ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
ACT Rivers and Riparian Zones: 5 Planning and Management for Conservation
The importance of ACT rivers in the development of willows) based on effective implementation plans. the national capital has been long recognised. Their The development of a strategic management plan for place in the rural economy before and after the the Lower Cotter Catchment is a good example of a establishment of the Territory and attractiveness for strategic approach to land management where recreation is discussed in s. 2.3.1. The ornamental multiple agencies are managing for diverse outcomes Lake Burley Griffin on the Molonglo River floodplain is (water supply, water quality, biodiversity and the centrepiece of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for the recreation) (ACT Government 2006b). capital. Subsequent town centre development has included ornamental lakes, also serving a water quality 5.1.1 Planning control purpose (urban stormwater and protection of In a national capital context, ACT rivers and riparian the rivers). The potential for water supply from the zones are a key element in the concept of the National forested mountain catchment of the Cotter River was Capital Open Space System (NCOSS) in the National recognised in choosing the site for the capital. Capital Plan (NCA 2005). A Principle and Policies, Protection of this catchment was initiated in 1914 with that include environmental protection, are prescribed a ‘restricted use’ policy under the Cotter River for NCOSS. Under the provisions of the Australian Ordinance 1914–1959, providing the legal means to Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act restrict camping and picnicking in the catchment area 1988 (Cwlth), the National Capital Plan also sets out (NCDC 1986). In summary, rural production, recreation, ‘special requirements’ for the Lanyon Bowl area, the urban ornamental and symbolic national capital Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River Corridors, and the purposes, retention of run-off and pollution control, Namadgi National Park Area (being the Park and and water supply have dominated the use, planning adjacent areas in the Gudgenby and Cotter and management of ACT rivers and streams. Only catchments). In effect, all the areas covered by this more recently have nature conservation and healthy Strategy, except for Paddy’s River, are included in ecosystem function become explicit goals for planning the ‘special requirements’ provisions. The National and management of aquatic and riparian areas. Capital Plan includes Policy Plans for the ‘Murrumbidgee River Corridor’ and ‘Namadgi National Park and Adjacent Areas’, which together with Territory 5.1 Plan policies provide the context for the preparation of management plans. Planning, Protection and In a Territory planning context, The Canberra Spatial Management of Rivers and Plan (ACT Government 2004b) contains policies for the Riparian Zones in the ACT protection of the river corridors (biodiversity conservation) and policies for the management of This Strategy builds upon a substantial existing water quality to improve the quality of stormwater reservation, planning and management framework for runoff to streams. Detailed land use policies in the catchments and river corridors in the ACT. For the ACT Territory Plan (ACTPLA 2005) that are of particular as a whole, the key issue for the rivers and riparian relevance to this Strategy are those for river corridors areas is not the need for reservation or recognition in and water use and catchments (see also s. 1.5.1). statutory planning, but the need to strengthen and In addition, all proposals for buildings within areas coordinate management (e.g. Molonglo below covered by the River Corridors Land Use Policies Scrivener Dam), prepare management plans for some are subject to mandatory environmental impact areas (e.g. Molonglo Gorge), and undertake work on assessment (Preliminary Assessment) under particular management issues (e.g. weeds including Appendix II of the Plan.
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River Corridors Land Use Policies (Territory Plan Part of these allow for a range of secondary uses that are B13) give primacy to the protection of natural and compatible with the primary value. The intent of these cultural values and recognise recreation as the key policies is expressed in a number of ways, an use. A number of land uses consistent with the important means being a management plan prepared National Capital Plan (NCA 2005) may be permitted for a particular area (see s. 5.1.3). and these may be subject to mandatory preliminary assessment under Part IV of the Land (Planning and 5.1.2 Statutory Protection Environment) Act 1991. Objectives of the River The rivers and riparian zones considered in this Corridors Land Use Policies are: Strategy, except for Paddys River and most of the (a) to conserve the ecological and cultural values of lower sections of the Naas and Gudgenby rivers, are the ACT’s major river corridors; categorised as Public Land under the Land (Planning (b) to protect streamflow, water quality and floodplains and Environment) Act 1991 (ACT). This land is from adverse impacts; identified in The Territory Plan (Other Policies C1— (c) to ensure that the type and intensity of Overlay Provisions). Public Land designation development is sustainable; requires the preparation of Plans of Management. There are several categories of Public Land, for each (d) to provide opportunities for a range of water and of which the Act defines management objectives. land based recreational activities; Public Land categories assigned to ACT rivers and (e) to ensure compatibility between land uses, water riparian zones or to areas containing rivers are uses and the general character of the rivers; and described in Section 5.4. (f) to provide opportunities for appropriate The area of Public Land adjacent to the rivers varies environmental education and scientific research widely. In the upper Cotter River, it encompasses the activities. whole of the catchment. Along parts of the A range of controls applies, including restrictions on Murrumbidgee River, Special Purpose Reserve forms a livestock grazing, protection from urban development, buffer between riverine Nature Reserve and rural land and protection of streamflow and water quality. Special (e.g. in the Bulgar Creek area and near the northern conditions may apply including controls on use of ACT border). Between Tharwa and Pine Island, land on fertilisers, pesticides and weedkillers. Sand and gravel both sides of the Murrumbidgee River is Special removal, and channel stabilisation works, may be Purpose Reserve, including the Lanyon Landscape undertaken as required to rehabilitate and stabilise Conservation Reserve, which is managed as an aquatic habitats and flood channels. historic rural landscape. In the lower Molonglo River valley the Nature Reserve (generally less than a Water Use and Catchment Policies (Territory Plan kilometre wide) directly abuts adjacent rural land. The Appendix 1) allocate waters of the ACT in terms of latter highlights a feature of river corridor reserves and their permitted water uses and environmental values a major management consideration—their linearity and to be protected. Three Water Use Catchments have high perimeter to area ratios. This exposes them to an been defined: extended interface with often contrasting and (a) Conservation (includes Molonglo River Corridor, potentially poorly compatible land uses. Murrumbidgee River Corridor and some of the Murrumbidgee River catchment in the ACT; 5.1.3 Management catchment of the Gudgenby and Naas rivers); The Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 (b) Water Supply (Cotter River catchment); and requires the preparation of a (draft) Plan of (c) Drainage and Open Space (includes Paddys and Management for an area of Public Land identified in Tidbinbilla rivers, streams in non-urban ACT). the Territory Plan. This process is not complete for the The Conservation Catchments incorporate those lakes, rivers and riparian zones. The following plans are streams and wetlands for which the primary value is currently in place: conservation of aquatic habitats (natural and modified), ᔢ Namadgi National Park Draft Management Plan migratory routes or landscape qualities. The Water (ACT Government 2005c). An approved Namadgi Supply Catchments incorporate those reservoirs and National Park Management Plan will supersede the streams for which the primary value is domestic water 1986 Namadgi National Park Management Plan that supply. The Drainage and Open Space Catchments was prepared under Commonwealth legislation incorporate those lakes and streams for which the (ACTP&CS 1986). The upper and middle sections of primary value is drainage of the catchment and the Cotter, Gudgenby and Naas rivers and most of associated provision of open space. Policies for each the Orroral River are in the Park.
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Figure 5.1: Territory Plan Land Use Policies and Areas of Public Land in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor
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Figure 5.2: Territory Plan Land Use Policies and Areas of Public Land in the Gudgenby, Naas and Orroral River Catchments
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Figure 5.3: Territory Plan Land Use Policies and Areas of Public Land in the Cotter, Paddys and Tidbinbilla River Catchments
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Figure 5.4: Territory Plan Land Use Policies and Areas of Public Land in the Molonglo River Corridor
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ᔢ Lower Cotter Catchment: Strategic Management 5.2 Plan (ACT Government 2006b). ᔢ Murrumbidgee River Corridor Management Plan River and Riparian Zone (Environment ACT 1998). Conservation Areas ᔢ Lower Molonglo River Corridor Management Plan As noted in s. 5.1.2 above, most rivers and riparian (Environment ACT 2001b). areas are included in Public Land under the Land ᔢ Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Management Plan (Planning and Environment) Act 1991. Outside of (Environment ACT 1999). This reserve includes Namadgi National Park, Nature Reserve classification most of the Tidbinbilla River, a tributary of has been applied to the more environmentally Paddys River. significant river sections and Special Purpose Reserve to other sections and upslope areas (Table 5.1, Figures Management of the National Park, Nature Reserve and 5.1–5.4). In the Land (Planning and Environment) Act River Corridor Special Purpose Reserve areas is the 1991, management objectives for Special Purpose responsibility of Environment and Recreation Reserve are ‘to provide for public and community use (Department of Territory and Municipal Services). The of the area for recreation and education’. In practice, in activities of other government agencies as well as the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the two reserve other organisations also influence the management of types are managed as one, or as complementary. these areas (e.g ACTEW Corporation; Emergency Special Purpose Reserves may provide land suitable Services Authority). for siting of recreational facilities away from areas of greater environmental significance or sensitivity. The In relation to the rivers and riparian zones in the ACT, Special Purpose Reserve Classification is also used for there are three aspects of management that need areas where recreational activities were focused consideration: historically (e.g. the river crossings and major pools on ᔢ Management Responsibility: This is clearly the Murrumbidgee River). established for Namadgi National Park and the parts of the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo river As noted previously (s. 5.1, s. 5.1.1 to s. 5.1.3), there is valleys that are Nature Reserve and Special comprehensive reservation of ACT riparian zones as Purpose Reserve, which are managed by well as planning controls that apply to the river Environment and Recreation (Department of corridors (Figures 5.1 to 5.4). For these reasons, the Territory and Municipal Services). Some other Strategy does not propose new reservations. A priority riparian areas have not been actively managed and action for the Strategy is to undertake a program of are very degraded, in particular, along the systematic survey of vegetation and habitat in ACT Molonglo River near Fyshwick, and below riparian zones (s. 6.5.1, Table 6.1). This will Scrivener Dam. More active conservation complement the knowledge built up over time of management is proposed for the Cotter River aquatic habitat and ecology (through fish survey and between Cotter Reservoir and Namadgi National monitoring, macroinvertebrate monitoring and water Park with a change in the focus of land use to quality monitoring). Together these will provide an water supply (ACT Government 2006a). information base to consider the adequacy of ᔢ Management Plans: Management Plans have not reservation and planning controls, however, their been prepared for some Public Land areas, in greatest value is likely to be in refining the particular, Molonglo Gorge (Kowen) where there management of already reserved areas. is established recreational use and a nearby land The following planning and management use (pine plantation) with potential to impact on considerations arise in relation to the differing reserve the area. classifications along the rivers and riparian land uses: ᔢ On-ground Management: Parts of the riparian ᔢ Fragmentation and linear connectivity: River and zone require increased management input e.g. riparian nature reserves, like their terrestrial willow control, other weed control, vegetation counterparts, may be fragmented (i.e. separated by restoration, and improved management of the sand river sections with other land uses). Unlike their and gravel stockpile site in the Public Land river terrestrial counterparts, however, there is linear, corridor near Fyshwick. The former extraction site mainly downstream connectivity provided by flows in this area needs rehabilitation. of water, sediments, organic materials and living organisms. This means that high conservation value areas cannot be isolated from the effects of
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activities in the stream lengths that separate them, have not experienced the impacts of grazing, fire or from upstream. and recreation to the same extent as more This is especially relevant for the Molonglo River, accessible riparian areas. By contrast, in the lower where Molonglo Gorge (Kowen) and the lower Paddys River and lower Cotter River areas, gorge (near the Murrumbidgee River confluence), extensive pine plantations have reduced native which have significant nature conservation values, vegetation in the riparian zone to a narrow strip. are separated by Lake Burley Griffin, sections with major urban stormwater inflows, and lengths of 5.3 degraded river. In particular, there are substantial willow invasions and other woody and herbaceous Conservation Planning for Rivers weeds, and macroinvertebrate sampling sites on and Riparian Zones the Molonglo River (Site 242) and nearby Rivers and their riparian zones possess particular Queanbeyan River (Site 235) indicate that these features that require special consideration in their river sections are severely impaired to conservation and management (adapted from impoverished in their macroinvertebrate Williams 1993): assemblages (ACT Government 2004e). In the Murrumbidgee River, habitat has been seriously ᔢ Linearity and instability: They are linear affected by upstream erosion and sedimentation landscape features and inherently unstable with major deposition of sand and gravel in the because of riverflows. This makes them vulnerable Tharwa area (see s. 4.1). to disturbance and invasion. Conversely, river regulation and reduced flow variability (in particular, Comprehensive conservation management along reduced high flows) have created conditions rivers has proven difficult to achieve, even in a suitable for invasion by pest plants and animals. small geographic area such as the ACT. Habitat fragmentation in riparian zones and damage to ᔢ Tenures and land uses: Their linearity means riverbanks has been caused by grazing (though that rivers pass through differing tenures and land this is substantially reduced in the ACT), tree uses. Upstream and upslope uses and clearing and ongoing tree decline, extractive management, including the results of activities industries, establishment of recreation areas and that occurred a long time ago, influence other facilities. downstream river sections. ᔢ Stream crossings: Related to the above are the ᔢ Remnant riparian vegetation: Riparian vegetation impacts of the number, design and placement of is often the sole or major form of remnant stream crossings. These provide entry points to vegetation in an area and therefore has increased river and riparian areas for human activity, weeds, value for local biodiversity conservation. Riparian dumping of rubbish, illegal fishing and are a source areas often provide specialised habitats (e.g. moist of sediment. The design of crossings can have a areas, rocky gorges, areas protected from climatic severe impact on fish passage. Guidelines are now extremes, unstable substrates) that support locally available for the construction of various types of uncommon plant and animal species and new crossings and rehabilitation of existing ones ecological communities. Riparian vegetation may that facilitate fish passage e.g. Fairfull and include relict species (from previous different Witheridge (2003). Construction of the rock-ramp climatic environments) and species lost from fishway at Vanitys Crossing on the Cotter River is surrounding terrestrial vegetation communities due an example of such rehabilitation (see s. 4.4.2). to grazing pressure from stock. ᔢ Impacts of upslope land uses: A major ᔢ Land uses: Rivers and riparian areas are the focus management problem for rivers and riparian zones of many land uses, activities and demands making is their linearity and high perimeter to area ratios. them critical zones for land use planning. These They are a very difficult reserve shape for the include recreation, domestic or urban water supply, protection of natural integrity. In the ACT it is rural or agricultural water supply, irrigation, evident that the best remnants of low elevation pastoralism, sand and gravel extraction, urban riparian vegetation are in the more rugged gorge sewage treatment and disposal. Despite this, their areas (Gigerline and Bullen Range adjacent to the small size relative to the total landscape may result Murrumbidgee River and gorges in the lower in a low public profile. Presence of these uses and Molonglo River and at Kowen). These areas have demands may result in some reluctance to accept been protected by virtue of their topography and the concept of and need for the maintenance of environmental flows especially in times of drought.
