Regional State of the Environment Report for the Councils of Greater Western Region of NSW Regional State of the Environment Report

2008–2009 Comprehensive Report

BOURKE Bourke

C a s Macqaurie t le r Marshes e a g 2008–2009 Comprehensive Report h COONAMBLE

Coonamble

R i v e r CENTRAL Coonabarabran WARREN M a c q GILGANDRA u a r ie Nyngan

WEST R BOGAN iv WARRUMBUNGLE Warren er Gilgandra

Boga DUBBO n

CATCHMENT

Ri ver Narromine Dubbo ver g Ri on NARROMINE g e MID-WESTERN g

d

u

C REGIONAL Wellington Lake Mudgee Burrendong WELLINGTON

Condobolin Molong BATHURST LACHLAN ORANGE CABONNE REGIONAL Orange Bathurst Blayney BLAYNEY

COWRA Oberon Cowra Printed on recycled paper For the Councils OBERON of the Greater Central West Region of NSW: Bathurst, Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Cabonne, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Gilgandra, catchment Lachlan, Mid-Western, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Warren, Warrumbungle, Wellington management authority Regional State of the Environment Report Acknowledgements

The preparation of the Regional State of the Environment Report 2008-09 was funded by the Central West Catchment Management with contribu- tions from the 17 participating local Councils. It should be noted that this is a Comprehensive SoE report and shows trends, where possible, in relation to the data from the Supplementary report first produced in 2007-08 for the region. It should also be noted that catchment there were two new Councils (Bogan and Cowra) management authority participating in the 2008-09 reporting process. Brewarrina and Weddin Councils, which participated in 2007-08, did not do so in 2008-09.

Prepared for: The 17 participating Councils and the Central West Catchment Management Authority 30 Warne Street, Wellington, NSW PO Box 227, Wellington, NSW, 2820 Tel: 02 6840 7800 Fax; 02 6840 7801 www.cw.cma.nsw.gov.au

Prepared by: Molino Stewart Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 9354 0300 www.molinostewart.com.au

Design: Wild Red Frog Design Phone: (02) 9975 3305

© Central West Catchment Management Authority and the Councils of Bathurst, Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Cabonne, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Mid-Western, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Warren, Warrumbungle and Wellington. All intellectual property and copyright reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to one of the Councils listed above or the Central West Catchment Management Authority.

2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 1 Regional State of the Environment Report Contents Abbreviations

Message from the Chair 4 ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics AGO Australian Greenhouse Office Introduction 6 AHIMS Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System Why a Regional SoE Report? 7 ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council Who is involved in the Regional SoE Report? 8 BASIX Building Sustainability Index What are Catchment Management Authorities? 9 BOD Bathurst Orange Dubbo Alliance The CMAs and the Councils at a glance 11 BOM Bureau of Meteorology This report 12 CAP Catchment Action Plan Centroc Central West Regional Organisation of Councils Land 14 CMA Catchment Management Authority Issue – Land degradation 14 CPRS Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Air 20 DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Issue – Air pollution 20 DIPNR Department of Planning and Natural Resources (former) EC Electrical Conductivity Water 26 EEC Endangered Ecological Community Issue – Water quantity 27 EPA Environmental Protection Authority Issue – Water quality 34 ETS Emissions Trading Scheme GHG Greenhouse Gas Biodiversity 42 GM Genetically Modified Issue – Habitat loss 42 GPT Gross Pollutant Trap Issue – Threatened species 50 ha Hectares Issue – Invasive species 53 INFFER Investment Framework For Environment Resources km2 Square kilometres Human Settlement 56 LBL Load Based Licensing Issue – Population and settlement patterns 56 LEP Local Environment Plan Issue – Management of Aboriginal heritage 61 LGA Local Government Area Issue – Management of non-Aboriginal heritage 64 LHPA Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Issue – Noise pollution 67 ML Megalitres NAP National Action Plan Waste 70 NGERS National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System Issue – Waste generation and pollution 70 NRM Natural Resource Management Issue – Waste treatment and disposal 74 NSW New South Wales PAS Priorities Action Statement Towards Sustainability 80 PoEO Protection of the Environment Operations Issue – Sustainable practices 81 PVP Property Vegetation Plan Issue – Climate change 84 REC Roadside Environment Committee Regional SoE Regional State of the Environment References 90 RTA Roads and Traffic Authority RVMP Roadside Vegetation Management Plan APPENDIX – Data contributed by Councils 92 SoE State of the Environment STP Sewage Treatment Plant WTP Water Treatment Plant

2 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 3 Regional State of the Environment Report Message from the Chair

uilding on the success of last year’s Supplementary Regional State of the Environment (SoE) Report, the Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is again pleased Bto support the Councils of the Greater Central West Region in the preparation of the 2008-09 Comprehensive Regional SoE Report, presented here.

The Regional SoE Report is an opportunity to detail the work undertaken by the Councils to care for their local environment and, in so doing, support the targets outlined in the Central West CMA’s Catchment Action Plan, as we all move towards vibrant communities and healthy landscapes. This year’s Regional SoE Report is seen as something of a transition document, as changes are being made by the Department of Local Government to Councils’ planning and reporting structure, including the State of the Environment Report. Consequently, the region’s Councils have taken the opportunity in this SoE to identify environmental issues that are likely to affect their communities into the future.

a b o v e Tom Gavel, Sustainability and responsible environmental management are two clear objectives across the Chairman, Central West region and the main themes emerging from the Councils’ environmental objectives include: Catchment Management • Providing and promoting environmental leadership Authority • Protecting the environment, biodiversity and habitats • Considering future generations in decision making, planning and resource use • Sustainable practices within the community and within the council • Supporting environmental, economic and cultural values

• Contributing to larger regional, national and worldwide environmental issues, resources of each Local Government Area through the planning reform process now underway. a b o v e Cattle at sunset as well as local ones This process requires Councils to review their Land Use planning and Local Environment Plans, from Central West CMA • Preparing for, and ameliorating, the impacts wrought by changes to climate. and creates an opportunity to recognise and put in place a greater level of environmental photograph competition protection. More specific objectives include: Working on a regional basis to identify and address issues in this way allows the Councils • Adopt and enforce strategies to maintain air quality to take a proactive approach, which the Central West CMA commends and will continue to • Restore riparian corridors support through the Local Government Reference Group and the Salinity & Water Quality • Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Alliance. These groups continue to successfully develop the capacity of Local Government and their In addition there is great emphasis on building partnerships between the community and the communities to undertake natural resource and water management activities, both on-ground Councils to achieve these objectives. and through the development of policy and the provision of training. In recognition of this, the Currently the Central West CMA and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Salinity & Water Quality Alliance and Central West CMA were recently presented with a Merit Water are providing information to the Councils which will help identify and protect the natural Award for Excellence in Stormwater Education by the NSW Stormwater Industry Association. The environmental achievements detailed within this document once again show the tremendous effort being made by the regional Councils to care for their natural resources. The Central West CMA is proud to partner the Councils in caring for our catchments.

Tom Gavel Chairman Central West Catchment Management Authority

Robert Gledhill Rory Treweeke

r i g h t Bald Hill Reserve Chairman Chairman near Dubbo Lachlan Catchment Management Authority Western Catchment Management Authority

4 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 5 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Introduction

State of the Environment (SoE) Report is an important management tool which aims As part of the Framework, Councils will to provide the community and Council with information on the condition of the develop environmental objectives with their communities in relation to local environmen- environment in the local area. It also provides a platform for community action by raising tal issues. These environmental objectives A will form part of each Council’s over-arching awareness and understanding of key environmental issues which in turn helps people and organ- Community Strategic Plan. The information isations make informed decisions regarding future management actions to reduce the negative in the annual SoE Report should be used to inform Council’s preparation of the impacts on the environment. Community Strategic Plan and continue to inform the required reviews of the Community The Local Government Act 1993 requires that Under the Act, a Council must produce a Strategic Plan. all local councils in NSW produce an annual Comprehensive SoE Report for the year ending During the development of the new SoE report on major environmental impacts, after each election of Councillors. As there planning and reporting framework, the option related activities and management plans. were Council elections in 2008, the 2008-09 to remove the requirement for a separate Under the Act, councils are required to specifi- report is a Comprehensive report. A Supple- SoE Report was considered, as environmental cally report on: mentary report is required in intervening years. reporting is to be integrated into reporting 1. Land A Comprehensive SoE report differs from on the implementation of the Community 2. Air a Supplementary in that it establishes envi- Strategic Plan and Delivery Program. However, 3. Water ronmental indicators and reports on trends in given concerns raised during consultation 4. Biodiversity relation to environmental indicators used in the about the option to remove the SoE Report

5. Waste report. It must also provide detailed information and the heightened importance of environ- Why a Regional SoE Report? a b o v e Although an 6. Noise on the impact of activities implemented to mental management at a time of serious Australian native, White 7. Aboriginal heritage improve the environment. A Supplementary concerns about climate change, a separate This is the second Regional SoE report Cedar can be invasive 8. Non-Aboriginal heritage, with particular report updates trends and reports on envi- SoE Report will continue to be required as the supported by the Central West CMA. It builds outside of its natural reference, with regard to each such envi- ronmental impacts that have been introduced draft legislation currently stands. upon the first (Supplementary) Regional SoE range ronmental sector, to: since the last Comprehensive report. This report reflects the transition from Report produced for 2007-08. It was created • management plans relating to the At the time of writing this report, the Local previous SoE reporting based on the to enable the community and the Councils environment Government Act 1993 was in the process of ‘traditional’ themes as specified by the Local of the central and western regions to gain • special council projects relating to the being amended. The amendments will allow Government Act 1993 (Air, Water etc.) to envi- a better understanding of the state of the environment for an Integrated Planning and Reporting ronmental issues and environmental objectives environment in a regional context. b e l o w Livestock feeding • the environmental impact of council Framework to guide Council’s future strategic that could be developed by the 17 participating Environmental issues are not restricted to in a drought-affected area activities. planning and reporting. Councils in their Community Strategic Plans. Council boundaries. Regional SoE reports are The Catchment Management Authorities used to enable a better understanding of the (CMAs), created by the Catchment state of the environment in a regional context Management Authorities Act 2003, are also and to identify future collaborative pathways. required to provide reports on the progress A regional approach to reporting: made towards the regional environmental • Facilitates a better understanding of the planning framework, the Catchment Action state of the environment across the region Plan (CAP). This Regional SoE Report provides • Encourages collaboration in regards to benchmarks for measuring catchment-scale sharing ideas and resources changes in the environment as measured • Assists in the management of shared envi- by the Local Governments, and should be ronmental resources linked into both Local Government and CMA • Forges stronger regional links across partici- management plans. pating Councils.

