Gold Creek Recreation Management Discussion Paper

October 2013

Contents

Background ...... 3

Overview of Dam ...... 6 Cultural Heritage ...... 7 Commercial Development ...... 7 Trespassing ...... 7

Areas of Discussion ...... 8 Swimming ...... 8 Picnicking ...... 8 Playgrounds ...... 9 Camping ...... 9 Motorised Watercraft ...... 10 Non- Motorised Watercraft ...... 10 Fishing ...... 11 Recreation Trails ...... 11 Dogs ...... 12 Site Access...... 12 Opening Hours ...... 13 Environment ...... 13

Have Your Say ...... 15

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Background

Seqwater manages access to recreation opportunities whilst protecting natural resources and water quality.

Our objective with this review is to listen and learn about what recreational opportunities you would like to see in and around the Lakes, and within our constraints will deliver a plan based on this feedback.

Recreation on lakes and land must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the core role of these assets –providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply for our growing region . The draft State Planning Policy (released by the Government on 15 April 2013) acknowledges that there are opportunities to use and lakes for recreational uses on the proviso that those activities are carefully considered so as not to affect the primary use of the water storage assets. The operational requirements of Seqwater’s business will always override any recreational use. All opportunities identified as part of this recreation review must not impact on Seqwater’s regulatory obligations. This is particularly important in regard to water quality and the potential risks to water supply. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are not only limited by available space, but also by the other values and uses that exist for our sites. Seqwater’s Recreation Management Framework recognises recreation in natural areas as a legitimate use, however not all activities can be provided at every site, nor is it desirable to do so. The purpose of this paper is to open up discussion on the opportunities relating to the management and allocation of recreation facilities at , keeping within the key principles of the Recreation Management Framework. The paper includes a number of discussion points. These points are not intended to be recommendations, merely a starting point to open the discussion process. For this review to be successful, it is important that the views of all interested parties are heard and understood. We strongly encourage you to have your say. Gold Creek Dam is being reviewed in conjunction with Enoggera and Lake Manchester. Managing these sites in a local cluster group provides the opportunity to cater for differing experiences and settings, assisting to meet the key management principle of Diversity. This paper provides information on: • Existing recreational facilities • Areas for further discussion • Summary of past feedback provided to Seqwater

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The Recreational Review Process

To deliver safe, secure, resilient and reliable water supplies at least cost to its customers.

Recreation Management Framework

Our Objective: Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality.

Key Recreation Management Principles Water Quality Environmental Diversity Asset a nd Sustainable External Financial Sustainability Land Recreation Engagement Management Management

Recreation Review Discussion Paper

Land Based Water Based Operational Environmental Activities Activities Considerations Considerations

Community Consultation Activities Survey Information Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Session

Review Considerations

Community Financial Operational Recreation Wide Benefits Consideration Imperatives Opportunities

Final Site Management Plan

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Summary of Activities and Feedback

Activity Existi ng Community Feedback Swimming No No identified issues

Picnicking No No identified issues

Playgrounds No No identified issues

Camping No No identified issues

Motorised No No identified issues Watercraft

Non -Motorised No No identified issues Watercraft

Fishing No No identified issues

Trails Yes No identified issues

Dogs No No identified issues

Site Access No identified issues

Opening Hours No identified issues

Trespass No identified issues

Note –Visitor surveys have not been undertaken for Gold Creek. The issues highlighted in this discussion paper are based on feedback provided to Seqwater staff.

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Overview of Gold Creek Dam

Gold Creek Dam is located west of . The dam was constructed in 1885 and was built to supplement . The lake is very small with a catchment area of just 10.5 km 2 and holds 801 megalitres of water at full supply.

Gold Creek currently has no on-water access but has walking trails around the lake which link into trails within the adjacent national park.

Recreation Usage

Historically, access for on-water recreation has not been allowed at the lake primarily due to difficulties regarding suitable access to the water.

The most frequent activities undertaken at Gold Creek are walking and bird watching.

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Cultural Heritage

Seqwater will work with the Aboriginal Parties for the area to determine their aspirations with regard to recreation activities at Gold Creek, including the establishment of any heritage trails or interpretive signage or other materials, and the impacts of any new infrastructure on Indigenous cultural heritage and how these can be mitigated if necessary. Seqwater will also work with any local historical societies with regard to the same aspects for historical cultural heritage. Commercial Development

Regular requests to use the lakes and their catchments are received by Seqwater from businesses, individuals, community organisations, and other groups. These requests are for either one-off events (e.g. weddings) or for new activities to be approved at the lake. Each request is processed by Seqwater so that the risks and impacts are assessed and managed.

Seqwater’s primary objective in its management of recreation is to manage access to recreation opportunities for the public . It is, however, recognised that commercial operators can play a role in supporting visitor needs and increasing the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of our natural areas.

Seqwater has developed a Commercial Activities Policy which outlines the process and requirements for any commercial use of sites. Where sites are used either temporarily or more permanently for commercial purposes, a commercial fee will be applied.

While this review did not highlight any potential sites suitable for commercial use, proposals from interested parties are welcomed.

Trespassing

There have been no identified issues.

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Areas of Discussion

Swimming

Discussion Point:

Should a designated swimming area be established?

Background and Considerations Swimming is only a permitted activity at sites that have a designated swimming area for public safety reasons. Currently there is no designated swimming area at Gold Creek.

