sustainability of our region. These waterways support the regional and state economy by providing water for agriculture, industry and for urban and rural communities, including part of Melbourne’s water supply. Our iconic coastal wetlands and inlets including the Gippsland Lakes, Anderson Inlet and Corner Inlet attract tourists to our beautiful region. Waterways are also valued for the recreational opportunities they provide, their cultural values and their role in the landscape supporting a range of ecological processes.

This West Gippsland Waterway Strategy forms a sub strategy to the West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy, implements the policy framework from the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy 2013 and builds on the achievements and learnings from the previous West Gippsland River Health Strategy. In framing this Strategy we are mindful of our obligations under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and Water Act 1989 as well as other relevant legislation for the management waterways in the region.

This Waterway Strategy identifies the priority waterways in the region and sets out a realistic eight year work program of activities which are practical, feasible and cost effective. The priority waterways have been identified through a robust, evidence based process linking waterways to a set of Regional Goals through an analysis of their values and the risks to those values. Priorities have been identified for waterways at risk and those where values or past works are to be maintained.

However, activities may also be required outside these priorities, where there is strong community support, where action is required in order improve or maintain the values of a priority waterway or in responding to natural disasters such as fire and flood.

This Waterway Strategy is broader in scope than the previous River Health Strategy, by addressing rivers, wetlands and estuaries in an integrated approach. The Waterway Strategy has been prepared in cooperation with our partner organisations and a variety of communities across the West Gippsland region. We look forward to continuing to work with our regional stakeholders throughout the implementation of this Waterway Strategy for the enhancement, resilience and management of our region’s natural resource environment.

6 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Executive Summary Waterways in the West Gippsland region provide a range of important community uses such as supply of water for industrial, agricultural and domestic use, recreational pursuits such as kayaking, bird watching, hunting and fishing, and providing habitat for plants and animals.

The purpose of the West Gippsland Waterway Strategy (the Strategy) is to ensure the future management of waterways provides the appropriate environmental conditions to support the range of identified values (environmental, social, cultural and economic).

The Strategy builds on the achievements and learnings from the previous West Gippsland River Health Strategy (2005), but is wider in its scope addressing rivers, estuaries and wetlands. It provides a framework for waterway management that is consistent with the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (2013) and the West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy (2013).

The fifty year vision for the Strategy is: Our rivers, estuaries and wetlands are well managed to provide connectivity across our landscape, and are widely valued and appreciated for the benefits they provide.

The regional goals are listed below.

• Maintain and improve the habitat and condition of waterways to support water dependent animals and plants. • Reduce future impacts to public infrastructure resulting from physical changes to a waterway associated with floods and storms. • Maintain the ecological character of significant wetlands and estuaries. • Provide system connectivity between rivers, estuaries and wetlands. • Improve the condition of urban waterways in partnership with local government. • Maximise the ecological outcomes from the available environmental water. • Support community use, participation, advocacy and stewardship in the region’s waterways. • Maintain and improve the values of Heritage Rivers. • Provide appropriate environmental conditions to support the economic values of waterways in the region.

The development of the Strategy has included the identification of high value waterways and the use of regional goals to help identify priority waterways for the eight-year planning period from 2014– 2022.

A work program of management activities for priority waterways was developed to guide investment over this eight-year period. The Strategy also identifies priorities for environmental water management, together with the complementary management activities required at these sites.

Implementation of management activities will be based on a set of principles drawn from the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (VWMS) including: • using a partnership approach • ensuring waterway management is considered within the context of integrated catchment management, using appropriate delivery mechanisms with consideration to public versus private benefits and the cost sharing principles set out in the VWMS • ensuring value for money through investment • taking a seasonally adaptive approach based on an understanding of short to medium term trends in climate • using evidence-based decision making, drawing on local knowledge, science and expert opinion.

7 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The regional work program provides clear direction to guide investment in waterway management. These work priorities will provide guidance to West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA), local, state and Australian governments, community groups and corporate or individual partners about where investment is required in the region over an eight year period.

This Strategy provides investors with confidence that their annual funding of management activities is linked to a longer term, strategic plan and leads to improvements in waterway health.

The content required for waterway strategies was outlined in guidelines published by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and guidance notes developed in partnership with CMA waterway managers. Document structure This Strategy is divided into four main sections – parts A, B, C and D.

Part A covers this introduction, the context of this Strategy and an overview of waterways in the West Gippsland region. This includes:

• the scope, vision and objectives of the Strategy • an overview of the legislation and policy relevant to this Strategy • an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of WGCMA • a review of the West Gippsland River Health Strategy and its achievements • an overview of rivers, wetlands and estuaries in West Gippsland, and their environmental, cultural, social and economic values.

Part B sets out a discussion of the major waterway threats in the region and the management responses to them including:

• riparian land • water quality • estuaries • urban waterways and development • works on waterways approvals • environmental water • groundwater dependent ecosystems • invasive plants and animals • flooding, storm and bushfire • threatened plants and animals • climate change.

Part C describes the approach taken for the prioritisation of waterways and the development of targets and a work program for these priorities. This includes:

• an overview of the approach taken including the guiding principles, the assets based approach and consultation undertaken • the vision and goals of the Strategy • a discussion of the identification of high value waterways, types of priorities, Aboriginal priorities and fishery management priorities.

Part D sets out the work program, how it will be implemented and evaluated. This includes:

• tables showing the regional work program from 2014 to 2022 • how the program will be implemented, resourced and the roles and responsibilities for each agency • monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the work program • the consultation process • references • appendices.

8 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Part A - Overview and Strategic Context

1 Context This section describes the scope and outlines the policy and legislative context of this Strategy.

1.1 Scope The Strategy focuses on the management of rivers, their associated estuaries and floodplain and non- riverine wetlands.

The focus for wetlands is largely on natural wetlands, although it is acknowledged that many constructed wetlands, particularly in urban settings, have important social values.

The Strategy does not include the shallow marine waters except for those listed as wetlands of National Importance or International Importance (Ramsar sites). The management of water resources (groundwater and surface water) with the exception of environmental water is not addressed in this Strategy. The management of floodplains and managing for flood risk is not within the scope of this strategy, these issues will be addressed in regional floodplain management strategies (when developed).

The objectives of the Strategy are to:

• identify the region’s high value waterways (environmental, social, cultural and economic values) • determine a subset of priority waterways • establish targets for priority waterways • set out an eight-year work program that identifies management activities for priority waterways • set out the management plan for Corner Inlet Ramsar Site • establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to determine the success of implementing the Strategy.

1.2 Vision The vision and regional goals for waterway management are central to the logic framework of this Strategy and are set out below. The Vision describes the long term aim of waterway management and the regional goals help to identify priority waterways.

Our rivers, estuaries and wetlands are well managed to provide connectivity across our landscape, and are widely valued and appreciated for the benefits they provide.

Regional goals

9 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 1.3 Scale of Management The term ‘reaches’ is used to describe a section of river (generally 20-30 km long) or a section of an estuary and is the common planning unit for management.

The planning for wetlands has occurred at two different scales based on the approach used in the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan. Planning at the individual site scale has been used for those wetlands that have International or National significance. Planning for all other wetlands has been undertaken at the broader management unit levels with priorities based on the type of wetland. This means that the priority level of individual wetlands will need to be informed by site based assessments of condition and values.

The three river basins within West Gippsland defined by the Australian Water Resources Council (AWRC) are the Thomson, Latrobe and South Gippsland river basins. The Strategy considers all three river basins and their associated tributary systems. Each river basin has a direct influence on high value lakes and coastal environments including the Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites and Anderson Inlet, Shallow Inlet and the Powlett River estuary.

Within the region a number of management units have been defined. Management units are aggregations of reaches and wetlands and have been defined by topographical data, land use, river form and process and local knowledge. The definition of boundaries has also been influenced by considering internal and external operational and reporting requirements. Unlike the previous sub- catchments defined for waterway management these management units are not aligned to the River Basins. Figure 1 shows the management units for West Gippsland.

10 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 1 Waterway Management Units

1.4 Legislation and Policy Preparing this Strategy for the West Gippsland region is a statutory requirement for WGCMA under the Water Act 1989. This Strategy replaces the West Gippsland River Health Strategy. It has been prepared in line with the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, Department of Environment and Primary Industry guidance notes and relevant sustainable water strategies. It also complements relevant sub-strategies such as urban waterway management plans and the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan.

The Strategy is part of the bigger picture of waterway management. This Strategy is consistent with the planning framework established through the Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) (2013) and the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which updates the Victorian River Health Strategy (2002).

11 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The RCS includes a long term vision for the region, identifies regionally significant land, water and biodiversity assets and priorities, and sets 20 year condition objectives and six year management measures. Long term objectives in the RCS will be implemented through this Strategy. The Strategy provides the framework to guide WGCMA in partnership with the community to manage our rivers, wetlands and estuaries to support environmental, social, cultural and economic values. Central and Gippsland region sustainable water strategies investigate the range of potential changes to water availability under several climate change scenarios. They also examine future consumptive demand and environmental needs and set out proposed options to balance and secure water for all users.

The Gippsland Regional Growth Plan provides broad direction for land use and development across regional Victoria (GLGN and DTPLI 2014). The Regional Growth Plan has as one it is key principles to promote a healthy environment by valuing the region’s environmental and heritage assets, and by minimising the region’s exposure to natural hazards and risks. The Regional Growth Plan identifies a range of actions that aim to reduce the risks to waterways from future growth.

When finalised the Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy will provide a consistent statewide framework for the management of flood related issues and provide for the preparation of regional floodplain management strategies.

Figure 2 The planning framework for the West Gippsland Waterway Strategy At the federal level, since 2004, water reform has been guided by the National Water Initiative (NWI). The NWI recognises the need to build on the water reforms of the 1994 Council of Australian Government (COAG) agreement to ensure increased productivity and efficiency of Australia’s water use. It includes clear steps to return river and groundwater systems to environmentally sustainable levels of extraction and achieve integrated management of environmental water. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) provides the Australian government with a legal framework to protect and manage Ramsar sites, nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places defined in the Act as matters of national environmental significance. The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) provides a framework for the protection and recognition of native title. The Act gives Aboriginal Australians who hold native title rights and interests – or who have made a native title claim – the right to be consulted and, in some cases, to participate in decisions about activities proposed to be undertaken on the land. The Victorian Government introduced the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. This Act replaces Part IIA of the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 and the State Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics

12 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Preservation Act 1972. The Act links the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage more directly with planning and land development processes.

Under the Water Act 1989, the Victorian Government retains the overall right to the use, flow and control of all surface water and groundwater on behalf of all Victorians. All water taken for consumptive purposes is done so under entitlements set out in the Water Act 1989. The Water Act 1989 also defines the Environmental Water Reserve (EWR) as the amount of water set aside to meet environmental needs. The Victorian Environmental Water Holder was established in 2011, under the Water Act 1989, as an independent statutory body responsible for making decisions on the most efficient and effective use of Victoria’s environmental entitlements. The key state wide policy framework for water quality protection in Victoria is the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) (SEPP (WoV)). It provides a statutory framework for state and local government agencies, businesses and communities to work together to protect and rehabilitate Victoria’s surface water environments. The SEPP (WoV) identifies beneficial uses of water and sets the environmental quality objectives and policy directions required to address higher risk impacts and activities. Other relevant Victorian legislation is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) which legislates for the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes, and the Coastal Management Act 1995 which establishes a framework for coordinated strategic coastal planning in Victoria and provides for the use, development and protection of coastal crown land. At the regional level, the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 establishes regional catchment strategies as the primary framework for integrated management of land, water and biodiversity in each of the ten catchment regions of Victoria. For the purposes of the Victorian Planning Provisions (at clause 12.03), this Waterway Strategy is considered an approved management plan and therefore must be considered in planning decisions. More information on how the Victorian Planning Provisions influence waterway management can be found in the Opportunities and Challenges section in this Strategy. Other state and federal government legislation, policies and initiatives relevant to this Strategy are shown in Appendix one.

1.5 Waterways with Formally Recognised Significance The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention) provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention encourages member countries to nominate sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, or that are important for conserving biological diversity, to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites). Ramsar sites are a matter of national environmental significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999.

The Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet are two of the 11 wetlands in Victoria listed under the Ramsar Convention in recognition of the significant coastal wetland values and features present. The Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site extends into the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority region whilst Corner Inlet is wholly within the WGCMA region. As a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention, Australia is required to maintain the ecological character of its Ramsar sites at the time they were listed through conservation and wise use. The ecological character is defined by the Convention as “the combination of the ecosystem components, processes and benefits/services that characterise the wetlands at a given point in time”. A change in ecological character is the “human induced adverse alteration of any ecosystem component, process and or ecosystem benefit/service.”

13 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 An ecological character description has been completed for Corner Inlet and the Gippsland Lakes (BMT WBM 2011 and 2011a). The ecological character descriptions define limits of acceptable change (LACs) for ecosystem services/benefits (values) and physical, chemical and biological ecosystem components and processes that are considered critical to the ecological character of the Ramsar site. It also recommends monitoring needs for each Ramsar site.

Planning for the region’s two Ramsar sites has occurred concurrently with this Strategy. Management planning for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site has been included in this document; however the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Plan will be a stand-alone document and is being developed in partnership with the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee, Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Parks Victoria.

1.6 Roles and Responsibilities WGCMA coordinates the integrated management of land and water resources within the West Gippsland region under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. It aims to achieve ecologically and economically sustainable development of natural resource based industries, protect land and water resources and conserve natural and cultural heritage.

WGCMA is an independent authority mandated by the Victorian Government. It operates mainly under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and Water Act 1989.

Under Part 10 of the Water Act 1989, CMAs are also designated with specific responsibility for the management of waterways, drainage and floodplains.

Established in 1997, WGCMA has fulfilled its responsibilities by taking a partnership approach, working with communities, industries and government agencies to maintain and improve the condition of the region’s natural resource assets.

The goals of the Strategy will be achieved through a range of partnerships regardless of land tenure.

WGCMA works with the agencies responsible for managing public land including DEPI, Parks Victoria, water authorities, Traditional Owners and local government. WGCMA also works directly with private landholders and in partnership, industry bodies and community groups to ensure the successful completion of priority actions and the establishment of formal agreements to underpin these projects.

Further detail on the roles and responsibilities of partner agencies and community groups is contained in Appendix two.

1.7 Review of the West Gippsland River Health Strategy The Victorian River Health Strategy (VRHS) (DNRE 2002) provided an over-arching framework for communities to work in partnership with government to manage and restore Victorian rivers over the long term.

The VRHS set out the regional planning process which included the development of Regional River Health Strategies for each catchment management authority region to integrate all river-related management plans.

The purpose of the West Gippsland River Health Strategy (RHS) was to balance protecting, maintaining and enhancing the environmental values of natural river systems and the processes required to sustain river health, while maintaining or improving additional social and economic values important to the local community.

The RHS provided a plan to allow coordinated action to be taken over a five year period to maintain or improve the health of rivers.

14 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 A review of the RHS was completed in 2012 to inform this Strategy. The review found that overall, the RHS successfully guided river health work in the region for the WGCMA and some partner organisations. The adaptive management principle was applied with management approaches changing as a result of the experience and knowledge gained during implementation of the RHS and in response to unplanned events such as bushfire and flood. Improved knowledge of program logic and MERI processes can be applied to the development and implementation of this Strategy, and improved community engagement mechanisms can be incorporated into waterway activities and the design of the Strategy itself. Finally, an increased focus on communication of the Strategy with stakeholders throughout its life will result in higher levels of ownership, alignment of effort and resources, and an understanding of progress toward outputs and outcomes at any point in time.

The major achievements from the West Gippsland RHS from 2005 – 2012 are detailed below. More detail on the learnings from the RHS can be found in Appendix three.

Environmental flows • Delivery of annual seasonal watering program for the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe rivers and Latrobe Wetlands. • Environmental flow assessments for the Tarra, Avon, Latrobe, Powlett and Tarwin rivers. • Environmental Risk Management arrangements implemented during drought conditions on the Thomson, Macalister, Tarwin, Powlett rivers and Easterbrook Creek where flows were qualified for critical human needs. • Identification of environmental flow requirements to inform management of the Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites. Stock exclusion • 310 ha riparian vegetation improved by 224 km fencing to exclude stock. • 405 off-stream watering points provided. Revegetation • 1,100 ha riparian land revegetated and fenced along 373km waterways. Wetland improvement • 205 ha wetlands fenced to exclude stock.

Invasive species control • 464 ha aquatic weeds (Spartina) controlled. • 1,585 ha riparian weed control (willow) and an additional 580 ha other woody weed control.

Waterway stabilisation • 16 km of waterway stabilised through works to address bank erosion at 44 sites. • 46 km of streambed erosion addressed through construction of waterway structures.

2 Waterways

2.1 Overview West Gippsland is a diverse region, characterised by areas of natural forest, areas of high conservation value, fertile floodplains for agriculture, coastal wetlands, inlets and estuaries.

The region is a significant contributor to the Victorian economy in particular through power production in the Latrobe Valley and from agribusiness including forestry and farming. A brief description of the region’s waterways is provided in this section.

15 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 3 Major waterways in the West Gippsland Region

2.2 Rivers and creeks WGCMA is responsible for over 40,000 km of designated waterways across the region, including major rivers and creeks and the tributaries that flow into them. These waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging either through the Gippsland Lakes, to coastal inlets and embayments (Anderson Inlet, Shallow Inlet, Corner Inlet) or directly to Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

In the north of the region, the Thomson, Macalister and Avon and Perry rivers flow from alpine areas and the forested slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The Thomson and Macalister rivers have their flow regulated in the mid to upper catchments by the major storages of Thomson Reservoir (primarily for Melbourne’s domestic supply) and Lake Glenmaggie (for the Macalister Irrigation District). Further downstream on the Thomson River, Cowwarr Weir also diverts water for the Macalister Irriagation District (MID).

16 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The Avon and Perry rivers in the far east of the region are unregulated. The upstream reaches of the Avon River flow through wilderness areas before entering land used for grazing and irrigated horticulture. The Perry River is a chain of ponds waterway and is ephemeral for much of its length. The Perry joins the Avon River upstream of the estuary and then flows to Lake Wellington.

In the central part of the region is the Latrobe River. The catchment of the Latrobe River features areas of remnant forest through the Strzelecki Ranges and the Great Dividing Range, where tributary streams rise and flow to the Latrobe River and ultimately to Lake Wellington. Although much of the land has been cleared for agriculture, the dominant land use is mining for brown coal, used at major thermal power stations – Loy Yang, Hazelwood and Yallourn – providing the majority of Victoria’s electricity. Blue Rock Dam and Moondarra Reservoir are two major storages on tributaries of the Latrobe River, with Lake Narracan located on the Latrobe itself just upstream of the Yallourn power station.

In South Gippsland, the waterways are short and flow from the Strzelecki and Hedley Ranges through productive agricultural land as well as areas of high conservation value (including Wilsons Promontory and the Tarra Bulga National Park). The major rivers of South Gippsland include the Powlett, Tarwin, Franklin, Agnes, Albert and Tarra rivers. Further east are Bruthen and Merriman Creek. All of the South Gippsland rivers are unregulated; however there are a number of off-stream storages in the Tarwin and Powlett river catchments and off takes for domestic township water supply on a number of rivers and creeks.

2.3 Estuaries The West Gippsland coast has over twenty estuaries; these include the brackish mouths of rivers and streams that directly flow into the ocean or a large embayment (including those that flow into Corner Inlet), there are also coastal barrier lagoons (Gippsland Lakes) and coastal inlets (Anderson and Shallow inlets).

A number of these estuaries fall within areas listed as nationally and internationally significant wetlands and have important environmental, social, cultural and economic values. Due to their location at the bottom end of catchments estuaries are influenced by a range of catchment processes including land use, development and extraction of water.

2.4 Wetlands There are over 1,500 wetlands larger than one hectare in the West Gippsland region. Together they total more than 44,000 ha. Wetland loss in West Gippsland has been significant. The greatest losses have been to freshwater wetlands in particular freshwater meadows and deep freshwater marshes (WGCMA 2007).

2.5 Internationally and Nationally Significant Wetlands The West Gippsland region has a number of significant wetlands and wetland complexes, including two internationally important Ramsar sites and eleven sites listed as nationally important under the Directory of Important Wetlands Australia.

Within the Thomson and Latrobe catchments there are five wetlands and wetland complexes listed as nationally important, these include: alpine and montane wetlands located in the upper catchments; Caledonia Fen and Lake Tarli Karng and the Billabong, a remnant floodplain wetland in the Perry River system. The lower Thomson and Latrobe catchments include part of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site and the nationally listed Lake Wellington Wetlands and Lake Victoria Wetlands (WGCMA 2007).

17 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 In South Gippsland, Corner Inlet is a significant wetland of national and international importance. Four other wetlands of national importance in South Gippsland are: Bald Hills Wetland, a rehabilitated wetland of the once extensive floodplains of the Tarwin River system, the Powlett River estuary, Anderson Inlet and Shallow Inlet.

2.6 Condition of Rivers in the Region The condition of rivers in Victoria is assessed using the Index of Stream Condition (ISC). The ISC brings together data from a variety of sources to give a detailed overview of river and stream condition across the state. The ISC is made up of five sub-indices – hydrology, streamside zone, physical form, water quality and aquatic life. The ISC has been completed three times for rivers, in 1999, 2004 and 2010. The results of 2010 ISC benchmarking exercise for West Gippsland are summarised in Figure 4 and below.

• Over half (55%) of the stream length in the Thomson basin was found to be in good or excellent condition. Of the remainder, 41% of stream length was in moderate condition and just 3% and 1% in poor and very poor condition respectively (DEPI 2013b). • One-third (34%) of the stream length in the Latrobe basin was in good or excellent condition, with a further 44% in moderate condition, 9% in poor condition and 13% in very poor condition (DEPI 2013b). • Almost three-quarters (74%) of the stream length in the South Gippsland basin was in moderate condition. Of the remainder, 10% was in good condition, 10% was in poor condition and 5% was in very poor condition. Only 0.4% (representing 1 reach) of stream length was found to be in excellent condition (DEPI 2013b).

18 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 4 Index of Stream Condition Results (DEPI 2013b) Condition of Wetlands in the Region

The Index of Wetland Condition (IWC) was developed to assess the condition of Victoria’s wetlands. The IWC has 13 variables that measure six aspects of wetland condition including; the wetland catchment, physical form, hydrology, water properties, soils and biota (Papas and Maloney 2012). Seventy-two wetlands in the West Gippsland region were assessed between 2009 and 2013 using the IWC, 26 of these were part of a statewide assessment of wetland condition and the remainder were completed to inform the selection and or monitoring for onground works.

Of the sites assessed, the majority were in moderate to good condition (18 and 29 respectively), 12 were in excellent condition and 15 were in poor to very poor condition. Wetlands in the moderate – very poor categories had much lower scores for the catchment and hydrology subindexes.

19 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Part B – Management responses to waterway threats

3 Introduction This section describes and discusses a number of the opportunities and challenges for waterway management in the West Gippsland region. Each subsection describes the issue and sets out the management response that will be pursued through the implementation of the Strategy.

3.1 Riparian Land The land that adjoins rivers, creeks, estuaries and wetlands is known as riparian land (DEPI 2013a). Riparian land has a range of environmental, social, cultural and economic values. Healthy waterways depend on the condition of riparian land and in particular native vegetation on riparian land provides a range of functions including:

• filters run-off (sediments, nutrients and pathogens) from overland flow, improving water quality • helps stabilise banks and reduces erosion, reducing the risk of damage during high flows and floods • provides shade and helps regulate water temperature • provides a supply of organic matter including large wood to the waterway • provides habitat for fauna species including as a refuge from drought, flood and fire • provides a store of carbon (DEPI 2013a). Threats to riparian land include uncontrolled stock access, weeds (particularly willows), unmanaged vehicle access and modification through agricultural, industrial and urban development. This Strategy has a major focus on improving the condition of riparian land. In much of the region, erosion and damage to banks from flooding and altered water regimes is compounded by a lack of native vegetation on riparian land and uncontrolled stock access. Improving the extent and condition of native vegetation on riparian land and creating corridors of vegetation along waterways will have benefits for waterway function, habitat and will improve the waterways resistance to erosion and flood damage.

Through this Strategy, WGCMA will continue to work with private landholders, Crown frontage licensees, public land managers, water corporations and Traditional Owners to achieve the desired outcomes for riparian land.

3.2 Water Quality Water quality reflects the environmental condition of waterways, but can also provide an integrated indicator of the health of whole catchments (DEPI 2013a). WGCMA, with its partners, has had a long history in working to improve water quality and significant progress has been made. Through the previous RHS programs addressing water quality in the region included regulation of point source discharges, implementation of stormwater management plans; adoption of best management practices aimed at reducing sediment and nutrient losses from urban development, forestry and agricultural land, riparian fencing and revegetation remediation of gullies and slips. These programs have been well supported through partnerships with water authorities, EPA, DEPI and industry bodies such as GippsDairy. More recently water quality has been considered as part of an integrated approach to waterway management. The VWMS states that waterway strategies will identify priority waterways that are ‘regional hotspots’ where environmental, social, cultural or economic values are threatened by poor water quality. The VWMS also highlights that any water quality actions will need to take into account the scale of the problem and the feasibility of effective action.

20 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Through the Strategy prioritisation and risk analysis process (see Part C, Section 5), water quality (from elevated levels of nutrients, turbidity or salinity) was identified as a threat to a number of assets, including the Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes Ramsar sites and the Tarwin River. Actions that address water quality threats to the values of these waterways have been included in the work program (see Part D). WGCMA will continue to work with regional water corporations, local government, EPA and DEPI in managing water quality issues where they align with the Strategy priorities and are feasible to deal with. WGCMA and its regional partners will use water quality monitoring data from the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network, Regional Water Monitoring Partnerships and community monitoring programs to understand changes to water quality over time. Further detail on the roles and responsibilities of agencies in relation to water quality management can be found in Appendix two.

3.3 Estuaries A number of the estuaries of West Gippsland are susceptible to entrance closure caused by sand build up at the point where the estuary meets the open sea. Depending on the inflows, estuary shape, floodplain extent and sea state the entrance can remain closed for long periods. When an estuary closes, there is an increase in water level which has significant environmental benefits including inundating adjacent wetlands and fringing wetlands. Flooding of adjoining land may also occur impacting on agricultural land and infrastructure such as roads and bridges. In this situation there can be pressure on government agencies to artificially open the estuary to relieve flooding. The decision to artificially open an estuary requires consideration of a range of environmental, social and economic values. There are a number of potential consequences of artificially opening estuaries at inappropriate times including fish deaths and the flushing of fish eggs and larvae out to sea. WGCMA has developed protocols to manage artificial openings on the Powlett River using the EEMSS decision support tool. As the designated waterway manager WGCMA has the primary responsibility for decision making and the approval of conditions for an opening and also has the lead role for planning aspects such as coordinating the communications, storage of monitoring data and approving the works. The relevant public land manager (usually Parks Victoria or local government) has the lead works role including responsibility for implementation and operations related to estuary openings. Currently WGCMA has protocols to manage artificial openings on the Powlett River using the EEMSS decision support tool. Other estuaries that are less regularly opened artificially include Merriman Creek, Bourne Creek and Ayr Creek. WGCMA aims to establish protocols for the management of all artificial estuary openings and more detailed estuary management plans where required in the lifetime of this Strategy. EstuaryWatch is a community monitoring program that increases the community’s participation in natural resource management while aiding estuary management decisions through the collection of information on water quality and estuary mouth condition. EstuaryWatch started in the West Gippsland region in 2009 and currently operates at the Powlett River and Coal Creek (Harmers Haven) estuaries.

21 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 3.4 Urban Waterways and Development Waterways in urban areas are often in poor environmental condition, typically due to impacts from adjoining land use and stormwater runoff. Although waterways in urban areas are often highly modified, they provide many important benefits for communities (DEPI, 2013a). Riparian corridors along waterways play an important role in maintaining and improving waterway health. The maintenance and restoration of riparian corridors are essential to provide the appropriate environmental conditions to support social values of waterways especially in urban areas. Management of urban waterways involves a number of agencies. WGCMA is responsible for waterway health while local government has broader responsibilities relating to the provision of open space, stormwater management, drainage, community wellbeing and have responsibilities for flood planning, prevention, response and recovery. WGCMA is funded to regulate works and activities on all waterways in our region and to deliver the priorities listed in this Strategy. Where an urban waterway is identified as a priority, the WGCMA will work with local government to improve the environmental condition of the waterway. For all other urban waterways the WGCMA will assist local government to obtain the necessary approvals to ensure that environmental outcomes are achieved when local government choose to actively manage a waterway for the benefit of their community. The region’s proximity to Melbourne means that regional centres will be subject to future population growth and urban development particularly in the Baw Baw, Latrobe and Bass Coast local government areas. Urban growth and development of land will put increasing pressure on waterways in these locations. In line with the Victorian State Planning Policy Framework (clause 14.02) this Strategy supports implementation of the following principles and approaches in new urban developments. Vegetated buffer (riparian corridors) at least 30 m wide on each side of a waterway should be retained and improved as part of new urban development. Passive recreation facilities such as shared walking trails should be integrated into these waterway corridors to provide both social as well as environmental linkages. Active recreation areas such as sports fields and playgrounds should be located adjacent to but outside the waterway corridor. Wherever possible active street frontages should be provided to waterway corridors to ensure active surveillance can be achieved. Developments in urban areas adjacent to existing vegetated waterway corridors or where vegetated waterway corridors will be established should also consider additional buffer requirements to cater for the expected bushfire hazard. Consideration to this Strategy its supporting plans and the above principle must be taken into account in statutory planning decisions.

