Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy:

Final Report

in association with

September 2015

Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

! 1. INTRODUCTION 13

1.1! Background and Purpose of Study! 13!

1.2! The Project Brief! 13! 1.3 ! The Approach – Water Trail Planning and Development! 14! 1.4 ! Methodology! 15!

2. ! BACKGROUND INFORMATION 16!

2.1! Introduction! 16!

2.2! Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2011! 16! 2.3! Gympie Regional Council Corporate Plan 2014-2019! 16! 2.4! Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme! 17 2.5! Gympie Regional Council Community Plan! 18! 2.6! Gympie Regional Council Consolidated Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan! 18 2.7! Mary Valley Community and Economic Plan! 18! 2.8! Gympie Regional Council Tracks and Trails Plan! 19

3. ! CONSULTATION 20!

3.1! Introduction! 20!

3.2! Consultation with Key Stakeholders! 20! 3.3! Survey! 24 3.4! Public review! 28!

4. ! ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 41!

4.1! Issues! 41!

4.2! Opportunities! 45

5. ! DEMAND AND SUPPLY ANALYSIS 50!

5.1! Introduction! 50!

5.2! Demand for Canoeing, Kayaking and other Non-Motorised Watercraft Activities! 51! Mike! Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 2 !

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!5.3 Supply Analysis! 53 5.4! Conclusion! 53

6. ! THE WATERWAYS PROJECTS 54!

6.1! The Approach! 54!

6.2! Project Selection! 55! 6.3! The Water Trail Projects! 58 6.4! Promotion, Marketing and the Provision of Information! 100

7. ! IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 106

7.1! Introduction! 106!

7.2! Implementation Schedule! 106! 7.3! Management Arrangements! 108! 7.4! Maintenance! 109

8. ! ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES 112!

8.1! Introduction! 112 !

8.2! Visitor expenditure! 112 8.3! Existing Business Opportunities! 113! 8.4! New Business Opportunities! 114!

9. ! PLANS 118

! ! 10. ARTISTS IMPRESSIONS AND CONCEPT PLANS 123

! ! REFERENCES 129

! APPENDIX 1: BACKGROUND SCOPING STUDY (REVISED) 130

! APPENDIX 2: SITE ASSESSMENT SHEETS 131

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

Execu! tive Summary Background and Purpose of Study Gympie Regional Council has commissioned the preparation of a Canoe and Kayak Strategy for the entire Gympie Region. The overall aim of this project is to prepare a strategy that will set out a future direction for canoeing and kayaking on the main watercourses in the Gympie Regional Council area. The Council has identified that the region’s waterways, including the Mary River, are presently an under- utilised resource, which may be more effectively resourced to meet the needs for water based recreation of the regional community over time.

Under-utilisation of the waterways is the key driver for this project. However, a Canoe and Kayak Strategy is likely to engender an appreciation of the history and natural attractions along the region’s waterways by residents and visitors. This appreciation will in turn create a sense of custodianship or stewardship of the waterways. In North America, where planning for recreational use of waterways is much more common and detailed than Australia, these two factors are often expressed as drivers for planning of recreational use of waterways.

The Gympie Regional Council Corporate Plan sets out the Council vision for the Gympie region – “To be the natural choice to live, work and play”. A Canoe and Kayak Strategy is a key element in achieving that vision. The Project Brief The Canoe and Kayak Strategy provides directions to utilise the region’s waterways for water-based recreation. The Strategy sets out the types of infrastructure that may be required in which location along the waterways. It recommends priority projects, when they might be delivered, and the cost of those projects. It identifies tourism benefits that may arise from maximising the recreational use of the region’s waterways. It discusses the future promotional opportunities.

The Gympie Regional Council area has an approximate area of 690,000 hectares and is located less than 150km north of Brisbane and is in close proximity to the Sunshine Coast. The Mary River is the major watercourse traversing the Council area and is seen as a major opportunity to utilise a natural resource to improve water based recreation activities. The extent of the Gympie Regional Council Area and the Mary River system (with several tributaries) and other waterways in the Region can be seen in the following map.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

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Issues and Opportunities As with all public infrastructure activities, the Canoe and Kayak Strategy presents a number of issues and opportunities.

The issues are:

o Ownership of the waterways and embankments (notably the Mary River and its tributaries. o Fences across the Mary River and its tributaries. o Maintenance of the waterways. o Access into and out of the rivers and creeks. o Flooding – impact on infrastructure. o Flooding – impact on signage. o Changes in water level. o Provision of information needs constant updating. o Access to the Mary River for 2WD vehicles. o Endangered species. The opportunities are:

o Providing leadership in provision of outdoor recreational activities. o Promoting the Gympie region (or individual towns) as a trail ‘hub’. o Providing educational/interpretation opportunities. o Developing stewardship/conservation ethic. o Capitalising on economic opportunities. o Increasing liveability of the region and its towns. o Making use of an under-utilised resource. o Taking advantage of emerging trends in outdoor recreation. o Connection to future rail trails.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! o Endangered species. o Inter-regional connection with other Local Government areas. What is the Demand for Waterways Trails? Demand for water-based activities will come from both residents and visitors to the region. Almost 50,000 people live in the region at last count (2014), with growth of 1.5% per year over the last 5 years. According to Council documents, almost 65,000 people will call the region home by 2036. Many of these people are, and will be, looking for low-cost nature-based recreation opportunities close to home. Water trails provide one outlet for this demand.

There is very limited data on the nature of canoe/kayak use in Australia similar to the relatively extensive data available for other outdoor recreation pursuits such as walking and cycling.

o The last completed Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (2010) found that canoeing (including kayaking), although not in the top ten outdoor recreation activities, continues to attract a relatively steady and reasonable numbers of participants, possibly more so in regional and rural areas than metropolitan areas due to easier access to such activities.

o 1.7% of people in Queensland participated in canoeing/kayaking at least once in 2010 (ERASS 2010), meaning a total of just over 60,000 people.

o Unfortunately, it is likely that the surveys finished just as a boom in kayaking and stand-up paddling was beginning to occur.

o The 2007 South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Study found that 17% of the people who participated in the survey had undertaken “riding on non-motorised watercraft” at least once in the preceding year, amounting to approximately 755,000 individual events/activities/year. The corresponding figure for 2001 was 19%. The category included sailing, which is likely to represent a significant number of people participating in the activity. Again, the surveys finished before the boom in kayak sales.

o A user survey for the Ipswich Outdoor Recreation Study in 2014 found that 7.2% of respondents (12 of 170 respondents) participated in canoeing/kayaking (making up 4.5% of outdoor activities). The survey showed that the demand for guided (non-motorised water-based) tours along the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers and reserves of the City is growing.

o There are 29 canoe clubs in Queensland affiliated with Queensland Canoeing Incorporated. The majority of these (17) are in Brisbane, while the Sunshine Coast hosts 3 clubs. There are 6 clubs located in Regional Queensland (not the south east) but none are based in the Gympie Region. Qld Canoeing Inc (and their affiliated clubs) hosts some events each year across a range of canoeing and kayaking disciplines.

In addition, outdoor education centres (such as Higher Ground at Kenilworth) often have canoeing as part of their activities; this participation does not show up in formal surveys.

The overwhelming conclusion on supply is that there are simply not sufficient formal, developed, 2WD accessible launch sites on the Mary River and its

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!tributaries to satisfy current (including latent) and likely future demand. Coastal locations such as Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach are reasonably well catered for, as there is a number of publicly accessible boat launching facilities – be they boat ramps, floating pontoons or accessible sand beaches. Having specific canoe/kayak information readily available (both on-site and in promotional material) is highly desirable for any coastal water trails and other water-related activities.

The Mary River is one of the natural jewels of the Gympie Region and an obvious focus for a canoe and kayak strategy. It offers a range of paddling experiences from calm long pools (above left is an example upstream of Kidd Bridge right in the heart of Gympie) to more challenging fast- flowing water in the upper reaches (above right is downstream of Walker Road crossing).

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There are also still-water opportunities in water bodies such as Tin Can Bay (above left) and Lake Borumba (above right). The Waterways Projects ! ! The waterways projects chosen for further development primarily focus on developing a network of accessible water trails on the region’s waterways.

Why the focus on developing trails (as opposed to other approaches to waterways

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!utilisation)? America (in particular) and Canada have been undertaking the preparation of strategies and the development of on-water facilities for non- motorised watercraft for several years. The majority of these projects have focussed on the provision of water trails (rather than being generic canoe and kayak strategies). A trail gives purpose, challenge, and excitement to a journey on a waterway. A trail allows one-way journeys and means people don’t traverse country already traversed. It is physically easier to hop on a canoe or kayak and travel downstream along a designated trail (without having to backtrack upstream against the current or water flow). A properly planned and designed trail will allow greater discovery of the natural and human history of the waterway.

Simply hopping on the river or creek for a “paddle around” then getting out at the same spot is also recognised as an activity with appeal particularly for local residents; it still requires development of a “trailhead” – consisting of somewhere to park, some information signage and simple access to the water.

In determining the candidate projects, three major factors were considered.

o Physical nature of the waterways, particularly the Mary River and its tributaries; o Public access to the region’s waterways; and o The key markets for the region’s waterways. In considering these factors when selecting projects, the advice of key stakeholders in particular was given significant consideration – many of these were people who paddled the waterways regularly (in all seasons). It was not possible in the limited time available for fieldwork to fully comprehend the nature of the waterways systems in terms of aesthetic appeal and variations of water flows. Reliance on those who know the waterways was therefore quite significant. These stakeholders also made significant comments on the document when it was placed on public display, leading to modifications of the Traveston Crossing project (Project f), and significant amendments to projects on Kandanga Creek.

The target market for the Strategy is the family groups and people with limited time who have 2-3 hours to undertake these activities. While it may be desirable to plan for and promote the long distance canoe trail along the entire Mary River (the waterway that lends itself to this approach), the main ‘market’ for novice paddlers – and the best short term opportunity for increasing utilisation of waterways - is more likely to be short paddles. Longer paddles over more demanding sections (particularly on the Mary River) are likely to be utilised by intermediate and experienced paddlers; the proposed package also provides development of sites for these important markets.

The strategy proposes a series of water trails developed for three levels of experience – novice, intermediate and experienced. The three categories are primarily determined by time needed to paddle a section of river, and also by consideration of the nature of the river or creek in each section. The categorisation of the projects does not suggest that only novice paddlers will undertake the novice sections but these are the sections that are most suitable for the inexperienced paddler. The nature of water trails is that the longer trails recommended for intermediate and experienced travellers will include sections designed for the novice paddler.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!The following three tables are a summary of the projects (including costs). More details on each project can be found in Section 6. The Plans (section 9) illustrate these trail sections on the Mary River and its tributaries. Mapping other paddling experiences (in Tin Can Bay and Coondoo Creek) serves no particular purpose and the strategy does not provide sufficient detail to map detailed water trails on Lake Borumba.

The recommended projects

Novice Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket (2.3km) $56,760

Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir (2.2km) $34,440

The Weir to Widgee Crossing Road (4.5km) $74,880

Yabba Creek Crossing #1 to Bert Smith Memorial Park $25,700 (4.6km)

Kandanga Weir Circuit (approx. 2.0km) $35,880

Lake Borumba (5.0km circuit) $17,640

Coondoo Creek

Coondoo Creek (at Toolara) (5.0km circuit) $21,240

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (5.0km circuit) $17,640

TOTAL $284,180

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! Intermediate Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Moy Pocket to Walker Rd (11.5km) $49,440

Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge (15.4km) $17,640

Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd and return (14.6km) $45,000

Lake Borumba (10.0km circuit) $6,000

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (10.0km circuit) $6,000

TOTAL $124,080

Experienced Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge (26.9km) $3,600

Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing (22.2km) $3,600

Traveston Crossing to The Weir (28.4km) $7,800

AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms (16.8km) $23,640

The Palms to Bambling Rd (29.0km) $47,760

Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge (17.6km) $30,120

Lake Borumba (15.0km circuit) $6,000

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (15.0km circuit) $6,000

TOTAL $128,520

A separate project covers promotion and marketing of the waterways of the region. Total costs for the provision of information cannot be reasonably estimated, as it will depend on the options Council chooses to pursue. Signage costs are covered in the individual works tables for each of the launch sites.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Preparation of brochures and maps are included in the costs for each of the projects, noting that the cost allowance assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale. The cost of the other three components (provision of web-based information, promotional opportunities, and a marketing and promotional campaign) will depend on the options taken by Council in implementing the Strategy. The bottom line is that all three of these components will require human resources, both initially and on an ongoing basis, with commensurate costs.

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils has proposed the development of a “through trail” or long distance trail on the Mary River from source to mouth. Implementation of this Canoe and Kayak Strategy will put in place most of the “building blocks” of a “through trail” within the Gympie Regional Council area. Camping areas will remain problematic for such a trail (given the propensity for regular flooding) and will need to be addressed as part of the broader river project once demand for such a project has been established. Data on demand for long canoe trails (i.e. more than overnight) is not readily available and is mostly anecdotal. More work is needed to establish likely demand and the advocates of such a trail need to weigh this up against likely costs (particularly given the difficulties of establishing campsites). Consultation indicated that all that is required for such camping sites are flat grassy areas, with fireplaces, water, and road access. Provision of hard infrastructure such as fireplaces and water needs to be carefully considered given flood damage but the key issue will be sufficient land in public ownership in the right places (i.e. no more than a day’s paddle apart). There may be commercial opportunities for landholders who adjoin the river to provide camping for a fee if no public land is available. Implementation Development, implementation and management of the water trails should be seen as part of a broader implementation and management regime to position the Gympie Region as an outdoor recreation hub, easily accessible to the significant population centres of South East Queensland (as well as providing such opportunities for the region’s residents).

The Strategy recommends a 10-year implementation program for the 22 projects (recognising that, due to the nature of the waterways, many projects in the latter years will build on work done in the earlier years). The prioritisation of the projects will be dependent on available resources, funding opportunities and how they link with other Council projects. Recommendations on the implementation schedule are based on a combination of factors:

o spreading the likely expenditure as evenly as possible over the 10 year implementation schedule; o delivering the novice projects as a priority; o ensuring development in each section of the river and each waterway over the 10 year implementation schedule; and o responding to both local needs and what economic opportunities for visitors there might be.

It is also predicated on the fact that the development of the longer trails will build on the development of the shorter trails (given their linear nature) and that the

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!shorter trails will have a greater market appeal. Therefore the priorities for development are on the shorter trails (trails for the novice paddler).

The following table shows a recommended implementation program for future development.

Mary River and its Coondoo Creek Tin Can Bay $ expended in year tributaries (including Lake Borumba)

Yr 1 Projects B, N 70,320

Yr 2 Projects D, O 67,080

Yr 3 Projects E, M Project R Project S 82,220

Yr 4 Projects F, A 101,760

Yr 5 Projects G, C 78,480

Yr 6 Projects H, I, P Project T 23,400

Yr 7 Projects J 23,640

Yr 8 Project K 47,760

Yr 9 Project L 30,120

Yr 10 Project Q Project U 12,000

TOTAL 536,780

Project A: Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket Project L: Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge

Project B: Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir Project M: Yabba Creek

Project C: The Weir to Widgee Crossing Rd Project N: Kandanga Weir Circuit

Project D: Moy Pocket to Walker Rd Project O: Lake Borumba Circuit (Novice)

Project E : Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge Project P: Lake Borumba Circuit (Intermediate)

Project F : Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd Project Q: Lake Borumba Circuit (Experienced)

Project G: Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge Project R: Coondoo Creek

Project H: Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing Project S: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Novice)

Project I: Traveston Crossing to The Weir Project T: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Intermediate)

Project J: AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms Project U: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Experienced)

Project K: The Palms to Bambling Rd

The costs of the promotion and marketing of the waterways of the region is not included. Costs for the promotion, marketing and information provision project depend on the options chosen by Council in implementing the Strategy. An accompanying promotion and marketing approach should be developed concurrent to the first round of trail implementation activities.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

1.! Introduction 1.1 Background and Purpose of Study

Gympie Regional Council has commissioned the preparation of a Canoe and Kayak Strategy for the entire Gympie Region. The overall aim of this project is to prepare a strategy that will set out a future direction for canoeing and kayaking on the main watercourses in the Gympie Regional Council area. The Council has identified that the region’s waterways (including the Mary River) are presently an under- utilised resource, which may be more effectively resourced to meet the needs for water based recreation of the regional community over time.

Under-utilisation of the waterways is the key driver for this project. However, a Canoe and Kayak Strategy is likely to engender an appreciation of the history and natural attractions along the region’s waterways by residents and visitors. This appreciation will in turn create a sense of custodianship or stewardship of the waterways. In North America, where planning for recreational use of waterways is much more common and detailed than Australia, these two factors are often expressed as drivers for planning of recreational use of waterways. 1.2 The Project Brief

The Canoe and Kayak Strategy will inform a strategic direction on which may be the best way to utilise this natural resource for water based recreation and what types of infrastructure may be required in which location and the scope, priorities/timing, cost of future improvements, tourism benefits that the strategy may provide, and future promotional recommendations in this regard with a view to maximise future economic benefits to the region.

The objectives of this project are to:

o Establish baseline data on sporting needs and trends for water based recreation, including investment in infrastructure and possible future needs; o Undertake investigations in relation to any existing infrastructure relevant to the utilisation of canoe and kayaks; o Identify key observations and potential opportunities to strengthen and enhance the utilisation of creeks, rivers etc. for water based recreation throughout the Gympie Region; o Provide recommendations about implementation priorities and indicative costings to inform future budget bids; o Provide recommendations for an appropriate long term project model for this resource, having regard to best practice models for a resource; o Identify tourism attractions throughout scope of the work and make recommendations regarding promotion of these water based opportunities; and o Provide high level conceptual designs of launch/landing points and surrounds including consideration of feasibility and indicative costings.

The Gympie Regional Council area has an approximate area of 690,000 hectares and is located less than 150km north of Brisbane and is in close proximity to the Sunshine Coast. The Mary River is the major watercourse traversing the Council

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!area and is seen as a major opportunity to utilise a natural resource to improve water based recreation activities. The extent of the Gympie Regional Council Area and the Mary River system (with several tributaries) and other waterways in the Region can be seen in the following map.

1.3 The Approach – Water Trail Planning and Development

There is no doubt (even though the evidence appears anecdotal in nature) that the use of non-motorised water craft has recently boomed in Australia (a discussion on this boom can be found in the background scoping study included as Appendix 1). Gympie Regional Council has indicated a desire to take advantage of this boom and provide a range of facilities to promote more and better use of its waterways, particularly the Mary River and its tributaries.

The background scoping study contains a review of documents from North America (where water-based recreation planning is significantly advanced compared with Australia). The study found that the prevailing trend in non-motorised water planning has focussed on the provision of water trails (rather than being generic canoe and kayak strategies). A focus on water trails prevails in the planning work because a trail gives purpose, challenge, and excitement to a journey on a waterway. A trail allows one-way journeys and means people don’t “back-track”. It is physically easier to hop on a canoe or kayak and travel downstream along a designated trail. A properly planned and designed trail will allow greater discovery of the natural and human history of a waterway.

Focusing on water trails does not preclude other uses of the waterways by canoes and kayaks – simply hopping on the river or creek for a “paddle around” then getting out at the same spot is an activity with appeal particularly for local

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!residents; it still requires development of a “trailhead” – consisting of somewhere to park, some information signage and simple access to the water.

This Canoe and Kayak Strategy focuses on planning water trails (at a strategic level) as this approach will deliver both trails (which are likely to be the major attraction of the waterways) and land-based facilities for a “paddle around”. 1.4 Methodology

The Canoe and Kayak Strategy follows sequential stages of the projects development. These stages are outlined below:

Stage 1- Background research

o reviewing relevant local documentation o reviewing work done elsewhere in Australia and North America on canoe and kayak strategies o researching the current trends in the use of waterways This resulted in the preparation of a background scoping study refining the direction for the strategy. This was submitted to the Project Manager and was consequently revised. The revised version is contained in Appendix 1.

Stage 2 - Site assessments

o conducting detailed in-field site audits and analysis of the existing and potential launch sites as this is a key element of the strategy. Potential site selections were based on a review of land in public ownership and discussions with a range of stakeholders. These site assessment sheets are included in Appendix 2. (The choice of sites to assess was informed significantly by the consultation process).

Stage 3 - Consultation

o Council and stakeholder consultation. o Preparation, distribution and analysis of a community survey. o Public comments on draft strategy. Stage 4 – Strategy development

o compiling draft plan including: o recommended sites for launching; o works lists for these recommended sites; o mapping of a range of recommended water trail experiences; o broad commentary on economic opportunities; o setting the direction for the implementation of the strategy; and o staging and prioritisation.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

2.! Background Information 2.1 Introduction

In November 2014, Gympie Regional Council adopted the Tracks and Trails Plan (discussed below). Consideration of water-based trails (for kayaks and canoes) was specifically excluded from the Tracks and Trails Plan in recognition of the commitment by Council to prepare a separate Canoe and Kayak Strategy in 2015. The Tracks and Trails Plan included consideration of a number of relevant planning documents prepared by Council (and other parties). These documents included, but were not necessarily limited to:

o The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2011; o Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme; o Gympie Regional Council Community Plan; o Gympie Regional Council consolidated open space, sport and recreation plan; and o The Mary Valley Community and Economic Plan. Many of the identified drivers, the benefits, and the outcomes sought under these documents are almost identical to these elements for the Canoe and Kayak Strategy. Key elements from these documents are discussed below. 2.2 Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2011

The Plan establishes a clear vision and direction for the region for the next 20 years. The Plan recognises the following relevant opportunities within the Gympie Region:

o the wealth of environmental and biodiversity assets, including the Great Sandy Biosphere, national parks, rural hinterland areas and coastal environs. The Mary River and Six Mile Creek riparian corridors are dominant features of the Region. o the requirement of low impact, nature-based tourism attractions to be located within, or in close proximity to areas of high ecological significance. Where appropriate, this will allow for investment in nature-based tourism opportunities. These facilities play an important role in increasing visitor awareness about the values that make this a region of outstanding ecological significance and improving the overall visitor experience.

The Plan recognises the need to identify and use the natural environment and natural assets to maximise sustainable tourism and recreation opportunities – development of water trails is a very obvious candidate to achieve these outcomes. 2.3 Gympie Regional Council Corporate Plan 2014-2019

The 5 year corporate plan is a key strategic planning tool that sets out Council’s response to community needs and expectations. It is part of a strategic planning process that ensures the range of services, infrastructure and facilities Council provides remains relevant for the community and provides for the needs of future residents.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!The Corporate Plan sets out the Council vision for the Gympie region - To be the natural choice to live, work and play.

One of the key actions (of 31 actions) under the Economic development heading is to develop a strategic plan for the recreational use of the Mary River. This strategy is one part of that process (with wider applicability). 2.4 Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme

The Gympie Regional Council’s Planning Scheme (2013) provides a framework for managing development within the Gympie Region, and seeks to coordinate and integrate infrastructure and land use planning. Its recommendations will inform Council’s development assessment process as undertaken under the guidance of the planning scheme.

The Plan lays out a strategic vision, with a number of outcomes being sought. Relevant outcomes are listed below (acknowledging that only relevant sections are included): o An enviable lifestyle and strong, well-managed population growth – the Region's population growth and urban development is well managed, retaining the social connection, environmental assets and lifestyle. Residential development is creates supportive environments for health and wellbeing. Water trails can contribute to this outcome. o Greater strength and diversity of economy – The Region’s economy has capitalised on the opportunities presented by its proximity to the supplies and markets of the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland. The development of tourism is highlighted as one of the key sectors that can form a firm foundation for a vibrant and sustainable regional economy, providing career-based employment for current and future generations. o Adequate community facilities and services that meet the needs of a growing and diverse population – The Region has excellent sport and recreation facilities (among other social infrastructure) supporting a high quality of life, a healthy, socially cohesive and culturally diverse community, attracting people of all ages to remain in or return to the Region. Water trails add to the liveability of a region (discussed in Section 4). o The Region’s significant natural assets, including the Great Sandy Straits, Mary River and abundant National Parks and Reserves, are highly valued by the community and are protected and well managed, balancing the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity with the economic viability of appropriate uses, such as nature-based recreation and eco-tourism. o Water trails are low-impact and foster environmental stewardship as well as building a tourism profile. Development of complementary economic facilities (to support water trails) should be positively encouraged through the development assessment process. The majority of privately owned land along the region’s waterways is included in a rural zone. The current Planning Scheme framework supports development that could be complementary to a water trail. It is in these locations that proponents will develop complementary facilities that make trails attractive to visitors. The regulatory climate needs to be flexible and receptive to such new enterprises.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

2.5! Gympie Regional Council Community Plan

The Community Plan recognises the assets that contribute to the Gympie Region including its scenic environment, community involvement, strong economy, and facilities and services available.

Directions relevant to the development of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy include:

o opportunities to benefit from key environmental assets; o supporting the development of eco-tourism; o supporting the Mary Valley community in implementing the “Mary Valley Community and Economic Action Plan; o developing and implementing the local tourism development and marketing plan “Mary Valley Country – come out to play”; o improving tourism signage; o developing and progressing ‘healthy communities’ with emphasis on facilities and resources for residents to maintain healthy lifestyles; and o investigating opportunities to establish a sport and recreation coordinator position to provide capacity building and support for sport and recreation groups with volunteering, collaboration and funding 2.6 Gympie Regional Council Consolidated Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan

The Plan is currently under review and is yet to be adopted (the pre-amalgamation plans are still being used by Council). The report prepared for the review of the Plan aims to consolidate the open space and/or recreation strategies of the former councils prior to amalgamation. The key relevant recommendation was the development of a web-based resource for promotion of sport and recreation facilities and opportunities; such opportunities would include water trails. 2.7 Mary Valley Community and Economic Plan

This Plan was developed as a result of the cancellation of the Traveston Crossing Dam project. It was also driven by the need to diversify the economic base of the Mary Valley. Relevant outcomes and recommendations include:

o building and nurturing a sustainable tourism sector which co-exists and compliments (the Mary Valley’s) natural, cultural, environmental and heritage assets. To strengthen linkages and partner with local and regional tourism organisations to provide every opportunity for the Mary Valley as a significant destination. o provision of recreational and tourism trails. o reclaiming Traveston Crossing by: o revegetation; o providing river access, including creating Kandanga Creek walk, with platypus and turtle viewing platforms; and o creating a river wildlife corridor and habitat enhancement. o developing a strategy for a network of trails (including non-motorised recreational pursuits such as walking, cycling, mountain bike riding, canoeing and horse riding) and river access parks.

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! o increase tourism opportunities such as producing maps that include recreation opportunities and trails. o investigate opportunities to connect with Great Sandy Biosphere and Noosa Biosphere. o cross-promote towns and joint activities (canoe/hiking/bike riding). o promote the Mary River and its rare flora and fauna. o provide camping areas. o create a conservation buffer along the Mary River allowing for public access and some recognition of the endangered species i.e. an interpretive centre/walk. 2.8 Gympie Regional Council Tracks and Trails Plan

In November 2014, Gympie Regional Council received the Tracks and Trails Plan. The Tracks and Trails Plan and the Canoe and Kayak Strategy should be read as complementary strategies.

The Plan set out the demand and supply for trails at a local and wider level. It recommended a suite of trail projects to be implemented over 10 years. Some of these trail projects are either adjacent to (e.g. Imbil Brooloo Rail Trail) or in close proximity to rivers and creeks (particularly in the rest of the Mary Valley) covered in the strategy. This relationship and the opportunities it presents are further discussed in Sections 4, 6 and 8.

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3.! Consultation 3.1 Introduction

There were three elements to the consultation program:

o Direct consultation with a number of key stakeholders either in person or on the phone; o Provision of a survey through GRC’s website; and o Public consultation on the draft strategy (the draft strategy may be amended after this public consultation). 3.2 Consultation with Key Stakeholders

A number of key stakeholders were consulted during the preparation of the strategy. Key consultation outcomes are reported below (under issues rather than by individuals). However, many of the points raised in discussion related to specific access points on the river and these were duly included in investigations and, in most cases, recognised as part of the strategy (consequently comments about specific sites are generally not reproduced in the following notes). 3.2.1 The overall approach

o There is a desire to build on what exists already in and around the waterways. There is recognition that the Mary River system in particular is an under-utilised resource. o The river provides connectivity with other adjoining shires. Tourists don’t see the boundaries of different council areas when visiting. There is a need to join forces with Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council to promote a long river trail connecting the headwaters to the mouth of the Mary River (on the coast), providing a long distance, multi-day trail. o A long river trail needs cooperation from the other councils. The Gympie Region is in Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Organisation – the strategy should build upon this regional recognition. Crossing LGA boundaries should not be an issue. o There was general consensus that the Mary River from Pickerings Bridge (at Moy Pocket) to Tuchekoi (Vic Olsen Bridge) is the most attractive section (of the Mary River) but also better suited to more experienced paddlers much of the time. Downstream of this section is less attractive (but still attractive for many users) and “easier”. There was consensus that Yabba Creek provided good paddling (interesting, relatively safe, easy access) between Crossing #1 and Imbil. There were differing views amongst those consulted about the relative merits, safety and practicalities of much of the rest of the region’s waterways (though most of those consulted had much more experience of the Mary and its tributaries than other waterways within the region). There was also less agreement about “safe” (not too fast) and “desirable” (not too much portage) water levels in the Mary system and about the time it would take users to travel a section.