Councils are strongly encouraged to develop their SoE Report in partnership with other councils in their region and Catchment Management Authorities, as environmental monitoring and reporting is usually more useful when done at a regional and/or catchment scale. NSW Department of Local Government

6 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 7 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Introduction

Orange City Council which is 7.1% of the total population of the Warren Shire Council catchment (ABS, 2009). Major industries in Warrumbungle Shire Council the catchment include agriculture, agribusi- Wellington Council ness, tourism, mining and viticulture. One of The participating Councils have provided data the main reasons that natural resource BOURKE Bourke to be included in the Report, with additional management issues are so complex within regional information sourced by the Central the Central West Catchment is the highly West CMA. diverse range of agricultural uses. The eastern

C highlands and western plains are dominated a s t Macqaurie le r e Marshes a g h by grazing, the Central West slopes and inner

COONAMBLE What are Catchment

Coonamble plains support extensive winter cropping, R i v e Management Authorities? r CENTRAL Mudgee, Orange and the Bell River floodplain Coonabarabran are places of intense viticulture and horticul- WESTERN WARREN Thirteen Catchment Management Authorities M a GILGANDRA c q (CMAs) have been established across the ture and the Macquarie River floodplain is u a Nyngan r ie WARRUMBUNGLE

Warren R BOGAN iv er Gilgandra State by the NSW Government to ensure that home to irrigated cotton and other summer crops. The region also supports forestry and Boga regional communities have a significant say in n R i WEST v e Broken Hill r DUBBO CATCHMENT NARROMINE how natural resources are managed in their mining activities. Dubbo Narromine ver catchments. The Central West Catchment includes g Ri on g e MID-WESTERN g Wellington d The CMAs are locally driven organisations the Castlereagh, Bogan and Macquarie River

u

C REGIONAL Lake Mudgee CATCHMENTBurrendong with a board that reports directly to the NSW valleys. It is flanked by the Barwon-Darling LACHLAN WELLINGTON Minister for Environment, Climate Change catchment to the west and north-west, the

Condobolin Molong and Water (DECCW). These statutory bodies Namoi catchment to the north-east, Lachlan Ivanhoe ORANGE BATHURST coordinate natural resource management to the south and Hunter and Hawkesbury- CABONNE REGIONAL Orange Forbes Bathurst (NRM) in each catchment. They are responsible Nepean catchments to the east. While the Blayney LACHLAN CATCHMENT BLAYNEY for involving regional communities in upper reaches of the Bogan and Castlereagh COWRA Oberon management of NRM issues facing their Rivers are largely unregulated, rivers in Cowra OBERON region, and have been the primary means for the Macquarie Valley are highly regulated. the delivery of funding from the NSW and Windamere Dam on the Cudgegong River Federal Governments to help land managers upstream of Mudgee has a capacity of

0 50 100 150 improve and restore the natural resources of 368,000 ML and the Burrendong Dam kilometres the State (NSW Government, 2005). located at the junction of the Macquarie and A profile of the three CMAs relevant to this Cudgegong River at Wellington has a capacity report is provided below. of 1,189,000 ML. River regulation and water extraction has had substantial effects on The Central West CMA flow regimes, with changes to seasonal flow Figure 1 Map showing The initiatives presented in this report for Shire Council is located wholly in the Western The Central West Catchment, located in patterns, reduced variability and changes to participating Council each participating Council do not reflect all of Catchment while Cowra and parts of Blayney, Central Western NSW, has a diverse range flood intensity. areas and catchment the initiatives undertaken by Councils during Lachlan, Cabonne, Bathurst and Oberon lie in of people and industries. It covers approxi- The region possesses a wide diversity boundaries the reporting period. Furthermore, the format the Lachlan Catchment. mately 84,919km² from the central tablelands of landforms, vegetation species and of the Regional SoE does not allow for each The participating Councils are: around Oberon, Bathurst and Rylstone to the communities. It incorporates the internation- Council to identify progress on their environ- Bathurst Regional Council western plains around Nyngan, Brewarrina ally recognised Macquarie Marshes, the War- mental management and sustainability plans, Blayney Shire Council and Coonamble. The catchment supports the rumbungles National Park and important areas which some Councils have previously included Bogan Shire Council major centres of Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee of remnant Endangered Ecological Community in their SoE reports. Councils can append Bourke Shire Council and Dubbo. There are also many other Box Gum Woodland and grasslands. At the additional information specific to their Council Cabonne Council smaller but significant townships including time of European settlement, the Central West in the back of this report, should they wish. Coonamble Shire Council Coonamble, Gulargambone, Nyngan, Warren, Catchment supported a complex mosaic of Cowra Shire Council Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Coolah, Trangie, forests, temperate and semi-arid woodlands, Who is involved in the Regional Dubbo City Council Narromine, Wellington, Gulgong, Peak Hill, wetlands, shrublands, heaths and grasslands. SoE Report? Gilgandra Shire Council Molong and Oberon. Clearing and subsequent degradation has Lachlan Shire Council The total population of the Central West reduced this natural vegetation cover to a As shown in Figure 1, most of the participating Mid-Western Regional Council Catchment based on the 2006 Census large number of small, isolated remnants on Councils are situated, totally or partly, in the Narromine Shire Council was 183,303 persons incorporating a total the less fertile and productive soils, and a area of the Central West Catchment. Bourke Oberon Council Indigenous population of 13,093 persons, smaller number of scattered larger reserved

8 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 9 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Introduction

remnants. For example, the Box and Ironbark The Lachlan CMA As well as a range of permanent and Table 1 Comparison of regional population 2006-08 woodlands which originally occupied large The Lachlan Catchment covers an area of ap- seasonal river systems, it also includes the Population Percentage of 2008 2 parts of the slopes and plains have been proximately 84,700 km and has a population largest and most diverse areas of natural LGA 2006– reporting area total 2008 – estimated reduced by as much as 90%, and are now of 90,831 people, producing 14% of NSW’s rangelands within NSW (Western CMA, 2008). Census population among the most significantly altered plant agricultural production. This includes an Bathurst Region 35,845 38,326 16.9 communities in NSW (Central West CMA, Indigenous population of 4,465 which is ap- The CMAs and the Councils Blayney Shire 6,593 6,985 3.1 Bogan Shire 2,883 2,989 1.3 2008a). proximately 5% of the total population (ABS, at a glance In many instances, the dominant species of 2009). The catchment encompasses 24 Local Bourke Shire 3,095 3,091 1.4 Cabonne 12,396 12,994 5.7 those communities which have been heavily Government Areas. The 17 local Councils participating in this Coonamble Shire 4,208 4,287 1.9 cleared are still relatively common in the The Lachlan River rises near Gunning and Regional SoE Report cover a diverse area of Cowra Shire 12,475 12,835 5.6 landscape. However, remnants often occur terminates in the Great Cumbung Swamp Central and Western NSW, totalling approxi- Dubbo City 37,843 40,306 17.7 as single trees or small groups of mature near Oxley, 1,450 river kilometres to the west. mately 145,169km². The area of each Council Gilgandra Shire 4,522 4,564 2.0 or senescent trees; these stands typically Major tributaries of the Lachlan include the and its percentage coverage of the region Lachlan Shire 6,669 6,838 3.0 have little, if any, of the original understorey Abercrombie, Boorowa, Belubula, Crookwell covered by this report is provided in Figure 2. Mid-Western Region 21,086 22,359 9.8 structure and species diversity, have no regen- Rivers and Mandagery Creek. The main Narromine Shire 6,508 6,785 3.0 eration, and have essentially ceased to exist dam regulating flows in the Lachlan River Community Profile Oberon 5,030 5,291 2.3 as functional ecosystems. In the case of native is Wyangala Dam, which has a capacity of In 2008, it was estimated that the population Orange City 35,338 37,991 16.7 Warren Shire 2,750 2,799 1.2 grasslands, remnant elements are generally 1,220,000 ML and is located at the junction of the region covered by this report was Warrumbungle Shire 9,808 10,197 4.5 Figure 2 Proportional scattered throughout the improved pastures, of the Lachlan and Abercrombie Rivers. The 227,348 (ABS, 2009). This represents an Wellington 8,120 8,711 3.8 size of each LGA as part which dominate much of the region, as well as Belubula River is regulated by Carcoar Dam estimated rise in regional population from Total 215,169 227,348 of the total reporting area roadside remnants and travelling stock routes. which has a capacity of 36,000 ML and 2006 of 12,990 (Table 1). It should be noted located about 10 kilometres downstream however, that there was a slight drop in Source: 2008 ABS data and 2006 Census Data of Blayney. regional population from 2007 compared to The geological formations throughout 2006 with the 2006-07 SoE report stating Table 2 Percentage of age groups compared to Australia the catchment are quite complex and have a a decline of 0.83%. Actual figures for the Total Australia Age group Percentage significant impact on salinity. This variability reporting year may not exactly match current Number percentage Wellington Warrumbungle requires effective management for erosion estimates shown by the ABS as these are 0-4 years 14,825 6.8 6.3

2.8% control, nutrient and salinity management based on modelling estimates. Anecdotal 5-14 years 32,925 15.3 13.5

Bathurst 2.6% Blayney 1.1% 15-24 years 27,761 12.9 13.6 8.5% (Lachlan CMA, 2008). evidence points towards an ongoing longer