3.5 Works on Waterways Approvals Inappropriate development in and around waterways can lead to bed and bank erosion, obstruction and alteration of flows, restriction of fish passage, changes to flood behaviour and impact on river health and water quality. It’s land owners and land managers responsibility to seek appropriate advice and permits when planning work on a designated waterway (WGCMA undated). In accordance with the Water Act 1989, any works or activities in, on, or over a designated waterway must have approval from WGCMA through a Works on Waterways approval. Waterways designated by WGCMA include (but are not limited to) rivers, streams, creeks, gullies, wetlands, lakes, lagoons, swamps and estuaries. A waterway may not have water in it all the time. A Works on Waterway approval is required for any demolition, construction or maintenance activities that may impact the health of a waterway. The types of works that require approval include, but are not limited to:

22 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 • crossings - bridges, fords, culverts • deviations - waterway realignments • extractions - sand, silt or gravel • stabilisation - bank protection, retaining structures • vegetation - fallen timber and vegetation removal, revegetation projects • works - stormwater outlets, service crossings, etc • other - jetty, river mouth opening, boardwalk etc.

3.6 Environmental Water In Victoria, water that contributes to the health of waterways is provided in three ways:

1. Environmental water entitlements – water formally allocated for environmental purposes. 2. Obligations on consumptive entitlements (e.g. passing flows) – water set aside for multiple purposes including maintenance of water quality during low flows. 3. ‘Above cap’ water – water in excess of existing allocations for consumptive use (DEPI 2013a).

West Gippsland environmental entitlements exist in the regulated parts of the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe rivers. In the unregulated systems, including all of South Gippsland basin and part of the Thomson and Latrobe basins, environmental water is provided primarily through managing existing diversions via license conditions, including rostering and restriction rules. Managing environmental entitlements is focussed on providing water to meet system specific ecological objectives based on an understanding of identified shortfalls and ecological tolerances. These are summarised in the table below. Table 1 Summary of objectives for environmental entitlements in West Gippsland System High level objective Highest priority flow components

Thomson Maintain and improve self-sustaining populations of Autumn freshes Australian grayling. Spring and autumn base flows

Latrobe Rehabilitate stream habitat, through vegetation Freshes growth low in the river channel and formation of bars. Winter/spring base flows

Macalister Maintain and improve self-sustaining populations of Autumn freshes Australian grayling. Autumn/winter base flows

Lower Latrobe Maintain a mosaic of complementary habitats for Spring inundation Wetlands (Sale wetland flora and fauna. Summer/autumn drawdown Common, Dowd Morass, Heart Morass) There are unique opportunities to combine releases in the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe systems in order to provide benefits for the Latrobe estuary and Lower Latrobe wetlands. WGCMA completes a range of activities relating to the planning and delivery of environmental water including: • leading the collaborative development of annual Seasonal Watering Proposals and provides input to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder on the state-wide prioritisation of watering actions • undertaking planning for environmental water delivery according to a Seasonal Watering Statement and agreed operating arrangements • undertaking community engagement and communication surrounding environmental water management

23 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 • managing shared risks in line with the Victorian Environmental Watering Partnership Risk Management Framework.

In addition, WGCMA participates in monitoring and reporting by:

• collecting data for specific systems to inform environmental watering priorities and actions (including the Victorian Environmental Flows Monitoring and Assessment Project) • reporting on environmental water delivery to the VEWH as required.

The Strategy identifies the regional priorities for environmental water management over the eight year planning period and actions are incorporated into the relevant Waterway Management Units. These priorities include developing Environmental Water Management Plans (which have a 5-10 year planning horizon) and Seasonal Watering Proposals (annual plans) using recommendations from flows studies, technical reviews and learnings from adaptive management. Where watering actions are expected to inundate private land, consent will be obtained from landholders before the action is implemented. Environmental watering actions are contained in the work programs for priority waterways in Part C.

3.7 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) Much of the West Gippsland region is a rich source of groundwater suitable for livestock, domestic, garden and industrial use. In some areas, particularly along the Ninety Mile Beach coast and plains, the high yielding aquifers are important sources of water for irrigation and town water supply, including for major city centres like Sale in the east. Significant amounts of oil and gas are also extracted from aquifers underlying and off-shore from the West Gippsland region. Shallow aquifers are often connected to waterways, providing a critical source of water during drought and helping to sustain base flows year round. Deeper confined aquifers may also be connected to waterways or to other aquifers that are connected to waterways, where they outcrop at or near the ground surface e.g. the upper Tarra River and the Latrobe Group Aquifer (which is hundreds of metres thick in places). Extraction of fluids and/or gases from aquifers that are directly or indirectly connected to waterways can adversely affect the water regimes of those waterways by changing the nature of their connection to the groundwater. The quality of groundwater in connected aquifers can also be impacted by human activity such as dryland and irrigation salinity, fertiliser use, dairy effluent and septic tank leakage. There is currently a high degree of community concern about the potential for adverse impacts to Gippsland’s groundwater resources from unconventional onshore gas exploration and production should the current moratorium be lifted. The Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy (DSE 2011) contains policies and actions that address the high level protection of groundwater dependent ecosystems, and the management of groundwater from a resource sharing perspective, including the management of extractive industries and mining. For the purposes of managing the extraction of groundwater, four groundwater catchments have been defined in the West Gippsland region: Central Gippsland, Seaspray, Moe and Tarwin. Each area encompasses connected groundwater (including areas of recharge, discharge and extraction) and contains one or more groundwater management areas (GMAs) or water supply protection areas (WSPAs). These are discrete areas of relatively intensive groundwater use due to good water quality and yield. Specific rules apply to both: GMAs are covered by non-statutory local management plans, and WSPAs by statutory groundwater management plans. There are eight GMAs and two WSPAs in the West Gippsland region. A groundwater management plan has been prepared for the Yarram WSPA which includes the on-shore area of the Latrobe Group Aquifer that has been declining at a rate of approximately one metre per year over the last 40 years.

24 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 While the technical and policy basis for identifying, understanding and protecting GDEs (especially waterways) has improved in recent years, significant knowledge and planning gaps remain. This Strategy, in line with the VWMS, focuses on the management of groundwater dependent waterways i.e. rivers, wetlands and estuaries. It does not include management of groundwater dependent terrestrial flora, fauna or vegetation communities, nor ecosystems within aquifers such as caves. WGCMA will continue to collaborate with other relevant organisations to improve knowledge of the values of and risks posed to groundwater dependent waterways, in order to inform management decisions by DEPI, WGCMA and SRW. This will include active participation in initiatives to improve understanding of potential impacts of emerging extractive industries such as coal seam gas production.

3.8 Invasive Plants and Animals The West Gippsland Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy and Victoria’s Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework identifies assets at high risk from invasive plants and animals (IPAs) and provides guidance for stakeholders and the community in tackling invasive species (WGCMA 2010). These documents follow a biosecurity approach to IPAs. One of the key components of this approach is that once a pest becomes so widespread that containment (or eradication) is not possible, focus must shift to protecting specific parts of a region from the impacts of a pest plant or animal. This is termed an asset based approach to IPA management (WGCMA 2010). In addition the IPA Strategy identifies a number of priority actions for asset protection. This includes: priorities for immediate on-ground action, priority for investigations or research and monitoring for action in future and to maintain previous gains. The approach taken within this Strategy to identify priority waterways and develop an eight year work program is consistent with the approach set out in the IPA Strategy. Management actions developed to address IPA threats in priority waterways are broadly consistent with the three priority types in the IPA Strategy. Weeds directly threaten native vegetation condition and extent for numerous waterways across the region and indirectly impact on the habitat of fauna that use waterways. Control of weed species including Willow, Blackberry and Hawthorn has been identified where the values of the waterway, particularly the extent and condition of native vegetation, is threatened by weed infestation. Surveillance and invasive plant assessments are also recommended for areas that are more remote or where the level of threat is less clear. Containment of Spartina infestations within Corner Inlet and Anderson Inlet has been identified in order to maintain highly valuable intertidal habitats that support migratory and resident bird populations. Foxes and feral cats threaten bird, small mammal, amphibian and reptile populations that use waterway habitats. Fox control activities have been recommended where there are impacts to important migratory and resident bird populations. Carp and mosquitofish are key threats in a number of waterways across the region. Carp screens and drying are used as a strategy to minimise carp in wetlands where active water management is undertaken (i.e. lower Latrobe). In other circumstances, control of these populations has a low technical feasibility and actions to address carp and mosquitofish have not been recommended for implementation as part of the Work Program for priority waterways. The impacts of other animals including pigs and deer are less well known and their impact remains a knowledge gap for this Strategy. Strong partnerships between agencies, community and industry increase the effectiveness of IPA programs particularly where the threat occurs across land tenures. This Strategy will continue to build on the success of previous partnership approaches to manage IPA threats to waterways.

25 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 3.9 Flooding, storm and fire Flooding, storms and bushfire have acute impacts on waterways. They are, however, a natural part of the environment and waterways have evolved with natural flood and bushfire cycles and are adapted to benefit and recover from these periodic disturbances. However future events may have a greater impact on waterways. This is as a result of modifications associated with clearing vegetation, and development combined with the likelihood of more extreme weather under climate change. Waterways and their catchments are particularly vulnerable to high intensity large scale bushfires, particularly if they are followed by flooding. This combination of bushfire and flooding has the potential to transport large quantities of sediments and nutrients from burnt catchments and have a significant effect on waterway health. West Gippsland has experienced a number of significant floods in recent years including in 2003, 2007, 2011 and in 2012. Runoff from catchments travels quickly down steep and narrow mountain valleys. The resulting floods in the upper catchment build rapidly and have significant power but often do not last long. In contrast, floods in the lowlands of the region are typically longer in duration. Drainage of floodwaters from lowland floodplains is often delayed by high sea levels resulting from the same weather situations responsible for the flood-producing rains. The adverse effects of floods on waterway condition and values are primarily related to accelerated rates of river channel erosion, which can be exacerbated by past clearing of native riparian vegetation. Flood related channel change includes erosion that leads to loss of private and public infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, roads, water supply systems and power and telecommunications systems. Flood related channel change causes the loss of agricultural land through erosion of stream beds and banks (Alluvium 2011). This type of damage includes: • avulsion (the abandonment of the main river channel in favour of a new course) • erosion and mobilisation of sediment resulting in: • channel widening • infilling of large pools by sediment • loss of vegetation and in-stream habitat • infrastructure damage • damage to native riparian vegetation • loss of large wood for in-stream habitat • loss of or damage to fences protecting riparian vegetation.

Floods can also: • affect estuaries and wetlands, primarily by carrying large amounts of sediment and nutrients into them, especially after bushfires • accelerate the spread of invasive species • cause debris to accumulate above bridges or culverts, threatening their integrity • cause waste from sewage treatment facilities to enter waterways • kill livestock and destroy various high value crops.

WGCMA has a role in flood recovery activities along waterways; particularly where public infrastructure and past government investment has been impacted by flooding.

The impacts of past floods have been explicitly considered in identifying the priorities and developing the Work Program for this Strategy.

26 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The Strategy incorporates learning from past floods and flood recovery programs by aiming to repair damage and improve the stability of waterways through both the establishment of a robust native vegetation corridor and structural works. Structural works will only be implemented where they have been based on a geomorphological assessment that considers site based issues within the context of the overall system trajectory.

3.10 Threatened plants and animals West Gippsland supports a diverse and unique range of flora and fauna, with many species associated with the region’s waterways and adjoining riparian land. A number of species have been listed as threatened at a federal level (under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)), and at a state level (under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) or Victorian Rare or Threatened Species (VROTS)). Information on the distribution of threatened species in the region is based on records of observation and surveys. There have been some advances in modelling the potential habitat of threatened species through tools such as Nature Print. Despite this, data on the distribution of threatened species is patchy and not comprehensive in the region. This Strategy focuses on improving the habitat values of waterways rather than focus on the species themselves. Where a threatened species is known to occur in a waterway actions will be undertaken to maintain and or improve the waterway condition and/or habitat for that species. In addition, the Strategy will support improvements in the knowledge base around threatened species. Two nationally endangered vegetation communities are associated with wetlands of the West Gippsland region. Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands are ephemeral, isolated freshwater wetlands. This wetland type is listed as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC). In addition, Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological community listed as nationally endangered under the EPBC Act 1999, and as threatened at a state level under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This Strategy supports activities that aim to maintain the condition and extent of these two vegetation communities.

3.11 Climate Change Australia has a highly variable climate with a naturally occurring cycle of wet and dry periods that vary from year to year. Further warming of the atmosphere is resulting in long term climate change or shifts in climate over many decades, which when superimposed on natural climate variability, is leading to a change in the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme events (CSIRO 2014).

Natural resource managers are beginning to plan for the likely impacts on natural assets from climate change and identify priority locations for climate change adaptation and mitigation activities to be undertaken.

Within this context the adaptive capacity of waterways needs to be supported so they are better able to cope with the potential impacts of climate change. The main impacts of climate change to be considered in the management of waterways include:

• reduced rainfall, runoff and stream flow • dry soil conditions • bushfire – increased frequency and intensity • heatwave – increased frequency and duration • increased intensity of rainfall events leading to flooding.

The current practice of managing threats to waterways and providing the appropriate environmental conditions to support values will remain an important adaptation strategy under climate change. This approach will maximise both the environmental condition and adaptive capacity of these systems.

27 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 WGCMA is undertaking the development of a regional plan for climate change. The plan will consider the likely impacts on natural assets from climate change and identify priority locations within the region for climate change adaptation and mitigation activities to be undertaken. The project will also aim to provide guidance on where bio diverse carbon sequestration plantings should be located in the region. This work will be presented in a sub-strategy that supports the RCS.

28 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Part C – Approach to prioritisation

4 Introduction Waterways across the region have importance to the community; however the number of waterways in the region, and the scale of the threats to waterways, is far greater than our ability to influence their condition. The identification of priorities is a core component of regional planning for waterway management.

This Strategy prioritises waterways based on long term objectives for their condition that considers the level of threat and the environmental, social, cultural and economic values for the waterway. The best available information is used to support the priority setting and decision making processes.

4.1 Principles for development and implementation of the Strategy The following principles apply to development and implementation of the Strategy:

• Partnership approach – partnerships with public land managers, landholders, industry bodies, Traditional Owners and community groups are critical to the success of waterway management programs. Partnership approaches will be a fundamental component of the implementation of this Strategy. Arrangements with delivery partners will be defined through annual works planning processes and formalised through service level agreements; based on the individual project objectives and funding requirements.

• Community involvement – communities will have the opportunity to be involved in waterway management and this participation can help foster increased stewardship of waterways.

• Integrated catchment management – management of waterways will consider the landscape context and recognise the importance of waterways for connectivity of hydrological and terrestrial systems.

• Appropriate delivery mechanisms – a range of approaches will be used to deliver the work program and consideration will be given to public versus private benefits and the cost sharing principles set out in the VWMS (DEPI 2013a). Delivery approaches will include: direct investment in on-ground works, grant and incentive programs, management agreements and covenants, market-based instruments, information and extension program and regulatory controls.

• Value for money – investment will be directed to management activities that achieve the output targets outlined in this Strategy and provide the most efficient and effective long-term improvements in waterway condition with the greatest community gain (including opportunities for multiple benefits).

• Seasonally adaptive - Implementation of this Strategy will be flexible in response to seasonal climatic variation. The choice of approach, method, timing and location of onground works (within the defined priorities) will consider seasonal conditions and short to medium term trends in climate.

• Evidence-based decision making – best available knowledge will underpin the design and delivery of waterway management programs and new information and knowledge will be incorporated into the delivery of the Strategy.

4.2 Asset based approach Contemporary approaches to natural resource management aim to target public investment to parts of the landscape that are high value, rather than trying to manage threat based issues across larger

29 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 areas. This approach (known as the asset based approach) identifies important areas based on their values and allows development of integrated programs to address threats and provides the basis for identifying priorities for investment. An asset in this context is a spatially defined biophysical component of the environment (for an example a river, estuary or wetland) that has particular values attached to it.

The values associated with these assets can be classified as environmental, social, cultural or economic.

With limited resources available for natural resource management, the focus on priority areas means that public resources will be directed to the areas of highest environmental, social, cultural and economic value.

AVIRA

A key foundation tool to develop the Strategy is the Aquatic Values Identification and Risk Assessment (AVIRA) database. AVIRA identifies the environmental, social and economic values and associated risks to these values for waterways across the region. This information has been used to identify high value waterways and has been used to undertake a risk assessment to inform the priority setting process.

4.3 Consultation Communication and engagement has underpinned the development of the Strategy and has been informed by a detailed Communications and Engagement Plan. The aim of consultation has been to ensure that there is appropriate and relevant opportunities for stakeholder and community input into developing the Strategy.

The Strategy has been developed using an evidence based approach with best available knowledge including the local knowledge of community members and stakeholders.

Communications and engagement activities have been based around testing the priorities and developing the targets and work program. Objectives of communication throughout the Strategy development have been:

• to inform key stakeholders and the community of the Strategy development process, its progress and outcomes and when they will be invited to contribute • to test draft priorities and actions with key stakeholders to ensure regional knowledge and needs are explicitly considered in the drafting of the Strategy • to enable feedback on the draft Strategy.

The following stages of Strategy development have involved communication and engagement with stakeholders and the community:

• review of the RHS • collection of data on environmental, social, cultural and economic values and the threats to waterways for AVIRA • raising awareness of the development of the Strategy and its intended use • informing stakeholders and the community of the Strategy process, its progress and outcomes • involving stakeholders in the prioritisation of waterways and work program development through: o feedback and revision the Regional Goals and linked values o feedback and revision of the priority waterways

30 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 o input to the development of targets and work program o review of the draft Strategy. • public release of the Draft Strategy for a four week period • revision and finalisation of the Strategy based on the feedback received during consultation.

The draft Strategy was released for a four week public consultation period. The Strategy was updated following the consultation period in response to submitted comments from community members and government agencies. More detail on communications and engagement activities throughout the Strategy process can be found in Appendix twelve.

4.4 Vision and Goals To achieve its vision WGCMA has defined a series of regional goals to assist in prioritising waterways and management activities. The goals apply to a 20+ year timeframe and are linked up to the vision and down to the targets (condition, outcome and activities) within program logic (see section 5.3).

The nine regional goals were developed in consultation with regional stakeholders and recognise the diversity of community values of the region’s waterways. The regional goals are set out below.

• Maintain and improve the habitat and condition of waterways to support water dependent animals and plants

• Reduce future impacts to public infrastructure resulting from physical changes to a waterway associated with floods and storms

• Maintain the ecological character of significant wetlands and estuaries

• Provide system connectivity between rivers, estuaries and wetlands

• Improve the condition of urban waterways in partnership with Local Government • Maximise the ecological outcomes from the available environmental water

• Support community use, participation, advocacy and stewardship in the region’s waterways

• Maintain and improve the values of Heritage Rivers

• Provide appropriate environmental conditions to support the economic values of waterways in the region

A description of the intent of each regional goal and the information used to prioritise waterways based on the goal is provided in Appendix four.

4.5 High value waterways The VWMS defines high value waterways as having one or more of the following characteristics:

• formally recognised significance • presence of highly threatened or rare species and communities

31 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

• high ‘naturalness’ values (for example, aquatic invertebrate communities and riparian vegetation) or special waterway features (for example, drought refuges and important bird habitat) • high social, cultural and economic values (for example, recreational fishing, Aboriginal cultural heritage, urban or rural water sources).

High value waterways include waterways important for their high social, cultural and economic values, as well as waterways with high environmental values, including those in near-natural and ecologically healthy condition.

In the West Gippsland region almost all waterways were identified as high value. Information on the values relating to each individual high value waterway is available in Appendix five. This reflects the value the community places on many waterways in the region. The process to further refine the number of waterways, for management attention over the next eight years, is described below.

5 Description of prioritisation process To identify priority waterways, the regional goals and the analysis of high value waterways (described in Section 4.4 and 4.5) were filtered using information on the: • values aligned with regional goals • threats and the level of risk to those values • feasibility, costs and effectiveness of addressing risks.

The process for identifying priority waterways and developing the eight year work program for priority waterways is summarised in Figure 5.

Figure 5 Process for identifying priority waterways A more detailed description is provided below for each step in the process, further information on the supporting tools can be found in Appendix six.

Step 1: Regional goals Prioritising waterways requires high value waterways to be linked to the goals of the Strategy. Regional goals for waterway management were defined in consultation with the Steering Group. Goal development was informed by the Strategic Directions for priority waterways (WGCMA 2013) and the

32 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 policies outlined in the VWMS. The goals were refined through consultation with the WGCMA Board and regional stakeholders.

Step 2: High value waterways High value waterways were identified through assessment based on the VWMS definition of ‘High Value Waterways’.

For river and estuary assets, these characteristics were assessed using information from the Aquatic Values Identification and Risk Assessment (AVIRA) database, for wetlands the information source was the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan. The assessment used specific scoring rules defined by the DEPI guidelines for the preparation of this Strategy. A summary of the assessment based on AVIRA can be found in Appendix five.

Step 3: Filter high value waterways that align with regional goals This step involved identifying which of the high value waterways triggered one or more of the regional goals. A set of rules was developed linking the regional goals to specific values within AVIRA and the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan.

Step 4: Incorporate local knowledge to refine and validate assets considered Local knowledge was used to refine the regional goals and ensure the linked values were sensible and reflected the diversity of waterway values and management issues in the region. Consultation on priorities occurred through the Steering Group and a series of workshops with key partner organisations and one-on-one meetings.

Step 5: Identify threats to values Within AVIRA, a risk assessment was undertaken for each waterway resulting in 836 risk level assessments, e.g.38 values are assessed against 22 threats for each waterway asset. To help rank priority waterways, the focus of the risk assessment was refined to consider; those risks to specific values linked to the regional goals; and where there were high - very high risks or where there were low levels of risk.

All river reaches and estuaries identified in the above process were assessed for risk (subject to data availability).

Step 6: Identify high level management activities and assess feasibility For each identified risk, a ‘first cut’ of the technical feasibility (rated high, medium, low) of reducing each threat was determined. Social and/or economic factors were assessed during the development of the works program.

Step 7: Existing obligations and commitments There are a number of legislative, funding and community obligations and commitments that need to be recognised and considered in the risk assessment and priority setting process. Some of these existing obligations and commitments include:

• maintaining the ecological character of the Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites • managing rivers listed under the Heritage Rivers Act (the Thomson and Aberfeldy rivers) • threatened species and communities • managing environmental water entitlements • managing urban waterways of high community value • managing the Environmental Water Reserve.

Current long term projects funded through the Victorian and Australian governments including:

• Environment Contribution Levy – Regional Waterway Program

33 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 • Australian Government National Landcare Program ‘Corner Inlet Connections’. • Australian Government National Landcare Program ‘Alpine peatland and associated fen communities’

Step 8: Assess the cost effectiveness of investments The WBCS (Waterway Benefit Cost Scoring) Tool supports further assessment of waterway assets in a way that integrates information about value, threat and technical feasibility from AVIRA. This provides a more complete set of information that can be used to compare the relative cost- effectiveness and ranking of projects to maintain or improve these assets.

It is designed to enable a rapid assessment of a large number of assets, for example by an expert group, with sufficient knowledge of both the assets under consideration and a general grasp of the factors required to determine a WBCS. The variables that feed into the WBCS are:

• value of the asset • impact of works • adoption, based on the attractiveness of works by private citizens (if required) • risks, that is the likelihood that the project could fail due to factors such as socio-political, administrative constraints or failure of partner cooperation • time lag for benefits to occur • short-term cost of project (ie the cost to implement a set of works that address the risks to the asset) • annual cost of maintaining outcomes from the project in the longer term.

The first steps use information from AVIRA. Specifically, it provides the asset values compiled in AVIRA and the impact of works which were calculated from the assessment of risk level and feasibility.

Additional information was needed to calculate the remaining variables.

The WBCS Tool also considers uncertainty through an assessment of the information quality used to estimate variables and identify the major knowledge gaps.

Workshops involving internal WGCMA staff provided information to assist the WBCS tool process.

Step 9: Finalise priority waterways Taking into account all the information provided in steps one to eight, a list of indicative priorities was developed.

Step 10: Develop eight year work program The work program was developed using information from the following sources:

• The AVIRA risk assessment. This assessment identified the specific values and risks to be addressed through the work program for individual assets. • WGCMA staff and consultants. Expert knowledge helped identify the types of management actions and the quantities required. • Conceptual models linking management activities to threats and values. These were reviewed to ensure management activities were appropriate to address the risks. • Existing plans and strategies. Priorities from existing sub strategies and plans were included where appropriate.

Factors also considered include:

• total cost of eight year work program • current and past investment

34 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 • existing obligations (including statutory and environmental water) • achievability of targets • landholder adoption and community support.

5.1 Types of priorities The prioritisation process resulted in two types of priorities, defined on the level of risk (see Figure 6). Where there was a high risk to values; the focus for management is to reduce the threats to waterway condition, these waterways were assigned the priority type ‘threat reduction’ and are displayed in red in the maps below. Where there was a low risk to values or there had been substantial past investment in addressing the risks, the aim of management is to maintain waterway condition. These waterways were assigned the priority type ‘maintain values/ past works’, typically these waterways will require a lower level of intervention. For both priority types the risks to these waterways were determined to be feasible and cost effective to address through the eight year work program.

Figure 6 Summary of outcomes from prioritisation (from DEPI 2013a) The final set of priority waterways are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. A full list of the priority waterways is set out in Appendix seven, two additional maps are provided in Appendix eight, showing the Strategy priorities in the context of the RCS priority landscape areas. The maps also indicate the region’s two Ramsar sites. There is an obligation to address these in the Strategy to fulfil Ramsar planning requirements. The areas covered by the Ramsar Management Plans are identified in Figure 8. It should be noted that the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site planning has been incorporated in its entirety into the work program, however planning for the Gippsland Lakes Site has not. A separate process is underway in partnership with EGCMA, Parks Victoria, GLMAC and DEPI to renew the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Plan during 2015. Management activities that fit within existing WGCMA programs and obligations within the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site have been included in this Strategy. The Strategy provides an update to the priorities within West Gippsland Fishery Management Plan and was completed through a process agreed to by DEPI and the WGCMA. The Strategy also provides for the inclusion of priorities related to Aboriginal cultural values. These were identified through an alternative process that was negotiated and agreed to by both the WGCMA and

35 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Traditional Owners. Other social values have been considered explicitly in the standard prioritisation process used for this Strategy.

Figure 7 Priority rivers and estuaries in the West Gippsland region

36 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 8 Priority wetlands in the West Gippsland region

5.2 Management activities in non-priority areas The majority of Government investment in waterway management through the Strategy is directed to works on priority waterways. However, there are also circumstances when investment can occur on non-priority waterways.

Investment in works on these other waterways should address the following criteria: • reduce threats to priority waterways, for example from erosion, sedimentation, weeds or poor water quality • provide connectivity in a landscape context • protect public infrastructure or reduce risks from extreme events and natural disasters • support community groups who have a commitment to improving the condition of local waterways • in the case of regulatory controls which apply across all designated waterways in Victoria and works that are required to comply with legal or statutory requirements.

37 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 5.3 Program Logic and Targets Program logic provides a ‘road map’ to present the theory behind a program and what is expected to be achieved by it. Program logic for the Strategy describes how specific management activities and outputs will be delivered. Over the eight year period of the Strategy, program logic shows the chain of events that will lead to preserving the high value of waterways in the West Gippsland region.

Program logic shows that in the long term, the regional goals for the Strategy sit at the highest level and illustrate what should be achieved over the 20+ year period.

Three levels of targets are described in the work programs. Long Term Resource Condition Targets – 8 + years, this is the assumed resource condition and is framed around the values of the waterway; it is aspirational in its intent. Management Outcome Targets – 1-8 years, this is the resource outcome being aimed for through the eight year work program. Management Activities / Outputs – annual, this refers to the quantity of works that will be undertaken to reach the management outcome. Activity (output) and outcome targets were developed based on the results from the risk analysis of each priority waterway, conducted using the AVIRA framework and database. They were also informed by the guiding principles, the consultation process with partners and the community, as well as by the considerations outlined in Part B. Development of the work program and long term resource condition targets were informed by the assumptions outlined in the conceptual models for rivers and estuaries (DSE 2012).

Figure 9 Program Logic for the Waterway Strategy (from DEPI 2013a)

38 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 6 Fishery management priorities The West Gippsland region provides popular recreational fishing opportunities. In 2012, a survey of recreational fishers highlighted the West Gippsland region as the second most popular region for estuary fishing. Popular spots included Andersons Inlet and Shallow Inlet, Tarwin River, Blue Rock Lake, Powlett River, Lake Glenmaggie and the Tanjil and Latrobe rivers.

Recreational fishing is highly dependent on the health of the environment including the availability of suitable habitat, water quality and water regimes to sustain productive fisheries. To improve habitat outcomes on the ground, there is mutual benefit in Fisheries Victoria and recreational fishers working with WGCMA to identify and collaborate on habitat related projects that lead to better fishing and environmental outcomes.

Fishery management priorities were identified through a workshop with recreational fishing representatives held in December 2013. The outcomes of this workshop build on past fishery management processes in particular the West Gippsland Fishery Management Plan (DPI, 2008). The nine regional management priorities are listed in the box below.

Fishery management priorities

1 Support efforts to improve fish passage in the Thomson River (Horseshoe Bend) for instream connectivity for threatened native (Australian grayling) and recreational fish species.

2 Investigate the re-establishment of floodplain riparian vegetation and instream habitat in the lower Powlett (downstream of Dalyston) and the Tarwin River-Anderson Inlet system.

3 Support efforts to collect and promote natural history (including fisheries and fish habitat) in the WGCMA region.

4 Investigate the ways to improve the structural complexity of instream habitat to create interstitial space catering for cryptic fish habitat.