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! o There is an interest in linking water trails with land-based trails (for walking and bike riding), including links to the Noosa Trails Network, in order to create multi-day and multi-modal experiences. o Telling the story of the region’s waterways is a key element – this will attract visitors. 3.2.2 The drivers

o Availability of cheap kayaks and fishing programs on TV has led to great rise in popularity of kayaking. There has been a big rise in numbers of people on the Mary River; many are taking a 4 hr fishing trip. It is a popular activity among young men because they see it on TV; it is the “cool thing” to do. o Other users (non-fishers) are looking for a 2hr – ! day paddle along the river. There were a variety of views on how far someone can paddle on the Mary River in this amount of time – it depends on water levels and the experience of the user. (For the purposes of the survey – discussed in 3.3 below - it was taken that a 2-3hr trip could cover 5kms while a half-day trip would cover 10kms). 3.2.3 Tourism benefits/approaches

o Implementation of the strategy should be aimed at attracting new visitors to the region. o There is anecdotal evidence that people want to use the Mary River but are unsure of how and where to access the river. o The Mary Valley is in a good geographical location. The Valley is 2 hours from Brisbane – visitors can leave home at 7 am, and be on river by 9 am. They can participate in fun activities (both on and off the waterways), and leave after having a great time. o In terms of events, the Brown Water Classic Boat Race at Moy Pocket is a well-established event that uses the Mary River. The Mary River Festival in Kandanga focuses on the positive benefits of the river and its uses. 3.2.4 General access matters

o Users have no trouble getting on to the water at Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove, and Rainbow Beach. o Access to Mary River is more difficult. This is a critical issue in utilising this resource. o Advantage needs to be taken of the many road reserves alongside/crossing over the Mary River in particular to provide more access. o There are currently a number of “self-made” (and self-maintained”) access tracks (made by users in 4WD vehicles). There is a need for Council to maintain these access tracks. o A budget of around $100,000 a year would provide for gravelling of all access points along the Mary River after small floods. o There is presently no signage for visitors indicating access to the Mary River and its tributaries.

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3.2.5! Practical issues associated with use of the waterways

o There is really no point in constructing lots of expensive infrastructure on or near to the Mary River because it will get badly damaged and destroyed in times of flood. o In times of normal flow, there are a large number of rapids and shoals, and “bottom scraping” is common, particularly for canoes. Consequently, thick moulded kayaks are the best craft for using on the Mary River, as canoes will drag on the shoals. o Water levels are constantly changing, and sometimes it is difficult to use the river system for significant lengths of time. o Barbed wire and electric fences across the Mary River is very dangerous for users. There is a need for clarity on where private property finishes to better manage this problem. Some users are currently cutting fences they find across the river. o Like a land-based trail, branches across creeks and rivers need regular cutting. On top of this regular “pruning”, clearing of the waterways after any flooding is critical. 3.2.6 Environmental matters

o Access to the Mary River and managing that access is a key issue for the Mary River Threatened Species Recovery Plan. o Riparian health depends on wide buffers, lack of weeds, wood and trees in the stream, sequence of deep pools and riffles, stable banks. All these factors need to be considered in developing the strategy (both positively and negatively). o Promotional material should recognise the endangered species of the Mary River as a way of promoting their conservation. o The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee undertook community consultation on the Threatened Species Recovery Plan and framed it around why people should care and how they can care more. Raising awareness will be/was a key part of the recovery plan. o Traveston Crossing is a turtle nesting area (upstream of the bridge); access to the riverbanks should be discouraged. Mary River Turtle nests on sand banks during summer. Nesting sites are known. The biggest threat to survival of species is egg survival (nesting banks are critical). People are currently getting into this site in 4WD vehicles. o Mary River Cod breeds around logs. The Mary River CCC is encouraging fishermen and women not to target the cod. Information is of the nature – if you are planning to fish from a kayak, these are the species you’re likely to catch and these are the ones to avoid and how to do so. o Snags and deep holes are also important for the lungfish and the turtle. De-snagging is no longer an accepted technique of river management– re- snagging is the preferred approach. o Canoeists need to take care at times of low water levels, reed beds etc. to minimise impacts. o The habitat of stream frogs (including the Giant Barred Frog) is limited to within 50 metres of a permanent stream. Eggs are laid on underneath side of undercut banks.

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! o The strategy has the chance to produce “Trails as Citizen Science” – allowing people to become aware of and assist in the conservation of the five key/target species (as well as other species). 3.2.7 Information issues

o It was suggested that the Council’s website needs to be continually updated with information on water levels and where to kayak and where not to. o Information provided on kayaking and canoeing is ad hoc. People do come in to Visitor Information Centres and ask for information on where to go. Providing information in a relatively easy form to give to people is a critical element of the better utilisation of the waterways. The Destination Gympie website provides one platform to promote the use of the waterways. o The Mary River water level rises and falls regularly; potential users need to be informed. The Bureau of Meteorology does provide information on water levels but people need to understand what the data means. Additionally, and probably more importantly, sudden downpours in the Mary River catchment greatly impact on river levels and can cause safety issues for users. o There is an existing website - www.upstreampaddle.com - which provides updated information for river heights on the Mary (as well as a number of other waterways in SE Queensland). o Information about where is it is safe to paddle, distances, and location of exit points is critical. o Good on-ground signage to access points is needed. 3.2.8 Site-specific comments

o At Traveston Crossing, there is a large parcel of land in Sate Government ownership. There is a proposal for Gympie Regional Council to lease this parcel from the State Government. It could be developed as a camping area with launching facilities/sites and picnic areas. Toilet facilities could be a problem due to flooding. Garapine Outdoor Recreation Centre is adjacent to this publicly owned parcel of land; shared facilities could be developed. o On the northern side of the bridge, there is a gravel track to a sandy shoal; it is not maintained by Council (as it is a privately owned parcel) and tends to become 4WD track only. It is however one of the most popular launching sites. This site (if utilised as a public space) will need to be gravelled and maintained, possibly up to 3 times a year. o The “Island” at Imbil needs a lot of clearing to be easily navigable but is good in a flood flow; it can get dangerous quickly if there is a downpour).

3.2.9 Camping! along the river

o Camping sites need to be flat grassy areas, with fireplaces, water, and road access. They should provide for 6-7 tents (this number reflects the needs of outdoor education providers). A greater number may need to be provided if general public access is permitted (i.e. just off roadways). One campground manager has 80-100 tents in peak times (September-November).

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! o Overnight camping areas would also be needed to facilitate a long river trail. o Camping along the Mary River in particular has the potential to be a value- added ancillary activity that may increase use of the Mary River by paddlers. The provision of camping presents location and management issues for Gympie Regional Council (and also presents opportunities for private sector providers). 3.3 Survey

A survey was made available online (via Council’s website) and at the counter of Council offices in Gympie. The survey ran from 8th May until the 31st May and 80 responses were received. (2 responses were received after the preparation of the draft report and these have been included in the analysis below for the final report). Key results of the survey (and the questions) are discussed below.

In terms of survey respondents:

o There was an almost even split between males (44) and females (37). o The main age groups represented by respondees were 45-54 (32%), 35-44 (24%) and 55-64 (22%). o 70 respondees (86%) lived in the Gympie Regional Council area. o 75 respondents completed the survey online, while 7 respondents sent in hard copy questionnaires. 3.3.1 What parts of the Mary River (or its tributaries) do you currently use for canoeing and/or kayaking?

o 63% used the Mary Valley section of the Mary River o 53% used the Gympie Urban area section of the Mary River o 53% used Yabba Creek o 35% used the northern section (Widgee Crossing to Theebine) section of the Mary River o 4 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.2 What attracts you to this area or areas of the Mary River (or its tributaries)?

o 81% cited close to home as the main attraction, while 65% cited scenic value and 40% cited environmental attributes. o 3 respondents did not answer this question

3.3.3 What are the features you don’t like about canoeing and/or kayaking in this area/s of the Mary River?

o There were 3 key responses – difficult access to launch points/exit points (86%), lack of parking spaces (63%) and limited information and interpretive signage (53%). o When people were invited to identity other undesirable features, fencing across the rivers was the most significant issue mentioned. o 3 respondents did not answer this question

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3.3.4! Why don’t you use other sections of the Mary River or its tributaries?

o The key responses were similar to those in 3.3.3. In addition, the most popular response (73%) was that the respondee had lack of personal knowledge of the opportunities. This relates to limited information, which was also cited in the other category by 5 respondees. o 1 respondent did not answer this question

Many survey respondents indicated that they currently paddle on the Upper Noosa River starting out from Harry’s Hut. The Gympie region is missing out on these users, given the lack of well-promoted water trails 3.3.5 Is there enough access to the Mary River and its tributaries for canoeing ! and kayaking within the Gympie Region? If no, please specify locations where you think access on public land can be developed or improved, and how.

o Not surprisingly, given the above answers, 89% of respondees did not think there was enough access to the Mary River and its tributaries. Limited access (and limited 2WD access specifically) (29 responses), lack of information/signage/promotion (14 responses), and lack of parking (9 responses) also featured in the comments section; (these comments probably apply more to 3.3.3 above). o Numerous suggestions were made as to where access points should be created (most people suggested more than 1 site). The most popular were: o 15 responses suggested the Kidd Bridge/Gympie Weir; o 9 responses suggested the south west side of Normanby bridge, while 6 suggested south of Aldi (the Sands); o Added to these, 5 responses simply suggested near the Gympie CBD; o 9 responses suggested Widgee Crossing Road; o 8 responses suggested Traveston Crossing;

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! o 6 responses suggested Tuchekoi Bridge (Vic Olsen Bridge); and o 6 responses suggested Bells Bridge. o 1 respondent did not answer this question 3.3.6 Do you use other rivers or creeks within the Gympie Region for canoeing and/or kayaking? If so, please specify where.

o Tin Can Bay (9 responses) was the most popular response. o 4 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.7 How long would you spend/how far would you travel on rivers or creeks in the Gympie Region in any one canoe/kayak trip?

o 35% of respondees spent 2-3 hrs on the water, while 27% spent half a day on the water. o 1 respondent did not answer this question

3.3.8 Is there enough access to other rivers and creeks for canoeing and kayaking within the Gympie Region? If no, please specify locations (and on which river or creek) where you think access on public land can be developed or improved, and how

o 82% of respondees did not think there was enough access to other rivers and creeks. Most of the comments related to improving access along the Mary River and its tributaries (and are reflected in the comments in 3.3.5). Lack of information/signage/promotion was the most popular response specifically about other rivers and creeks (8 responses). o 10 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.9 ‘Water trails’ are a series of destinations/locations along a river which are mapped and denoted by GPS coordinates, often with interpretation (much like a land based trail)? Have you ever canoed or kayaked a ‘water trail’ and if so, where?

o Only 22% of respondents had used water trails elsewhere. The Brisbane River, the Maroochy River and the Upper Noosa River were the only places garnering multiple responses. o 3 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.10 Which destinations/locations in the Gympie Region should be included in a possible future ‘water trail’?

o 50 (of 80 respondents) answered this question. “All the Mary River” was the most popular suggestion (23 respondees). “All of Yabba Creek” featured in 6 answers. All other suggestions drew no more than 3 responses.

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! 3.3.11 The opportunity exists to place ‘geocaches’ along waterways to enhance the experience while on the water. (A geocache is a container hidden at a location with very specific GPS coordinates. Geocachers use a Smartphone or GPS unit to navigate to the coordinates to look for the hidden cache). Do you think you would participate, if further information was provided and geocaches were placed along the waterways?

o A majority of respondees (53%) said they would participate in geocaching if it were available along the water trails. Comments provided some further information on responses. 8 responses suggested that geocaches should be placed at major points along the Mary River and at places of local significance. 6 respondees had no specific suggestions for placement of caches but said they would be very keen to participate. There were 5 responses reflecting some concerns – suggesting that with constant flooding, caches may just add to the rubbish in the river. It was suggested that caches be placed on the tops of banks (perhaps accessed by a small trail) but placement needs to be conscious of environmental impacts of “trampling”. o 6 respondents did not answer this question

3.3.12 How do you find out about where you can undertake canoeing or kayaking?

o “Word of mouth” stood out as the single biggest response with 78% of respondees currently getting their information this way. “I just see it around town” was the second most popular response (33%). Various sources drew around 20% of responses. o Google Earth and exploration each drew 8 responses in the comments section. o 6 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.13 In the future, how would you most like to find out more about canoeing and kayaking opportunities?

o Council’s website was suggested by 59% of respondees, 46% would like the information to be available in the Visitor Information Centres, while 38% would like to see brochures available. Other web-based sources (websites of various organisations, Facebook, smart phone apps) were also popular choices (suggested by 20-30% of respondees). o 4 respondents did not answer this question 3.3.14 Other comments

o 45 respondees provided some other comments. While the comments were varied, there were some general groups many of them fell into. o “Creating more access” is the key was a sentiment expressed by 16 respondees. o “More/better information” was commented on by 10 respondees.

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! o What might be called “embracing the Mary River” (a desire and enthusiasm for utilising and promoting the Mary River via canoe/kayak trails) was supported by 15 respondees. o 6 respondees mentioned the need for good management of access and use to prevent environmental damage to the river and surrounding land. o 3 respondees mentioned fences and other illegal blockages on the Mary River.

3.4 Public review!

The draft document was placed on public display from 31 August to 18 September. 11 submissions were received. All were supportive of the strategy. Table 1 summarises key comments and the consultants’ response (please note that comments that are supportive are not reflected in the table below; the table only refers to comments where some response is needed or the document is changed).

Table 1: Public comments and responses

Comment Response

Ownership of River and It is beyond the scope of the strategy to embankment. The document raises this pursue a definitive answer on this matter. issue however provides no answer to this Limited research done for the draft question, and does not give any mention strategy provided no clear answers. As to the Qld legislation relating to this indicated, people who have sought advice matter. Clarification as to whether the from government agencies have been fences across the river are legal or not is given differing answers. Definitive legal required. advice needs to be sought by Council (or perhaps by Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils, which is pursuing a trail for the entire Mary River.

Ownership of River and The legal advice sought as above should embankment. A clear answer is also include the question of the lateral required as there may be opportunities to boundaries of the watercourse (i.e. the establish campsites along the river where boundary running parallel to the there is no vehicle access and the land watercourse). If it is determined that appears to be private property, however there is in fact a legal basis for a strip of the research may reveal that the land is land beyond the watercourse being in indeed public land. Whilst the title may public ownership, the provision of extend to the riverbank, there may be camping facilities can be included in legislation that permits public access to investigations for developing the longer 20m either side. Mary River trail as proposed by Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils.

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!Ownership of River and Consultation with adjoining landholders is embankment. The need to consult with necessary but not until the legal position all landowners who own land adjoining is clear. The report recommends an the river should be included as a high education program with adjoining priority action. landholders. Section 4.1.2 has been amended to clarify when consultation should occur. Interaction between users and Strategy planning at this level does not landholders. I am not sure how the allow the exploration of the entire length interaction between landowners and of every recommended trail to identify paddlers go when fences, pump sites, where these issues may occur (and in livestock and conservation zones are fact these issues may only occur at mixed with people who have to walk certain times of the year so detailed trail instead of paddling because of a lack of planning may not identify them). This is a water or obstacles. May be a little ill role for detailed trail planning to identify conceived. possible points where these issues will come together. Information on trail promotional material needs to ensure users are informed of likely interactions and how they should deal with these matters. Some notes for inclusion on likely interactions in promotional material is now included in Section 6.4. Safety issues. The owner or master of An implementation issue. Information to the canoe/kayak has general safety be included in all promotion and obligations under the Transport information material. Some notes for Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 to inclusion of safety information in ensure that the particular craft is in good promotional material is now included in condition and to operate the craft safely. Section 6.4. This can include wearing of safety equipment. This type of wording probably needs to be displayed prominently in an area where people go to view where they can use canoes/kayaks in the river/stream. Safety issues: As there is the potential Information to be included in all for users to be on the river/stream for promotion and information material. varying amounts of time or in changing Some notes for inclusion of safety weather/river conditions, Council may information in promotional material is consider it appropriate to advise users to now included in Section 6.4. take suitable rescue devices with such as an epirb or reliable mobile phone or at least registering their travel plans with Council or relevant body? Safety issues: Any brochures would Information to be included in all need to suggest the safety equipment promotion and information material. required AND the importance of not Some notes for inclusion of safety paddling alone in unfamiliar waters. information in promotional material is now included in Section 6.4.

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!Safety issues. Recommend reference to The background scoping study includes The Australian Canoe Federation (ACF) references to the grading system. It is safety code, which has been prepared for not necessary to include such information the guidance of canoeists throughout within the body of the strategy. It would Australia. be useful to ensure the safety code is available on any promotional material. Some notes for inclusion of safety information in promotional material is now included in Section 6.4.

Safety issues. Recommend in the Canoe This matter needs to be considered by and Kayak Strategy to include some Council in determining the way forward ongoing funding to provide canoeing to implement the Strategy. instruction/courses to help build canoeing skills and raise awareness on canoeing safely in the Gympie Council Region.

Environmental issues. Reference to Acknowledged. Now included in the Elseya albagula (white throated snapping relevant report section (4.1.10 and turtle): Include Elseya albagula in section 4.2.10) on Endangered Species. This turtle was listed in November 2014 as critically endangered.

Environmental issues. I am not an The selection of access points was done expert on other species found in the Mary at a broad level with a broad River but there must be ultimate respect understanding of these environmental for those in such a planning process issues. Detailed planning will consider (turtles and such). possible environmental impacts. Promotional material can be used positively to highlight these environmental issues.

Launching points- general “Ideal” sites for using wheeled trolleys comments. River accessibility for may not exist at all locations, particularly heavier kayaks needing trolleys or 2 given sandy nature of land beyond the wheel carts. Design of river access points water’s edge. Issue to be addressed in should be suitable for trolley use to detailed site planning. improve accessibility for these crafts.

Launching points - general The strategy is about providing a range comments. These have to be assessed of access points for a range of users. individually and the document does this. Signboards and maps are necessary to While it would be nice to have picnic encourage new users (picnic tables add facilities and signboards and maps, it to the appeal for users). Gravelling does seem to be quite expensive. provides better access than presently Gravelling the launch ramps and parking exists and can be done in such a way as areas is a nice idea but is not flood proof. to minimise necessary replacement after I would prefer the money be spent on re- flooding (i.e. at higher levels). grading on a regular basis (after flood events)

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!Launching points - general The strategy is about providing a range comments. I would prefer that money of access points for a range of users. The was spent removing parts of trees that order of priorities are worked out using a are blocking the waterway creating combination of factors, and aimed at hazards rather than beautifying some of providing the best range of sites. the rarely seen launch areas. Launching points - general A good idea in principle. Means more comments. I would find it helpful to development at access points, which will have rubbish and recycling bins near the potentially be washed away during pull out points. flooding. It could be explored during detailed trail development planning – particularly for the novice trails, which are likely to attract more use. Launching points - general Whilst it is a good idea in principle comments. Controlled parking areas (mooring poles), it means more (i.e. to stop people driving on river development at access points, which will banks, turtle areas etc & put in /pull out potentially be washed away during access that is not restrictive to canoes & flooding. It could be explored during kayaks would be very helpful. Some sort detailed trail development planning – of mooring pole to tie a vessel to while particularly for the novice trails, which more gear is being transferred from are likely to attract more use. Detailed vehicles would be fabulous (I'm thinking planning will also address vehicle the lidded crates & tie downs for out barriers. trash paddles etc).

Design of access points. There will This is a detailed planning and obviously be a lot of debate on how to implementation issue though the make exit and entry points permanent indicative costs tables allow for and not degrade surrounding creek bank “hardening” access points. This may be sites given the ferocity of the floods in an appropriate solution to be this part of the world. Submitter suggests investigated. The artist’s impression for a type of ground stabilisation matting the new Imbil launching facility shows a that presents a for a solution to creek form of matting for ground stabilisation bank degradation at entry points and feel (at a concept level). this is a good solution.

Design of material. Seeing the debris This is a detailed planning and that is washed through after floods, implementation issue. please consider not using CCA treated posts and opt instead for hardwood, steel, cement or something else that is inert. Chemical soaked wood in a watercourse is not a good look! It would be good to use non-chemical means to build and maintain the facilities and promote the move away from chemicals for this project. Steam weed control, acetic acid (vinegar), pine oil and many other options are now available for weed control for example.

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!Design of material. Instead of putting This is an implementation issue. People up metal sign posts for trail head signs tend to look for metal signposts as it is may be use large boulders and paint what they are familiar with. “Signs” signage onto them – these will not wash painted on rocks may be missed by away in floods and look much more passing users (a key potential market). authentic! The worst that would happen This could be explored in implementation is they might need to be repainted from – perhaps using a variety of “signposting” time to time. to determine whether this is effective. Walkers Bridge. The budget needs We believe budget allocation is more money for making adequate appropriate. Detailed planning is more parking and safe access to the water at a critical here given the parcel of land that number of water heights. This site is in the process of being transferred to probably would be difficult to build a GRC ownership as referenced in the concrete table and shelter that wouldn't report. Tables and shelters could be get damaged with floods. This site can be deleted as part of the detailed planning particularly dangerous to exit when the process if necessary to find more money water comes up and it becomes for other elements. impossible to go safely under the bridge. Priority would be on making a safe upstream get out point for when the river is up. Traveston Crossing. Recommend Project (F) was arrived at based on deletion of Project F as a trail due to conversations with a range of safety and use issues but suggest having stakeholders – one of whom thought Traveston Crossing as a "hop in and such a project was a good idea and had splash" site. Also issues with access to in fact taken users along this particular river at this site and potential route (up and back). If formal access can environmental impact on nesting sites. be gained to the Mary River at the Carlson Road pumping station, it would provide a 7.3 km novice style one-way trail to Traveston Crossing overcoming some of the problems identified in this submission.

The comments on making Traveston Crossing the focus of a “hop in and splash” site are worthwhile and this can be done and promoted within the scope of work proposed for Project (F). Detailed planning for this trail would include consideration of all elements needed for a “hop in and splash” trail, and the chances of success in negotiating access at Carlsons Rd. Both of these factors would determine what a trail in this locality would ultimately look like.

Some additional notes on making this site a hop in and splash site are now included in the description of Project (F).

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!Traveston Crossing. issues with access Detailed planning for this trail will also to river at this site and potential address the issue of access (legal and environmental impact on nesting sites. illegal) and how to manage it. Location of facilities at this site will require detailed consideration of environmental impacts as indicated in the draft strategy.

Bells Bridge. The draft strategy has not Bells Bridge was assessed given the included any access development at Bells distances between possible access points Bridge. Due to distance considerations in this river section (though it does not and plenty of deep long pools all year appear in the formal assessment sheets). round, it would be advantageous to The assessment is reflected in the further investigate getting some car description of Project (k). It is extremely parking and access to the Mary River at difficult and expensive to develop any this point – probably on the north east sustainable access points due to bank. ownership limitations and the topography of the riverbanks in this location. The only realistic option for developing an access point in this locality is some form of Council-private landowner partnership – it is beyond the scope of this strategy to explore such an option.

Bambling Rd Access at Scotchy Acknowledged. Part of detailed trail Pocket. The endangered Mary River planning. Now included in the relevant turtles are being studied in this area. report section (under Project (K) Recommend consulting with Marilyn description. Connell from Tiaro Landcare as to any concerns regarding development of this trailhead site.

Yabba Creek. Submitter questions the A matter for detailed trail planning. There trail running from Yabba Creek #1 - Bert are limited put-in points upstream of Smith Memorial as a novice run. In low Imbil. Project (m) – Yabba Creek has water the first 300 meters is too low to been amended to recognise this issue. kayak. In higher water it can run at a grade 1-2 technical - too difficult for people with little or no experience. There are however areas on the Yabba Creek for novice Kayaking.

Yabba Creek. 1 day a month water This is an implementation issue that release from Lake Borumba when water would need to be pursued with SEQ flow is low on the Yabba Creek allowing Water. It could be used as a promotional the whole creek to be used for event. Section 6.4.4 has been amended experienced kayaker one day a month. to identify this additional promotional Have the date well advertised in advance opportunity. and promote the release.

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 33

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Water releases from Lake Borumba This is an implementation issue that The flow in Yabba Creek can be highly would need to be pursued with SEQ regulated by flows out of Lake Borumba. Water as part of the promotional It would be advantageous to canoeists to strategy. Section 6.4.4 has been know when releases were being planned amended to identify this additional and the flow rates. Also if possible the promotional opportunity. release coinciding with the weekend would increase canoeing in more of Yabba creek. Some water releases for environmental flow would also assist in improving water quality during dry periods when flow of Yabba Creek drops and aquatic plant growth increases due to the dam reducing the number of flushing floods. Amamoor Creek. 3 submissions have There are no projects proposed for suggested the removal of Amamoor Amamoor Creek. A possible launch site Creek from the project list. Amamoor was assessed – while the site was Creek is not actually included in the positively assessed, the creek did not project list but a possible launch site was provide sufficient water flows (according assessed. to key stakeholders). Kandanga Creek. 3 submissions have Submissions on proposed Kandanga suggested the removal of the proposed Creek trails by people who are very Kandanga Creek trails from the project familiar with the seasonal flows of the list and have suggested a replacement creeks present a strong case for with a trail focusing on Kandanga Weir. removing the proposed projects on Kandanga Creek and replacing them with a project focusing on Kandanga Weir. Consequently, Projects N (Kandanga Creek Circuit), O (Kandanga to Goomong Rd), P (Goomong Rd to Traveston Crossing) and Q (Kandanga to Traveston Crossing) have been removed from the final strategy and replaced with a project focusing on Kandanga Weir (called Project N Kandanga Weir Circuit). In-watercourse obstacles. There are Strategy planning at this level does not places along Mary River where paddling allow the exploration of the entire length is hindered by obstacles (eg the water of every recommended trail to identify pipe near treatment plant or is it a where these issues may occur (and in pumping station not far upstream from fact these issues may only occur at gympie). These obstacles would need certain times of the year so detailed trail paddler accessible port around ramps or planning may not identify them). This is a tracks on one or both banks. role for detailed trail planning to identify possible points where these issues will be a concern. Tracks around such obstacles may raise the issue of private property access and will be need to be treated carefully as a solution.

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 34

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Health risks associated with water This is a broader issue than a canoe and quality. This would include faecal kayak strategy though there is a general contamination (human and animal duty of care to ensure water health particularly cattle) and blue green algae meets appropriate standards. blooms (associated with Lake Borumba and downstream).

Ongoing maintenance. Access track Agree with comments about the need to work done at Vic Olsen bridge, Traveston carefully consider site location in doing Crossing and Kandanga by Conservation detailed planning. Volunteers a few years ago and damaged by recent floods, illustrates the need to carefully consider the site location and techniques used for the access points with budgeting for ongoing maintenance in these flood prone areas.

Information provision. Glossy pictorial Many people still rely on printed Brochures can go out of date. Most brochures. When the time comes to people have mobile phones and/or prepare the promotional and mapping computers and can access websites for material, the most appropriate medium information. The brochures can just be should be used bearing in mind how first- PDF fact sheets (in black and white) with time users will access the information. maps and line drawings. Serious paddlers laminate their maps and brochures (or at least put them in a waterproof bag).

Economic opportunities. Reference to It is beyond the scope of this project to successful businesses operating on the do such detailed research. However, a Noosa River (i.e. 3 day canoe trips note on the range of services offered on generally for the backpacker market) and the Upper Noosa River has been added to elsewhere would be worth mentioning Section 8. and researching further.

Launching points - general Whilst it is a good idea in principle comments. Controlled parking areas (mooring poles), it means more (i.e. to stop people driving on river development at access points, which will banks, turtle areas etc & put in /pull out potentially be washed away during access that is not restrictive to canoes & flooding. It could be explored during kayaks would be very helpful. Some sort detailed trail development planning – of mooring pole to tie a vessel to while particularly for the novice trails, which more gear is being transferred from are likely to attract more use. Detailed vehicles would be fabulous (I'm thinking planning will also address vehicle the lidded crates & tie downs for out barriers. trash paddles etc).

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 35

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Design of access points. There will This is a detailed planning and obviously be a lot of debate on how to implementation issue though the make exit and entry points permanent indicative costs tables allow for and not degrade surrounding creek bank “hardening” access points. This may be sites given the ferocity of the floods in an appropriate solution to be this part of the world. Submitter suggests investigated. The artist’s impression for a type of ground stabilisation matting the new Imbil launching facility shows a that presents a for a solution to creek form of matting for ground stabilisation bank degradation at entry points and feel (at a concept level). this is a good solution.

Design of material. Seeing the debris This is a detailed planning and that is washed through after floods, implementation issue. please consider not using CCA treated posts and opt instead for hardwood, steel, cement or something else that is inert. Chemical soaked wood in a watercourse is not a good look! It would be good to use non-chemical means to build and maintain the facilities and promote the move away from chemicals for this project. Steam weed control, acetic acid (vinegar), pine oil and many other options are now available for weed control for example.