Bogan 25-54 years 82,199 38.2 42.2 10.1% term population decline, particularly within 55-64 years 25,395 11.8 11 The Western CMA smaller centres such as Bourke. 64+ years 32,066 14.9 13.3 Warren The Western Catchment is the largest Employment in the Central and Western 7.4% catchment in NSW, covering some 230,000 area is in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, Source: ABS, 2006 Orange km2. It includes the Barwon-Darling, Culgoa, education, property, business services, and 0.2% Oberon Paroo, Warrego, Narran, Bokhara and Birrie health and community services. Table 3 Spatial distribution of population in the reporting region 2.5% River catchments. It takes in significant Unemployment ranges from 3.7% to Central West and North West Place of residence NSW Average Narromine portions of the Bourke, Brewarrina, Central 12.2% in the participating LGAs (ABS, 2009). statistical subdivisions 3.6% Darling, Cobar and Walgett Shires and the The unemployment rate is slightly higher Major city 72.6 0 Inner regional 20.3 59.9 Bourke Unincorporated Area. than the State average at 6.1%; however 28.7% Outer regional 6.5 30.5 The catchment is predominantly leasehold employment is growing in most of the larger Remote 0.5 8.8 Mid-Western land, administered under the Western Lands centres (Central West CMA, 2008b). 6.0% Very remote 0.1 0.8 Act 1901 by the Department of Lands. There There are some differences in age between are more than 630 pastoral and agricultural the region and the Australian average (Table Source: ABS, 2009 (2006 Census Data) holdings. The population of the Western 2); generally this is reflected by fewer people N.B. The Australian Bureau of Statistics utilises statistical subdivisions to collate data from the Catchment is approximately 36,500 people, in the middle age groups and therefore higher census. The Central West and North West subdivisions capture the majority of the reporting area numbers of youth and aged people (ABS, 2006). however may not reflect the boundaries of the 17 Councils exactly. Lachlan with an Indigenous population of 10,278 or 10.3% 28% of the total population (ABS, 2009). In the Central West and North West Predominant land uses in this semi-arid statistical regions, there are significantly more human settlement with a high proportion of

Cabonne 4.2% zone are grazing, dryland cropping, irrigated people living in regional or remote areas people living in the reporting area within the 3.3%

Coonamble 6.8% Gilgandra 2.4% cotton production, mining, tourism and compared to the State average of 72% of inner regional centres. Studies have shown Dubbo

1.9% Cowra natural conservation. Bourke, Brewarrina, people living in major cities (Table 3). This has a there are often significant differences between Cobar, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Broken significant impact on the provision of services these places of residence in terms of population Hill are the major service centres. and also the environmental impacts caused by characteristics such as income, Aboriginality

10 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 11 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Introduction

1000 to the floodplains of the west and north-west. mental issues were categorised and have been There is an overall decline in average annual addressed under the main themes as follows: rainfall moving west from the tablelands to • Land (Land Degradation) 800 the plains (Figure 3). Average daily minimum • Air (Air Pollution) and maximum temperatures are lowest for the • Water (Water Quantity, Water Quality) 600 tablelands, intermediate for the slopes and • Biodiversity (Habitat Loss, Endangered highest for the plains (Figure 4). Species, Invasive Species) 400 mm/year The CSIRO has outlined the predicted • Human Settlement (Population and impacts of climate change in the Central West Settlement Patterns, Noise Pollution, 200 Catchment (CSIRO, 2007a). It is predicted Management of Aboriginal Heritage, that storm intensity and frequency is likely Management of Non-Aboriginal Heritage) 0 to increase, decreasing the local reliability of • Waste (Waste Generation and Pollution,

Cowra Dubbo Bogan Bourke Oberon Blayney Orange Lachlan Warren Bathurst rainfall. Extreme rainfall events will become Waste Treatment and Disposal) Cabonne Gilgandra Wellington Narromine Coonamble Mid-Western more frequent, with a one in 40 year event • Towards Sustainability (Sustainable Warrumbungle Tablelands Slopes Plains predicted to increase by up to 20% by 2030. Practices, Climate Change). The number of days per year above 35ºC Source: BOM, 2009 is expected to increase from four to eleven It should be stressed that the number of issues Figure 3 Annual Average and house ownership. There is also a greater by 2030. It is also thought that in areas of related to each theme does not reflect the Rainfall of participating percentage of the population who have an declining rainfall, the risk of land and water importance of that theme in comparison to

Councils Indigenous background with 7.3% of the salinity will be increased. other themes; it reflects more the range of for the indicators are provided in a summary a b o v e Cattle farmers in region’s population being of Aboriginal or Torres disparate issues under each theme. table at the commencement of each theme Coonamble Strait Islander heritage compared to the national This report It should also be noted that although they chapter. The trends are highlighted as below average of 2.3% (ABS, 2009). This variation in are discussed primarily under one theme, using up arrows (signifying improvement), population characteristics translate to different several issues such as climate change, where sideways arrows (no or little change) and challenges being presented to the Councils that Themes the impacts are pervasive, are further discussed downward arrow (showing a worsening trend). are unique to the reporting region. As discussed above, this report covers the under other themes. ‘traditional’ themes used in NSW SoE reporting improvement Climate in the Central West as required by legislation. The traditional Environmental indicators The climate of the Central West is highly reporting themes have been included under Indicators are important management tools no or little change variable as it covers a large geographic area the following main themes for the report: used in environmental reporting. They and a range of topographies. Broadly, these • Land summarise and communicate information worsening trend Figure 4 Annual mean can be grouped into tablelands, slopes and • Air about the condition of key aspects of complex temperatures of partici- plains, reflecting the influence of the Great • Water environments so that our decision making can There is an explanation for each trend within pating Councils Dividing Range in the east through the slopes • Biodiversity be better informed. the chapter and possible reasons for it • Human Settlements In this report, a suite of indicators has been occurring. • Waste identified that help report on the environmen- • Towards Sustainability. tal themes and issues listed above. 30 Pressure-State-Response While many of the indicators for this The conventional way of reporting on each 25 The last main theme (‘Towards Sustainability’) Report have been selected from past Council theme is using the ‘Pressure-State-Response’ is a diversion from the traditional SoE reporting SoE Reports and the 2007-08 Regional SoE model. This order has been modified to State- 20 themes and reflects the desire for the partici- Report, some new indicators have been Pressure-Response in this report to initially pating Councils and CMAs to help move their selected, for which most of the participating highlight the current situation. Wording has 15 local communities towards environmental Councils can provide meaningful data. Where also been changed as follows: Pressure to 10 sustainability. indicators are new, data from previous years ‘Threat’, State to ‘Condition’. The new terms is not available to enable the presentation of are thought to be less technical. 5 Environmental issues environmental trends over time. In this report, Condition-Threat-Response To respond to the proposed changes in SoE A list of Councils, that provided data for is related to each environmental issue as 0 reporting related to the new Integrated each indicator is found in the report appendix. sub-headings. Environmental indicators are

Cowra Dubbo Bogan Bourke Oberon Blayney Orange Lachlan Warren Planning and Reporting Framework (DLG, As stressed above, a Comprehensive SoE tagged to one of these sub-headings. A Bathurst Cabonne Gilgandra Wellington Narromine Coonamble Mid-Western 2009), each participating Council provided a list report such as this needs to include trends further sub-heading called ‘Future Challenges’ Warrumbungle Mean Max Temp Mean Min Temp of environmental issues that could lead to the related to the environmental indicator data is found at the end of each issue report and development of environmental objectives as collected. Thus where comparison with lists suggested future actions and concerns Source: BOM, 2009 required in future SoE reports. These environ- 2007-08 or previous data is possible, trends relevant to the reporting for that theme.

12 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 13 5.Water Water Regional State of the Environment Report Land

his chapter focuses on the condition of the land in the participating Council areas. The landscape of the reporting area is diverse in character, including residential, Tagricultural, industrial and natural landscapes. Land is a natural asset that can be considered to consist of a diversity of geological forms; topsoil availability; soil health; land that supports natural systems; and land available to support a variety of human uses (including open space for public access).

The riverine and floodplain areas provide great tablelands and slopes have ratings of poor soil aesthetic and recreational opportunities for health, but there is a trend toward improved the region’s residents and tourists, as well as cropping and grazing management practices. important water resources for the economy Lower nutrients and poorer soil types and environment. Land provides a number are characterised in the tablelands due to of services that we rely on, including food higher total rainfall. The geology of the area production, rural/urban lifestyles and work is dominated by coarse grained, acidic rocks and recreation opportunities that ultimately resulting in sandy textured soils that are support human health. Land resources also developed in-situ and susceptible to erosion provide a range of environmental services. (Central West CMA, 2007). The slopes have A major issue in the region is land variable geology with soils types that are degradation caused by soil erosion, salinity and less fragile and have higher nutrient levels. contamination. They also have naturally higher salt stores, increasing the risk of land degradation due Issue - Land Degradation to salinity (Central West CMA, 2007). The plains are dominated by alluvial and aeolian soil development resulting in higher fertility Condition and clay contents that have a higher shrink- The soils of the catchments vary according to swell potential and can be susceptible to