5 Support WGCMA efforts to improve methods to control Spartina and their potential effects on fish ecology.

6 Support the reestablishment of sustainable populations of Australian bass in systems that historically supported recreational fisheries for this species.

7 Improve fish population monitoring through expanding fishery independent methods and using innovative fishery dependent citizen science methods such as use of angling clubs and angler diary programs etc.

8 Work with relevant stakeholders and authorities to identify and mitigate barriers to fish movement.

9 Identify and maintain wetlands that provide habitat critical for key recreational fishing.

39 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 7 Aboriginal cultural values and participation Aboriginal Australians have a strong cultural connection to Country and the preservation of cultural heritage is extremely important. There are many areas of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity within the West Gippsland region, waterways in particular are significant. The Gunaikurnai, Bunurong, Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples are the traditional Custodians of the Country covered by this region.

Within the West Gippsland region the Gunaikurnai people are the largest Traditional Land Owning group, followed by the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung groups, then the Wurundjeri people who have an area of land at the North West of the catchment.

Developing this Strategy involved direct engagement with Traditional Owner groups. WGCMA recognises the importance of Traditional Owner groups being part of this process and the value of their contribution to the Strategy. The approach and level of engagement was based on their suggested approach in order to meet the needs of each group and optimise their contribution.

7.1 Gunaikurnai The Gunaikurnai people have been Custodians of the waterways in the Gippsland region for thousands of years.

The Gunaikurnai are the recognised sovereign owners of their land and waters. They are working to achieve social justice, and to have a lead role in the management of land and waters. The Gunaikurnai believe they deserve a unique and influential place in the consultation processes for the management of these resources, and know they have a lot of work to do to ensure that this happens.

The Gunaikurnai people have lived, worked and hunted on and around the waterways for generations. Waterways supplying them with:

• Food - fishing, collecting mussels, catching eels, hunting animals, collecting swan eggs, and gathering of various plants for food and medicine. • Implements – materials for basket weaving, grinding stones in river beds, clays for ceremony, bark for canoes. • Culture - water bodies are important places for Gunaikurnai people to come together for cultural, social and recreational activities. In the past, these sites were important meeting places for different tribes and clans to conduct business such as trade. • Travel and boundaries – rivers provided the tribal boundaries for our region, they were where the Gunaikurnai waited to be welcomed on to neighbouring country, and they were also an important means of travel both by foot and on water.

40 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 10 Gunaikurnai clan map Since Borun and Tuk came down from the mountains and the Gunaikurnai people were created, the Gunaikurnai cared for the waterways to ensure they were always a source of food and materials used for cultural activities. The regular floods experienced in this region were an important way for the rivers and estuaries to be flushed out and kept clean.

For the Gunaikurnai the lesson about floods come from Tiddalik the frog, who was too greedy with the water firstly causing drought and then flood with his bad behaviour.

Today the Gunaikurnai still use the waterways as an important tool to teach their culture to the young people. Sadly, the values of culturally important sites are being degraded by reduced water flows, pollution, pest plants and animals and by development.

7.2 Boon Wurrung / Bunurong Engagement with the Boon Wurrung on the Waterway Strategy began with an initial meeting between representatives from the WGCMA and the Boon Wurrung Foundation.

Further workshops were held where the Boon Wurrung people explained and demonstrated their connection to waterways. While not a conventional approach, this allowed staff to better understand the connection and priorities of the Boon Wurrung which was included in the Strategy.

WGCMA was still in the early stages of developing a relationship with the Bunurong group, when Administrators announced they had gone into receivership. A meeting had been planned, but at the time of the Strategy finalisation all matters involving cultural heritage are to be referred to the Boon Wurrung until further notice.

From creation, water and its uses have been vital to the Boon Wurrung people. “Creation stories” are a “Philosophy of being”, that “to be born on Boon Wurrung country means that you are part of that country”, traditionally her people “sang the country”, the song lines told of their journey through the land and their life on it (Briggs, 2013).

41 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 7.3 Wurundjeri The majority of the Wurundjeri peoples land falls within the Port Phillip catchment. The WGCMA was in the early stages of developing a relationship with the Wurundjeri at the time of the Strategy finalisation and the Authority acknowledges that further opportunities to build this relationship are necessary.

7.4 Traditional Owner and Aboriginal communities’ priorities WGCMA is committed to working with Aboriginal stakeholders in natural resource management based on mutual trust, respect and understanding, in all aspects of its work throughout the West Gippsland region.

The objective of the engagement with Traditional Owners for this Strategy was to: • further develop WGCMA relationship/partnerships with Traditional Owner groups • increase WGCMA understanding of Traditional Owner needs relating to waterway management and cultural heritage more broadly • capture Traditional Owner groups’ needs, aspirations and where possible stories in relation to waterway management • engage in meaningful and respectful way with Traditional Owners.

For further details on the specific engagement approaches with each Traditional Owner group please refer to the Aboriginal priority discussion paper at www.wgcma.vic.gov.au.

GLAWAC & WGCMA Board members Smoking ceremony - MoU signing event MoU Signing Event

7.5 Overall Outcomes - common priorities The overall outcomes of the Traditional Owner engagement process for this Strategy have been collated to present the common needs and priorities in relation to waterway management. Though the needs and views varied and will require specific follow up, common priorities were identified.

Importantly, both GLaWAC and the Boon Wurrung Foundation have identified specific needs and priorities that are captured in detail in the discussion paper at www.wgcma.vic.gov.au. These will be used to guide ongoing effort between WGCMA and each Traditional Owner group.

The common priorities and relevant actions for the Strategy are set out in the table below.

42 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 2 Priorities for Traditional Owners Priority Action

Partnerships and involvement of Traditional Owners in • Take guidance from Traditional Owners on how the planning process for the management of they wish to participate, this can be found in waterways in the region. documents such as the Gunaikurnai Country Plan currently under development. • Consistently communicate with Traditional Owner groups to ensure participation. • Identify opportunities for collaboration and projects that have shared purpose. • Increased involvement of Aboriginal peoples on project steering committees and WGCMA Board. • Help develop skills to enable Traditional Owners to sit on committees and Boards confidently and have meaningful input. Participation, including employment of Traditional • Engage Traditional Owners to undertake work on Owners in the management of waterways in the region. country through the waterway management program. • Ensure that all positions vacant at the WGCMA are advertised through Aboriginal channels. • Create opportunities for mentoring and work experience within the waterway management industry. Protect cultural heritage and native title in the • Work with Traditional Owners to identify and management of waterways within the region. protect sites of cultural importance along our waterways. • Create opportunities for Traditional Owners to access important cultural sites on the waterways. Increase understanding, documentation and education • Community workshops. of the Aboriginal cultural heritage of waterways within • Train WGCMA staff and partners, to ensure that the region, including increasing the cultural every effort is being made to protect and improve competency of waterway managers. cultural heritage.

Traditional ecological knowledge projects and integrate • Work together to learn more about cultural values into NRM Planning. associated with environmental water and how they can improve work done in the WGCMA region, and deliver outcomes for the Aboriginal community on waterways. • Together learn more about Traditional burning and other traditional ecological techniques, then together implement these methods, creating work for Aboriginal people and further improving the waterways. • Identify and deliver traditional ecological knowledge projects.

43 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Part D –Work Program This section sets out the work program and implementation arrangements for the Strategy.

8 Implementation

8.1 Roles and responsibilities As the waterway management authority for the region, WGCMA will lead the implementation of this Strategy. The Strategy will be implemented as a sub strategy of the RCS in partnership with other agencies and community groups working in the West Gippsland region.

Details of roles and responsibilities of partners are available in Appendix two.

8.2 Resourcing The implementation of this Strategy will be influenced by available funding sources and resources, the level of community support and the impacts of floods, drought and bushfire. WGCMA and partner agencies will develop funding proposals to support the actions within this Strategy as opportunities arise. Where relevant and appropriate, project investment proposals will be developed in conjunction with delivery partners and the community.

9 Work Program This section sets out the targets and management activities for priority waterways. Work programs have been developed for each of the 11 waterway management units as well as a strategic management program that addresses region wide waterway management issues. Waterway management units are based on functional groupings of waterways so that waterways that have similar values, threats and ecological processes are subject to similar management responses. The 11 management units are:

• Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands • Avon and Perry Rivers • Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister • Mid Latrobe • Upper Latrobe, Thomson, Macalister and Avon • Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek • Strzelecki • Corner Inlet • Wilsons Promontory • Tarwin and Powlett Rivers • Bunurong Coast and Inlets.

9.3 Cost Estimates Average cost estimates are provided for each management unit for the eight year implementation period. The cost estimates are based on the average cost to implement the management actions and on-ground works. Not all management actions have been costed; those that have not been costed are indicated with an asterisk. The cost estimates aim to provide the indicative level of funding required and has not considered in- kind contributions or the project management and administration costs associated with implementation. Costs associated with management activities will be reviewed and updated as part of the mid-term review of the Strategy (see Section 23.7).

44 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 9.4 Responsibilities Responsibilities for implementation have been identified for individual management action/output. The lead agency is identified first and is identified in bold text followed by the major partners.

10 Strategic Management Program The Strategic Management Program sets out the priority activities required at a regional scale to address major waterway management issues (Table 3). Long Term Resource Condition Targets have not been identified for this work program and a cost estimate has not been made.

Table 3 Strategic Management Program Management outcome target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Increased knowledge and Support additional community monitoring activities in WGCMA, Landcare participation in waterway priority waterways or where there is strong community management. interest.

Collaborate with community groups to raise awareness WGCMA, community with landholders of waterway management issues. groups

Collaborate with natural resource Work with regional partners and the community to WGCMA, DEPI, local management agencies to deliver the develop projects and secure funding for projects that government, Parks Waterway Strategy. aim to improve waterway health (priority waterways or Victoria other areas of high community significance).

Support and establish partnership arrangements with WGCMA, Landcare, community groups, landholders, government and non- DEPI, Greening government organisations for the delivery of projects in Australia, TFN, Parks priority waterways. Victoria, local government, private landholders, water authorities and industry bodies

Support projects that permanently protect wetlands on WGCMA, DEPI, TFN private land through covenants and stewardship arrangements.

Increased knowledge of waterways Undertake Index of Wetland Condition assessments as WGCMA, DEPI and the options to manage them. part of work site selection process and to establish baseline condition.

Conduct monitoring of works including photo-points and WGCMA, DEPI assessments of before and after condition.

Raise awareness of the impacts to shallow wetlands WGCMA from drainage, cultivation and other physical works.

Develop and implement a program to identify, WGCMA, DEPI, SRW understand, monitor and maintain high value GDEs, that considers potential risks associated with changes in aquifer pressure, groundwater quantity and/or groundwater quality.

45 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management outcome target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Support private landholders and public land managers WGCMA, DEPI to identify waterways at high risk of acid sulfate soils activation and provide guidance on best management practices to rehabilitate waterways where acid sulfate soils have been activated.

Statutory planning processes Support local government to identify waterways at high WGCMA, local maintain and improve waterways in risk of acid sulfate soils activation and incorporate their government areas of urban, commercial and management is considered in planning decisions. industrial development. Implement best practice urban stormwater management Local government, to manage sediment and nutrient input to waterways. developers

Maintain and restore waterways in proposed urban Local government, development including vegetated buffer zones at least developers 30 m wide along each side of the waterway.

Engage with developers, consultants, landholders and WGCMA, DEPI civil contractors and local government about works on waterways approvals requirements for waterways (including ephemeral streams and wetlands).

Ensure that management of native vegetation and Local government, sediment along and within waterways in urban areas WGCMA occurs in line with approved flood studies and the renewed Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy.

Engage with local government to introduce an WGCMA , local Environmental Significance Overlay to agreed priority government urban waterways.

In partnership with local government, develop guidelines WGCMA, local for waterway management plans in areas of urban government development.

Statutory planning processes Investigate and finalise artificial estuary opening WGCMA maintain and improve waterways in management processes with relevant authorities. rural areas.

Ensure Works on Waterways approvals require WGCMA commercial / industrial development to implement best practise treatment of stormwater where there is direct connection to a waterway.

Investigate and trial planning scheme tools that maintain WGCMA, local the extent of wetlands on private land including government Environmental Significance Overlay and local planning policy.

Ensure Works on Waterways Approvals consider fish WGCMA passage, availability of water, water quality impacts, native vegetation, physical form of the waterway, water sensitive road design.

46 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management outcome target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Work with local government to ensure that development WGCMA, local of intensive agricultural enterprises (feedlots, piggeries, government broiler farms) don’t have an adverse impact on waterways.

Ensure planning approvals for land and water WGCMA, SRW, local development maintain and improve waterways government, (including ephemeral streams and wetlands) and address impacts on water quality, native vegetation, geomorphology and hydrology.

Ensure the impact on stream flows is considered in the WGCMA, SRW, local assessment of take and use, mining, dam construction government, and groundwater licenses.

Improved planning for waterway Review the Strategy work program for priority WGCMA management. waterways in light of the 2014 climate change vulnerability assessment and plan.

Develop cost-sharing arrangements for projects based WGCMA on the cost-sharing principles in the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.

47 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 11 Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands Management Unit

Figure 11 Conceptual diagram of Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands management unit The Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands management unit extends between Sale in the west and Lakes Entrance in the east, spanning the boundary of the West and East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s regions. The Lakes and many of their fringing wetlands are listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland system of international importance, in addition to having formal national and state conservation significance. They are also highly valued for recreational pursuits such as boating and fishing, urban development, hunting and nature appreciation.

Since 1889, the Lakes have been, permanently connected to the Southern Ocean at Lakes Entrance by a permanent artificial opening. The entrance has changed the Lakes from being naturally fresh- brackish to truly estuarine. The Lakes vary in salinity spatially according to proximity to the entrance, and temporally, due to variation in freshwater inflows.

Land clearing, mining, farming, forestry, urban development and river regulation and diversion have all affected the amount of freshwater, sediment, nutrients and other materials entering the Gippsland Lakes. This has had profound impacts on their environmental condition and associated ecological, social and economic values.

The Gippsland Lakes system is comprised of three habitat types: main lakes, fringing wetlands and estuarine river reaches.

The estuarine river reaches are an extension of the main lakes. The salt/freshwater interface is an area of high ecological productivity for microscopic floating plants and animals, while the fringing Phragmites reed beds and submerged logs provide habitat for invertebrates and fish. The estuarine river reaches are highly susceptible to shoreline erosion. Susceptibility to erosion is determined by the nature of the shoreline (soil type, vegetation, slope, moisture content). Loss of shoreline vegetation is caused by multiple factors including grazing, human access and changing water quality.

Fringing wetlands are associated with the main lakes and the estuarine river reaches. Unlike these habitats, many of the fringing wetlands naturally dry out at times. Freshwater (water salinity less than 3 g/L (approx. 5,000 µS/cm) e.g. Sale Common) and variably saline wetlands (e.g. Heart Morass) occur towards the western end of the Gippsland Lakes system or in close proximity to tributaries where they receive regular freshwater inflows. Hypersaline wetlands (water salinity greater than sea water (35 g/L) e.g. Lake Reeve) on the other hand do not receive regular freshwater inputs as they are generally distant from tributaries. All wetland types support important, albeit different, waterbird populations.

48 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Climate change poses a significant challenge to the future management of the Gippsland Lakes. The combination of increased temperature, reduced rainfall, increased incidence of drought, floods, and bushfires, and sea level rise, could result in a magnitude of change nearing that of the opening of the permanent entrance, to which the Gippsland Lakes system is still responding.

During the period of the RHS, investigations were undertaken to improve understanding of the hydrological functioning of the Gippsland Lakes and their environmental water requirements. The Lower Latrobe wetlands and estuary were identified as a priority area, and considerable progress was made towards improving the management of their water regimes. This included establishing and delivering water under the Lower Latrobe Wetlands Environmental Entitlement (2010), upgrading the Sale Common’s Latrobe River regulator, local research into wetland wetting/drying regimes and acid sulfate soil risk, and hydrodynamic modelling and monitoring in the Latrobe/Thomson estuary.

The other highlight of the RHS in this management unit is the establishment of a successful partnership between Field and Game Australia’s Wet Trust, Bug Blitz, Watermark and WGCMA to establish and implement an ambitious project to restore approximately 1,350 ha of the Heart Morass wetland adjacent to the Ramsar site. To date considerable weed control, revegetation, nest box installation, access improvement and community engagement has been completed by the partnership.

This Strategy will continue to focus on improving the condition of the Latrobe/Thomson estuary and fringing wetlands (in particular the Lower Latrobe wetlands) of the Gippsland Lakes through an integrated program of environmental watering, control of weeds and establishment of vegetation. The Strategy continues to support the partnership between agencies and community groups working in the Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands.

For the purposes of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site, this Strategy will be supplemented and complemented by a renewed Management Plan for the Site (which is currently in preparation and due for completion in 2015). The renewal of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan is being undertaken separately to the development of this Strategy as the Gippsland Lakes spans two CMA regions and many other agencies are directly involved in its management.

49 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 12 Map of priorities for Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands management unit

50 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 13 Map of the Lower Latrobe wetlands (Dowd Morass, Heart Morass, Sale Common)

Table 4 Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands Work Program Priorities: Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site1 Threat reduction: Latrobe River estuary (26-201), Lower Latrobe Wetlands (Heart Morass, Dowd Morass, Sale Common), Wetlands of the Gippsland Lakes and Wetlands Management Unit 2 Maintain values and past works: Thomson River estuary (25-201) 2, Flooding Creek Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

The condition and extent of riparian vegetation communities is improved.

Riparian and wetland vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use.

The ecological character of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site and associated fringing wetlands is maintained.

Quality and quantity of freshwater flows from the Thomson and Latrobe systems to the Gippsland Lakes and fringing wetlands is maintained and, where possible, improved.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, vegetation, social

Threats addressed by work program: acid sulfate soils, flow stress, invasive fauna, invasive flora, poor water quality

1 Prioritisation of individual waterways / wetlands within the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site will occur through the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Management Plan. Priorities have been identified in this Strategy where there are existing commitments in place through partnership arrangements or environmental entitlements. 2 Management activities and targets for the Thoson River estuary and Flooding Creek included in the work program for the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit.

51 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Vegetated corridor is at least 15m Establish riparian management 55 WGCMA, landholders wide on each bank for 90% of agreements with landholders.* (ha) Thomson and Latrobe estuary.

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 15 WGCMA, landholders

Condition of the Lower Latrobe Construct riparian (wetland) fencing 15 WGCMA, landholders, Wetlands (Dowd Morass, Heart to exclude stock. (km) Parks Victoria Morass, Sale Common) has improved from baseline level.3

Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - stem 1 WGCMA, Parks riparian flora are present in the poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha) Victoria shrub and ground layer (Lower Latrobe Wetlands and the Thomson Establish weed control - mechanical 1 and Latrobe estuary). removal of willow. (ha)

Establish weed control - non woody. 5 WGCMA, Parks (ha) Victoria, landholders

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 41

Maintain control of weeds in past 88 works. (ha)

Threats to water regime (altered Undertake assessment of wetland 1 WGCMA seasonality, magnitude and water watering infrastructure requirements quality) are reduced through delivery (Heart Morass and Dowd Morass). of water to the Lower Latrobe (no. assessment) Wetlands and the Thomson and Latrobe Estuary.

Prepare annual Seasonal Watering 4 WGCMA Proposal (Lower Latrobe Wetlands).* (no. plans)

Deliver environmental water in line 4 WGCMA, SRW, Parks with annual Seasonal Watering Victoria, VEWH Statements.*

Install waterway structure (flow 10 WGCMA, Parks regulators) at Sale Common, Dowd Victoria, WET Trust Morass and Heart Morass. (no.)

Construct earthworks (modification of 7 WGCMA, Parks barriers/spillways) to control wetland Victoria, WET Trust water regime at Dowd Morass and Heart Morass 4. (no.)

3 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed for all of the Lower Latrobe Wetlands. 4 These outputs subject to confirmation through an investigation into water infrastructure requirements which is due for completion in 2015.

52 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Environmental water outcomes for Undertake investigation to inform WGCMA, Parks the Lower Latrobe wetlands and Environmental Water Management Victoria, DEPI Thomson and Latrobe estuary are Plan (review of flows studies and improved through planning, reporting system operations).5 (no. and monitoring. assessment)

Develop and implement 1 WGCMA, Parks Environmental Water Management Victoria, DEPI Plan for the Lower Latrobe Wetlands.(no. plans)

Develop and implement 1 WGCMA, Parks Environmental Water monitoring Victoria, DEPI program (vegetation, fish, fauna water quality). (no programs.)

Increased community skills and Support community monitoring of 4 WGCMA knowledge of waterway management waterways to inform management. issues. (no. sites)

Coordinate/ and participate in 4 WGCMA, Bug Blitz engagement events. (no. events)

Support development and 1 WGCMA, EGCMA, implementation of the Gippsland Parks Victoria, DEPI, Lakes Ramsar Site Management GLMAC, Greening Plan.* (no. plan) Australia, Trust for Nature

Support landholders and public land WGCMA, DEPI, Parks managers to address threats to the Victoria, GLMAC, Lake Wellington Wetlands (Wetlands Greening Australia, of National Importance).* Field and Game Australia.

Support the Heart Morass Governors 1 WGCMA, WET Trust, Committee to implement the Heart Field and Game Morass Restoration Plan.* (no. Australia partnership).

Ensure referral under the EPBC Act DEPI, all Strategy any actions (within or outside the partners and agencies Ramsar site) that may have a significant impact on the ecological character of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site.*

*Management activities not Estimated $7,000,000 costed cost

5 The outputs and associated costs for the Latrobe River , Annual Seasonal Watering Proposal, EWMP and investigations to inform EWMPs has been accounted for in the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit.

53 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 12 Avon and Perry Rivers Management Unit

Figure 14 Conceptual Diagram of the Avon and Perry rivers management unit The Avon Perry management unit incorporates the entire catchment of the Perry River and the lower reaches and tributaries of the Avon River. The area is made up of a variety of land uses including forestry, grazing, horticulture and includes the town of Stratford. The Avon River provides an important water source for irrigation as well as unregulated flows to Lake Wellington and its fringing wetlands. The Knob Reserve at Stratford adjacent to the Avon River has important cultural values for the Gunaikurnai people. The Perry River joins the Avon shortly before it enters Lake Wellington, forming a delta of regional geomorphological significance. The Perry River is of geomorphological significance due to its chain of ponds formation which remains intact across large sections of the waterway. Wetlands in this management unit include those directly associated with the lower reaches and providing connectivity with the Gippsland Lakes. It also includes those found on the sandy plains to the east of the Perry River including the Billabong which is listed under the Directory of Important Wetlands Australia. The Billabong supports an important population of Dwarf Kerrawang, a nationally threatened plant species. Land uses in this management unit have resulted in a loss of native riparian vegetation and instream habitat and widespread infestations of exotic weeds. In the Perry River system the unique chain of ponds geomorphology has been damaged by grazing and excavation of the ponds to form more permanent sources of water. The Avon River has been impacted significantly by changes to physical form including channelisation and gravel extraction which has resulted in acceleration of processes such as widening, incision and downstream sedimentation. The processes have been further exacerbated by a history of major flooding that has changed the channel form resulting in a large inset floodplain dominated by cobble, pebble and sand. For most of the year the river forms a low flow channel that meanders across the confines of the inset floodplain. Flow in the Avon River is impacted by direct pumping (predominantly during summer/autumn), as well as pumping of groundwater from its connected aquifer. During the life of the RHS there was a major focus on improving the condition and connectivity of vegetation along waterways and improving waterway stability as part of the geomorphological recovery of the Avon system. This Strategy will extend this work and continue to work towards repair of erosion and instabilities in the Avon and prevent damage to the chain of ponds in the Perry River system. The Strategy supports activities undertaken by agencies, community groups and landholders

54 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 that maintain and improve the condition of wetlands, in particular the nationally critically endangered community, Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands. Opportunities to improve the water regime in the mid- lower Avon River will be explored through the completion of a revised local management plan for the Avon River and its connected aquifer, and investigation of the potential to deliver stored environmental water to the river.

Figure 15 Map of priorities for Avon and Perry Rivers management unit Table 5 Avon and Perry Rivers Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Avon River (25-19, 25-20, 25-21), Valencia Creek (25-29), Perry River (25-23, 25-24), Avon and Perry River estuary (25-219, 25-223), wetlands of the Avon and Perry Maintain values/past works: Fiddler’s Creek Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Migratory fish have free passage at critical times.

55 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The condition and extent of riparian vegetation communities is improved.

Vegetation is established on bars, benches, and the riparian zone providing stability and reducing sediment transportation rates.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use of waterways.

Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and social and economic values are not threatened by waterway instability.

Water regime is improved to provide seasonal variability in summer and autumn.

The extent of freshwater wetlands (including Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Plain) is maintained and their condition has improved.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, vegetation, social, economic, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: fish barrier, incision, invasive flora, loss of large wood, poor water quality, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width, sedimentation

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Establish riparian management 213 WGCMA, landholders species is occurring successfully agreements with landholders.* (ha) throughout riparian zones of priority waterways.

Construct riparian fencing to exclude 76 WGCMA, landholders stock. (km)

Vegetated riparian corridor is at least Establish native vegetation. (ha) 158 WGCMA, landholders 15m on each side for 90% of priority waterways.

Wetland condition has improved from Construct riparian (wetland) fencing 16 WGCMA, landholders baseline1. to exclude stock. (km)

Support landholders to increase the WGCMA, Trust for area of wetlands under permanent Nature protection.

Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - stem 40 WGCMA riparian flora are present in the shrub poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha) and ground layer of priority waterways. Establish woody weed control. (ha) 86 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain control of weeds in past 223 WGCMA, landholders works. (ha)

No net export of coarse sediment Undertake earth works (bank 2 WGCMA from the Avon and Perry systems armouring) to address erosion. (km) (25-219).

1 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed for wetlands.

56 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 No active bed degradation in the Undertake earth works (bank 12 WGCMA Perry River (25-23, 25-24). armouring) to address erosion. (no. sites)

Chain of ponds morphology of the Construct waterway structure 4 WGCMA Perry River is maintained (25-23, 25- (chute). (no.) 24).

Install waterway structure (pile field). 20 WGCMA (no.)

Undertake earth works (battering). 4 WGCMA (no.)

Investigate and address impacts on 1 DEPI, WGCMA the stability of gravel bars and benches along the Avon River from illegal recreational four wheel drive activities. (no. assessment)

Large wood provides good habitat in Install large wood structures in the 3 WGCMA the Lower Avon (25-19). There are Lower Avon. (no.) numerous pieces of in stream wood from indigenous species.

Costs and feasibility of addressing Investigate the costs and feasibility of 1 WGCMA fish barrier in Perry River assessed addressing fish barrier in the lower (25-23). Perry River. (no. assessment)

Environmental water outcomes are Undertake review of environmental 1 WGCMA, DEPI, SRW improved through planning, reporting flows studies and assess feasibility of and monitoring (Avon River). using existing environmental entitlements in the Avon. (no. assessment)

Develop the revised Local 1 SRW, WGCMA Management Plan for the Avon River and Wa De Lock GMA. (no. plan)

Implement the local management SRW, WGCMA plan for the Avon River and Wa De Lock GMA.*

Cost $5,000,000 *Management activity not costed Estimate

57 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 13 Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit

Figure 16 Conceptual diagram of the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister management unit The lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister management unit incorporates the highly productive Macalister Irrigation District as well as agricultural areas on the floodplain of the Latrobe River downstream of Rosedale.

The Thomson and Macalister river systems supplies water for irrigation of dairy, beef and horticulture in the Macalister Irrigation District, the largest irrigation area south of the Great Dividing Range. The floodplain of the Thomson and Macalister rivers is characterised by relatively flat to undulating plains dotted with a network of paleo-channels and wetlands.

Despite massive changes to the landscape through development for agriculture, pockets of high value remnant vegetation (including Swamp Scrub and Floodplain Riparian Woodland) remain along the lower reaches of these waterways. This helps to stabilise the banks of the waterways and provides important habitat for riparian and in stream fauna including the nationally threatened Australian grayling.

Stability, erosion, channel change and impacts of flood flow on private land are major issues in the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister rivers and their associated floodplains. Past management activities have had a detrimental impact on the functioning of these systems as a result of channelisation, clearing of native vegetation from the riparian zone, planting of willows and stock access to waterways. These impacts have been exacerbated by bushfire, flooding and drought in recent years which has caused extensive damage across the management unit.

The communities of Heyfield, Maffra and Sale have a strong connection with the waterways in this management unit, with the Thomson and Macalister rivers flowing through the outskirts of the urban areas. Numerous wetlands and smaller waterways including Flooding Creek, Macalister Swamp Reserve, Herb Guyatt Reserve, Lake Guyatt, Lake Gutheridge and the Heyfield wetlands are also valued for their visual amenity and recreational uses.

58 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 During the life of the RHS there was a major focus on improving condition and connectivity of vegetation along waterways and across the floodplain of the lower Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe rivers. This Strategy will extend this work and continue to work towards repair of erosion and instabilities across the main waterways. Stored environmental water became available for use in the Thomson (Thomson Reservoir), Macalister (Lake Glenmaggie) and Latrobe (Blue Rock Reservoir) river systems during the period of the RHS. While annual plans for the use of this water have been regularly prepared since the establishment of the environmental entitlements, this Strategy recognises the need to consider environmental watering needs and priorities over multiple years. This will be achieved through the completion of Environmental Water Management Plans which have a 5-10 year planning horizon. Delivery of environmental water will be complemented by, and may also complement, works to improve instream habitat and riparian condition. The Strategy supports the work of community groups and agencies working collaboratively to improve the condition of urban waterways.