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ᔢ Water supply and ecological systems: and nutrient management, and in-stream habitat Historically, public policy in the ACT has been improvement (e.g. through interventions to create primarily focused on river systems as a water scour holes and habitat holes, increase large supply. Major changes to rivers and their woody debris, and remove large sand and catchments occurred before there was the gravel deposits). ecological knowledge that could have predicted ᔢ Riparian zone management: (see s. 5.1.3 above). the effects of these changes. While the importance Cross-border issues: A number of streams span of maintaining water quality and biological diversity ᔢ jurisdictional boundaries (Molonglo, Queanbeyan has been increasingly recognised, water supply and Murrumbidgee rivers) and so the planning and demands are also growing. At the broader management of different river sections may not be catchment level, this is the major conservation well integrated. planning issue for rivers and the riparian zone, although quality and quantity of water supply will ᔢ Bushfire Recovery: In January 2003, bushfires of be linked to the quality and function of the riparian high intensity burnt 70 per cent of the ACT and aquatic ecosystems. including all of the Cotter catchment, the riparian zone of the Murrumbidgee River and the lower There are some particular conservation planning Molonglo River corridor. The effects of these fires challenges for the ACT and region with regard to the on catchment stability and flora and fauna, and rivers, aquatic species and the riparian zone. Foremost land use planning considerations resulting from the amongst these are: destruction of existing assets (including a ᔢ Urban growth: The growth of Canberra and substantial area of pine plantation) have long term Queanbeyan continues to exert significant implications for the rivers and riparian zones. development pressures on land in and around Particular issues are: existing urban areas, including the rivers and —Long-term establishment of stable vegetation riparian areas. Proposed future urban development cover, which is not predominantly invasive weed in the Molonglo Valley and the Kowen Plateau species, in former pine plantation areas that are (ACT Government 2004b) will substantially increase not to be re-planted with pines. the urban population living in close proximity to the —Planned urban and other development in the Molonglo River. lower Molonglo River valley. Particular attention is being given to the —Potential new recreational facilities in river relationship between proposed new urban corridor areas (Non-Urban Study Steering developments in the Molonglo Valley and the Committee 2003). adjacent river and riparian areas. This includes —Potential intensification of rural use (Non-Urban protection of habitat (e.g. for raptors and the Study Steering Committee 2003). Pink-tailed Worm Lizard) and the potential to —Sediment addition to streams following the fires. rehabilitate the degraded river section between —Longer-term stabilisation of catchments and Scrivener Dam and Coppins Crossing. riparian areas. As a result of detailed planning processes —Re-establishment of riparian vegetation along undertaken by the ACT Planning and Land the Cotter River between Cotter Reservoir and Authority, there may be a requirements to adjust Bendora Dam (an area previously surrounded by the boundaries of the areas formally protected pine plantation). under the Territory Plan. This will include —Recovery of the Casuarina cunninghamiana reductions and additions as required to River Riparian Woodland, which is not a fire- Corridor land use policy areas that reflect the most dependent system, following the January 2003 appropriate balance between planning and the bushfires (England et al. 2004). The dominant environment, incorporating appropriate protection Casuarina cunninghamiana may resprout and mitigation measures as considered necessary. epicormically after fire, but after a high intensity ᔢ Aquatic habitat: The recovery of ACT threatened fire appears not to be able to maintain this aquatic species is highly dependent upon the growth. Trees along the Murrumbidgee and maintenance and improvement of aquatic habitat. Cotter rivers that produced epicormic shoots Key aspects of this are improvements to water after the fire have subsequently died. Continuing quality, maintenance of environmental flows, drought may have been a factor in this. protection and improvement of riverbanks and —Recovery of the Callitris endlicheri Woodland/ riparian condition, removal of willows, sediment Open Forest. The dominant Callitris endlicheri
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regenerates by seedling regrowth and is ecological values of water-dependent ecosystems eliminated by frequent intense fire (England et al. (Arthington and Pusey 2003). 2004). Fire severity for this species was high to ᔢ An adaptive management approach is preferred very high in the Mt Tennent area (Carey et al. for the calculation and refinement of 2003). River corridor populations were not environmental flows. surveyed immediately following the fires. ᔢ Environmental flow calculations should include assessment of the needs of threatened species. 5.3.1 Conservation Planning Principles Some conservation planning principles for rivers and Linear Connectivity their riparian zones are similar to those applying to Statutory protection, planning and management the conservation of ecological communities elsewhere need to recognise the linear connectivity along and have been discussed in the ACT Lowland streams and riparian zones and to tributary streams. Woodland Conservation Strategy (ACT Government Highly significant ecologically, it also means that the 2004a, Ch. 5) and the ACT Lowland Native Grassland effects of activities are inextricably linked to Conservation Strategy (ACT Government 2005a, downstream sections. Ch. 3). Where relevant, these have been integrated into Upslope Connectivity the principles below: Statutory protection, planning and management need Protection Upstream and Upslope to recognise the connectivity between the stream, the 1. Areas that have the highest conservation values riparian zone and terrestrial areas (not influenced by should be protected. the stream), and the importance of this connectivity for ᔢ This includes protection from the impact of ecosystem functioning. upstream uses. Streamflows and Aquifers ᔢ It may necessitate the rehabilitation of Management should explicitly recognise the upstream river sections. interdependence of surface riverflows and 2. For conservation areas, consideration of size subterranean catchments (Kingsford et al. 2005). (viability), diversity, representativeness, Connected aquifers are part of the river. distinctiveness (rarity) and naturalness is required. Assessment 3. Replication of conservation areas in fragmented All proposed activities that affect ecological habitats is necessary to hedge against processes and values of aquatic and riparian systems catastrophic and/or unpredictable local extinction. should be adequately assessed and managed, taking Integration of smaller systems within broader into account catchment scale considerations conservation systems increases their conservation (Kingsford et al. 2005). value. River sections should be considered in a catchment context, where appropriate. 5.3.2 Information: Survey, Monitoring (Adapted from ACT Government 2005a; Williams 1993) and Research Management An adequate information base is a necessary Management should be based on a statutory precursor to sound conservation planning. Preparation management plan that clearly sets out management of this Strategy has highlighted the unevenness and objectives, and includes actions, practices and some deficiencies in the knowledge of species and responsibilities to achieve those objectives. ecological communities in the rivers and riparian zones of the ACT. In summary there is: Threats Management of threats should be a key focus. ᔢ Good knowledge of the ecological condition of A scale appropriate to the threat using a catchment ACT streams based on macroinvertebrate framework, and recognising linkages between site sampling at 200 sites. values and catchment processes, is required ᔢ Good knowledge of water quality in ACT lakes and (Kingsford et al. 2005). streams based on monitoring since the late 1960s. Riverflows ᔢ Sound knowledge of many aspects of the biology, Riverflows should be protected at a level and regime distribution, abundance and threats to native fish that sustains all in-stream biota and ecological (including threatened species) and the Murray processes (Kingsford et al. 2005). River Crayfish, Platypus and Eastern Water Rat. ᔢ The best scientific information available should be ᔢ Less knowledge of other aquatic animal species used to design water strategies that will sustain the and aquatic ecological communities.
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ᔢ Sufficient ecological and distributional information 5.3.3 Protection on the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard on which to base Statutory protection of areas of high conservation conservation action. Research needs for this value is a key aspect of conservation planning. species are identified in s. 3.3.2. As noted previously (s. 5.1.2) a high level of A reasonable knowledge of other riparian zone ᔢ statutory protection currently exists for ACT rivers fauna generally. Most species are also found in and riparian areas. other ecosystems (see s. 3.2).