geology and landscape. Soil health issues can compaction problems. significant regardless of the cause. Salinity human health and the environment. Land a b o v e Erosion gullies at be broken up into three components - fertility changes the soil structure, increasing the contamination is usually the impact of past Sawpit Creek, Bathurst, (salinity, acidity, and nutrients), biology (the Erosion erosion hazard. Limited vegetation will grow land uses such as service stations, fuel depots, prior to rehabilitation number, condition and type of soil biota) and Erosion is a significant land factor that on saline areas, reducing feed for stock, habitat horticultural facilities, orchards, sheep dips, physical characteristics (structure, sodicity and influences water quality in our streams and for native species and changing the local agri-chemical dumps, pistol ranges, mines, erosion) (Central West CMA, 2007). There is a habitat quality. Erosion generally occurs where ecosystem. Salt also affects infrastructure such landfills and gasworks. A site is classified as high degree of interaction between the causes land has been disturbed or where water con- as roads and buildings which may cause high contaminated when hazardous substances and effects relating to fertility, biological centrates, such as unsealed roads, roadsides economic impacts for the local Council and occur at concentrations that are above normal activity and physical characteristics. The and driveways, agricultural areas (cropping, community. For example, the salinity impacts background levels, posing a potential risk land clearing and over grazing), industrial on rural roads have been costed between $100/ to human health or the environment. The Table 4 Summary table of indicator trends – Land Degradation areas, stormwater outlets, where vegetation is km/year (very slight impact) and $1200/km/year Department of Environment, Climate Change Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend otherwise removed and in waterways. Impacts (severe impact) (DIPNR, 2005). Salinity levels in and Water (DECCW) maintains a register of Number of Contaminated land sites – from erosion include loss of arable land and rivers are discussed in the Water chapter. contaminated sites, and local Councils also 6 6 contaminated land register Contamination habitat, weed invasion, soil loss, dust storms Identified by the recent Murrray Darling register further contaminated sites such as Number of Contaminated land sites – 523 755 and sedimentation of waterways. Basin Salinity Audit, and confirmed by old landfills. Some participating Councils also potentially contaminated sites Although Councils do not hold data on the Central West Catchment Salinity Risk maintain a list of potentially contaminated the extent of erosion affected land in their Assessment (Humphries, 2000), the Bogan, sites based on past land use. improvement LGA’s, the Central West CMA reports that Castlereagh and Macquarie catchments are no or little change 100,000 ha of land is affected. recognised as being among the most “at risk” Indicator – Number of contaminated land worsening trend of serious salinity problems. sites (Contaminated land register) Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They Salinity should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are While there are many causes of salinity Contamination Under the Contaminated Land Management some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer (including irrigation and removal of vegetation), Contaminated land has the potential for Act 1997, DECCW may declare that some to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. the effects on land resources can be very immediate or long-term adverse effects on contaminated lands are “significant enough to

14 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 15 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Land

each of the 17 LGAs and compares 2007-08 use of fertilisers is also a major contributing Wiradjuri saying—‘Ngangaana-gu Kairai billa’s figures with 2008-09 where reported by factor to soil acidification. Councils. dya Kairai billa’s durai ngangana ngindu’ Bathurst Blayney It should be noted that it is difficult Inappropriate development and land use ‘Look after the land and the rivers and the land Bogan to compare this data across LGAs due to change Bourke Cabonne the fact that much of it relies on different Inappropriate development in environmen- Coonamble and the rivers will look after you’ Cowra registers maintained by Council that differ in tally sensitive areas can contribute to land (Cec Grant – 2001) Dubbo content and may not be updated on a regular degradation, for example, development in Gilgandra Lachlan basis. One of the reasons for the high value areas of highly erodable or fragile soils, on to limit soil losses from impacts of stock, Mid-Western Narromine recorded for Dubbo is that this Council have saline prone soils or on land which fronts stormwater and flooding, and wind erosion. Oberon attempted to identify all possible sites that streams or in wetland areas can exacerbate Targeted incentive funding for farmers has Orange Warren may contain contamination due to past or land degradation issues. Inappropriate sub- included increased groundcover percentages, Warrumbungle Wellington present land use. division of rural lands can also threaten agri- improving soil tillage and improving the 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Comparing those Councils that reported in cultural productivity and biological diversity. organic content of soils. Number of sites 2007-08 with the same Councils in 2008-09, The Central West CAP outlines 2008 2009 there appears to be an increase in the number Climate Change management targets, which include: ‘By 2016, of potentially contaminated sites across the The predicted impacts of climate change will 50,000ha of the catchment will be managed region and thus a ‘worsening trend’ for this vary depending on various land features such to have a desirable perennial plant component Figure 5 Number of warrant regulation”. These lands are listed in indicator (as shown in the summary table, as fertility, biology and physical soil char- for landscape protection (MTSS1)’. potentially contaminated a register of contaminated lands found on the Table 4, at the start of this chapter). However, acteristics mentioned above, as well as the The Central West CMA 2008-09 Annual sites in each LGA DECCW website at http://www.environment. another possible reason for the increase in area of green cover and water availability. Report notes that approximately 36,702ha nsw.gov.au/clmapp/aboutregister.aspx. contaminated sites could be due to better However, while there is no uniform response, is now managed for perennial plants under As shown in the summary table (Table 4) reporting methods. Councils are becoming it is generally accepted that as temperatures landscape protection projects which is more at the front of this chapter, the number of more aware of previously contaminated sites rise, soil moisture and thus nutrient availability than 70% of the target. sites on the contaminated land register in and are including them on their registers so decreases, as does the soils ability to support Rehabilitation of degraded sites has also the region remained the same in 2008-09 that these issues can be addressed should a vegetation. been a significant activity to reduce impacts (the total in 2007-08 was six but Weddin change in land use warrant it. This is particularly prevalent in arid lands on land resources. Programs undertaken by Council with one site was not involved in this compared to forested areas and combined private landholders, the CMAs and Councils report. Cowra Shire Council, now included in Threat with increased temperatures, causes a have included re-vegetation of streams and the report, also has one site so the total for Land Clearing “baking” of the land. creeks to limit stream bank erosion; improving 2008-09 is also six). Apart from Cowra Shire, The clearing of natural vegetation compounds Soils can also be either a net sink or a net land management of salinity recharge areas, the registered contaminated sites are located land degradation problems such as erosion source for greenhouse gases (GHG). In more which also contribute to soil damage and in Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange LGAs. and salinity. Rainfall and overland flow, that is densely vegetated areas, including perennial erosion hazards; soil conservation works such

usually taken up by vegetation, erode sections pastures, carbon dioxide (CO2) is plentiful due as contour banks and gully remediation on Indicator – Number of contaminated land of the land away producing a gully effect. The to plant respiration. Because of the high avail- farms and some public lands and improving

sites (potentially contaminated sites) excess water also soaks into the ground and ability of CO2 in these areas, the growth rate industrial development rehabilitation adds to rising water tables which bring salt of plants is also increased. conditions for larger impact activities such as Local Councils deal with other contamina- deposits with them, increasing soil salinity and This enhances soil organic matter and quarries and mines. tion under the planning and development reducing the productivity of soils. results in healthier soils. Healthier soils will The Central West CMA has recently framework, including State Environmental support a greater population of micro- produced a series of best practice guides to Planning Policy No. 55 – Remediation of Land Agriculture organisms. These soil micro-organisms also improving agricultural land management.

and the Managing Land Contamination – Agriculture can cause significant impacts on contribute CO2 to the environment, however These guides include information on the Planning Guidelines. This type of site, although land if it is not managed sustainably. These their contribution to building soil and soil topics of: possibly contaminated, does not pose an unac- impacts can include loss of groundcover, carbon is far more significant. A current • Managing sodic soils ceptable risk under its current or approved causing erosion and therefore loss of topsoil, estimate of global carbon stocks in soil is ap- • Land and soil capability use to the best of Council’s knowledge. changes to soil structure and health, increases proximately 1750 +/- 250 Gt (Royal Society, • Soil management in pasture systems The planning and development process will in soil acidity and increased areas of soil scalds. 2001). • Economics of non-tillage farming systems determine what remediation is needed to Extreme impacts may lead to desertification • Channel erosion make the land suitable for a different use. and loss of soil fertility. Intensive agriculture Response • Gully erosion. In 2008-09, local Councils across the in the plains areas of the Central West is Agricultural lands reporting region identified 738 potentially also causing rising acidity levels in areas that A significant focus of CMA funding programs Conventional tillage methods and set contaminated sites. Figure 5 shows the due to a lower rainfall have not previously has been improving soil management in stocking have significantly reduced perennial number of potentially contaminated sites in experienced these problems. The inappropriate agriculture, not only for soil health but also groundcover within the Lachlan Catchment

16 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 17 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Land