Figure 17 Map of priorities for Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister management unit

59 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 6 Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Thomson River (25-1, 25-2, 25-3), Rainbow Creek (25-17), Macalister River (25-7, 25-8), Latrobe River (26-2), Wetlands of the Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Maintain values/past works: Thomson River estuary (25-201), Flooding Creek Long Term Resource Condition Targets

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Populations of Australian Grayling are self-sustaining.

Vegetation establishment provides a robust buffer, improves vegetation connectivity and shading of waterways.

Water regime is managed to provide required base flows and flow variability within and between seasons.

Habitat for birds particularly in terms of the condition and extent of wetlands is maintained.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use. Community uses are maintained through improvements to water quality and erosion.

Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality to support economic uses including township, rural uses and fishing. Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and their values are not threatened by waterway instability.

The extent of freshwater wetlands (including Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Plain) is maintained and their condition has improved.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, invertebrates, vegetation, landscape, social, economic, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: bank erosion, floodplain connectivity, flow stress, incision, invasive flora, poor water quality, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width, sedimentation

Management Outcome Management activity / output Lead agency and Target partners

Vegetated corridor is at least Establish riparian management agreements 345 WGCMA, landholders 15m wide on each side for with landholders.* (ha) 90% of priority waterways. Construct riparian fencing to exclude stock. 115 WGCMA, landholders Wetland condition has (km) improved from baseline.1 Construct riparian (wetland) fencing to exclude 25 WGCMA, landholders stock. (km)

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 180 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain vegetation in past works through 25 WGCMA, landholders supplementary planting. (ha)

Support landholders to increase the area of TFN, WGCMA wetlands under permanent protection.

1 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed.

60 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Less than 60% cover of Establish weed control - stem poisoning / 50 WGCMA, landholders invasive riparian flora is spraying of willow. (ha) present in the shrub and ground layer of priority Establish weed control - mechanical removal 37 WGCMA, landholders waterways. of willow. (ha)

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 52 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain control of weeds in past works. (ha) 120 WGCMA, landholders

Waterway surveillance and inspection (weeds). 230 WGCMA (km)

Less than 50% of Rainbow Ck Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 6.5 WGCMA and Thomson and Macalister address erosion. (km) rivers (25-17, 25-2, 25-7, 25- 8) have active bank erosion. Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 64 WGCMA address erosion. (no. sites)

No further bed degradation in Construct waterway structure (chute). (no.) 2 WGCMA the Lower Macalister.

Large wood provides good Install large wood structures. (no.) 10 WGCMA habitat in the Lower Macalister River (25-8).

Length and quality of in- Construct waterway structure to reinstate 3 WGCMA stream habitat is increased meanders. (no.) along the Lower Latrobe (26- 2).

Wetland water regime (altered Investigate wetland watering infrastructure 1 WGCMA seasonality and magnitude) requirements (floodplain wetlands Thomson, threats are reduced in priority Macalister and Latrobe). waterways.

Waterway structure flow regulator.1 (no.) 3 WGCMA, landholders

Earth works - barrier modification.1 (no.) 3 WGCMA, landholders

Water regime threats Prepare annual Seasonal Watering Proposal 24 WGCMA (seasonality and magnitude) (Latrobe River, Thomson River, Macalister are reduced through delivery River).* (no. plan) of water to priority reaches. Deliver environmental water in line with annual WGCMA, SRW, Seasonal Watering Statements (Latrobe River, VEWH Thomson River, Macalister River).*

Environmental water Undertake investigation to inform 3 WGCMA, VEWH, outcomes are improved Environmental Water Management Plan SRW through planning, reporting (review of flows studies and system and monitoring. operations). (no. assessment)

1 These outputs subject to confirmation through an investigation into water infrastructure requirements which is due for 1 completion in 2014. Output and associated cost is accounted for in Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit

61 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Develop and implement Environmental Water 3 WGCMA, VEWH, Management Plan for the Latrobe River, SRW Thomson River and Macalister River. (no. plan)

Environmental Water Monitoring Program 3 WGCMA, DEPI implemented in the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe (vegetation, fish, physical form, water quality). (no. program)

Costs and feasibility of Investigate fish passage requirements and 1 WGCMA, SRW addressing fish barrier in the options at the Maffra Weir. (no. assessment) Macalister River assessed.

Management of urban Establish waterway management 1 WGCMA, Wellington waterways occurs through arrangements for agreed priority urban Shire Council partnership arrangements waterways.* (no. partnerships) between land and waterway managers.

Integrate vegetation establishment and weed 5 WGCMA, Wellington maintenance with recreational uses along Shire Council urban waterways (Flooding Creek, Herb Guyatt Reserve, Macalister Swamp Reserve, Heyfield wetlands, Port of Sale).* (no. projects)

Increased community skills Support community monitoring of waterways 5 WGCMA and knowledge of waterway (including Drainwatch) to inform management. management issues. (no. sites)

Coordination / participation in engagement 2 WGCMA, SRW events. (no. events)

On-ground works and Investigate the fluvial geomorphology of the 1 WGCMA, SRW monitoring activities will Latrobe River and its tributaries. (no. effectively and efficiently assessment) deliver their desired outcomes over the longer term.

* Management activities not costed Cost $7,400,000 Estimate

62 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 14 Mid Latrobe Management Unit

Figure 18 Conceptual diagram of the Mid Latrobe management unit The Mid Latrobe management unit provides potable water to residential customers throughout Gippsland as well as water to the power and manufacturing industries. The Latrobe Valley power industry is the major supplier of electricity across Victoria and is one of the largest employers within the Latrobe Valley.

The waterways of the Mid Latrobe management unit have been significantly impacted by past management practices and changes to natural water regimes. Across the mid Latrobe channelisation, clearing of vegetation and stock access has caused bank erosion and deepening and widening of waterways. Infestations of weeds, particularly willow species, have exacerbated these problems.

Urban waterways including Traralgon Creek, Waterhole Creek and Hazel Creek have also been impacted by past management practices. There is also increased stormwater from urban and industrial areas and reduced connectivity and lack of native vegetation in each of these waterways. Despite this they are highly valued by local communities for their amenity and recreational opportunities. Detailed waterway planning has been completed for these urban waterways and strong partnerships between government agencies and the community exist for implementation.

In the past decade there has been significant progress made in restoring Traralgon Creek through an integrated program of stock exclusion, revegetation, control of invasive flora and stabilisation works.

During the life of this Strategy the establishment of vegetated riparian corridors outside of the township boundary, additional stabilisation works and a comprehensive maintenance program will contribute to the achievement of long term targets for this waterway.

The other tributaries of the Latrobe including Shady Creek, Rintoul Creek, Eaglehawk Creek and the Tyers River will also be the focus for effort in this Strategy, building on existing partnerships with community groups and landholders.

63 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 19 Map of priorities for the Mid Latrobe management unit

Table 7 Mid Latrobe Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Latrobe River (26-3, 26-4), Eaglehawk Creek (26-9), Traralgon Creek (26-11), Rintoul Creek (26- 13, Shady Creek (26-28), Waterhole Creek (26-15), Hazel Creek, Wetlands of the Mid Latrobe Management Unit Matlin values/past works: Rintoul Creek (26-14), Tyers River (26-16) Long Term Resource Condition Target

Native fish populations (migratory and non-migratory) have increased in diversity and numbers present.

Habitat for birds, particularly in terms of mature trees is widespread downstream of Traralgon township and birds are able to move between waterway and wetland habitats.

Vegetation establishment improves connectivity with remnant patches and provides shading of the waterway.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to waterway stability.

64 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and social and economic uses are not threatened by waterway instability.

Water regime is managed to provide required base flows and flow variability within and between seasons.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, vegetation, landscape, social, economic

Threats addressed by work program: bank erosion, fish barrier, flow stress, incision, invasive flora, poor water quality, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Establish riparian management agreements 39 WGCMA, species is occurring successfully throughout with landholders.* (ha) landholders riparian zones (Traralgon Creek, Latrobe River 26-3 and 26-5, Rintoul Creek 26-13).

Construct riparian fencing to exclude stock. 18 WGCMA, (km) landholders

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 8 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain vegetation in past works through 25 WGCMA, supplementary planting. (ha) landholders

Less than 60% cover of invasive riparian Establish weed control - mechanical 28 WGCMA flora are present in the shrub and ground removal of willow. (ha) layer of priority waterways.

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 8 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain control of weeds in past works. 55 WGCMA, (ha) landholders

Waterway surveillance and inspection 30 WGCMA (weeds). (km)

Less than 50% of Traralgon Creek, and Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 2 WGCMA Latrobe River (26-11, 26-3, 26-5) have address erosion. (km) active bank erosion.

Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 32 WGCMA address erosion. (no. sites)

Reduce bed instability threats in Shady Construct waterway structure (chute). (no.) 3 WGCMA Creek (26-28).

Maintain waterway structure (chute).(no.) 5 WGCMA

Management of Traralgon Creek occurs in 1 Latrobe City line with arrangements set out in the Council, Traralgon Creek Memorandum of WGCMA, Understanding.* (no. partnership)

Investigate and construct stormwater 1 Latrobe City treatment wetland south of Traralgon Council,

65 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 township. WGCMA

80% of the targets in the Waterhole Creek Implement priority actions within the 1 Latrobe City Waterway Management Plan are met. Waterhole Creek Waterway Management Council, Plan. WGCMA, Landcare, HVP and other community groups

Environmental water outcomes are Undertake investigation to inform WGCMA, VEWH, improved through planning, reporting and Environmental Water Management Plan SRW monitoring. (review of flows studies and system operations).1

Develop and implement Environmental WGCMA, VEWH, Water Management Plan for the Latrobe SRW River.*1

Environmental Water Monitoring Program 1 WGCMA, DEPI implemented (vegetation, fish, physical form, water quality).*1 (no.program)

Water regime threats (altered seasonality Prepare annual Seasonal Watering WGCMA and magnitude) are reduced through Proposal (Latrobe River).* 1 delivery of water.

Deliver environmental water in line with WGCMA, SRW, annual Seasonal Watering Statements VEWH (Latrobe River).*1

Increased community skills and knowledge Support community monitoring of 3 WGCMA, of waterway management issues. waterways (Traralgon Creek, Hazel Creek Landcare, and Waterhole Creek) to inform Latrobe City management. (no. sites) Council

Coordination / participation in engagement 3 WGCMA, events. (no. events) Landcare, Latrobe Council

On-ground works and monitoring activities Investigate the fluvial geomorphology of the WGCMA, SRW will effectively and efficiently deliver their Latrobe River and its tributaries. *1 desired outcomes over the longer term.

Costs and feasibility of addressing fish Investigate feasibility of addressing fish WGCMA, GW barrier in Tyers River assessed (26-16). passage requirements in the Tyers River. (no. assessment)

Cost $4,100,000 * Management activity not costed Estimate

1 Output and associated cost is accounted for in Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit

66 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 15 Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Management Unit

Figure 20 Conceptual diagram of the Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Management Unit

The upper catchments of the Thomson, Macalister and Avon rivers drain from the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and support significant natural values including sub alpine and alpine wetlands. Two of these wetlands listed under the Directory of Important Wetlands Australia, Caledonia Fen and Lake Tarli Karng and the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens found in this management unit are an ecological community which is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act 1999 and threatened under the FFG Act 1988.

The Aberfeldy River and Upper Thomson River from the reservoir to Cowwarr Weir are designated Heritage Rivers based on ecological, historical and recreational features.

The waterways of the upper catchment are an important tourism destination supporting canoeing and rafting along with camping and four wheel driving. The waterways have important cultural values both pre and post European settlement. Stringers Creek flows through the township of Walhalla and is valued by the local community and visitors to the area. The Thomson, Latrobe and Macalister rivers are important sources of water for irrigation and domestic supply as well as industrial uses and are regulated through major storages and weirs including the Thomson Reservoir, Cowwarr Weir, Blue Rock Dam, Moondarra Reservoir and Lake Glenmaggie. The Avon River is the only one of the four systems that drains to Lake Wellington to remain unregulated. The waterways of the upper catchments are generally in much better condition than those in other parts of the region. The Thomson River has its flow regulated by the Thomson Reservoir and the Tanjil below Blue Rock Dam, which impacts on the natural water regime. Bushfires are a regular occurrence in the upper catchments and in the period after fire waterways are impacted on by increased spread of exotic flora, poor water quality and destruction of riparian vegetation. Habitat in the form of riparian vegetation and large wood within the stream has been compromised through bushfire, flood and historical clearing. Climate change poses a significant threat to waterways located in the steep hills and sub alpine areas of this management unit. The impacts from reduced

67 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 rainfall and increased temperature on vegetation communities and fauna species including threatened species such as the Baw Baw Frog also need to be considered. In the past decade significant investment has been directed into stabilisation works in the Upper Macalister and Avon rivers as a part of flood damage recovery programs. In the life of this Strategy, there will a focus on reducing bank erosion of the Upper Latrobe and Tanjil rivers. The establishment of vegetated riparian corridors will be critical to ensure the long term success of both new and past stabilisation works. The long term goal for EPBC listed Australian Grayling populations in the Thomson River will be achieved through delivery of environmental water and the provision of passage for migratory fish around the Horseshoe Bend tunnel. Across the waterways of the upper catchment there has been a sustained focus on addressing weeds through surveillance, targeted works to control infestations either at a reach scale to contain infestations or as part of site based restoration works. Within this Strategy there will be a continued emphasis on undertaking surveillance and assessment of infestations to inform works programming. The Strategy supports the implementation of the Spatial Action Plan for Alpine Peatlands and activities that will maintain the values of Caledonia Fen and Lake Tarli Karng.

68 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 21 Map of priorities for Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister, Avon management unit

Table 8 Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Work Program Priorities: Threat reduction: Thomson River (25-4, 25-5), Macalister River (25-9, 25-12), Aberfeldy River (25-18), Avon River (25-22), Freestone Creek (25-28), Tanjil River (26-23, 26-25), Latrobe River (26-6, 26-7), Tyers River (26-17) Maintain values/past works: Macalister River (25-10), Barkly River (25-13), Valencia Creek (25-30), Ben Cruachan Creek (25-31), Jordan River (26-6), Shady Creek (26-29), Loch River (26-30), Thomson River (25- 99), Stringers Creek, Wetlands of the Upper Thomson, Latrobe, Macalister and Avon Management Unit, Caledonia Fen, Lake Tarli Karng Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Populations of Australian Grayling are self-sustaining.

69 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 The condition and extent of riparian vegetation communities is improved.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to waterway stability.

Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and water supply is not threatened by waterway instability).

Water regime is improved to provide seasonal variability within and between seasons.

Alpine and subalpine wetlands (including Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens) in good condition are maintained and there is improvement in the condition of degraded wetlands.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, vegetation, landscape, social, economic, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: fish barrier, flow stress, invasive flora, invasive fauna, poor water quality, loss of large wood, reduced riparian large trees

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Establish riparian management 56 WGCMA, landholders species is occurring successfully agreements with landholders.* (ha) throughout riparian zones of priority waterways.

Construct riparian fencing to exclude 43 WGCMA, landholders stock. (km)

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 56 WGCMA, landholders

Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - mechanical 16 WGCMA riparian flora are present in the shrub removal of willow. (ha) and ground layer of priority waterways.

Establish weed control - stem 19 WGCMA, Parks poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha) Victoria

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 39 WGCMA, Parks Victoria, landholders

Biennial waterway surveillance and 276 WGCMA, Parks inspection (weeds). (km) Victoria

Investigate and map the extent and 4 Parks Victoria, location of weed infestations WGCMA (biennial) to inform work program for priority reaches. (no. assessments)

Willow infestations are contained to Annual catchment surveillance and 2400 Parks Victoria prevent spread into adjacent inspection (weeds). (ha) catchments (Upper Thomson 25-99, Tanjil River 26-24, 26-25).

70 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Establish weed control - stem 40 Parks Victoria poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha)

Woody weed infestations are Annual waterway surveillance and 240 Parks Victoria contained to prevent spread into inspection (weeds). (km) adjacent catchments (Upper Thomson 25-99, Tanjil River (26-24, 26-25). Establish weed control – woody Parks Victoria weeds as required based on surveillance.

Fish passage provided to the Upper Provide fish passage around 1 WGCMA, DEPI Thomson (25-5) and Aberfeldy Horseshoe Bend Tunnel through Rivers (25-18). construction of a fishway. (no.)

Continue to engage with the community about the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel fish passage project.

Less than 50% of Tanjil River and Undertake earth works (bank 2 WGCMA Upper Latrobe (26-6, 26-23, 26-24) armouring) to address erosion. (km) has active bank erosion.

Undertake earth works (bank 40 WGCMA armouring) to address erosion. (no. sites)

Water regime (altered seasonality Prepare Annual Seasonal Watering WGCMA and magnitude) threats are improved Proposal (Thomson River, Latrobe through delivery of water. River).*1

Deliver Environmental Water in line WGCMA, VEWH, with annual Seasonal Watering SRW, bulk entitlement Statements.*1 holders

Environmental water outcomes are Undertake investigation to inform WGCMA, VEWH, SRW improved through planning, reporting Environmental Water Management and monitoring. Plan (review of flows studies and system operations). *1

Develop and implement WGCMA, VEWH, SRW Environmental Water Management Plans for the Thomson River and Latrobe River.*1

Implement Environmental Water WGCMA, DEPI Monitoring Program (vegetation, fish, physical form, water quality). *1 (no.program)

1 These outputs accounted for in the Gippsland Lakes Management Unit and Lower Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister Management Unit.

71 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Condition of 25% of alpine and Implement the Victorian Alpine Parks Victoria, subalpine wetlands in the Mt Howitt Peatlands Spatial Action plan for WGCMA to Mt Wellington area is maintained alpine and sub alpine wetlands. in medium condition.

100% of alpine and subalpine wetlands in the Baw Baw area and 75% of peatlands in the Mt Howitt to Wellington area is maintained in ‘good’ condition.

Continue to implement the Stringers Baw Baw Shire Creek Streamscape Plan.* Council, WGCMA

Support Parks Victoria to manage DEPI, WGCMA threats to Lake Tarli Karng and Caledonia Fen.*

Cost $6,435,000 * Management activity not costed Estimate

72 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 16 Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek Management Unit

Figure 22 Conceptual diagram of the Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek management unit The Giffard Plain and Merriman management unit has its headwaters in the eastern end of the Strzelecki Ranges. Merriman Creek and its tributary Monkey Creek drain directly to the southern coastline of South Gippsland. To the east of the Merriman Creek estuary lays Jack Smith Lake which is fed by numerous ephemeral waterways that drain from the Mullungdung State Forest. Numerous wetlands are found through the Mullungdung State Forest and Holey Plains State Park located on sandy plains and fed by catchment runoff. The establishment of plantation forests has impacted on the hydrology of these wetlands and the vegetation and fauna they support. Merriman Creek is an important water source for agriculture and the town of Seaspray. The coastal reaches of the waterways are important for recreation and tourism as are Seaspray, Woodside Beach and the use of Jack Smith Lake for hunting and camping and to access the ocean beaches for fishing. Merriman Creek has been significantly impacted by changes to physical form including channelisation which together with removal of native vegetation has resulted in erosion and instability in the middle sections of the waterway. During the life of the RHS significant gains were made in addressing willow infestations and excluding stock from riparian land along the lower reach of Merriman Creek. This Strategy will build on the previous work along Merriman Creek and start work on improving the condition of wetlands in partnership with private landholders. The estuary of Merriman Creek will be the focus of investigations to improve understanding and management of its hydrology and artificial opening processes.

73 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 23 Map of priorities for Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek management unit

74 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 9 Giffard Plain and Merriman Creek Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Merriman Creek (27-39), Monkey Creek (27-42), Wetlands of Merriman Creek and Giffard Plain Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

The condition and extent of riparian vegetation communities is improved.

Riparian and wetland vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use.

The extent of freshwater wetlands (including Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Plain) is maintained and their condition has improved.

Water regime is improved to provide seasonal variability in summer and autumn.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, vegetation, social, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: fish barrier, floodplain connectivity, invasive flora, reduced riparian large trees

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Vegetated corridor is at least 15m Establish riparian management 53 WGCMA, landholders wide on each side for 90% of agreements with landholders.* (ha) Merriman Creek.

Construct riparian fencing to exclude 8 WGCMA, landholders stock. (km)

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 33 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain established vegetation 8 WGCMA, landholders through supplementary planting. (ha)

Wetland condition has improved from Construct riparian (wetland) fencing 15 WGCMA, landholders baseline.1 to exclude stock. (km)

Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - stem 5 WGCMA riparian flora are present in the shrub poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha) and ground layer.

Establish weed control - mechanical 5 WGCMA removal of willow. (ha)

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 25 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain control of weeds in past 30 WGCMA, landholders works. (ha)

Waterway surveillance and 118 WGCMA, Landcare,

1 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed for wetlands.

75 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

inspection (weeds). (km) landholders

Costs and feasibility of addressing Support Gippsland Water to Gippsland Water, fish barrier in Merriman Creek implement fish passage WGCMA assessed. requirements.*

Investigate the hydrology and 1 WGCMA, Wellington Shire opening regime of the Merriman Council, Parks Victoria Artificial mouth openings are Creek estuary and review options to undertaken using risk based establish hydrological connectivity approach informed by the EEMSS. with Lake Reeve. (no. assessment)

Implement the EEMSS for the WGCMA, Wellington Shire Merriman Creek estuary.* Council

Establish management arrangements WGCMA, Wellington Shire for artificial openings of Merriman Council Creek estuary. (no. partnership)

Environmental water outcomes are Implement local management rules SRW, WGCMA improved through planning, reporting related to groundwater and surface and monitoring. water management.*

*Management activity not costed Cost $800,000 Estimate

76 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 17 Strzelecki Management Unit

Figure 24 Conceptual diagram of the Strzelecki management unit The Strzelecki management unit incorporates the headwaters of tributaries to both the Gippsland Lakes and Corner Inlet Ramsar sites. The area is dominated by the steep uplands of the Strzelecki Ranges with elevations greater than 600m. The waterways are short with a limited mid and lower catchment and respond quickly to rainfall events resulting in rapid rise and fall in flows. Rainfall is high, ranging from 800mm to 1,200mm. Native forest and plantation forestry dominates the land use with a smaller percentage of beef, sheep and dairy properties. Large tracts of native vegetation are protected in reserves and the Tarra Bulga and Morwell national parks. Freshwater macro invertebrate communities are in good condition in the very upper most reaches and the waterways provide habitat for species including the Gippsland Spiny Crayfish, Australian Grayling and the locally valued River Blackfish. Waterways include the Agnes, Franklin, Jack and Albert rivers, Traralgon Creek and Morwell River. These waterways are impacted by harvesting of forest and bushfire as well as infestation of weeds. Poor water quality, erosion and stability are key issues and deposition of sediment results from hillslope and gully erosion in close proximity to waterways. This Strategy will have a focus on surveillance and inspection of vegetated upper reaches of waterways with weed control as required. Fencing to exclude stock access, establishment of vegetation and support for best management practice programs will contribute to an improvement in water quality. These activities will have additional benefits for the stabilisation of river banks and provision of habitat for water dependent fauna species. The Strategy supports the work of community groups and agencies working collaboratively to improve the condition of Turtons Creek and Agnes Falls, both popular tourist destinations in the local area.

77 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 25 Map of priorities for Strzelecki management unit

78 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 10 Strzelecki Unit Work Program Priorities: Threat reduction: Morwell River (26-20), Middle Creek (26-21), Tarwin River - west branch(27-12), Franklin River (27-22), Agnes River (27-26), Albert River (27-30), Tarra River (27-34) Maintain values/past works: Traralgon Creek (26-12), Fish Creek – (27-14), Tarwin River – east branch (27-16), Wilkur Creek (27-18), Berrys Creek (27-19), Jack River (27-32), Bruthen Creek (27-38), Merriman Creek (27-41), Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Habitat for birds and mammals particularly in terms of large trees is available in the Upper Morwell (26-20).

South Gippsland Spiny Crayfish populations are maintained through habitat improvement.

Vegetation establishment provides a robust riparian buffer.

Community groups are actively involved in the management of waterways.

Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality to support social and economic uses including township water sources, rural uses and fishing.

Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and their values are not threatened by waterway instability.

Water regime is improved to provide seasonal variability in summer and autumn.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, invertebrates, mammals, vegetation, social, landscape, economic

Threats addressed by work program: invasive flora, poor water quality, reduced riparian connectivity, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Establish riparian management 261 WGCMA, landholders species is occurring successfully agreements with landholders.* (ha) throughout riparian zones in Middle Creek (26-21, 26-22) and Tarra River Construct riparian fencing to exclude 116 WGCMA, landholders (27-34). stock. (km)

Vegetated riparian corridor is at least Establish native vegetation. (ha) 153 WGCMA, landholders 15m wide on each bank for 90% of Middle Creek (26-21),Tarwin River - Maintain established vegetation 8 WGCMA, landholders West branch(27-12), Franklin River through supplementary planting. (ha) (27-22), Agnes River (27-26),Albert Support forestry and agricultural WGCMA, Forestry River (27-30), Tarra River (27-34). industries to implement BMP Industry, GippsDairy, programs that reduce sediment and Meat & Livestock nutrient runoff to waterways.* Australia, DEPI Water quality threats to the Tarwin River are reduced.

Nutrient and sediment load reduction targets from the Corner Inlet WQIP are achieved.

79 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - mechanical 38 WGCMA riparian flora are present in the shrub removal of willow. (ha) and ground layer in priority waterways. Establish weed control - stem 37 WGCMA poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha)

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 10 WGCMA, landholders

Establish non-woody weed control. 10 WGCMA, landholders (ha)

Maintain control of weeds in past 308 WGCMA, landholders works. (ha)

Undertake surveillance and 144 WGCMA inspection of waterways (weeds). (km)

Investigate and map the extent and 3 WGCMA, DEPI location of weed infestations to inform work program for priority reaches (Morwell River, Middle Creek and Tarwin River). (no. assessments).

Community participation in waterway Coordination / participation in 3 WGCMA, Landcare management activities is increased. engagement events. (no. events)

Support community monitoring of 4 WGCMA, Landcare waterways to inform management. (no. sites)

Support DEPI and Landcare to Landcare, DEPI implement priority actions for Turtons Creek Falls.

Support Parks Victoria and the Parks Victoria, Friends ‘friends of’ to implement priority of Agnes Falls actions for Agnes Falls.

Connected, surface and ground Implement local management rules SRW, WGCMA water resources are managed related to groundwater and surface equitably. water management.*

River Blackfish populations are Undertake monitoring to assess 1 WGCMA, research improved in the Tarwin River system River Blackfish populations and Institutions through habitat improvement works. habitat condition. (no. assessment)

Implement fish habitat improvement WGCMA, recreational works. fishing groups

Cost $4,000,000 * Management activity not costed Estimate

80 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 18 Bunurong Coast and Inlets Management Unit

Figure 26 Conceptual diagram of the Bunurong Coast and Inlets management unit The Bunurong Coast and Inlets management unit supports a number of coastal wetlands, estuaries and tributary waterways. Anderson Inlet and Shallow Inlet are listed under the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia and Shallow Inlet is an internationally important shorebird site in the East Asian- Australasian Flyway. The coastal waterways of this management unit support a range of recreational and tourism values including fishing, kite surfing, boating, kayaking and bird watching as well as being a growth area for coastal development.

Ecologically, these systems are of critical importance for migratory birds, rare and threatened bird and fish populations, commercial and recreational fish species and the presence of large tracts of intact fragile vegetation communities including saltmarsh and coastal woodland.

Threats to South Gippsland’s coastal wetlands and inlets include; poor water quality from catchment sources, invasion of Spartina in the intertidal zone, predation of fauna by foxes, foreshore erosion and changes to sea level due to climate variability.

During the life of the RHS there was a major effort in controlling the invasive aquatic weed Spartina in Anderson Inlet. This was complemented by fencing to exclude stock access and establishment of native vegetation. More recently work has started to address erosion of the foreshore and tributary waterways of Shallow Inlet.

This Strategy will continue efforts to contain and prevent reinfestation of Spartina in Anderson Inlet. The establishment of native vegetation and fencing to exclude stock will help maintain coastal vegetation communities and prevent foreshore erosion across both Shallow Inlet and Anderson Inlet.

During the life of the Strategy an investigation into the sources of sediment and sedimentation processes in Anderson Inlet will address a key knowledge gap and inform future management priorities within the estuary and its catchment. The Strategy supports work undertaken by public land managers and community groups to address weeds and pest animal threats to the wetlands and estuaries of this management unit.

81 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 27 Map of priorities for Bunurong Coast and Inlets management unit

82 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 11 Bunurong Coast and Inlets Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Screw Creek (27-9), Anderson Inlet (including Pound Creek estuary and part of theTarwin River estuary) (27-210), Shallow Inlet (27-206), Wetlands of the Bunurong Coast

Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Current extent of estuarine and coastal vegetation communities are maintained.

Migratory and resident bird populations are protected through habitat improvements and management of pest animals.

Community groups are actively involved in the management of waterways.

Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality to support economic uses including township, rural uses and fishing.

Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and their values are not threatened by waterway instability.

The extent of freshwater and saline wetlands is maintained and their condition has improved.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, vegetation, social

Threats addressed by work program: invasive fauna, invasive flora, poor water quality, reduced riparian large trees

Management Outcome Management activity / output Lead agency Target and partners

Water quality threats have Establish management agreement with 178 WGCMA, reduced in Screw Creek, landholders.* (ha) Landcare, Anderson Inlet and Shallow landholders Inlet.

Saltmarsh and associated Construct riparian fencing to exclude stock. 32 WGCMA, coastal vegetation (km) Landcare, communities provide a buffer landholders to estuaries (Shallow Inlet, Anderson Inlet, Screw Creek).