ᔢ Variable information on riparian vegetation 5.3.4 Management communities, as riparian areas as a whole have not It has been noted in s. 5.1 and s. 5.1.3 that the been the subject of a systematic vegetation survey. strengthening of management is the key issue for ACT Existing surveys cover particular rivers or river rivers and riparian areas. Management of rivers and sections and most are now outdated having been riparian zones has five main objectives (Williams 1993): undertaken between 1975 and 1992 (see s. 2.2.1). ᔢ to protect water quality from any damaging effects SURVEY of pollution; The need to undertake surveys of riparian vegetation, ᔢ to protect the quality of downstream waters; giving attention to threatened and uncommon species ᔢ to minimise erosion of water courses; and ecological communities is identified in s. 2.2.1, s. 2.4.1 and s. 2.4.2. Similar actions for riparian fauna are ᔢ to maintain the biological diversity of aquatic and outlined in s. 3.3. Survey objectives and actions for the riparian biotas; and Strategy as a whole are contained in Table 6.1.1. A ᔢ to provide aesthetically and ecologically follow up to comprehensive survey is the assessment acceptable recreational facilities. of the conservation status of species and ecological The effects of past and continuing land and water uses communities to identify those that warrant mean that rehabilitation activities are likely to play a consideration for nomination as threatened species or central role in management of rivers and riparian areas ecological communities under the ACT Nature (see s. 5.5.2). Two particularly intractable problems are Conservation Act 1980. (a) the spread and naturalisation of alien fish species MONITORING and pest plants (Georges and Cottingham 2002), and An objective of the Strategy is to keep information on (b) re-establishing native species and communities in aquatic and riparian communities current by means of regulated rivers, especially as water needs continue to an appropriate monitoring program. As noted above, grow. Table 6.1.5 contains management objectives and comprehensive monitoring of water quality, fish actions for the Strategy as a whole. More specific populations and aquatic macroinvertebrates has been actions are in sections 2.4, 3.3, 4.11 to 4.14. undertaken in the ACT and is ongoing. Monitoring General and detailed management objectives for by community organisations may also make an specified values and for particular reserve areas are important contribution e.g. Canberra Ornithologists outlined in management plans for river corridors, Group’s ten year woodland bird monitoring and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park monitoring of the annual honeyeater migration along (listed in s. 5.1.3). As noted in s. 1.7, this Strategy is the Murrumbidgee, Frogwatch and Waterwatch not a management plan. monitoring. A monitoring program aimed at understanding the long-term ecological effects of the January 2003 bushfires and the recovery of ecological communities and component species is a 5.4 priority action (Table 6.1.1). This has already commenced (see s. 2.3.1). Planning and Conservation Issues for Rivers and Riparian Zones in RESEARCH the ACT Scientific research, including that undertaken by honours and higher degree students, has made a Table 5.1 contains a summary of planning and significant contribution to knowledge about aquatic conservation issues and priority actions for defined and riparian species, ecological communities and river sections and riparian zones in the ACT. The river habitats. The Strategy encourages the continuation of sections in Table 5.1 correspond to those in Table 2.2 such research effort, which might include the effects and Table 4.2. of, and recovery from, the January 2003 bushfires (Table 6.1.1).
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Table 5.1: River Sections and Riparian Zones: Planning and Conservation1 Issues and Actions (Objectives and actions for the Strategy as a whole are outlined in Table 6.1 and provide the context for the identification of issues and actions for individual river sections and adjacent riparian zones in this table)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions Murrumbidgee River (Murrumbidgee River Corridor (MRC)) (Special Requirements apply to the MRC and Lanyon Bowl Area under the National Capital Plan.) MU 1: Angle Crossing to Tharwa Territory Plan Native vegetation cover has Information Information ᔢ Gigerline Nature been cleared and altered (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve through long history of survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Special Purpose pastoral use. Gigerline Gorge riparian areas. Reserve (Tharwa) retains native vegetation. Threats Threats ᔢ Rural leasehold Streambed has been affected (a) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. by deep sedimentation (sand Management (b) Weed invasion including willows. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed MRC Management Plan and gravel). (c) Effects of uncontrolled riparian control based on weed control priorities. 1998 Most of section burnt in grazing including riverbank (c) Control grazing, including fencing out January 2003 bushfires. degradation. riparian areas where desirable. (d) Loss and continuing decline of (d) Investigate and where feasible undertake in-stream fish/crayfish habitat in-stream restoration of degraded habitat. especially through sedimentation (sand and gravel). Protection Protection (a) Habitat for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (a) As part of management, ensure protection (Aprasia parapulchella). of the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (see s. 3.3.2 for specific actions). Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Loss and continuing decline of (a) Undertake actions to regenerate and native riparian vegetation (including restore native riparian vegetation Eucalyptus viminalis Riparian (including Eucalyptus viminalis Riparian Woodland). Woodland). (b) Loss of native fish species. (b) Monitor results of Trout Cod reinstatement in this section as a basis for future stocking.
MU 2: Tharwa to Point Hut Crossing Territory Plan The river passes through Information Information ᔢ Special Purpose broad river flats cleared of (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve (including their former woodland cover survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Lanyon Landscape (area is now Lanyon riparian areas. Conservation reserve) Landscape Conservation Threats Threats ᔢ Rural leasehold Reserve). The river channel is (a) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. Management shallow and infilled with sand. (b) Weed invasion including willows. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed MRC Management Plan control based on weed control priorities. 1998 (c) Effects of uncontrolled riparian grazing including riverbank (c) Control grazing, including fencing out degradation. riparian areas where desirable. (d) Loss and continuing decline of (d) Investigate and where feasible undertake in-stream fish/crayfish habitat in-stream restoration of degraded habitat. especially through sedimentation Investigate means to limit downstream (sand and gravel). sediment movement including potential for sand extraction Protection Protection (a) Uncommon plants including Discaria (a) As part of management, ensure protection pubescens. of uncommon plants and habitat (see s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). Management (rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Loss and continuing decline of (a) Undertake actions to regenerate and native riparian vegetation (including restore native riparian vegetation Eucalyptus viminalis Riparian (including Eucalyptus viminalis Riparian Woodland). Woodland). (b) Point Hut Crossing barrier to fish (b) Investigate, design and construct fish movement. passage past Point Hut Crossing.
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Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
MU 3: Point Hut Crossing to Kambah Pool
Territory Plan There is a diversity of Information Information ᔢ Special Purpose vegetation related to (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve (Point Hut topography and past land use. survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Crossing to Pine Island, Callitris endlicheri is common riparian areas. on rocky slopes. Section Pine Island, Kambah Threats Threats contains southern limit of Pool) (a) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. Casuarina cunninghamiana in ᔢ Bullen Range Nature (b) Weed invasion including willows. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed Reserve (Pine Island to ACT. The open river valley (c) Urban impacts and recreational use. control based on weed control priorities. Kambah Pool) changes to steep slopes and terraces and includes Red (d) Loss and continuing decline of in- (c) Manage recreational impacts in ᔢ Rural leasehold Rocks Gorge. Most of section stream fish/crayfish habitat accordance with the Murrumbidgee River Management burnt in January 2003 especially through sedimentation Corridor Management Plan. Maintain MRC Management Plan bushfires. (sand and gravel). recreation at nodes with appropriately 1998 sited, low key linear walking trails along Habitat of threatened the river corridors. Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong. (d) Investigate and where feasible undertake in-stream restoration of degraded habitat. Investigate means to limit downstream sediment movement. Protection Protection (a) Scenic values. (a) Ensure protection of scenic values (b) Raptor habitat (including nesting in accordance with the MRC sites). Management Plan. (c) Threatened and uncommon plants (b) Ensure protection of raptor habitat through (Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong, management of recreational use and other Thesium australe, Discaria potentially harmful activities. pubescens, Bossiaea bracteosa). (c) As part of management, ensure protection Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) of threatened and uncommon plants and occurs near Red Rocks Gorge. their habitat (see s. 2.4.1 and s.2.4.2 for (d) Habitat for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard specific actions). (Aprasia parapulchella). (d) As part of management, ensure protection of the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (see s. 3.3.2 for specific actions). Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Loss and continuing decline of (a) Undertake actions to regenerate and native riparian vegetation. restore native riparian vegetation. Planning Planning (a) Potential impacts of any future (a) Assess development proposals under urban development or provision of relevant legislation, planning and recreational facilities. management frameworks. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values.
117 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
MU 4: Kambah Pool to Cotter River Confluence/Casuarina Sands
Territory Plan The Bullen Range and steep Information Information ᔢ Bullen Range Nature valley slopes in this section (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve have retained their vegetation survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Special Purpose cover, mainly dry forests, riparian areas. Callitris Pine woodland and Reserve (upslope areas Threats Threats shrublands. River Oaks and on eastern side of (a) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. shrub vegetation dominate the Murrumbidgee R. above (b) Weed invasion including willows. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed nature reserve) riverbanks. (c) Loss and continuing decline of in- control based on weed control priorities. This section was severely ᔢ Special Purpose stream fish/crayfish habitat (c) Investigate means to limit downstream burnt in the January 2003 Reserve (Cotter especially through sedimentation sediment movement. bushfires. Reserve/Casuarina (sand and gravel). Sands)
Management Protection Protection MRC Management Plan (a) Uncommon plants including (a) As part of management, ensure protection 1998 Discaria pubescens, Desmodium of uncommon plants and their habitat (see brachypodum, Pomaderris pallida. s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). (b) Habitat for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (b) As part of management, ensure protection (Aprasia parapulchella). of the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (see s. 3.3.2 for specific actions). Management (Rehabilitation, Management (Rehabilitation Activities, Connectivity) Maintaining Connectivity) (a) Post-fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of Casuarina bushfires) of Casuarina cunninghamiana Riparian Woodland and cunninghamiana Riparian Woodland Callitris endlicheri Woodland. Evaluate and Callitris endlicheri Woodland. means to assist recovery of the Casuarina (b) Maintaining and improving cunninghamiana and Callitris endlicheri ecological connectivity through woodlands, if necessary. Cotter/Casuarina Sands recreation (b) Maintain and improve ecological area. connectivity through Cotter/Casuarina Sands recreation area in management of the area (see also Planning below). Planning Planning (a) Potential impacts of provision of (a) Assess development proposals under recreational facilities associated relevant legislation, planning and with recovery following January management frameworks. Ensure that 2003 bushfires (see s. 5.3). planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values. Give attention to maintaining and improving ecological connectivity through Cotter/Casuarina Sands recreation area in provision of recreational facilities associated with recovery following January 2003 bushfires.
118 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
MU 5: Cotter River Confluence/Casuarina Sands to ACT/NSW border
Territory Plan The river passes through Information Information ᔢ Stony Creek Nature deeply dissected slopes cut (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve from undulating terrain. survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Swamp Creek Nature Riverbanks and valley slopes riparian areas. are in parts densely vegetated Reserve Threats Threats with Tableland Shrubland ᔢ Woodstock Nature (a) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. (dominated by Kunzea Reserve (b) Weed invasion including willows. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed ericoides) and emergent Special Purpose control based on weed control priorities. ᔢ Callitris enlicheri. Dry forest is (c) Loss and continuing decline of in- Reserve (upslope areas also common in this section. stream fish/crayfish habitat (c) Investigate means to limit downstream above nature reserves) Riverine vegetation consists of especially through sedimentation sediment movement. ᔢ Special Purpose Casuarina cunninghamiana (sand and gravel). Reserve (Uriarra with shrubs in rocky areas. Protection Protection Crossing) This section was severely (a) Uncommon plants including (a) As part of management, ensure protection Management burnt in the January 2003 Bossiaea bracteosa. of uncommon plants and their habitat (see MRC Management Plan bushfires. (b) Habitat for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). 1998 (Aprasia parapulchella). (b) As part of management, ensure protection (c) Raptor habitat (including nesting of the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm sites). Lizard (see s. 3.3.2 for specific actions). (c) Ensure protection of raptor habitat through management of recreational use and other potentially harmful activities. Management (Rehabilitation) Management (a) Post-fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of Casuarina bushfires) of Casuarina cunninghamiana Riparian Woodland and cunninghamiana Riparian Woodland Callitris endlicheri Woodland. Evaluate and Callitris endlicheri Woodland. means to assist recovery of the Casuarina cunninghamiana Woodland, if necessary.
