Scenic Rim Draft LG Report Date: Last Updated 11 November 2014 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan: Scenic Rim

Item: Scenic Rim Draft LG Report Date: Last updated 11 November 2014 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan: Scenic Rim

How can the SEQ NRM Plan support the Community’s Vision for the future of Scenic Rim?

Supporting Document no. 7 for the 2014 Update of the SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan.

Note regards State Government Planning Policy:

The Queensland Government is currently undertaking a review of the SEQ Regional Plan 2009. Whilst this review has yet to be finalised, the government has made it clear that the “new generation” statutory regional plans focus on the particular State Planning Policy issues that require a regionally-specific policy direction for each region. This quite focused approach to statutory regional plans compares to the broader content in previous (and the current) SEQ Regional Plan.

The SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan has therefore been prepared to be consistent with the State Planning Policy.

Disclaimer:

This information or data is provided by SEQ Catchments Limited on behalf of the Project Reference Group for the 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan. You should seek specific or appropriate advice in relation to this information or data before taking any action based on its contents. So far as permitted by law, SEQ Catchments Limited makes no warranty in relation to this information or data.

Table of Contents

The Scenic Rim ...... 1 Part A: Achieving the community’s vision for the Scenic Rim ...... 1 Queensland Plan – South East Queensland Themes ...... 1 Regional Development Australia - Ipswich and West Moreton ...... 1 Services needed from Natural Assets to achieve the Visions and Goals ...... 2 Natural Assets depend on the biodiversity of Scenic Rim...... 2 Local Actions to Strengthen the Region ...... 3 Natural Assets are important for the economy...... 5 Natural Assets that provide these Benefits ...... 6 Habitable Climate (Lifestyle)...... 6 Knowledge Systems ...... 6 Recreation ...... 6 Transport Infrastructure - Waterways ...... 6 Buffering against Extremes ...... 7 Reduce Pests and Disease ...... 7 Therapeutic Landscapes - Scenic Amenity...... 7 Arable Land - Food ...... 7 Water Quality ...... 7 Sense of Place - Inspiration ...... 8 Noise Abatement - Barrier Effect of Vegetation...... 8 Part B: What has changed in the last 10 yrs that might affect the Community’s Vision? ...... 8 Land use change (1999 -2012) ...... 8 Change in the area of Bushland (NC 1) ...... 9 Bushland Corridors (NC 2) ...... 9 Change in water quality flowing into oceans and Moreton Bay (W6) ...... 9 Wetlands (NC3) ...... 10 Positive Action ...... 10 Part C: What might happen in the future? ...... 11 Land use change (NC1) ...... 11 Salinity Risk (L1) ...... 11 Water Quality (W6)...... 11 Key Resource Areas (L9) ...... 12 Erosion Risk (L6) ...... 12 Potential for Future Extreme Events ...... 12 Recent extreme weather events ...... 13 The Millennium Drought ...... 13 iii

The Flood of 2011 ...... 13 The Flood of 2013 ...... 13 Is the Community and Economy prepared for future extreme events? ...... 14 Part D: A future scenario for the Scenic Rim to 2031 ...... 15 Scenic Rim SEQ NRM Plan - Summary ...... 17 Appendix A: Scenic Rim Roundtable - Record of community input ...... 19 Appendix B: Explanation of data used in the Maps ...... 25

The Scenic Rim Queensland Plan – South East The Logan and Albert Rivers Catchments cover Queensland Themes2 2 3862 km . The headwaters lie on the crest of the In addition to this vision the following goals have Border Ranges and are bound by the McPherson been identified by the community through the Ranges to the east along the Border Ranges linking Queensland Plan: to the Main Range in the west. Headwater 1. Community cohesion streams pass over waterfalls through sub tropical 2. Strengthen Queensland’s economy rainforests to the fertile valleys below. The creeks 3. Foster community health and well-being and rivers meander along the valley floors to form 4. Balance economic priority with the environment the Logan and Albert Rivers that later join 5. Strengthen our regions together to flow into lagoons, tidal wetlands and eventually enter Moreton Bay. This Action Plan aims to support the achievement The Upper Catchments incorporate Lamington, Mt of the community visions and Queensland Plan Barney and Main Range National Parks. goals.

The diversity of flora and fauna in the Regional Development Australia - catchments is largely reflected in its vegetation Ipswich and West Moreton groups including montane heath, rainforests, Each of the 55 RDAs across Australia have wet and dry eucalypt forests, vine scrubs, developed a Regional Roadmap as a strategic freshwater and tidal wetlands. The fertile alluvial planning document. flats are utilised for grazing, intensive agriculture RDA Ipswich and West Moreton’s Roadmap is a such as dairy and poultry production, and horse living document which is updated on a regular industries. Other land uses in the area include basis reflecting regular engagement with all key lifestyle blocks, urban development, industry stakeholders, including Australian, Queensland and regional transport corridors. Natural areas and Local Government, business, non-profit include the National Parks of Mount Tamborine, organisations, community organisations, and the Mt Barney, Moogerah Peaks, Main Range and general community. Lamington Plateau, and numerous council- owned reserves and conservation areas. 5 Priority Areas in the Roadmap are recognised and supported where appropriate by the SEQ Key industries that rely on these natural assets NRM Plan: include Agriculture/Horticulture, Tourism, Recreation, Water Supply and Health. These 1. Encourage a Shift in the Region’s 1 industries are worth over $564M to the local Employment Profile Towards more economy per year. Professional and Technical Jobs Employing People with a Higher Level of Qualifications and Skills Part A: Achieving the community’s 2. Support industries and services for vision for the Scenic Rim growth in Defence and Aeronautical The Scenic Rim Community Plan was developed Industry by the community, industry and government and 3. Enhance food and agricultural has the following vision: productivity in the Region 4. Value the Region’s Ecosystem Services By 2026, Scenic Rim will be a network of unique 5. Enhance the regional community’s social rural communities embedded in a productive and development opportunities.3 sustainable landscape