Design of material. Instead of putting This is an implementation issue. People up metal sign posts for trail head signs tend to look for metal signposts as it is may be use large boulders and paint what they are familiar with. “Signs” signage onto them – these will not wash painted on rocks may be missed by away in floods and look much more passing users (a key potential market). authentic! The worst that would happen This could be explored in implementation is they might need to be repainted from – perhaps using a variety of “signposting” time to time. to determine whether this is effective

Walkers Bridge. The budget needs We believe budget allocation is more money for making adequate appropriate. Detailed planning is more parking and safe access to the water at a critical here given the parcel of land that number of water heights. This site is in the process of being transferred to probably would be difficult to build a GRC ownership as referenced in the concrete table and shelter that wouldn't report. Tables and shelters could be get damaged with floods. This site can be deleted as part of the detailed planning particularly dangerous to exit when the process if necessary to find more money water comes up and it becomes for other elements. impossible to go safely under the bridge. Priority would be on making a safe upstream get out point for when the river is up.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Traveston Crossing. Recommend Project (F) was arrived at based on deletion of Project F as a trail due to conversations with a range of safety and use issues but suggest having stakeholders – one of whom thought Traveston Crossing as a "hop in and such a project was a good idea and had splash" site. Also issues with access to in fact taken users along this particular river at this site and potential route (up and back). If formal access can environmental impact on nesting sites. be gained to the Mary River at the Carlson Road pumping station, it would provide a 7.3 km novice style one-way trail to Traveston Crossing overcoming some of the problems identified in this submission.

The comments on making Traveston Crossing the focus of a “hop in and splash” site are worthwhile and this can be done and promoted within the scope of work proposed for Project (F). Detailed planning for this trail would include consideration of all elements needed for a “hop in and splash” trail, and the chances of success in negotiating access at Carlsons Rd. Both of these factors would determine what a trail in this locality would ultimately look like.

Some additional notes on making this site a hop in and splash site are now included in the description of Project (F).

Traveston Crossing. issues with access Detailed planning for this trail will also to river at this site and potential address the issue of access (legal and environmental impact on nesting sites illegal) and how to manage it. Location of facilities at this site will require detailed consideration of environmental impacts as indicated in the draft strategy. Bells Bridge. The draft strategy has not Bells Bridge was assessed given the included any access development at Bells distances between possible access points Bridge. Due to distance considerations in this river section (though it does not and plenty of deep long pools all year appear in the formal assessment sheets). round, it would be advantageous to The assessment is reflected in the further investigate getting some car description of Project (k). It is extremely parking and access to the Mary River at difficult and expensive to develop any this point – probably on the north east sustainable access points due to bank. ownership limitations and the topography of the riverbanks in this location. The only realistic option for developing an access point in this locality is some form of Council-private landowner partnership – it is beyond the scope of this strategy to explore such an option.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Bambling Rd Access at Scotchy Acknowledged. Part of detailed trail Pocket. The endangered Mary River planning. Now included in the relevant turtles are being studied in this area. report section (under Project (K) Recommend consulting with Marilyn description. Connell from Tiaro Landcare as to any concerns regarding development of this trailhead site.

Yabba Creek. Submitter questions the A matter for detailed trail planning. There trail running from Yabba Creek #1 - Bert are limited put-in points upstream of Smith Memorial as a novice run. In low Imbil. Project (m) – Yabba Creek has water the first 300 meters is too low to been amended to recognise this issue. kayak. In higher water it can run at a grade 1-2 technical - too difficult for people with little or no experience. There are however areas on the Yabba Creek for novice Kayaking.

Yabba Creek. 1 day a month water This is an implementation issue that release from Lake Borumba when water would need to be pursued with SEQ flow is low on the Yabba Creek allowing Water. It could be used as a promotional the whole creek to be used for event. Section 6.4.4 has been amended experienced kayaker one day a month. to identify this additional promotional Have the date well advertised in advance opportunity. and promote the release.

Water releases from Lake Borumba This is an implementation issue that The flow in Yabba Creek can be highly would need to be pursued with SEQ regulated by flows out of Lake Borumba. Water as part of the promotional It would be advantageous to canoeists to strategy. Section 6.4.4 has been know when releases were being planned amended to identify this additional and the flow rates. Also if possible the promotional opportunity. release coinciding with the weekend would increase canoeing in more of Yabba creek. Some water releases for environmental flow would also assist in improving water quality during dry periods when flow of Yabba Creek drops and aquatic plant growth increases due to the dam reducing the number of flushing floods.

Amamoor Creek. 3 submissions have There are no projects proposed for suggested the removal of Amamoor Amamoor Creek. A possible launch site Creek from the project list. Amamoor was assessed – while the site was Creek is not actually included in the positively assessed, the creek did not project list but a possible launch site was provide sufficient water flows (according assessed. to key stakeholders).

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 38

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Kandanga Creek. 3 submissions have Submissions on proposed Kandanga suggested the removal of the proposed Creek trails by people who are very Kandanga Creek trails from the project familiar with the seasonal flows of the list and have suggested a replacement creeks present a strong case for with a trail focusing on Kandanga Weir. removing the proposed projects on Kandanga Creek and replacing them with a project focusing on Kandanga Weir.

Consequently, Projects N (Kandanga Creek Circuit), O (Kandanga to Goomong Rd), P (Goomong Rd to Traveston Crossing) and Q (Kandanga to Traveston Crossing) have been removed from the final strategy and replaced with a project focusing on Kandanga Weir (called Project N Kandanga Weir Circuit).

In-watercourse obstacles. There are Strategy planning at this level does not places along Mary River where paddling allow the exploration of the entire length is hindered by obstacles (eg the water of every recommended trail to identify pipe near treatment plant or is it a where these issues may occur (and in pumping station not far upstream from fact these issues may only occur at gympie). These obstacles would need certain times of the year so detailed trail paddler accessible port around ramps or planning may not identify them). This is a tracks on one or both banks. role for detailed trail planning to identify possible points where these issues will be a concern. Tracks around such obstacles may raise the issue of private property access and will be need to be treated carefully as a solution.

Health risks associated with water This is a broader issue than a canoe and quality. This would include faecal kayak strategy though there is a general contamination (human and animal duty of care to ensure water health particularly cattle) and blue green algae meets appropriate standards. blooms (associated with Lake Borumba and downstream).

Ongoing maintenance. Access track Agree with comments about the need to work done at Vic Olsen bridge, Traveston carefully consider site location in doing Crossing and Kandanga by Conservation detailed planning. Volunteers a few years ago and damaged by recent floods, illustrates the need to carefully consider the site location and techniques used for the access points with budgeting for ongoing maintenance in these flood prone areas.

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 39

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Information provision. Glossy pictorial Many people still rely on printed Brochures can go out of date. Most brochures. When the time comes to people have mobile phones and/or prepare the promotional and mapping computers and can access websites for material, the most appropriate medium information. The brochures can just be should be used bearing in mind how first- PDF fact sheets (in black and white) with time users will access the information maps and line drawings. Serious paddlers laminate their maps and brochures (or at least put them in a waterproof bag).

Economic opportunities. Reference to It is beyond the scope of this project to successful businesses operating on the do such detailed research. However, a Noosa River (i.e. 3 day canoe trips note on the range of services offered on generally for the backpacker market) and the Upper Noosa River has been added to elsewhere would be worth mentioning Section 8. and researching further.

!

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 40

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! 4.! Issues and Opportunities 4.1 Issues 4.1.1 Ownership of the river and embankment

It is apparent from discussions with stakeholders (including some river users) and from the survey responses that many landowners whose properties adjoin the Mary River (or its tributaries) or have property both sides of the river (or its tributaries) have developed a sense of ownership over the river itself (this issue was not raised in respect of other waterways – perhaps because, in many cases, land on either side of these watercourses is in public ownership). This sense of ownership is evidenced by the act of stringing fences across the river. People who use the river have reported constantly needing to avoid fencing that has been strung across the river (and smaller creeks) to manage stock. Legislation regarding legal ownership of rivers and their embankments varies from state to state in Australia. In some states property ownership finishes at the high water mark (HWM) with the river (and embankment below the HWM) being in public ownership. In other states, property titles do extend to the centerline of the river.

Different rules of interpretation of the definition of natural boundaries apply, depending upon:

o whether the boundary adjoins tidal or non-tidal waters; o the existence or otherwise of Crown reserves; o the determination of high or low water mark or the water’s edge; o the definition of a river bank; and o perhaps more importantly, whether or not changes in the situation were slow and imperceptible over time, or sudden as in the change of course of a river caused by flooding or deviation.

It is important to note there is a presumption at common law that where land is described as being bounded by a non-tidal river or stream, ownership extends to the middle line of the water (the ad medium filum Acquae rule), unless there is a clearly defined intent to the contrary.

In most cases the bed of the water body and the majority of its bank is governed by Crown Lands Acts or the equivalent in each state and territory. This makes it land owned by the government and therefore often accessible to the general public as long as they do not use private land to access the water.

In the case of the Mary River, it is understood that different government agencies have given stakeholders differing opinions on where private property boundaries finish with regard to the course of the river.

This is an important matter that needs to be clarified as it may enable river users (canoeists and kayakers) to make use of riverbanks as stopping places without fear of trespassing on private land. The question of ownership of riverbanks and the waterway itself needs to be clarified. Definitive legal advice should be sought by the Council as one of the first implementation steps.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! 4.1.2 Fences across the Mary River and its tributaries

As noted above, many adjoining landowners have, evidently without approval, strung fences (including both electric and barbed wire fences) across the Mary River. This is not only a very dangerous practice (with the possibility of canoeists and kayakers suffering serious harm and possibly even death as a result of paddling head or neck high into these fences) but is also probably illegal given the probability that the river is publicly owned.

An education program, to be run in parallel to the implementation of the Strategy, should ensure adjoining landowners remove these fences and instead make provision for keeping stock in their paddocks by other means (and keeping fencing entirely on their properties). This program should not be run until the legal position on ownership is clear (as recommended in 4.1.1). 4.1.3 Maintenance of the waterways

It is well recognised that the Mary River and its tributaries (and other creeks within the Gympie region) flood from time to time, with some floods being higher and more damaging than others. Regardless of the nature of the flood, branches and logs will be swept downstream and get snagged on other trees and obstacles. The result is that the build-up of snagged logs and branches causes logjams and prevents clear passage along the waterways for those in canoes and kayaks. Currently, the clearing of these blockages is undertaken on a voluntary and as- needed basis by river users (notably licensed operators). This is a measure designed to minimise the risks associated with their customers using the river.

After flooding, launch points will require checking and probable clearing of trees and other debris. Within the waterways, major blockages may need clearing after a significant flood to ensure a high quality and safe user experience. It is acknowledged that the Mary River in particular has been, and will continue to be, used for canoeing and kayaking and part of the “water experience” is navigating obstacles. However, there are likely to be occasions when clearing the waterway itself will be required. Many of the American water trails view hazard identification and removal as a key part of developing a water trail strategy. For example, the Jordan River Urban Water Trail Plan (Salt Lake City, Utah) identifies that concrete, flood debris, trees, garbage, and overhanging limbs cause dangerous boating conditions on the Jordan River. Water trail hazards can vary with the level of the river. The general public needs to be informed of the risks to make educated decisions about recreation on the Jordan River. The Plan recommended that Salt Lake County should also be negotiating with responsible parties for hazard removal or safe portage around these facilities, including appropriate signage. 4.1.4 Access into and out of the rivers and creeks

One of the more significant issues facing potential canoeists/kayakers is the ability to get close enough to the river to launch their vessels – without a lengthy trek carrying their craft.

With regards to the Mary River and its tributaries, at present the number of launch sites is limited, and are likely known to regular users of the river only. None of the sites are signposted.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!This issue was raised extensively in both the direct consultation and the survey responses (see Section 3).

Steep embankments and the prevailing water level in the Mary River and tributaries also impacts on the ability of canoeists and kayakers to get on the river. Accessing Lake Borumba via the existing boat ramp is not an issue. Accessing other waterways notably at Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach is relatively simple with many formal public boat ramps. 4.1.5 Flooding – impact on infrastructure

Flooding of the Mary River, and its tributaries, occurs from time to time. Some of these floods have been very destructive, resulting in damage to infrastructure along the river and washing away even heavy items such as concrete paths, pumps and signage.

With this in mind, the installation of new infrastructure to cater for canoeists and kayakers will need to be limited and kept as high as possible to avoid all but the highest flood levels. Items such as pontoons, concrete ramps, signage at river level, seating etc cannot be installed where there is a serious risk of them being lost in a flood. 4.1.6 Flooding – impact on signage

Flooding also makes the installation of waymarking, interpretive signage and other on-river signage potentially a waste of time and money as there is a very high likelihood that the items will be lost in a typical flood.

Consequently, signage usually found on a river/water trail (such as wayfinding and interpretive signage) should not be installed. Other mechanisms for delivering this information will need to be used (some options are suggested in Section 6). 4.1.7 Changes in water level

It is evident that the level of water in the Mary River and its tributaries is not constant. Unlike dams and tidal creeks, the water level will vary significantly on a seasonal basis, depending on the amount of rainfall during the wet season. Water level changes can also occur even on a daily basis, especially if a heavy rainfall event occurs in the catchment of the river. Flash flooding does occur.

The water levels in the Mary River need to be monitored and effectively communicated to potential users (utilising either existing or new sources – Section 6.4 includes a discussion on the possibilities). This is important as water levels will determine which sections of the river are navigable by canoes and kayaks at a particular point in time and which are not (and therefore involving significant amounts of portage of craft). This information will also help users determine the appropriate launch and exit points to use for their journey. 4.1.8 Provision of information needs constant updating

As described above, water levels change regularly and therefore information about where to launch canoes and kayaks and which sections of the Mary River and its tributaries are best for paddling at a particular time needs to be communicated to users. The information will change almost on a daily basis. If information is not updated regularly, there is a risk that users will obtain incorrect information that potentially could lead to unacceptable risks and safety concerns.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Mechanisms for providing this information in a timely manner are outlined within this strategy. 4.1.9 Access to the Mary River for 2WD vehicles

At present many of the tracks leading to existing (informal) canoe and kayak launch sites on the Mary River in particular are accessible only by 4WD vehicles. Many of the existing tracks are sandy and boggy and with numerous and sometimes deep undulations that effectively deter those in 2WD vehicles.

Improvements to access tracks enabling all year round access for conventional

4WD vehicles are already accessing reaches of the Mary River – to fish, to paddle and to pursue other activities (an example is at The Palms downstream from Gympie). Improving access for 2WD vehicles will improve opportunities to use the river for a greater number of people

2WD vehicles are an important consideration in this strategy. ! 4.1.10 Endangered species

The Mary River Threatened Species Recovery Plan focuses on five species – the Mary River turtle, the Mary River cod, the Australian Lungfish, the Giant Barred Frog, and the Freshwater Mullet. The white throated snapping turtle (while not included as a focus for the Recovery Plan) is also a critical species, given that it is found only in the Mary, Fitzroy and Burnett River systems and has been listed as critically endangered.

Access to the Mary River and managing that access is a key issue for the recovery plan, as is raising awareness. The key issues for the Canoe and Kayak Strategy in terms of its relationship to the recovery planning for the Mary River and its tributaries are:

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! o The biggest threat to the survival of the Mary River turtle is egg survival. The turtle nests on sand banks during summer; these nesting banks are critical for the species’ survival (the same applies for the white throated snapping turtle). This will impact on the choice of launching sites (as launching canoes inevitably involves tramping along sand banks. For example, at Traveston Crossing, the key nesting site is upstream of the bridge and it would not be a satisfactory outcome from an environmental sustainability perspective to site facilities in close proximity to these banks. o The Mary River Cod breeds around logs and snags. Snags and deep holes are also important for the lungfish and the turtle. De-snagging is no longer accepted – re-snagging is the preferred approach. This makes traversing the river by canoe and kayak possibly more problematic. o Canoeists and kayakers need to take care around low water, reed beds etc. to minimise impacts on all these species.

The presence of these threatened species also presents an opportunity (see below in 4.2.10). 4.2 Opportunities 4.2.1 Providing leadership in provision of outdoor recreational activities This Canoe and Kayak Strategy is most likely the first of its kind in Australia, evidence that the Gympie Regional Council is alert to emerging trends in outdoors recreational activity. While there may be individual canoe trails scattered about in Australia, there has been no concerted effort to cater for canoeing and kayaking across a large region such as the Gympie Regional Council area.

Developing a series of short and longer canoe/kayak trails (to cater for all types of users – novice, intermediate and experienced) will put the Gympie Regional Council at the forefront of planning for this emerging trend. 4.2.2 Promoting the Gympie region (or individual towns) as a trail ‘hub’ Having already commissioned the preparation of a Tracks and Trails Strategy (for land-based trails) the Gympie Regional Council is well advanced towards being considered as a trails ‘hub’.

A trails ‘hub’ is a town or destination that is widely known for its trails offering through the provision of high quality trails, strong branding, trail-user-related services, facilities and businesses, supportive governance and resourcing structure and maintenance regime.

A trails hub can achieve this status through the provision and promotion of either a critical mass of complementary mixed-use trails or single use trails, providing there is a range of types suited to a range of experience levels and user types.

In the Gympie Regional Council this can be achieved through the provision of mountain biking opportunities (some are already in place), canoe/kayak opportunities (the subject of this strategy), rail trails (there is great potential for this in Gympie Regional Council area), walk trails (many already exist) and horse trails (some already exist). This was raised in stakeholder consultation and seen as an opportunity. There is the potential to physically link some of the water trails with land-based trails proposed in the Tracks and Trails Strategy (2014). Links

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!with proposed rail trails from the Tracks and Trails Strategy are further discussed in 4.2.9. 4.2.3 Providing educational/interpretation opportunities Canoe/kayak trails are widely known for their ability to deliver a wide range of educational and interpretive outcomes. Water trails serve as outdoor classrooms and promote an awareness of the natural and cultural attributes of a river and its tributaries through experiences involving the senses.

Organisations responsible for devising water trails use comprehensive trail guides, signage, public outreach and information to encourage awareness of the natural, cultural and historic attributes of the trail and the region through which the water trail passes.

In the case of the Mary River, the Gympie Regional Council can use the proposed canoe/kayak trail(s) to promote appreciation of the natural and scenic beauty of the Mary River and tributaries, other creeks and Lake Borumba, and the communities through which these waterways pass. Similar approaches can be taken to other suggested water trails closer to the coast. 4.2.4 Developing stewardship/conservation ethic

Water trails promote minimum impact practices that ensure a sustainable future for the waterway and adjacent lands. Water trails embrace the “Leave No Trace” code of responsible outdoor ethics in the community towards a river, its tributaries and environs.

Organisations that develop water trails are often doing so as they see water trail activities supporting the conservation of the aquatic ecosystem and contiguous lands and build a constituency of resource protection and restoration advocates and watchdogs.

Already popular with fishers, improvements at The Weir in Gympie will attract more paddlers to the town reaches of the Mary River.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

4.2.5! Capitalising on economic opportunities

Recreation trails, be they on land or on water bodies, attract users. Trail users spend money. Numerous studies reveal that trails increase visitation to a town or region and often result in longer stays.

Increased visitation and longer stays create opportunities for local businesses involved in the hospitality sector. Trails often result in new businesses starting up, such as those involved in hiring equipment (such as mountain bikes and canoes or kayaks) and those who can provide logistical support (such as collecting people at the end of their trail journey and delivering them back to their hotel or car). Potential economic opportunities are further discussed in Section 8. 4.2.6 Increasing livability of the region and its towns

Land based trails and water trails add to the recreational opportunities available to local residents and their ability to get outdoors and participate in healthy recreational activities. Water trails benefit people of all ages, abilities and socio- economic status.

In short, they increase the livability of a town or region, providing an added dimension to the range of activities that an existing or potential resident might enjoy. Many of the survey respondents wanted to use the region’s waterways and many were new to the area looking for opportunities but access difficulties and lack of information appear to be limiting use of the river for these people. 4.2.7 Making use of an under-utilised resource

The Mary River and its tributaries is a prominent natural feature of the region. It flows through the town of Gympie and several of the smaller towns of the Gympie Regional Council area. However, it appears to be under-utilised. Some residents use it for fishing from its shores and some do currently use it for canoeing and kayaking and for fishing from these craft. There are operators that rent kayaks and canoes to visitors, and outdoor camp operators take school groups on parts of the river.

Tin Can Bay is another natural resource that may be under-utilised by non- powered watercraft. There are several companies offering a range of services (guided tours and canoe and kayak hire are two established business activities) but it is likely that these waterways are used more by motorised boats. Tin Can Bay was the most popular response (other than the Mary River) in the user survey, though only 9 of 80 respondents indicated they canoes or kayaked in Tin Can Bay. Access is not the issue that it is for users of the Mary River - both Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach are reasonably well catered for, as there is a number of publicly accessible boat launching facilities – be they boat ramps, floating pontoons or accessible sand beaches.

The waterways of the Gympie Region could be used to a much greater extent than they currently are. This increased use will come about by various strategies such as improved directional signage to launch sites on the waterways, improved access to these sites and improved information about the (proposed) water trails. 4.2.8 Taking advantage of emerging trends in outdoor recreation

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!The proliferation of cheap, lightweight (plastic) kayaks has led to a significant increase in the number of people getting out onto rivers and other water bodies. The new style sit-on (rather than sit-in) plastic kayaks are cheap to purchase with many outlets selling base models for around $300. They are easy to transport on most vehicles and light enough for one person to easily carry it to a launch site.

These new style kayaks are being used for fishing and this activity has gained popularity through promotion on various television fishing programs. It is now regarded as a ‘cool’ activity to get out on a kayak for fishing or for general paddling on a river or other water body.

The Gympie Regional Council has an opportunity to facilitate this activity by putting in place, and promoting, a series of water-based trails. 4.2.9 Connection to future rail trails

Organisations in America (in particular) are setting up trails ‘networks’ whereby trail users can use different modes of transport to travel through an area. Water trails are developed to make connection with land-based trails and especially rail trails (ie. multi-use trails developed on abandoned/disused railways) as it was common for railways to be routed along river valleys.

This could be the case in the Gympie Regional Council area. The Gympie to Brooloo railway crosses the Mary River (and Yabba Creek) in several locations. Should any part of the disused railway be converted into a rail trail (such as from Imbil to Brooloo) the opportunity will arise for people to undertake a trail journey partly by river and partly by walking or cycling on the rail trail. 4.2.10 Endangered species

As noted in 4.1.10 above, the Mary River Threatened Species Recovery Plan focuses on five species – the Mary River turtle, the Mary River cod, the Australian lungfish, the Giant Barred Frog, and the Freshwater Mullet. The white throated snapping turtle (while not included as a focus for the Recovery Plan) is also a critical species, given that it is found only in the Mary, Fitzroy and Burnett River systems and has been listed as critically endangered.

While the Canoe and Kayak Strategy needs to be cognisant of the issues associated with the recovery of these species, development of a series of water trails also provides opportunities.

o The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is encouraging fishers not to target the cod in particular. Information provided is of the nature – if you are planning to fish from a kayak, these are the species you’re likely to catch and these are the ones to avoid and how to do so. Making this information available in association with promotion of the canoe and kayak possibilities ensures the message goes to a wider audience. o Promotional material associated with the strategy also provides the opportunity to more broadly promote this recovery and conservation message to a wider range of river users (other than just fishermen and women). o The Giant Barred Frog is a stream dependent frog, with habitat limited to within 50 metres of a permanent stream. Eggs are laid on the underneath side of undercut banks. Representatives of the Mary River Catchment

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! Coordinating Committee suggested that frog call identification could be a key “fun element” incorporated into the experience of river users. This would have the added advantage of helping turn the water trails of Mary River (and tributaries) into trails for “Citizen Science” purposes.

4.2.11 Inter-regional connection with other Local Government areas

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils has proposed the development of a “through trail” or long distance trail on the Mary River from source to mouth. This opportunity allows physical as well as virtual links (marketing etc) to be built between the three Local Governments through which the Mary River flows – Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council (tributaries of the Mary River also flow through Noosa Shire). It also acknowledges that the user does not recognise such boundaries when on a trail.

Camping areas will be a key consideration for such a trail (given the propensity for regular flooding) and will need to be addressed as part of the broader river project. Camping has the potential to be a value-added ancillary activity. The provision of camping presents location and management issues for Gympie Regional Council (and also presents opportunities for private sector providers). Provision of camping opportunities will require further exploration.

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5.! Demand and Supply Analysis 5.1 Introduction

Demand for water-based activities will come from both residents and visitors to the region. Almost 50,000 people live in the region at last count (2014), with growth of 1.5% per year over the last 5 years. According to Council documents, almost 65,000 people will call the region home by 2036. Many of these people are, and will be, looking for low-cost nature-based recreation opportunities close to home. Water trails provide one outlet for this demand.

Various Council documents (as discussed in Section 2) set out a vision and outcomes for the region where tourism is a major economic sector in the future providing both income and employment for residents as well as facilities for visitors. Being in relatively close proximity to the Greater Brisbane area positions the Gympie Region to take advantage of a growing demand for outdoor recreation.

The region already attracts a large number of visitors and has a number of businesses servicing the needs of visitors. Table 2 shows the comparative visitor data for Gympie and its two southern neighbours – Noosa Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Regional Council (it is not unexpected that the two southern neighbours have higher numbers in all categories given their national and international profile and their longer history of active involvement in tourism).

Table 2: Role of tourism in the economies of the broader region (figures supplied by Gympie Regional Council)

Sunshine Coast Noosa Shire Gympie Regional Regional Council Council Council

Tourism 3,610 985 541 Businesses

Total Visitors 5,387,300 1,698,300 1,211,300

Overnight visitor $1.065 billion $550.7 million $139.7 million spending

Average stay for 13.4 nights 6.6 nights 3.8 nights international visitors

Backpacker nights 74,400 163,600 86,700

Unfortunately, data on demand for water-based activities is limited. Looking at the broader industry of outdoor recreation, nature visitors who participate in the types of activities undertaken on tracks and trails provide a pointer to the market potential for water trails (though the research is limited to land-based trails). Tourism Research Australia estimates that 51% of domestic overnight nature visitors take part in bushwalking / rainforest walks, whilst 39% of domestic day visitors and 37% of international visitors enjoy this type of activity (Loddon Mallee Trails Strategy 2010).

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!A series of water trails along the Mary in particular can provide an actual and psychological link between the Gympie region and its neighbours; it is worth remembering that tourists don’t see the boundaries of different council areas when visiting. Developing the region as an outdoor recreation hub (building on land and water-based trails) can take advantage of the outdoor “reputation” of adjoining local governments. 5.2 Demand for Canoeing, Kayaking and other Non- Motorised Watercraft Activities 5.2.1 Available data The Background Scoping Study (Appendix 1) explored the available demand data on watercraft activities. In summary:

o There is very limited data on the nature of canoe/kayak use in Australia similar to the relatively extensive data available for other outdoor recreation pursuits such as walking and cycling. What data is available covers general participation in outdoor recreation.

o The last completed Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (2010) found that canoeing (including kayaking), although not in the top ten outdoor recreation activities, continues to attract a relatively steady and reasonable numbers of participants, possibly more so in regional and rural areas than metropolitan areas due to easier access to such activities.

o 1.7% of people in Queensland participated in canoeing/kayaking at least once in 2010 (ERASS 2010), meaning a total of just over 60,000 people.

o Unfortunately, it is likely that the surveys finished just as a boom in kayaking (as discussed in Section 4) and stand-up paddling was beginning to occur.

o The 2007 South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Study found that 17% of the people who participated in the survey had undertaken “riding on non-motorised watercraft” at least once in the preceding year, amounting to approximately 755,000 individual events/activities/year. The corresponding figure for 2001 was 19%. The category included sailing, which is likely to represent a significant number of people participating in the activity. Again, the surveys finished before the boom in kayak sales.

o A user survey for the Ipswich Outdoor Recreation Study in 2014 found that 7.2% of respondents (12 of 170 respondents) participated in canoeing/kayaking (making up 4.5% of outdoor activities). The survey showed that the demand for guided (non-motorised water-based) tours along the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers and reserves of the City is growing.

o There are 29 canoe clubs in Queensland affiliated with Queensland Canoeing Incorporated. The majority of these (17) are in Brisbane, while the Sunshine Coast hosts 3 clubs. There are 6 clubs located in Regional Queensland (not the south east) but none are based in the Gympie Region. Qld Canoeing Inc (and their affiliated clubs) hosts some events each year across a range of canoeing and kayaking disciplines.

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!In addition, outdoor education centres (such as Higher Ground at Kenilworth) often have canoeing as part of their activities; this participation does not show up in formal surveys.