Gudgenby River (Tributaries: Naas and Orroral rivers) (Special Requirements apply to the Namadgi National Park Area under the National Capital Plan. This ‘Area’ is the Park and adjacent areas in the Gudgenby and Cotter catchments.) GU 1: In Namadgi NP
Territory Plan Open valley floors in the Information Information ᔢ Namadgi National Park Naas–Gudgenby catchment (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part contain grassy vegetation survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Management communities and limited areas riparian areas. Namadgi National Park of shrubland and wetland Draft Management Plan Threats Threats complexes. There is variable 2005, Namadgi National (a) Reestablishment of willows (a) As follow-up to willow removal programs, tree cover, from open forest to Park Management Plan following major willow removal monitor willow regeneration and open woodland. 1986 program. undertake removal if necessary. Protection Protection (a) Uncommon plants including Violea (a) As part of management, ensure protection caleyana, Discaria pubescens. of uncommon plants and their habitat (see s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Post fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of riparian bushfires) of riparian vegetation and vegetation and habitat, and evaluate habitat. means to assist recovery if necessary. (b) Restoration of native riparian (b) Undertake vegetation restoration and vegetation and rehabilitation of habitat rehabilitation following willow habitat following willow removal. removal.
119 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
GU 2: Namadgi NP to Murrumbidgee River
Territory Plan Vegetation has been Information Information ᔢ Special Purpose extensively modified by (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve (possible pastoral use. Native vegetation survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Tennent Dam site) present in the steep, rocky riparian areas. valley of the Gudgenby River ᔢ Rural leasehold Threats Threats near Mt Tennent. (a) Re-establishment of willows following (a) As follow-up to willow removal programs, major willow removal program. monitor willow regeneration and (b) Effects of uncontrolled riparian grazing undertake removal if necessary. including riverbank degradation. (b) Control grazing, including fencing out (c) Loss and continuing decline of riparian areas where desirable. instream fish/crayfish habitat (c) Investigate means to limit downstream especially through sedimentation movement of sediment including removal (sand and gravel). of sediment from this section. Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Restoration of native riparian (a) Undertake vegetation restoration and vegetation and rehabilitation of habitat rehabilitation following willow habitat following willow removal. removal. Cotter River (Tributary: Paddys River) (Special Requirements apply to the Namadgi National Park Area under the National Capital Plan. This ‘Area’ is the Park and adjacent areas in the Gudgenby and Cotter catchments.) CO 1: Paddys River (Tributary: Tidbinbilla River)
Territory Plan Vegetation has been Information Information ᔢ Tidbinbilla Nature substantially altered by (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve pastoral use. Extensive pine survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Rural leasehold plantation in lower reaches riparian areas. (destroyed in January 2003 ᔢ Plantation forestry Threats Threats bushfires). Kunzea ericoides (a) Illegal fishing for threatened (a) Enforce the ACT fishing regulations. Management has colonised valley slopes species. (b) Continue to undertake coordinated weed Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and there is a wide variety of (b) Weed invasion (wide variety of weed control based on weed control priorities. Management Plan 1999 weed species. species including willows). (c) Control grazing, including fencing out (c) Effects of uncontrolled riparian riparian areas where desirable. grazing including riverbank degradation. Protection Protection (a) Uncommon plants including (a) As part of management, ensure protection Drabastrum alpestre, Pomaderris of uncommon plants and their habitat (see pallida, Bossiaea bracteosa, s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). Thesium australe. Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Loss and continuing decline of (a) Ensure all management activities in-stream fish/crayfish habitat incorporate measures to ensure erosion especially through sedimentation control and manage sedimentation into (effects of January 2003 bushfires, drainage lines and the river. roads, forestry activities). (b) Investigate appropriate means to restore (b) Degradation of riparian habitat riparian habitat and incorporate into (grazing, weeds, recreational use, management activities. forestry activities, erosion). (c) Investigate appropriate techniques for re- (c) Potential for re-establishing establishing a viable Macquarie Perch threatened fish populations. population. Planning Planning (a) Potential impacts of provision of (a) Assess development proposals (including recreational facilities associated those associated with recovery following with recovery following the January the January 2003 bushfires) under 2003 bushfires (see s. 5.3). relevant legislation, planning and management frameworks. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects riverine and riparian values. 120 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
CO 2: Cotter River (Headwaters to Corin Dam)
Territory Plan Vegetation of the river flats Information Information ᔢ Namadgi National Park comprises open woodland, (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part of tussock grassland, wetland survey. a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Management and bog communities riparian areas. Namadgi National Park Grassland areas may contain Draft Management Plan Threats Threats many weeds species. The 2005, Namadgi National (a) Weeds (mainly weeds associated with (a) Monitor weed presence and undertake weed majority of the streambed is Park Management Plan previous pastoral use). control as required, based on weed control narrow and shallow with 1986 priorities. dense fringing shrub (b) Pressure for recreational fishing (b) Maintain this section as Prohibited Waters vegetation. This area was access. for recreational fishing and continue current moderately and patchily burnt (c) Threat to Two-spined Blackfish from limits on access (no public vehicle access). in the January 2003 bushfires. potential introduction of Brown Trout. (c) As above. Protection Protection (a) Uncommon plants including Discaria (a) As part of management, ensure protection of pubescens, Blechnum fluviatile. uncommon plants and their habitat (see s. (b) Threatened fish species (Two-spined 2.4.2 for specific actions). Blackfish). (b) As part of management, ensure protection of (c) Cotter River form of the Leaf-green threatened fish species and their habitat, Tree Frog (Litoria nudidigitus). including protection from alien fish species. (d) Maintenance of status of Cotter (c) As part of management, ensure protection of Catchment as free of EHN virus. the habitat of the Cotter River form of the Leaf-green Tree Frog (see s. 3.3.3 for specific actions for uncommon species). (d) Maintain this section as Prohibited Waters for recreational fishing, which is the most effective means of avoiding accidental introduction. Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Post fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of aquatic fauna, bushfires) of riparian vegetation riparian vegetation, riverine and riparian and habitat and aquatic fauna. Erosion habitat. Evaluate means to assist recovery, if and sedimentation following the fires. necessary. Take action to control ongoing (b) Need to establish additional erosion and sedimentation problems at populations of Macquarie Perch to particular sites, if necessary. spread risk. (b) Investigate techniques for establishing a Macquarie Perch population.
CO 3: Cotter River (Below Corin Dam to Bendora Dam) Territory Plan Dry sclerophyll and wet Information Information ᔢ Namadgi National Park sclerophyll forest communities (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part characteristic of higher altitude survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Management valley areas usually extend riparian areas. Namadgi National Park down to the river. Above Management Plan 1986 Threats Threats Bendora Dam the streambed (a) For aquatic species, altered (a) Maintain environmental flows and keep is narrow, shallow and rocky, streamflow patterns and thermal under review. fringed by shrubby vegetation, pollution. (b) Maintain this section as Prohibited Waters below steep valley sides. This (b) Pressure for recreational fishing for recreational fishing. area was severely burnt in the access. January 2003 bushfires. (c) As above. (c) Threat to Two-spined Blackfish, Trout Cod and Macquarie Perch from potential introduction of Brown Trout. Protection Protection (a) Threatened fish species (Two-spined (a) As part of management, ensure protection Blackfish, Trout Cod and Macquarie of threatened fish species and their Perch). habitat, including protection from alien fish species.
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121 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
CO 3: Cotter River (Below Corin Dam to Bendora Dam) (continued)
Protection (continued) Protection (continued) b) Maintenance of status of Cotter (b) Maintain this section as Prohibited Waters catchment as free of EHN Virus. for recreational fishing, which is the most (c) Cotter River form of the Leaf-green effective means of avoiding accidental Tree Frog (Litoria nudidigitus). introduction. Also highlight potential threat from inter-Basin water transfers. (c) As part of management, ensure protection of the habitat of the Cotter river form of the Leaf-green Tree Frog (see s. 3.3.3 for specific actions for uncommon species). Management (Rehabilitation) Management (Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Post fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of aquatic bushfires) of riparian vegetation species, riparian vegetation, riverine and and habitat and aquatic fauna. riparian habitat. Evaluate means to assist Erosion and sedimentation recovery, if necessary. Take action to following the fires. control ongoing erosion and sedimentation problems at particular sites, if necessary.
CO 4: Cotter River (Below Bendora Dam to Cotter Dam) Territory Plan Below Bendora Dam, dry Information (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part ᔢ Namadgi National Park forest and variable shrub cover (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Special Purpose occupies the river valley. survey. riparian areas. Reserve (upstream Above Cotter Dam, the riparian Threats vegetation is flanked by pine from Cotter Dam to Threats (a) Continue to undertake coordinated weed plantation. This was destroyed boundary of Namadgi (a) Weeds. control based on weed control priorities. in the January 2003 bushfires National Park) (b) For aquatic species, altered flow (b) Maintain environmental flows and keep when the area was severely patterns, thermal pollution. under review. Management burnt. Namadgi National Park (c) Barriers to fish passage (road (c) Identify barriers to fish passage and In 2006 the ACT Government Draft Management Plan crossings). rectify. Ensure new crossings are determined that there would 2005 (d) Pressure for recreational fishing and designed to allow fish passage. be a change in land use for Lower Cotter Catchment: other recreational access to Cotter (d) Maintain closure of Cotter Reservoir to the Lower Cotter Catchment Draft Strategic Reservoir. fishing and other water based recreational from pine plantation to Management Plan 2006 (e) Cormorant predation (Macquarie use. Do not stock fish for recreational catchment protection for water Perch) in Cotter Reservoir. purposes. supply, with native vegetation (f) Potential introduction of alien fish (e) Encourage research into effects of cover (natural regeneration species (Redfin Perch, Carp). cormorant predation, and if desirable, and planting) (ACT Government (g) Water extraction from Cotter means to limit impacts. 2006). Reservoir. (f) Maintain closure of Cotter Reservoir (h) Sedimentation resulting from the to fishing and other water based effects of the January 2003 recreational use. bushfires. (g) Liaise with ACTEW regarding the impacts on aquatic fauna of future water supply options (for more detail see s. 4.12.2 and s. 4.12.4). (h) Encourage research into sediment delivery and movement. Protection Protection (a) As part of management, ensure protection (a) Threatened fish and crayfish species of threatened fish species and their (Trout Cod, Macquarie Perch and habitat, including protection from alien Murray River Crayfish). fish species. (b) Maintain Cotter Reservoir as Prohibited (b) Maintenance of status of Cotter Waters for recreational fishing, which is catchment as free of EHN virus. the most effective means of avoiding Management (Rehabilitation) accidental introduction. Discourage inter- Basin water transfers Management (Rehabilitation Activities)
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122 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
CO 4: Cotter River (Below Bendora Dam to Cotter Dam) (continued)
(a) Post-fire recovery (January 2003 (a) Monitor post-fire recovery of aquatic bushfires) of riparian vegetation and species, riparian vegetation, riverine and habitat. Erosion and sedimentation riparian habitat. Evaluate means to assist following the fires. recovery, if necessary. Take action to Information control ongoing erosion and sedimentation problems at particular sites, if necessary. (b) Ensure ecological integrity is maintained in undertaking native revegetation in former pine plantation areas in the riparian zone. This involves protection of natural regeneration, weed control and restoration with appropriate species sourced from seed of local provenance.