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 74 WGCMA, Landcare, landholders

Investigate fencing and revegetation 1 WGCMA, requirements along Screw Creek. Landcare

Wetland condition has Construct riparian (wetland) fencing to exclude 25 WGCMA, improved from baseline.1 stock. (km) Landcare, landholders

1 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed for wetlands

83 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Support landholders to increase the area of 1 TFN wetlands under permanent protection.

Less than 60% cover of Establish weed control - stem poisoning / 8 WGCMA invasive riparian flora are spraying of willow. (ha) present in the shrub and ground layer (Shallow Inlet Establish woody weed control. (ha) 31 WGCMA, and tributaries). Landcare, landholders

Maintain control of weeds in past works. (ha) 80 WGCMA, Landcare, landholders

Spartina infestations are Establish non-woody weed control (spartina). 300 Parks Victoria, contained at 2013 extent and (ha) WGCMA density in Anderson Inlet.

Weed control - non-woody maintenance (ha) 1,000 Parks Victoria, spartina. WGCMA

Threats to bird populations Support implementation of integrated fox Parks Victoria, from pest animals are control programs.* DEPI, reduced (Anderson Inlet and community Shallow Inlet). groups, landholders

Less than 50% of Shallow Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 1 WGCMA Inlet foreshore is actively address erosion. (km) eroding. Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 8 WGCMA address erosion. (no. sites)

Construct waterway structure (chute). (no.) 4 WGCMA

Construct waterway structure (groyne). (no.) 4 WGCMA

Improved knowledge of Investigate coastal and fluvial geomorphology 1 WGCMA, geomorphological processes and sedimentation processes in Anderson research is informing planning and Inlet. (no. assessment) institutions delivery of waterway activities.

Increased community skills Support community monitoring of waterways to 2 WGCMA and knowledge of waterway inform management. (no. sites) management issues. Coordination / participation in engagement 3 WGCMA, events. (no. events) Landcare

Support Parks Victoria to monitor and manage WGCMA, DEPI invasive flora and pest animal threats at Bald Hills Wetland as required.*

Cost $5,000,000 *Management activity not costed Estimate

84 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 19 Tarwin and Powlett Rivers Management Unit

Figure 28 Conceptual diagram of the Tarwin and Powlett Rivers management unit The Tarwin and Powlett Rivers management unit supports the two major waterways that flow to the South Gippsland coast, being the Tarwin and Powlett rivers. The catchments of these rivers start in the Strzelecki ranges flowing through native forest, national parks and plantation forest, whilst the mid and lower catchments support high rainfall dairy and beef as well as providing water for associated manufacturing industries and rural communities including Korumburra, Leongatha and Wonthaggi. The residential population has grown significantly and is expected to continue.

The Tarwin system consists of two branches, the west and the east branch as well as its major tributaries Coalition, Wilkur, Berrys, Turtons and Fish creeks. The waterways provide important unregulated flows to the nationally important Anderson Inlet. The Powlett has one major tributary - Foster Creek.

Extensive patches of remnant vegetation are found in the headwaters of South Gippsland tributaries. On the lower slopes and plains remain areas of riparian and wetland vegetation that support significant fauna species including the endangered Australian Grayling and Giant Gippsland Earthworm and the regionally important River Blackfish. The Tarwin River estuary provides critical habitat for the endangered Australian Whitebait.

Fish Creek flows through the town which shares its name and is valued by the local community for its visual amenity and environmental values.

Pressures on the waterways of the Tarwin and Powlett management unit can be seen from increased development and growth arising from the ‘tree change’ and lifestyle movement. The waterways have been impacted on by past land uses and management practices including channelisation, removal of native vegetation and grazing of stock. Infestations of exotic flora, particularly willow, is a major threat across the catchment. During the life of the RHS significant gains were made in addressing willow infestations and excluding stock from riparian land along the lower reaches and west branch of the Tarwin River, Coalition Creek and Wilkur Creek, Fish Creek and Foster Creek. The focus for this Strategy will be to build on this and extend the work into the east branch of the Tarwin River. Improving the condition of wetlands in partnership with private landholders remains a priority for this Strategy. The estuary of Powlett River will be the focus of monitoring and the development of an estuary management plan to improve understanding and management of its hydrology and artificial opening processes.

85 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 29 Map of priorities for Tarwin and Powlett Rivers management unit

86 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 12 Tarwin and Powlett Rivers Work Program Priorities Threat reduction: Powlett River (27-5), Powlett River estuary (27-205), Tarwin River (including part of the Tarwin River estuary) (27-10), Tarwin River West Branch (27-11), Tarwin River East Branch (27-15), Fish Creek (27-13) Maintain values/past works: Fish Creek (27-14), Coalition Creek (27-17), Foster Creek (27-7), Bald Hills Wetland.

Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Migratory fish have free passage at critical times.

Populations of Gippsland Giant Earthworm are maintained in Coalition Creek.

Vegetation establishment provides connectivity with remnant patches.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use of waterways.

Community groups are actively involved in the management of waterways.

Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality for township and rural uses.

The extent of freshwater wetlands is maintained and their condition has improved.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, vegetation, social, economic, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: bank erosion, reduced floodplain connectivity, invasive flora, poor water quality, reduced riparian connectivity, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width

Management Outcome Management activity / output Lead agency Target and partners

No livestock access along Establish riparian management agreements 224 WGCMA, the Lower Powlett River (27-5 with landholders.* (ha) landholders and 27-205).

Recruitment and growth of Construct riparian fencing to exclude stock. 118 WGCMA, large tree species is occurring (km) landholders successfully throughout riparian zones of priority waterways.

Vegetation connectivity Establish native vegetation. (ha) 122 WGCMA, provided throughout the landholders Lower Tarwin (27-10).

Wetland buffer vegetation Construct riparian (wetland) fencing to exclude 12 WGCMA, condition has improved from stock. (km) landholders baseline.1

Less than 60% cover of Establish weed control mechanical removal of 16 WGCMA invasive riparian flora are

1 Comprehensive baseline condition assessments have not yet been completed for wetlands

87 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 present in the shrub and willow. (ha) ground layer of priority waterways. Establish woody weed control (other). (ha) 56 WGCMA, landholders

Establish non-woody weed control. (ha) 8 WGCMA,

landholders

–Maintain control of weeds in past works. (ha) 141 WGCMA, landholders

Threats to bird populations Pest animal control (fox). (no. programs) 1 Parks Victoria from pest animals are reduced.

Less than 50% of Fish Creek Undertake earth works(bank armouring) to 2 WGCMA (27-13) and Lower Powlett address erosion. (km) (27-5, 27-205) have active bank erosion. Undertake earth works (bank armouring) to 18 WGCMA address erosion. (no. sites)

Construct waterway structure – chute. (no.) 2 WGCMA

Install fishing platform on the Powlett River 1 WGCMA, estuary. recreational fishing groups

Costs and feasibility of Investigate the costs and feasibility of 1 WGCMA, DEPI addressing fish barrier in addressing fish barrier in Powlett River Powlett River assessed. assessed.

Artificial estuary mouth Install and maintain monitoring structure to 2 WGCMA, DEPI openings are undertaken collect continuous water quality data in the using risk based approach Lower Powlett River. (no. sites) informed by the (EEMSS). Implement Estuary Entrance Management 1 WGCMA Support System (EEMSS).*

Develop and implement the Powlett River 1 WGCMA, Parks Estuary Management Plan. (no. plan) Victoria, Bass Coast Shire Council

Water quality threats to the Investigate and address sources of poor water 1 Local Tarwin and Powlett rivers are quality in urban areas. (no. assessment) government reduced. (Bass Coast Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council)

Support forestry and agricultural industries to WGCMA, implement BMP programs that reduce Forestry Industry, sediment and nutrient runoff to waterways.* GippsDairy, Meat & Livestock Australia, DEPI

Management of urban Establish waterway management 1 WGCMA, South waterways occurs through arrangements for urban areas of Fish Creek. Gippsland Shire partnership arrangements

88 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 between land and waterway (no. partnerships) Council managers. (Fish Creek, Tarwin Estuary).

Integrate vegetation establishment and weed WGCMA, South maintenance with recreational uses along Gippsland Shire urban waterways (Fish Creek, Tarwin Estuary). Council, community groups

Increased community skills Support community monitoring of waterways to 4 WGCMA, Bass and knowledge of waterway inform management. (no. sites) Coast Landcare management issues. Network

Support community management of crown frontages in the lower Powlett River.*

Support community groups.

Coordination/participation in engagement 4 WGCMA, Bass events. (no. events) Coast Landcare Network

*Management activity not costed Cost $3,300,000 Estimate

89 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 20 Wilsons Promontory Management Unit

Figure 30 Conceptual diagram of the Wilsons Promontory Management Unit.

The Wilsons Promontory management unit supports outstanding unique terrestrial vegetation communities along with significant geological features. The main waterways of Wilsons Promontory include Tidal River, Darby River and Barry Creek.

Recreation and tourism are major values of the waterways which are used for fishing, boating and beside water uses such as camping, bird watching and walking.

The waterways of Wilsons Promontory retain largely natural values as a result of their protection in the National Park. Impacts to the waterways result from recreation and tourism pressures and bushfires which have impacted on water quality and vegetation condition.

This Strategy has a focus on monitoring and surveillance to ensure recovery of the priority waterways following bushfire and to minimise impact from recreational use.

90 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 31 Map of priorities for the Wilsons Promontory Management Unit.

Priorities Threat reduction: Tidal River (27-23), Tidal River estuary (27-223) Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory) are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use.

Community uses are maintained through improvements to water quality and management of marine pest threats.

Values linked to Regional Goals: social, birds and fish

Threats addressed by work program: poor water quality (Tidal River Estuary) degraded large trees (large trees absent or in poor condition) (Tidal River)

91 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Monitor the natural regeneration of Parks Victoria species is occurring successfully riparian vegetation following bushfire throughout riparian zones (Tidal - implement revegetation works if River). natural regeneration is not sufficient.*

Water quality threats are reduced in Maintain stormwater management Parks Victoria Tidal River. measures around the Tidal River settlement to minimise sediment and nutrient runoff.*

Increased community skills and Support community monitoring of 2 WGCMA, Parks knowledge of waterway management waterways to inform management. Victoria issues. *(no. sites)

Coordination / participation in 3 WGCMA, Parks engagement events. *(no. events) Victoria

Continue to monitor Tidal River Parks Victoria, estuary for outbreaks of marine pests DEPI including Northern Pacific Sea Star. *

Develop contingency and emergency Parks Victoria, response plans to address potential DEPI future outbreaks of marine pests.*

*Management activity not costed Cost - Estimate

92 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 21 Corner Inlet Management Unit

Figure 32 Conceptual diagram of the Corner Inlet Management Unit The Corner Inlet management unit includes the marine and intertidal areas of the main embayment and the lower reaches and estuaries of the main tributaries to Corner Inlet. Corner Inlet is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of wetlands.

The work program for the Corner Inlet management unit is divided into two sections. The first section sets out the priorities and activities for the lower reaches of the tributaries and wetlands adjacent to the Corner Inlet embayment (see Table 13). The second section sets out the Ramsar Management Plan for the Corner Inlet Ramsar site (

93 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Table 15).

Corner Inlet supports diverse wetland habitats that are important areas for bird populations and fish communities. Recreation and tourism are major values of the waterways which are used for fishing, boating and beside water uses such as camping, bird watching and walking.

The waterways of this management unit are impacted on by recreation and tourism pressures and threats from bushfire. The tributaries to Corner Inlet are impacted by poor water quality resulting from runoff from urban, agricultural and forestry land uses as well as fragmentation of habitat through land clearing and stock access. Erosion and sedimentation is a key issue for several waterways including the Albert River.

Together with the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan, this Strategy builds on past efforts through the Corner Inlet Connections partnership to address the major threats to the waterways whilst providing a water quality benefit for the downstream receiving marine embayment.

This Strategy continues to focus on establishing vegetation and excluding stock from rivers, creeks and fringing wetlands. In addition, stability threats in the Albert and Jack rivers will be addressed through investigation and works. Importantly the Strategy supports the work of agencies and community groups in coordinating natural resource management activities in the local area.

The work program for the lower reaches of the tributaries to Corner Inlet addresses specific issues within the tributaries themselves (e.g. habitat fragmentation and poor water quality); they will also contribute towards maintaining the ecological character of the Ramsar Site through improving water quality and inflows to the marine embayment.

Critical services/benefits of Corner Inlet Ramsar Site (in line with the Ecological Character Description,) that will benefit from this Work Program include the extent and condition of seagrass (Critical Component 1) through improved water quality, and the Australian grayling (Critical Service 1) through improved inflows. Further details and actions specifically related to the maintenance of ecological character of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site and associated values are presented in the following section.

94 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 33 Map of priorities for the Corner Inlet management unit

Table 13 Corner Inlet Work Program Priorities: Threat Reduction: Bennison Creek (27-20), Franklin River (27-21), Stockyard Creek, Agnes River (27-25), Albert River (27-29), Jack River (27-31), Nine Mile Creek (27-27), Tarra River (27-33), Western Tributaries (not mapped), Old Hat Creek estuary (27-207), Stockyard Creek estuary (27-208), Bennison Creek estuary (27-220), Agnes River estuary (27-225), Nine Mile Creek estuary (27-227), Albert River estuary (27-228) Bruthen Creek estuary (27-236) and the Corner Inlet Ramsar site.

95 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Maintain values/past works: Albert River estuary (27-229)

Note. Table 13 sets out the work program for the priority tributaries of the Corner Inlet Ramsar site. Table 15 sets out the work program for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site and the estuarine sections of the tributaries, as the majority of these estuaries fall within the Ramsar Site boundary.

Long Term Resource Condition Target

All expected native fish species (migratory and non-migratory), including Australian Grayling, are found in the reach and their abundance has increased.

Waterways in the catchment provide suitable water quality to maintain seagrass condition and extent in Corner Inlet within the limits of acceptable change set out in the Ramsar Site Ecological character Description.

Vegetation establishment provides connectivity with remnant patches and a robust riparian buffer.

Riparian vegetation provides improved visual amenity and contributes to community use. Community groups are actively involved in the management of waterways.

Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality to support social and economic uses including township, rural uses and fishing.

Waterways are physically stable (not actively eroding at high rates) and their values are not threatened by waterway instability.

Water regime is improved to provide seasonal variability in summer and autumn.

Values linked to Regional Goals: fish, birds, invertebrates, vegetation, landscape, social, economic, hydrology

Threats addressed by work program: flow stress, invasive flora, livestock access, loss of large wood, poor water quality, reduced riparian large trees, reduced riparian width, sedimentation.

Management Outcome Target Management activity / output Lead agency and partners

Recruitment and growth of large tree Establish riparian management 160 WGCMA, species is occurring successfully agreements with landholders.* (ha) landholders throughout riparian zones.

Vegetated riparian corridor is at least 15m on each side for 90% of reach Construct riparian fencing to exclude 86 WGCMA, (27-29, 27-31, 27-33). stock. (km) landholders

Establish native vegetation. (ha) 144 WGCMA, landholders

Nutrient and sediment load reduction Construct riparian (wetland) fencing 6 WGCMA, targets for Corner Inlet tributaries are to exclude stock2. (km) landholders achieved.1

1 Water Quality Targets and implementation planning has been completed for the entire catchment through the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan. 2 This action will occur outside of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site boundary.

96 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Continue to implement agricultural and forestry Best Management Practices as outlined in the Water Quality Improvement Plan.1

Less than 60% cover of invasive Establish weed control - mechanical 24 WGCMA riparian flora are present in the shrub removal of willow. (ha) and ground layer of priority waterways. Establish weed control - stem 27 WGCMA poisoning / spraying of willow. (ha)

Establish woody weed control. (ha) 20 WGCMA, landholders

Maintain weed control in past works. 235 WGCMA, (ha) landholders

Less than 50% of Albert River (27- Undertake earth works (bank 1 WGCMA 29) and Nine Mile Creek active bank armouring) to address erosion. (km) erosion.

No active bed degradation in Albert Undertake earth works (bank 8 WGCMA River (27-29). armouring) to address erosion. (no. Jack and Albert Rivers maintain their sites) current channel environment. Construct waterway structure 4 WGCMA (chute). (no.)

Delivery of NRM activities in Corner Maintain the Corner Inlet 1 WGCMA Inlet are coordinated through Connections partnership. (no. partnership arrangements. partnerships).*

Establish waterway management 1 WGCMA, DEPI, arrangements for urban areas of South Gippsland Stockyard Creek. (no. partnerships) Shire Council,

Community participation in waterway Coordination / participation in 8 WGCMA, management activities is increased. engagement events. (no. events) Landcare

Support community monitoring of 3 WGCMA, waterways to inform management. Landcare (no. sites)

Environmental water outcomes are Implement the Yarram Water Supply SRW, WGCMA improved through planning, reporting Protection Area Management Plan.* and monitoring. Implement local management rules SRW related to groundwater and surface water management.*

1 Costs for this management activity are outlined in the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan.

97 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Improved knowledge of the instream Investigate the avulsion risk for the 1 WGCMA and floodplain dynamics of the Albert Jack River and Albert River (Pound and Jack Rivers. Rd West to Jack River confluence), and identify strategies to manage stability of the system. (no. assessment)

-Investigate options to re-engage the 1 WGCMA lower Albert River with the floodplain. (no. assessment)

*Management activity not costed Cost $3,400,000 Estimate

98 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

22 Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Management Plan The Corner Inlet Ramsar Site is located approximately 250km south-east of Melbourne and includes the areas of Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Parks and the Corner Inlet Marine National Park. It covers 67,192ha and represents the most southerly marine embayment and intertidal system of mainland Australia.

The site is a large marine embayment with tidal channels and sandy barrier islands. It includes: the marine areas within Corner Inlet which are covered by sand or mud flats with well-developed sea grass beds; land areas (above the high water mark) covering the sand islands and spits along the south eastern site boundary; and near-shore coastal areas fringing the mainland. The site excludes most of the rivers and creeks that flow into the Inlet from the mainland catchments, but does include the estuaries of the tributary rivers and creeks.

The Corner Inlet Ramsar Site is composed of a complex network of coastal wetland types, which provide habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. These include permanent shallow marine waters, sub-tidal aquatic beds, rocky marine shores, intertidal marshes, intertidal forested wetlands, estuarine waters and coastal freshwater lagoons (BMT WBM, 2011a).

Figure 34 Corner Inlet Ramsar Site management arrangements

22.1 Criteria met for Ramsar and other important values Corner Inlet supports outstanding environmental values that have been recognised through its listing under the Ramsar Convention in 1982. Each site nominated under the Ramsar Convention must meet some or all of the internationally accepted criteria in relation to zoology, botany, ecology, hydrology or limnology and importance to waterfowl.

99 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

A detailed outline of the criteria against which Corner Inlet was assessed is detailed in the Corner Inlet Ecological Character Description, http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/corner-inlet-ramsar- site-ecological-character-description (BTM WBM, 2011a). Overall, the values supporting the listing of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site include:

• A substantially unmodified wetland which is a very good example of and wetland enclosed by barrier islands and which supports a range of estuarine habitats (seagrass, mud and sand flats, mangroves, saltmarsh and permanent marine shallow water) which are characteristic of the marine bioregion (Criterion 1). • Presence of nationally threatened species; Orange bellied parrot, Australian grayling, Fairy tern and Growling grass frog (Criterion 2). • The site supports non-breeding habitats for 24 migratory shorebird species known to occur within the site. It also supports in excess of 40 000 shorebirds at times, and counts of in excess of 20,000 shorebirds have been regularly recorded. During the austral winter, approximately 50 per cent of the over-wintering birds (predominately juveniles) remain whilst adults migrate to northern hemisphere breeding grounds. Furthermore, the site provides breeding habitat for a variety of waterbirds, including several species listed as threatened at the State level and/or occurring in significant numbers. The site also provides habitat for significant aggregations of waterbirds during post-breeding, and as a refuge during adverse environmental conditions, particularly the western parts of Corner Inlet, where areas of seagrass, mangroves and coastal saltmarsh provide habitat are likely to support highest values for these species (Criterion 4). • The site regularly supports more than 20,000 shorebirds and at times over 40,000. Black swan, Grey teal and Chestnut teal also occur in significant numbers(Criterion 5). • Corner Inlet also regularly supports at least one per cent of individuals in a population of a number of waterbird species including Pied oystercatcher, Sooty oystercatcher, Pacific gull, Fairy tern, Red knot, Red-necked stint and Chestnut teal (Criterion 6). • Corner Inlet provides important habitats, feeding areas, dispersal and migratory pathways and spawning sites for numerous fish species of direct or indirect fisheries significance including several fish species which are estuary residents or depend on estuaries to complete their life cycle and the Australian grayling which occurs in freshwater streams in the catchment but would use Corner Inlet to complete its life cycle (Criterion 8).

Other important natural values of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site include:

• The most southern location for broad-leafed seagrass (Posidonia australis.) • Over 390 species of indigenous flora and 160 species of indigenous terrestrial fauna and over 390 species of marine invertebrates. • In addition, fifteen flora species and twenty-two fauna species threatened in Victoria have been recorded in Corner Inlet. • Thirty-two species of wading birds have been recorded in the Ramsar site. • A wide variety of marine mammals including bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals, as well as occasional records of common dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, leopard seals and southern right whale. • Significant areas of mangrove and saltmarsh which is listed nationally as a vulnerable ecological community. These areas filter pollutants, stabilise sediments, trap and process nutrients and protect the shoreline from erosion. They also provide food, nesting and nursery areas for many animals including a variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and birds, including threatened species.

100 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

• Sand and mudflats, when exposed at low tide, provide important feeding grounds for migratory and resident birds; and at high tide provide food for aquatic organisms including commercial fish species (CSIRO, 2005).

Key social, economic and cultural values of the site include:

Ports and harbours- The four main ports (Port Albert, Port Franklin, Port Welshpool and Barry’s Beach) service the commercial fishing industry, minor coastal trade, offshore oil and gas production and boating visitors.

Fishing- The area support the third largest commercial bay and inlet fishery in Victoria, including 18 licensed commercial fishermen, within an economic value of between 5 and 8 million dollars annually (DPI, 2008).

Recreation and tourism- Corner Inlet provides important terrestrial and aquatic environments for tourism and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, sightseeing, horse riding, scuba diving, bird watching and bushwalking. Corner Inlet attracts at least 150,000 visitors each year (DNRE, 2002).

Cultural Heritage- Both the Corner Inlet catchment and Ramsar site have significant cultural value to the Gunaikurnai people, with the Corner Inlet and Nooramunga area located on the traditional lands of the Brataualung people who form part of the Gunaikurnai Nation. The area has a large number of cultural heritage sites that provide significant information for the Gunaikurnai people of today about their history. The Bunurong and the Boon Wurrung peoples also have areas of cultural significance in this region.

Thirty-one shipwrecks are present in the site, with 23 in the Port Albert area. They are an important cultural feature as they illustrate aspects of European settlement, primarily the history of trade, ship building and propulsion (DNRE, 2002).

Research and education- The wildlife, marine ecosystems, geomorphological processes and various assemblages of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation within the Corner Inlet Ramsar site provide a range of opportunities for education and interpretation. While the site does not contain any scientific research stations, it is used extensively for research programs by institutions including University of Melbourne, CSIRO and the DEPI Arthur Rylah Institute.

22.2 Critical components processes and services As part of its role as a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Australia is expected to manage its Ramsar sites so as to maintain the ecological character of each site, and notify the Ramsar Secretariat of any change. Of primary importance to wetland management is having an understanding of the critical components, processes and services that characterise the wetland and their state at the time of Ramsar listing and the basic processes that link the key components and cause changes in state.

An Ecological Character Description (ECD) has been prepared for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site by BMT WBM in 2011. The ECD identifies, describes and where possible, quantifies the critical components, processes, benefits and services that make up the ecological character of Corner Inlet. These are the aspects of the Corner Inlet Ramsar site that, beyond certain limits of acceptable change, would result in a change to the ecological character of the site.

The critical and other supporting components, processes and services of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site as described in the Ecological Character Description are set out in table below. Supporting components, processes and services are considered important in wetland functioning but not critical. Broadly, the major features of the Corner Inlet Ramsar site that form its ecological character are its large geographical area, the wetland types present, diversity of aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats and

101 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

abundant flora and fauna (including significant proportions of the global population of a number of waterbird species). The interaction of the critical components, processes and services are shown in Figure 35 Conceptual Model of Components, Processes and Services/Benefits at Corner Inlet (from BTM WBM, 2011a).

Table 14 Summary of critical components, processes and services/ benefits of the Corner Inlet Ramsar site (taken from BMT WBM, 2011a)

Critical components Critical processes Critical services/ benefits

Several key wetland mega- Waterbird breeding3 is a key life The site supports nationally habitat types1 are present: history function in the context of threatened fauna species4 maintaining ecological character including: • seagrass of the site, with important sites • • intertidal sand or mud flats present on the sand barrier Orange-bellied parrot • mangroves islands. • Growling grass frog • saltmarshes • Fairy tern • permanent shallow marine • Australian grayling water

The site supports outstanding 5 Abundance and diversity of fish habitat values that waterbirds2. contribute to the health and sustainability of the bioregion.

Supporting components Supporting processes Supporting services/ benefits Important geomorphological Climate, particularly patterns in The site supports recreation and features that control habitat temperature and rainfall, control a tourism values (scenic values, extent and types include: range of physical processes and boating, recreational fishing, ecosystem functions. camping etc.) that have important • sand barrier island and flow-on economic effects for the Important associated delta system hydraulic and region. • extensive tidal channel hydrological processes that network support the ecological character The site provides a range of • mud flats and sand flats of the site includes: values important for scientific research, including a valuable • Fluvial hydrology. reference site for future Invertebrate megafauna in Patterns of inundation and monitoring. seagrass beds and sub-tidal freshwater flows to wetlands channels are important elements systems. of biodiversity and control a range of ecosystem functions. • Physical coastal processes. Hydrodynamic controls and marine inflows that affect Diverse fish communities habitats through tides, underpin the biodiversity values of current, wind, erosion and the site. accretion.

• Groundwater. For those wetlands influenced by groundwater interaction, the level of the groundwater table and the groundwater quality.

Water quality underpins aquatic ecosystem values within wetland habitats. The key water quality parameters for the site are salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients. Important biological processes include nutrient cycling and food webs.

102 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Figure 35 Conceptual Model of Components, Processes and Services/Benefits at Corner Inlet (from BTM WBM, 2011a)

22.3 Land Management Arrangements While the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site has a complex tenure arrangement, most public land and waters within the site (89% of the site area) is public land contained within the Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park (27,848ha), Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park (30.101ha) and Corner Inlet Marine National Park (1,641ha). These areas are managed by Parks Victoria under the provisions of the National Parks Act 1975 and Parks Regulations. The Act requires the Secretary to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries to preserve and protect the natural condition of the parks and its natural and other features and, subject to this, to provide for the use of the park by the public for enjoyment, recreation and education. Land areas above the high water mark on Doughboy Island, Bennison Island, Granite Island, Long Island and Corner Island, together with the intertidal area in the southern section of Corner Inlet, form part of Wilsons Promontory National Park. The Park is managed by Parks Victoria under the provisions of the National Parks Act and Parks Regulation. In addition:

• land and waters within Port areas (Port Welshpool and Port Albert) are managed by Gippsland Ports under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 • Sunday Island, Dog Island, Little Dog Island, Hunter Island and Bullock Island are privately owned and managed • The remaining areas of the Ramsar site are either unreserved Crown Land or are included in various public purposes or coastal reserves.

103 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Management plans approved under section 17D of the National Parks Act 1975 provide for the protection natural values and use of park areas by the public and are implemented by Parks Victoria.

22.4 Community Participation The Corner Inlet Connections partnership was established in 2007 to provide an integrated and collaborative approach to address issues impacting on the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site. The partnership involves 15 groups including community groups, landholders, government bodies and industry groups.

Since 2007, Corner Inlet connections has been instrumental in coordinating a number of initiatives including oversight of investment in research, planning, monitoring, engagement and on-ground works. Through the Corner Inlet Connections partnership individual members of the community can get involved in monitoring, onground works and attend events and activities that aim to raise awareness of the values of Corner Inlet and improve participation in natural resource management. This Strategy supports community participation and the delivery of coordinated programs for natural resource management within the Ramsar site and its catchment through the Corner Inlet Connections Partnership.

22.5 Limits of Acceptable Change A key requirement of the Corner Inlet Ecological Character Description (ECD) was to define the limits of acceptable change (LACs) for the critical components, processes and services/benefits of the site. Limits of acceptable change are defined as, ‘the variation that is considered acceptable in a particular measure or feature of the ecological character of the wetland’ (DEWHA 2008).

A literature review and engagement with experts on the Steering Committee undertaken through the development of the ECD did not identify any significant or overarching changes in the ecological character of Corner Inlet since 1982. However, it was recognised that a number of long term threats are having an incremental and cumulative effect on the ecological character and require further investigation.

This is supported by the 2011 Ramsar Rolling Review undertaken by DEPI, which found that while the LAC had not been exceeded for a number of indicators, it was not possible to determine if there had been a change in the ecological character of the site due to insufficient monitoring of a number of indicators. Based on this, it is considered that the focus of management should be to reduce the impact of existing threats rather than on rehabilitation or restoration. Limits of Acceptable change for Corner Inlet are set out in Appendix nine.

22.6 Threats, risk assessment and prioritisation of actions for Corner Inlet Given the size and diversity of habitats present, the threats to the values of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site vary greatly across multiple spatial and temporal scales and in terms of their potential severity (BMT WBM, 2011a). Broad scale threats to the ecological character of the site are identified in the ECD as, impacts associated with recreational activities, natural resource utilisation, altered hydrology, habitat isolation, dredging, pollution, urban encroachment, acid sulfate soils, oil spills, invasive plants and animals, and climate change.