Canoeing events attract users in relatively large numbers. The 2013 Murray Marathon (a 5 day canoeing event along the river) attracts an average of 750 paddlers (454 paddlers participated in the 2013 event) (Murray Marathon website www.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au) 5.2.2 Supply Generated Demand (Speculative)

Unfortunately, there is no anecdotal evidence suggesting that an approach of “build it and they will come” exists in developing watercraft activities. There is however evidence in the survey that there is a latent demand for canoeing and kayaking on the Mary River in particular. Comments such as the following can be found in the survey responses in significant numbers:

o “Basic information would help (about) where you can go for access and access that is not only accessible by a 4x4” o “I was there the other weekend looking to try to get access to the (Mary) river but got nowhere as the Internet was not informative at all.” o “I know that there is plenty of quality canoeing/kayaking in the Mary River and its tributaries but as an outsider, I feel, that currently without local knowledge the place is mostly inaccessible.” o “I won't go paddling in an area I can't do my research on first and in regards to the Mary, there is little information to look up.” o “Like all towns with rivers we would love to be able to access and enjoy the Mary not only for kayaking but also for recreation and picnics areas for families.”

This suggests a latent demand. There is strong anecdotal evidence from around Australia that a large part of the demand for land-based trails is supply driven, meaning trail users are attracted to developed trails that are both ‘known’ or advertised in some way, and offer a range of facilities such as signage and interpretation, parking, toilets and water. Data to verify the proposition that “if you build it they will come” (induced demand) is rare in trails research. However evidence of usage on two trails in Western Australia, the Mundaring trails network and the Bibbulmun Track, show steadily growing usage. The Bibbulmun Track increased in usage from 10,000 in 1997 to 35,000 in 1999-2000 to 137,500 in 2004 to 167,000 in the most recent survey in 2008(Colmar and Brunton – several documents). In 2001, the Mundaring Shire trail network was used by over 200,000 people (Jessop and Bruce 2001), having grown from a low base when the network was first fully opened. The experience of many towns across the USA also supports the notion that development of trails can stimulate visitation to an area because of the existence of the trails. There are many stories of towns in decline that reversed that trend by developing a trail and the fortunes and economic prosperity of that town turned around. It is possible to conclude that a similar story may exist for water trails.

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5.3! Supply Analysis

Gympie Regional Council provided information on existing formal launching facilities across the region. There are a limited number of existing formal launching sites across the Region. These are:

o Snapper Creek boat ramp, Tin Can Bay o Crab Creek boat ramp, Tin Can Bay o Carlo Point boat ramp, Rainbow Beach o Bullock Point boat ramp, near Inskip Point (but not an official boat ramp) o Cooloola Cove launch point (not a constructed boat ramp) o Poverty Point launch point (accessible by 4WD only - not a constructed boat ramp) o Lake Borumba boat ramp o Various informal Mary River launch points (not constructed) Existing and potential launch sites along the Mary River and its tributaries were investigated (including the existing facilities at Lake Borumba). The consultation process provided descriptions of several sites along the Mary River and its tributaries (expanding on the single point above). It should be noted that this investigation was confined not exclusively to land in public ownership. However, various sites in private ownership or with constrained public access (such as the Carlson Road pumping station) could not be subject to the level of detailed site assessment for those sites with public access.

Fieldwork also included assessment of potential launching sites at Coondoo Creek and Snapper Creek Boat ramp at Tin Can Bay. (Site assessment sheets can be found in Appendix 2). 5.4 Conclusion

There is a current demand for water-based trails and other water-based activities involving kayaks (primarily), canoes and other non-motorised watercraft. Much of this demand is latent – people seem not to be accessing the waterways due to a lack of access to both the waterways and to information.

The overwhelming conclusion on supply based on (a) field investigations, (b) discussions with key stakeholders and (c) the survey results is that there is simply not sufficient formal, developed, 2WD accessible launch sites on the Mary River and its tributaries to satisfy current (including latent) and likely future demand.

Coastal locations such as Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach are reasonably well catered for, as there is a number of publicly accessible boat launching facilities – be they boat ramps, floating pontoons or accessible sand beaches. Having specific canoe/kayak information readily available (both on-site and in promotional material) is highly desirable for any coastal water trails and other water-related activities.

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6.! The Waterways Projects 6.1 The Approach

The waterways projects chosen for further development primarily focus on developing a network of accessible of water trails on the region’s waterways. The Background Scoping Study discussed the approach of developing water trails as the main element of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy. To reiterate the key points:

o America and Canada have been undertaking the preparation of strategies and development of facilities for non-motorised watercraft for several years. The majority of these projects have focussed on the provision of water trails (rather than being generic canoe and kayak strategies).

o A trail gives purpose, challenge, and excitement to a journey on a waterway. A trail allows one-way journeys and means people don’t traverse country already traversed. It is physically easier to hop on a canoe or kayak and travel downstream along a designated trail (without having to backtrack upstream against the current or water flow). A properly planned and designed trail will allow greater discovery of the natural and human history of the waterway.

o Simply hopping on the river or creek for a “paddle around” then getting out at the same spot is an activity with appeal particularly for local residents; it still requires development of a “trailhead” – consisting of somewhere to park, some information signage and simple access to the water.

o The North American work has also identified four basic types of water trail experiences.

Gateway experience segments: At normal flow conditions, these segments provide the most predictable experiences for paddlers. They are good introductory trails for beginners and those wanting shorter trips. Small hazards such as rock riffles or strainers can be easily navigated around. Portage around major hazards is not required. These segments are intended for high use levels. Launch construction includes stable surfaces, such as concrete, often with gentle slopes. Amenities are often available near launch parking areas.

Recreational experience segments: Recreational experiences generally require more skill and experience compared with Gateway segments. At normal flow conditions, some boat maneuvering around hazards may be needed. Short portages are also possible. Launch locations may be more difficult to access from parking areas or may have been constructed with less stable materials such as gravel. Amenities are sometimes present near launch parking areas.

Challenge experience segments: These segments are not for beginners. At normal flow conditions, paddlers will experience a moderate to high number of hazards including logjams, rapids, or other elements such as larger lakes with long open-water crossings and the potential for high waves or limited egress. Multiple short or long portages may be required. Access spacing varies considerably, and amenities are usually not available.

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! Launch areas are usually more difficult to access from parking areas. Wilderness experience segments: The goal of this experience classification is to provide users with what is possible in the state in terms of a paddling experience with minimal human-made distractions and amenities. Launch design and spacing between access points assumes above-average physical condition. Overnight primitive camping facilities may be present, as paddlers on these routes are often looking for multiple- day experiences. Any facilities present are minimal, primitive, and without signage.

The projects for development focus on the first three experiences – those that will attract the widest range of users with a range of skill sets. 6.2 Project Selection

In determining the candidate projects, three major factors were considered.

o Physical nature of the waterways, particularly the Mary River and its tributaries; o Public access to the region’s waterways; and o The key markets for the region’s waterways. In considering these factors when selecting projects, the advice of key stakeholders in particular was given significant consideration – many of these were people who paddled the waterways regularly (in all seasons). It was not possible in the limited time available for fieldwork to fully comprehend the nature of the waterways systems in terms of aesthetic appeal and variations of water flows. Reliance on those who know the waterways was therefore quite significant. These stakeholders also made significant comments on the document when it was placed on public display, leading to modifications of the Traveston Crossing project (Project f), and significant amendments to projects on Kandanga Creek. 6.2.1 Nature of the waterways

The Mary River (and its tributaries) has a number of features that are relatively unique in terms of developing water trails. Most notable among these features are steep embankments (which limit access points and what can be developed at these access points, and also contribute to the varying appeal of river sections), variable water levels on a yearly, monthly and almost daily basis (making water use a challenge for all but the most experienced paddler), narrowness in parts (contributing to the challenge), and regular major flooding (limiting the types of infrastructure that can be built in a financially responsible way). The region’s other waterways do not have these features to the same degree. 6.2.2 Public access to the waterways

Public access to the Mary River in particular is currently very limited with only a few parcels of land adjacent to the river in public ownership (there are a number of road reserves where bridges cross the river and the various tributaries which can be utilised). The main effect of this lack of public access is the distances between accessible launch and retrieval sites (or trailheads). Table 3 shows the approximate distances between sites (primarily) in public ownership along the Mary and its major tributaries.

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! Table 3: Distances along Mary River and major tributaries

Major Section Distance Sub-Section Distance

Moy Pocket to Vic 26.9 km Moy Pocket (Pickering 11.5 kms Olsen Bridge Bridge) to Walker Rd

(Tuchekoi) Walker Rd to Vic Olsen 15.4 kms Bridge (Tuchekoi)

Vic Olsen Bridge 22.2 kms Vic Olsen Bridge to 2.3 kms to Traveston Peacons Pocket Rd

Crossing Peacons Pocket Rd to 12.6 kms Carlson Road (Carlson Rd Pumping Station not in public ownership)

Carlson Road to 7.3 kms Traveston Crossing Bridge

Traveston 25.7 km Traveston Crossing 21.2 kms Crossing to Bridge to AM Hodges Gympie (The Bridge (on Six Mile Sands/Attie Creek) Sullivan Park) AM Hodges Bridge to 5.0 kms Attie Sullivan Park (south-eastern side of Normanby Bridge)

Attie Sullivan Park to 0.4 kms The Sands

The Sands to Kidd 1.8 kms Bridge (weir)

Within Gympie – 11.4 kms Kidd Bridge (weir) to 4.5 kms The Sands/Attie Widgee Crossing Rd Sullivan Park to The Palms Widgee Crossing Rd to 5.1 kms The Palms

Gympie to the 46.6.km The Palms to Bambling 29.0 kms GRC boundary Road (off Scotchy

Pocket Rd at Gunalda)

Bambling Road to 17.6 kms Dickabram Bridge

Yabba Creek 18.9 kms Yabba Creek #1 to Bert 4.6 kms Smith Memorial Park

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! Bert Smith Memorial 9.4 kms Park to Kev DeVere Bridge

Kev DeVere Bridge to 4.9 kms Peacons Pocket

Kandanga Creek* 13.2 kms Kandanga Creek - 6.6 kms Kandanga to Goomong Rd

Kandanga Creek - 6.6 kms Goomong Rd to Traveston Crossing (Mary River)

Amamoor Creek* Amamoor Creek Rd 4.7 kms (bridge) to Keith Mackay Bridge

* As a result of public comment, the project proposed for Kandanga Creek is a ”hop in and splash about” trail (replacing a number of continuous trails) so distances are not relevant. No projects have been proposed for Amamoor Creek.

The region’s other waterways do not have major access issues (though Coondoo Creek can only be easily accessed immediately off Tin Can Bay Road at Toolara).

River access is a key issue in realising the outcomes of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy. Traveston Crossing is a focal point for existing activities as some land is publicly owned and the site is adjacent to the site of the Garapine Outdoor Recreation Centre. Above left: This launching site, downstream of the bridge, is already extensively used though it is on private property. Above right: This site, upstream of the bridge, is in public ownership; however, there may be environmental issues with turtle nesting sites. Detailed trail planning will help resolve siting issues (which may involve purchase of the downstream site).

!

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6.2.3! The key markets for the region’s waterways

Bringing together the physical nature of the waterways (both positive and negative) and the distance between publicly accessible sites which dictates the time it takes a user to traverse a section (between two land-based “trailheads”) with the key paddling markets helps in the selection of the projects. The key market for water trails is in a sense unknown because research data simply does not exist for watercraft useage. However, the survey data provides some assistance. 32% of respondees spent 2-3 hrs on the water, while 26% spent half a day on the water. It is likely that many of the survey respondents have some experience in paddling (many respondents indicated they would like to go canoeing and kayaking but didn’t know where). The distances covered in these time periods will vary depending on the water flow, the experience of the paddler and a range of other factors. The general consensus among stakeholders was that 2-3 kms/hr is the average speed, meaning that users would cover 4-9 kms in a typical 2-3 hour session. Less experienced paddlers are likely to cover less distance. Published data for land-based trails show the demand for walking trails is concentrated on trails taking less than 2 hours to walk while the vast majority of mountain bikers tend to spend up to 3 hrs riding. 2-3 hours seems to be the time most people put aside for outdoor recreation (based on these statistics).

The target market is the family groups and people with limited time who have 2-3 hours to undertake these activities. While it may be desirable to plan and promote a long distance canoe trail along the entire Mary River (the waterway that lends itself to this approach), the main ‘market’ for novice paddlers – and the best short term opportunity for increasing utilisation of the waterways - is more likely to be short paddles. Longer paddles over more demanding sections (particularly on the Mary River) are likely to be utilised by intermediate and experienced paddlers; the proposed package also provides development of sites for these important markets. 6.3 The Water Trail Projects 6.3.1 Introduction

The strategy proposes a series of water trails developed for three levels of experience – novice, intermediate and experienced. The three categories (as discussed above) are primarily determined by time needed to paddle a section of river, and also by consideration of the nature of the river or creek in each section (as discussed above). The categorisation of the projects does not suggest that only novice paddlers will undertake the novice sections but these are the sections that are most suitable for the inexperienced paddler. The nature of water trails is that the longer trails recommended for intermediate and experienced travellers will include sections designed for the novice paddler.

Table 4 is a summary of the projects (showing distances). The Plans (section 9) illustrate these trail sections on the Mary River and its tributaries. Mapping other paddling experiences (in Tin Can Bay and Coondoo Creek) serves no particular purpose and the strategy does not provide sufficient detail to map detailed water trails on Lake Borumba.

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!Table 4: The recommended projects

Novice kayakers/canoeists - access points for these should be the most developed (as appropriate to the use level)

Mary River

Vic Olsen Br to Peacons Pocket 2.3 kms

Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir 2.2 kms

The Weir to Widgee Crossing Road 4.5 kms

Yabba Creek

Yabba Cr Crossing #1 to Bert Smith Memorial Park 4.6 kms

Lake Borumba 5.0 kms circuit

Kandanga Creek

Kandanga Weir Circuit 2.0 kms (approx.)

Coondoo Ck (upstream at Toolara) 2.5 kms

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Ck boat ramp) 5.0 kms circuit

! Intermediate kayakers/canoeists ! Mary River

Moy Pocket to Walker Rd 11.5 kms

Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Br 15.4 kms

Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd and return 14.6 kms

Yabba Creek

Lake Borumba 10.0 kms circuit

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Ck boat ramp) 10.0 kms circuit

!

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! Experienced kayakers/canoeists ! Mary River

Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge 26.9 kms

Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing 22.2 kms

Traveston Crossing to The Weir (in Gympie) 28.4 kms

AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms 16.8 kms

The Palms to Bambling Rd 29.0 kms

Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge 17.6 kms

Yabba Creek

Lake Borumba 15.0 kms circuit

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Ck boat ramp) 15.0 kms circuit

In! addition, a separate project is needed to cover promotion and marketing of the waterways of the region, following the commencement! of priority implementation schedules.

The works list is based on an assessment of sites at the time of the strategy preparation and the principle of minimising hard infrastructure due to flooding. The provision of jetties or landing structures would be extremely problematic and expensive in water bodies with such significant and constant flooding levels. Simple, on-shore landing points on gentle slopes has been the preferred approach – this does limit the stopping points but are often preferred by users. Such landing points also prevent erosion and other impacts as well as serving the user’s need. In North America (where water trails are extremely popular), the planning approach has been to minimise facilities to safe access points, information, campsites and toilets. With the exception of campsites and toilets, this has been the general approach taken to trail planning in this project. The plans also include provision for some picnic facilities or simple bench seats at most sites, as well as trailhead development (graveled parking areas and signage).

There may be sites amongst those recommended where hard infrastructure is more appropriate given the “protected” nature of the banks. For example, it is understood that there have been discussions within Gympie Regional Council about constructing a concrete driveway and carpark at the weir (Kidd Bridge) as this site is fairly protected from major floods. Trail preparation plans will flesh out some of this detailed design issues (it should be noted that constructing hard infrastructure such as concrete driveways and parking will impact significantly on capital and maintenance costs).

(The works lists and descriptions are organised by waterway system and subsequently by category- novice, intermediate and experienced).

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!

Building on existing infrastructure, such as developed “trailheads” at Imbil (above left) and Lake Borumba (above right), is one of the key elements of the Strategy. It is a significant way of minimising implementation costs. Naturally, negotiations with other agencies (such as SEQ Water) will be required in the detailed trail development planning work.

! Estimates of Possible Costs

The broad investigations undertaken during the fieldwork associated with this strategy provide a picture of the work required to bring about the development of a series of water trails on the Mary River, several of its tributaries and on several other water bodies.

The costs of construction that follow are an estimate of possible costs only. A more complete indication of works required and the costs of development of each section of the water trails network can only be compiled during the preparation of a series of ‘trail development plans’ (or ‘trail preparation plans’). Furthermore, accurate costs can only be determined via a tendering process.

For the purposes of determining a broad range of possible costs for development of the water trail sections, the per unit construction rates set out below have been used:

o Trailhead signage – a simple ‘kiosk’ type shelter is envisioned containing a two-sided 1200mm x 800mm sign with map of entire river system and water trails network, as well as some general information, warning/safety messages, contacts, and interpretive information. Based on recent Gympie Regional Council costings for similar items, an allowance of $7,400 includes preparation of signage information (research, writing and design), purchase and installation of ‘kiosk’, manufacturing and installation of signage.

o Trailhead furniture – due to the occurrence of flooding, the amount of trailhead furniture has been minimised and that which is recommended would be located on higher ground to avoid most floods. Furniture could include a picnic shelter and/or a concrete picnic table. Allowance of $3,000 for concrete picnic table and $7,000 for a simple shelter with seat (the latter cost is based on recent Gympie Regional Council costings).

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! o Trailhead improvements – there may be a need for some basic improvements at the ‘end point’ of a river trail segment (where river users would wait for collection). Improvements could include a sign visible to river users denoting a ‘get-out’ point. Allowance also includes a simple shelter in some situations.

o Road signage – allowance of $1,000 for a double-sided (white lettering on brown sign) ‘chevron’ pointing in to trailhead. May also include a series of fingerboards where access to trailhead is via a convoluted road network.

o Gravelling of access track – many proposed trailheads near the river are already accessible, but often via a rutted, sandy road suitable only for 4WD vehicles. Allowance for gravelling of access track to permit 2WD vehicles. Suggested rate is $15/m2.

o Gravelling of car parks – an allowance for upgrading of parking areas at trailheads (or ‘get out’ points). Suggested rate is $15/m2. Some sites may require less work due to their already good quality access and parking areas. Some sites may only require sufficient space for one car to park (off the road), and then only for a short time.

o Site improvements – to enable canoeists and kayakers to have easier access into and out of the river (and tributaries) some earthworks and/or ramps may be required. Amount of work varies from site to site.

o River ‘improvements’ – to encourage additional usage of the water trails and to provide additional activities for those on the river, an allowance has been made for the placement of ‘geocaches’ and/or interpretation at carefully selected sites along the river trails. An additional allowance has been made for ‘clearing’ of logjams after floods to keep river trail routes ‘open’ and free of barriers.

o Leaflet/brochure – as each segment of river trail is ‘developed’ and ‘opened’ a simple two-sided A4 brochure (with map) should be prepared and made available for canoeists/kayakers. (Ultimately, a multi-page river trail ‘guidebook’ would replace the series of leaflets.) An allowance of $2,000 per water trail section is recommended.

o Mini trail development plan – prior to the preparation of the trail leaflet it would be important to traverse each section of river in order to make notes on river characteristics, notable features, distances between features, and GPS coordinates of prominent features (including interpretation and geocaches). An allowance of $2,000 per water trail section is recommended.

NOTE 1: These broad estimates of possible costs are based on contractors’ rates. Costs can be considerably reduced through use of in-kind contributions from the Council, use of volunteers for various tasks, use of prison crews (for construction / installation tasks), etc.

NOTE 2: The estimates of possible costs above are based on recent relevant construction costs from other trail and construction projects. Real-life costs will depend on a number of factors, including the state of the economy, the extent of ‘advertising’ of construction tenders, the availability and competitiveness of

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!contractors, the rise and fall in materials costs, the choice of materials used in construction and final design details. Tenders submitted by construction contractors may vary significantly from the estimated costs in the tables contained within this report.

NOTE 3: Estimated costs are as at June 2015. An additional 3.5% should be added to each individual total per year compounded.

NOTE 4: As indicated below each table, not all improvements are required at each ‘site’ (or trailhead). Depending on the order in which the water trail sections are developed, some of the recommended improvements will already have been implemented as a result of the development of an earlier segment of water trail.

6.3.2 The Mary River

Trail projects that follow are organised into three categories – novice, intermediate and ! experienced.

Project (a) - Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket

This section is relatively short and can sometimes be tricky for novice users (according to one key stakeholder). However, providing an exit point at Peacons Pocket allows users to exit the river if they think they do not have the necessary Above: Water trails need a range of signage including “Trail markers”. This trail marker at experience. Development of a Crummunda Park in Caloundra marks a launching launch point at Peacons Pocket is site for the Currumundi Canoe Trail. not the easiest (or cheapest) option along the Mary River due ! to the steepness of access from Peacons Pocket Road to the river but a short section will be attractive to many users.

Table 5: Vic Olsen Bridge-Peacons Pocket Novice Water Trail

Site: Mary River Novice

River Section: Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket (2.3km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000 concrete picnic table ($3000)

"

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! picnic shelter ($7000)

Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300 signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 2000

Gravelling of access track (start point) – 140m 6300

Improvements/gravelling/drainage control for track (end point) 5000

Gravelling of parking area (start point) – 300m2 4500

Gravelling of parking area (end point) – 120m2 1800

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 4000

clearing of overgrown track (400m)

River" ‘improvements’: 2000 river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $47,300

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 9460

Sub-total $56,760

10% GST $5,676

Total $62,436

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Project (b) - Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir Another short section of river trail within the Gympie urban area will attract a range of novice users. Attie Sullivan has been chosen as the appropriate site for a trailhead in preference to The Sands (behind Aldi). Currently, road access to The Sands is extremely difficult as the existing dirt access track comes directly off the Bruce Highway. While access is allowed currently in both directions, access for southbound vehicles would not be ideal and any increase in the level of service (improved access/popularity) may not be acceptable. There may be scope for minor improvements to this access. However, accessing this section of the river via Attie Sullivan Park is a preferable short-term option due to ease of development of such access and guaranteed access. Should the Bruce Highway be diverted around Gympie and the existing highway revert to being a local road under the control of Gympie Regional Council, road access to The Sands may be possible. Under these circumstances, it may be preferable to develop a trailhead at The Sands – Attie Sullivan Park may be an interim trailhead until this option is available or it may not be developed as access to The Sands may become available prior to the scheduled development of the Attie Sullivan trailhead (see Section 7).

Access to the Mary River within Gympie itself is limited. Consultation suggested developing access at The Sands (pictured above left), which is easy to use and has some historical interest as it was commonly used by townsfolk for swimming. Unfortunately, current traffic flows on the Bruce Highway means vehicle access is difficult. Development of access at Attie Sullivan Park (which already has a range of existing land-based facilities) is a good short-term option.

An appropriate solution would be option to widen the existing single lane access ! road (i.e. the old road access to the former Normanby Bridge site) from Attie Sullivan Park. The works would be within the road reserve and/or the reserve for recreation. Vehicle parking at Attie Sullivan Park is more visual to the passing traffic.

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Table 6: Attie Sullivan Park-The Weir Novice Water Trail Site: Mary River Novice

River Section: Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir (2.2km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0

concrete picnic table ($0); picnic shelter ($0)

Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 2000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) – 200m 9000

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 2000

Other site improvements (start point): 2000

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $28,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 5740

Sub-total $34,440

10% GST $3,444

Total $37,884

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 66

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

A launching point could also be developed in this vicinity to allow users to access the old gold mining site at Deep Creek that is being developed with some land- based trails and some environmental rehabilitation. This would add another kilometre or so (return) to the water trail and allow users to access the land-based trail network when it is developed. This facility has not been costed in this report.

Project (c) - The Weir to Widgee Crossing Road

This section provides a slightly longer section of water trail easily accessible from the Gympie urban area. As noted above, this may be a site where hard infrastructure is more appropriate given the “protected” nature of the banks. It is understood that there have been discussions within Gympie Regional Council about constructing a concrete driveway and carpark at the weir in recognition of the popularity of the site for a range of activities. Trail preparation plans will flesh out some of this detailed design issues. It should be noted that constructing hard infrastructure such as concrete driveways and parking will impact significantly on capital and maintenance costs.

One of the submissions suggested that weirs should be fitted with water shoots to facilitate descents and eliminate ankle injuries on slippery rocks. It is envisaged that development of this section will allow watercraft to be put in below the weir; inclusion of a water shoot may be appropriate as the longer trail is developed through this section.

There was also some discussion with stakeholders about accessing the river from the northern side via Widgee Crossing Road. However, the road is closed some distance from the river. Reopening Widgee Crossing Rd on the north side seems unnecessary simply to create river access, given there is good access on the southern side. Having access from one side of the river only is preferred. Opening the northern side of the road is likely to allow more through vehicular traffic (that will actually cross the river). This is not a satisfactory solution for people launching kayaks from the spot where vehicles will cross the river.

An artist’s impression of the trailhead at Widgee Crossing Road is included in Section 10.

Table 7: The Weir-Widgee Crossing Road Novice Water Trail

Site: Mary River Novice

River Section: The Weir to Widgee Crossing Road (4.5km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($7000) " Trailhea" d improvements (end point): 1800

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($1500) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) - 1160m 29,000

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) – 625m2 9000

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $62,400

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 12,480

Sub-total $74,880

10% GST $7,488

Total $82,368

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (d) - Moy Pocket to Walker Rd

This section is a longer section of the river and presents more challenges than some of the shorter sections recommended for novice paddlers; consequently it is a section for intermediate paddlers. As part of the Traveston Dam process, a State Government-owned parcel of land is in the process of being transferred to the Gympie Regional Council. This parcel is adjacent to the southern bank of the river

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!(where Walker Road crosses the river). This would provide an excellent trailhead site with good access to the river. A detailed mini trail development plan should be prepared to locate facilities on this parcel once ownership or management is secured.

At Moy Pocket, access to the river could be on either side of Moy Pocket Road (on the southern side of the river within the boundaries of Sunshine Coast Council). Details need to be included in the trail development plan (though for general costing purposes, this strategy has identified necessary works for access on the upstream side of the bridge).

Table 8: Moy Pocket-Walker Road Intermediate Water Trail

Site: Mary River Intermediate

River Section: Moy Pocket to Walker Rd (11.5km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000

concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($7000) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 10300

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($3000) " picnic shelter ($7000) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 2000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 1000

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 2000

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 2000

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2500

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " "

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! geocache or floating interpretation

Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $41,200

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 8240

Sub-total $49,440

10% GST $4,944

Total $54,384

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (e) - Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge

This section is a longer section of the river and presents more challenges than some of the shorter sections recommended for novice paddlers; consequently it is a section for intermediate paddlers. Approximately 6 kms downstream from Walker Road, Whelan Road is shown as a road reserve that goes to the river’s edge. However, the formed road does not go near the river. At least one private operator has an agreement with the landowner to use the road reserve to pick up clients at this point if necessary. It may be desirable for Council to pursue the development of this road reserve (given it is public land) to provide an additional access point or it may be appropriate to come to a commercial arrangement to allow ongoing access (or the landowner may develop a commercial arrangement). The costings table below does not assume any public access along Whelan Road.

Development of an access point at Vic Olsen Bridge will use the existing road reserve and build on work already done (a concept plan for this site is included in Section 10).

Table 9: Walker Road-Vic Olsen Bridge Intermediate Water Trail

Site: Mary River Intermediate

River Section: Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge (15.4km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000 river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $14,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 2940

Sub-total $17,640

10% GST $1,764

Total $19,404

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (f) - Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd (return)

According to at least one stakeholder, this is one of the easiest sections of the Mary River. However, its length (14.6kms) may be daunting for novice paddlers. There have been previous private agreements between providers and SEQ Water (owner of the Carlson Road Pumping Station) to allow access to the river. General public access is not available. If general access can be gained through this site (not necessarily near the buildings), development of a launching facility would mean that users could travel a relatively short distance (7.3kms) before getting off the river (at Traveston Crossing) – the trail may then be classified as suitable for novices (and overcoming some of the “upstream paddling” issues identified by one

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!public comment. General access would require negotiation with SEQ Water; this may include changes of tenure to ensure ongoing access.

Traveston Crossing was identified in stakeholder consultation as a key site for utilising the Mary River. Unfortunately, use of the site is somewhat limited by the distance to the nearest access points in both directions (20 kms upstream to Peacons Pocket and almost 22 kms downstream to AM Hodges Bridge on Six Mile Creek). With the exception of Carlson Road Pumping Station, there is no other land currently in public ownership (or semi-public ownership) in either direction. Users could launch at Traveston Crossing and paddle “out and back” for whatever distance suited them (as this section of the river is relatively easy to use according to stakeholders).

The public comments on this project also included the suggestion that Traveston Crossing should be the focus of a “hop in and splash” site are worthwhile. The submission on this potential project included the placement and securing of some large root balls (using trees cleared for the highway upgrade) to create more eddies for white water skill development and play when the river is up by about 1 metre.