CO 5: Cotter River (Below Cotter Dam to Murrumbidgee River) Territory Plan Native riparian vegetation in Information Information ᔢ Special Purpose this area has been largely (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve replaced by planted exotic survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT species. Casuarina (b) Lack of information on status of riparian areas. cunninghamiana lines the threatened fish and crayfish. (b) Instigate monitoring of Macquarie Perch streambed and there is native and Murray River Crayfish. shrub cover near the Threats Threats confluence with Murrumbidgee (a) Weeds. (a) Continue to undertake coordinated weed River confluence. Many of the control based on weed control priorities. Casuarinas were severely (b) For aquatic species, altered flow burnt in the January 2003 patterns, thermal pollution. (b) Maintain environmental flows and keep bushfires. (c) Barriers to fish passage (weirs and under review. fish passage to Paddys River). (c) Identify barriers to fish passage and rectify. Evaluate means to open fish passage to Paddys River. Protection Protection (a) Uncommon plants including (a) As part of management, ensure protection Pomaderris pallida. of uncommon plants and their habitat (see (b) Threatened fish and crayfish species s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). (Macquarie Perch, Murray Cod, (b) As part of management, ensure protection Silver Perch, Murray River of threatened fish species and their Crayfish). habitat. Management (Recreational Use and Management (Recreational Use and Rehabilitation) Rehabilitation Activities) (a) Recreational use of the area. (a) Manage recreational use to minimise (b) Post-fire recovery (January 2003 impacts on the riverine environment. bushfires) of riparian vegetation (b) Monitor post-fire recovery of riparian and habitat and aquatic fauna. vegetation and riverine and riparian Erosion and sedimentation habitat. Evaluate means to assist following the fires. recovery, if necessary. Take action to control ongoing erosion and sedimentation problems at particular sites, if necessary. Planning Planning (a) Potential impacts of provision of (a) Assess development proposals (including recreational facilities associated those associated with recovery following with recovery following January the January 2003 bushfires) under 2003 bushfires (see s. 5.3). relevant legislation, planning and management frameworks. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects riverine and riparian values.
123 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions Molonglo River (Special Requirements apply to the Molonglo River Corridor under the National Capital Plan.) MO 1: Burbong to Blue Tiles (Immediately Upstream of Molonglo Gorge)
Territory Plan Native vegetation in this Information Information ᔢ Nature Reserve section has been affected by (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part ᔢ Rural leasehold previous pastoral use and the survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT establishment of adjacent pine riparian areas. ᔢ Pine plantation plantations. There is some Threats Threats remnant woodland. (a) Willows and other weeds. (a) Continue to undertake coordinated weed (b) Heavy metal pollution in the river control based on weed control priorities. from the former Captains Flat mine (b) Investigate feasibility and techniques for potentially limits opportunities to re- re-establishing Macquarie Perch. establish aquatic fauna. (c) Instigate monitoring for Carp and (c) Potential invasion by alien fish Redfin Perch. (Redfin Perch, Carp) from downstream. Management Management (a) Ecological connectivity through pine (a) Seek to ensure that ecological plantation areas. connectivity is maintained and improved (b) Need to establish additional along the riparian zone in pine plantation populations of Macquarie Perch to areas. spread risk. (b) Investigate techniques for establishing a Macquarie Perch population. Planning Planning (a) Potential urban edge effects (if (a) Assess development proposals under urban development occurs in relevant legislation, planning and Kowen). management frameworks. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values.
MO 2: Molonglo Gorge to Lake Burley Griffin Territory Plan The steep, rocky slopes of Information Information ᔢ Special Purpose Molonglo Gorge support dry (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Reserve forest with Callitris and a survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT ᔢ Rural leasehold scattered shrub understorey. riparian areas. Below Molonglo Gorge there ᔢ Other leasehold Threats Threats are some isolated stands of (a) Willows and other weeds. (a) Continue to undertake coordinated weed Casuarina luehmannii and (b) Poor water quality in Molonglo River control based on weed control priorities. native shrubs. However, and macroinvertebrate sampling (b) Investigate reasons for poor water quality willows and other weed that indicates severely impaired and impoverished macroinvertebrate species dominate most of the stream condition. assemblages in the Molonglo River. riparian environment down to Lake Burley Griffin. (c) Illegal fishing for threatened species. (c) Enforce ACT fishing regulations. Management Management (a) Riparian ecological connectivity. (a) Undertake riparian habitat rehabilitation including that following removal of willows. Planning Planning (a) Potential urban edge effects on (a) Assess development proposals under Molonglo Gorge area (if urban relevant legislation, planning and development occurs in Kowen) and management frameworks to ensure urban/industrial edge effects at river corridor values are recognised in Fyshwick. planning and the river corridor is given appropriate protection in physical planning. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values.
124 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
MO 3: Scrivener Dam to Coppins Crossing
Territory Plan Riparian vegetation in this Information Information ᔢ Urban Open Space section is highly modified with (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part (Scrivener Dam to only fragments of native survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Tuggeranong Parkway) vegetation remaining. There is (b) Lack of information on fish species riparian areas. ᔢ Special Purpose dense woody weed growth and platypus (b) Undertake survey of fish and platypus. below Scrivener Dam. Reserve (Tuggeranong Threats Threats Parkway to Coppins (a) Willows and other weeds (including (a) Undertake coordinated weed control Crossing) wide range of woody weeds). based on weed control priorities. ᔢ Rural leasehold (b) Poor water quality (bottom discharge (b) NCA is reviewing environmental flow from Scrivener Dam). requirements for Lake Burley Griffin. (c) Poor water quality from Yarralumla (c) Water quality management plan is being and Weston creeks (stormwater prepared for Molonglo Valley, Woden valley flows from highly urbanised and Weston Creek (ACTPLA). catchment, gross pollutant traps at downstream end of concrete channels are the only treatment). Management Management (a) Management responsibility for the (a) Identify management responsibility, section is not defined and there is prepare a management plan and lack of active management based on undertake management activities. a management plan. (b) Undertake riparian habitat rehabilitation (b) Riparian ecological connectivity. including that following removal of willows. Planning Planning (a) Potential urban edge effects related (a) Assess development proposals under to new urban development of relevant legislation, planning and Molonglo. management frameworks to ensure river corridor values are recognised in planning and the river corridor is given appropriate protection in physical planning including any appropriate adjustments to statutory and/or management boundaries. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values.
125 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.1: (Continued)
Description Planning and Conservation Issues Current Planning (for more details see for Identified River Section and and Management Tables 2.2 and 4.2) Riparian Zone Priority Actions
MO 4: Coppins Crossing to Murrumbidgee River
Territory Plan Protected in the gorge Information Information ᔢ Lower Molonglo River environment, vegetation in this (a) Lack of recent riparian vegetation (a) Undertake a survey of this section as part Corridor Nature section of the river displays survey. of a systematic vegetation survey of ACT Reserve high floristic diversity. Weeds riparian areas. typical of the ACT riparian Management Threats Threats zone are also found in this Lower Molonglo River (a) Willows and other weeds. (a) Undertake coordinated weed control section. Corridor Management (b) Barrier to Murray River Crayfish and based on weed control priorities. Plan 2001 Golden Perch movement from (b) Investigate translocation of Murray River LMWQCC discharge. Crayfish past discharge zone Protection Protection (a) Threatened fish and crayfish species (a) As part of management, ensure protection (Murray Cod, Macquarie Perch of threatened fish/crayfish and their (historical presence in lower habitat. section), Murray River Crayfish). (b) As part of management, ensure protection (b) Uncommon plants including of uncommon plants and their habitat (see Bossiaea bracteosa, Pomaderris s. 2.4.2 for specific actions). pallida, Desmodium brachypodum, (c) As part of management, ensure protection Adiantum hispidulum. of the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm (c) Habitat for Pink-tailed Worm Lizard Lizard (see s. 3.3.2 for specific actions). (Aprasia parapulchella). (d) Ensure protection of raptor habitat through (d) Raptor habitat (including nesting management of recreational use and other sites). potentially harmful activities. Planning (a) Assess development proposals under relevant legislation, planning and management frameworks to ensure river corridor values are recognised in planning and the river corridor is given appropriate protection in physical planning including any appropriate adjustments to statutory and/or management boundaries. Ensure that planning of recreational infrastructure recognises and protects river corridor values.
Notes: 1. Conservation means all the processes and actions of looking after a place so as to retain its natural significance and always includes protection, maintenance and monitoring. Conservation may, according to circumstance, also include regeneration, restoration, enhancement, reinstatement, preservation or modification, or a combination of all these. Conservation includes conserving natural processes of change (as opposed to artificially accelerated change) (AHC 2002). 2. Public Land Category and Management Objectives (adapted from Schedule 1 of the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991) Wilderness Area (Management Objectives: Conservation of the natural environment and restricted public use) National Park (Management Objectives: Conservation of the natural environment and public use for recreation, education, research) Nature Reserve (Management Objectives: Conservation of the natural environment and public use for recreation, education, research) Special Purpose Reserve (Management Objectives: Public and community use for recreation and education) Urban Open Space (Management Objectives: Public and community use)
126 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
5.5 initiatives: the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. Management of Rivers and
127 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Table 5.2: Assessment of River Condition in the ACT Under the National Land and Water Resources Audit
Indices Total Length of Reach in Each Category and Percentage of Total
ARCB (aquatic biota) Reference Significantly Impaired Severely Impaired Extremely Impaired 169 km 76 km 17 km 0 64% 29% 7% 0
ARCE (environmental features) Largely Unmodified Moderately Modified Substantially Modified Severely Modified
43 km 191 km 36 km 0 16% 71% 13% 0
(Source: Norris et al. 2001, p. 57)
ARCB contains data for 97% (262 km) of ACT stream lengths used in the audit.
ARCE contains data for 100% (270 km) of ACT stream lengths used in the audit.