as well. This contributes to wind and water Many of the Councils have identified a Data collected by Dubbo City council has erosion, soil structure decline, organic list of potentially contaminated sites and are identified salinity issues in areas not previously Case Study: Site Remediation of Bathurst Gasworks carbon loss and salinity. To improve soil seeking funding or cooperative projects. For considered to be at risk. Council is now using Bathurst Regional Council was able to gain funding of $500,000 health, the main management actions example, Lachlan Shire Council has identified the data collected since 2005 to develop from the NSW Environmental Trust to implement remediation that are being implemented are based on that priority areas are older landfills and groundwater, soils and salinity hazard mapping works at the former Bathurst Gasworks site, a scheduled site under maintaining optimal groundcover all year disused service stations. It is noted that there to assist in future land use planning and the Contaminated Lands Management Act 1997. Bathurst Regional round, minimising ground disturbance from is only limited information for potentially con- salinity management. Council has entered into a Voluntary Remediation Agreement machinery and compaction by stock and taminated sites. The Central West CMA has a salinity with DECCW which allows remediation works to be undertaken machinery (Lachlan CMA, 2006). There are several projects being carried out management program under the CAP. as funding becomes available. The Stage 1 Remediation Project across the region involving the rehabilitation of This program targets the replanting and included the removal of more than 190m³ of tarry wastes from a Indicator – Extent of erosion contaminated sites. For example, Wellington management of recharge areas through the variety of structures on the site such as a tar well and tar separator affected land rehabilitated Shire Council is working on a former gasworks use of perennial plants and other vegetation tanks. The tarry wastes were mixed with fly ash and approxi- site. Bathurst Regional Council is also on agricultural land. It also addresses mately 80% were treated by a process known as Batch Thermal This is a new indicator and thus cannot remediating a gasworks site (see case study). improving water efficiency in irrigation areas Desorption. The remaining tarry wastes were treated by cement provide a trend for 2008-09. From the to limit groundwater recharge in saline areas, fixation and stabilisation. All treated wastes were able to be responses by two Councils that reported and Indicator – Number of contaminated and encourages Councils to address urban classified as solid waste and were disposed of at the Bathurst Waste the Central West CMA, 14,514 ha of erosion sites rehabilitated salinity issues. Management Centre. The Stage 1 Remediation Project has been affected land was rehabilitated across the successful in removing tarry wastes from the site that were known region from 2005-2009. All 17 participating Councils reported on this Indicator – Extent of salinity affected to be impacting on the surrounding soil and groundwater. indicator for 2008-09. They reported that 24 land rehabilitated In June 2009, Bathurst Regional Council was awarded $90,453 Inappropriate development and sites across the region have been rehabilitated. to undertake further remediation works at the former Bathurst Gas land use change The data for trend analysis for this indicator is This is a new indicator for 2008-09. The Works site. The Stage 2 Remediation Project will commence later Some Councils are using Environmentally very limited as only one local Council reported Central West CMA reported that 89,011 ha in 2009 and will include the installation of additional groundwater Sensitive Area mapping provided by DECCW on this indicator in 2007-08. of salinity affected land in the region has been monitoring wells, laboratory analysis of groundwater samples from and other relevant state agencies in their rehabilitated from 2005-2009. the wells and an assessment of two gasometers (or gas holders) planning processes and decisions to help Salinity The Central West CMA, reported in its present on the site. The results of the Stage 2 Remediation Project protect against inappropriate development. Salinity management has traditionally been 2008-09 Annual Report that through its will allow Bathurst Regional Council and DECCW to negotiate what Council’s are also attampting to address the role of the agricultural sector and the salinity management program, significant further remediation works, if any, will be required at the site. inappropriate sub-division of rural lands and State Government, through remedial works, inroads had been made in achieving salinity development of environmentally sensitive land education programs and monitoring of river related management targets. This progress is through the LEP process and other planning salinity levels. shown in Table 5. Table 5 Central West CMA progress against targets for salinity land management controls. Councils are starting to address the Management Target Goal Progress (June 2009) issue, depending on the current level of risk Future challenges MTSA2 – Large interception plantings on 30,000 ha 7,346 ha Urban Sediment identified in the LGA and therefore the priority Future challenges related to land degradation 30,000 ha of key upland landscapes Many of the reporting Councils have of the issue to the local community. For across the region include: MTSA3 - Remnant vegetation in 150,000 150,000 ha 10,626 ha developed sediment and erosion control example, Dubbo City Council has identified • Understanding the nature and extent of ha of key saline landscapes policies, which although relating primarily to urban salinity as an issue for some years. erosion across the region MTSA5 – Perennials increased by urban areas, aim to mitigate the effects of Urban salinity can affect infrastructure such as • Obtaining consistent data in relation 100,000 ha in identified recharge 100,000 ha 56,210 ha landscapes stormwater on water quality. buildings, driveways, fences and roads, as well to some land degradation issues (e.g. MTSA6 – Water efficient farming systems For example, they may require builders as limiting plant growth. Council has therefore potentially contaminated sites) in 300,000 ha of dryland cropping 300,000 ha 46,424 ha to install sediment controls around a site to invested in a range of management options to • The availability of funding to address land farming prevent any soil material leaving the site, and effectively monitor and manage salinity in and degradation issues. Note that the Water MTSA8 – All 17 Local Government 13 Councils to keep and stockpile topsoil for rehabilitation around Dubbo. Quality and Salinity Alliance is developing a Councils involved in urban salinity Note other four Councils have their 17 Councils purposes. This is further discussed in the Water An example of the management options five year plan that will outline actions and management main urban centre outside Central chapter. put in place by Dubbo City Council is the can be used to support funding applica- West Catchment boundaries. Dubbo Urban Salinity Network. Commencing tions. Source: Central West CMA Annual Report 2008-09 Contamination in 2004 and consisting of 129 bores covering A range of projects have been undertaken the Dubbo urban area, the Network is one A further challenge is to ensure that Environ- across the reporting area to address this issue. of the best monitoring networks in Australia. mentally Sensitive Area mapping, prepared Responses to contamination include both Groundwater levels and conductivity data by the relevant state agencies to highlight research to locate and identify contaminated are collected monthly to assist Council in the location and diversity of sensitive lands, undesirable settlement and agricultural sites, and on ground works to address con- effectively managing salinity across the urban is used by the Councils to protect rural lands intensification which could compromise both tamination issues. area. and ecosystem services they provide from biodiversity and primary production.

18 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 19 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Air

he atmosphere is an essential natural asset that supports the health of the planet and Particulate pollution can also aggravate Figure 6 Number of existing respiratory diseases such as asthma 12 days that air pollution our quality of life. Our atmosphere also regulates the type and amount of radiation that and chronic bronchitis (DECCW, 2009). goals were exceeded at

hits the earth’s surface from the sun (the ozone layer), regulates temperature (through The National Environment Protection 10 Bathurst T Measure (NEPM) sets maximum goals or the ‘greenhouse effect’) and provides the gases that plants need to grow and animals, standards for each pollutant type, except including people, need to breathe. for visibility, which is set by DECCW. When 8 these goals are exceeded, they are recorded. However, there are substances in the air which Towards Sustainability chapter and are The graph for Bathurst (Figure 6) shows the 6 may impair the health of humans, plants also mentioned in other chapters. number of days per year that particulate and animals, reduce visibility or change the matter exceeded the standards. temperature balance. While many of these Issue – Air Pollution PM10 is used to define air particles that Number of days 4 substances, including greenhouse gases and are up to 10 micrometers in diameter and some pollutants (such as dust) occur naturally, Condition are among the coarser particles that can be 2 human based activity has rapidly increased the Regional Air Quality measured in air quality analysis. As shown amount of these substances in our atmosphere, in Figure 6, the number of days that the air which has resulted in impacts to air quality and Indicator – Number of days that air pollution maximum for particulates (PM10) 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 changes to our earth’s climate system. pollution maximum goals were exceeded was exceeded for 2008 was only one day, Annual exceedences of PM10 These changes include depletion of slightly less than the two days for 2007. the ozone layer; while monitoring of the Much of the State-level air quality monitoring However, as shown in the summary table Source: DECCW website ozone layer shows a recent stabilisation of is confined to the Greater Metropolitan (Table 6), when comparing 2007-08 with atmospheric ozone, levels are still signifi- area which includes Sydney, Wollongong 2008-09 there was an increase in exceedances odour may have been included in the 2007-08 cantly below pre-1980 levels. One of the most and Newcastle. DECCW has recently begun and thus a worsening trend. air quality data. significant environmental issues facing our monitoring at one site in the reporting region, There were a total of 104 air quality community is human induced climate change Bathurst; however, ozone and particulates are Air Quality Complaints complaints received in 2008-09 from all 17 caused by greenhouse gases, whereby the the only air pollutants measured at this site. participating Councils. The types of air quality addition of carbon dioxide and some other Particulates can include particles, dust, smoke, Indicator - Number of air quality complaints complaints across the Council areas are shown gases to the atmosphere is increasing the plant spores, bacteria and salt. Particulate to local Councils in Figure 7. rate at which our atmosphere warms. As matter may be a primary pollutant, such as Burn-offs were the main specified air climate change will have an impact on all smoke particles, or a secondary pollutant As shown in the summary table (Table 6) at the quality complaint with complaints about wood other themes in this report, greenhouse gases formed from the chemical reaction of gaseous start of this chapter, the number of complaints smoke and dust also significant. The high and their impacts are covered in detail in the pollutants. to the local Councils about air quality matters number of air quality complaints for Dubbo Human activities resulting in particulate (not including odour issues) reduced signifi- appear to due to asbestos complaints, spray Table 6 Summary table of indicator trends – Air Pollution matter in the air include mining; burning of cantly from 194 complaints in 2007-08 to painting and emissions from food outlets. Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend fossil fuels; transportation; agricultural and 66 complaints in 2008-09. This comparison There were 103 air quality complaints b e l o w Hazard reduction Number of days that air pollution maximum hazard reduction burning; the use of incinera- involved the same eleven Councils. Note that received on the EPA Pollution Line across the burn over Bathurst 1 5 goals for particulate matter were exceeded* tors; and the use of solid fuel for cooking and Number of premises on the National 42 51 heating. Particulate matter can be usefully Pollution Inventory** Air Pollution classified by size. Large particles usually settle Number of Environment Protection Licences 158 202 out of the air quickly while smaller particles issued Number of air quality complaints to local may remain suspended for days or months. 194 66 Councils Rainfall is an important mechanism for removing particles from the air. * Data collected at Bathurst – only monitoring station. The size of a particle also determines its ** Compares 2006-07 data with 2007-08 potential impact on human health. Larger particles are usually trapped in the nose and improvement throat and swallowed. Smaller particles may no or little change reach the lungs and cause irritation there. worsening trend Fine particles can be carried deep into the Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They lungs and irritate the airways. When exposed should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are to particulate pollution, people suffering some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer from heart disease may experience symptoms to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. such as chest pain, and shortness of breath.

20 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 21 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Air