The identification of threats and assessment of risk (based on expected timing, likelihood and consequence) for this Strategy has been drawn from numerous sources in addition in the ECD including:

• the 2002 Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan (DNRE, 2002) • the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan (WGCMA, 2013) • the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site INFFER Assessment (Natural Decisions, 2014) - further detail on this process is provided in Appendix nine.

104 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

The above sources were used in place of AVIRA due to fact that the AVIRA dataset does not include a comprehensive list of assets within Corner Inlet. These threats,their potential impacts on the ecological character of Corner Inlet and the risk assessment results are set out in Appendix ten, (Tables 1-3).

The results of the risk assessment was then used together with a number of other factors (the project goal, possible works and actions, time lags, the effectiveness of works, private adoption of actions and delivery mechanism and costs) to identify the management outcome targets and management activities and outputs in

105 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Table 15. This assessment also drew on knowledge of the extent to which management actions within the Ramsar site or surrounding catchment can influence the condition of the critical components, processes and services

22.7 Ramsar Site Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting The Australian Government is developing a three-year Ramsar Rolling Review program for reporting the status of the ecological character of Australia’s Ramsar sites.

The broad aims of the Ramsar Rolling Review program are to:

• review and report on the status of the ecological character of Australia’s Ramsar sites (including positive or adverse change) • be a tool to assist managing sites in order to maintain their ecological character, improving links between ecological character, site management plans and monitoring programs for critical components, processes and services and associated threats • provide input to a database of baseline and threat data • record updates as knowledge gaps are addressed and refinement of LACs • highlight issues and facilitate assessment of a potential change of character, focussing on proactive management before the situation requires notification • identify broad trends or common threats across site and jurisdiction boundaries.

Under the Ramsar rolling review, reporting for the Corner Inlet Ramsar site will focus on the LACs, knowledge gaps and/or key threats exist as identified in the ECD (Appendix eleven, Table 4).

Australia reports the ecological character of its Ramsar sites through a national Ramsar site rolling review. The findings are included in Australia’s national report to the triennial Conventions of Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention.

22.8 Work Program for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site This section sets out the work program for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Management Plan.

106 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Table 15 identifies the Long Term Resource Condition Targets with links to the Critical, Components, Processes and Services of the site. The overall aim of the management plan is to maintain ecological character as described at the time of listing. For some LTRCTs a benchmark from the time of listing was not available and more recent benchmarks have been used.

Management activities have been identified based on the analysis of threats and values and where possible linked to eight year management outcome targets. An overall cost estimate is provided for the work program which will be updated at the midterm review of the Strategy.

107 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Table 15 Work Program for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Management Plan Long Term Resource Condition Target Link to Critical Components, Processes and Services

Wetland Waterbird Waterbirds Threatened Fish habitats breeding fauna habitat

1. Current extent of mangrove shrub land and coastal saltmarsh aggregate is maintained.  

2. 90% of all saltmarsh in Corner Inlet in good condition.  

3. Current habitat (condition and extent) for threatened species is maintained.  

4. Seagrass condition and extent in Corner Inlet is maintained at 2013 benchmark.  

5. Numbers of migratory and resident shorebird species are maintained within +/-  25% of their 2006 - 2008 benchmark numbers.*

6. Current number of key beach nesting bird breeding sites and pairs maintained. 

7. Waterways in the catchment provide water of suitable quality to support economic   uses including township, rural uses and fishing.

*Achievement of this target will be impacted on by offsite threats

Key Values: fish5, birds2,3, invertebrates, vegetation1, landscape, social, economic, hydrology1

Key Threats: pollutants (sediment and nutrient), oil spills and incidents, recreational activities, natural resource use, urban development and encroachment, barriers to tidal exchange, dredging, acid sulfate soils, invasive flora, invasive animals (terrestrial and marine), altered hydrology

Link to Management Management activity / output Lead agency and LTRCT Outcome Target partners

1, 2 No livestock access Establish management agreement with 150 WGCMA, landholders along Corner Inlet landholders.* (ha) foreshore and estuaries. Construct riparian fencing to exclude 10 stock. (km)

4,7 Nutrient and Establish native vegetation. (ha) 24 WGCMA sediment load reduction targets for Establish woody weed control. (ha) 151 WGCMA Corner Inlet tributaries are Establish permanent protection of native 15 TFN, landholders achieved. vegetation. (ha)

108 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Continue to implement agricultural and WGCMA, forestry Best Management Practices as landholders, DEPI, outlined in the Water Quality industry Improvement Plan.*1

1, 2 200 ha of Construct fencing to exclude stock from 30 WGCMA, landholders saltmarsh/mangrove saltmarsh and mangrove communities. communities in (km) Corner Inlet have improved in Undertake assessment to determine 1 WGCMA, research condition from baseline condition of saltmarsh and organisation/university baseline2. mangrove vegetation within the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site. (no. assessment)

5 Spartina infestations Assess and map spartina infestation 4 Parks Victoria are contained at extent and densities (biennial). (no. 2013 extent and assessments) density in Corner Inlet. Establish weed control - non-woody 68 WGCMA, Parks spartina. (ha) Victoria

Maintain weed control - non-woody 350 Parks Victoria (spartina). (ha)

6 Fox populations on Investigate and quantify the impact of fox 1 Parks Victoria, Corner Inlet barrier control activities (on private and public Birdlife Australia islands maintained land) on shorebird numbers in Corner at 2014 benchmark. Inlet. (no. assessment)

Support Parks Victoria to undertake fox Parks Victoria control activities on the barrier islands of Corner Inlet.

6 1000 ha targeted Support landholders to undertake Landcare, fox control on integrated fox control activities on private landholders private land. land adjacent to priority nesting and roosting sites in the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site.

7 Less than 50% of Undertake earth works (bank armouring) 1 WGCMA the Tarra River to address erosion. (km) estuary is actively eroding. Undertake earth works (bank armouring) 2 WGCMA to address erosion. (no. sites)

1 WGCMA Install fishing platform . (no.)

3, 4 Improved Investigate seagrass condition and extent 1 WGCMA, research

1 Costs for this management activity are outlined in the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan 2 Comprehensive baseline conditions assessments have not yet been completed for saltmarsh / mangrove communities in Corner Inlet.

109 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

knowledge of water to quantify links with nutrient and organisation/university quality and sediment loads and hydrodynamic seagrass dynamics. processes including resuspension. (no. assessment)

Implement high flow / event based 1 WGCMA catchment water quality monitoring program. (no. program)

Implement marine water quality 1 Parks Victoria monitoring program. (no. program)

Monitoring, Review update and implement Corner 1 Parks Victoria, Evaluation and Inlet Ecological Monitoring Program. (no. WGCMA, DEPI Reporting assessment) processes are established for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site.

Collate monitoring results and report on 2 DEPI ecological character every three years. (no. assessment)

Review and update Limits of Acceptable DEPI, Parks Victoria Change for critical components. (no. assessment)

Undertake targeted survey of threatened 1 DEPI, Birdlife flora and fauna species. (no. Australia, Parks assessment) Victoria

Monitor the impacts of recreational and Fisheries Victoria commercial fishing on the resources of the site (juvenile fish, bait species and resident fish species). If necessary, use education programs and regulations to enforce sustainable fishing practices.

Monitor human disturbance at principal Parks Victoria high tide shorebird roosts and tern breeding colonies. Where necessary, introduce restrictions and visitor management methods at the sites.

Ensure planning applications for land Wellington Shire adjacent to the Ramsar site consider the Council, South potential impact to the site's ecological Gippsland Shire character.* Council, DEPI

Ensure referral under the EPBC Act any DEPI, all Strategy actions (within or outside the Ramsar partners and agencies site) that may have a significant impact on the ecological character of the Corner Inlet Lakes Ramsar Site.*

110 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Ensure all dredging activities are in EPA accordance with relevant Victorian and Australian Government regulations.*

Ensure all boating facilities, including Gippsland Ports, jetties and moorings, are appropriately Parks Victoria, licenced.* Wellington Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council,

Support Traditional Owners to survey and Parks Victoria, manage sites of cultural significance. GLAWAC

4 Support commercial fishing industry to Commercial fishing continue to implement measures to industry, Fisheries reduce seagrass damage.* Victoria

*Management activity not costed Cost $4,300,000 Estimate

111 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

23 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Effectively managing rivers, estuaries and wetlands requires all responsible agencies to have access to reliable information on which to base management decisions. This section describes the monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management framework for this Strategy. A detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement plan will be developed when the strategy is completed.

23.1 Adaptive Management Adaptive management at the regional level requires both regular review and learning from previous experience. This allows the responsible agencies to alter management approaches based on knowledge gained during implementation. The Victorian Waterway Management Strategy sets out the adaptive management cycle for waterway management.

Figure 36 Adaptive Management Cycle (DEPI 2013a)

The cycle includes: • Strategy and Planning - state policy framework and targets, planning for waterway management through regional waterway strategies with priorities and regional targets. • Implementation and Monitoring - government and other investment in regional priorities. • Implementation of priority management activities - intervention monitoring and long-term resource condition assessment. • Evaluation and reporting - management reporting, intervention monitoring reporting, resource condition reporting, program evaluation and improvement.

Community participation and research and innovation occur across all parts of the program. This knowledge and information is crucial for ensuring effective adaptive management and informing associated monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.

112 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

23.2 Monitoring Monitoring activities aim to provide data to help evaluate and report on implementation progress and the overall success of Strategy once implemented. It involves collecting information relating to direct and indirect influences that impact on the implementation of the Strategy. This might include factors such as flood, bushfire, drought and other potential impacts of climate change, land use, population growth, government support and community expectations.

Monitoring the success of the Strategy will draw on a variety of methods including the results of intervention monitoring and the resource condition monitoring process coordinated through the Victorian Waterway Management Program. This is done through the Index of Stream Condition, Index of Wetland Condition and Index of Estuarine Condition monitoring programs which are conducted at a reach or waterway scale.

The WGCMA also works with community members to monitor waterway condition through the Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch programs.

23.3 Evaluation Evaluating the Strategy involves assessing the extent to which the outcomes have been achieved at each level of the program logic underpinning the Strategy. It also provides for a review of the assumptions in the program logic and provides direction and improved knowledge for subsequent planning cycles.

Evaluation of the Strategy will include a review of each stage of the program logic to assess the level at which each aspect has been achieved. Evaluation questions have been developed to address the following five categories.

1. impact – changes to resource condition, management activities or institutions 2. appropriateness – addressing the needs of beneficiaries against best practice 3. effectiveness – achieving desired management outputs and resource condition objectives 4. efficiency – value or return from investment 5. legacy – after the activity/program ends.

The scale and frequency of evaluation will vary throughout the life of the Strategy, and will include an annual review cycle along with more detailed reviews mid-term and in the final year of the Strategy.

Where appropriate, projects that deliver against the Strategy will include evaluation questions and require evaluation to occur at similar periods to those described below.

Bi-annual review · progress towards planned activities, outputs and budgets · new knowledge and information · changes to planned activities and outputs, based on above.

Mid-term evaluation (approx. 2018) · progress towards planned activities, outputs and budgets · where possible progress towards management outcomes · new knowledge and information.

Final independent evaluation (2022) · assessment of progress and/or achievements against the Strategy targets · capturing of knowledge (lessons learnt, new data or approaches) gained during implementation of the Strategy, from all partners · review of changes to the Strategy, from mid-term evaluation and review (and the information these changes were based on).

113 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

23.4 Reporting Accurate reporting is an important tool to be able to report to the community and stakeholders on Strategy implementation and ensure accountability for the investment of government funds into waterway management. Over the long term, consistent and effective reporting provides evidence to enable evaluation of the effectiveness of this Strategy. WGCMA reports to government and community through:

1. Annual reporting This reports the highlights, challenges, activities and achievements for the year, as well as the organisation’s financial position. The WGCMA’s Annual Report is audited to ensure financial information gives an accurate representation of financial position.

2. Reporting against Strategy outcomes Public reporting of progress towards Management Outcome Targets will occur at a minimum as part of the final review of the Strategy. WGCMA will also support reporting of management outcome targets for the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy in 2016 and 2020.

3. Resource condition reporting This reporting is coordinated through the Victorian Waterway Management Program. This involves the collection, analysis and reporting of information on the condition of Victoria’s waterways every eight years (subject to available funding) (DEPI, 2013a). This reporting, along with local knowledge and Waterwatch data provides the information to help assess waterway condition over the long term.

23.5 Knowledge gaps and research Over a long period of waterway management, WGCMA has gained a good understanding of the waterways in the region, however knowledge gaps are likely to be identified through monitoring and evaluation activities. The

The WGCMA takes the following actions, where critical gaps in knowledge are identified: • addresses the gap by obtaining external expert knowledge, • targets activities to build local knowledge and understanding, • records and collates information relating to the knowledge gap, relaying it back to DEPI for further research.

The WGCMA works with its delivery partners; DEPI and the tertiary education sector; to identify areas for further research.

23.6 Adaptive management WGCMA, like other CMAs and government authorities, uses the ‘adaptive management’ cycle to manage waterways. We live in an ever changing and unpredictable environment where bushfire, flood and drought require an adaptive response. Adaptive management is also referred to as ‘learning by doing’ (DEPI 2013a).

At the core of adaptive management (see Figure 36) is community participation and research and innovation. This suggests the need to learn from experience and change the management approach based on community knowledge or knowledge gained from the implementation.

Community participation and research and innovation occur across all parts of the program and are integral for ensuring adaptive management.

114 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

24 References Alluvium 2011. An assessment of the impact of riparian revegetation on stream erosion during floods in Victoria. December 2011. Report to the Department of Sustainability and Environment by Alluvium Consulting. Richmond.

BMT WBM 2011. Ecological Character of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site. Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra.

BMT WBM 2011a. Ecological Character of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site. Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra.

Carey, J.M., Burgman, M.A., Boxshall, A., Beilin, R., Flander, L., Pegler, P. and White, A.K. 2007. Identification of threats to natural values in Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. Parks Victoria Technical Series No.33. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

CSIRO 2005. Corner Inlet Environmental Audit. Report to the Gippsland Coastal Board. Prepared by Molloy R., Chidgey S., Webster I., Hancock G. and Fox D.

CSIRO 2014

DEPI 2013a. Improving Our Waterways. Victorian Waterway Management Strategy. . Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Melbourne

DEPI 2013b. Index of Stream Condition 2010, Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Melbourne.

DEPI 2013c.Guidance Notes for the Development of Regional Waterway Strategies. Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Melbourne.

DEWHA 2008. National Framework and Guidance for Describing the Ecological Character of Australian Ramsar Wetlands. Department of Environment Water, Heritage and the Arts. Canberra: 64pp.

DNRE 2002. Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities and Regional Growth. Victorian River Health Strategy. Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Melbourne, Victoria.

DNRE 2002. Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan, May 2002. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

DPI 2008. West Gippsland Fishery Management Plan 2008. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 56.Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DSE 2011 Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. Department of Sustainability and Environment. Melbourne

DSE 2012a. River and Estuary Conceptual Models to Support Development of Regional Waterway Strategies, report produced by GHD Pty for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2012b. Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Framework, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

115 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022

Ecos unpublished. Corner Inlet Ecological Character Description. Unpublished Draft Report prepared for the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Provided to the Project Team by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute 2010. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Stakeholder Profiling and Engagement 2010, Final Report.

Natural Decisions 2013. Waterway-Cost Benefit Scoring Tool. User Manual and Instructions.

Papas, P and Moloney, P. 2012. Victoria’s wetlands 2009 – 2011: Statewide assessments and condition modelling. December 2012. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. Technical Report Series No. 229.

Taylor, S and Minton, C. 2006. A census of the breeding population of Pied Oystercatchers Haematopus longirostris in Corner Inlet, Victoria. The Stilt 49:41-43.

WGCMA 2005. West Gippsland River Health Strategy. 2005. Prepared by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Traralgon Victoria.

WGCMA 2005a. Gippsland’s Water Quality Action Plan. 2005. East Gippsland and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authorities. Victoria.

WGCMA 2010. West Gippsland Integrated Pest Plant and Animal Strategy 2010. Prepared by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Traralgon Victoria.

WGCMA 2007. West Gippsland Wetlands Plan. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Traralgon

WGCMA 2012. West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Traralgon

WGCMA. 2013. Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan. West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Traralgon.

WGCMA 2014. Waterhole Creek Urban Waterway Management Plan. Prepared by Riverness Consulting for the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

116 West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 Appendices Appendix one – Legislation and Policy ...... 2 Appendix two - Roles and responsibilities ...... 3 Appendix three – Learnings from the RHS ...... 7 Appendix four – Regional goals and intent statements ...... 9 Appendix five - High value waterways ...... 11 Appendix six – Supporting tools ...... 24 Appendix seven – Regional goals and prioritisation results ...... 25 Appendix eight – RCS and Waterway Strategy priorities ...... 39 Appendix nine– Limits of Acceptable Change for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site ...... 41 Appendix ten – Detailed method for Ramsar Site planning ...... 45 Appendix eleven – Corner Inlet Ramsar site LACs and Monitoring Requirements ...... 51 Appendix twelve - Communications and Engagement Activities and Outcomes ...... 56

Appendix one – Legislation and Policy

Federal and state government legislation, policies and agreements relevant to the preparation of the West Gippsland Waterway Strategy and considered during the development of this strategy are shown below.

Legislation Policies, strategies and agreements Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 China–Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA), 1986 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn Convention, 1983)

Climate Change Act 2010 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention, 1971) Coastal Management Act 1995 Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia, Date, 2001 Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 Gippsland Lakes Environment Strategy, 2013 Environment Protection Act 1970 Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan, 2003 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, 2000 Fisheries Act 1995 Japan–Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA), 1974 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 National Water Initiative, 2004 Heritage Rivers Act 1992 National Water Reform, 1994 National Parks Act 1975 Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (ROKAMBA), 2007 Native Title Act 1993 State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria), 2002 Planning and Environment Act 1987 Victorian Biodiversity Strategy, 1997 Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 Victorian Coastal Strategy, 2008 Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 Water Act 1989 Wildlife Act 1975

Appendix two - Roles and responsibilities

Table 1. Partners and their roles and responsibilities in waterway management

Partners Roles and responsibilities/links with waterways State Department of The Department of Environment and Primary Industries Government Environment and (DEPI) is the lead agency for waterway management. It is Agencies and Primary Industries responsible for the development of waterway policy, co- statutory ordination of regional delivery and prioritisation of bodies Government investment in waterways. DEPI is also responsible for other aspects of natural resource management that are of relevance to waterways, including: • sustainable management of Victoria’s water resources • overseeing the catchment planning framework to promote integrated catchment management throughout Victoria • management of biodiversity • management of public land, including Crown frontages. It is responsible for their administration, including their licensing for riparian management and for grazing and ensuring compliance with licence conditions. It also has a direct on ground responsibility for unlicensed Crown frontages and is responsible for some aspects of waterways on public land. • bushfire management on public land • delivery of sustainability and environment services at the regional level, including some services that relate to waterway management. • manage fisheries and recreational fishing in waterways to optimise economic and social value while ensuring the sustainability of resources • invest in and delivers farming programs on private land where waterways occur • oversee the management of biosecurity, including aquatic invasive species

Environment The EPA Victoria is an independent body responsible for the Protection Authority protection and improvement of Victoria’s environment by Victoria establishing environmental standards, regulating and working with organisations to meet these standards. Their roles and responsibilities include; • identifying the beneficial uses of water environments and the level of environmental quality needed to protect them through the State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) • setting statutory standards for acceptable water quality and indicators of water quality • investigating water quality incidents classified as ‘pollution’ • using mandatory and regulatory mechanisms, such as licensing and other discretionary tools to assist in the achievement of water quality objectives • acting in partnership with DEPI and regional bodies to monitor water quality and waterway health, and enables problem solving approaches and independent audits of impacts on the environment

Partners Roles and responsibilities/links with waterways and the protection of beneficial uses

Parks Victoria Parks Victoria manages parks and conservation reserves in which many waterways are located, including national, State, wilderness, metropolitan and regional parks, marine national parks and sanctuaries and conservation and natural features reserves. They create, manage and maintain visitor sites and manage a range of assets, including visitor facilities and access points, piers and jetties, sporting facilities and navigation aids, many of which are associated with waterways. Gippsland Coastal The Gippsland Coastal Board is one of three regional Board coastal boards formed under the Coastal Management Act 1995 reporting to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. The Gippsland Coastal Board's principal role is to implement the Victorian Coastal Strategy, provide advice to the minister and the Victorian Coastal Council, and prepare and implement regional coastal plans. Another key activity is facilitating improved coastal management through liaison with industry, government and the community. Victorian The Victorian Environmental Water Holder is appointed Environmental under the Water Act 1989 to manage Victoria’s Water Holder environmental water entitlements. The Victorian Environmental Water Holder works with the waterway managers, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, Murray–Darling Basin Authority. Storage operators and land managers to ensure environmental water entitlements are used to achieve the best environmental outcomes. National/other Murray–Darling The Murray–Darling Basin Authority was established under state Basin Authority the federal Water Act 2007 as an independent, expertise authorities based statutory agency. The primary roles of the Authority as outlined in the Water Act 2007 (Cth) include: • preparing and reviewing the Basin Plan • measuring, monitoring and recording the quality and quantity of the Basin's Water resources • supporting, encouraging and conducting research and investigations about the Basin's Water Resources • developing equitable and sustainable use of Basin water resources • disseminating information about the Basin's water resources • engaging and educating the Australian community about the Basin’s water resources. Water Southern Rural Water corporations in Victoria are established under the Corporations Water, Gippsland Water Act 1989 and provide a range of water services to Water and South customers within their service areas. Southern Rural Water, Gippsland Water South Gippsland Water and Gippsland Water provide a combination of irrigation services, domestic and stock services, bulk water supply services and urban water and wastewater services in the region. Their link with the Waterway Strategy includes; • broader catchment health and improved water quality links to water supply. • water reform, operational role in environmental water management. Local Baw Baw Shire Councils are involved in the management of waterways in

Partners Roles and responsibilities/links with waterways Government Council, Bass Victoria through their role as responsible planning Coast Shire authorities, managers of stormwater drainage and onsite Council, South domestic wastewater systems, users of integrated water Gippsland Shire systems, land managers, emergency management bodies, Council, Latrobe and supporters of community groups. City Council, Specifically with regard to waterways, local government Wellington Shire have the following roles and responsibilities: Council • incorporate waterway and catchment management objectives, priorities and actions into strategic and statutory planning processes, • undertake elements of floodplain management in accordance with the renewed Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy, • develop and implement urban stormwater plans, • manage on-site domestic wastewater systems, • manage sections of waterways where formal agreements are in place, • manage rural drainage where appropriate.

Traditional Traditional Owner Traditional Owners with recognised native title rights or Owners Boards/Councils formal agreements with the State are important in land and water management. Joint management co-operative management agreements can involve establishment of majority Traditional Owner boards or councils that prepare management plans and/or provide advice about the management of specific areas. Community Landholders Landholders are vital to successful implementation of this strategy, as most works are on privately owned land or affect areas that require private co-operation, and their land management practices have a vital role in catchment health. Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 landholders are required to; • protect water resources • avoid causing or contributing to land degradation which causes or may cause damage to land of another owner • conserve soil • eradicate regionally prohibited weeds and prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds • prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals. Individuals Community members have an important role in protecting waterway health by avoiding and reporting pollution, reducing resource consumption and contributing to environmental management processes. Community Groups Community groups (such as Landcare, Waterwatch, EstuaryWatch, ‘Friends of’ groups ) participate in regional planning, priority setting and the implementation of regional works programs, participate in monitoring waterways condition and undertake projects in priority areas. Industry Industry can assist in the protection and improvement of waterways by managing its activities in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and minimising impact on the environment by the implementation of best practices, in accordance with ‘duty of care’ responsibilities and good corporate citizenship.

Appendix three – Learnings from the RHS Over the RHS implementation period the West Gippsland region was subject to climatic extremes, with bushfires and floods affecting the Thomson and Macalister catchments in 2006–2008 and bushfires in the Latrobe and South Gippsland catchments during 2008–09.

From 2006 significant effort went into rehabilitating damage in the Upper Macalister, Lower Avon and Thomson rivers. In 2009-10 a bushfire recovery program started in the Traralgon Creek catchment to address major risks from budhfire. The Addendum process resulted in a change in focus to future management actions. In many of these reaches the focus has been on securing this investment through maintenance activities such as weed spraying. Concurrently, new works have been targeted towards undamaged parts of these catchments to protect remaining high value areas.

The thirteen years of drought has focused environmental water reserve management on contingency planning and addressing the pressure for consumptive water supply in the Latrobe, Thomson and South Gippsland basins. Long-term planning for the Gippsland Lakes through the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Water Requirements Scoping Study and the determination of environmental water needs of systems such as the Avon, Tarra, Powlett and Tarwin rivers were completed to inform future Environmental Water Reserve management and also provided valuable technical information for complementary waterway management actions.

Management of the Environmental Water Reserve has focussed on securing existing environmental water commitments to enhance the ecological condition of the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe Rivers. Through the Addendum and delivery of funding from the Large Scale River Restoration Program this area of river health management has been successfully accompanied by planning and implementation of complementary riparian, in stream and wetland protection and rehabilitation works. This work has aimed to protect high value assets and drought refuges and confer resilience in these systems into the future.

Finally, new information and knowledge further refined the river health program. In the years since the RHS was finalised the following pieces of work were completed and have been used to inform the annual planning (and now the Waterway Strategy):

• The West Gippsland Wetlands Plan, accompanied by a wetland inventory and mapping program has identified priority management actions for wetland protection and enhancement across the region. • Investment through the Coastal Catchment Initiative has enabled identification of sediment and nutrient sources into the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site. The Decision Support System and Water Quality Improvement Plan has further refined the activities required to protect this water quality hotspot and flagship area from water quality threats. • Board funding contributed to improved knowledge of the sediment and nutrient sources in the Tarwin catchment. • Completion of environmental flow studies and related investigations has determined the water requirements for the Tarra, Avon, Tarwin and Powlett river systems. • Determining the environmental water requirements of the Gippsland Lakes has defined and identified priority mega habitats under a range of climatic futures and is developing a water balance and infrastructure design for fringing wetlands along the lower Latrobe River. • The Latrobe River research program has established a vision and management principles for the long term health and management of the Latrobe River system. • Identification and mapping of refuge habitat areas and flora and fauna surveys within the Thomson, Macalister and Latrobe River systems. • The INFFER assessment for the Gippsland Lakes has reinforced riparian fencing and revegetation activities on the Latrobe River as beneficial for nutrient and sediment reduction in the Gippsland Lakes.

• Implementing the Environmental Flows Assessment Program on the Thomson and Macalister rivers.

Appendix four – Regional goals and intent statements

Maintain and improve the habitat and condition of waterways to support water dependent animals and plants. This goal recognises the condition of waterways is critical in providing habitat for waterway dependent plants and animals. It uses the Index of Stream Condition and Wetland Condition data to identify waterways that meet this goal.

The criterion used to identify a waterway of relevance to this goal is: an ISC or IWC rating of moderate to excellent.

Reduce future impacts to public infrastructure resulting from physical changes to a waterway associated with floods and storms

This goal recognises that waterways are dynamic in nature and change over time is part of a natural process. It aims to reduce the long term potential risk or impact of accelerated rates of river channel erosion and sedimentation resulting from flooding and natural waterway processes. The goal uses locations of public infrastructure together with river bed and bank stability and condition to consider where risk or impact could be addressed. Public infrastructure is defined by the VMWS as structures, facilities, buildings or areas of land used for public or community purposes and are located in, across or adjacent to waterways.

Maintain the ecological character of significant wetlands and estuaries This goal recognises the values of significant wetlands and estuaries. It aims to maintain the ‘ecological character’, that is the components, processes and values for which wetlands and estuaries were formally recognised. This includes providing breeding, feeding and resting habitat for migratory and resident birds, fish as well as other biota. The goal uses formal recognition including Ramsar and Directory of Important Wetlands, Flyway Sites and EPBC listed wetland communities to define the relevant wetlands and estuaries.

Provide system connectivity between rivers, estuaries and wetlands This goal recognises the importance of connectivity for rivers, wetlands and estuaries both laterally with the floodplain and longitudinally through vegetation and water flow. It aims to maintain or improve habitat and flow connectivity along and within waterways, and with floodplains where there is opportunity to build on past investment or natural features exist. The goal uses measures of:

• Existing riparian and wetland vegetation cover and condition; ranked as ‘medium connectivity’. These areas have the best potential to create connected landscapes in the short to medium term • Connectivity with a mapped floodplain extent based on known levels of floodplain inundation • Presence of barriers to fish migration, which if addressed would provide longitudinal connectivity along a waterway.

Improve the condition of urban waterways in partnership with Local Government This goal recognises that urban areas across the region are often centred around a waterway which has high social value. It aims to provide the appropriate environmental conditions to improve community use. The goal uses recreational activities and amenity values where there are high levels of community use to identify urban waterways.

Maximise the ecological outcomes from the available environmental water This goal recognises that existing and future access to environmental water is critical to maintain or improve the health of waterways across the region. Specifically this relates to entitlements held in the Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister rivers and environmental water provisions within the Powlett River system. These entitlements provide for environmental water to benefit these rivers and their

associated wetlands and estuary. In the Thomson and Macalister systems there is also potentially the ability to deliver water to the Avon River and its estuary. The goal aims to ensure that this environmental water is used effectively and efficiently and is supported by complementary on-ground works. The goal is focussed on the values associated with environmental watering objectives including, native fish (population and movement), vegetation condition (in-stream and beside waterway), physical form (bed and banks) and water quality.