20–50 per cent of the different kinds of animals ᔢ control threatening processes (e.g. wildfire, weeds, expected to occur have been lost from these stock grazing); communities. The Audit concludes that the key issues ᔢ restore, regenerate or reinstate vegetation affecting ACT rivers are changes to all aspects of the communities or component species of those hydrological regime including substantial changes to communities; and the quantity, timing and duration of flow. High loads of ᔢ repair land degradation (e.g. erosion gullies in total phosphorus and elevated levels of suspended tributary creeks). solids are also problems for ACT rivers (Norris et al. 2001, p. 56). Rehabilitation may be undertaken in a variety of ways and with varying degrees of human intervention. The The Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment based on cost, experimentation needed (and consequent bioregions and subregions across the continent (IBRA potential for failures), lack of knowledge of appropriate 5.1 (Environment Australia 2000)) also reported on techniques, and the scale and difficulty of reversing riparian zones. The assessment concluded that: detrimental habitat changes illustrate the benefit of ᔢ The condition of riparian zones is degraded maintaining existing good quality habitat (for a case (meaning recovery is unlikely in the medium term) study of a fish habitat rehabilitation project, see across much of southern and eastern Australia s. 4.12.3 and Lintermans 2004b). (31% of subregions assessed) and an additional number require significant management Riparian rehabilitation projects in the ACT have intervention to achieve recovery (38% of included removal of problem willow species (e.g. subregions assessed); Ginninderra Creek, Yarralumla Creek, Gudgenby River, Molonglo River and many other areas), soil ᔢ The trend for riparian zones is declining conservation work in the catchment of Lake Burley significantly across much of Australia (73% of Griffin between 1965 and 1998 focused in the last subregions assessed). decade on stabilisation of connected gullies (NSW The ACT is located in a broad area of south-eastern DLWC 2000), and preparation of a Sullivan’s Creek Australia where the average condition of riparian zones Catchment Management Plan included in which is the is categorised as degraded and the trend is declining. construction of small wetlands in O’Connor associated The six major threats are: overgrazing, exotic weeds, with urban redevelopment and water sensitive urban changed hydrology, increased fragmentation, feral design. Rehabilitation of connecting creeks is an animals and changed fire regimes. All of these are important component of aquatic and riparian habitat threats in the South Eastern Highlands Region (IBRA) conservation. A major rehabilitation project is of which the ACT is part. proposed for the former pine plantation areas of the Lower Cotter Catchment, given the change in land use Aquatic and riparian habitat conservation may involve focus to catchment protection for water supply (ACT management actions to: Government 2006b). ᔢ improve water quality; Conservation actions for the recovery of native ᔢ maintain or restore flow regimes; ecological communities may involve regeneration, ᔢ improve connectivity; restoration or reinstatement that represent
128 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY progressively greater degrees of human intervention. Reinstatement is unlikely to be part of native Definitions adopted for this Strategy are from vegetation management except on a very small scale the Australian Natural Heritage Charter, 2nd Edit. or for particular purposes. While there is clearly a role (AHC 2002). for restoration of existing remnants that might include ᔢ Regeneration means the natural recovery of natural some specific reinstatement, large-scale expansion or integrity following disturbance or degradation. ‘re-creation’ of native vegetation communities is not Regeneration is essentially dependent on natural feasible with current knowledge, funding and processes facilitating recovery from disturbance or technology. This is particularly the case for degradation. It does not include physical intervention, understorey and groundcover species. It is now well but should be accompanied by monitoring and established that vegetation restoration activities should protection measures that do not create degradation aim to consolidate least disturbed areas and work (e.g. fencing of vegetation, prohibition on take of outwards from these (see ACT Government 2004a (s. fish/crayfish species). Examples of regeneration in ACT 5.9.3); ACT Government 2005a (s. 3.7.3)). rivers and riparian areas include some recovery of With regard to native fish, reinstatement of species crayfish populations in the Murrumbidgee River that have experienced dramatic population decline is following overfishing, and vegetation regrowth in undertaken in the ACT for recreational, ecosystem riparian areas following the January 2003 bushfires, function and conservation purposes (ACT Government including in former pine plantation areas in the Lower 2000). Experimental reinstatement of hatchery bred Cotter Catchment. In many instances, environments Trout Cod has been undertaken in Bendora Reservoir have been so altered that regeneration cannot occur and the Murrumbidgee River. There is also scope to without some physical intervention e.g. weed control in translocate individuals from existing fish populations riparian areas, removal of stock grazing, and past natural or artificial barriers (e.g. Macquarie Perch reinstatement of fish species past barriers with the aim in the Queanbeyan River above Googong Reservoir of establishing self-supporting populations. past a waterfall to upstream sections of the river in the ᔢ Restoration means returning existing habitats to a Silver Hills area) (see s. 4.4.2 and s. 4.12.8). Monitoring known past state or to an approximation of the is required to evaluate the results of these natural condition by repairing degradation, by management actions. removing introduced species or by reinstatement. A restoration process implies sufficient evidence of an 5.6 earlier state to guide the conservation process. While historical and other records, the presence of remnant Management Issues plant and/or animal species and ecological communities, modelling, and the existence of sites This section identifies important management issues that appear relatively undisturbed provide some for aquatic and riparian species, the rivers and riparian guidance, the actual species composition of pre- areas that are the focus of this Strategy. This is not European ecological communities is unknown or intended to be exhaustive and complements uncertain. Restoration activities, consistent with the discussion of management issues for: natural significance of the place, should therefore be ᔢ watercourses and riparian areas in grassy focussed on maintaining and improving the native woodlands generally (see, for example, biological diversity of the site and improving its overall MacLeod 2002a); condition (Kirkpatrick et al. 1995, p. 87). Vegetation ᔢ the Murray–Darling Basin as a whole (e.g. the restoration may require weed control, direct seeding or Native Fish Strategy (MDBC 2004a)); planting with species currently growing or known to have grown in the area. Restoration of aquatic habitat ᔢ the Murrumbidgee River catchment (Murrumbidgee includes removing barriers to fish passage (e.g. the Catchment Management Board 2003); and construction of the rock-ramp fishway at Vanitys ᔢ ACT rivers and riparian areas covered by Crossing in the ACT) and returning important in-stream management plans (s. 5.1.3), which effectively features (e.g. snags and deep pools (see Lintermans identify a wide range of management issues (2004b) for an experiment in the ACT near Tharwa)). (though they are not categorised as such).
ᔢ Reinstatement means to introduce to a place one or more species or elements of habitat or 5.6.1 Management Plans geodiversity that are known to have existed there The lack of statutory management plans for some naturally at a previous time, but that can no longer Public Land areas of the rivers and riparian zones has be found at that place. been referred to previously (s. 5.1.3).
129 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that management s. 2.3.1. Rural leases currently border much of the plans are prepared for all Public Land areas of the Murrumbidgee River, the Gudgenby and Naas rivers rivers and riparian zones (Table 6.1.5). (outside Namadgi National Park), Paddys River, and the lower Molonglo River. There are smaller areas 5.6.2 Management Responsibility adjoining the Molonglo River upstream of Lake Burley Griffin (Pialligo, Symonston, Burbong). The lack of active management of sections of the river corridors (in particular, the Molonglo River near In general, uncontrolled livestock grazing of riparian Fyshwick and from below Scrivener Dam to Coppins zones and unrestricted access to streams has had Crossing) has been referred to previously (s. 5.1.3). major detrimental effects on riparian areas (including ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that management riverbanks), stream ecology and sediment loads. responsibility is established for the Molonglo Particular effects include: River adjacent to Fyshwick and below Scrivener ᔢ lowered water quality (including increases in Dam to Coppins Crossing, and rehabilitation turbidity and nutrients); programs based on management plans are ᔢ trampling and lack of regeneration of fringing undertaken (Table 6.1.5). aquatic vegetation that is important for bank stability and habitat e.g. Phragmites spp.; 5.6.3 Vegetation and Fauna Surveys ᔢ erosion and sedimentation due to the creation of As noted in s. 5.3.2, there are deficiencies in the tracks and bare areas, and soil compaction; knowledge of species and ecological communities in ᔢ deterioration in streambank stability, through the rivers and riparian zones. Surveys and regular trampling, track creation and loss of streambank monitoring have established a good understanding of vegetation; the status of fish and the Murray River Crayfish, but ᔢ spread of weeds (into and out of riparian areas); information on other species and communities is more ᔢ disturbance to habitat, such as rocks and logs, variable. Riparian areas have not been the subject of a and loss of ground surface detrital material (litter systematic vegetation survey. Existing information and woody debris); sources are included with the descriptions of vegetation communities in s. 2.2. ᔢ loss of habitat connectivity and impacts on the value of riparian areas as drought refuges for Vegetation communities in the riparian zone are native species; included in a current review of the classification of ᔢ lack of regeneration of native species, including ecological communities in the ACT (Table 2.1). Future dominant native tree cover; and surveys in the riparian zone will assist in refining this classification, as well as providing more detailed ᔢ loss of invertebrate and other species due to information on component species, condition, ecology trampling and soil compaction, with associated and habitat values. effects on energy and nutrient cycling processes. (Askey-Doran and Pettit 1999; Jansen and Robertson ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the type, 2001; MacLeod 2002a; Price and Lovett 2002; location and condition of all aquatic and riparian Robertson and Rowling 2000) ecological communities in the ACT are described and the information kept current by means of an Issues associated with managing livestock access to appropriate monitoring program (Table 6.1.1). riparian zones are discussed in MacLeod (2002a) who —Within this overall objective, a survey program states as a general principle that livestock should be should be prepared and undertaken in a excluded from watercourses to reduce soil erosion and strategic manner, giving priority initially to maintain the quality of the water. Grazing should only (a) areas under most threat from current or be applied for conservation purposes, including weed proposed land uses or activities, (b) areas of control. The condition of riparian habitats generally high use, (c) areas where data is the most responds rapidly to the exclusion of stock. The deficient. benefits and practicality of alternative approaches such as exclusion by fencing or strategic and controlled grazing management are the subject of 5.6.4 Stock Grazing: Protecting Riparian ongoing debate. Management of grazing pressure on Zones riparian lands should aim to maintain groundcover, The importance of the rivers and riparian zones in the with enough vegetation to protect the soil surface from rural economy before and after the establishment of heavy rain and provide a filter for nutrients and the Australian Capital Territory has been discussed in upslope sediments. The timing, intensity and duration
130 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY of grazing are important considerations for investigated (Non-Urban Study Steering Committee maintenance of biodiversity conservation and 2003). The Cotter Reserve and adjacent areas is a ecological functioning (Price and Lovett 2002). particular focus in this study (see also, Shaping Our Weed control is likely to be an ongoing problem, Territory Implementation Group (2004)). Increased especially in areas grazed for a long time (Jansen recreational access and activity in the Molonglo River and Robertson 2001). corridor is a likely outcome of planned residential development in Molonglo (adjoining the river section The most effective (and most expensive) approach is between the Tuggeranong Parkway and Coppins to fence out the riparian zone and provide alternative Crossing) and potentially on the Kowen Plateau water sources (from formed access points at low (adjoining Molonglo Gorge) (ACT Government 2004b). erosion risk sites on the stream, pumped from the stream, from a streambed bore, or reticulated from ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that Government upslope). A suggested alternative approach is to and non-government organisations recognise the establish riparian paddocks, where stocking is biodiversity conservation values of the rivers and managed in relation to the seasons, climatic conditions riparian zones and incorporate their conservation and ecological requirements e.g. seeding times for requirements in planning, development and land riparian plants. There is also a range of informal management activities (Table 6.1.4). In particular: management actions that can be taken to reduce the —River corridor values are recognised in planning local impacts of livestock and distribute grazing studies for new urban areas (Molonglo, Kowen) pressure (MacLeod 2002a, pp.163–164). MacLeod (pp. and river corridors are given appropriate 158–161) could not find, however, a well-documented protection in physical planning; or even anecdotal example of targeted stock —Planning of recreational infrastructure recognises management that has successfully reduced stock and protects river corridor values. Recreational impacts on riparian zones without fencing. infrastructure remains concentrated at nodes and linear impacts are minimised. With regard to the management of grazing in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the stated intention in Low impact linear walking trails along the river the Management Plan (Environment ACT 1998, p. 45) corridors from the recreation nodes are an appropriate is to ‘progressively remove grazing from the riverbank form of access provided they are sited to avoid and selected creek tributaries’. In the Lower Molonglo damage to sensitive areas and habitat disturbance. River Corridor, grazing of riverbanks occurs under licence for weed and fire fuel control (Environment 5.6.6 Weeds and Pest Animals ACT 2001b). Grazing is included in the Controls under the River Corridors Land Use Policies, Part B13 of the WEEDS Territory Plan (ACTPLA 2005): The susceptibility of riparian zones to weed invasion is discussed in s. 2.3.1 and the common weed species in ᔢ Livestock grazing, excluding horse agistment, the ACT are listed. Weeds are one of the most shall only be permitted where retention of open intractable management problems for riparian areas, grasslands or savanna woodlands is desired for benefiting from the moister and often higher nutrient landscape, ecology or management reasons. In conditions, especially if there is runoff from agricultural environmentally sensitive areas grazing shall only land. It is generally not practicable to completely be permitted for the purpose of environmental management such as vegetation management or eliminate weed species (though this is still a worthy fire hazard reduction. long-term objective) but to aim for containment and control. Particularly important aspects are follow-up ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the impact of work to eliminate new outbreaks, and avoidance of inappropriate stock grazing is controlled, reduced reinvasion from upstream. For particular weed species or eliminated by appropriate planning, research or groups of species, their management requires a and/or management actions (Table 6.1.3). consideration of the potential range of control methods —It is an action of this Strategy to complete the (e.g. chemicals, fire, grazing, physical removal, riparian fencing program to prevent uncontrolled revegetation with desirable species that will suppress stock grazing in riparian areas (Table 6.1.3). weed growth, biological control), preferably outlined in a management plan. Ten-year (2002–12) management 5.6.5 Management of Public Access plans have been prepared for many declared pest Recreational use of riparian areas in the ACT is plants in the ACT and other weed species, including discussed in s. 2.3.1. Following the bushfires of some of the main species found in riparian zones (ACT January 2003, recreation and tourism use and SOE 2003d). These plans are being reviewed and opportunities in non-urban areas of the ACT have been updated due to new classifications of weed species