attributed to Council’s reticulated sewer amounts of particulates. Bushfire management The atmosphere surrounding the earth consists system. The large number for Warrumbun- activities involving the prescribed use of fire (for Bathurst Blayney gle Shire Council relate to keeping animals hazard reduction) are highly regulated, both of a complex mix of gases that support life on Bogan such as horses in residential areas, and an operationally and with regards to potential envi- Bourke earth by providing air for us to breathe and Cabonne incident at a local abattoir. Twenty five odour ronmental impacts. The local area Bush Fire Risk Coonamble Cowra complaints from the region were received by Management Plans contain references to smoke maintaining a suitable temperature. This balance Dubbo the EPA Pollution Line in 2008-09. management, and the need for operational Gilgandra Lachlan plans to consider the effects of smoke on includes nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), carbon Mid-Western Threat nearby residences, and sensitive locations such Narromine dioxide (0.04%), small trace amounts of other Oberon General Air Pollution Sources as hospitals, aged care facilities, schools and Orange tourist centres. These plans state that all burn Warren gases and water vapour. Warrumbungle Indicator – Number of premises on the plans must include measures to reduce the Wellington National Pollution Inventory impact of smoke as far as practicable. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 The impact of smoke resulting from Motor Vehicles Number of complaints The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) lists wildfire is impossible to manage and may have Although vehicle numbers and kilometres Dust Burn-offs Wood Smoke Other pollutant emissions from various industrial facility significant implications for local and regional travelled are increasing, improved technologies sources, and diffuse sources. Diffuse sources are air quality. Given the weather conditions and tighter regulatory controls are expected to from small facilities, transport and households. that are conducive to very high and extreme reduce per capita motor vehicle emissions each Figure 7 Types of air region. Note that some of these could be the As shown in the summary table (Table 6), fire danger across the Central and Western year. Vehicle emissions contribute to reduced quality complaints to same as those sent to the local Councils. the number of NPI industry pollution emitters Council areas, the occurrence of wildfire local air quality due to particulate pollutants, local Councils in the region (for the same Councils) rose from under these conditions will typically result in volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides. Odour Complaints 42 in 2006-07 to 49 in the last NPI reporting large quantities of smoke being blown for period (2007-08). This trend appears to be a long distances downwind of the fire. This has Indoor Air Pollution Indicator – Number of odour complaints direct result of industrial expansion in the larger the potential to severely impact on air quality Indoor air includes air in homes, schools, centres such as Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange. within the region, affecting residents, tourists shopping centres, vehicles, and indoor Some complaints can be related to odour from The number of diffuse polluters remained and businesses alike. The composition of workplaces. Australians spend approximately sources such as food outlets and factories. constant although this may be due to issues smoke from an intense wildfire may be sub- 85% of their time indoors, much of it at This is a new indicator as the 2007-08 data for with reporting pollution sources regularly. stantially different from that of a low intensity home (DECC, 2006). The quality of indoor odour complaints were included in air quality prescribed burn, and exposure may have air depends on factors such as the type of complaints. Solid Fuel Heaters and Backyard Burning implications for the health of persons with building materials used; the types of products The 17 participating local Councils Domestic wood heating, industrial premises respiratory illness (DECC, 2006). used indoors (including paint, electrical reported that there were 120 odour and diesel vehicles are the major sources of appliances, furniture and cleaning products); complaints received in 2008-09 across the particulate pollution in urban areas (DECC, Agriculture the proximity to outdoor sources of air reporting region. Figure 8 shows the number 2006). There is little data available relating to Some agricultural activities can impact on pollution; types of indoor heating or cooling Figure 8 Number of of odour complaints reported by each the number of wood heaters in use, although the atmosphere, including stubble burning, used; building ventilation rates; the use of the odour complaints received Council. The large number of complaints some Councils do have complaint records spray drift and dust caused by tillage. Stubble building (including whether smoking occurs); by each local Council received by Dubbo City Council were mostly relating to wood smoke (see Figure 7). burning, believed to have returned nutrients and diurnal, seasonal and climatic conditions. Open burning is also a significant source to the soil following harvest of a crop, Many pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, of particle pollution. It is regulated by the produces smoke and ash across large areas carbon monoxide, fine particles and formalde- Protection of the Environment Operations of land as well as releasing large amounts of hyde, can be present at higher concentrations

Bathurst (Clean Air) Regulation 2002. The Regulation carbon dioxide. This practice is becoming less indoors than outdoors. The National Occu- Blayney prohibits burning of certain articles and favoured as conservation farming techniques pational Health and Safety Commission sets Bogan Bourke vegetation in urban areas and regulates promote retention of organic matter. Spray exposure standards for workplaces, but there Cabonne Coonamble conditions in which burning can be undertaken drift from application of herbicides and are no Australian standards for indoor air in Cowra in rural areas. The burning of dead and dry pesticides, including aerially applied sprays other settings. Dubbo Gilgandra vegetation in urban areas of the Central and (crop dusting) is penalised under pollution Lachlan Mid-Western Western region may be permitted in some regulation however it still occurs on a regular Commercial and Industrial Sources Narromine circumstances, depending on the policies of the basis and affects both biodiversity and human Oberon Orange local Council and Rural Fire Service. health. Ploughing or tilling the soil in dry Indicator – Number of Environment Warren Warrumbungle conditions causes dust, and in the recent dry Protection Licences issued Wellington Fires climate dust storms have been recorded across 0 10 20 30 40 50 Bushfires emit large quantities of carbon the reporting area. Dust has significant human Under the Protection of the Environment Number of complaints in 2009 dioxide, other gases, and also significant health impacts. Operations Act 1997 (PoEO Act 1997),

22 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 23 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Air

industries over a certain threshold must be (threatened and vulnerable species, significant climate change. Drier conditions could also fire management within local regulators. The licensed to pollute air or water. There are flora and fauna), as well as human settlement cause an increase in bushfire events, in both challenge is to implement mitigation strategies currently 202 active Environment Protection (buildings, properties, houses), economic assets frequency and severity, which will have a to reduce the risk to these areas. Communities Licences for premises across the reporting (such as primary production land, commercial significant impact on air quality. An example may not be receptive to taking individual area, as issued by DECCW under the PoEO forests or tourist destinations) and cultural of a recent fire that had regional air quality im- action and other measures can have impacts Act 1997. As shown in the summary table assets (Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal heritage plications was the Goonoo Forest Fire in 2007 on land and biodiversity. (Table 6), there were 158 active licences in areas and sites). Education is also very important which burnt through 26,500 ha and lasted for Some hazard reduction activities around 2007-08 thus indicating a worsening trend in reducing this impact, and the media is used 13 days, covering a large area of the region properties involve the removal of most in the potential for air and water pollution. It in peak seasons to raise awareness of fire risks with smoke. vegetation, leading to increased erosion and also indicates ongoing vigilance of the State (advertising, radio announcements, television Following the 2009 Victorian bushfires, sedimentation and loss of habitat. Increasing Government in managing emissions. advertising, risk indicators). there has been significant pressure on the the amount of hazard reduction burning will Many of these licenses do not relate to RFS to step up hazard reduction activities, also lead to an increase in the number of days air and a number are issued to Council’s own Emission of Air Pollutants risk assessments and targeting those areas where smoke may impact on local air quality. operational facilities such as sewage treatment The majority of emissions are regulated by identified as high risk. However, there is a A further challenge for Councils is the plants which may discharge to waterways. the PoEO Act 1997, and while local Councils need to consider the balance between safety roll out of educational programs to increase Smaller industries may also cause pollution, have some control over licensed premises in and biodiversity protection. A challenge will be awareness and encourage people to change and the local Council has regulatory controls the LGA, many emission sources are managed to incorporate biodiversity considerations into practices and advise Council of local issues. over these premises. by State regulation. For example, while motor The National Pollution Inventory (see vehicles continue to contribute a significant results above) also records emissions for 93 source of atmospheric emissions, fuel Case Study: Cabonne RFS Zone hazard reduction approach compounds, and is a National Environmen- standards and vehicle technologies are set by An important hazard reduction approach community participation as “informing” tal Protection Measure implemented by the various State and Federal guidelines. has been developed in the Cabonne Zone the public of a pre-determined decision. national environment department. It includes Councils may also respond to air quality of the RFS. This zone covers the fire districts Canobolas BFMC had taken the point source and diffuse emissions, some complaints and issue notices or warnings of Orange, Blayney, Cabonne and Cowra. approach of “collaborating” with and reported directly by industrial sources and some under the PoEO Act 1997. DECCW has Following a significant fire event in Goobang “involving” the community in developing estimated by the relevant State Government. acknowledged that further support is National Park in 2001/2002, the local fire alternatives and identifying the agreed required for Councils to have a role in air management committee reviewed its risk solution. It held 80 community meetings Response quality management, particularly outside of management plan. The Goobang Fire over an 18 month period, consulting Fires the greater metropolitan area where data highlighted many shortcomings in the plan with over 2500 people. This has led While fires are regulated by both pollution is not available from the Daily Regional Air including a lack of practical on-ground fire to greater levels of problem ownership and burning regulations, education plays a key Quality Index (apart from the recently installed management solutions, poor integration by all participants and a more durable, role in the response of local Councils to this Bathurst monitoring site). DECCW has across land tenures and limited community workable solution between all parties. issue. DECCW has produced a woodsmoke developed education and support material for support due to a lack of understanding and resource kit for Council officers, targeting Council staff to assist with air quality issues, input during its formulation. Through the The Canobolas Project has contributed improvements in residential wood fire use which is available at www.environment.nsw. local Bush Fire Management Committee significantly to the future direction of to limit smoke. Council officers have powers gov.au/air/index.htm. (Canobolas BFMC) a new approach to risk fire risk management planning and the under the PoEO Act 1997 to issue notices Many Councils are also attempting to planning was developed that aims to assist lessons learnt from the application of this regarding smoky fires. Some Councils, such reduce their own emissions from sources in solving these issues. process have been included in the NSW Risk as Bathurst Regional, are also offering rebates such as their motor vehicle fleet. For example, Two guiding principles have driven this Management Planning Guidelines. From its to encourage householders to upgrade their Dubbo City Council uses E10 in their process. approval in 2004/2005, the implementation older wood heaters to more efficient forms of passenger fleet and is trialing biodiesel in 1. A landscape, tenure blind approach to of the plan has gained continual momentum heating such as gas. many of its heavy vehicle fleet. risk management planning. For the resulting in record levels of hazard reduction Hazard reduction burns and limiting the Several Councils are also educating first time the performance of agencies, being completed within the Canobolas Zone impact of smoke from these is managed by residents about ways to minimize air pollution. landholders, brigades and the Canobolas in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. Bushfire Risk Management Plans, developed For example, Oberon Council provided BFMC as a whole can be measured and The Canobolas Zone Risk Management by the local Bushfire Management Committee homeowners with a pamphlet which outlines assessed objectively, based on principles Plan was audited at the end of its fourth (BFMC). The BFMCs are comprised of local methods to reduce wood smoke. that meet community protection and year of implementation in 2008 and land managers including local Councils, ecological key performance indicators achieved the highest audit result achieved in DECCW, the Land and Property Management Future challenges simultaneously. NSW to date. Authority (formerly the NSW Department of Future challenges will include how to manage 2. A commitment to a change in the A 91.6% implementation across 805 Lands) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS). increased health problems, particularly community consultation process. strategies was recorded in the NSWRFS 2008 These plans now include assessment respiratory if levels of dust and pollen increase Traditionally agencies have interpreted Annual Report. and management of environmental assets due to drier conditions that may arise due to