2 www.queenslandplan.qld.gov.au/visions/

1 Scenic Rim Economic Brief, 2013, January 2014 3 www.rda.gov.au/regions/ipswich-and-west-moreton 1

Services needed from Natural Assets  Noise Abatement to achieve the Visions and Goals Natural Assets depend on the

Some components of these visions will rely solely biodiversity of Scenic Rim. on human-made infrastructure, goods and services (e.g. telecommunications, roads, Biodiversity is an important foundation for the schools, hospitals etc); as well as social networks services and the health of ecosystems as it and services (e.g. family relations, community increases their resilience to shocks and change services, employment and childcare (for example fires or floods). opportunities). Biodiversity supports the processes that provide However, an ‘ecosystem services approach’ the benefits to humans. provides the means for directly assessing the Maintaining biodiversity is therefore the key to contribution of natural assets, goods and services to the well-being and prosperity of communities. human wellbeing and economic prosperity. The goods and services provided by natural (and The Logan and Albert Rivers Catchments are semi-natural) ecosystems that benefit, sustain home to World Heritage listed Gondwana and support the well-being of people are Rainforests. Gondwana Rainforests are so-called generally termed ‘ecosystem services’. They because of fossil records indicating that when include the production of food and medicines, Gondwana, the southern precursor of the ancient the regulation of climate and disease, provision supercontinent existed, they were covered by of productive soils and clean water, and rainforests with the same kinds of species that opportunities for recreation and spiritual benefits can still be found today. These forests were (to name a few). selected for their exceptional biodiversity or The aim of this Plan is to identify priority areas rarity and extremely high conservation value for action and investment, which are supported providing habitat for more than 200 rare or by the policies, programs, and the planning threatened plant and animal species, including scheme to maintain and enhance the delivery of 2000 year old Antarctic Beech Trees. goods and services to the community. Key areas of biodiversity in Scenic Rim include Applying the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area identifies the following services needed from National parks namely Lamington, Mt Chinghee, natural assets to achieve the community visions Mt Barney and Main Range National Parks; other and Queensland Plan goals:4 National Parks including Moogerah Peaks (Mt  Habitable Climate French) and Tamborine; Conservation Parks -  Knowledge Systems (Education) Flinders Peak Conservation Park and Knapp Creek  Recreational Opportunities Conservation Park; Council Reserves - some of  Transport Infrastructure these reserves include Denham Scenic Reserve,  Buffering Against Extremes Sandy Creek Reserve, Tamborine Escarpment  Reduced Pests and Disease Reserve and Nindooinbah Reserve.  Therapeutic Landscapes Wetlands include 272 wetlands covering 10 square  Arable Land kilometres.  Food Products  Water Quality Waterways includes the headwaters of the Logan River  Sense of Place and the Albert River’s two main tributaries and other  Aesthetic Values flowing creeks and water bodies including Maroon Dam,  Inspiration Lake Moogerah, Wyaralong Dam and Cedar Grove Weir. This area also includes the Upper Bremer River 4The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework was developed by catchment and creeks. State and Local Governments, Community and Industry www.ecosystemservicesseq.com 2

Open Space Areas includes National, Regional and urban  the majority of SEQ is managed by private parks, council reserves, large dams and rural areas, etc. landholders; and  there is a past history of landscape Farmland includes the fertile creek flats that are used for management that continues to influence the agriculture, grazing, dairy and poultry, turf and horse ability to meet targets. industries. Local Actions to Strengthen the This Report illustrates the important role natural Region assets play in achieving government, community and industry social, economic and environmental The SEQ NRM Plan 2009-2031 established a visions. Local action will contribute to achieving minimum level of outcomes that the region must the regional NRM Plan targets. Local actions for achieve to maintain and enhance the ability of regional outcomes will enhance the resilience of our natural assets to support the wellbeing and the region to sudden extreme events and longer prosperity of the community. term changes in climate. The NRM Plan targets were agreed to by State and Local government, the community, industry groups and Traditional Owners based on the best advice and information available from scientists, academics and the community. The Plan was endorsed by the Australian Government.

The targets are a measure of the minimum outcome needed to ensure that natural assets can continue to provide benefits into the future. These outcomes, thresholds or tipping points are recognised by science as the point at which landscapes are unable to recover from a shock or change. This can result in natural assets losing the ability to provide services critical for the economy and wellbeing of the region.

Landscapes will change further to accommodate growth and also to respond to a changing climate. The 2014 Update of the SEQ NRM Plan is based on up to date science and also factors in all known development, future land use change and projected climate change impacts.

The Update also takes into consideration trends in current performance towards achieving the targets. These trends are presented in the South East Queensland Natural Assets Status Report: Interim Evaluation of progress against the 2009- 2031 South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan Targets, June 2014 (Document no. 1).

Therefore, in terms of adapting to future changes, the Update takes particular note that:

 the landscapes of SEQ will continue to change due to human activity;

Areas in green, blue and purple hatched (farmland) provide high (not all) levels of services important to achieve the Vision as identified by the community through the Scenic Rim Community Plan. 5

5 Maynard, S., Ellis, C., and Davidson, A. (2013) A natural asset approach to achieving the community’s vision: integrating Local Government Community Plans and the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework - Methodology and Case Study, SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. 4

Natural Assets are important for the economy The Scenic Rim has an economy heavily dependent on agriculture (Figure 1). This can make the economy and therefore society vulnerable to economic changes or shocks from extreme weather events etc.

The following section explores the role that natural assets and biodiversity play in the lifestyle and wellbeing of the Scenic Rim and opportunities to strengthen and diversify the economy through the management and enhancement of natural assets.