Considerations Constraints ó Nil ó Water quality testing is required to ensure public health standards are met. ó Limited suitable access

Picnicking

Discussion Point:

Should the establishment of picnic facilities at Gold Creek be a

priority?

Background and Considerations There are currently no picnic facilities located at Gold Creek.

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Considerations Constraints • Nil • Limited suitable areas • Funding and maintenance costs

Playgrounds

Discussion Point:

Do you consider the installation of playground equipment at a designated picnic area to be a priority?

Background and Considerations There is no picnic area at Gold Creek and as such there is no playground equipment on site.

Considerations Constraints • Nil • Funding and maintenance costs

Camping

Discussion Point:

Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial?

Background and Considerations There is currently no camping area at Gold Creek.

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Considerations Constraints • Nil • Limited suitable sites • Funding and maintenance costs

Motorised Watercraft Background and Considerations The lake at Gold Creek dam is a very small lake and would not be suitable for open public access for motorised watercraft due to public safety concerns. In addition it has limited scope for suitable access points. It has historically not been open to public watercraft due to these constraints.

Non-Motorised Watercraft

Discussion Point:

Should Gold Creek be opened up to non-motorised watercraft?

Discussion Point:

Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities? Background and Considerations

Gold Creek has limited scope for suitable access points and historically not been open to public watercraft due to its size and access constraints.

Considerations Constraints • A Boating Permit Scheme already • Limited access points to the lake exists at Lakes Somerset and • Size of the lake Wivenhoe. • One permit could provide access

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to all Seqwater lakes • Database of permit holders would allow targeted communications regarding sites to be easily done and also aid education

Fishing

Discussion Point:

Should Gold Creek be opened to fishing?

Background and Considerations Gold Creek has limited scope for suitable access points and historically not been open to fishing and watercraft due to access constraints. The lake is not stocked with fish.

Considerations Constraints ó Nil ó Limited access to the lake.

Recreation Trails

Discussion Point:

Do you find the available trails to be satisfactory?

Background and Considerations There are walking trails around the lake at Gold Creek which connect into trails within the adjacent national park. The trail immediately around the lake is restricted to walkers, but there are multi-use trails that can be utilised by horse riders and

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mountain bike riders within the adjacent National Park.

Considerations Constraints • Nil • Funding and maintenance costs

Dogs

Discussion Point:

Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Gold Creek?

Background and Considerations Currently no domestic pets are permitted at Gold Creek.

Considerations Constrain ts • The natural areas around Gold Creek ó Increased management costs are home to an abundance of native wildlife and many areas provide important koala habitat • Dogs can impact visitor amenity and public safety if they are not controlled by all owners

Site Access

Discussion Point:

Does access to Gold Creek need to be improved?

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Background and Considerations Opportunities for the provision of access points around Gold Creek are limited.

Considerations Constraints • Nil • Limited suitable sites

Opening Hours

Discussion Point:

Should opening hours for summer months and winter months be adjusted to more closely correspond to daylight hours? For example:

October – March 5.30am – 6.30pm April – September 6.30am – 5.30pm

Background and Considerations Access to all Seqwater sites, including on-water access, is currently permitted between 6am – 6pm. The only exception to this is camping at a designated campground or if a permit expressly provides permission.

Considerations Constraints • Nil • Opening hours need to be consistent across all sites

Environment

Discussion Point:

Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Gold Creek?

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Background and Considerations • Many of the natural areas in and around Gold Creek provide habitat to an abundance of native flora and fauna

Considerations Constraints • Nil • Nil

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Have Your Say

We are undertaking a Recreation Review to listen and learn about the recreational opportunities the community would like to see in and around the lakes and, within defined constraints, deliver a suite of management plans based on this feedback.

You can have your say on the recreational activities specific to this paper in the following ways: Website All details of the recreational review process are available online at www.yourseqwater.com.au . Please visit the website for regular updates. Phone Should you need to know any further information or clarification on this paper please contact us on 1800 771 497 or [email protected]. Survey An online survey is available at our website www.yourseqwater.com.au . Simply click on the survey online and follow the prompts to select the area of your choice. Information Sessions Seqwater will be advertising information sessions where you can ask questions or get additional information on the review process.

Details of the information sessions can be located online at www.yourseqwater.com.au and the sessions will also be advertised in local newspapers. Workshop Nominate yourself to attend the following workshops. Details of the workshops are on our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. The content of the two workshops is sequential and therefore only attendees of the first workshop will be attending the second workshop: 1. Round 1 Workshop: Have your say 2. Round 2 Workshop: Feedback so far

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Appendix A: Table of Discussion Points Activity Discussion Points Swimming Should a designated swimming area be established?

Picnicking Should the establishment of picnic facilities at Gold Creek be a priority?

Playgrounds Do you consider the installation of playground equipment at a designated picnic area to be a priority?

Camping Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial?

Motorised Watercraft

Non -Motorised Should Gold Creek Dam be open to non-motorised watercraft? Watercraft Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities? Fishing Should Gold Creek be opened to fishing?

Trails Do you find the available trails to be satisfactory?

Dogs Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Gold Creek?

Site Access Does access to Gold Creek need to be improved?

Opening Hours Should all sites operate under different opening hours for summer months and winter months to more closely correspond to daylight hours eg: October-March 5.30am-6.30pm April – September 6.30am-5.30pm

Environment Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Gold Creek?

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