24 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 25 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

his chapter reports on the quality of receiving waters and the consumption of potable Waterways across the catchment are Issue – Water quantity important for many reasons: water in the reporting region. Indicators have been selected to measure and gauge issues • They act as a ‘barometer’ for the whole Condition of water quality and water quantity. In this chapter ‘water’ refers to the rivers, aquatic environment. Most activities that occur The upper reaches of the Bogan and the T on the land are ultimately reflected in Castlereagh Rivers are largely unregulated habitats, creeks, wetlands, groundwater, dams, stormwater, potable water and the catchment the health of waterways rivers and there are two main dams regulating activities which may impact upon them. Most Councils within the reporting area are their own • They support a diverse range flows in the Macquarie Valley. Windamere of ecosystems Dam on the Cudgegong River, upstream water authority with the exception of some of the smaller councils such as Wellington, Blayney • The vast majority of our streams and of Mudgee has a capacity of 368,000mL and Cabonne who are serviced by Central Tablelands Water. creeks ultimately enter, and impact and Burrendong Dam located upstream of upon, the integrity of internationally Wellington at the junction of the Macquarie important wetlands such as the and Cudgegong River has a capacity of Figure 9 The natural Water is essential for sustaining life. Water Macquarie Marshes 1,189,000mL (Central West CMA, 2007). water cycle exists in our environment in many forms and is • Many waterways are in, or discharge The Macquarie River has a regulated constantly moving as part of a dynamic system into, drinking water catchments. section between Burrendong Dam and called the ‘water cycle’ (Figure 9). Water Pilicawarrina in the Marshes which includes comes to land through rain, flowing over the With the development of the Central West Bulgeraga, Duck and Gunningbar Creeks. surface of the earth, pooling in puddles or CMA’s CAP (2007), there is greater respon- Other water courses that are augmented by lakes, moving through creeks, streams and sibility as well as greater opportunity for river regulation include the Ewenmar system, rivers and also sinking into soil (infiltration) local Councils, government agencies and the lower Bogan River, Marra, Crooked and and replenishing groundwater. Water from the community to work collaboratively to look Marthaguy Creeks and the lower Macquarie soil is taken up by plants and used by them after our waterways. River (Central West CMA, 2007). to grow. Water leaves plants in the biological process of transpiration and evaporates from soil, freshwater bodies and the ocean to return to the atmosphere, ready to make rain again. Table 8 Summary table of indicator trends – Water Quality Source: Waters and Rivers Commission, 1998 Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend

Industrial/ Number of Erosion & Sediment Control complaints received by Council 29 27 Table 7 Summary table of indicator trends – Water Quantity Agricultural Total volume of trade waste discharged to sewer 786 ML 676 ML Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend Pollution Percentage Effluent reuse by Councils 58 % 83 % Dam levels Average dam levels 20.3% 23.4% Stormwater Number of gross pollutant traps installed 27 35 Area of irrigated Council managed parks, sportsgrounds, public open space 670 ha 583 ha Pollution Council water Total catchment area of GPTs 2,181 ha 4,472 ha Treated water used by Council for irrigation 499 ML 501 ML consumption Volume of litter collected in GPTs 278 t 258 t Untreated water used by Council for irrigation 211 ML 195 ML Surface & E.coli – Percentage samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines for irrigated crops and dairy 24% 37% Water extraction Actual volume extracted through surface water licences 232 GL* 129 GL Ground Water Total Nitrogen – Percentage samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines for algal growth 0% 2% Annual consumption (Total from WTP) 26,620 ML 27,468 ML Quality Total Phosphorus – Percentage samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines for algal growth 51% 67% Reticulated filtered Annual metered supply 22,180 ML 22,708 ML Town Water Number of drinking water complaints 429 620 consumption Average annual household use (kL/household) 303 kL 294 kL Quality Number of instances drinking water guidelines not met 70 35 Total number of serviced properties 59,088 62,614 Waste water Number of septic related complaints 11 18 * data is for 2005-06 treatment

improvement improvement no or little change no or little change worsening trend worsening trend Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer to Appendix for Councils included Note also that there are some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer to Appendix for Councils included in trend data. in trend data.

26 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 27 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

delivering water as far as 160-180 kilometres to 23.4% in 2008-09. The low figures for both west of the main channel. The Lachlan River years indicate the extended drought across itself is only intermittently connected to the the region. Murrumbidgee River when both rivers are in The fluctuations in dam levels throughout flood. Major tributaries above the township the reporting period should be noted in of Forbes include the Abercrombie, Boorowa, relation to these average figures. For example, Belubula and Crookwell Rivers. The Bland in 2008-09, Windamere Dam was higher than and Goobang Creeks flow into the Lachlan the 2007-08 level, but fell over the summer River upstream of Condobolin. The main to less than the 2007-08 level. The Lachlan dam regulating flows in the Lachlan River River was particularly impacted by drought is Wyangala Dam which has a capacity of throughout the reporting period. 1,220,000 ML, (Lachlan CMA, 2007). Almost half of the sub-catchments in the Lachlan Catchment have been identified as Water is essential for sustaining life. Water having high hydrologic stress and ten of these are considered to have high environmental exists in our environment in many forms and is values. In some areas of the catchment, river constantly moving as part of a dynamic system flow regulation, instream structures and re- quirements of water for ‘beneficial uses’ have called the ‘water cycle’ altered flow regimes, resulting in both higher and lower flows than the natural state and consequently a reduction in wetland health, Threat area and water quality (Lachlan CMA, 2006). Irrigation The Western Catchment is not a catchment Irrigation places significant pressure on water in the traditional sense, as it encompasses resources. While many irrigators have had little a series of river systems. These include the to no allocation over the past year, histori- Barwon-Darling, Culgoa, Paroo, Warrego, cally over allocation of water licences has seen Narran, Bokhara, Birrie, Bulloo Overflow and additional stress placed on aquatic habitats part of the Bogan Rivers. Many of these rivers such as the Macquarie Marshes despite originate in Queensland with the Condamine- the requirement for environmental flows. Balonne system contributing 20% and the Within the region however, irrigators in the MacIntyre and Border Rivers contributing 35% tablelands have not been subject to the same a b o v e Tiger Bay Continued demand for surface water • Changing water temperatures through of tributary flows entering the Barwon-Darling reductions in water allocations as the slopes Wetlands, Warren and the lack of rainfall (drought) has placed shallow water (usually warmer) or dam system. The Great Artesian Basin underlies and plains. Studies for the Sustainable Rivers significant pressure on not only town water releases (usually colder) much of the northern part of the Western Audit, undertaken by the Murray Darling supplies but also water licences and allocation • Increased channelisation and isolation of Catchment area (Western CMA, 2007). Basin Authority clearly indicated that the more for agriculture and industry. Many towns rivers from the floodplains. Groundwater is an important natural regulated the river system, the more degraded across the reporting areas had been on resource across the reporting region, and the habitat. Weirs, dams and floodgates all medium to high level water restrictions for a All other streams within the catchment are the volume of water stored in the pores and affect fish movements, reduce water quality period of years, with some under emergency unregulated with impacts on the natural flow fractures of rocks below the watertable vastly and impact on ecosystems. The demand water controls due to low dam storage levels. regime largely a result of extractive demand and exceeds the volume of fresh surface water for groundwater extraction, particularly for Regulation of river flows can cause a range the construction of town water supply schemes. resources (Western CMA, 2007). irrigation, is increasing and placing additional of impacts including: The level of impact within the catchment will pressure on aquifers and ecosystems. • Introducing barriers to fish (and other vary according to extractive demand, available Indicator – Average dam levels species) moving through the habitat flow and groundwater levels. Indicator - Actual volume extracted • Reducing the peak and trough effect of Within the Lachlan Catchment, the Lachlan Dam storage levels indicate both the through surface water licences rainfall and minor floods leaving areas River rises near Lake George and terminates current rainfall and the pressures that water without fresh water for longer periods in the Great Cumbung Swamp near Oxley, consumption place on water storages. Four As shown in the summary table (Table 7), there • Changing seasonal variation 1450 river kilometres to the west. There are an dams in the region – Carcoar, Windamere, was a decrease in the amount of surface water • Reducing flows across the landscape unusual number of effluent streams along its Wyangala and Burrendong – were used to extracted from 232 GL in 2005-06 (the last • Reducing the amount of water in flood lower section including Willandra, Merrowie indicate dam levels. As shown in the summary available statistics) to 129 GL in 2008-09. This events, limiting the area affected, time and Middle Creeks. These effluent streams table (Table 7), average levels for these dams reflects the reduced allocations to irrigators as affected and depth of water flow intermittently from the Lachlan River, rose slightly from 20.3% capacity in 2007-08 a result of drought conditions.