Scenic Rim Industry Value Added 2011/12 250

200

150

100

Figure 3 Scenic Rim Industry Value Added 2011/126

6 Scenic Rim Economic Brief, 2013, January 2014, http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/documents/717563/11096352/Scenic%20Rim%20Economic%20Brief%20December%202013.pdf

Natural Assets that provide these provides $ 96M per annum to the local economy. Benefits Professional, scientific and technical services The benefits required for the Scenic Rim Vision Natural assets provide the settings and lifestyles are provided from a range of natural assets as that attract professionals and inspire innovation. listed throughout this section. The key natural Professional, scientific and technical services assets that helps to provide the benefit is listed contribute $56M per annum to the local below. The NRM Plan Target that measures this economy. natural asset appears in brackets. The importance of each benefit to the economy and Recreation community of the Scenic Rim is also presented. Key natural assets that provide this benefit: This can provide important information for  Bushland (NC 1) prioritising action and investment.  Wetlands (NC3)

 Outdoor Recreation Areas (RLA) Habitable Climate (Lifestyle)  Waterways (W6) Key natural assets that provide this benefit:  Bushland (NC1) Key Industries that benefit:  Coastal Assets (CM1-3) Tourism  Wetlands (NC3) The Tourism industry contributes $ 65M per  Waterways (W6) annum to the local economy.

Key industries that benefit: On a regional scale, not achieving the targets for Health and Outdoor Recreation natural assets in this action plan could result in an $8 billion reduction in turnover in SEQ tourism to A habitable climate is the key to the economy and 8 lifestyle of the area. A habitable climate provides 2031 . water and heat to maintain life and produces food for animals and humans. It promotes Transport Infrastructure - Waterways community cohesion and mental and physical Key natural assets that provide this benefit: health by providing comfortable conditions  Waterways (W6) favourable for outdoor activities for the majority of the year in SEQ. Key Industries that benefit:

Tourism and Fishing Even a modest 2% decline in outdoor recreation Annual total expenditure by SEQ resident anglers participation rates by SEQ residents could result is approximately $194.2 million. in a $200 million decline in expenditure per annum.7 An estimated 475,000 people in SEQ participate

in recreational fishing each year (a participation Knowledge Systems rate of 22.6%). Key natural assets that provide this benefit:  Bushland (NC1)  Waterways (W6) Shipping and Boating Keeping waterways free of sediment enables  Farmland (L2) commercial and recreational vessels to navigate

safely to access key fisheries. Key industries that benefit:

Education On a regional scale the Port of Brisbane removes Natural assets attract students and educators to 3 SEQ while also providing unique experiences to approximately 300,000m of dredge material interact with natural systems as part of the annually to keep shipping lanes open (this is an learning experience. Education and training

8 Marsden Jacobs and Assoc. (2010) Managing What 7 Marsden and Jacobs (2010) Managing What Matters Matters SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. 6

average amount and can fluctuate significantly depending on weather).9 This is a significant cost Integrated Pest Management refers to the role but is required to keep $2.8billion of trade that landscapes, non-crop habitat, windbreaks coming through the Port every month.10 Well and other lands play in shielding crops and other managed farmland and bushland decreases soil vegetated areas from disease spores which erosion that contributes sediment to the dredge contributes to a more pest and disease resistant landscape. material.

Buffering against Extremes Non-crop habitats provide food and shelter for Key natural assets that provide this benefit: beneficial insects which are a key part of  Farmland (L2) integrated pest management and a reduction in the use of expensive pesticides.  Bushland (NC1)  Waterways(W6) Therapeutic Landscapes - Scenic Amenity  Wetlands (NC3) Key natural assets that provide this benefit:  Farmland (L2) The role that natural assets play in protecting  Bushland (NC1) houses was proven in Cyclone Tracy where newer  Wetlands (NC3) suburbs suffered more damage. This was directly  Waterways (W6) attributed to protection by mature vegetation in Key Industry that benefits: older suburbs.11 Human Health

It has been estimated that maintaining these It is also well documented that floodplains can areas will save at a minimum $10 million in health provide a cost-effective alternative or 14 costs for SEQ (to 2031). supplement to structural mitigation approaches with additional ecosystem service and ecological Arable Land - Food 12 benefits. Key natural asset that provides this benefit:  Farmland (L2) Studies have also shown that during large floods, natural flood storage can reduce peak discharge Key Industries that benefit: by 64 per cent with an estimated net social Agriculture 13 benefit value of US$500 million. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry contribute $228M per annum to the local economy. Reduce Pests and Disease

Key natural assets that provide this benefit: On a regional scale the $1.2 billion primary  Bushland (NC1) production industry will suffer productivity and  Farmland (L2) profitability if the area of farmland decreases or  Wetlands (NC3) are not maintained in good condition.  Waterways (W6) The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry represents the largest employer in the Scenic Rim 9 Port of Brisbane (2014) region, with a total of 1,427 people employed or 13.7% of the region’s working population. 10 Port of Brisbane (2014) http://www.portbris.com.au/trade-logistics/trade- Water Quality statistics Key natural assets that provide this benefit:

11 Cameron, D. M., Rance, S. J., & Lukitsch, P. J. (1983). Tree  Farmland (L2) damage in Darwin parks and gardens during cyclones Tracy  Bushland (NC1) and Max. Landscape Planning 10(2): 89–108.  Wetlands (NC3) 12 Department of Environment and Heritage Protection  Waterways (W6) (2012) Natural assets for flood and cyclone resilience: Queensland Government, Brisbane. 13 Hey, D., Kostel, J. & Montgomery, D. (2009). An ecological Key Industries that benefit: solution to the flood damage problem. In R. E. Criss & T. M. Kusky (Eds.). Finding the balance between Floods, Flood 14 Marsden and Jacobs (2010) Managing What Matters SEQ Protection, and River Navigation. Saint Louis: Saint Louis Catchments, Brisbane. (2010) University, Center for Environmental Sciences. 7