Support community use, participation, advocacy and stewardship in the region’s waterways This goal recognises there is a sense of stewardship of our waterways across the region. It aims to identify, improve and support such uses. The goal uses recreational uses (beside and within the waterway) and the presence of active community groups to define these waterways. It also encompasses the uses and values that Traditional Owners have of the region’s waterways. Constructed water storages are not considered in this Strategy, they have their own site based management plans and they aren’t managed in the same ways as rivers, estuaries and wetlands.

Maintain and improve the values of Heritage Rivers This goal recognises Heritage Rivers, specifically the Thomson and Aberfeldy rivers. It aims to protect the values for which these rivers were formally listed. The goal uses values of beside and within waterway including canoeing, camping visual amenity and European heritage as well as significant flora and fauna values.

Provide appropriate environmental conditions to support the economic values of waterways in the region This goal recognises that the region’s economy is driven by quality services and productive industries. This includes providing water and wastewater services and other industries such as agriculture, fishing, plantation and power production. It aims to demonstrate the important role water plays within the waterway or when the waterway supports service delivery or the sustainability of these industries. The goal links to waterways across the region through the presence or absence of these services or industries and their reliance on a particular reach of waterway. Issues associated with short term impacts to waterway values from high flow and storm events, floods, and bushfire is not within the scope of this Strategy and is not addressed by this goal.

Appendix five - High value waterways

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity Waterway Name species/communities

Basin -

Reach

No turalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative Significant Fauna Significant Flora Na Special Features Recreation Indigenous Heritage Heritage People Use Water Resources Other

B27-R209 Screw Ck estuary n.a n.a

B25-R219 Avon and Perry River estuaries n.a   n.a   

B26-R201 Latrobe River estuary  n.a   n.a     

B27-R203 Bourne Creek estuary n.a n.a  

B27-R204 Wreck Creek estuary n.a n.a 

B27-R205 Powlett River estuary  n.a   n.a     

B27-R206 Shallow Inlet  n.a   n.a     

B27-R207 Old Hat Creek estuary  n.a  n.a   

B27-R208 Stockyard Creek  n.a  n.a    

B27-R210 Anderson Inlet  n.a   n.a      

B27-R211 Darby River estuary  n.a   n.a    

B27-R213 Sealers Creek estuary  n.a  n.a    

B27-R214 Miranda Creek estuary  n.a n.a   

B27-R218 Jack Smith Lake  n.a  n.a    

B27-R220 Bennison Creek estuary  n.a  n.a  

B27-R221 Franklin River estuary  n.a   n.a      

B27-R223 Tidal River estuary  n.a  n.a     

B27-R225 Agnes River estuary  n.a   n.a       

B27-R227 Nine Mile Creek estuary  n.a n.a   

B27-R228 Albert River estuary  n.a   n.a      

B27-R233 Tarra River estuary  n.a  n.a       

   B27-236 Bruthen Creek estuary  n.a n.a 

   B27-239 Merriman Creek estuary n.a n.a 

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B25-R1 Thomson River - Macalister R to          Latrobe R

B25-R2 Thomson River - Rainbow Ck to         Macalister R

B25-R3 Thomson River - Cowwarr Weir to         Rainbow Ck

B25-R4 Thomson River - Aberfeldy R to           Cowwarr Weir

B25-R5 Thomson River - Thomson Dam to         Aberfeldy R

B25-R6 Jordan River        

B25-R7 Macalister River - Bellbird Corner         to Thomson River

B25-R8 Macalister River - Glenmaggie         Weir Wall to Bellbird Corner

B25-R9 Macalister River - Hickeys Ck to       Glenmaggie Weir Wall

B25-R1 Macalister River - Burgoyne Gap      

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

B25-R11 Macalister River - Licola to      Burgoyne Gap

B25-R12 Macalister River - upstream of         Licola

B25-R13 Barkly River     

B25-R14 Glenmaggie Creek - downstream       of Back Creek Rd

B25-R15 Glenmaggie Creek - upstream of       Back Creek Rd

B25-R16 Boggy Creek     

B25-R17 Rainbow Creek       

B25-R18 Aberfeldy River       

B25-R19 Avon River - Knob Reserve to         Lake Wellington

B25-R2 Avon River - Freestone Ck to Knob         Reserve

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B25-R21 Avon River - Wombat Bridge to         Freestone Ck

B25-R22 Avon River - upstream of Wombat         Flat bridge

B25-R23 Perry River - Princes Hwy to Lake          Wellington

B25-R24 Perry River - upstream of Princes       Hwy

B25-R25 Fiddlers Creek  

B25-R26 Blackall Creek       

B25-R27 Freestone Creek - downstream of        Delta Bridge

B25-R28 Freestone Creek - upstream of        Delta Bridge

B25-R29 Valencia Creek - One Tree Hill Tk       to Avon River

B25-R3 Valencia Creek - upstream of One       Tree Hill Tk

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

B26-R2 Latrobe River - Rosedale to Swing           Bridge

B26-R3 Latrobe River - Thoms Bridge to         Rosedale

B26-R4 Latrobe River - Moe Drain to            Thoms Bridge

B26-R5 Latrobe River - Willow Grove to         Moe Drain

B26-R6 Latrobe River - Noogee to Willow         Grove

B26-R7 Latrobe River - Upstream of         Noogee

B26-R8 Flynns Creek      

B26-R9 Eaglehawk Creek - downstream of       Traralgon-Maffra Road

B26-R1 Eaglehawk Creek - upstream of    Traralgon-Maffra Road

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B26-R11 Traralgon Creek - downstream of          Taylor's Rd Bridge

B26-R12 Traralgon Creek - upstream of      Taylor's Rd Bridge

B26-R13 Rintoul Creek - downstream of      Fitzgibbons Rd

B26-R14 Rintoul Creek - upstream of        Fitzgibbons Rd

B26-R15 Waterhole Creek       

B26-R16 Tyers River - downstream of         Moondarra Res

B26-R17 Tyers River - upstream of            Moondarra Res

B26-R18 Morwell River - Morwell Bridge to        Latrobe

B26-R19 Morwell River - Boolarra to           Morwell Bridge

B26-R2 Morwell River - upstream of        

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

B26-R21 Middle Creek - downstream of       Budgeree

B26-R22 Middle Creek - upstream of      Budgeree

B26-R23 Tanjil River - Blue Rock Lake to         Latrobe River

B26-R24 Tanjil River - upstream of Blue       Rock Lake and east branch

B26-R25 Tanjil River West Branch        

B26-R26 Narracan Creek        

B26-R27 Moe River - Shady Ck to Latrobe        River

B26-R28 Moe River - upstream of Shady Ck     

B26-R29 Shady Creek     

B26-R3 Loch River      

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B27-R5 Powlett River - downstream of Lance Creek (Includes Lance           Creek)

B27-R6 Powlett River - upstream of Lance        Creek

B27-R7 Foster Creek - downstream of      Burndale

B27-R8 Foster Creek - upstream of       Burndale

B27-R9 Screw Creek        

B27-R1 Tarwin River - downstream of A          Brownes Road

B27-R11 Tarwin River West Branch - Wilkur          Creek to A Brownes Road

B27-R12 Tarwin River West Branch -          upstream of Wilkur Creek

B27-R13 Fish Creek - downstream of     Cherokee Creek

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B27-R14 Fish Creek - upstream of      Cherokee Creek

B27-R15 Tarwin River East Branch - Mirboo          to Sth Gipps Hwy

B27-R16 Tarwin River East Branch -        upstream of Mirboo

B27-R17 Coalition Creek       

B27-R18 Wilkur Creek      

B27-R19 Berrys Creek       

B27-R2 Bennison Creek      

B27-R21 Franklin River - Mount Best Road          to Port Franklin Road

B27-R22 Franklin River - upstream of Mount       Best Road

B27-R23 Tidal River        

B27-R24 Barry Creek      

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

Reach High High Flora Fauna Special Special Heritage Heritage Features Significant Significant Significant Recreation No. Waterway Name Indigenous Naturalness Formally Recognised Formally Representative People Use Water Electric Hydro Resources Other B27-R25 Agnes River - Downstream of          Devil's Pinch Rd

B27-R26 Agnes River - Upstream of Devil's        Pinch Rd

B27-R27 Nine Mile Creek      

B27-R29 Albert River - Sexton's Rd to         Sloping Bridge

B27-R3 Albert River - Upstream of         Sexton's Rd

B27-R31 Jack River - downstream of Pound        Road

B27-R32 Jack River - upstream of Pound       Road

B27-R33 Tarra River - Downstream of Sth            Gipps Hwy

B27-R34 Tarra River - SGW Offtake to Sth        Gipps Hwy

B27-R35 Tarra River - upstream of SGW          

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ECONOMIC

Rare or threatened Naturalness Activity species/communities

Basin –

B27-R36 Bruthen Creek - Woodside to        McLoughlin's Beach

B27-R37 Bruthen Creek - Carrajung Rd to       Woodside

B27-R38 Bruthen Creek - upstream of      Carrajung Rd

B27-R39 Merriman Creek - Willung to         Seaspray

B27-R4 Merriman Creek - Calingnee Sth to         Willung

B27-R41 Merriman Creek - upstream of      Calingnee Sth

B27-R42 Monkey Creek      

Note – the assessment of high value waterways has not been extended to Wetlands due to a lack of comprehensive data in AVIRA on individual wetlands. The values of wetlands were assessed as part of the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan 2007 and this information has been used to inform the Strategy prioritisation process.

Appendix six – Supporting tools Supporting tools used to help with the prioritisation are outlined in this section.

AVIRA A key foundation tool to develop the Strategy is the Aquatic Values Identification and Risk Assessment (AVIRA) database. AVIRA identifies the environmental, social and economic values and associated risks to these values for waterways across the region. This information has been used to identify high value waterways and has been used to undertake a risk assessment to inform the priority setting process.

Strategic Directions for Waterway Management The Strategic Directions for Waterway Management was an internal document (unpublished) completed in late 2012 in preparation of and to guide the development of this Strategy. The intent of the Strategic Directions was to develop the vision and regional goals for waterway management, to provide a synthesis of the knowledge of waterways and finally identify broad directions to help with development of targets for priory waterways.

Waterway Benefit: Cost Scoring Tool The Waterway Benefit: Cost Scoring (WBCS) tool is a modified version of the Investment Framework for Environmental Resources (INFFER) Benefit: Cost Ratio. It uses information collected in AVIRA and supporting processes (Natural Decisions, 2013). The WBCS is a way of comparing the relative benefits of waterways and was used to refine the priority waterways.

Existing plans and strategies The data in AVIRA for wetlands only covers a limited set of wetlands for the region. A more comprehensive prioritisation was completed for the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan (2008). The prioritisation process completed for this plan is consistent with the approach used for the Strategy.

A review of the priorities of the West Gippsland Wetlands Plan against the goals for the Strategy was completed and where there was alignment, the wetland priorities were included. Information about nationally threatened wetland communities (Alpine Peatlands and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands) was also incorporated into the prioritisation.

The recently completed West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy (2013) (RCS) provides clear direction regarding priority landscape areas. The information developed as part of the RCS has also been considered in identifying high value waterways.

There are a large number of assets in the region requiring prioritisation to develop an achievable eight year works program for the Strategy. The prioritisation process is described in detail in the next section.

Appendix seven – Regional goals and prioritisation results Key to regional goals A. Maintain and improve the habitat and condition of waterways to support water dependent animals and plants B. Reduce future impacts to public infrastructure resulting from physical changes to a waterway associated with floods and storms C. Maintain the ecological character of significant wetlands and estuaries D. Provide system connectivity between rivers, estuaries and wetlands E. Improve the condition of urban waterways in partnership with Local Government F. Maximise the ecological outcomes from the available environmental water G. Support community use, participation, advocacy and stewardship in the region’s waterways H. Maintain and improve the values of Heritage Rivers I. Provide appropriate environmental conditions to support the economic values of waterways in the region

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B25-R1 Thomson River - Macalister R to      Y Threat reduction Latrobe R

B25-R10 Macalister River - Burgoyne Gap to    Y Maintaining values / Hickeys Ck past works

B25-R11 Macalister River - Licola to Gurgoyne     N Not priority Gap

B25-R12 Macalister River - upstream of Licola    Y Threat reduction

B25-R13 Barkly River   Y Maintaining values / past works

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B25-R14 Glenmaggie Creek - downstream of   N Not priority Back Creek Rd

B25-R15 Glenmaggie Creek - upstream of Back   N Not priority Creek Rd

B25-R16 Boggy Creek   N Not priority

B25-R17 Rainbow Creek      Y Threat reduction

B25-R18 Aberfeldy River     Y Threat reduction

B25-R19 Avon River - Knob Reserve to Lake      Y Threat reduction Wellington

B25-R2 Thomson River - Rainbow Ck to      Y Threat reduction Macalister R

B25-R20 Avon River - Freestone Ck to Knob      Y Threat reduction Reserve

B25-R201 Thomson River Estuary    Y Maintaining values / past works

B25-R21 Avon River - Wombat Bridge to    Y Threat reduction Freestone Ck

B25-R219 Avon and Perry River estuaries     Y Threat reduction and B25-223

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B25-R22 Avon River - upstream of Wombat Flat     Y Threat reduction bridge

B25-R23 Perry River - Princes Hwy to Lake    Y Threat reduction Wellington

B25-R24 Perry River - upstream of Princes Hwy     Y Threat reduction

B25-R25 Fiddlers Creek   Y Maintaining values / past works

B25-R26 Blackall Creek   N Not priority

B25-R27 Freestone Creek - downstream of Delta     N Not priority Bridge

B25-R28 Freestone Creek - upstream of Delta    Y Threat reduction Bridge

B25-R29 Valencia Creek - One Tree Hill Tk to   Y Threat reduction Avon River

B25-R3 Thomson River - Cowwarr Weir to      Y Threat reduction Rainbow Ck

B25-R30 Valencia Creek - upstream of One Tree    Y Maintaining values / Hill Tk past works

B25-R31 Ben Cruachan Creek     Y Maintaining values / past works

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B25-R4 Thomson River - Aberfeldy R to       Y Threat reduction Cowwarr Weir

B25-R5 Thomson River - Thomson Dam to      Y Threat reduction Aberfeldy R

B25-R6 Jordan River     Y Maintaining values / past works

B25-R7 Macalister River - Bellbird Corner to       Y Threat reduction Thomson River

B25-R8 Macalister River - Glenmaggie Weir       Y Threat reduction Wall to Bellbird Corner

B25-R9 Macalister River - Hickeys Ck to     N Not priority Glenmaggie Weir Wall

B25-R99 Thomson River – Upstream Thomson  Y Maintaining values / Reservoir past works

Stringers Creek  Y Threat Reduction

Flooding Creek   YMerriman Maintaining values / past works

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

Hazel Creek   Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Lower Avon River  Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Perry River  Y Threat reduction

The Billabong flora and fauna reserve   N Not priority

Lake Tarli Karng   Y Maintaining values / past works

Caledonia Fen  Y Maintaining values / past works

Wetlands of the Upper Thomson River  Y Maintaining values / past works

Wetlands of the Upper Latrobe River  Y Maintaining values / past works

Wetlands of Upper Macalister River  Y Maintaining values / past works

B26-R10 Eaglehawk Creek - upstream of    N Not priority Traralgon-Maffra Road

B26-R11 Traralgon Creek - downstream of      Y Threat reduction Taylor's Rd Bridge

B26-R12 Traralgon Creek - upstream of Taylor's     Y Maintaining values / Rd Bridge past works

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B26-R13 Rintoul Creek - downstream of     Y Threat not feasible Fitzgibbons Rd

B26-R14 Rintoul Creek - upstream of Fitzgibbons     Y Maintaining values Rd and past works

B26-R15 Waterhole Creek    Y Threat reduction

B26-R16 Tyers River - downstream of Moondarra      Y Maintaining values / Res past works

B26-R17 Tyers River - upstream of Moondarra    Y Threat reduction Res

B26-R18 Morwell River - Morwell Bridge to    N Not priority Latrobe

B26-R19 Morwell River - Boolarra to Morwell      N Not priority Bridge

B26-R2 Latrobe River - Rosedale to Swing     Y Threat reduction Bridge

B26-R20 Morwell River - upstream of Boolarra     Y Threat reduction

B26-R201 Thomson and Latrobe River Estuary    Y Threat reduction

B26-R21 Middle Creek - downstream of    Y Threat reduction Budgeree

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B26-R22 Middle Creek - upstream of Budgeree   N Not priority

B26-R23 Tanjil River - Blue Rock Lake to Latrobe       Y Threat reduction River

B26-R24 Tanjil River - upstream of Blue Rock    Y Threat reduction Lake and east branch

B26-R25 Tanjil River West Branch    Y Threat reduction

B26-R26 Narracan Creek     N Not priority

B26-R27 Moe River - Shady Ck to Latrobe River    N Not priority

B26-R28 Shady Creek     Y Threat reduction

B26-R29 Shady Creek   Y Maintaining values / past works

B26-R3 Latrobe River - Thoms Bridge to     Y Threat reduction Rosedale

B26-R30 Loch River    Y Maintaining values / past works

B26-R4 Latrobe River - Moe Drain to Thoms     Y Threat reduction Bridge

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B26-R5 Latrobe River - Willow Grove to Moe      Y Threat reduction Drain

B26-R6 Latrobe River - Noogee to Willow Grove    Y Threat reduction

B26-R7 Latrobe River - Upstream of Noogee     Y Threat reduction

B26-R8 Flynns Creek    N Not priority

B26-R9 Eaglehawk Creek - downstream of    Y Threat reduction Traralgon-Maffra Road

Wetlands of Lake Wellington   Y Threat reduction

Lake Wellington    N.A Ramsar Plan

Heart Morass   N.A Ramsar Plan

Lake Coleman & Tucker Swamp   N.A Ramsar Plan

Wetlands of Lower Macalister River   Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of Lower Thomson River   Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of Lower Latrobe River   Y Threat reduction

B27-R10 Tarwin River - downstream of A     Y Threat reduction Brownes Road

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B27-R11 Tarwin River West Branch - Wilkur     Y Threat reduction Creek to A Brownes Road

B27-R12 Tarwin River West Branch - upstream     Y Threat reduction of Wilkur Creek

B27-R13 Fish Creek - downstream of Cherokee     Y Threat reduction Creek

B27-R14 Fish Creek - upstream of Cherokee   Y Maintaining values / Creek past works

B27-R15 Tarwin River East Branch - Mirboo to     Y Threat reduction Sth Gipps Hwy

B27-R16 Tarwin River East Branch - upstream of     Y Maintaining values / Mirboo past works

B27-R17 Coalition Creek    Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R18 Wilkur Creek    Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R19 Berrys Creek   Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R20 Bennison Creek    Y Threat reduction

B27-R203 Bourne Creek Estuary N Not priority

B27-R204 Wreck Creek Estuary N Not priority

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B27-R205 Powlett River estuary       Y Threat reduction

B27-R206 Shallow Inlet     Y Threat reduction

B27-R207 Old Hat Creek estuary   Y Threat reduction

B27-R208 Stockyard Creek    Y Threat reduction

B27-R209 Screw Ck estuary N Not priority

B27-R21 Franklin River - Mount Best Road to      Y Threat reduction Port Franklin Road

B27-R210 Anderson Inlet (includes Pound Creek       Y Threat reduction estuary and part of the Tarwin River estuary)

B27-R211 Darby River estuary  N Not priority

B27-R213 Sealers Creek estuary  N Not priority

B27-R214 Miranda Creek estuary N Not priority

B27-R218 Jack Smith Lake   N Not priority

B27-R22 Franklin River - upstream of Mount Best   Y Threat reduction Road

B27-R220 Bennison Creek estuary     Y Threat reduction

B27-R221 Franklin River estuary     Y Threat reduction

B27-R223 Tidal River estuary   Y Threat reduction

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B27-R225 Agnes River estuary     Y Threat reduction

B27-R227 Nine Mile Creek estuary    Y Threat reduction

B27-R228 Albert River estuary (part of)       Y Threat reduction

B27-R229 Albert River estuary (part of)    Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R23 Tidal River   Y Threat reduction

B27-R233 Tarra River estuary     Y Threat reduction

B27-R236 Bruthen Creek estuary      Y Threat reduction

B27-R239 Merriman Creek estuary   N Not priority

B27-R24 Barry Creek  N Not priority

B27-R25 Agnes River - Downstream of Devil's      Y Threat reduction Pinch Rd

B27-R26 Agnes River - Upstream of Devil's    Y Threat reduction Pinch Rd

B27-R27 Nine Mile Creek     Y Threat reduction

B27-R29 Albert River - Sexton's Rd to Sloping      Y Threat reduction Bridge

B27-R30 Albert River - Upstream of Sexton's Rd     Y Threat reduction

B27-R31 Jack River - downstream of Pound     Y Threat reduction Road

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B27-R32 Jack River - upstream of Pound Road     Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R33 Tarra River - Downstream of Sth Gipps      Y Threat reduction Hwy

B27-R34 Tarra River - SGW Offtake to Sth Gipps    Y Threat reduction Hwy

B27-R35 Tarra River - upstream of SGW offtake     N Not priority

B27-R36 Bruthen Creek - Woodside to    N Not priority McLoughlin's Beach

B27-R37 Bruthen Creek - Carrajung Rd to    N Not priority Woodside

B27-R38 Bruthen Creek - upstream of Carrajung     Y Maintaining values / Rd past works

B27-R39 Merriman Creek - Willung to Seaspray     Y Threat reduction

B27-R40 Merriman Creek - Calingnee Sth to    N Not priority Willung

B27-R41 Merriman Creek - upstream of   Y Maintaining values / Calingnee Sth past works

B27-R42 Monkey Creek   Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R5 Powlett River - downstream of Lance    Y Threat reduction Creek (Includes Lance Creek)

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

B27-R6 Powlett River - upstream of Lance    N Not priority Creek

B27-R7 Foster Creek - downstream of Burndale     Y Maintaining values / past works

B27-R8 Foster Creek - upstream of Burndale    N Not priority

B27-R9 Screw Creek   Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Lower Powlett River  Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Lower Tarwin River  Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Screw Creek, Pound  Y Threat reduction Creek & Anderson Inlet

Wetlands of Waratah Bay  Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of the Lower Tarra River  Y Threat reduction

Wetlands of Stockyard Creek  Y Threat reduction

Bald Hills Wetland  Maintain values / past works

Corner Inlet     Y Ramsar Plan

Wetlands of the Franklin River  N Not priority

Wetlands of the Nine Mile Creek  N Not priority

Wetlands of Merriman Creek   Y Threat reduction

Basin - Waterway Name Presence of waterway values and features linked to regional goals Priority Priority Type Reach (Y / N) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

Wetlands of the Bruthen Ck & Giffard   N Not priority Plain

Bald Hills Wetland   Y Maintaining values / past works

Wetlands of Wilsons Promontory N Not priority

Stockyard Creek   Y Threat Reduction

Appendix eight – RCS and Waterway Strategy priorities

Figure 1 RCS Landscape Priority Areas and Waterway Strategy priorities (rivers and estuaries)

Figure 2 RCS Landscape Priority Areas and Waterway Strategy priorities (wetlands)

Appendix nine– Limits of Acceptable Change for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Table 1 sets out the benchmark condition and LCAs for the critical components, processes and services/benefits of the Corner Inlet Ramsar sites.

Table 1: Benchmark descriptions and limits of acceptable change for critical components/processes/services within Corner Inlet (BTM WBT 2011a) and current status (DEPI 2011)

Indicator for Critical Benchmark Description and Limit(s) of Acceptable Change Current Status Extent to which management actions Component/Process/ (from Ramsar Site Rolling Review, DEPI 2011) within the Ramsar site or surrounding Service for the LAC catchment can influence the condition Does not Exceeds LAC Insufficient data of the indicator exceed LAC or no LAC set

Critical components Total mapped extent of dense Posidonia will not decline by greater Insufficient -Management actions to reduce sediment than 10 percent of the baseline value outlined by Roob et al. 1998 Information and nutrient run-off from the catchment at a whole of site scale (baseline = 3050 hectares; LAC = mapped can be effectively addressed area less than 2745 hectares) on any occasion. (Note: the small degree of allowable change recognises that this seagrass species is a critical habitat resource and generally shows low natural variability) • Total mapped extent of the dense and medium density Zosteraceae will not decline by greater than 25 percent of the Seagrass extent baseline values outlined by Roob et al. 1998 at a whole of site scale on two sampling occasions within any decade. • Dense Zostera - Baseline = 5743 hectares (LAC = mapped area less than 4307 hectares) • Medium Zostera - Baseline = 1077 hectares (LAC = mapped area less than 807 hectares) Roob, R., Morris, P. and Werner, G., 1998. Victorian Seagrass Habitat Database: Corner Inlet/Nooramunga Seagrass Mapping. Report 10. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute: Queenscliff. Based on EVC mapping, it is estimated that mangroves presently Insufficient -Protection work (fencing, revegetation cover an area of 2137 hectares within the site. A 10 percent Information and weed control) can be effectively reduction in the total mapped mangrove area, observed on two addressed sampling occasions within any decade, is an unacceptable Mangrove extent change. (LAC – mapped area less than 1924 hectares). (Note: the -Limited effectiveness of managing small degree of allowable change recognises that mangroves are impacts of sea level rise on mangrove a critical habitat resource and generally shows low natural extent variability) Based on EVC mapping, it is estimated that intertidal marshes Insufficient -Protection work (fencing and presently cover an area of 6500 hectares within the site. A 10 Information revegetation) can be effectively addressed percent reduction in the total mapped saltmarsh area, observed on two sampling -Limited effectiveness of managing Saltmarsh extent occasions within any decade, is an unacceptable change (LAC – impacts of sea level rise on saltmarsh mapped area less than 5850 hectares). (Note: the small degree of extent allowable change recognises that saltmarsh is a critical habitat resource and generally show low natural variability)

Critical components A greater than 20 percent reduction in the extent of sub tidal Insufficient -Weed infestation (i.e. spartina) and channel (areas mapped by NLWRA = 16 349 hectares), observed Information dredging impacts can be effectively on two sampling occasions within any decade, will represent a addressed change in ecological character (LAC – mapped area less than 13 Extent of subtidal 079 hectares). (Note: the moderate degree of allowable change channel recognises that shallow sub tidal waters represent a critical habitat -Limited effectiveness of managing climate resource, generally show low natural variability, but data reliability change impact on sub-tidal channel extent is low)

A greater than 20 percent reduction in the extent of permanent Insufficient Weed infestation (i.e. spartina) and saline wetland – intertidal flats (areas mapped by DSE = 40 479 Information dredging impacts can be addressed hectares, see Figure 3-1), observed on two sampling occasions Extent of saline within any decade, will represent a change in ecological character wetland-intertidal (LAC – mapped area less than 36 431 hectares). (Note: the -Limited effectiveness of managing climate flats moderate degree of allowable change recognises that intertidal change impact on wetland-intertidal flats flats represent a critical habitat resource and generally show low natural variability. A loss of intertidal flat would also result in changes in seagrass) Mean annual abundance of migratory bird species – Birds X Australia (2009) note that a maximum annual abundance of -local impacts from foxes, human migratory species of 42,811 birds, with a mean annual abundance disturbance and habitat degradation can of migratory species being 31,487 birds (deriving from 28 years of be effectivelly addressed. data collection to September 2008). The annual abundance of migratory shorebirds will not decline by 50 per cent of the long- -Threats to northern hemisphere breeding term annual mean value (that is, must not fall below 15,743 grounds and stopover sites in the East individuals) in three consecutive years. Asian-Australian Flyway (e.g. wetland loss Mean annual abundance of migratory species that meet the one from development and land use Waterbird abundance per cent criterion will not be less than 50 per cent of the long-term intensification) and climate change are annual mean value in five years of any ten year period. These difficult to address values are follows: o curlew sandpiper - LAC = 1294 birds o bar tailed godwit - LAC = 4863 birds o eastern curlew - LAC = 985 birds o pied oystercatcher - LAC = 446 birds o sooty oystercatcher - LAC = 142 birds o double-banded plover - LAC = 261 birds There are insufficient baseline data for fairy tern and Pacific gull. Abandonment or significant decline (greater than 50 per cent) in X -local impacts from foxes, human the productivity of two or more representative breeding sites disturbance and habitat degradation can (based on two sampling episodes over a five year period) within be addressed. Waterbird breeding any of the following site groupings: • Clomel Island - fairy tern, hooded plover, Caspian tern, crested tern • Dream Island - fairy tern, hooded plover, crested tern 43

Critical components For orange-bellied parrot and growling grass frog, an unacceptable -LAC not exceeded for Orange Bellied Parrot A range of threats outside the Ramsar site change will have occurred should the site no longer support these -Unknown for growling grass frog and Australian grayling and surrounding catchment may be species. difficult to address.

Threatened species For Australian grayling, an unacceptable change will have occurred should all of the drainage lines that drain into Corner Inlet no longer support these species.

An unacceptable change will have occurred if the long term X -Human impacts can be effectively (greater than five years) median catch falls below the 20th addressed. percentile historical baseline values in standardised abundance or catch-per unit effort of five or more commercially significant species (relative to baseline) due to altered habitat conditions within the site. The 25th percentile pre-listing baseline commercial catch per unit effort values for the site are as follows (units are tonnes per annum per number of boats): Fish abundance o Australian salmon 379 o Rock flathead 316 o Southern sand flathead 373 o Greenback flounder 514 o Southern garfish 1452 o Yelloweye mullet 740 o Gummy shark 167 o King George whiting 1347

Appendix ten – Detailed method for Ramsar Site planning INFFER method for identification of asset (their values), threats, risk and management response

The Investment Framework for Environmental Assets (INFFER) was applied to the Corner Inlet Ramsar site to assist with identifying and prioritising assets (and their values) and threats across the Ramsar site, assessing levels of risk, setting appropriate long term condition targets and developing management actions. As part of the analysis, two workshops were held with key stakeholders (WGCMA, DEPI, PV, Landcare, TfN, Birdlife Australia). These workshops were guided by the critical components, services and processes as outlined in the Corner Inlet ECD.