131 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY under the Pest Plants and Animals ACT 2005. For Lovegrass is highly productive and is used in South species dispersed by water, weed control work is most Africa and in some countries where it has been effective if it is commenced in headwater areas and introduced, for hay and forage (Parsons and continued downstream. Cuthbertson 1992). In Australia, it is only palatable to stock in its early growth stages before seed-set. It In riparian areas where native vegetation has been produces copious quantities of seed and rapidly wholly or partially replaced by weed species, the latter dominates sparse, over-grazed pastures and often provide a vegetation structure for birds and other roadsides, forming dense swards to the exclusion of animals. Weed control programs need to be strategic, other species. Its spread is enhanced by water with phased removal of weed species and replanting of substitute native species. courses and in the Murrumbidgge River Corridor it is a threat to the habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard. It is an objective of this Strategy that the impact ᔢ The ACT African Lovegrass Management Plan and/or occurrence of weeds has been reduced or (Environment ACT 2002b) focuses on control of new eliminated by appropriate management actions and scattered infestations while undertaking (Table 6.1.3). A weed control program should be management of existing heavy infestations. based on river sections and weed control priorities. The control program for African Lovegrass in the ACT Particular management actions related to this includes: objective include: —Continuing to undertake a comprehensive ᔢ spot spraying of isolated plants and patches in the weed control program for riparian areas focused Murrumbidgee River Corridor; on high priority areas and weed species, ᔢ spraying of verges of rural roads; and and following up weed control work with ᔢ a sustainable grazing program in riparian zones in revegetation of native species to reduce rural areas. opportunities for reinvasion and provide habitat. —Revegetating areas close to the rivers with Other important aspects of control are limiting vehicle species adapted to changing riverflows and able movement in infested areas during seeding, vehicle to withstand occasional high velocity flows. cleaning, community and landholder advice, and —Advising lessees and other users of land revegetation aimed at reducing opportunities for adjacent to the riparian zone of the need to reinvasion. minimise fertiliser run-off, which is related also to Willows erosion control. (All willow species except Weeping Willow (Salix —Controlling factors that facilitate weed invasion babylonica var. babylonica) and the hybrids Pussy and reinvasion (e.g. erosion gullies, vehicle use, Willow (S. x calodendron) and S. x reichardtii are recreation). declared pest plants in the ACT). —Evaluating the effectiveness of weed control programs and revising as necessary. Willows are the dominant woody weed species of streambanks and streambeds in the ACT (see s. 2.3.1). —Assessment of the biodiversity outcomes of As well as vegetative reproduction, many willows are weed control activities. now reproducing from seed and by hybridisation. The wide range of weed species occurring in ACT Some species are aggressive colonisers of any riparian zones is discussed in s. 2.3.1. Two particularly suitable substrate and have been favoured by river problematic species/group of species are considered regulation and bank degradation. While they may have here: African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) and value in bank stabilisation, their growth in streambeds, willows (Salix spp.). and tendency to choke channels with growing and fallen trunks that results in channel diversion and bank These are declared pest plants in the ACT in the Pest erosion also has the opposite effect. Willows also have Plants and Animals (Pest Plants) Declaration 2005 (No negative effects on aquatic habitat through leaf fall that 1) made under the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005. can cause de-oxygenation, and growth of root mats African Lovegrass that cover the banks and bottom of streams and This species is highly invasive of riparian areas and is destroy habitat. Generally, the disadvantages of widespread along rural roadsides and in the willows are seen to outweigh their advantages Murrumbidgee River Corridor. Native to southern (Rutherford et al. 1999). Their biology, environmental Africa, African Lovegrass is a variable pasture species effects and potential for future spread are now well with many cultivated forms known as the ‘Eragrostis documented (see Cremer et al. 1995; Cremer 1996; curvula complex’ (Environment ACT 2002b). African Cremer 1999; Lang 1999; Schulze and Walker 1997).
132 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Willows may be considered to have cultural heritage animal management objectives, programs and value but this mainly relates to the widely planted practices are also detailed in management plans for Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica var. babylonica), Public Land areas such as the reserves of the which is not on the ACT declared pest plant list, and Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River Corridors where appropriate, may be retained for heritage or (Environment ACT 1998, 2001b) and Namadgi aesthetic purposes. National Park (ACT P&CS 1986, ACT Government 2005d). An important component of pest animal Willow removal is a costly and difficult task and should control is quick response to new occurrences of be followed by riparian revegetation programs to assist known or potential pest species, when eradication in avoiding new infestations. For best results, a long- may be possible e.g. for Red-eared Slider Turtle term catchment based program is required, (Trachemys scripta elegans) not known to be currently commencing in headwater areas and including follow- established in the ACT. up treatments. In the ACT, extensive problem willow removal has been undertaken along the Naas and ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the impact of Gudgenby rivers, the Molonglo River including pest animals is controlled, reduced or eliminated Molonglo Gorge, the Cotter River between Bendora by appropriate planning and/or management Dam and the Cotter Reservoir, Paddy’s River, and the actions (Table 6.1.3). parts of the Murrumbidgee River as well as —It is an action of this Strategy to maintain pest Jerrabomberra and Woolshed creeks and Canberra animal control programs and report occurrences urban creeks. Advice to landholders on the desirability of known or potential new pest species e.g. of maintaining native riparian vegetation cover and Red-eared Slider Turtle (Table 6.1.3). stable bank conditions, and not planting willow species ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that (a) releases of may be a valuable component of control programs. aquarium and other pest species to streams, and (b) spread and impact of alien fish species is PEST ANIMALS controlled, reduced or eliminated by appropriate Alien fish species and their impact on native species planning and/or management actions (Table 6.1.3). are discussed in s. 4.6, and monitoring and control of —Actions of this Strategy are to: alien fish species is referred to in s. 4.12.6. Broad- scale eradication of established alien species is not (a) Investigate means to reduce (a) the risk of currently possible, and control options are limited releases of aquarium and other pest species because of the potential impact of measures on native to streams and (b) the impacts of already species. Control measures include: established species. (a) Prevention of establishment of new pest species (b) Encourage investigation into control through legislative controls such as adoption of the mechanisms to prevent the spread of National Noxious Fish List recently developed by established pest species (terrestrial the National Ornamental Fish Policy Working vertebrates, alien fish) (Table 6.1.3). Group; (b) Eradication of localised populations (e.g. trout 5.6.7 Habitat Removal: Rocks, Firewood above Gibraltar Falls in the ACT); Rocks, fallen timber and woody debris are important (c) Prevention of spread of established pest fish (e.g. micro-habitat features. The importance of rocks in the potentially using surveillance monitoring; habitat of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard has been consideration of issues in proposed inter-basin discussed in s. 3.3.2. Rocks may also provide water transfers); sheltered habitat niches for plant species. Standing old (d) Enforcement of the ban in the ACT on using live and dead trees and fallen logs and branches are fish as bait. significant faunal habitat. Collection of hardwood for commercial purposes and from areas of Public Land is While eradication of pest animals may be the long- not permitted in the ACT. Under the Nature term goal, this is rarely achievable, and an appropriate Conservation Act 1980, rural lessees may use timber management objective is to undertake control on their properties for firewood but are not permitted programs that reduce undesirable impacts of pest to sell it. Access restrictions mean that firewood animals to an acceptable level. The main terrestrial collection is no longer a significant threat to woodland vertebrate pests in ACT riparian areas are noted in and other tree cover in the ACT. However, there may s. 3.1.3. The ACT approach to vertebrate pest be local habitat effects due to removal of fallen timber management is set out in the ACT Vertebrate Pest by residents in urban areas adjoining reserves, in Management Strategy (ACT Government 2002). Pest campfires and for fire hazard fuel reduction.
133 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Maintenance of rocks, fallen timber and woody debris 5.6.9 Fire is appropriately considered in management plans and The January 2003 bushfires, which burnt 70 per cent other management arrangements and activities for of the ACT, have resulted in substantial planning and riparian areas. land use changes in areas drained by the ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that specific Murrumbidgee, Molonglo and Cotter rivers. recognition is given to habitat protection for the Subsequent to the fires, the Murrumbidgee River and Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella) in land to the west of the river between Tharwa and planning studies for the Molonglo and Kambah Pool has been defined in the Canberra Spatial Murrumbidgee river corridors (Table 6.1.4). Plan (ACT Government 2004b) and the Strategic —It is an action of this Strategy to continue to Bushfire Management Plan for the ACT (ACTESA 2005) develop and promote ‘best practice’ as the western boundary of a Bushfire Abatement management of riparian zones and their Zone to protect urban Canberra. This Zone provides a component species giving particular attention to statutory planning basis to guide land management to the protecting and managing the habitats of reduce fuel loads, and land planning principles, threatened, uncommon and declining species including land use restrictions and performance (Table 6.1.5). measures for fire hazard reduction (Spatial Plan, p. 87). Protection of urban Canberra has therefore become a The following management considerations are priority objective of fire management in the pertinent: Murrumbidgee River Corridor, in addition to those Access control: in particular, limiting vehicle ᔢ objectives set out in the Management Plan for the access and siting walking tracks away from corridor itself (Environment ACT 1998). Fire ecology is important rocky habitat areas. an important ongoing research need, including the ᔢ Alternative fuels: in riverside recreation areas, integration of ecological and protection needs in fuel providing wood for barbecues or gas barbecues. management. The origins, spread and means of ᔢ Education: providing educational materials and/or control of landscape scale wildfires, and levels of fuel signs to advise of the importance of fallen timber management in areas such as land west of the and woody debris for habitat. Murrumbidgee River in the ACT and adjacent land in New South Wales (including Kosciuszko National Park) 5.6.8 Fishing: Law Enforcement are highly contested matters (see, for example, House of Representatives Select Committee into the recent Recreational fishing is Australia’s largest outdoor Australian bushfires 2003; Leaver 2002). participation sport, with about one-fifth of the population participating both nationally and in the ACT Changes in fire regimes in the ACT since European (Henry and Lyle 2003). Fishing in the ACT is governed settlement are discussed in s. 2.3.1. A range of by the Fisheries Act 2000. This legislation details the conservation planning issues related to the January gear types and quantities that may be used for fishing, 2003 bushfires are outlined in s. 5.3 and potential along with bag and size limits for fish species, and impacts on aquatic communities are listed in s. 4.8.1. closed seasons or total prohibitions for particular ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the impact species or water bodies. These fishing controls are and occurrence of inappropriate fire regimes is designed to provide a satisfying and sustainable reduced or eliminated by appropriate planning, recreational experience. The provisions of the Fisheries research and management actions (Table 6.1.3). Act 2000 are largely consistent with the relevant fisheries legislation in NSW and Victoria, to minimise In the medium and longer term, an important potential for confusion amongst anglers. management issue is the recovery of riparian ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that recreational vegetation communities, in particular, the Casuarina fishing in the ACT is managed so as to provide a cunninghamiana Tableland Riparian Woodland and the satisfying and sustainable recreational experience, Callitris endlicheri Tableland Dry Woodland/Open and to protect threatened, uncommon and Forest. Table 6.1 contains specific actions related to declining species (Table 6.1.5). these communities including monitoring of their recovery and review of fire management policies —It is an action of this Strategy to continue to based on that recovery. develop and promote ‘best practice’ management of recreational fishing, giving particular attention to protecting and managing 5.6.10 Environmental Flows threatened, uncommon and declining species, The purpose and importance of environmental flows and promoting consistency in fisheries for the maintenance of aquatic ecosystem structure regulations with NSW (Table 6.1.5). and function, including the survival of threatened and