Public Health: Part B: What has changed in the Water quality is the key to human health, and last 10 yrs that might affect the community and social cohesion. Community’s Vision? Water Supply The following section is based on information Natural assets clean water up to provide us with from the SEQ Natural Assets Status Report – a good water quality for drinking, agriculture, report describing progress towards achieving the industry and plants and animals. This can SEQ NRM Plan targets.16 represent substantial savings in water treatment costs eg. the cost of removing one kg of nitrogen Land use change (1999 -2012) through a sewerage treatment plant is $242 but if Land use change over time can influence the we have natural assets clean the water it costs condition and extent of natural assets. $14.50. An increase in the area of rural living and urban Sense of Place - Inspiration residential can signal a more intensive land use requiring careful management in order to Key natural assets that provide this benefit: maintain natural assets for the benefits they  Bushland (NC1) provide to the local and regional economy.  Wetlands (NC3)  Waterways (W6) The major land use changes in the Logan/Albert  Outdoor recreation (RLA2) catchments between 1999-2012 are as follows:17  Farmland (L1) Grazing native vegetation – 4,686 ha changed to Arts and recreation accounts for $13M 15of the (percentage of this area that changed to this new local economy and is closely linked to tourism as use shown in brackets): well as mental health and community cohesion.  Irrigated cropping (11%)  Reservoir/dam (26%) Noise Abatement - Barrier Effect of  Rural living (16%) Vegetation  Rural residential (13%) Key natural assets that provide this benefit:  Farmland (L2) Irrigated cropping – 1,505ha changed to:  Bushland (NC1)  Grazing native vegetation (71%)  Wetlands (NC3)  Irrigated modified pastures (19%)  Waterways (W6) Irrigated modified pastures - 533 ha changed to: Key Industry:  Grazing native vegetation (27 %) Health As development occurs in the region and diverse Production forestry - 496ha changed to: land uses come in contact with each other noise  National Park (100 %) can become an issue. Impacts from noise Residual native cover - 610 ha changed to pollution can include sleep disturbance,  Managed resource protection (49 %) cardiovascular disease and reduced mental wellbeing. Plants, acting in concert with other These changes suggest some intensification of natural systems, absorb, scatter and diffuse land use and potential impacts on the extent and sound reducing noise as it bounces off hard condition of natural assets. Land was also lost to paving and reflective building surfaces. Again on Wyaralong Dam as part of the drought proofing the landscape scale, large patches of vegetation mechanisms prompted by the Millennium can reduce noise pollution. Drought.

16 2014 Update SEQ NRM Plan (2014) SEQ Natural Assets Status Report, Project Reference Group, Brisbane. 17 DSITIA. 2014, Land use Summary: South East Queensland NRM Region, Department of Science, Information 15 OESR, 2012, January 2014, Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland http://statistics.oesr.qld.gov.au/qld-regional-profiles Government. 8

Change in the area of Bushland (NC 1) The SEQ Region lost 10,477 ha between 2001- 2009. Freshwater:

18 The Scenic Rim area lost 401ha of bushland Freshwater Logan between 2001-2009 leaving 29.2% of the area Albert covered in bush. The bushland cover target for Scenic Rim by 2031 is 29.3% (which is 15.1% of the total SEQ bushland cover).

The area has also lost 1,895ha of Non-Remnant Woody vegetation since 2001.

Bushland Corridors (NC 2)

2010 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 Scenic Rim has six large regional bushland 2001 corridors (greater than 5000ha) including Mt Barney, Lamington and Main Range. These large corridors remain intact but have lost 50ha of Estuaries: bushland. Other large bushland areas (500- 5000ha) in Scenic Rim have lost 141ha of bushland. From these corridors, some of the loss A is fragmentation into smaller areas (1-20ha). Further fragmentation should be avoided and B other significant areas of bushland joined up to C the larger areas where possible. D Change in water quality flowing into oceans F and Moreton Bay (W6) Water quality is a key service required from Estuaries Logan natural assets to achieve the community’s vision Albert for Scenic Rim. The Healthy Waterways Report Card has tracked trends in water quality across

the region since 2002 as below.

2002 2006 2010 2000 2001 2003 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013

18 Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (2014) Land cover change in the South East Queensland Catchments Natural Resource Management region 2010–11. Queensland Government, Brisbane. 9

Wetlands (NC3) meetings, weed control sites There are 54 square kilometres of wetlands in the identified, workshop scheduled – Scenic Rim. These wetlands provide benefits that • QNRM workshop and launch of soils are important for the achievement of the and grazing workshop series: community’s vision for the society and economy introduction to "Soils In Action" dairy of the Scenic Rim. All future land use change type of workshops for broader should take into account the value of these grazing community wetlands. Scenic Rim Regional Council has a number of Positive Action programs that the SEQ NRM Plan will support.

The natural resource management gains of the Council has 4 free tree programs: past need to be acknowledged. However, it also 1. Rural Trees program provides up to 1000 free needs to be acknowledged that existing trees per Land Holder. interventions (i.e. do nothing more scenario) will 2. Habitat Trees Program provides support for still result in a decline in resource condition Land for Wildlife property owners. (albeit a slower decline). 3. Community Trees program supports community groups. This is largely because, even with the existing 4. The One Million Trees Program is a 10 year interventions in place, there is still residual program aiming to deliver 100,000 trees on the 19 A damage to the natural resource base of SEQ. ground per annum. B Local Government, Industry and community have C actively worked to address many of the issues. For example between 2010-2013, SEQC and D partners implemented 448 on ground projects. F In addition to this, Property Management

Planning covered 1,842 parcels/ properties.

Land for Wildlife has 424 registered properties with another 13 working towards registration.

These activities can be seen as a positive investment in natural assets and are an indication of the community’s capacity to undertake natural resource management.

Local Projects have included:

• Upper Teviot Subcatchment Project • Kerry and Duck Creek CFOC Project • Border Ranges CFOC project • Biodiversity Landholder Incentives • Sustainable Agriculture - PMP workshops • Logan QNRM - Beaudesert Landcare hosting in partnership with Croftby Community Group, steering committee formed and held two

19 Marsden Jacobs and Assoc. (2010) Managing What Matters SEQ Catchments, Brisbane. 10

Part C: What might happen in the SEQ NRM Plan Action 1.3. future? Water Quality (W6) Further loss of natural assets or a loss in Healthy Waterways has simulated the following condition puts at risk both the economy and five scenarios for water quality in a selected community visions that rely on the benefits from number of waterways in SEQ to 2031. natural assets. Management and restoration of these natural assets as part of a whole of 1) Business as usual (BAU) – management of our catchment action plan is required. waterways does not change.

