Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan Summary Development of this management plan fulfils one of the high priorities identified by the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (Western Coastal Board 2002a), and is a step toward meeting Regional Management Action Target 83 in the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy (RMAT 83: Meet aspirational target for coastal areas through developing and implementing individual Estuary Management Plans in accordance with the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan ). Development of this estuary management plan also fulfils actions identified in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA River Health Strategy (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2004). The Fitzroy estuary is fed by two tributaries, the Fitzroy River and Darlot Creek, and is approximately 13 kilometres long. This Management Plan incorporates both tributaries downstream of the Princes Highway at Tyrendarra, which allows consideration of the relationships between the estuary and the values associated with both the surrounding land and the up-stream catchment. This Management Plan has been developed in consultation with members of the local community and government agencies and provides a basis for coordinated and targeted investment in the maintenance and enhancement of the values provided by the estuary for future generations. Development of the Plan has focused on identification of the key assets provided by the estuary and the threats that are degrading, or have potential to degrade, the value of the identified assets. This approach is consistent with the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy. The assets identified in the Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan are: o Habitat The habitat assets provided by the estuary underpin cultural, social and economic values held by the local community, including activities such as recreational fishing and the value of adjacent land. o Fauna The estuary provides habitat to a range of species, including 17 species of fish, and 120 species of birds. o Water quality and quantity Good water quality and sufficient quantity is essential to maintain a healthy estuary and healthy habitats. o Social values Key social values at the Fitzroy estuary include recreational fishing, camping and swimming. o Cultural values The Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape is a key cultural site within the Darlots Creek catchment. The Fitzroy estuary is linked to the various cultural sites in the catchment through the migration of eels. Eels were, and still are, an important resource in these areas and are strongly linked to cultural practices. o Economic values Agriculture is the largest industry in the estuary catchment. Another important economic activity is commercial eel fishing. The main threats to the estuary’s ongoing health are: o inappropriate artificial river mouth opening o invasion and spread of pest plants and animals o reduced water quality and quantity Assessment of the threats posed to assets in the management plan area and determination of practical means to halt, reduce or eliminate these threats has allowed formulation of management objectives and actions under a set of key programs that, when implemented, will provide significant benefits in terms of maintenance and enhancement of the values of the estuary. The following table provides a summary of the implementation programs that have been developed within this Estuary Management Plan. It also includes links to actions identified in the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy (GHRHS). i Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan Table S1 Management objectives and targets developed for the Fitzroy estuary Program Management objective Target GHRHS Links Habitat – aquatic and No reduction in the extent or condition Establish the baseline condition and extent RH-P3-4 semi-aquatic of estuarine habitats. of aquatic and semi-aquatic EVCs in the Fitzroy estuary by 2009. RH-P4-3 RH-P4-5 Fish No reduction in indigenous fish Develop an effective methodology for the diversity. periodic assessment of the health of the indigenous fish population by 2010. Water quality and Ensure that estuarine water quality Establish estuary specific water quality RH-P3-2 quantity and quantity meets estuary specific criteria by 2009. guidelines 80% of the time by 2011. RH-P4-6 Recreation Minimal impact on the health of the Appropriate infrastructure, management estuary as a result of recreational policies and management resources by activities. 2010. Cultural Protect the aboriginal and non- Protection of all sites of archaeological and aboriginal heritage of the estuary. heritage significance. Economic To ensure that economic uses of the Economically and environmentally estuary and surrounding area do not sustainable activities in the Fitzroy estuary compromise ecosystem viability. area. Estuary entrance and Implement a management process for Develop a protocol for estuary mouth RH-P3-1 artificial river mouth the estuary entrance that provides the opening using EEMSS by the end of 2009. opening best possible compromise between RH-P4-1 the ecological requirements of the estuary and the social and economic requirements of the local community. Pathogens and parasites Maintain healthy indigenous flora and Rapid response for all reported incidents of fauna populations pathogens and parasites. Pest plants and animals Reduction in the extent of listed weed Establish a baseline understanding of listed RH-P3-5 species. weed species. RH-P3-6 RH-P4-7 RH-P4-8 Soils, erosion and To reduce sediment loads in the Identify all sites of active erosion within the sedimentation waterway. catchment by 2012, and commence remedial works. Inundation Quantify the outcomes of inundation Document the social and economic impacts with regard to the social, economic of inundation. Complete a flood study for and environmental values of the the estuary including the possible impacts estuary of climate change by 2010 Climate change Actively manage risk associated with Ensure that the effects of climate change predicted climate change impacts are incorporated into the Glenelg Shire associated with the Fitzroy estuary. Planning Scheme by 2011. Local government Direct and control development to Adoption of planning policy, zones and planning protect the values of the Fitzroy overlays into the Glenelg Shire Planning estuary and continue economic Scheme that protect and enhance the development within the framework of values of the Fitzroy estuary. ecological sustainability. Monitoring, evaluation Monitor and evaluate the health and Undertake an evaluation of the and reporting functioning of the estuary and effectiveness of implementing actions implementation of the Estuary identified in this Plan by 2011. Management Plan. Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan ii Acknowledgements Glenelg Hopkins CMA would like to acknowledge those members of the community who participated in the development of this Management Plan. Members of the Coast and Marine Technical Working Group Graeme Jeffery – Glenelg Hopkins CMA Kylie Bishop – Glenelg Hopkins CMA Published by: Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 79 French Street, Hamilton Victoria 3300 Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims any liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on the information in this publication ISBN: Glenelg Hopkins - Copyright Notice © Glenelg Hopkins Management Authority (2006) This work is the subject of copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, adapted, published or communicated (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the public, without the prior written permission of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority or as expressly permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended)(Cth) or other copyright laws. All authorised or permitted, reproduction, adaptation, publication or communication (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the public, of the work or part thereof must include full acknowledgement of the source and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority’s ownership of copyright. All enquiries and requests for permission should be made to Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, 79 French Street, Hamilton, Victoria, 3300. iii Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan Abbreviations AAV Aboriginal Affairs Victoria ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council ASS acid sulphate soil. ARMO artificial river mouth opening. CAMBA China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. CE Community engagement DCNR former Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, now DSE. DEH Department of Environment and Heritage (Federal Government department). DIMIA Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (Federal Government department). DOI Department of Infrastructure. DPI Department of Primary Industries. DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment. DU Deakin University. DVC Department of Victorian Communities. EVC ecological vegetation class EPA Environment Protection Authority. FAT Framlingham Aboriginal Trust GHCMA Glenelg Hopkins CMA GSC Glenelg Shire Council IPA Indigenous Protected Area ISC Index of Stream Condition IUCN World Conservation Union JAMBA Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement LCC Land Conservation Council MER Monitoring, evaluation and reporting NHT Natural Heritage Trust