134 ACT AQUATIC SPECIES AND RIPARIAN ZONE CONSERVATION STRATEGY uncommon species, is discussed in s. 4.12.2, together ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the ecological with a brief outline of the environmental flow guidelines condition and habitat quality of rivers and riparian developed for the ACT. Given the uncertainties in zones in the ACT is maintained or improved by determining environmental flows, an adaptive appropriate rehabilitation activities (Table 6.1.5). management approach is required. This involves preparing guidelines based upon the best available —It is an action of this Strategy to prepare and knowledge at a particular time and reviewing them on keep under review environmental management a regular basis. This approach has been followed in policies and guidelines (e.g. fish stocking, the ACT with the first guidelines (1999) being reviewed environmental flows) that reflect commitment to after a five-year period and revised guidelines active and effective conservation of rivers and prepared (ACT Government 2006a). Given their need riparian areas and conservation management of to integrate environmental, social and economic aquatic ecological resources (Table 6.1.5). considerations and in the context of population growth (Give particular attention to the channel and increasing water needs, environmental flows are maintenance flows to protect habitats for likely to remain an important management issue for threatened, uncommon and declining species.) ACT rivers. —It is an action of this Strategy to investigate and ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that ‘best undertake appropriate rehabilitation activities practice’ management is applied to rivers and (see s. 4.12.3). This may involve streambed, riparian zones in the ACT with particular attention riverbank and wider riparian activities including to the habitat of threatened, uncommon and those of an experimental kind (Table 6.1.5). declining species (Table 6.1.5). —It is an action of this Strategy to prepare and keep under review environmental management 5.6.12 Extractive Industries policies and guidelines (e.g. fish stocking, Historic land management practices or large floods environmental flows) that reflect commitment to have resulted in substantial quantities of sediment active and effective conservation of rivers and being stored in river channels. For example, large riparian areas and conservation management of quantities of sediment stored in the Tharwa–Point Hut aquatic ecological resources (Table 6.1.5). Crossing reach of the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT —For specific actions related to threatened fish are thought to have originated in the catchment species and other aquatic species, see s. 4.12.2. upstream of the ACT as a result of a series of large floods in the mid-late 1800s (AWT and Fluvial Systems 5.6.11 Erosion and Sedimentation 1999). These sediments have been steadily moving Erosion in catchments and the subsequent down the river channel as each minor flood reworks in- sedimentation of aquatic habitats is one of the primary stream deposits. The quantity of sediment involved threats to aquatic fauna and processes. Sedimentation may be too large for conventional land or river smothers feeding, breeding and resting habitats, and management activities to effectively deal with, and so reduces in-stream habitat and substrate diversity (see important aquatic habitats such as pools have been s. 4.4.1). Intact riparian zones can provide significant lost through infilling with sediment. The Murrumbidgee filtering of overland transport of sediments and River Corridor Management Plan (Environment ACT protection from streambank erosion (McKergow et al. 1998) identifies controlled sand and gravel extraction 2002), as well as a number of other ecological as a potential option for rehabilitating the river channel functions. Canberra’s urban lakes and the stormwater to a pool and riffle structure. Such extractive activities system provide significant protection against urban could only be used for habitat rehabilitation purposes. sediment impacting upon downstream ecological A pilot project in the Murrumbidgee River at Tharwa communities. However, large amounts of sediment are identified that there were opportunities for sand and already present in river channels, either as a result of gravel extraction to play a role in habitat enhancement historical catchment management (e.g. Murrumbidgee, programs (Lintermans 2004b). lower Naas, Paddys rivers) or through recent events ᔢ It is an objective of this Strategy that the ecological such as the 2003 bushfires (e.g. Cotter, Orroral and condition and habitat quality of rivers and riparian upper Naas rivers). For most of these rivers, protection zones in the ACT is maintained or improved by of the natural flow regime assists in preventing appropriate rehabilitation activities (Table 6.1.5). accumulation of sediment at any particular location. For the Cotter River, managed releases from —It is an action of this Strategy to investigate and impoundments assist in moving sediment along the undertake appropriate rehabilitation activities. stream channel (see Environmental Flows, s. 4.12.2). This may involve streambed, riverbank and wider
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riparian activities including those of an Scrivener Dam on the Molonglo River creates the experimental kind (Table 6.1.5). largest lake in urban ACT and in common with other —It is an action of this Strategy to investigate urban impoundments, does not have a multi-level off- options for the use of closely monitored take for water releases, which only occur through commercial extractive industries to remove in- overtopping or release through a valve at the base of stream sand and gravel deposits, as part of a the dam. The issue of the poor quality of the water habitat enhancement program (Table 6.1.5). released from the dam has been recognised for some time (NCPA 1995) without resolution. The National Capital Authority is currently reviewing how it meets its 5.6.13 Water Quality Management environmental flow obligations both in Lake Burley The water quality in aquatic habitats is a primary Griffin and the Molonglo River downstream, which consideration for ecosystem function and maintenance include temperature and flow variations to mimic of aquatic life. As noted in s. 4.4.6, reduction in water natural conditions (ACT Government 2005b). quality in the Murray–Darling Basin is due to increased nutrients, turbidity, sedimentation, salinity, artificial This Strategy does not include objectives or actions changes in water temperature, pesticides and other related to water quality, given the existing contaminants (MDBC 2004a). Key factors affecting comprehensive policy framework for water water quality in ACT lakes and rivers are rural land uses management in the ACT including the strategy Think (agriculture and forestry, including the legacy of past water, act water (ACT Government 2004d), legislation rural land use), urban development (including storm (Environmental Protection Act 1997 and Water water runoff), chemical pollution (e.g. hydrocarbons, Resources ACT 1998), planning policies (‘Water Use pesticides), climatic conditions (especially events such and Catchment Policies’ of the Territory Plan), as drought or heavy storm rains), water releases from guidelines and plans (Environmental Flow Guidelines, the lower levels of urban lakes and ponds (cold, Water Resources Management Plan), and ongoing deoxygenated water with excessive nutrient loads), monitoring and reporting (carried out by a range of nutrient enrichment (discharge of treated sewage government agencies and community groups and with effluent, inputs from rural enterprises), endocrine the exception of Lake Burley Griffin (managed by the disruptors (potentially present in sewage discharge (see National Capital Authority) reported in the annual ACT s. 4.4.6)), and catchment wide extreme events such as Water Report e.g. ACT Government 2004e). the January 2003 bushfires. The approach taken to protect water quality in the ACT 5.7 draws upon the framework established by the National Water Quality Management Strategy (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000) with catchment specific Management Agreements and management policies aimed at achieving defined Networks environmental and social objectives. The ACT strategy for sustainable water use is set out in Think water, act 5.7.1 ACT Land Keepers Program water (ACT Government 2004d), which contains Living Environment is an ACT Government and specific actions in relation to the issues raised (Volume community partnership with the Natural Heritage Trust 1). Regular water quality monitoring programs have (Australian Government) with respect to funding been undertaken in the ACT since 1969 enabling an programs to address priority issues relating to analysis of trends (Australian Department of biodiversity, water quality and flow, soil health, salinity Construction et al. 1978). The results of the annual and the capacity of the community to address these water quality monitoring program, including the issues. Delivery of part of this program is through the macroinvertebrate component, are contained in an ACT Land Keepers program, a partnership between annual ACT Water Report (ACT Government 2004f). Environment and Recreation and Greening Australia Continued growth of the Canberra and regional (ACT and SE NSW). This program has four components: population, and related urban, commercial and infrastructure development, will place ongoing (a) VegLink: on-ground activities in native vegetation pressures on the maintenance of water quality in lakes protection and enhancement. and streams, even with the mitigation of these impacts (b) Biodiversity Incentives: on-ground conservation by well designed sediment and pollution control work on rural and non-urban land. structures and legislation. In those areas burnt the January 2003 bushfires, water quality is likely to be (c) Greening Industry: on-ground conservation work adversely affected for many years (ACT SOE 2003b). with agricultural and horticultural enterprises; and
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(d) ACT River Rescue: implementing riparian habitat The principal objective of LMAs is to establish recovery along priority streams in the ACT to management practices on leases that support the land address biodiversity and water quality. management aims of both the lessee and the ACT Government. This involves agreement on general Projects targeting riparian habitat priorities include management goals and responsibilities; sites in the Ginninderra, Molonglo and Southern ACT documentation of the current state of the property Catchments. Activities include: (including nature conservation, cultural heritage or —fencing off creeks to allow (a) erosion control in other significant values); and identification of land major gullies and other soil conservation works, management issues and the means for their resolution. (b) protection of remnant vegetation, and Environment and Recreation provides environmental (c) to facilitate control of grazing stock; information to lessees, drawing attention to —revegetation projects that supplement remnant conservation issues, in particular, presence of, or native vegetation and help restore ecological habitat for, threatened species and ecological connectivity across the landscape; and communities. LMAs also address uncontrolled grazing and the fencing of riparian areas. —weed control, particularly of willows and weeds of national significance. Lessees are required to address the following objectives in the LMA within a framework of Each of these categories of projects contributes to sustainable agricultural and pastoral land use restoration of riparian function and potentially the practices: quality of river environments and the water that flows through them. They form some of the essential ᔢ Retain or improve the ecological functioning and on-ground works that will be needed over many years integrity of the natural and modified resources of to implement the actions outlined in the Strategy the leased area. (s. 6.2 and s. 6.5). ᔢ Preserve the extent and character of any The ACT Minister for the Environment and the threatened ecological community or population of Australian Ministers for Environment and Heritage and a threatened species. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry approve projects ᔢ Pursue all development and management of the funded through the Land Keepers program. Priorities land in a way that is consistent with any Action and strategic targets are set out in the ACT Natural Plan for a threatened species or ecological Resource Management Plan 2004–2014 (ACT NRM community. Board 2004) (see s. 6.3). This Strategy will be one of ᔢ Manage vegetation identified in the LMA as many sources that inform the Natural Resource being of significant conservation value, with the Management Plan, through regular reviews of both the aim of maintaining its structure, floristics and Plan and its investment program. habitat value. Many ACT community groups are involved in ᔢ Ensure that any activities do not adversely impact conservation activities related to riparian areas. This on riparian or other wetland areas. Strategy supports the work of such groups (Table 6.1.5, s.6.5.1). Land Management Agreements also provide for Land Action Plans to be prepared for a range of issues, 5.7.2 Land Management Agreements including drought risk management, pest plants and animals, sites of significant natural or cultural heritage Land Management Agreements provide a basis for value, maintenance of water quality, and protection of co-operative land management between lessees of riparian zones and other native vegetation. Lessees rural land in the Australian Capital Territory and ACT are required to ensure that a flexible grazing strategy is Government agencies responsible for managing rural in place designed to achieve conservation objectives. and non-urban land in the Territory. A Land Management Agreement (LMA) is required under the A review of each Land Management Agreement is Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 (section required every five years or on the re-issuing, variation 186c) for all non-urban leases in the ACT and is or transfer of the lease or on the written request of the linked to the granting of a long-term lease (20 and Lessee or the Territory, whichever occurs first. If 99 years). LMAs are in place for the majority of existing management practices are retained and there leases in riparian zones. Some land in the is no adverse impact on the environment over this Gudgenby–Naas catchment is held under agistment period, no changes to the Agreement will be required. for which LMAs do not apply.
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