Information in this section is taken from the SEQ 2) Full Investment – maximum investment in Natural Assets Status Report – a report describing catchment and Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) progress towards achieving the SEQ NRM Plan upgrades. 20 targets and projected trends into the future. It 3) 50% investment in catchment management. is also supported by SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan 2014 Update - Science Report. 4) Investment only in STP.

Suggested actions from the SEQ NRM Plan are 5) 50% balanced investment in catchment and shown in italics. STP upgrades.

Land use change (NC1) For the Logan catchment, if current management Based on known plans for development and practices are not changed (business as usual), other land use change there is potential for sediment loads are predicted to increase from 3,322ha of bushland to be affected leaving 28.4% 41,000 t per year to 79,000 t per year with by 2031. nitrogen and phosphorus increasing slightly.

The bushland cover target for Scenic Rim is 29.3% Implementing management activities that by 2031. address 50% of catchment issues could reduce sediment to 35,000 t. Full investment in How do we avoid or offset this loss and make up catchment management and sewerage treatment the gap (0.9%) between the potential loss and plant upgrades could decrease all considerably what is required to meet the target by 2031? from current loads.

SEQ NRM Plan Actions 2.1 -2.4. For the Albert catchment, if current management practices are not changed (business as usual), Salinity Risk (L1) sediment loads are predicted to increase from There are 24 subcatchments in Logan, Albert and 26,000 t per year to 34,000 t per year with Upper Bremer catchments at risk from dryland nitrogen and phosphorus increasing slightly. salinity. The major risks include Purga Creek subcatchment (220ha) and Warrill Creek Implementing management activities that subcatchment (205ha). address 50% of catchment issues could reduce sediment to 11,000 t. Full investment in Whether salinity will become an issue in these catchment management and sewerage treatment areas is a complex question – on the one hand if plant upgrades could considerably reduce all water supplies become scarcer, salinity-related current loads. impacts are expected to rise and on the other hand any reduction in annual rainfall may result For the Bremer catchment, if current in less groundwater recharge and consequently management practices are not changed (business less dryland salinity risk and water logging. as usual), sediment loads are predicted to However, if reduced winter rainfall is offset by increase from 26,000 t per year to 71,000 t per increased summer rainfall, dry land salinization year with nitrogen and phosphorus increasing may actually increase. slightly. Sediment loads could be reduced to 5000t per year if there was maximum investment 20 2014 Update SEQ NRM Plan (2014) SEQ Natural Assets Status Report, Project Reference Group, Brisbane. 11

in catchment and Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) upgrades. Year 2030 2050 2070

Not addressing these scenarios has implications 3 x for the health of recreational users and the Likelihood more health of Moreton Bay. of return likely SEQ NRM Plan Actions 1.1-1.5. event than present 7 x 10x Key Resource Areas (L9) There are 448 ha of native forest at risk from It is important to note the extremes of weather in direct mining with 231 ha of native forest in the Australia for example six major floods occurred in separation/buffer zone. Access to this resource Brisbane between 1885 and 1910, followed by and potential impacts on neighbouring community and natural assets must be managed more than 60 years without a major flood. along with eventual rehabilitation of the site. The The table below shows the average number of management of buffer zones for multiple days per year for Amberley west of Ipswich with outcomes that provides continuity of natural maximum temperature above 35°C, above 40°C benefits is also important. and frost days centred on 1995 and the 22 SEQ NRM Plan Actions 2.1-2.5. prediction for 2030.

Erosion Risk (L6) Threshold 1995 2030 There are 99,173 ha of land at high risk from (°C) erosion. Land use change and future extreme 35 12 18 (15 to 22) events will have a major influence on this risk becoming actual erosion and flow on effects to 40 0.8 1.2 (1.1 to 1.6) water quality and loss of productive soil. Frost days 22 16 (14 to 18) SEQ NRM Plan Actions 1.1-1.5 and 2.1 What impact will this have on people and natural Potential for Future Extreme Events assets? The term ‘extreme weather’ describes unusual weather events or phenomena that are at the The next section explores what has been learnt extremes of a historical distribution. Extreme from recent and past extreme events. weather events include unusually violent storms, exceptionally high levels of precipitation, heat waves or droughts that are longer or hotter than normal and a range of other events such as bushfires, floods and landslides which are triggered by extreme weather.

The Gold Coast DPI Research Station received 279.5 mm on the 29th of January, 2013. The table below shows the likelihood of a similar event occurring in the future.21

22 Climate Change In Australia Projections For 21 Dan, M (2014) Extreme Event Projection and Analysis for Australia’s NRM Regions Regional Projections Report: SEQ using SimCLIM SEQ Catchments Ltd. Brisbane. East Coast Draft For Consultation 15 April 2014 12

Recent extreme weather events • 270mm at Beaudesert over 4 days Even though each event can be different in terms Main areas of concern: of intensity and impacts, it is worthwhile to remember recent events and consider how we • Around Upper Teviot/Upper Logan could be better prepared and recover faster. • Benobble, Canungra • Mt Tamborine The Millennium Drought • Mid and lower Albert From 2001 to 2009, SEQ experienced the worst drought in the region’s recorded history in terms Main issues: of both length and reduced run-off. The maximum accumulated deficit during the period • Significant landslip was 1530 mm. Accumulated rainfall deficit is the • Severe stream bank destabilisation – difference between rainfall over the drought particularly in the Upper period and average rainfall. Teviot/Upper Logan catchments • Loss of farming infrastructure – From 2005, as the extent and impacts of the particularly in the Upper Millennium Drought became evident, the Teviot/Upper Logan/ catchment Queensland Government introduced a range of • Some communities isolated in demand management measures. Many of these Waterford, Loganlea, Teviot Brook measures have been made permanent. • Sediment laid down on flats – dams Following implementation of these measures, filled with sediments there was a significant improvement in water SEQ NRM Plan Actions 1.1-1.5 and 2.1-2.4. efficiency coupled with a substantial reduction in demand.

The drought eased on 20 May 2009 when Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dams reached 60 per cent of their combined capacity.