Detailed planning for this trail would include consideration of all elements needed for a “hop in and splash” trail, and negotiation of access at Carlsons Rd. Both of these factors would determine what a trail in this locality would ultimately look like. It may include two novice trails - a “hop in and splash about” trail going downstream from Traveston Crossing, and a 7.3 km downstream paddle from the pumping station to Traveston Crossing, as well as an intermediate trail – an up and back paddle from Traveston Crossing to the pumping station. Alternatively, if access at the pumping station cannot be successfully be negotiated, trails at this location would be the “hop in and splash about” novice trail and the up and back intermediate trail. The costs of projects would be determined by the detailed planning. The following costing is provided for the intermediate trail – for an additional “hop in and splash about” trail, the costs would be minimal (as most of the work is in providing access to the river). If access to the river at the pumping station was agreed, there would be additional costs in developing public access at this point.

There are some issues associated with using Traveston Crossing for the development of facilities.

o Like much of the Mary, this site floods easily and regularly limiting the amount of built infrastructure that could be developed. o There is a site that is in public ownership (upstream of the bridge). This parcel of publicly owned land offers a good opportunity for camping as it is a relatively well-grassed flat site. Any camping infrastructure should be limited due to regular flooding. o This site is immediately adjacent to Garapine Outdoor Centre. It is understood this facility has recently been sold and may be once again utilised as an outdoor recreation facility. There is an obvious “synergy” with the adjoining land parcel on the river. o A significant disadvantage of the site on the upstream side of the bridge is that it is understood from consultation that Traveston Crossing is a turtle nesting area; it was put forward during consultation that access to the

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! riverbanks should be discouraged. The Mary River turtle nests on sand banks during summer. Nesting sites are known. The biggest threat to survival of the species is egg survival; nesting banks are critical for this. People are currently getting into this site in 4WD vehicles. o The western riverbank on the downstream side of the bridge (though in private ownership) is currently quite a popular launching site for paddlers. It is understood that the parcel of land is of limited farming use (due to its isolation from the main paddocks). o Detailed planning for the site should be done, covering both sides of the bridge and taking into account these factors. It may be appropriate for Council to purchase the site that is currently used for launching and potentially minimise environmental harm. o A concept plan and an artist’s impression are included in Section 10; both these drawings are for the site currently used for launching on the downstream side of the bridge. Further negotiation would be required to formally secure this privately owned site.

Table 10: Traveston Crossing-Carlson Road Intermediate Water Trail

Site: Mary River Intermediate

River Section: Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd and return (14.6km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000 concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($7000) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300 signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) – 140m 6300

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) – 400m2 6000

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " " Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 73

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!River ‘improvements’: 2500 river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $37,500

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 7500

Sub-total $45,000

10% GST $4,500

Total $49,500

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

The following tables set out the development of sections of the Mary River for experienced paddlers (distance is the key to whether the sections are for experienced paddlers). Much of the development work will be done as part of developing experiences for novice and intermediate paddlers.

Project (g) – Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge

Table 11: Moy Pocket-Vic Olsen Bridge Experienced Water Trail

Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge (26.9km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 0 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0); picnic shelter ($0)

Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0 signage ($0); concrete picnic table ($0)

Road" signage (at start and end points) 0

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

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!Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks; access ramp

Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 0

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 1000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $3,000

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 600

Sub-total $3,600

10% GST $360

Total $3,960

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network

Project (h) – Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing

This section incorporates work done for the Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket and Traveston Crossing to Carlsons Road. New work is simply in trail planning and brochure production (river clearing may be needed between Carlsons Road and Peacons Pocket).

Table 12: Vic Olsen Bridge-Traveston Crossing Experienced Water Trail

Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing (22.2km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 0

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0

concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " " Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 75

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Trailhead improvements (end point): 0 signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 0

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 1000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $3,000

Project Management and Contingency (20%) $600

Sub-total $3,600

10% GST $360

Total $3,960

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (i) – Traveston Crossing to The Weir

This section incorporates work done at Traveston Crossing and for the section from Attie Sullivan Park to the Weir (which is only a small percentage of this trail).

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Table 13: Traveston Crossing-The Weir Experienced Water Trail Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: Traveston Crossing to The Weir (28.4km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 0

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0

concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0

signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks; access ‘ramp’

River" ‘improvements’: 2500

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $6,500

Project Management and Contingency (20%) $1300

Sub-total $7,800

10% GST $780

Total $8,580

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (j) – AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms

This section incorporates some of the in-town sections (Attie Sullivan Park to the Weir and the Weir to Widgee Crossing Road). It also provides an intervening launch point (between Traveston Crossing and Attie Sullivan Park) in Six Mile Creek. It “extends” the in-town section of the river another 5 kms beyond Widgee Crossing Road. Access to The Palms launch site is via a very circuitous street network (the closest formed road to the proposed launch point is Curry Road, though there is a vehicular track from Curry Road to the river)). Careful attention will need to be paid during the trail development planning to the location of road signage.

Table 14: AM Hodges Bridge-The Palms Experienced Water Trail

Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms (16.8km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300 signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 2000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 2000

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 2000 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " " Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 78

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!River ‘improvements’: 2000 river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $19,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 3940

Sub-total $23,640

10% GST $2,364

Total $26,004

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network.

Project (k) – The Palms to Bambling Rd

This is a very long section of water trail, but there are no intervening launch sites in public ownership. The site at Bambling Road is easy to access (via Gunalda) and needs limited work. Consideration will need to be given to potential disturbance to Mary River turtles sites in this locality. Bells Bridge was suggested as a possible launch site in consultation as it would make a much shorter paddle from Gympie. The site was investigated and it is very difficult to construct low cost access given the nature of the river and the road reserve at this location. Purchase of adjoining land would be the only way to facilitate easy access at this point.

Table 15: The Palms-Bambling Road Experienced Water Trail

Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: The Palms to Bambling Rd (29.0km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 0

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000

concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($7000) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " " Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 79

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Road signage (at start and end points) 3000

Gravelling of access track (start point) – 340m 13000

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) – 400m2 6000

Gravelling of parking area (end point) – 100m2 1500

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $39,800

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 7960

Sub-total $47,760

10% GST $4,776

Total $52,536

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network

Project (l) – Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge

There is significant infrastructure in place at Dickabram Bridge (parking, picnic facilities). Access to the river is relatively easy (a walk down a long slope), though work is needed (fencing or signage) to ensure that users remain within the road reserve to access the river, as private property boundaries are quite close in this location.

One of the key advantages of the Dickabram Bridge site is that it is adjacent to the Kingaroy-Theebine rail corridor and the bridge is recognised as being significant from a State heritage perspective.

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!Table 16: Bambling Road-Dickabram Bridge Experienced Water Trail Site: Mary River Experienced

River Section: Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge (17.6kms)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 3000 concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 7700 signage ($7700) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $25,100

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 5020

Sub-total $30,120

10% GST $3,012

Total $33,132

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 81

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network 6.3.3 Tributaries of the Mary River

Project (m) – Yabba Creek

Yabba Creek presents a good opportunity for novice paddlers (and a very scenic experience for all paddlers). Section 10 includes an artist’s impression of how a simple launching facility may look. Public consultation included a comment that it may not be appropriate to start at Crossing #1 (as a novice trail). The submission indicated that, in low water, the first 300 metres is too low to kayak, while in higher water, the creek at this location can run at a grade 1-2 technical which may be too difficult for people with little or no experience. This advice is useful. There are limited access points to Yabba Creek so it may require the creation of a circuit based out of Bert Smith Park or using the mid-point layby (upstream of Bert Smith Park) as a launch point. Detailed trail planning need to address the precise “boundaries” of the novice trail. Proceeding with the construction of access points at Crossing #1 may simply mean that this part of the creek is classified as an intermediate trail, rather than a novice one.

Discussions with one stakeholder suggest that downstream of the bridge may provide a better and cheaper launching facility. However, given that a number of ancillary facilities (picnic shelters, toilets, playground) are already located in the park and there is ample parking, it is efficient to develop a facility within the park.

Table 17: Yabba Creek Crossing#1-Bert Smith Memorial Park Novice Water Trail

Site: Imbil Creek Novice

River Section: Yabba Creek Crossing #1 to Bert Smith Memorial Park (4.6km)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0

concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1500

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

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!Gravelling of layby mid-point plus earthworks to improve river 3500 access – 175m2

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 7000

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/b" rochure for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $25,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 5140

Sub-total $30,840

10% GST $2,230

Total $24,530

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Kandanga Creek

Project (n) – Kandanga Weir Circuit

One trail is proposed for Kandanga Creek. The draft strategy included four projects (one novice, two intermediate and one experienced) for the creek, one “hop in and splash about” trail adjacent to the town and three trails linking Kandanga with the Mary River. However, comments from knowledgeable residents recommended the deletion of the four projects proposed in the draft strategy. The novice trail – a “hop in and splash about” trail – was recommended to start just upstream of the road and rail bridge (where there is an existing seat and some work has been done on stabilising the track down to the creek) and users would paddle upstream. Public comments on this proposal recommended it be deleted as it would not be a good site for canoeing as it has limited distance upstream to paddle (much less than 2km) and a concrete table and picnic shelter would be in the path of the flood current and high risk of damage at that point.

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!Public consultation also recommended deleting the three linking trails (Kandanga to Goomong Rd and then on to the junction of the Mary River). The comments received indicated that there simply is not enough water in the creek most of the time and any trail proposal linking the town and the Mary River using Kandanga Creek would involve a lot of walking along the banks (on private property). During flood time, there are large trees and other debris that offer obstacles for water craft that would make the creek unsafe as a trail.

The public consultation put forward an alternative trail that would start at the Kandanga Weir and head upstream. This proposal has been accepted as it has been made by people who have intimate knowledge of the use of Kandanga Creek. The comments indicate that land upstream of the Kandanga Weir has been gifted from the State Government to the Gympie Regional Council. A trail that would commence on the upstream side of the weir offers a deep stretch of water from the weir back up to Blue Creek (approximately 2 km) and can be paddled most of the year. Recommended site improvements are constructing a safe track to, and launch site at, Kandanga Weir, as well as the provision of signage, picnic tables and a picnic shelter. Access to the toilets at the railway station was suggested in the public comments – a site inspection in mid-September showed these to be working (with access limited by a sliding latch on the door). Other improvements suggested in the consultation involve the fencing of the access track as an easement and other site works to develop a land-based trail and revegetation (these have not been costed).

This proposal takes advantage of existing infrastructure for the trailhead – carparking, toilets, space for erecting signage and land for access to the creek.

One of the key issues to be addressed by detailed site planning will be how users will cross over the railway tracks to access the launch site (the existing carpark is on the south-eastern side of the railway track while the creek is on the north- western side). This will obviously only be an issue when the heritage rail service is running.

Table 18: Kandanga Weir Circuit Novice Water Trail

Site: Kandanga Creek Novice

River Section: Kandanga Weir circuit

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 10000

concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($7000) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " " Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 84

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!Road signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 6000

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " access walking track " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 1500

river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $29,900

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 5980

Sub-total $35,880

10% GST $3,588

Total $39,468

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared !concurrently to realise economies of scale. Lake Borumba

Lake Borumba is on the Yabba Creek and is currently well set up to develop watercraft trails with highly developed launching facilities and an existing management regime. What are proposed for the dam are 3 circuit trails (novice – 5kms; intermediate – 10kms; experienced - 15kms) that take users on a circuit. Detailed planning needs to be done to identify possible routes that would be of interest to users. The 10 and 15 km trails would allow users to explore to the arms of the dam that are likely to provide more interest.

Project (o) – Lake Borumba Circuit (Novice)

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!Table 19: Lake Borumba Novice Water Trail Site: Lake Borumba Novice

River Section: Lake Borumba (5.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300

signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Othe" r ‘improvements’: 2000

wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $14,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 2940

Sub-total $17,640

10% GST $1,764

Total $19,404

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 86

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Project (p) – Lake Borumba Circuit (Intermediate)

Table 20: Lake Borumba Intermediate Water Trail

Site: Lake Borumba Intermediate

River Section: Lake Borumba (10.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs Trailhead signage (start point): 0 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0 signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0 Gravelling of access track (start point) 0 Gravelling of access track (end point) 0 Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0 Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0 Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks; access ‘ramp’

Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks; access ‘ramp’

Other" ‘improvements’: 2000 wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 1000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $5,000

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 1000

Sub-total $6,000

10% GST $600

Total $6,600

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning 87

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

!*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network

Project (q) – Lake Borumba Circuit (Experienced)

Table 21: Lake Borumba Experienced Water Trail

Site: Lake Borumba Experienced

River Section: Lake Borumba (15.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 0

general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0

concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0

signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0

earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" ‘improvements’: 2000

wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 1000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $5,000

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! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

! Project Management and Contingency (20%) 1000

Sub-total $6,000

10% GST $600

Total $6,600

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Water trails on Lake Borumba (and on Tin Can Bay) are of a different nature to those on Mary River system (and Coondoo Creek). They are essentially still water (as opposed to fast moving water) and water heights and flows do not vary as significantly. This provides more scope for placing information on the water (as opposed to simply on a smart phone app, a website or a brochure). Two possibilities are floating interpretation panels and geocaches.

Floating interpretation

Development of water trails on Lake Borumba (and at Tin Can Bay) allows for the installation of floating interpretive panels (something not recommended for the Mary River and its tributaries due to constant flooding). One of the key features of land-based trails is interpretation; it has the potential to add to the enjoyment and education on a water trail. Interpretation serves the same purpose on water as it does on land - interpretation is “an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experiences and by illustrative media rather than simply to communicate factual information” (Perrigo 2004).

Above left and right: Floating interpretive panels could be installed where water levels remain relatively constant.

In keeping with the nature of the journey, the use of floating interpretive panels attached to buoys should be considered. Buoys would have three faces for varied signage, tamper proof sign attachment and long lasting baked-on lettering and reflective tape. Buoys could be designed with an extra wide spar to accommodate interpretive etched anodised aluminium signs (the preferred sign for interpretive panels). Buoys would have a base of around 400 millimetres and stand 600 millimetres high. Buoyage Systems Australia (a Victorian company) installed similar buoys around the Sunshine Coast’s underwater attraction, HMAS Brisbane.

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!These are clearly marked with the name of the commercial dive operator licenced to tie up at that particular buoy.

Development of floating interpretation! panels opens up a range of possibilities. Watercraft will travel close to the shore in areas where it is difficult to land, thus increasing the number of possible interpretive sites (and themes and subjects).

Previous advice from Maritime Safety Queensland was that approval is required for such buoys to ensure that the placement of such buoys poses no threat to the safety of navigation. However, negotiation with SEQ Water would be required if this was to proceed on Lake Borumba (as indeed the development of water trails on the dam requires negotiation with SEQ Water). Detailed trail planning would consider (and negotiate) the placement of any floating interpretive panels on both Lake Borumba and Tin Can Bay.

Geocaching and GeoTrails

Millions of people in over 200 countries have discovered a new recreational activity known as geocaching (pronounced “geo-cashing’). This adventure sport/hobby involves the use of a handheld GPS receiver or Smartphone (with the appropriate app), and based on information provided on the official geocaching website (geocaching.com), the GPS receiver (or Smartphone) guides its operator to hidden treasures to be found all over the world.

Geocaching represents an activation program that would see existing trail users educated and the use of trails enhanced by encouraging more people onto trails.

In geocaching, participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. There are currently (April 2014) over 2.3 million active geocaches (hidden containers) and over 6 million geocachers (people) worldwide. Many geocachers are family Above: A GPS unit attached to a kayak enables paddlers to groups, as the activity (ie. find their way to floating interpretive panels or geocaches finding hidden treasure) placed along or around water bodies. appeals to children (as well as adults).

A typical geocache consists of a waterproof container and a logbook. Signing the logbook proves you found it. Once the logbook is signed, the container is put back in exactly the same place it was found, to await the next finder.

Every geocache hunt proves to be a completely different experience. In many cases, the search for a hidden cache leads the geocacher to new and unusual places they may never have seen if they hadn’t been guided by their GPS receiver

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!and the cache hider’s directions. Millions of caches around the world are hidden along trails and in natural areas.

The geocaching.com web site offers! ways of monitoring all visitor contact with caches. Specific caches can be put on a Watch List so that whenever visitors find them, the person who selected the Watch List option is alerted to the discovery (or a note left by the finder). This could be a Visitor Centre, a staff person from the Gympie Regional Council or a member of the local community. When finds are logged it is also possible to discover information about the person that found them, (such as their nationality, travel plans etc). The Watch List option also lets people know if the cache has disappeared or has been damaged in some way so it can be replaced and repaired.

There are already dozens of geocaches (randomly) hidden around the Gympie Regional Council area (on land), including:

o two within the Victory Heights trails network; o along the Boulder Mountain Trail in the Woondum National Park; o at the commencement of the Cooloola Wilderness Trail; and o at the old Imbil railway station GeoTrail

A geocaching trail (a GeoTrail) is simply a series of geocaches tied together by a common theme – such as a walk, cycle or drive trail. Usually, between 10 and 20 designated geocaches make up a “GeoTrail”. The quest to find the geocaches along a GeoTrail will take participants throughout a region, often discovering aspects of its history. Above: A kayaker locates a geocache attached to a tree Participants can pick within a minor watercourse. Adding a series of geocaches on the waterways of the Gympie Regional Council is a way of and choose which attracting additional people to get out on the rivers. participating caches they wish to seek, based on their choice of location, difficulty, and terrain levels. Typically, there is an incentive to finding all caches along a "GeoTrail". Finding all caches along a trail could earn a unique souvenir provided by the Gympie Regional Council. To add interest to the GeoTrail, a clue would be added at every geocache (for example, a letter of a special phrase). When all caches are found and all letters found, the entire phrase (perhaps a puzzle) will be revealed. Once the secret phrase is revealed, the

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!successful geocacher would claim the souvenir at, for example, the Gympie Visitor Centre.

The placement! of geocaches will help promote the Gympie waterways network to people already involved in geocaching as well as being of interest to local people and an inducement to get out and explore their local area.

A majority of respondees (52%) said they would participate in geocaching if it were available along the water trails. Comments provided some further information on responses. Some concerns were expressed, suggesting that with constant flooding (along the Mary River system), caches may just add to the rubbish in the river. It was suggested that caches be placed on the tops of banks (perhaps accessed by a small trail) but placement needs to be conscious of

Above: GPS coordinates for a geocache can be written or affixed to an immovable object so that they are not swept away in a flood. The coordinates are for the final location.

environmental impacts of “trampling”. Geocaches could be installed on the Mary River system accessible by water. They would need to be on strong magnets attached to steel components of bridges.

It is much easier to create geocache trails in the relatively still waters of Lake Borumba and Tin Can Bay. It is therefore recommended that caches could be installed along the water trails on Lake Borumba and Tin Can Bay.

It is also recommended that consideration be given to the development of geocache trails along the Mary River system, taking into account issues of placement, flooding and possible environmental impacts. Geocaches on the Mary River and its tributaries could be developed as “multi-caches” which means the cache is not at the listed coordinates (somewhere along the river/creek) as it would be on a land-based trail. The alternative approach, more suited to locations where there is constant flooding, involves a user paddling to the listed coordinates and finding some immovable object such as a bridge stanchion at that coordinate. Written on that immoveable object is the final coordinates where the cache is actually hidden, which would be on land somewhere near the river (such as at the trailhead).

(The costs !of preparing and installing floating interpretive panels and geocache sites have not been included in the costs tables for Lake Borumba and Tin Can

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!Bay. The costs for interpretive signage can be a significant cost. In 2008, the development of a floating interpretive panel was costed at $2,800, which included the research and writing of the interpretive panel as well as the necessary equipment to site these panels. The $2000 allowance is for planning the location of any such improvements. The costs of geocaches will be much smaller, as many are prepared by the participants themselves). 6.3.4 Coondoo Creek Project (r) – Coondoo Creek

This section is relatively short and should be developed as a circuit. There is an existing (old) road that takes users to the water’s edge and relatively gentle banks allow easy launching. Paddling upstream takes users through a range of forest types and is very attractive. Paddling downstream, while attractive, is a little more difficult as the creek narrows and can flow quickly in parts. According to one stakeholder, the road bridge at Toolara is one of the first to go underwater in a flood; this may be a trail where more maintenance is required. However, the trade-off is easy access to the water, a very enticing scenic landscape and a high profile site. The mini trail development plan should work out navigable distances both upstream and downstream under a range of water level conditions.

The access road is within the forest reserve managed by HQ Plantations. While access presently appears to be without restriction (provided vehicles are registered), it is appropriate to discuss the possibility of increased access with HQ Plantations. It will also be necessary to negotiate any site improvements with HQ Plantations. Table 22: Coondoo Creek Novice Water Trail

Site: Coondoo Creek Novice

River Section: Coondoo Creek (at Toolara) (5.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 3000 concrete picnic table ($3000) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300 signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000 Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

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!Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000 river trail clearing wayfinding signage " geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $17,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 3540

Sub-total $21,240

10% GST $2,124

Total $23,364

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale. 6.3.5 Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay is already popular with the boating fraternity and has well developed facilities, particularly (but not only) at the mouth of Snapper Creek. The opportunity exists to develop some still–water trails in the Bay, providing experiences for the all paddlers (with distance the key determinant as to whether a trail will suit novice, intermediate or experienced paddlers). The mini trail development plans in Tin Can Bay (as with Lake Borumba) are a little more complex than those proposed for the river systems as they will need to determine the best routes (it is suggested all trails start from the boat ramp at Snapper Creek) and the placement of floating interpretive panels and geocaches (as discussed under the Lake Borumba trails).

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!

Well-developed launching facilities to service the boating community mean that access to Tin Can Bay does not present the same problem as it does on the Mary River and its tributaries. Signage promoting water trails will be one of only a few improvements required.

Project (s) – Tin Can Bay Circuit (Novice) ! Table 23: Tin Can Bay Novice Water Trail

Site: Tin Can Bay Novice

River Section: Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (5.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs

Trailhead signage (start point): 7400 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 300 signage ($300) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 1000

Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

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!Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000 wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 2000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $14,700

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 2940

Sub-total $17,640

10% GST $1,764

Total $19,404

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Project (t) – Tin Can Bay Circuit (Intermediate)

Table 24: Tin Can Bay Intermediate Water Trail

Site: Tin Can Bay Intermediate

River Section: Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (10.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs Trailhead signage (start point): 0 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0 signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0 Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

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!Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " River" ‘improvements’: 2000 wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 1000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $5,000

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 1000

Sub-total $6,000

10% GST $600

Total $6,600

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network

Project (u) – Tin Can Bay Circuit (Experienced)

Table 25: Tin Can Bay Experienced Water Trail

Site: Tin Can Bay Experienced

River Section: Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (15.0km circuit)

Suggested Improvements/Works Estimate of Possible Costs Trailhead signage (start point): 0 general information, interpretive signage, safety information, trail and network map " Trailhead furniture (start point): 0 concrete picnic table ($0) picnic shelter ($0) " Trailhead" improvements (end point): 0 signage ($0) concrete picnic table ($0) " Road" signage (at start and end points) 0

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!Gravelling of access track (start point) 0

Gravelling of access track (end point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (start point) 0

Gravelling of parking area (end point) 0

Other site improvements (start point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" site improvements (end point): 0 earthworks access ‘ramp’ " Other" ‘improvements’: 2000 wayfinding signage geocache or floating interpretation " Leaflet/brochure" for water trail segment 1000*

Mini trail development plan for water trail segment (ie. preparation 2000 of notes on distances, features, directions, interpretive features etc)

Sub-total $5,000

Project Management and Contingency (20%) 1000

Sub-total $6,000

10% GST $600

Total $6,600

*the cost for the leaflet/brochure assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale.

Note: some actions are assumed to occur in development of other sections of the water trails network 6.3.6 Water trail projects – a summary

Table 26 presents a summary of the possible costs for the suite of water trails projects contained within the preceding discussion. Proposals focus on the Mary River and its tributaries – this is to be expected given the demand expressed in the surveys and the “supply” of sites to paddle. However, consideration has also been given to the development of water trails in the eastern part of the Region – Coondoo Creek and Tin Can Bay. Opportunities for paddling are also presented at Rainbow Beach and Cooloola Cove. Development of water trails at these locations would take a similar form to that proposed for Tin Can Bay with a commensurate cost (around $11,000 for a novice trail, and $5,000 each for intermediate and experienced trails). As with the Tin Can Bay proposal, detailed planning should determine the best circuit trails to be developed at these locations. However, the recommended program below is comprehensive and will require resources. It is one that best meets the demand of most users. Development of water trails at Rainbow Beach and Cooloola Cove should be seen as additional projects rather than as substitutes for any of the 21 proposed projects.

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! Table 26: Summary of Costs by user experience

Novice Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket (2.3km) $56,760

Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir (2.2km) $34,440

The Weir to Widgee Crossing Road (4.5km) $74,880

Yabba Creek Crossing #1 to Bert Smith Memorial Park $25,700 (4.6km)

Kandanga Weir Circuit (approx. 2.0km) $35,680

Lake Borumba (5.0km circuit) $17,640

Coondoo Creek

Coondoo Creek (at Toolara) (5.0km circuit) $21,240

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (5.0km circuit) $17,640

Intermediate Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Moy Pocket to Walker Rd (11.5km) $49,440

Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge (15.4km) $17,640

Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd and return (14.6km) $45,000

Lake Borumba (10.0km circuit) $6,000

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (10.0km circuit) $6,000

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! Experienced Sections

Estimate of Possible Costs

(exc GST)

Mary River and its tributaries

Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge (26.9km) $3,600

Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing (22.2km) $3,600

Traveston Crossing to The Weir (28.4km) $7,800

AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms (16.8km) $23,640

The Palms to Bambling Rd (29.0km) $47,760

Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge (17.6km) $30,120

Lake Borumba (15.0km circuit) $6,000

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay (Snapper Creek boat ramp) (15.0km circuit) $6,000

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils has proposed the development of a “through trail” or long distance trail on the Mary River from source to mouth. Implementation of this Canoe and Kayak Strategy will put in place most of the “building blocks” of a “through trail” within the Gympie Regional Council area. Camping areas will remain problematic for such a trail (given the propensity for regular flooding) and will need to be addressed as part of the broader river project once demand for such a project has been established. Data on demand for long canoe trails (i.e. more than overnight) is not readily available and is mostly anecdotal. For example, some survey respondents indicated they undertake and look for overnight paddling opportunities. It is known that the Noosa River offers such opportunities upstream of Harry’s Hut and campsites are in demand. More work is needed to establish likely demand and the advocates of such a trail need to weigh this up against likely costs (particularly given the difficulties of establishing campsites). Consultation indicated that all that is required for such camping sites are flat grassy areas, with fireplaces, water, and road access. Provision of hard infrastructure such as fireplaces and water needs to be carefully considered given flood damage but the key issue will be sufficient land in public ownership in the right places (i.e. no more than a day’s paddle apart). There may be commercial opportunities for landholders who adjoin the river to provide camping for a fee if no public land is available. 6.4 Promotion, Marketing and the Provision of Information One of the best mechanisms for ensuring the sustainability of any trail (water or land-based) is to have lots of people using them, including local residents and visitors to the area. Three key steps need to be taken to build usage of the waterways:

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! 1. Undertake the development program outlined in this report, to develop the water trails as a high-quality experience for potential users; 2. Prepare a clear, concise, informative brochure(s) (following each trail implementation activity). When a critical mass of trails is in place, prepare an overall booklet. Both the brochures and the booklet need to include easy to read maps. Make the brochures and the booklet available both as hard copy and on appropriate websites; and 3. Inform potential trail users of the existence of the water trails, and their recent development. One of the key issues in achieving better utilisation of the region’s waterways is the provision of information – people need to know where they can go, when they can go and what they can do. The survey results confirm discussions with key stakeholders and field investigations, with a significant number of respondees citing lack of information as a key deterrent to using the region’s waterways (particularly the Mary River and its tributaries). Information provision has a number of elements:

o On-ground signage; o Hard-copy information; o Web-based information (including the provision of up to date information on water levels); o Promotional opportunities such as events; and o Human resources. Information provision is a significantly important consideration to be packaged as a separate project arising from the Canoe and Kayak Strategy.

One of the key elements of all information provision (on-ground signage, hard- copy information and web-based information) is the need to provide safety information, as many users may be first-time users of a water trail. Safety information needs to include notifications that users:

o Need to ensure their watercraft are safe and “fit for purpose”; o Should wear appropriate safety equipment; o Should carry suitable rescue devices – a reliable mobile phone or an EPIRB – particularly important where water levels can fall and rise regularly and without warning. Travel plans could also be registered at the launch site, online or by notes left on vehicles as is often done for bushwalkers; o Should preferably paddle in groups (rather than alone) in unfamiliar waters; and o Should be aware of river and creek hazards (particularly in the Mary River and its tributaries) including fences, pump sites and livestock and advice on how to negotiate these obstacles.

All information provision needs to also include information on the rapid ratings for the river and creek systems (Grade 1 – Grade VI). Information should also include notification of the timing of water releases from Lake Borumba which has a significant effect on the useability of Yabba Creek (and downstream on the Mary River).