Workshop 1

Workshop participants were asked to nominate the most significant assets within the Corner Inlet Ramsar site. In doing so they were guided by the following instructions.

1. The asset must be fundamentally biological/ecological/physical in nature; 2. It must be able to be defined spatially.

A total of 12 assets were identified and subsequently assessed. It is acknowledged that there are many additional assets within the site, for example individual threatened species, but the group felt that the listed assets aligned well with key components of the Ecological Character Description.

The 12 assets were then filtered using a discussion and consensus approach. The assessment approach considered a set of criteria including asset significance and threat, together with a series of pre-assessment factors examining the asset focus and cost-effectiveness of management actions.

The core purpose of the assessment process was to identify assets for detailed benefit: cost analysis. Given this, it was necessary to focus on assets of exceptional significance, with the greatest degree of threat, where it appears feasible (according to technical, socio-economic and institutional considerations) to achieve a ‘SMART’ goal (i.e. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound).

Assessing significance Each asset was assessed for significance according to the following question:

How important or valuable is this asset? Specifically, how significant would it be if in good condition.

In making this assessment participants were asked to think at the scale of the entire Ramsar site and to consider ecological, socio-cultural and economic values. The level of asset significance was scored as Exceptional, Very High, High or Moderate.

Assessing threat Threat was assessed according to the following question:

Without a major new threat reduction project for this asset, how damaged will the asset be in 20 years’ time?

· Very high 76-100% loss of asset value (VH) · High 51-75% (H) · Medium 26-50% (M) · Low 0-25% loss of asset value (L)

Four assets of exceptional significance were identified, namely:

1. Migratory shorebirds – these are EPBC listed species of mostly small to medium sized waders such as sandpipers, knots, curlews, plovers, dotterels and godwits. These birds use specific migratory flyways from the northern hemisphere and New Zealand. Different species use different parts of the Ramsar site. Key threats are in northern hemisphere breeding grounds and in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (e.g. wetland loss from development and land use intensification) and climate change, with local threats from foxes, human disturbance and habitat degradation. Over the past 20 years, some species have increased but majority have decreased, for example Curlew Sandpiper has suffered an 80% decline since 1980's.

2. The bed and profile of the embayment – due to the low threat and likely inability to develop a SMART goal this asset was not deemed suitable for further assessment

3. Seagrass communities (Zostera and Posidonia), including species associated with different areas of the Ramsar site – the poorly understood nature of threats to these communities make it difficult to assess feasibility of interventions for seagrass. This, and the fact that land based actions in the Corner Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan will be implemented to reduce sediment and nutrient inflows to the site suggest that this asset be not recommended for further assessment.

4. Saltmarsh (wet and dry), mangrove and hinterland vegetation communities included Melaleuca and Banksia woodland [coastal vegetation assemblage]. This vegetation occurs along a gradient from tidal to terrestrial habitats. This vegetation provides habitat of migratory and resident bird populations. It is scattered around the margins of Corner Inlet and associated islands. Key threats include Spartina and possible emerging threat from tall wheat grass, Sicilian lavender together with levee banks/altered hydrology and grazing.

5. Intertidal mud and sand flats – these areas face threats from Spartina, dredging and elevated silt loads resulting from catchment inflows and increased storm surges and damage to the barrier islands. Intertidal sand and mud flats support benthic invertebrates that are an important food source for fish and birds and provide appropriate conditions for seagrass to establish. Changes to the benthic ecosystem alter the food chains and are fundamentally linked to bird (and fish) populations.

Three of the five exceptional assets, migratory shorebirds, the coastal vegetation assemblage and the intertidal mud and sand flats, were identified as being suitable for detailed analysis.

While the beach nesting birds asset was assessed of slightly lower significance, they were considered during the subsequent assessment of migratory shorebirds, where the threats and management actions overlap.

Workshop 2

For the 3 exceptional assets identified in the first workshop, information from a desktop review of publications and reports, and consultation with the community and relevant experts, was collected on: asset significance, threats, project goal, works and actions, time lags, effectiveness of works, private adoption of actions, delivery mechanisms and costs. These outcomes have been used to help inform some of the management outcome targets and management activities outlined in the work plan in Section C.

In addition, a risk assessment was conducted for the threats identified through both the INFFER process and ECD. These threats and their potential impacts to Corner Inlet are detailed in Table 1. The expected timing, likelihood and consequence of each on Corner Inlet have been estimated, with risk identified through the matrix presented in Table 2. The results presented in Table 3 have also been used to inform the management outcome targets and activities outlined in the Work Plan in Section C.

Table 1. Threats and their potential impacts to Corner Inlet

Threat Details and potential impacts to Corner Inlet Pollutant (sediment and nutrients) The main threats to the Corner Inlet Ramsar wetlands in terms of water quality are increased inputs of sediment and nutrients from the affecting water quality surrounding catchment (WGCMA, 2013). Catchment land uses, particularly farming and forestry, but to a lesser extent activity in urban areas, impact on the levels of sediment and nutrient at the site.

This movement of pollutants into Corner Inlet has the potential to impact on seagrass condition and extent as well as mudflat productivity, thereby disturbing the delicate balance of organisms that rely on these habitats. Over recent years, changes in local seagrass condition and distribution, and the presence of algae have been of concern. Oil spills and other incidents Proposals to develop industrial estates, port facilities and marinas at locations such as Barry Beach, Port Welshpool and Port Albert may increase the risk of spills of oils or other toxicants (Ecos unpublished), leading to injury/fatality of marine species and communities. Recreational Activities Boating is a popular recreational activity and poses a number of threats to Corner Inlet, particularly seagrass beds including: -Navigation across shallow seagrass beds at low tide resulting in direct physical damage -discharges of sewage, oil or litter -Bow wash -Anchoring in sensitive seagrass areas

Fishing, hunting, wind surfing and jet skiing may cause disturbance to fauna species, particularly roosting, feeding and breeding waterbirds. Natural Resource Utilization Licensed grazing of stock occurs on 10% of the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site (including parts of Snake Island, Hunter Island, Bullock Island and Dog Island. Additional areas of the Ramsar site are also grazed by sheep and cattle from the adjacent freehold land due to inadequate fencing and an ill-defined public land boundary (DNRE, 2004)

Grazing can destroy and hinder regeneration of indigenous flora, and increase the risk of invasion by weed species. Grazing close to waterways and wetlands also degrades water quality.

Recreational angling, commercial net fishing and bait digging for worms have potential to disturb fish habitat and alter fish stock abundance. Activities may also disturb migratory waders and shorebirds. Urban development and Future development impacts include vegetation destruction, altered hydraulic regimes and habitat fragmentation. encroachment Estimates suggest urban growth and development in the catchment over the next 30 years will be minimal, averaging around 2.3% (Ipsos-Eureka, 2010). Habitat isolation Seawalls represent a key agent leading to fragmentation and isolation of littoral habitats from adjacent marine waters (Carey et al. 2007). Habitat isolation due to the presence of existing seawalls are thought to represent an existing threat to breeding success of gummy shark and green-back flounder. However, it is thought that the threat level has stabilized over time and that tighter planning controls would reduce the likelihood of new seawalls being constructed.

Dredging Dredging to improve navigational channels has occurred at Corner Inlet since the 1690’s. Key sites include Lewis Channel, Barry Beach Marine Terminal as well as access channels to Port Franklin and Port Albert (DNRE, 2004). The activities have the potential to

Threat Details and potential impacts to Corner Inlet impact on marine species and communities.

Dredging proposals are evaluated by DEPI and the EPA, having regard to best practices to minimize environmental impacts. Dredging activities require the consent of the relevant Minister for Environment Acid sulfate soils Corner Inlet contains soil types classified as acid sulfate prone, most notably tidal flats and recent marine sediments around Black Swamp Yanakie, Old Hat Road Foster, Toora foreshore and Port Albert (CSIRO 2005).

Disturbance of these soils and the mobilization of sulphuric acid can be caused by excavations for urban development, construction of foreshore facilities, and drainage of coastal swamps.

Impacts include deterioration in water quality, impacts on fish and crustaceans, reduce biodiversity in surrounding wetlands.

Invasive flora Weeds can have adverse ecological impacts, including displacement of native flora and reduced habitat suitability for fauna species. A total of 93 introduced plant species are known to occur within the Ramsar site (DSE 2003).

Most notable is the introduced grass Spartina, which is a perennial aquatic grass that invades mudflats and sandy shores on sheltered coastal bays and estuaries. It is declared as a noxious pest under Victorian legislation.

African box-thorn, blackberry, sea spurge, English Broom, Ragwort, Spear Thistle and California Thistle also threaten coastal vegetation communities.

Invasive animals- terrestrial Introduced fauna species at the site include black rat, house mouse, common starling, house sparrow, common blackbird, rabbit, red fox, cat and domestic dog.

Comparatively higher threats to fauna habitat values are linked to the presence of foxes and cats. Threats include disturbance to birds on their breeding grounds, roost and breeding sites, and predation of birds, their chicks and eggs.

The poor usage of pied oystercatchers within what appears to be suitable nesting habitats on both Snake Island and Little Snake Island is thought to be largely influenced by the presence of foxes (Taylor and Minton 2006).

Invasive animals- marine Three key invasive marine pest animals have been identified as potential threats in the Corner Inlet Ramsar site: Northern Pacific seastar, European shore crab and Mediterranean fanworm (Ecos unpublished).

Climate change Sea level rise of seven to 55 centimetres is predicted across the Western coastal regions of Gippsland by 2070. Coastal retreat as a result of this could impact on the size of some islands in the Nooramunga precinct in particular. Changes in the distribution and extent of habitats due to altered water levels could also occur. In particular, the loss of saltmarsh and mangrove vegetation arising from the restriction of landward movement and long term survivability caused by levee banks, seawalls, embankments and public infrastructure. Impacts to coastal habitats and communities could also be associated with an increase in the frequency of storm surges.

Threat Details and potential impacts to Corner Inlet

Other potential climate impacts include: -increased extreme rainfall events associated with climate change given the dominant contribution to extreme water levels and water chemistry due to elevated stream flow -lower freshwater inputs -increased drought and high temperature between major rainfall events leading to an increase in evaporation, which could expose and oxidise acid sulphate soils and exacerbate salinity in the shallow marsh environments. Altered hydrology The magnitude, timing, frequency and duration of freshwater inflows can influence water quality and water regimes in the estuaries and embayment’s of Corner Inlet and Nooramunga, and therefore their dependent ecological values.

Currently there is no specific environmental flow allocation for the waterways that enter Corner Inlet Ramsar Site or the embayment itself. No direct environmental water holdings exist in the area, as there are no major storages on any of the inflowing waterways. While limits on licensed consumptive use from the inflowing waterways do in effect provide ‘environmental flows’ to the system, the basis for these limits have not always explicitly considered the environment’s need for water (e.g. minimum passing flows).

Table 2. Likelihood and consequent matrix used to identify the risk of each threat to Corner Inlet

Consequence

Minor Moderate Major

Likelihood High Medium High High

Medium Low Medium High

Low Low Low Medium

Table 3. Risk of each threat to Corner Inlet

Threat Likelihood Consequence Risk

Pollutant (sediment High Moderate High and nutrients) inputs affecting water quality Oil spill and other Low Major Low incidents Recreational activities Medium Moderate Medium Natural resource Medium Moderate Medium utilisation Urban development Medium Moderate Medium and encroachment Habitat isolation Medium Moderate Medium Dredging Medium Moderate Medium Acid sulfate soils Low Moderate Low Invasive plants High Moderate High Invasive animals- Medium Moderate Medium terrestrial Invasive animals- High Moderate High marine Altered hydrology Medium Major High Climate Change Medium Moderate High

Appendix eleven – Corner Inlet Ramsar Site LACs and Monitoring Requirements Under the Ramsar rolling review, reporting for the Corner Inlet Ramsar site will focus on the LACs but may also include critical components, processes or services where knowledge gaps exist or key threats as identified in the Ecological Character Description (ECD).

The Ramsar site manager will be responsible for updating the Rolling Review database for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site every three years.

Table 4. Limits of Acceptable Change for the Corner Inlet Ramsar Site and Monitoring Suggestions

Mangrove forest extent • Based on EVC mapping, it is estimated that Sampling to occur at Level B - No available data to determine Mangrove and saltmarsh community condition, mangroves presently cover an area of 2137 hectares least twice within the changes in extent over time. It is unlikely including trends in vegetation patterns. within the site. A 10 percent reduction in the total decade under that this has changed markedly since mapped mangrove area, observed on two sampling consideration. Ramsar listing. Note that there are occasions within any decade, is an unacceptable uncertainties regarding the quality of change. (LAC – mapped area less than 1924 existing mapping, and therefore the hectares). (Note: the small degree of allowable baseline value should be considered as change recognises that mangroves are a critical indicative only. habitat resource and generally shows low natural variability)

Indicator for Critical Limit(s) of Acceptable Change (from BMT WBM 2011a) Spatial Underpinning baseline data* Suggestions for future monitoring Component / scale/temporal scale Process/Service for the of measurements LAC Saltmarsh extent • Based on EVC mapping, it is estimated that intertidal Sampling to occur at Level B - No available data to determine mangrove and saltmarsh community condition, marshes presently cover an area of 6500 hectares least twice within the changes in extent over time. It is unlikely including trends in vegetation patterns. within the site. A 10 percent reduction in the total decade under that this has changed markedly since mapped saltmarsh area, observed on two sampling consideration. Ramsar listing. The note regarding data occasions within any decade, is an unacceptable quality for mangroves applies also to change (LAC – mapped area less than 5850 saltmarsh. hectares). (Note: the small degree of allowable change recognises that saltmarsh is a critical habitat resource and generally show low natural variability) Shallow subtidal waters • A greater than 20 percent reduction in the extent of Sampling to occur at Level B - NLWRA mapping data describes There is a need to develop a condition-based subtidal channel (areas mapped by NLWRA = 16 349 least twice within the wetland extent. This is coarse scale LAC for this critical component. While some water hectares), observed on two sampling occasions within decade under mapping and should be considered as quality data exists, this is presently insufficient to any decade, will represent a change in ecological consideration. indicative only. derive a LAC (i.e. whether a change in water character (LAC – mapped area less than 13 079 quality represents a true change in ecological hectares). (Note: the moderate degree of allowable character of the wetland) change recognises that shallow subtidal waters represent a critical habitat resource, generally show low natural variability, but data reliability is low) Inlet waters (intertidal • A greater than 20 percent reduction in the extent of Sampling to occur at Level B - VMCS mapping data describes There is a need to develop a condition-based flats) permanent saline wetland – intertidal flats (areas least twice within the wetland extent. This is coarse scale LAC for this critical component. While some water mapped by DSE = 40 479 hectares, see Figure 3-1), decade under mapping and should be considered as quality data exists, this is presently insufficient to observed on two sampling occasions within any consideration. indicative only. derive a LAC (i.e. whether a change in water decade, will represent a change in ecological quality represents a true change in ecological character (LAC – mapped area less than 36 431 character of the wetland) hectares). (Note: the moderate degree of allowable change recognises that intertidal flats represent a critical habitat resource and generally show low natural variability. A loss of intertidal flat would also result in changes in seagrass) Abundance and of • Mean annual abundance of migratory bird species - At least four annual Level A Continuation of current monitoring. waterbirds Birds Australia (2009c) note that a maximum annual surveys (summer abundance of migratory species of 42 811 birds, with counts) within the a mean annual abundance of migratory species being decade under 31 487 birds (deriving from 28 years of data collection consideration. to September 2008). The annual abundance of migratory shorebirds will not decline by 50 per cent of the long-term annual mean value (that is, must not fall below 15 743 individuals) in three consecutive years. (Note: the large degree of allowable change recognises that these species can show high levels of natural variability, and that limitations of existing baseline data)

Indicator for Critical Limit(s) of Acceptable Change (from BMT WBM 2011a) Spatial Underpinning baseline data* Suggestions for future monitoring Component / scale/temporal scale Process/Service for the of measurements LAC • Mean annual abundance of migratory species that At least five annual Level A Continuation of current monitoring. meet the one per cent criterion will not be less than 50 surveys (summer per cent of the long-term annual mean value in five counts) within the years of any ten year period. These values are decade under follows: consideration. o curlew sandpiper – baseline = 2588 birds, LAC = 1294 birds o bar tailed godwit – baseline = 9727 birds, LAC = 4863 birds o eastern curlew – baseline = 1971 birds, LAC = 985 birds o pied oystercatcher – baseline = 893 birds, LAC = 446 birds o sooty oystercatcher – baseline = 285 birds, LAC = 142 birds o double-banded plover– baseline = 523 birds, LAC = 261 birds There are insufficient baseline data to determine long-term average abundance of fairy tern and Pacific gull. (Note: the large degree of allowable change recognises that these species can show high levels of natural variability, and that limitations of existing baseline data) Waterbird breeding Abandonment or significant decline (greater than 50 per Recommended Level C - The use of the site by these Baseline data will need to be collected to assess cent) in the productivity of two or more representative baseline monitoring species is well documented. However, this LAC. breeding sites (based on two sampling episodes over a five program should there are no empirical data describing year period) within any of the following site groupings: comprise a minimum breeding rates. • Clomel Island - fairy tern, hooded plover, Caspian two annual sampling tern, crested tern periods separated by at least one year (and • Dream Island - fairy tern, hooded plover, crested tern within a five year period). Threatened Species For orange-bellied parrot and growling grass frog, an Based on multiple Level C – Most site records are based on More targeted surveys of the threatened flora and unacceptable change will have occurred should the site no targeted surveys at opportunistic surveys fauna species (perhaps on a five year or ten year longer support these species. appropriate levels of basis) to assess presence/absence or population spatial and temporal changes of noteworthy species or communities replication (at least four identified in the critical components.

annual surveys in Specifically this should target presence and usage preferred habitats) over of the site (at various spatial scales) by growling a 10 year period. grass frog, orange-bellied parrot and Australian grayling

Level C - This species has been recorded For Australian grayling, an unacceptable change will have Based on four annual in the major drainages that drain into the occurred should all of the drainages that drain into Corner surveys in a 10 year site. There are no data describing the Inlet no longer support this species. period at multiple sites population status of this species in the located in all major site. Abundance data are available for catchments. drainages that discharge into the site (Ecowise 2007; O’Connor et al. 2009). O’Connor et al. (2007) notes that collection of this species is difficult and requires targeted survey techniques. Few targeted empirical surveys have been undertaken in the site’s drainages to date. Fish abundance (using An unacceptable change will have occurred if the long term Annual fish catch Level A – Commercial fish catch data. fish catch of key species (greater than five years) median catch falls below the 20th measured over a Note that there are presently no fisheries- as a surrogate) percentile historical baseline values in standardised greater than five year independent baseline data (collected abundance or catch-per unit effort of five or more period. using empirical, systematic methods) commercially significant species (relative to baseline) due describing patterns in the distribution and to altered habitat conditions within the site. The 25th abundance of key species. Therefore, the percentile pre-listing baseline commercial catch per unit limits of acceptable change should be effort values for the site are as follows (units are tonnes per treated with caution, noting socio- annum per number of boats – see Table 3-8): economic factors should be taken into account when assessing catch data Australian salmon 379 underpinning this LAC. rock flathead 316

southern sand flathead 373 greenback flounder 514 southern garfish 1452 yelloweye mullet 740 gummy shark 167

King George whiting 1347

*Characterising Baseline Information

In characterising the baseline information used in deriving LACs, the following typology has been used:

Level A- This LAC has been developed from data and/or information (such as bird count data, fisheries catch data or similar) that has been reviewed by the authors of the ECD and deemed to be sufficient for setting the LAC. This type of LAC is typically derived from long-term monitoring data.

Level B- This type of LAC is derived from empirical data, but is unlikely to d3escribe the range of natural variability in time. This can include tow sub-types:

• Repeated measurements but over a limited temporal context • Single measurements (no temporal context) of the extent of a particular habitat type, abundance of a species or diversity of an assemblage.

Level C- This type of LAC is not based on empirical data describing patterns in natural variability. This can include two sub-types:

• Based on a published or other acceptable source of information, such as personal communication with relevant scientists and researchers, or is taken from referenced studies as part of management plans, journal articles or similar documents. • Where there is no or limited data sets and a lack of published information about the parameter and the LAC has been derived based on the best professional judgement of the authors.

Appendix twelve - Communications and Engagement Activities and Outcomes Table 5. West Gippsland Waterway Strategy communications and engagement activities and outcomes

Project High Level C&E Approach Method Date Outcome Stage Activity Purpose and audience Review the To collect Involve & Various - 2009 & The following Planning, Regional information Collaborate – Email, 2012 organisations/groups Analysis & River Health to enable a WGCMA meetings, were consulted via Engagement Strategy review of the Staff, external surveys, survey monkey: Parks RHS. agencies. literature Victoria, Southern Rural review Water, and Gippsland Water, South Gippsland Water, EPA, Local Governments, Coast care, DPI, DSE, Landcare Networks, Gippsland Coastal Board, VRfish, Waterwatch, individual landholders, and WGCMA staff. People were encouraged to distribute the survey through their networks. Several WGCMA staff were interviewed. All agencies that appear in the WGRHS were contacted to populate the status of MATs that were listed as their responsibility. Populate To collect Inform and Various - 2011-2013 The following AVIRA information consult - Email, organisations/groups to populate WGCMA meetings, were consulted to assist AVIRA staff; Various surveys, with the population of (dependent literature AVIRA measures on the review relating to their area of measure responsibility/ being knowledge: Parks populated – Victoria, Southern Rural see Water, Gippsland ‘outcomes’ Water, South Gippsland column) Water, EPA, Gippsland Ports, Canoe Clubs, Latrobe Valley Field Naturalist Club, Field and Game, DSE, DPI, Local Government, BirdLife, local birdwatcher, Landcare, Waterwatch, WGCMA local knowledge, JARR, Estuarywatch, Fisheries Victoria, Angling clubs, tourism information centres and regional tourism associations. Raise To inform Inform - awareness stakeholders various Information June 2013 Hard copies of flyer of the and the agencies and Flyer made available at Strategy and community community Traralgon and the project of the groups. Leongatha office Strategy reception. process, its progress Content of flyer used to

Project High Level C&E Approach Method Date Outcome Stage Activity Purpose and audience and populate initial website. outcomes 55 introductory letters sent to various stakeholders and community groups, which included a link to the Strategy website. Registrations were recorded so that updates could be provided throughout the life of the project.

Letters sent to the following organisations Landcare (Network Coordinators); Agencies (PV; DSE; DPI; EPA); Water Authorities (SRW; Gippsland Water; South Gippsland Water; Melbourne Water); Local Government (Wellington Shire; South Gippsland Shire; Latrobe City; Baw Baw Shire; Bass Coast Shire); Traditional Owners* (GLaWAC; Bunurong; Boon Wurrung); Gippy Lakes Ministerial Committee; Industry – Agriculture (Gipps Dairy, MLA), Forestry (HVP, VicForests), Fisheries (TBC) Inform – Briefings at June/July CAG briefings 4th & 7th Internal: forums and 2013 June. WGCMA meetings Board; Board papers presented WGCMA Staff at June & July meetings (team of 2013. leaders); WGCMA Email to all WGCMA Community staff 10th July 2013. Advisory Landcare Coordinators Groups sent introductory letter (CAG) (see above). External: Landcare – Regional Landcare forum Inform - Website June 2013 Content and design General complete 9 July 2013. Community

Consult - Introductory June/July Introductory letters sent Landcare letter (follow- 2013 in July (Network up briefings if Coordinators); needed) All 20 partner Agencies (PV; organisations (listed in DSE; DPI; the Audience column) EPA); Water that were contacted Authorities nominated staff to be (SRW; their point of contact for Gippsland further communication Water; South and involvement in the Gippsland Strategy process.

Project High Level C&E Approach Method Date Outcome Stage Activity Purpose and audience Water; Melbourne Seven of 35 additional Water); Local stakeholders who were Government contacted expressed (Wellington interest in being Shire; South updated throughout the Gippsland Strategy process and/or Shire; Latrobe receiving a draft of the City; Baw Strategy for comment. Baw Shire; Bass Coast Briefings held: South Shire); Gippsland Water 14th Traditional June 2013 (in Owners* conjunction with (GLaWAC; Southern CAG); Parks Bunurong; Victoria 13th June 2013 Boon (re. Strategy & Ramsar Wurrung); Plan). Gippy Lakes Ministerial A meeting was held with Committee; Gippsland Water and Industry – South Gippsland Water Agriculture re. protection of potable (Gipps Dairy, water supply MLA), catchments on Forestry 24/9/2013. It was very (HVP, well received and VicForests), helped to clarify the Fisheries source of their previous (TBC) frustration enormously.

Workshop on 21/10/13 with GLaWAC and with Boon Wurrung on 31/10/13. Resulted in the sharing of knowledge and identified common priorities for waterway management.

Briefing on Strategy given to SRW management team on 25/10/13.

Involve & One on one contact with Draft priority To test Collaborate One on One Late relevant people Prioritisation waterways priority With - Water Meetings November/ undertaken as required defined & waterways Authorities; CAG Forum early during initial paper with key Parks Board December prioritisation (e.g. urban developed stakeholders Victoria; Local Meeting 2013 water corporations – for review Government; see above; WGCMA and for CAG’s & CMA staff; GLMAC, PV, testing with Board. Other DEPI). key – Traditional stakeholders Owners*; Workshop with DEPI WGCMA Staff and recreational fishing groups to identify key recreational fishing management priorities held on 12/11/13.

Three workshops held in Early December 2013, 24 attendees from partner organisations,

Project High Level C&E Approach Method Date Outcome Stage Activity Purpose and audience refined regional goals, and identified additional values to link to goals for prioritisation.

INFFER workshop held on 12/2/2014, to assess threats for Corner Inlet Ramsar Site and identify priority assets for work program. To inform To inform Inform - Website December Webpage updated 10 key stakeholders General 2013 December 2013. Info stakeholder and the Community included on the Strategy of Strategy community page. Page updated in Progress of the late March with Goals Strategy Y and Priorities and then process, its again in June with the progress draft Strategy. and Inform - All WGCMA December CAG briefing on outcomes key internal Stakeholder 2013 22/10/2013. and external Newsletter Update provided in stakeholders WGCMA stakeholder newsletter on 12/12/2013 to 78 recipients Involve and Workshops held with Action To develop collaborate Workshops March Delivery Team and planning and draft work with - Key 2014 EWR Staff on 12th, 31st development programs for WGCMA Staff March, 1st , 2nd and 4th of draft work priority (water/stat April to develop targets programs for water ways planning/p & and work program for activities e); Landcare priority waterways Staff Action Other: Planning & Traditional Draft Owners*; Development Ramsar site To develop Involve and Workshops February INFFER workshops held planning work collaborate and March on 3/3/2014, 4/4/2014 to program the with – 2014 develop work program/s Corner Inlet Key WGCMA for Corner Inlet Ramsar Ramsar Site Staff, Parks Site. Victoria, DEPI, Yarram Subsequent review of Yarram Draft work programs in Landcare March, May and June Network, by Parks Victoria staff. Phillip Island Nature Park, BirdLife Australia, Australian Government Consult - Draft Strategy Draft To sign off WGCMA Board Paper May 2014 presented to board Strategy on draft for Board 26/5/2014 finalisation public Steering Group sign off consultation on draft 6/6/2014 phase

Seek To provide Consult - Website June 2014 Website updated Public feedback the wider General 17/6/2014 with draft Consultation and input on community Community Strategy, discussion and Strategy the draft the papers and appendices. finalisation Strategy opportunity Link from the home to provide page established to

Project High Level C&E Approach Method Date Outcome Stage Activity Purpose and audience comment on provide direct access to the draft the page Strategy

Consult - Media June 2014 Media release issued General Release late June to advise the Community draft Strategy is available and encourage feedback and comment. Release issued to all local print and electronic media.

Newsletter article written in Catchment Snapshot and sent to more than 130 recipients featuring the Draft Waterway Strategy as the lead story. Consult - WGCMA June 2014 Hard copy plans General Foyer available in Traralgon Community Display and Leongatha.

Consult – Direct June 2014 Letter sent to 70 various Contact – partner agencies and (partners and send draft key stakeholders stakeholders) copies to key 18/6/2014 stakeholders

Verbal feedback also received from Field and Game Victoria by telephone on the 25/6 2014

To provide Consult – Workshops / July 2014 Partner feedback partners Water feedback sessions held on 30/6 with the Corporations sessions; and 1/7 2014 with opportunity (SGW, GW), invitation Gippsland Water, South to provide South sent to all Gippsland Water and comment on Gippsland partner South Gippsland Shire the draft Shire Council, organisations Council. Strategy WGCMA to staff, Board participate. WGCMA and Landcare and CAG Staff and Board and members. CAGs session held on the 7/7/2014.

Submissions received from 8 organisations and 3 individuals. Board comments received in July and August 2014.

Feedback collated and responses prepared for July board meeting. Approach to Strategy finalisation enforced.

Seek Approve – Presentation August Final draft Strategy sent endorsement WGCMA / review of 2014 to WGCMA board on the final board final Draft 25/8/2014 for Draft Strategy. endorsement to enable Strategy final draft to be sent to DEPI for final review and ministerial approval.