The Flood of 2011 Main issues:

• Landslip • Minor access issues • Bank slumping and stream widening – which may threaten road infrastructure in time. • Upper Teviot experienced channel erosion

The Flood of 2013 Large rainfall totals were recorded across the area:

• Benobble, 3km downstream from Canungra received 739mm including 525mm in one night (the annual median at Canungra is 863mm). • 690mm recorded in Upper Teviot with a similar amount recorded around Mt Barney over 4 days. • 799mm recorded at Mt Tamborine. 13

Is the Community and Economy prepared for future extreme events?

It is known that people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are less able to manage risks. This is based on their resilience or ability to bounce back from an extreme event. This has direct impacts on community cohesion. Index of Advantage/Disadvantage (from ABS) is based on Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage Education and Occupation Economic Resources. The lower the number the more vulnerable the community maybe to change.

The Scenic Rim has an index of 979 which is below the average for SEQ Local Governments of 987.7 (ranging from 932-1057).

While this indicates the area is potentially less able to bounce back quickly from a shock like a natural disaster there will be significant parts of the community that are less vulnerable.

Groups that are more vulnerable include frail older people, people with a disability and homeless people.

The benefits required to achieve the Vision for the Scenic Rim need to be maintained by managing the natural assets that provide these benefits. It is the combination of natural, community and built assets that will provide the benefits required to achieve the vision and provide strength and resilience to the Scenic Rim Region’s economy and society.

1080 1057 1060 1040 1030 1016 1020 1001 999 1000 979 980 965 960 960 938 940 932 920 900 880 860

Figure 2: SEIFA 2011 (Disadvantage and advantage) Score for Local Government Areas in SEQ

Some notes on the Index of Advantage/Disadvantage

The indexes are assigned to areas, not to individuals. They indicate the collective socio-economic characteristics of the people living in an area. A relatively disadvantaged area is likely to have a high proportion of relatively disadvantaged people. However, such an area is also likely to contain some people who are relatively advantaged. Also, the index scores are on an arbitrary numerical scale. The scores do not represent some quantity of advantage or disadvantage. For example, we cannot infer that an area with an index value of 1000 is twice as advantaged as an area with an index value of 500.

Part D: A future scenario for the Scenic Rim to 2031 The following map has been produced based on the preceding three Parts to this Report:

Part A: Achieving the community’s visions

Part B: What has happened in the last ten years?

Part C: What might happen in the future?

Part A: Achieving the community’s visions for the Scenic Rim

• The light green, blue and purple hatched (farmland) identify natural assets critical to achieve the community’s vision and the Queensland Plan visions and therefore should not be lost (offset where unavoidable).

Part B: What has happened in the last ten years?

• The red areas are the estimated loss of natural assets in the last ten years.

Part C: What might happen in the future?

• Potential future loss of the natural assets is shown in orange with agricultural lands in yellow. These losses will constrain the achievement of the community’s vision and weaken the resilience of the region to future changes.

How do we keep these areas or replace them so community visions can be met? What natural assets are we prepared to lose? Which are we not prepared to lose?

This question was discussed at the Beaudesert, Scenic Rim and Upper Bremer Roundtable held on the 13th of March 2014. The table below is summary based on the discussion (the full record of the discussion is available in Appendix A).

Scenic Rim SEQ NRM Plan - Summary Information in this summary of main issues and actions is based on input provided by the community at the Beaudesert, Scenic Rim and Upper Bremer Roundtable held on the 13th of March 2014 in response to the information in this report. A full report appears in Appendix A. This information has been used to contribute to a regional action plan as part of the update of the SEQ NRM Plan. Refer to the corresponding target section in SEQ NRM Plan Update 2014 for areas suggested for action to achieve community visions in the Scenic Rim. Issue Notes Actions identified by the community Key Areas identified by the community Key Assets (SEQ NRM include: Plan targets) Land management Promote an ecosystem services Local government to provide more Duck Creek Farmland (L2) approach to managing the information to new residents regarding Peri urban areas Bushland (NC1) landscape. impacts on living near waterways, weed Waterways (W6) Loss of natural and economic identification and local plant Wetlands (NC3) benefits due to those who do not identification. know how and why to manage eg. Support Property Management Planning. cannot identify weeds etc. Promote a catchment management approach. Land slip Along the Border and at the edge Need to take long term approach to Tamborine Mountain Bushland of rainforest areas on slopes. revegetating the rainforest area along the Top of Logan Albert – Mt Chenghee Waterways border and around Mount Chenghee. Vegetation Council (SRRC) currently Prioritise and implement key actions from Veresdale Scrub extent needs to be Bushland developing new planning scheme the Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity better mapped (only 1% left but full Waterways and biodiversity strategy. Management Plan. extent is not identified). Wetlands SRRC implementing One Million Increased vegetation on hill crests will Fassifern Scrub, Dugandan Scrub, Barney Trees Program. improve productivity of the adjacent View Scrub and Oakey Creek Scrub. valleys. Implement Biodiversity Strategy when complete - funding for maintenance of bushland and revegetation is required. Fauna Pretty faced wallabies Implement Scenic Rim Biodiversity Tamborine Mountain Bushland Threatened species (quoll, koala). Strategy when complete Mount Alford Waterways Priority species (gliders). Koala Plantings Running Creek Wetlands Threatened birds (wompoos). Duck Creek Tourism opportunities. Kooralbyn Macropods (large woodland macropods)

Issue Notes Actions identified by the community Key Areas identified by the community Key Assets (SEQ NRM include: Plan targets) Platypus. Drought refugia important. Koalas (Knapps/Peaks) Albert's Lyrebird Water quality Carp everywhere – increases Increased riparian vegetation to minimise Canugra Creek Bushland (NC1) turbidity in waterways. erosion and improve water quality. Upper Teviot/Upper Logan Wetlands (NC3) Manage salinity – Roadvale. Benobble Waterways (W6) Reduce erosion and sedimentation. Tamborine Mountain Farmland (L1) Mid and lower Albert Fragmentation Revegetation of steep slopes to fill gaps in Running Creek Bushland Corridor. Wyaralong Dam Implement Flinders Karawatha Corridor Plan. Strategic revegetation for Wyaralong to Mt Barney corridor. Weeds Water hyacinth Duck Creek Farmland (L2) Woody and vine weed infestation Bushland (NC1) adjacent to waterways - Cats Claw Waterways (W6) Creeper (CCC) Wetlands (NC3) Wild Dogs Wild Pigs Dutchman’s Pipe impacting on birdwing Vines (early detection and management is important) Giant Rats Tail Grass Lantana Chinese elm

Appendix A: Scenic Rim Roundtable - Record of community input Information in this table was provided by the community at the Beaudesert, Scenic Rim and Upper Bremer Roundtable held on the 13th of March 2014 in response to the information provided in this report. This information has been used to contribute to a regional action plan as part of the update of the SEQ NRM Plan. Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Upper Catchment Actions here are important for downstream catchment health and productivity.