All information should also include information on the Australia Canoe Federation safety code (which covers many of these issues). Web-based applications lend

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!themselves best to providing a hot link to the safety code but people should be made aware of the code on–site and on paper products. 6.4.1 On-ground signage

This is an important element as it provides users with vital information while they are undertaking their activities and also serves to highlight the waterways systems to passers-by, thus raising its profile. It would be preferable for the waterways network signage to be consistent with the land-based trail network signage.

It is recommended that the Gympie Regional Council have a consistent colour scheme and consistent and uniform suite of signs. The use of a distinctive colour scheme is important to engender a sense of uniqueness.

Signage costs are covered in the individual works tables for each of the launch sites. Detailed planning for signage including on-ground placement is part of the trail development planning process recommended for each waterways trail. 6.4.2 Hard-copy information

Promotional literature including mapping is a significant element for promoting waterway usage. Information (along with access) is a critical key to success for all waterway strategies, including water-based trails. The map is a gateway to a water-based trail in particular. Written material, as contained within a brochure will provide information – and inspiration - to local people and visitors wanting to use the waterways. A high quality map / brochure is an essential item for a water trail network such as this. It should serve a dual purpose, functioning as:

o A promotional tool, to alert local people and visitors to the presence of the water trail network and the experience on offer; and

o A basic route-finding map, of sufficient clarity to guide people around the network.

Maps prepared for the water trails should show:

o access points; o landing sites and the facilities at those sites; o routes and travel times for beginners, intermediary and advanced paddlers; o hazards to navigation and rules and regulations; o safety information; o suggested routes; o what can be seen along the route; o trip planning; o where to hire kayaks and canoes; and o environmental information promoting the unique characteristics of the region’s waterways. This is particularly important in the Mary River system.

In the Mary River system in particular there is also a need for the maps to show:

o what water levels are required to pass river sections; o how to find out the current water levels; and o what river levels are too high for beginners. Printing the map on synthetic, waterproof and tear-proof paper is critical; such a map will last through wet conditions.

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!Any hard-copy brochure should be available online (discussed below) as well as at the Visitor Information Centres. Preparation of these brochures and maps are included in the costs for each of the projects. There will be a need (when all the trails are completed) to develop an overall brochure (or more likely a booklet). 6.4.3 Web-based information

One of the key elements is how users interact with all forms of information. With over a billion people worldwide now owning a smart phone, outdoor recreation trails (for all uses) can be guided by a specially designed interactive mobile app. Such an app could serve a number of helpful purposes, such as providing mapping data, location-specific information and history, directional markers for one or more trails, or even a source of communication with an information office who could then provide even more assistance if needed.

Smart phones are a palm-sized source of unlimited information. Any number of trails, complete with a range of information, can be accessed at any time. This is one possible future for how trails will be used – the trail infrastructure (the trailhead, much of the signage) will still be required and Council will be required to spend money on developing the associated hard infrastructure. The soft infrastructure still awaits a new phase of development.

The use of smart phone apps and other web-based elements is more critical on water trails such as along the Mary River due to the undesirability of placing too many signs on, and in, the river system due to constant flooding.

In terms of broader web-based systems, maps/brochures should be promoted on the Gympie Regional Council website with links to the Destination Gympie website. Consultation suggested that Facebook pages (again on Council or Destination Gympie websites) should be used to provide more frequent information regarding obstacles/hazards, water levels, and whether it is safe or unsafe to paddle the region’s waterways (particularly the Mary River system). This requires the commitment of human resources to this task and this is discussed in 6.4.5 below.

A key element that should be included in the web-based material is hiring and touring facilities. The Currumundi Lake Trail is officially promoted by the Sunshine Coast Council with a map available on its website (and as a hard copy). In close proximity to the trail’s starting point is a commercial hire facility. However, this availability is not shown on the map (which it could be easily with an icon and a hot link on the web-based map) and the proprietor has suggested that the trail is not being fully utilised because people see the web site and think “That would be nice to do but I don’t have any equipment” and there is no easy way to find such facilities. A hot link on the web-based material to hire facilities will ensure that people are aware that they can hire watercraft for accessing the waterways (similarly, promotion of existing and new businesses offering other services such as guided and supported tours should be included). Gympie Regional Council could consider charging an advertising fee to businesses that wish to promote their hire facilities for the Gympie region (or could provide such advertising for free in recognition of the fact that these businesses will contribute to the utilisation of the waterways and bring people to the region).

The Americans have a long history of water trail development. Consequently, their promotion work on these trails is significantly advanced. In developing web-based

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!promotions, Gympie Regional Council should undertake some research on how the Americans undertake these critical tasks. A good starting point for research is http://www.nps.gov/WaterTrails/Toolboxes/Planning. Individual water trails can then be searched via this informative website. 6.4.4 Promotional opportunities

A survey respondent suggested that the Mary River Festival incorporate an annual canoe/kayak race or dragon boat race as a unique and quirky element that would promote use of the Mary River (in this case). This seems a sensible suggestion building on an event that already exists; consequently, costs for promotion can be kept to a minimum. This may be an opportunity to launch brochures and web sites dedicated to the water trails. The Brown Water Classic Boat Race is another promotional opportunity. This event is held annually to celebrate the Mary River and the black bean tree. It is organised by the Moy Pocket Yacht Club.

Public consultation also suggested that a regular “event” could be run where water is released from Lake Borumba 1 day per month when water flow is low in Yabba Creek. This would allow the whole creek to be used by experienced kayakers once a month. The release would be well advertised and promoted. This seems like a good idea but would need cooperation with SEQ Water. 6.4.5 Human resources

All trails are subject to the vagaries of weather and consequent damage to infrastructure. One of the obvious examples (for land-based trails) is fire damage to infrastructure. Many trail managers have addressed this by providing up-to-date information on trail websites (a good example can be found at www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au where regular updates on fire damage are posted for users). This system of regular and constant updates is one significant advantage of web-based technology. It does require human resources to update the material and the Bibbulmun Track is well served by its Foundation (made up of paid and volunteer staff).

The need to provide regular updates is similar on a water trail, which is however subject to a different range of impacts. This is particularly the case with the Mary River system where water levels can rise and fall very quickly and the impact on user’s capacity to traverse the trails can go from being a nuisance impact (when water levels are low and significant lengths of portage are required) to a dangerous impact (when water levels rise and flow becomes very fast). Complicating this is the fact that varying water levels may have different effects in different parts of the system. Therefore it is critical to provide constant updates to potential users about the conditions within the waterways (almost on a real-time basis - recognising that it is impossible to provide all the relevant information at the right time). Addressing the need for constant updates requires the ongoing commitment of human resources. There are two options:

o A dedicated Council officer. It is unlikely that there is sufficient work in implementing the Canoe and Kayak Strategy and keeping users updated once the trails are in place (beginning with the first trail) to justify the employment of a full-time officer. However, implementation and monitoring of this strategy combined with implementation and monitoring of the Gympie Tracks and Trails Strategy may well be sufficient to justify the

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! employment of an outdoor recreation officer (who could also be tasked with a range of other activities related to outdoor recreation including managing trail maintenance on both water and land-based trails). o A commercial arrangement. As an alternative (or as a short-term measure), Council could enter into a commercial arrangement to constantly update river levels so that users know river heights and safety matters. This could be achieved through a commercial arrangement with an existing provider – either a business offering equipment hire and tours or a business or website providing regular river level updates. The Bureau of Meteorology provides regular river level updates (see http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi- bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ60287.html#Mary for the Mary River as an example) but these are not easily understandable for many potential users (particularly novice users). It would be important to specify in any commercial arrangement that the information provider makes available information in an understandable form for all levels of users. Consultation revealed that existing operators (both commercial and education) understand the technical data that is available. 6.4.6 Marketing and promotional campaign

A marketing and promotional campaign may be an option (in addition to piggybacking on other events such as discussed above). This could incorporate marketing and promotion of land-based trails as well – selling the Gympie Region as an outdoor recreation hub. It is worth remembering that such a campaign should highlight what is completed and what is planned – word of mouth (particularly with social media) is a very powerful tool to both promote and deter use.

Total costs for the provision of information cannot be reasonably estimated as it will depend on the options Council chooses to pursue. Signage costs are covered in the individual works tables for each of the launch sites. Preparation of brochures and maps are included in the costs for each of the projects, noting that the cost allowance assumes several leaflets/brochures are prepared concurrently to realise economies of scale. The cost of the other three components (provision of web- based information, promotional opportunities, and a marketing and promotional campaign) will depend on the options taken by Council in implementing the Strategy. All three of these components will require human resources, both initially and on an ongoing basis, with commensurate costs.

!

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7.! Implementation Program 7.1 Introduction Gympie Regional Council has been the primary driver of this phase of work (the preparation of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy) and should be commended for being prepared to carry primary responsibility through this process. It is therefore recommended that Council continue to provide significant support to the project and continue to take a leading role in the next phase of the project. Following consideration of this work, the Council and its staff will have developed a detailed understanding of many of the issues and opportunities, and is ideally placed to continue to facilitate future stages. The benefits to the Region, its residents and its visitors of strategy implementation are significant. The active involvement of the Council can help deliver these benefits. The next logical step (in many cases) is to prepare mini trail development plans. This process ensures a maximum return on the investment of Local Governments and others in development work. Development, implementation and management of the water trails should be seen as part of a broader implementation and management regime to position the Gympie Region as an outdoor recreation hub, easily accessible to the significant population centres of South East Queensland (as well as providing such opportunities for the region’s residents). 7.2 Implementation Schedule While an effort has been made to keep this Canoe and Kayak Strategy relatively simple (ideally with a limited number of projects), there are quite a few worthwhile and deserving projects. This strategy is project-focussed, as this targeted approach appears the most likely to actually deliver outcomes ‘on the ground’. A range of substantial benefits could be garnered by simply proceeding with any of the projects – these are all simple, stand-alone projects that would deliver tangible benefits to the Gympie Region, particularly local people. The prioritisation of the projects will be dependent on available resources, funding opportunities and how they link with other Council projects. Recommendations on the implementation schedule are based on a combination of factors: o spreading the likely expenditure as evenly as possible over the 10 year implementation schedule; o delivering the novice projects as a priority; o ensuring development in each section of the river and each waterway over the 10 year implementation schedule; and o responding to both local needs and what economic opportunities for visitors there might be. It is also predicated on the fact that the development of the longer trails will build on the development of the shorter trails (given their linear nature) and that the shorter trails will have a greater market appeal. Therefore the priorities for development are on the shorter trails (trails for the novice paddler). Table 27 recommends an implementation timetable. The table indicates what projects should be undertaken in what years. It should be noted that it would be possible to develop more than one project at any given point in time due to the variance in requirements and implementation.

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!However, the entire set of projects should be regarded as a complete package. It is unlikely that any one project would be sufficient to attract substantial numbers of new visitors to the Gympie Region. The provision of a complete package of trail opportunities is far more likely to deliver benefits to the Region. For this reason it is recommended that Council proceed with implementation of all projects in a timely manner. With sufficient funding, all these projects could be brought to fruition in a shorter timeframe, providing skilled and experienced project management is available. The suggested implementation program is a guide only and could be variable given current resources, funding, and community interest in any given year.

Table 27: Implementation schedule

Mary River and its Coondoo Creek Tin Can Bay $ expended in year tributaries (including Lake Borumba)

Yr 1 Projects B, N 70,320

Yr 2 Projects D, O 67,080

Yr 3 Projects E, M Project R Project S 82,220

Yr 4 Projects F, A 101,760

Yr 5 Projects G, C 78,480

Yr 6 Projects H, I, P Project T 23,400

Yr 7 Projects J 23,640

Yr 8 Project K 47,760

Yr 9 Project L 30,120

Yr 10 Project Q Project U 12,000

TOTAL 536,780

Project A: Vic Olsen Bridge to Peacons Pocket Project L: Bambling Rd to Dickabram Bridge

Project B: Attie Sullivan Park to The Weir Project M: Yabba Creek

Project C: The Weir to Widgee Crossing Rd Project N: Kandanga Weir Circuit

Project D: Moy Pocket to Walker Rd Project O: Lake Borumba Circuit (Novice)

Project E : Walker Rd to Vic Olsen Bridge Project P: Lake Borumba Circuit (Intermediate)

Project F : Traveston Crossing to Carlson Rd Project Q: Lake Borumba Circuit (Experienced)

Project G: Moy Pocket to Vic Olsen Bridge Project R: Coondoo Creek

Project H: Vic Olsen Bridge to Traveston Crossing Project S: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Novice)

Project I: Traveston Crossing to The Weir Project T: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Intermediate)

Project J: AM Hodges Bridge to The Palms Project U: Tin Can Bay Circuit (Experienced)

Project K: The Palms to Bambling Rd

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!The costs of the promotion and marketing of the waterways of the region is not included in Table 27 (as explained in Section 6.4.6, costs for the promotion, marketing and information provision project depend on the options chosen by Council in implementing the Strategy). An accompanying promotion and marketing approach should be developed concurrent to the first round of trail implementation activities.

7.3 Management! Arrangements

As noted above, development, implementation and management of the water trails should be seen as part of a broader implementation and management regime. Consequently, the recommendations for management included in the Tracks and Trails Plan prepared in 2014 apply equally to the management arrangements for the Canoe and Kayak Strategy.

Accordingly, Council should establish a Trails Management Group to oversee the implementation of the Canoe and Kayak Strategy (as well as the Tracks and Trails Plan).

(The advice below was also provided in the Tracks and Trails Plan. Some amendments have been made to the 2014 advice to reflect the Canoe and Kayak Strategy).

At a general level, skill sets that would be useful for the group members to have as a whole include:

o Leadership skills – critical to hold the committee/s together, to inspire and motivate, to advocate to a wider audience and to maintain focus on a long term vision. o Community skills – the skills to motivate community and volunteer efforts. o Business skills – skills to understand and tap into locally based businesses – the capacity to communicate to businesses in ways that garner their support. o Entrepreneurial skills – a business-like approach to running a trail is critical. Unfortunately, the trail world is full of well-meaning people with little idea of how to run a business. o Administrative skills – expertise and knowledge of government grants, and how to apply for them. General administration skills are also critical. o Environmental/scientific skills – understanding of native flora and fauna and wider environmental issues. The ability to communicate these to a wider audience is desirable. o Engineering skills – the capacity to understand design and construction of all manner of trail infrastructure. o Governmental skills – the ability to liaise with and understand Government departments and politicians. o Users – it is essential that the committee/s understand the needs and requirements of various targeted user groups.

These ‘selection criteria’ needs to be considered in selecting members.

The group should ideally comprise a representative from each of the following:

o Gympie Regional Council Councillors and staff. o Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.

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! o User groups. o Local environmental groups. o The business community, particularly commercial providers. o The outdoor education community. o Other people or groups as deemed appropriate. The roles of the group would include the following tasks:

o Oversee the implementation of both Canoe and Kayak Strategy and the Tracks and Trails Plan. o Preparation of funding applications to external funding sources. o Actively managing the water and land-based trails network (this could involve considering and endorsing management plans executed by Council, volunteer groups and other trail managers). o Coordinating regular maintenance of all trails. o Coordinating community involvement in the development of all trails, trails usage and events on the trails. o Marketing and promotion of the Gympie Regional trail network (through such activities as developing maps, newsletters and other publications). o Preparing trail management plans as appropriate. The group could be serviced by the outdoor recreation officer (a position discussed in 6.4). 7.4 Maintenance

Whether a trail is a water-based trail or a land-based trail, ongoing maintenance is a crucial component of an effective management program – yet it is often neglected until too late. Effective implementation of the strategy will require constant attention to maintenance both of water trails and the land-based infrastructure to support them and splash-and-paddle sites. This is a fundamental condition for the long-term success of the water trail.

It is therefore essential that funds be set aside in yearly budgets for maintenance - to ensure user safety and enjoyment, and to minimise liability risks for land managers. This is even more critical in the Mary River system where regular floods will require constant site and waterway maintenance if the resource is to continue to be promoted.

It is not known what the overall maintenance budget will be for the package of projects as presented.

Maintenance includes maintenance and upkeep of launch sites and site amenities, and “trail maintenance”. These activities are typically the responsibility of the Council. North American experience suggests that certain maintenance activities such as clearing of tree blockages and debris may (and in fact should) require participation by private individuals and organisations. The role of the Council in this regard will be to work with project partners – public and private – to deliver a pleasurable water trail experience, provide consistent trail information and ensure minimal facility standards are identified and applied.

In all such proposals, the opportunity exists to minimise future maintenance demands through careful planning and construction. Too often initial costs are cut in the belief that all facilities (and trails) require maintenance anyway, and

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!something not done properly today can be fixed in the future. Building good facilities in the first place is the very best way of minimising future problems and costs. As a second line of defence, a clear and concise Management Plan with a regular maintenance program written into it will aid significantly in managing ongoing resource demands.

The goals of a Maintenance Plan for a water-based trail or facility are to: o Ensure that users continue to experience safe and enjoyable conditions; o Guard against the deterioration of infrastructure, thereby maintaining the investment made on behalf of the community; o Minimise the manager’s exposure to potential public liability claims arising from incidents which may occur; and o Set in place a management process to cover most foreseeable risks. Erosion and other ground damage at launch sites (caused by weather and unauthorised users), regrowth of vegetation across the rivers and creeks in particular, fallen trees and branches in the watercourse (both from general causes and from flood events) and damage to signage are likely to be the greatest maintenance activities on the water trails. Overhead or “trail” clearing (a clearing envelope would be the land-based equivalent) will be needed on a regular basis to keep fallen branches away from the river trails (currently, at least one private service provider undertakes this level of clearing). Promoting trails to users brings a level of responsibility for ensuring they are relatively easily used.

Clearing below the water surface is likely to be required after major flood events. While users will accept the need to portage sections of a waterway, flood events are likely to increase the number of logs in the waterways substantially – clearing the largest of these may need to be done after major flooding. Inspections after major flooding are the key to determining what needs clearing within the watercourse. Sands, and banks will also need clearing after major floods where access to launch sites has been impaired or infrastructure damaged. Checking and clearing can utilise volunteer services such as land-based trails do.

The plan needs to include not only the replacement of damaged facilities but also preventative maintenance and the replacement of (land-based) worn out facilities. Providing these effects are attended to early, they are largely labour intensive rather than capital expensive. Major damaging events such as fire or flood will naturally generate significant rebuilding activity and consequent costs. These events are generally unmanageable, and should simply be accepted as part of the longer-term reality of a waterways program. In the Mary River system in particular, this will be a significant issue. Flood intervals will determine the need to replace signage and re-gravel access tracks and parking areas.

Resourcing a maintenance program is crucial, and funds will be required on an ongoing basis to enable this essential maintenance. This matter should be addressed in the preparation of the maintenance plan. It would be short sighted to go ahead and build the network and then baulk at the demands of managing and maintaining it.

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!In general, Maintenance Plans are based around regular inspections, at which time simple maintenance activities should take place concurrently. More time- consuming maintenance activities should take place every six months, while detailed Hazard Inspections should occur annually. Further, the capacity to respond immediately to random incoming reports of hazards or major infrastructure failures should be built into the Plans – particularly relevant in the flood-prone environments. Table 28 gives a suggested schedule for general maintenance activities to achieve acceptable maintenance levels (the table is adopted from a general maintenance table for land-based trails; similar issues present in water trails).

Table 28: General Maintenance Activities

Activity Site Frequency

Undertake full inspections of all trails. Entire trail Every second month Attention in particular to fallen trees After every flood event and logs placing impediments across the waterway

Check, repair or replace all trail Entire trail Every second month - at signage each Trail Inspection

After every flood event

Check and cut-back overhanging or Entire trail Every six months, unless intruding vegetation (not trail surface) obviously requiring attention at regular inspections.

Check structural stability of built Various Every six months structures such as information locations shelters at trailheads

Undertake Hazard Inspection and Entire trail Annually prepare Hazard Inspection Report

(It should be noted that this schedule does not allow for repair works above and beyond 'normal' minor activities).

Inspection and possible clearing of the waterways after major floods could be done by Council, or managed by Council and done by arrangement either on a commercial basis or a volunteer basis. Inspection and clearing of launch sites would most appropriately be done by the Council given the level of investment in these sites.

The Tracks and Trails Plan contains a discussion on using volunteers for trail maintenance; this should be considered when preparing maintenance options.

Detailed maintenance schedules and responsibilities can be clarified once the trails have been committed to and strategy implementation is underway.

!

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8.! Economic Opportunities 8.1 Introduction Trail users (whether they are users of water trails or land-based trails) spend money before coming to a trail and in towns and villages after using a water trail (or going on a splash and paddle experience). Even with the limited promotion of existing waterways in the region, there are still a reasonable number of users and several private operators have developed a range of nature-based services such as guided and accompanied trips, and canoe and kayak hire. Some survey respondents identified themselves as offering kayak experiences on the Mary River and its tributaries and other waterways in the region (notably Tin Can Bay). Some stakeholders consulted offer a range of services for kayakers in particular. Some survey respondents recognised that there are opportunities for private businesses to offer river access.

However, there will be a range of new business opportunities for private sector investors arising from the further development and promotion of water trails and water-based recreational opportunities in the Gympie region once this strategy is implemented. 8.2 Visitor expenditure It is important to understand how trail users spend their money. Trail users spend money before coming to a trail and in towns and villages along the way. Businesses looking to establish in response to an increase in kayak and canoeing opportunities are interested in the types of new users that may come with a more fully developed tourism product – the kayak and canoeing opportunities - and they are also interested in the possible expenditure profiles.

Unfortunately, there is no research on the expenditure of users of water trails. Available data (and it is limited) covers the expenditure of trail users across a number of land-based trails (covering walking, cycling and horse riding). The expenditure data shown below represents an amalgam of existing research data. There are a number of specifically trails-related research projects on user expenditures. These are:

o Use and Users of the Appalachian Trail: A Source Book (Manning et al 2000);

o Bibbulmun Track User Research Report (Colmar Brunton 2009);

o An Economic Analysis Of Rail Trails In Victoria, Australia (Beeton 2003);

o Regional Communities And Cycling: The Case Of The Murray To The Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia (Beeton 2006);

o Cycling in Regional Communities: A Longitudinal Study of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia (Beeton 2009);

o Trails Research Project (South Australia) (Market Equity 2004);

o Nga Haeranga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail Evaluation Report (NZ Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 2013); and

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! o Otago Central Rail Trail User Survey 2010/11 (Central Otago District Council 2011)

Reviewing the expenditure data from these 8 studies allows an understanding of average expenditure patters of trail users. Tables 29 and 30 show average amount spent by trail users and the broad sectors in which they spend their money (average expenditure per sector shown in Tables 29 and 30 is drawn from most of the studies listed above – not all provided detailed data. The data was collected at different times and noted in different currencies. The figures below represent averages converted to 2014 Australian dollars).

Table 29: Trail user expenditure by category for overnight visitors

(Overnight users includes those staying 1 night or more on-trail or in the region to do a specific trail)

Sector Average expenditure/day

Accommodation $30.95

Food and beverage $72.83

Transport $25.33

Retail $20.69

Other $15.20

TOTAL $165.00

Table 30: Trail user expenditure by category for day trippers

Sector Average expenditure/day

Accommodation $0

Food and beverage $31.53

Transport $25.33

Retail No figures available

Other (including cycle maintenance) $40.23

TOTAL $97.09

8.3 Existing Business Opportunities As noted above, there are already a number of existing businesses in the region offering services associated with use of the waterways. Better utilisation of the waterways by kayaks and canoes (and possibly stand-up paddlers) increases the opportunities offered to existing businesses that currently provide relevant services across the region to provide such services on a more regular basis. These types of examples are not included in the discussion below (which is primarily about new providers) but they are critical economic opportunities to diversify and solidify the region’s economic base. In New Zealand across 4 (land-based)

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!recreation trails subject to detailed research (Nga Haeranga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail Evaluation Report 2013), 1 in 5 businesses surveyed reported that they had either expanded their services (e.g. added capacity) or added new services since the trail opened in their region. These ranged from provision of cycle tours to cellar door tasting sessions, but were commonly in the provision of accommodation, transport or shuttles, or cycle hire. There was anecdoctal evidence that trails have been beneficial for existing businesses either by absorption of existing excess capacity and by spreading the risk through the diversification of product. 8.4 New Business Opportunities Identifying specific business opportunities arising from a strategy that will take years to implement is not a simple task; Table 31 draws on success stories from businesses elsewhere and a limited number of specific identified business opportunities to illustrate the types of businesses that may respond. Most of the examples below are drawn from land-based trails; again, there is limited data on opportunities arising from water-based trails. Providing accommodation, supported and guided tours, and equipment are some of the businesses that have arisen along other trails.

Table 31: Possible business opportunities provided by water trails

Possible business opportunities Notes

“Bi-modal” touring opportunities. There Ride on Mary already offers a service may be opportunities for a service providing kayaks, guided kayak tours, provider to offer a bi-modal user set down and pick up (if users bring experience utilising water trails in their own craft), bike hire and touring conjunction with land-based trails. This information, and accommodation. is particularly relevant in the Mary Dwellingup Adventures offer this service Valley where land and water-based along the Bibbulmun Track, WA’s long- trails could exist directly alongside one distance walking track. Their “Pack ‘n’ another (for example the Imbil Brooloo Paddle self-guided/supported walk and Rail Trail and Yabba Creek) or in a close canoe tours” provides users with the proximity to each other. These opportunity for an overnight walk along opportunities could be single or multi- the Bibbulmun Track to an overnight day opportunities. The service provider campsite. The following day, the could drop off and pick up the user at a company meets the customer with a number of destinations. canoe and supplies. They bring users’ backpacks back to Dwellingup as users paddle back.

On the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (north-east USA and Canada), a good example of such a package is the “Backroads and Quietwaters” package which is a 2-day trip combining a paddle along the quiet waters of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and an easy bike ride along back roads and bike paths to the Canadian border, where quaint

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! Quebecois villages await further exploration. The package includes accommodation at an inn, boat rentals and shuttling services, bicycle rentals, and a delicious lunch at a cafe.

Equipment hire. While many visitors will Several businesses in the region offer bring equipment, some will not have hire facilities presently either as a direct watercraft and a business opportunity provision (e.g. Tin Can Bay Boat Hire) or presents itself to address this market. as part of a broader accommodation package (e.g. Mary Valley Views).

The Munda Biddi Trail is WA’s long- distance mountain bike trail (paralleling in concept and destinations – Perth and Albany – the Bibbulmun Track). A number of cycle hire businesses (and bike repair and bike guided tour businesses) are accredited businesses under the Munda Biddi Trail Foundations Cycle Friendly Business program. These businesses offer a range of services along the length of the trail and pay an annual subscription fee to remain in the accredited program.

A similar accreditation program for operators in the Gympie region’s waterways would be a way of branding the region and developing a profile for the opportunities.

Provision of access. One of the key WA’s Bibbulmun Track crosses Irwin issues is the provision of access. While Inlet (a major un-bridged inlet) as it the strategy recommends the wanders through the south west. The development of access points, there Department of Parks and Wildlife (the may be opportunities for adjoining trail manager) has a service agreement landholders to provide intervening with a provider who ensures canoes are access points (particularly along some available to allow users to cross the of the longer stretches). This could be inlet. either user pays or some form of It is understood that at least one service agreement with Council. operator in the Mary River has an access agreement with an adjoining landholder.

Supported tour opportunities. On land- The following examples are from land- based trails, trail users carry a daypack based trails. It is reasonable to envisage between accommodation facilities (pre- an arrangement for longer (overnight) booked as part of the supported tour) water-based trails perhaps covering the and the service provider provides what length of the Mary from Kenilworth to

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!equipment user requires for the day Bundaberg. Tour operators could enter (such as bike, canoe, day pack) and into agreements with private transports users’ “overnight” gear to landholders along the river to provide next night’s accommodation facility. camping opportunities. This service can be offered for any Offered on Otago Central Rail Trail length of overnight use though is likely where some 10% of visitors take to be more popular for shorter stays. advantage of this service (14,000 This option is particularly attractive for users/year traverse the whole trail, visitors as part of a longer stay in the while 24,000/year visit the highest use region. section). A recent survey by the Central Otago Rail Trail Trust showed that total expenditure was $472.61 per person per trip along the rail trail. The largest component of expenditure is on package expenses (as it was in 2008/2009 when a previous survey was carried out). ‘Off the Rails’ offers premium, eco- friendly and fully supported bike tours (in southern NSW and Victoria). The company offers various tours including accommodation, bike hire and guided sightseeing activities. All tours include transfers, care of all luggage during the tour and meals, providing a fully inclusive cycling experience. A key to its success is its ease of planning/organising for visitors – once the tour is booked in they do not have to think about anything else. Such services are also offered on the Bibbulmun Track. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation offers “Best of the Bibbulmun 8 day tours” which take users to a number of day walks with off- track accommodation rather than along a continuous section of track. The Foundation has recently launched a 9- day package. A number of other private providers offer similar supported activities.