Upper Bremer River Quolls. Pigs (pest species). (Headwaters) Dogs (also Carneys and Christmas Creek) Lost World Recreational and tourism options adjacent Land use issues Restore natural assets. WHA. Tamborine Mountain Gateway to Scenic Rim. Development: residential/commercial/ Government - local Council (SRRC) currently Wildlife tourism. industrial. developing new planning scheme and 1 million of visitors per year (estimation) - “Loved to death” concept. biodiversity strategy. highest in Queensland for domestic visitors - Increased expectation of urbanisation e.g. Community involvement - local groups such tourism and economic. street lighting, curb and channel, vegetation as Landcare and Natural History promote on Natural environmental fundamental management. ground and education. drawcard supplemented by cultural/artistic Water extraction. Bird watching and community biodiversity connection. Land slip and bushfire. surveys. Community events e.g. Million Paws Walk Domestic animal infestation. Greater appreciation of biodiversity and and Tour de Tamborine. Extreme weather events: falling branches natural ecosystem services in development Excellent community connection promoting (adjacent to residential areas and impacts on and interpretation of planning instruments to locally grown products e.g. Green Shed, access ) preserve natural environment and values. encouraging organically grown. Vegetation acting as a wind buffer. Funding for maintenance and vegetation. Landcare - social cohesion, increased QPWS - inadequate funding and reduction in knowledge e.g. Plant and weed ID. compliance - misuse and broadening of Natural History Association – excellent understanding of allowed activities. documentation of biodiversity. Private land holders ability/interest varies Positive health implications with residential Council land - community environmental adjacent to natural areas. grants and funding of maintenance by Biodiversity - high level of biodiversity for Council. flora and fauna including R&T species and iconic species e.g. Albert's Lyrebird.

Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Annual Lyrebird survey TMNHA. TMNHA/Landcare publication. At risk ecosystems on escarpment and plateau 2 Catchments Top of Logan Albert Land slip risk Land slip. Very big risk. Need to take long term approach to Along the boarder and rainforest boundary. revegetating this rainforest area along the border and around Mount Chenghee. Mount Alford Pretty faced wallabies Vegetation clearing (remnant?) potentially More strategic tree planning to address heat Threatened species (quoll, koala). altering weather patterns island effects (source and sink). Priority species (gliders). City heat shed that moves out into Scenic Offsets Recreation, dams (Moogerah). Rim. Wildlife Preservation Society Peaks. Loss of flora and fauna. Quoll Spotters Network. Data gaps in fauna. Running Creek Threatened species and birds (wompoos). Revegetation of steep slopes to fill gaps in Corridor.

Duck Creek Endangered species. Trespassing 4wd vehicles and motorbikes Koala Plantings Tourism (fencing and awareness implemented). Website Soils fundamental for supporting values Weeds and pests (foxes and dogs). Holistic land management. Diversity of pastures sp. Monitoring camera occurring. Farm planning. Petite nature of farming. Property planning. Balancing resources, capacity and Top of catchment approach. productivity. Need more interpretation signage. Contradictory information. Strategic approach applied. Scale of activities. Integrating with QPWS and neighbours. Recognition of ecosystem services to manage landscape, grass and cattle production – this needs to be promoted. Mid Catchment

Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Periurban (multiple locations) Needs identifying of the areas where lot Large variety of land use issues: Planning and strategic planning. (6) sizes determine those peri-urban areas. -management What will the Regional Plan say ? Loss of natural and economic benefits due to -potential biodiversity retention those who do not know how and why to -urban sprawl and urbanisation manage cannot identify weeds etc. -weeds

Council - land use and education Extension agencies. Kooralbyn (4) Tourism opportunities. Fragmentation Strategic revegetation for North South Macropods (large woodland macropods) Vegetation loss – decrease in water quality. corridor Platypus. Grazing practices Kooralbyn resort (new owners) new Drought refugia Further development pressure. opportunities Koalas (Knapps/Peaks) Network of council reserves

Canugra Canugra Creek provides some important Camping and recreational usage of creek Increased riparian vegetation woods to tourism benefits in a drawcard for vision to systems - With a minimum vegetative buffer minimise erosion and improve water quality. the region. Camp grounds are situated on - development pressures -riparian Seems to be little management of water both Canugra and Back Creek for ecosystems classified as Gallery Rainforest. resources. recreational use. Agricultural usage with unlimited stock Community group at Canugra State school Canugra showgrounds has a camp-site and access to the creek. undertaking riparian vegetation promoting hosts numerous events annually e.g. The Water availability. projects through regional school network - agricultural show, equestrian usage and Turf farms, polo fields, thoroughbred great social cohesion. rodeo. training tracks – all irrigated Upstream project initiated by the Locals use waterholes to swim regularly. Water harvesting licenses issued and Showgrounds Management Committee to Existing riparian restoration works underway managed by local landholders. undertake weed management. within this zone. Woody and vine weed vegetation. Needs: Water supply for township Creek bank erosion  Local government to provide more Canungra State School has implemented a Increased residential population, many info to new residents regarding cultural trail (and other projects). landholders have no rural experience or impacts on living near waterways, Soil - production values. knowledge. weed ID, local plant ID. Canugra is a gateway to many highly diverse Works undertaken by volunteers  Larger Canugra Creek Restoration areas within SRRC. Mixed uses. Plan to be developed. Signage suit to Fragmentation of restoration works. info sheets standardised over SRRC.  Surety of army land to be preserved.

Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Canugra Army Land Army has 5,000 hectares of land with several Loss of local knowledge when employment rare and threatened species present. programs diminish Catchment area for Back and Canugra Creek Army training intelligence centre – largest systems 2 catchments - Coomera and Albert. base in Australia Extensive revegetation/restoration works Adjacent to residential properties. over 20 years Slope stability issues. Training and employment opportunities for a Threat – potential sale. range of labour market programs - lower Army families are community minded. employment opportunities for youth. Serviceman and families that have trained in the region and retain a sense of ownership. Veresdale Scrub Veresdale Scrub extent needs to be better Concern that this will be a future urban Veresdale Scrub area needs to be botanised mapped (only 1% left but full extent is not development area. and Mapped. identified). Local Council - Scenic Rim and Logan Investment in identification of remnant shrub. L.A.C.A. Program ran out of funding. The program should be continued. Wyaralong Dam Part of FGK Corridor, bioregional corridor Management Plan completed. Need on ground baseline studies for and connections to Mount Maroon, Mount Wyaralong Dam area. Barney and Mount May - 20 patches of vine Need transparent communication from forest in adjacent bushland. DEHP on corridor and what is happening Tourism benefits (significant). with it.

Protection of drinking water.

Flood Mitigation

General

Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Watershed divide. This area needs more vegetation work to Hill top development - fauna and insects use Increased vegetation on these hill crests will facilitate fauna and insect movement. hilltops as corridors. improve productivity of the adjacent valleys. Reduce salinity - currently an issue. Hilltop homes - Planning Scheme needs to Reduce erosion and sedimentation. manage this issue. Salt studies done by the local Landcare group.

All planning works far easier to Better planning outcomes Offsets Policy: can the Scenic Rim take an Restoration industry is going and gaining allow for natural regeneration Preserves local provenance advantage of this? credibility and case studies. than to undertake planning Reduced cost for work allows more work to works. be done over a larger area. Water quality Landholder community aware of issues - not Grazing management – Affordability – total inclusion but better grazing mgmt. – management getting worse – groundcover – funding schemes needed all grazing – weeds – fireweed – overgrazing - erosion Drought – can’t sell stock Weeds worse as ever GRT, lantana – no money for mgmt. Not lack of effort but time poor. Lot of runoff pressure on creek – River Improvement Trust focussed on Chinese elm – landholders concerned about clearing – slumping when banks left bare Mid Albert Beaudesert Chinese Elm spreading uncurtailed Cats Claw Creeper (CCC) – upper Teviot – Bidadaba - Canungra - spreading exponentially Logan CCC chambers flat – siltation issues Chinese Elm - Upper Albert around Darlington

Key Areas Benefits/Values Issues and Opportunities Action and Investment required Carp everywhere – increases turbidity in waterways.

Whole region - Scenic Rim Gliders and Key species. Wild Dogs Wildlife preservation Big “W”landscape corridor approach. Wild Pigs Road maintenance for weeds (council). Productive systems. Flying fox. Monitoring and treatment. Destination of international visitors Dutchman’s Pipe impacting on birdwing Targeting ESA for weeds (2 weed crews for Mountain refugia (vertical refuges) Vines (early detection) whole shire). World Heritage Area (require funding ) Disturbance of areas resulting in weeds and Language issues introduction of pests Whole of shire interpretive signage Weeds (environmental weeds). Renovation through offsets – pay landholders Trees cleared should not be cleared. to manage ecosystems. (Renovation approaches) Database through Australian Living Atlas for More science-based knowledge required. species Data gaps (fauna). Council feral control strategy. Phytopthera across shire (Mt French Wild More on ground work Mts) Pest management committee – pest mgmt. action groups Integrated public transport Albert General Water hyacinth Infestation. Woody and vine weed infestation adjacent to waterways.

Appendix B: Explanation of data used in the Maps

Major Roads: a subset of Queensland State Digital Road Network (State Govt.)

A and B Class Agricultural Lands: This dataset is an amalgamation of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) Class A and Class B land from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) land resource surveys across Queensland. This dataset was compiled on a state wide scale for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Qld Agricultural Land Audit (2013.) This dataset is used to show areas that require protection for sustainable agriculture under the State Planning Policy (SPP). In the Toowoomba LGA, Good Agricultural Land Version 2 (TRC Planning Scheme).

Local and State Lands (Greenspace): dataset which contains filtered ATS Reserve, Leasehold and Queensland Outdoor and Recreation Federation (QORF) datasets.

Forestry Estates: (forestry reserves and resource areas from the Protected Areas of Queensland dataset - Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing)

Natural asset services (community preferences): areas scored as providing high Natural Asset Services (SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework), based on ecosystem function scores weighted with Community Priorities identified in the Community Plan of each Local Government Area. *NOTE* areas outside the SEQ region (such as regional Toowoomba) did not have as many available datasets (so less areas could be identified as having high services. This does not necessarily mean that the areas provide low levels of services).

Estimated Asset Loss (2001-2010): changes in remnant and regrowth vegetation extent (Regional Ecosystems V7 – DNRM, Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) – Qld Govt, Moreton Bay Seagrass mapping 2004-2012, Wetlands V3 – EHP)

Natural asset services at risk: Natural Asset Services which intersect with Low Level of Protection (LOP) (areas in SEQ that could have a potential impact or conflict with our natural resources, based on current planning and policy)

Agricultural Land at risk: A and B Class Agricultural Lands and alluvial soils (geology mapping) which intersect with Low LOP (areas in SEQ that could have a potential impact or conflict with our natural resources, based on current planning and policy)

Low LOP includes: zoning threats based on 2008 Planning Schemes, infrastructure and growth areas, infrastructure lines and easements, and investigation and future growth areas.

Estimated loss of natural assets since 2001 (red) and potential future loss of the high natural assets (orange) and agricultural lands (yellow) needed to achieve community visions.