Guided canoe touring. This facility Several companies offer a range of provides an even greater level of guided (and self-guided) canoe tours of support for users; all “traversing” is the Upper Noosa River providing done with the accompaniment of a equipment for half-day to 3 day trips knowledgeable guide (as well as the through the Everglades and further up provision of all necessary equipment). the Noosa River. These tours can be up to a day and Examples from land-based trails are overnight and multi-nights. Multi-night numerous. This type of service is offered

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!tours would also offer accommodation on the Great Ocean Walk (e.g. Bothfeet options Walking Lodge and Tours) (as one example of a multi-night offering). Internationally renowned adventure company World Expeditions offer a 7- day guided and supported hike along the Bibbulmun Track. One of the key features of these packages is that users simply pay just one flat fee for their entire holiday. On the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (East Coast of Canada and USA), the key promotional organisation promotes a number of holiday packages that offer users access to some of the finest experiences on the trail. These packages include the services of expert local guides who will organise logistics and offer insight into local human and natural history. The packages also highlight some of the best lodging, dining and shopping establishments in the region. This allows users to simply pay just one flat fee for their entire holiday.

Private camping opportunities. A On the Northern Forest Canoe Trail number of survey respondents and (East Coast of Canada and USA), the stakeholders discussed the provision of trail manager has gained access for overnight camping to allow multi-day campsites and portages through journeys along the river. Opportunities landowner permission rather than for camping on public land are very through land protection. limited along much of the river and where there are opportunities, land is often submerged in times of flood. Opportunities exist for adjoining landholders to offer camping (or indeed more upmarket accommodation options) along the Mary River in particular.

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9! . Plans

!

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Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

10! . Artists Impressions and Concept Plans

!

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!

Proposed Traveston Crossing Launching Area Possible New Imbil Launching Facility Proposed Widgee Crossing Road Trailhead Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy

References! Australian Government, Australian Sports Commission (2010) Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport Annual Report 2010

Beeton, S. (2003) An economic analysis of rail trails in Victoria La Trobe University, Bendigo

Beeton, S. (2006) Regional Communities and Cycling: the Case of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia La Trobe University, Bendigo

Beeton, S. (2009) Cycling in regional communities: a longitudinal study of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia La Trobe University, Bendigo

Central Otago District Council Otago Central Rail Trail User Survey 2010/2011 (June 2011)

Colmar Brunton Social Research (2009) 2008 Bibbulmun Track User Research Report (for Department of Environment and Conservation and Bibbulmun Track Foundation)

Donnolly, GJ (undated) Fundamentals of land ownership, land boundaries and surveying Paper prepared for Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping Survey

Jessop, M. and Bruce, D. (2001) Research Summary, Attitudes of Users towards the Mundaring Recreation Trails. Sport and Recreation WA, Western Australian Government, Perth Western Australia

Manning, R., Valliere, W., Bacon, J., Graeffe, A., Kyle, G. and Hennessy, R. (2000) Use and Users of the Appalachian Trail: A Source Book

Market Equity Pty Ltd (2004) Trails Research Project A report for the Office of Sport and Recreation in association with Planning SA, Transport Planning and South Australia Tourism Commission

New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (2013) Nga Haeranga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail Evaluation Report 2013

Qld Government, SEQ Water and Griffith University (2007) South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Study

Loddon Mallee Trails Network (2010) Loddon Mallee Regionally Significant Trails Strategy

ROSS Planning and Mike Halliburton Associates (2015) City of Ipswich Outdoor Recreation Plan (draft)

Tourism Research Australia (Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism) (TRA) Snapshots 2009 Nature Tourism in Australia

A number of American waterways trail documents were reviewed for the Background Scoping Study (and consequently used to inform the strategy). The individual documents are identified in the Background Scoping Study. The documents themselves can be found via http://www.nps.gov/WaterTrails/Toolboxes/Planning. This website also provided information on (and links to) economic opportunities associated with water trails (used to inform the preparation of Section 8).

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!

Appendix 1: Background Scoping Study (revised)

! !

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Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy: Background Scoping Study

(revised)

in association with

June 2015

Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy Background Scoping Study

Table of contents

1. Background and purpose of study 3

2. Trends in canoeing/kayaking 4 2.1 Published data 4 2.2 Increased accessibility of canoeing and kayaking 5

3. Canoe and kayak planning – a review 6 3.1 Overview 6 3.2 What is a water trail? 6 3.3 Water trail experiences 7

4. Initiatives in canoe and kayak trails 9 4.1 Water trail planning in North America 9 4.2 Existing water trails in North America 17 4.3 Water trail planning in Australia 19 4.4 Existing water trails in Australia 20

5. Trends and planning – what can we learn? 23

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1. Background and Purpose of Study

Gympie Regional Council has commissioned the preparation of a canoe and kayak strategy for the entire Gympie Region. The overall aim of this project is to prepare a strategy that will set out a future direction for canoeing and kayaking on the main watercourses in the Gympie Regional Council area. The Council has identified that the region’s waterways, including the Mary River, are presently an under-utilised resource, which may be more effectively resourced to meet the needs for water based recreation of the regional community over time.

Under-utilisation of the waterways is the key driver for this project. However, a canoe and kayak strategy is likely to engender an appreciation of the history and natural attractions along the region’s waterways by residents and visitors. This appreciation will in turn create a sense of custodianship or stewardship of the waterways. In North America, where planning for recreational use of waterways is much more common and detailed than Australia, these two factors are often expressed as drivers for planning of recreational use of waterways. 1.1 Purpose and Aim of this Document

This Background Report provides the initial desktop and background research for the Canoe and Kayak Strategy. The document provides summaries of:

! the current trends in the use of canoeing and kayaking;

! a review of canoe and kayak planning at a general level; and

! review of recent and current initiatives in canoe and kayak planning and implementation.

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2. Trends in Canoeing/Kayaking 2.1 Published Data There is very limited on the nature of canoe/kayak use in Australia similar to the relatively extensive data available for other outdoor recreation pursuits such as walking and cycling. What data is available covers general participation in outdoor recreation. The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey was regularly carried out by various Commonwealth Government agencies until 2010. The last completed survey (2010) found that canoeing (including kayaking), although not in the top ten outdoor recreation activities, continues to attract a relatively steady and reasonable numbers of participants, possibly more so in regional and rural areas than metropolitan areas due to easier access to such activities. The last survey was carried out in 2010. 1.7 % of people in Queensland participated in canoeing/kayaking at least once in 2010 (ERASS 2010), meaning a total of just over 60,000 people. Unfortunately, it is likely that the surveys finished just as a boom in kayaking (due to an advancement in materials used for kayaks and coverage on TV – discussed below) was just beginning to occur (anecdotal evidence suggests such a boom). The South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Demand Study was carried out over three periods (1997, 2001, 2007) and provides some useful data. The 2009 study found that 17% of the people who participated in the survey has undertaken “riding on non-motorised watercraft” at least once in the preceding year, amounting to approximately 755,000 individual events/activities/year. The corresponding figure for 2001 was 19%. The category included sailing, which is likely to represent a significant number of people participating in the activity. Again, the surveys finished before the boom in kayak sales. ROSS Planning (in association with Mike Halliburton Associates) prepared a user survey as part of the preparation of the Ipswich Outdoor Recreation Survey in 2014. Results from this survey focussed on the demand for canoeing and kayaking facilities and generally mirrored results from broader studies. The survey found that 7.2% of respondents (12 of 170 respondents) participated in canoeing/kayaking (making up 4.5% of outdoor activities). The survey also identified positive and negative aspects of canoeing and kayaking along the Brisbane and Bremer River and suggested a range of improvements (notably around access and infrastructure). The survey showed that the demand for guided (non-motorised water-based) tours along the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers and reserves of the City is growing. The survey showed that there is a reasonable demand for access to the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers for canoe/kayaking. Users report a distinct lack of launching points, with no overnight camping areas. Additionally, there is ongoing demand for a club-based facility with storage for watercraft in close proximity to the water. This current (albeit limited) research is useful in considering likely demand. There are 29 canoe clubs in Queensland affiliated with Queensland Canoeing Incorporated. The majority of these (17) are in Brisbane, while the Sunshine Coast hosts 3 clubs. There are 6 clubs located in Regional Queensland (not the south east) but none are based in the Gympie Region. Qld Canoeing Inc (and

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their affiliated clubs) hosts some events each year across a range of canoeing and kayaking disciplines. In addition, outdoor education centres (such as Higher Ground at Kenilworth) often have canoeing as part of their activities; this participation does not show up in formal surveys. Canoeing events attract users in relatively large numbers. The 2013 Murray Marathon (a 5 day canoeing event along the river) attracts an average of 750 paddlers (454 paddlers participated in the 2013 event) (Murray Marathon website www.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au) 2.2 Increased Accessibility of Canoeing and Kayaking Until relatively recently, canoeing and kayaking required the user to use relatively heavyweight fibreglass (and sometimes timber) craft. These were difficult to transport, very heavy to carry and relatively expensive. Similarly, to hire these craft was expensive and difficult and required commitment on the part of the user. These factors may have limited participation in canoeing and kayaking. However, in the last 5 years, there is anecdotal evidence of a boom in using non- motorised watercraft (note that the available survey data does not cover this period). It is difficult to be certain of the causes but there are two key issues that have contributed to this boom – the price and design of kayaks in particular and the use of such craft on very popular TV fishing shows. A plastic kayak providing a minimum of “add-ons” can now be purchased from leading outdoor recreation stores for as little as $300. These craft are extremely lightweight and can be very easily carried by people to a launching site. They can be stowed easily in or on top of a vehicle. Like many outdoor pursuits, users can spend significantly more money (touring kayaks can be purchased for over $2,000 with sea kayaks fetching over $3,000 – canoes are available in a comparable price range) but the “entry point” is a lot lower than as little as 5 years ago.

In addition, there are now several television shows devoted to fishing (both on free to air and pay channels) and these programs constantly feature stories that involve people fishing from plastic kayaks on rivers and estuaries. It has been suggested that these images are particularly enticing to young men who purchase these craft in large numbers for this purpose. It may be that the boom in mountain biking (an outdoor recreation activity that increasingly attracts large numbers of young users) is being matched by a boom in kayaking – it may well be the same market group (though there is no supporting evidence as to whether this is true or not).

In the Gympie region, there are a number of operators offering retail facilities, equipment hire, pick up/drop off services (for people hiring or bringing their own equipment) and guided trips. The Mary River and Tin Can Bay are the more popular offerings for guided trips. There are also some accommodation facilities (particularly in the Mary Valley) that offer kayaking opportunities as part of a broader accommodation package

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3. Canoe and Kayak Planning – A Review 3.1 Overview There are very limited examples of canoe and kayak strategies in Australia. However, America (in particular) and Canada have been undertaking such studies for several years. For the purposes of this project, a number of documents from North America were reviewed (representing a significant portion of those publicly and easily available). The majority of these documents focussed on the provision of water trails, primarily for non-motorised watercraft (rather than being a generic canoe and kayak strategy).

Why have these land managers focussed on water trails?

A trail gives purpose, challenge, and excitement to a journey on a waterway. A trail allows one-way journeys and means people don’t traverse country already traversed. It is physically easier to hop on a canoe or kayak and travel downstream along a designated trail (without having to backtrack upstream against the current or water flow). A properly planned and designed trail will allow greater discovery of the natural and human history of the waterway.

Focusing on water trails does not preclude other uses of the waterways by canoes and kayaks – simply hopping on the river or creek for a “paddle around” then getting out at the same spot is an activity with appeal particularly for local residents; it still requires development of a “trailhead” – consisting of somewhere to park, some information signage and simple access to the water. 3.2 What is a Water Trail? Literature from North America provides the best definitions of water trails. This is simply a reflection of the experiences of the North American cities, counties and states have in such planning, having undertaken such studies for several years. (South Australia included an explanation of what water trails are in its “Sustainable Recreation Trails document but it does not provide as much clarity as the North American examples). There is a similarity in many of the definitions. Three useful definitions are reproduced below that cover the gamut of water trails.

American Canoe Association The American Canoe Association’s evolving definition of a water trail has a provisional list of water trail criteria:

! A water trail should be a contiguous or semi-contiguous waterway or series of waterways that is open to recreational use. ! A water trail should have public access points for paddlers. ! The water trails planners, organisers or sponsors should have o A map of the route of the water trail, and/or o The route of the water trail should be detailed on a web site. ! Published materials should communicate low-impact ethics to water trail users and water safety. ! The trail should be supported and managed by one or more organisations. ! And to the users – a water trail is what you make of it (The Lower Passaic River Canoe and Kayak Trail Plan undated)

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) defines water trails as “corridors between specific locations on a lake, river or ocean. Water trails are primarily designed for small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, rafts and drift boats. Necessary water trail facilities include a safe place for the public to put in, parking, restrooms, a safe place to take out, and in some cases day-use sites and overnight campsites. Water trails offer a variety of challenge levels on white water, moving water, flat water and tidewater and emphasise low-impact use and provide stewardship of the resource.” (Oregon Water Trails State Plan 2005)

Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership defines water trails as recreational and educational corridors between specific locations that can be used for both single day and multiple day trips. They are comprised of access points, boat launches, day use sites, and - in some cases - overnight camping areas. They provide safe access to and information about Pennsylvania's waterways while also providing connections to our diverse history, ecology, geology, heritage and wildlife (Developing Water Trails in Pennsylvania undated). 3.3 Water Trail Experiences The North American work has also identified four basic types of water trail experiences. The following descriptions are from Developing Water Trails in Iowa but they appear in many of the planning documents.

Gateway experience segments: At normal flow conditions, these segments provide the most predictable experiences for paddlers. They are good introductory trails for beginners and those wanting shorter trips. Small hazards such as rock riffles or strainers can be easily navigated around. Portage around major hazards is not required. These segments are intended for high use levels. Launch construction includes stable surfaces, such as concrete, often with gentle slopes. Amenities are often available near launch parking areas.

Recreational experience segments: Recreational experiences generally require more skill and experience compared with Gateway segments. At normal flow conditions, some boat maneuvering around hazards may be needed. Short portages are also possible. Launch locations may be more difficult to access from parking areas or may have been constructed with less stable materials such as gravel. Amenities are sometimes present near launch parking areas.

Challenge experience segments: These segments are not for beginners. At normal flow conditions, paddlers will experience a moderate to high number of hazards including logjams, rapids, or other elements such as larger lakes with long open-water crossings and the potential for high waves or limited egress. Multiple short or long portages may be required. Access spacing varies considerably, and amenities are usually not available. Launch areas are usually more difficult to access from parking areas.

Wilderness experience segments: While some contend that Iowa includes no wilderness, the goal of this experience classification is to provide users with what is possible in the state in terms of a paddling experience with minimal human- made distractions and amenities. Launch design and spacing between access points assumes above-average physical condition. Overnight primitive camping

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facilities may be present, as paddlers on these routes are often looking for multiple-day experiences. Any facilities present are minimal, primitive, and without signage.

The Gympie Canoe and Kayak strategy will focus on the first three experiences – those that will attract the widest range of users with a range of skill sets.

Related to the waterway experiences is an international scale of river difficulty.

Class I: Easy. Moving water with a few riffles and small waves

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering required

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with high, irregular waves that are difficult to avoid and capable of swamping an open canoe. Eddies and currents are more powerful. Scouting is often advisable for inexperienced groups

Class IV: Advanced. Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult

Class V: Expert Extremely difficult, long, violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult, and there is significant hazard to life in the event of a mishap

Class VI: Extreme. Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts, only after close study has been made and all precautions have been taken.

On the Mary River and its tributaries, and the other water bodies of the Gympie Regional Council area, the majority of conditions found will be Class I to Class III.

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4. Initiatives in Canoe and Kayak Trails 4.1 Water Trail Planning in North America As stated in Section 3.1, a number of planning documents (relating to water trails) from North America were reviewed (representing a significant portion of those publicly and easily available). The following presents an overview of the documents reviewed. It should be noted that documents available covered State- wide (and region-wide) canoe and kayak planning, specific river strategic planning and specific river development planning. 4.1.1 Developing Water Trails in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership undated)

This is a State-wide action document rather than a trail-specific planning document.

Every water trail must have:

! A local managing organisation to care about and manage the trail. ! A part in the statewide water trail system with state designation by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. ! Public involvement by the local community. ! A map providing information for using the trail. ! Free information provided to users on the internet and/or printed materials. ! Water trail feasibility study or plan to determine if your waterway can be a water trail. ! Active volunteers who will participate in the management of the trail. ! Signage that can direct users, interpret the resource, provide safety and orientation information. ! Maintenance of existing and new amenities (boat access points, signage, information provided, etc.).

Every water trail project should consider:

! Designation by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trails Network (where relevant), National Recreation Trail, American Canoe Association or other nationally recognised organization. ! For-Sale water trail map & guide. ! Volunteer recruitment & development program. ! Conducting outreach educational programs. ! Trail amenities & facilities including campsites, comfort stations, access points, a full range of signage, etc.

Promoting and developing water trails is guided by a series of principles: ! Partnerships ! Appreciation ! Education ! Recreation and Well-being ! Conservation ! Community Vitality ! Local Economics

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! Stewardship ! Volunteerism ! Diversity There are similar (though more detailed) State-wide plans for Oregon (Oregon Water Trails State Plan 2005-2014) and Iowa (Developing Water Trails in Iowa 2010 which provides practical guidelines for planning, site design, signage and construction for water trails in Iowa). 4.1.2 Seneca River Water Trail Master Plan (New York State) (Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development, November 2008)

The Seneca River Water is a specific initiative to develop a 46-mile canoe and kayak trail on the Seneca River. The vision for the Water Trail is that it will feature an array of frequent, high quality facilities and services; stimulating points of interest; consistent signage; and meaningful interpretation of natural and historic sites. The trail will offer a rich, memorable experience for paddlers traveling on the New York State Canal System.

Numerous recommendations are included in the Master Plan and these covered:

! appropriately designed and spaced facilities including access points, day use areas, and overnight accommodations. Other facilities recommended included launch sites, docks, boat lockers, restrooms, potable water sites, parking areas, restaurants, picnic areas, campgrounds, indoors lodging, and attractions. Wayfinding signage at sites accessible from both water and land were also recommended. ! coordinated interpretation, promotion, and visitor orientation program using a variety of media material, including signature identity for the Trail ! Support on-going efforts to protect and preserve the natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources along the Trail. These should be enhanced and promoted to users and residents. ! opportunities to establish public access where none existed (as appropriate). 4.1.3 Huron River Water Trail - Vision & Opportunity Plan (Michigan) (Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services April 2009)

This plan was part of an initiative to assist local communities in maximising their river corridors as community assets through the development and promotion of water trails. The trail covered 21 miles of a 136 mile river.

The aim was to enhance the connection of Water Trail with downtown Milford by increasing the number of designated launch areas, and providing better signage/wayfinding.

Recommendations covered:

! a signage plan with a number of key elements:

o setting the river mouth at Lake Erie as zero, thus enabling paddlers to easily navigate the river system and plan trips along its length.

o Road Crossings Signs – enabling paddlers to identify their location within the context of the entire watershed.

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o Interpretive signage - To maintain a consistent sense of identity along the water trail, a standard signage system should be designed which provides basic wayfinding information combined with local interpretive information. Basic safety information and paddling etiquette information should also be incorporated. Interpretive signage will make the paddler aware of his or her place within the context of the river system and the larger geography, while also pointing out and interpreting local features such as unique ecosystems, geological information, and points of historic or cultural interest.

! Cooperation with communities and groups downstream (given this plan covered only a small part of the river)

! The concept of developing and marketing Milford as a recreational “hub” (including water trail and various land-based trails); this idea had great appeal and potential to serve multiple community interests. 4.1.4 Rock River Water Trail – Inventory, Analysis and Plan (Wisconsin, Illinois) (Rock River Trail Initiative August 2012)!

This plan covers 320 miles of river upstream of its junction with the Mississippi River. The mission is to establish and interpret a Rock River Water Trail that meanders down a gentle gradient to carry the water traveler and recreational enthusiast alike over 300 miles; and to create a parallel system of land-based routes that offer visitors and residents the opportunity to also drive, bike and hike the river corridor.

The plan provides a framework for identifying suitable carry-in access sites and boat launches, parks campsites and cultural facilities that will enhance the water trail experience. The plan addresses water trail management needs, dam safety, opportunities for connecting with other regional trail systems and approaches to marketing and promoting the trail corridor.

A unique element of the plan is a consistent set of standards developed to identify segments of the river with common characteristics and facilities and to link each segment with an appropriate water trail experience. The set of skill level and type for each water trail segment provides to users an easy way of selecting routes that meet their needs and interest and match their abilities and expectations.

The Plan also included a localisation of guiding principles developed by North American Water Trails Inc (these principles occur in a number of planning documents and are detailed above in 4.1.1 – Developing water trails in Pennsylvania). 4.1.5 Vermillion River Water Trail (Minnesota) (Center for Urban and Regional Affairs Community Assistance Program, University of Minnesota, 2005)

The goals of this project were similar to many others and involved the identification of potential canoe and kayak rail access sites. Again, as with many other river-specific plans, it involved an inventory analysis and examination of

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watersheds including access points to the river (roads, tracks, rights of way etc), neighbouring land uses and tenure, river and bank conditions, existing and potential landings, and potential connections with land-based trails.

4.1.6 Lower Passaic Canoe and Kayak Trail Action Plan (New Jersey) (US Department of the Interior - National Parks Service)

The aim of this Plan was to get people out on the river as doing so:

! Enables people to rediscover the river looking past old liabilities and seeing the new possibilities the river has to offer ! Reclaims the river and become part of its recovery as a healthy and vibrant community resource ! Reconnects with the river as a valuable asset for their communities to be enjoyed and protected

The drivers covered similar matters to the principles used in the Rock River Water Trail covering stewardship, education, conservation, connecting people and places, diversity and wellness and well-being.

Site evaluations included commentary on a number of practical matters, including ownership, existing site amenities, existing conditions and ecological sensitivity.

The Plan also included the following matters:

! Dam safety considerations ! Launch design considerations ! Launch types ! Design and tides ! Water trail identity and signs ! Maps and guides

4.1.7 Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Final Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia) (US National Parks Service 2011)

The Plan focuses on delivering the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (NHT) as part of the National Trails System and the first national water trail. The trail commemorates the explorations of John Smith on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in 1607!1609, tracing approximately 3,000 miles of his voyage routes. (The trail encompasses rivers, streams, estuaries and bays).

The purposes of the John Smith Chesapeake NHT are to:

! commemorate the exploratory voyages of John Smith on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in 1607-1609 ! share knowledge about the American Indian societies and cultures of the seventeenth century ! interpret the natural history of the Bay (both historic and contemporary) ! provide recreational experiences on water and on land along the trail

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The Comprehensive Management Plan focuses on providing management direction in response to a number of management issues, including:

! visitor experience on the trail ! identification and protection of trail-related resources ! accurate and respectful representation of American Indian heritage ! public access to the trail ! trail partnerships ! trail planning, development, and management ! trail marking Trail management will emphasize interpreting and protecting the world of the Chesapeake that Smith encountered during his voyages – its natural abundance and its complex American Indian cultures (in keeping with the chosen theme for the water trail). Visitors would travel the trail on the land and on the water enjoying a variety of enhanced recreation experiences while exploring places reminiscent of the Bay in the 17th century and stopping at the places where John Smith stopped. Immersed in an evocative landscape along much of the water trail, visitors would enjoy multi!day experiences on the Bay and its tributaries. They would also hike or bike between voyage stops, fish, and picnic near the water, while learning about the experiences Smith had as he explored the Bay, the natural world he discovered, and the American Indian cultures he encountered

Visitors would orient themselves to the trail by visiting the trail website or by studying the trail brochures. Once on the trail they would obtain more information about the trail by stopping at one of the trail’s two visitor interpretation and education centers or by stopping at one of the trail’s five visitor contact stations.

The Plan is extremely comprehensive as to be expected from a document proposing the first national water trail in the USA (which has a comprehensive network of land-based “national trails”). Full implementation of the plan could be many years in the future. 4.1.8 Delaware River Water Trail Concept Plan and Implementation Recommendations (New York, New Jersey) (Delaware River Greenway Partnership 2006)

The Delaware River Water Trail Concept Plan and Implementation Recommendations provides the conceptual framework and implementation recommendations for a proposed Delaware River Water Trail to be developed for 220 miles of the Delaware River from Hancock, New York to Trenton, New Jersey. This corresponds to the freshwater segment of the Delaware River.

There are opportunities on the river for every type of paddling experience, viewing scenic wonders, and appreciating natural and cultural amenities. The river offers a diverse range of paddling experiences. Use is growing with an estimated 100,000 boaters/year in the Upper Delaware alone.

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The objectives of the Plan are to: ! Identify existing and potential river access locations and determine their adequacy in number and types to accommodate paddlers of different skill levels ! Propose a means of providing access information to all water trail users ! Propose a means of distributing resource information to all water trail users ! Present a program intended to promote an ethic of conservation and responsible use ! Identify physical connections of land-based trails and other amenities with the water trail ! Identify additional or upgraded amenities for appropriate locations ! Develop a program for stewardship and a maintenance strategy for the water trail

The Plan serves a dual purpose: ! To guide agencies and organizations in facilities development and recreation management; and ! To provide the recreating public -- particularly the “do-it-yourselfers” -- with a framework for using the water trail, and for getting involved as a volunteer in maintaining the water trail

The Plan covers three key issues (and makes a series of recommendations for each): ! River Resources: Access Points ! River Resources: Camping and Overnight Trips ! Signage and Wayfinding

Recommendations were also included on safety and education, and boating regulations and fees. 4.1.9 Jordan River Urban Water Trail (part of the Jordan River Trail Master Plan) (Utah) (author unknown 2008) Planning for the river was part of a broader trail master plan for the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, Utah. An earlier study was driven by the following matters:

! the Jordan River is largely perceived as unsafe for recreational boating ! hazards create liability for responsible parties ! the general public is not aware of hazard locations ! demand for recreational boating is high ! public access is severely limited ! existing boating facilities are underdeveloped ! the river is not perceived as a public waterway, and ! no coordinated water trail plan exists.

These still applied at the time of the 2008 Plan.

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Users and interest groups wanted to:

! develop maps of hazards and recreation points, ! create navigational hazards removal and recreational boating plans ! produce information and marketing tools such as CD ROMS, multi-media shows, and website applications.

The overall goal was an Urban Water Trail Guide Book that would act as a complete trail guide for the Jordan River with information on water trail facilities, wildlife in the Jordan River corridor and cultural information.

The master planning process report identified a series of “overall” issues along the 12 identifiable segments of the river and made some overall recommendations. The overall issues were:

! trail gaps (hazards and impassable obstacles on the river); ! signage notably existing inconsistencies; ! a lack of trail maps; ! too many bridges – a negative visual and practical impact; ! hazards such as flood debris, concrete, trees and garbage; ! insufficient and poorly designed trailheads; ! facility design; ! the need for “kayak parks” (kayak play areas); and ! variable water levels. 4.1.10 Sandy River Water Trail Concept Plan (Oregon) (The Sandy River Water Trail Core Planning Team; American Whitewater; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service— Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program; Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 2009)

The Sandy River is within an hour’s drive of well over half the population of the State of Oregon. The Sandy River presents an ideal opportunity for beginner to experienced paddlers seeking a natural experience along with the astounding wonders of the area. Consequently, it receives a tremendous amount of visitation in the lower stretches of the river during the warmer months of the year. As a result, there have been conflicts between river users and landowners as well as conflicts amongst users. By designating and developing the water trail (38 miles long), it is hoped that conflicts and incidents can be reduced. Signage, guides and education will play a critical role in doing this.

The concept plan is a conceptual framework for the development of a water trail that will link or connect the existing publicly owned parcels of land along the Sandy River through uniform signage, comprehensive maps, and recommended reaches.

Both general and site-specific recommendations were made. General recommendations and considerations covered:

! Access o potential public access points (identifying specific points) o signage o private property delineation ! A series of recommendations around water trail related tourism

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! Water trail website and guide ! Camping ! Coordination of the water trail ! Design standards around signage – sites on the trail were to have posts with water trail logo, land manager/owner of site, river mile of site, camping sign if appropriate, interpretive information, put-in bulletin boards, roadside signs 4.1.11 North Kitsap’s String of Pearls Trail Plan (Washington State) (North Kitsap Trails Association 2011) The North Kitsap Trail Association (NKTA) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization working to plan, build and maintain a neighborhood and regional system of land and water trails which promotes stewardship of natural resources and enhances communities.

While the Plan focuses on land-based trails, there is attention paid to water-based trails given the location of the communities on Puget Sound (the eastern side of the Sound “opposite” Seattle in Washington State).

The vision for the North Kitsap Water Trail is a network of launch and landing sites, or “trail heads,” that allow people in paddle or small sail boats to enjoy the historic, scenic and environmental richness of Puget Sound through multiple-day and single-day trips. The water trails will promote safe and responsible use, while protecting and increasing appreciation of environmental and cultural resources through education and coordination

The relevant goal is to create a network of water trails that allow public access to shoreline by non-motorized boats by:

! Maintaining and providing signs at existing launch and rest sites. ! developing new launch and rest sites as opportunities arise. ! keeping water trail maps up to date including amenities

The plan establishes a water trail backbone of existing and planned access points for non-motorized small boats that are intended as launches, open to the public, and do not have conditions that would prevent inclusion in the water trail.

The plan identifies:

! Water trail user groups (including sailcraft) ! Issues and needs: o lack of signage and knowledge of launch sites, o appropriate environmental management around interactions with wildlife, o personal safety on the water, noting that implementation of a comprehensive education, outreach and stewardship program is essential for a successful water trail. Primary tasks for the trail are to coordinate among existing outreach and education programs; to develop and promote consistent trail-related messages throughout the Puget Sound; to fill in educational programming gaps, such as targeting new users and tourists; and to provide trail-related guidance.

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4.1.12 Surrey Blueways Master Plan (British Columbia, Canada) The plan’s aim was to manage non-motorised boating on waterways in the city to facilitate quiet family enjoyment and public education in a way that supports the fish, wildlife and agricultural communities, and to recognise opportunities for experienced paddlers on the Fraser River. The Plan devised a series of principles for the Blueways program covering:

! increasing public respect for the fish and wildlife values of Surrey waterways. ! avoiding public access to private agricultural property including private dykes. ! encouraging responsible recreational paddling, within the carrying capacity of the waterways, both for comfort of people users as well as waterfowl. ! creating a recreational experience focused on family and entry-level paddlers in canoes and kayaks. ! offering a range of non-motorized watercraft experience, allowing for user choice and variety, as well as the upgrading of user paddling skills over time. ! enhancing tourism and environmental offerings of the City of Surrey.

At the heart of the plan lies the designation and active management of three canoe/kayak routes. These routes provide different experiences. One (the Surrey Floating Nature Trail) provides an interpretation-based and controlled paddling experience with enhancements to separate paddlers from sensitive waterfowl areas and seasons. The second (Serpentine Paddling Circuit) provides a loop circuit for the novice and exercise-oriented paddlers. The third (Fraser River Challenge) provides a route for experienced paddlers as part of a regional blueway paddling system. The plan then details descriptions, works required and indicative costs of each of the sections within these three trail. 4.2 Existing Water Trails in North America Many of the trail planning documents discussed above address the need to upgrade and better utilise existing water trails. In addition to the planning work, there are several water-based trails that have already been developed. There are both short water trails and long water trails in existence in North America. These four examples presented below highlight some of the longer trails as one of the outcomes for the canoe and kayak strategy may be long distance use of the Mary River (encompassing local government areas upstream - Sunshine Coast - and downstream - Fraser Coast). 4.2.1 The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (East Coast of Canada and USA) The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine. It is a 740-mile (1,184km) paddling route that traces a fascinating history from early Native Americans through European settlers. The trail introduces users to the places and people along the waterway destinations of the Adirondacks and Northern New England.

The trail has been likened to a water version of the Appalachian Trail. The trail covers 56 lakes and ponds, 22 rivers and streams, and 62 "carries" (portages) totaling 55 miles (89 km). It is a series of river trails rather than one long trail.

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The route's variety of flat water, swift water, and whitewater, on a range of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds provide extensive opportunities for canoe and kayak recreation. Vibrant communities along the way offer inns, bed and breakfast facilities, and camping facilities, as well as other recreational and heritage attractions.

The Trail was officially completed in 2006, with thirteen mapped contiguous sections offering campsites, portage routes, trail signs, and access points along the entire route. Local community groups have played a crucial role in the Trail's development in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Québec and New York, and will continue to be stewards of the Trail in the future.

The Trail obtains access for campsites and portages through landowner permission rather than through land protection. Additionally, because it is a trail of navigable waters, the Trail flows through both developed areas and backcountry. It is a blend of community experiences and wilderness. 4.2.2 Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Florida (USA) The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a 170 mile (272 km) river trail, which is a defined network of natural, recreational, cultural and historic sites offering a wilderness experience rich in natural and cultural resources. The Trail’s river- based experiences include outfitter tours, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and camping. Visitors can extend their wilderness adventure into land- based experiences by exploring small towns, local shops, art and antique galleries, museums and visitor centers showcasing this region’s “Old Florida” culture and rich history. Recreational activities such as bicycling, hiking and horseback riding can be easily arranged.

The trail is a system of hubs and river camps spaced a convenient day's travel apart, so that visitors can enjoy a day trip or a multi-day adventure on the trail. Hubs are towns or parks from which visitors can explore the river and its surrounding areas by canoe or boat, bicycle, horse, automobile or on foot. A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors' needs. River Camps are located a day's paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers.

The Suwannee River Basin offers excellent opportunities for leisurely walks or overnight hiking trips. Both on-road and off-road trails invite bicyclists to explore the area. Most of the Florida State Parks along the Suwannee offer trails. The Florida National Scenic Trail offers 100 miles of trail along the northern banks of the Suwannee River (see www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness) 4.2.3 Lewis and Clark Water Trail, Missouri (USA) The Missouri River is a large, fast-flowing river, with scenic views and a remote setting. The river offers a truly unique paddling experience, with opportunities for simple day trips or multi-day expeditions. The combination of a number of elements set the stage for the development of a formal water trail on more than 500 miles (800 kms) along the lower Missouri River.

This trail is yet to be formally developed as a water trail. There are now several city parks, access points and viewing areas located along the river. The Missouri Department of Conservation has worked to greatly improve river access by expanding the number of boat ramps and public lands within the river’s corridor.

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The development of Katy Trail State Park runs besides the river for over 150 miles, and is the longest rail-to-trail system in America. This walking and cycling trail has spawned a whole range of services providing privately run campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, unique shops, restaurants and many other services very close to the river's edge. There are also several commercial campgrounds, boat clubs, marinas and bait-shops located along the river, often providing an opportunity to obtain supplies or a place to camp for the night. These are the elements that contributed to the development of the formal water trail. (see www.dnr.mo.gov/water-trail) 4.2.4 Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, Pennsylvania, USA The Middle Allegheny River Water Trail is a 170 km long water trail running through Pennsylvania and New York State. The Trail project was created as a partnership among the U.S. Forest Service Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Oil Heritage Region, Allegheny River Support Group and the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry.

The trail has 2 distinct segments – the first is 72 kms long and is characterized by pastoral/rural landscapes and a large number of islands. It contains 24 public islands that are part of the Allegheny National Forest (including seven federally designated Wilderness Islands), in addition to 60 islands under other ownership. All of the public islands are open for camping and recreation. The Oil Heritage trail segment is 100 kms long and is rich in history associated with the oil and lumber booms, and settlement along the river. Remnants of the iron, oil and railroad industries are visible along the way. This trail segment contains four public islands owned by Venango County, in addition to 64 islands under other ownership. The public islands are open for camping and recreation. Access is available, but more limited compared to the northern segment upriver from Tionesta. 4.3 Water Trail Planning in Australia There has been limited canoe and kayak planning undertaken in Australia. There are a number of marked and promoted water trails and these are discussed in Section 4.4.

Much of the planning has been limited to addressing canoe and kayak actions as part of broader recreational planning for waterways or waterbodies. The Management of Recreational Use Plan for the Ross River 2013-2015 (City of Townsville) is a typical example. The use of canoes and kayaks is recognised and the plan sets out a regime for formalising use by canoes and kayaks. The recommendations cover (at a very broad level) improving access and managing commercial facilities for hiring canoes and kayaks.

There have been several recreation trails master plans (focusing on land-based trails) that have included planning for water-based trails. In Queensland, trails master plans for the (former) Crows Nest Shire (2006), the (former) Caloundra City (2007), the (former) Caboolture Shire (2007), and Logan City (2009) all included recommendations for canoe/kayak/watercraft trails on a range of waterbodies – rivers, lakes and estuaries. A similar recommendation was included in the trails master plan for the Shire of Capel (Western Australia). This high-level planning included preferred locations for and inclusions at trailheads/access points, subjects and preferred on-water locations for interpretive material, and

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estimated costs. In the cases of Caloundra City and Crows Nest Shire, there was more detailed follow-up work for some of the recommended trails (those on lakes/dams). Locations of and requirements for access points were refined and more detailed costings were included in the planning. At least one of the recommended trails is now in use (on Currumundi Lake, Caloundra).

The Shire of Ravensthorpe (in Western Australia) also undertook the preparation of a canoe and kayak trail plan in recent years. 4.4 Existing Water Trails in Australia There are a limited number of dedicated water trails in Australia (and limited promotion of canoeing and kayaking generally). Most of these are promoted through brochures, mapping and websites rather than having been the subject of detailed planning work (the Maroochy River Trail is an exception). 4.4.1 Canoe Trails of Mandurah and Pinjarra (Western Australia) The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra have developed a number of canoe guides covering the Peel-Harvey estuaries and associated rivers.

The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra have several objectives:

! Advocating for development of canoe launch sites; ! Advocating for universal canoe access ! Coordinating the annual Peel Paddling Carnival ! Writing submissions regarding environmental impacts on our waterways ! Advocating for awareness & protection of our waterways wildlife

The group compiled seven canoe trail guides for sections of the river with three associated ‘companions’. The seven trail guides are:

! Canoe Guide/map No 1 The Darter Trail ! Canoe Guide/map No 2 Swamphen Trail ! Canoe Guide/map No 3 & 3A Heron & Spoonbill Trails ! Canoe Guide/map No 4 Mountain Duck Trail ! Canoe Guide/map No 5 Great Egret Trail ! Canoe Guide/map No 6 The Osprey Trail ! Canoe Guide/map No 7 The Pelican Trail

The canoe guide/maps contain a description of the section of river the subject of the guide, a map of the section of river (with notes about points of interest including launch sites), a scale bar (with distances), suggested excursions and information relating to safety on the water.

The 3 ‘companions’ are:

! Human History Canoe Guide Companion ! Natural History Canoe Guide Companion ! Waterbird & Dolphin Trail Guide

4.4.2 Port Adelaide Ships’ Graveyards Heritage Trail (South Australia) Port Adelaide boasts one of South Australia's most significant archaeological treasures – the largest and most diverse ships' graveyard in Australia accessible

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to non-divers. Dispersed over five sites, in quiet backwaters of the Port River, are the remains of a varied group of sailing, steam, motor and service vessels which ended their working lives in Port Adelaide.

Today the remains of at least forty vessels lie embedded in silt and washed by the tides. The diverse collection, ranging from majestic windjammers and steamships to coastal traders and harbour craft, represents maritime activity from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries.

Five abandonment sites have been identified within the Port. A brochure, with detailed mapping and descriptions of each of the 5 Ships’ Graveyard Sites has been produced. Some of the sites are accessible by land and all are accessible by kayak or small boat. 4.4.3 Maroochy River Trail The Maroochy River trail is located on the Maroochy River. It is around 30- kilometres long, and the upper reaches start at Lake Dunethin, a main entry point with disability access. The Trail was a recommendation from the 2009 South East Queensland Regional Trails Strategy. The trail is promoted on the Sunshine Coast Council website where the information is extensive including downloadable maps. The website indicates that the trail offers a choice of scenery and exciting physical challenges. Paddlers will be rewarded with hidden natural wonders, a sense of personal achievement, and the bond of shared adventure. 4.4.4 Other Canoe and Kayak Trails The Upper Noosa River is a very popular canoeing and kayaking location in the region. There is a well-recognised paddling route (users often start at Harry’s Hut – upstream of Lake Cootharaba – and head upstream to a number of designated campsites on the Noosa River). However, the limit of formal designation of this popular route as a water trail is a map of the river on the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing showing the route and the location of the campsites. Constructed launch facilities at Harry’s Hut and Campsite 3 (upstream – used as the jump-off point for walkers to the Cooloola sand blow) add to the attraction of this route.

Brisbane City Council had a series of canoe trail brochures for creeks and wetlands around the City. These are no longer available and there is limited promotion of canoeing and kayaking on the Council’s website. The former Pine Rivers Shire provided similar promotion but this information no longer appears on the Moreton Bay Regional Council website.

Ipswich City Council promote canoeing and kayaking on the Bremer and Brisbane Rivers on their website but there is very limited information and no downloadable maps.

Trails SA (an arm of the South Australian Government) promotes the Murray River canoeing possibilities but these are generally no more than a series of maps available as hard copy or on the Web.

The NSW Government promotes some canoe and kayak trails – the Hawkesbury- Nepean River System Canoe and Kayak Trail, the Tumut River Canoe and Kayak Trail, and the Murrumbidgee River Canoe and Kayak Trail – but they simply provide basic guidance. A series of brochures available on the web breaks the rivers into sections and provides a range of basic information for paddlers

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including GPS location of start point, river distance, paddling time, and permanent hazards (bridge clearances, confluences with incoming rivers)

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5. Trends and Planning – What Can We Learn?

There is no doubt the evidence (including anecdotal evidence) suggests that the use of non-motorised water craft has recently boomed in Australia. Almost anybody can afford to buy a plastic molded kayak and set off on a water adventure. Gympie Regional Council has indicated a desire to take advantage of this boom and provide a range of facilities to promote more and better use of its waterways including the Mary River and its tributaries. In promoting the use of the waterways, the Council will also promote an understanding of the natural and human values of the waterways that in turn promotes custodianship and stewardship of the waterways (this has been one of the drivers for many North American water trails). The Mary Valley in particular has the potential to become a hub for outdoor recreation. It is within easy reach of much of South East Queensland (still one of Australia’s fastest growing regions). The Tracks and Trails Plan (prepared in 2014) recognised the attraction of the Mary Valley in particular, identifying a number of land-based trail opportunities. The Canoe and Kayak Strategy should be seen as a companion document to guide the development of recreation opportunities in this region.

The purpose of this background scoping study is to set the scene for the strategy that will be prepared. It outlines trends in canoeing and kayaking and looks at what is happening in planning and delivery of canoeing and kayaking elsewhere in Australia and in North America (where canoeing and kayaking is big business and very popular).

The study has reviewed a number of documents from North America and found that the prevailing trend in non-motorised water planning has focussed on the provision of water trails (rather than being generic canoe and kayak strategies). As stated in Section 3, a focus on water trails prevails in the planning work because a trail gives purpose, challenge, and excitement to a journey on a waterway. A trail allows one-way journeys and means people don’t “back-track”. It is physically easier to hop on a canoe or kayak and travel downstream along a designated trail. A properly planned and designed trail will allow greater discovery of the natural and human history of a waterway.

Focusing on water trails does not preclude other uses of the waterways by canoes and kayaks – simply hopping on the river or creek for a “paddle around” then getting out at the same spot is an activity with appeal particularly for local residents; it still requires development of a “trailhead” – consisting of somewhere to park, some information signage and simple access to the water.

The Canoe and Kayak Strategy will focus on planning water trails (at a strategic level) as this approach will deliver both trails (which are likely to be the major attraction of the waterways) and land-based facilities for a “paddle around”.

The strategy will look to cover many of the elements common to the plans and strategies reviewed in Section 4, although as a strategy (rather than a detailed planning document) it will necessarily cover these elements at a broad level.

In taking this approach, the strategy will recognise that, on the Mary River and its tributaries, and the other water bodies of the Gympie Regional Council area, the majority of conditions found will be Class I to Class III (Easy, Novice, and Intermediate). These conditions will deliver three types of experiences – gateway,

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recreation and challenging. Together, these conditions and experiences will attract the widest range of users with a wide range of skill sets.

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Appendix 2: Site Assessment Sheets

! !

!

Mike Halliburton Associates, Transplan Pty Ltd and ROSS Planning

! Gympie Regional Council Canoe and Kayak Strategy Site Assessments

Mary River (upstream to downstream)

Site Assessment Site: Pickering Bridge (Moy Pocket) Status: Existing, informal parking on SE side (Sunshine Coast Regional Council). Parking area accessed by old bitumen road and easy to access. Type of launching Informal, natural area. facility: Very steep embankment on SE side of bridge. Flatter on NE side. Parking: Flat parking area in SE area, with room for 5-8 cars.

Facilities: None (apart from parking area on SE side).

Notes: Steep embankment down to river on SE side of river. River is best accessed from NE side (both in Sunshine Coast Regional Council). Recommendations: Steep embankment from old road and parking area down to river. If used, there is need for knotted rope or rope ladder to assist descent to river.

Need to clean out flood debris from parking area.

Signage required.

In Sunshine Coast Regional Council area.

Access on NE side is problematic, but a better launch area. Armco (and turn restrictions) make access into NE side difficult.

Site Assessment Site: Walker Road Bridge Status: Non existent

Type of launching Non existent facility:

Parking: None available at bridge. Very difficult to establish parking at bridge near the river. Facilities: None

Notes: Sand regularly deposited here in flood and extracted by Council. Sand deposits are very boggy. Parking near river would be very difficult to establish. Nearest permanent parking is 100m east of bridge, near gate to farm (but on road reserve). No public land at river apart from road reserve. Downstream end of priority section of river trail. Could be a (very) short term set-down and pick-up point.

Site Assessment Site: Vic Olsen Bridge Status: Existing, well used natural site.

Type of launching Natural, looks well used. facility:

Parking: Space for 5 cars in current configuration. Access via short gravel track suitable for 2WD cars. Facilities: Bench seat near river. Informal parking area. Several timber steps on steep track down to river. Notes: Short drive (approx. 300m) from Tuchekoi Rd via 2WD accessible track. Short walk from parking area (approx. 30m) to river’s edge. Appears to be easy to launch canoes/kayaks at this site. Easy to signpost and access. Highly visible from Tuchekoi Rd.

Site Assessment Site: Peacons Pocket Road Status: Non-existent, but used informally by groups.

Type of launching Non-existent. Natural site. facility: Parking: Very limited parking available along verge of Peacons Pocket Rd. Long walk down to river (approximately 250-300m). Facilities: None. Someone has left steel barbecue near to river. Swing rope into river. Notes: Access track down to river is immediately alongside Kenilworth-Skyring Creek Rd. Potential dangerous intersection. 4WD access only down to river. Long walk (250-300m). Very eroded – even 4WD could not use the track in its current condition due to massive gully erosion. May be very difficult to maintain access due to constant gully erosion from stormwater runoff. Gully erosion is up to 1m deep and 1.5m wide. Attractive bank of river. River is wide at this point. Track is also very overgrown and would need substantial clearing. No other possible access point and existing track is only option.

Site Assessment Site: Traveston Crossing Bridge Status: Existing, informal launch area. Very popular. Looks to be on private property.

Type of launching Informal, natural area. facility: Parking: Grassy area at highest point above river. Room for 8-10 cars at present. Access by good quality, flat sandy track. Up high and appears to be away from most flood events. Facilities: None Notes: Very popular area. Very good launching area. Close to road and easy to access. Parking area 40-50m from river. Gentle slope from parking area (but used by 4WD vehicles). 2WD access from road. Existing parking area capable of being enlarged to cater for additional vehicles. Publicly owned land on SE side of bridge has several sandy tracks in. May be accessible by 2WD but would need work. SE side has grassy embankment and some flat areas good for camping. Could close western track to create more parking areas.

Site Assessment Site: Six Mile Creek Rest Area Status: Existing, DTMR rest area with a range of facilities Dirt track (for walking) down to Six Mile Creek

Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Ample parking in rest area for 30+ cars. Easy trailer access to parking area if needed

Facilities: Toilets, picnic shelters, barbecues, parking, rubbish bins

Notes: 30 metre walk to creek. Potential launch site downstream of bridge, probably on the downstream side of rapids. Remove 2 large trees fallen into creek. Need to bench a 10 metre track to launching site below rapids, as access is a little difficult from end of dirt access track to launch below rapids. Check/negotiate with DTMR about access

Site Assessment Site: Attie Sullivan Park, Gympie (south side of Mary Valley Road) Status: Existing park with old road (still intact bitumen for much of its length) down to river

Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Parking for around 8 – 10 cars in the picnic area parking bays Trailer access to parking area.

Facilities: Sealed parking area, toilets, picnic shelters, seats, rubbish bins

Notes: 50 metre walk down old bitumen road (broken up) to top of river bank. Need to bench a 10 metre trail downstream from where old bitumen roadway ends to allow launching below rapids Also rope ladder/structure to allow exit before rapids (or a trail benched into the bank) Good short-term alternative to the Sands (which is inaccessible at the present time due to highway access issues)

Site Assessment Site: The Sands, Gympie Status: Existing informal parking area. Rough track directly off Bruce Hwy. 4WD can get to river’s edge. 2WD can get to around 150m. Long walk to river. Several access points to river. Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Informal parking for perhaps 20 cars spread across several areas and tracks Facilities: None Notes: Access from Bruce Hwy is difficult and potentially dangerous. Pull-off lane may help (in the future). 4WD access only to river’s edge. 2WD parking is 150m from edge of river. No signage. Site is close to Kidd Bridge (only 2.5km downstream). If Bruce Hwy bypass is built in the future, this site could/should be ‘developed’ (as access directly off highway would no longer be an issue).

Site Assessment Site: Kidd Bridge, Gympie Status: Existing, informal parking area. Moderate condition. Dirt road access track. 4WD can get access to river’s edge. 2WD can get to within 30m.

Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Informal parking along access track. Parking available for maybe 10-12 cars.

Facilities: None

Notes: No signage. Weir would require portage for novice canoeists/kayakers. Short but steep access ramps to river’s edge. Close to Gympie. Slightly difficult (potentially dangerous) to access River Terrace as road is busy and on bend.

Site Assessment Site: Widgee Crossing Road, Gympie (south side of river) Status: Existing, informal parking area. Good quality gravel access track to site.

Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Gravel parking and turnaround area – on road reserve. Parking for around 8 – 10 cars. No need for trailer access (unless hirer with multiple canoes/kayaks). Facilities: None (apart from informal gravel parking area)

Notes: Steep embankment/tracks to sandy banks of river. Alternative route to top of shoal. No existing signage.

Site Assessment Site: The Palms (off Curry Rd), Gympie Status: No existing formal launch facilities, but is obviously well used.

Type of launching Non-existent facility:

Parking: Room for 8-10 cars at end of gravel road (before steep descent to river) Facilities: None (apart from informal car parking).

Notes: Very circuitous route to site via bitumen roads. Would be difficult to signpost. Beach is well used, judging from amount of wheel marks in beach gravel. Very steep and difficult descent for 4WD only over last 100m. Dirt road in to site is 2WD but rough and would need to be upgraded. Long haul between here and Bambling Road downstream. Short haul to here from Widgee Crossing Road.

Site Assessment Site: Bambling Road, Scotchy Pocket Status: End of road site.

Type of launching Natural facility: Parking: Gravel parking and turnaround area – on road reserve. Note – no formed parking area – simply the end of the road Parking for around 4-6 cars. No need for trailer access (unless hirer with multiple canoes/kayaks). Facilities: None

Notes: Easy gravel track access to river some 20 metres from road end. Good flat launching site (some fast water around the site but plenty of opportunity to launch at different spots along approximately 20 metres of riverfront No existing signage.

Site Assessment Site: Dickabram Park Status: Well developed and maintained park near Dickabram Park. No existing launch facilities. Type of launching Non-existent. facility: Parking: Ample parking for 10-15 cars (dependent upon park usage).

Facilities: Toilets; picnic shelter; water; barbecue; grassed area; interpretive shelter; picnic tables; rubbish bin; parking.

Notes: Long gradual descent to river – approximately 80-100m from park. Status of land ownership beneath bridge is unknown. Access to underneath of bridge is fenced (but people easily get around fence). River is very wide and less attractive than other reaches. More likely a stop on a long river trail, rather than part of a short river trails package. No camping. Max stay 20 hrs.

Yabba Creek (upstream to downstream)

Site Assessment Site: Yabba Creek Crossing #1 Status: Non-existent

Type of launching Non-existent facility:

Parking: Room for parking on road verge to NE of crossing (low bridge). For short-term pick-up and set-down only. No permanent parking would be permitted or needed. Facilities: None

Notes: Good canoeing/kayaking downstream from here to Imbil. Could be marked on brochure/map and signage for canoe/kayak trail (as a very short-term pick-up and set-down point).

Site Assessment Site: Imbil Layby (west of town) Status: Existing gravel layby on side of Yabba Creek Rd alongside Yabba Creek.

Type of launching Natural; roadside layby. facility: Parking: Room for 8-10 cars in layby and for cars with trailers.

Facilities: None (apart from existing layby).

Notes: Ample parking gives flexibility for loading and unloading. Layby is wide and long enough to cater for cars with trailers. Short but steep embankment down to creek (approx. 20m). Used by commercial operators for pick-up and set-down. Needs site identifier if it is to be used as a river trail access point. Could be marked on map/brochure and signs.

Site Assessment Site: Bert Smith Memorial Park (Imbil Park), Imbil Status: Non-existent, but high potential. Already well developed and maintained park in Imbil. Public park immediately alongside Yabba Creek. Type of launching Non-existent facility:

Parking: Ample opportunity along sealed access road (Lambert Hyne Drive).

Facilities: Picnic tables; grassed areas; playground; water; barbecues; rubbish bins; access by sealed road.

Notes: Obvious location in Imbil, but not identified in material (map) provided to consultants. Needs some work, perhaps modification (grading) to embankment to provide easier access to creek. Would be an ideal launch site for a priority water trail.

Site Assessment Site: Kev DeVere Bridge Status: Non-existent

Type of launching Non-existent facility:

Parking: Parking for one or two cars for pick-up and set-down only (on Mary Valley Road). No permanent parking would/should be permitted. Facilities: None

Notes: Use of potential site would depend on flow of water in Yabba Creek. Some steep embankments either side of creek. No public land apart from road reserve.

Kandanga Creek (upstream to downstream)

Site Assessment Site: Kandanga (under rail bridge) Status: Down the hill from the bowling club, people have constructed a timber retaining frame (“boxed walkway”) to allow easy access to the creek and a bench seat.

Type of launching Natural facility:

Parking: Ample parking at Jack Spicer Park and the RV Park (which is closer to the creek)

Facilities:

Notes: Community has plans for a launching facility along the creek within the village. “Trail” is really an out and back trail as there are limited opportunities to get out of the creek upstream (next point is Diamondfield Rd but creek is very low at this point and may not be able to be reached) Downstream access point would be at Goomong Road (some 6km) but is not known how navigable this section is Launch point is close to old rail corridor – developing the trail hubs is a possibility

Site Assessment Site: Goomong Rd Bridge, Kandanga Status: Informal gravel parking area. Informal gravel road (4WD only) to creek but a very short walk from the road

Type of launching Natural facility:

Parking: Gravel parking area on creek reserve. Could be developed for off-road parking for 4 cars end to end

Facilities: No facilities

Notes: Easy access to creek. Users would park, walk down a 15m track (4WD accessible) to creekside for an easy launch under the bridge. Not clear how navigable this section of creek is but

it is 6km upstream from confluence with the Mary River. Amamoor Creek (upstream to downstream)

Site Assessment Site: Amamoor Creek Rd, Amamoor Status: Non-existent.

Type of launching Non-existent facility: Parking: Parking is available on SW side of bridge on public land. Probably enough room for 10-15 cars.

Facilities: Close to town (approximately 200m). Shared path across bridge. Reserve alongside river and road. Notes: Public land (reserve) is immediately alongside Amamoor Creek. Armoured slope on embankment at bridge to protect it. Creek accessible at this point.

Site Assessment Site: Keith Mackay Bridge Status: No existing landing. Surrounded by public land. Little opportunity for long-term parking. Type of launching Non-existent facility: Parking: None at present.

Facilities: None.

Notes: Room for parking on NW side of bridge if required. Amamoor Creek. Very low at time of inspection. Sand bars across creek, as well as logs. Steep embankment down to creek. How navigable is Amamoor Creek at normal levels?

Lake Borumba

Site Assessment Site: Lake Borumba Status: Sealed boat launching ramp. Easy launch site for non-motorised craft. Type of launching Man made boat launching ramp onto dam. facility:

Parking: Ample parking for 50+ cars and boat trailers.

Facilities: Toilets; gas barbecues; picnic tables; picnic shelters; water; parking; grassed areas; rubbish bins; interpretation and information; boat ramp.

Notes: Highly developed and well used site. Lake is also used for motorised watercraft. Non-motorised craft permitted. Anti-clockwise travel only. Camp ground close by. Dam sometimes closed due to algae problems.

Coondoo Creek

Site Assessment Site: Coondoo Creek Toolara Forest (immediately off Tin Can Bay Rd) Status: Existing access point. Reasonable quality gravel (with bits of bitumen still evident from old road) to creek side

Type of launching Natural facility:

Parking: Gravel parking and turnaround area. Parking for 4-6 cars at the end of the access track but plenty more parking on the track in. Trailer access could be developed.

Facilities: None.

Notes: Retaining timber on bank edge Three grab posts in the water (possibly part of old disused crossing) Very easy 10m walk to creek down gentle slope Land tenure possibly an issue (could be HQ Plantations land). Bridge goes under very quickly during flooding Appears to be plenty of water in creek (at this point mid May) Issue may be a get out point. Access is possible along creek and forest roads but some of these tracks are 4WD only and the creek becomes difficult to navigate further downstream. Access is limited by road capacity to the creek (good road alongside creek north of Tin Can Bay but here and south roads go away from the creek after a short distance) May be best as a single point of access – paddling upstream then turning around – a splash and paddle site

Tin Can Bay/Rainbow Beach

No site assessments were performed on sites in these locations. Existing launch facilities provide plenty of opportunities for canoes and kayaks to launch. Trailhead map panels and appropriate road signage is needed to better facilitate use as a canoe/kayak sites