28 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 29 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

Reticulated Water Consumption Indicator – Annual metered water supply Reticulated water consumption is relatively small in comparison to that used for irrigation. As shown in Table 7, the annual metered In the region it accounts for about four percent water supply has increased marginally across of water consumption compared with 88 % the region. used for irrigation and eight percent for stock and domestic use (Murray Darling Basin Indicator – Average annual household use Committee, 2007). Nevertheless, with many towns and regional centres growing As shown in Table 7, the data for average (see Introduction), there are increasing annual water use per household across the pressures on water used for town water reporting region shows a slight decrease supplies. in 2008-09 compared with 2007-08. Even though the population estimates Indicator – Annual town water for the region may have increased slightly consumption in the past year (see Introduction), water consumption has dropped as shown by the Household water use is an indicator of the indicators above. pressure on water resources, particularly in times of declared drought. As shown in the Indicator – Total number summary table (Table 7), the annual town of serviced properties water consumption as measured from water treatment plants decreased slightly from As shown in the summary table (Table 7), 2007-08 to 2008-09 for the local Councils that the number of properties serviced by town reported in both years. This may have been in water has increased over the reporting years. response to water restrictions and community This expansion of the reticulated systems water saving programs related to the drought will increase pressure on water supplies and in most areas or to other initiatives such as thus is seen as a worsening trend for this Mid-Western’s tiered water charges. indicator, unless more water sensitive urban Reticulated water consumption for 17 design practices are adopted in new develop- participating Councils in 2008-09 was ments. The use of the NSW Government’s

31,934 ML. Figure 10 provides a breakdown BASIX requirements (including water tanks) decline in the total area of recreation facilities water used for irrigation was 683 ML and a b o v e Dubbo water of water consumption across the region for new houses and water sensitive urban that were irrigated by the local Councils the amount of untreated water used was treatment plant in 2008-09 compared with water use in design in new residential developments can be reporting in both years across the region. 715 ML. Figure 10 Annual water 2007-08. For some centres water consumption used as a counter to this trend through water For all 17 participating Councils in consumption across the has decreased whilst in a few LGAs such as consumption minimising actions. 2008-09, the area of Council facilities irrigated Climate Change and Drought LGAs Dubbo and Orange it has increased. was 912 ha. Climate change may have a significant impact Council Water Consumption on water resources and the current extended Due to the large number of services they provide, Indicator – Treated water used drought has been noted as a potential indicator local Councils may be large users of water in by Council for irrigation of climate change. Climate change influences Bathurst Blayney comparison to businesses and households. river regulation and water extraction which is Bogan Bourke Their efficient use of water is therefore critical Indicator – Untreated water used by having substantial effects on flow. Currently, Cabonne to overall water consumption as well as their Council for irrigation as seasonal patterns change, flow variability Coonamble Cowra important role in educating and leading the has reduced and there are fewer large floods Dubbo Gilgandra community in water use minimisation. As shown in the summary table (Table 7), the with long periods between inundations in the Lachlan amount of treated water used for irrigation by Macquarie Marshes (Central West CMA, 2007). Mid-Western Narromine Indicator – The area of irrigated Council the local Councils that reported in both years Various studies of stream flows in the Oberon Orange managed parks, sportsground, public was almost the same in 2007-08 compared Murray Darling Basin indicate that climate Warren open space with 2008-09. On the other hand, there change is likely to reduce flows in the future Warrumbungle Wellington was a significant decrease in the amount of with results of modelling studies specifically 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 As a potentially significant use of water, the untreated water used by those local Councils for rivers within the Central West Catchment Megalitres (mL) area of irrigated Council facilities provide an reporting in both years. indicating similar results (CSIRO, 2007a). 2008 2009 indication of high water demand. As shown For the 13 Councils that reported on these Stream flows along the Macquarie River in the summary table (Table 7), there was a indicators in 2008-09, the amount of treated Catchment are projected to decline by

30 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 31 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

11–30% upstream of Burrendong Dam and in the Castlereagh catchment (as this is largely Case Study – Blackmans Swamp Stormwater Harvesting 14–37% downstream by 2030, reducing an intermittent system). inflows to the dam and affecting future Water management in NSW is largely The Blackmans Swamp Creek Stormwater Harvesting management and systems operation procedure such storage levels (CSIRO, 2007a). regulated by the NSW State Government, project represents the first large scale, direct-to-potable as best practice pricing, water restrictions, education Likewise with the Western and Lachlan particularly the use of groundwater and stormwater harvesting project in NSW, if not Australia. programs, water loss remediation strategies, working Catchments, less water will be present in river extraction licences. The Department of Utilising Orange’s stormwater system, the project with high water users to reduce their water use and streams and rivers which will have downstream Water and Energy (former) regulated licences is capable of providing between 1300-2100ML of installing water efficient devices across the city. As a consequences for storages and water resources. for farm dams, bores and other extractions. additional water into the city’s raw water supply each result, water usage dropped to less than 4390ML in The main concern within the Western For example, in the reporting area, direct year, or up to 40% of the city’s total water needs. 2008, 38% less than in 2002. Catchment is a reduction in flows along the water harvesting of rainfall by farm dams The basic concept of the Blackmans Swamp Creek The public reaction to drinking harvested stormwater Barwon-Darling river system, including its has been restricted to 10% of the runoff Stormwater Harvesting Project involves capturing a portion was also tested through a series of community consulta- tributaries and associated floodplains and from a property before a water licence is of the high flows during storm event from the urban areas tions, including on-line surveys where the predominant wetlands (Western CMA, 2007). required. This places limits on the ability of of Orange. The City makes up a large proportion of the response was not one of concern about water quality This catchment is also subjected to wider farm storages to trap runoff entering rivers, impervious areas of Blackman’s Swamp Creek Catchment. but of urging Council to get on with the work as soon regional issues of water supply as much of the which may allow environmental flows to be This water is then transferred into the nearby Suma Park as possible. It has been developed from idea to reality surface water flows in the Western Catchment maintained. There is also currently a hold on Dam to augment the city’s bulk water supply. within a very short space of time while giving proper originate in neighbouring catchments and/or new stock and domestic bore licences for The 18 month, $5 million project was initiated after consideration to the necessary legislative, environmen- states (CSIRO, 2007c). residents on town water, or on properties several years of dry conditions saw the city’s water tal and community consultation processes. The project Existing limitations on surface water will less than 12ha, due to the ongoing drought storages dropping to previously un-encountered levels, demonstrates that with support, Local Government can place a greater pressure on groundwater and lack of knowledge about groundwater with the lowest seen in August 2008 where storages use local resources to solve local problems. resources associated with the underlying Great systems. were at 26.7%. Artesian Basin as reduced run-off and rainfall Changes to State legislation commenced A strategic solution, rather than a quick fix option will lead to less groundwater recharge and in 2004 and have culminated in new river was selected which along with the stormwater The first release of harvested stormwater flows into Suma Park Dam sustainable yields (CSIRO, 2007c). regulations such as Water Sharing Plans. These harvesting scheme included a package of demand on 21 April 2009 plans include environmental flows to help Response maintain riparian health even when flows are The Federal Government acknowledges that low due to extraction and drought. the health of the Murray Darling Basin is in The local Councils and County Councils decline. Available water is currently over- managing water currently have a strong role allocated, and this problem is likely to become to play in education through the use of water worse as water availability declines due to restrictions and additional programs such as climate change. Orange City Council’s recent Water Challenge, The Federal Government’s Restoring the which saw both regular promotion of the daily Balance in the Murray Darling Basin Program per person usage of water in the city, and a is an important component of Water for the competition between 10 families to reduce Future – the Federal Government’s $12.9 water use. billion national plan on water. Under Water Many of the Councils are currently for the Future the Government has committed preparing Integrated Water Cycle $3.1 billion over 10 years to purchase water Management Plans, which address a range in the Murray Darling Basin. The program will of water policy issues such as stormwater complement a range of other measures to management, recycling and reuse of water, achieve sustainable water management in demand management and water restrictions the Basin. in a more holistic way than has occurred in the Purchasing water to protect and restore past. Through working groups, some Councils river systems and wetlands in the Murray are sharing ideas and knowledge to increase Darling Basin (including the reporting region) understanding and cooperative projects across has been underway since 2007. During the LGAs. For example, the Bathurst Orange 2008-09, in the Macquarie-Bogan catchments, Dubbo (BOD) Alliance of Councils is working 53,365 ML of general security water entitle- on common water restriction definitions. ments was purchased from irrigators by the These projects are also seeking to address the Federal Government. impacts of climate change such as reduced A further 71,905 ML was purchased in the water availability and more extreme storm Lachlan catchment. No water was purchased flows.

32 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 33 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

Future challenges these buy backs on the economy and social The Salinity and Water Quality Alliance is dynamics of affected communities. currently preparing a Water Sensitive Design To maintain playing fields to a standard Policy for adoption by its member Councils that is safe for public use in times of through the Planning Reform Process. decreasing water availability - an important The Councils have recognised the need facet of ensuring the health and social fabric for such a policy and raised key issues to be of the community - may require more Councils addressed, identifying the need to: maximise to bring online alternative water sources such the efficient use of every drop of water in a as stormwater and grey-water. cost effective manner, minimise the impacts of urban salinity, improve the quality of Issue – Water quality stormwater discharged to receiving waters including; the Macquarie River, Castlereagh Condition River, Cudgegong River, Bogan River and their Surface water and groundwater quality tributaries and the Macquarie Marshes, and The degree and frequency of water quality reduce flooding and drainage impacts within problems varies enormously throughout the and downstream of development sites – region. It is unlikely that any of the streams including Council activities. within the Central West Catchment do not As stressed above, a major challenge at some time suffer quality issues that render for Councils and communities is decreasing it unable to be used for both consumptive ground and surface water particularly in and non-consumptive purposes (Central West the light of climate change projections. The CMA, 2007). It is often acknowledged that

National Water Initiative and the Australian, in most rural and regional areas, it is diffuse Indicator –Total Nitrogen -% of samples experienced in some parts of the region at the a b o v e Macquarie Marshes State and Territory Governments have pollution, not point source pollution that has exceeding ANZECC guidelines start of the reporting period. agreed that water users should bear the the greatest impact on water quality. Figure 12 provides details of the risk of such reductions in water availabil- Indicator –Total Phosphorus -% of samples percentage of total phosphorus samples that ity. As a consequence, water users within Indicator – E.coli - Percentage of samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines exceeded the ANZECC water quality guideline the catchment may face future long term exceeding ANZECC guidelines for algal growth in 2008 and 2009 across the reductions in allocations and higher prices for The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus are region. Figure 11: E.coli – water (CSIRO, 2007c). E. coli is found in the intestines of animals, essential for plant growth. High concentrations percentage of samples Currently the Federal Government is and does not originate from other envi- indicate potential for excessive weed and algal Reticulated Water Quality Figure 12 Total that exceed ANZECC buying back irrigation entitlements to provide ronmental sources. For this reason, E. coli growth (including noxious blue-green algae). phosphorus – percentage water quality guidelines more water for the environment. There will is a highly specific indicator of faecal con- Increased nutrient levels in streams Indicator – Number of drinking water of samples that exceeded for irrigated crops and be future challenges as this program rolls tamination in drinking water. As shown in originate from the discharge of raw and complaints ANZECC water quality dairy out, particularly in relation to the impact of the summary table (Table 8), from the sites treated sewage effluent, from urban and rural guidelines sampled in both 2007-08 and 2008-09, runoff and from some industrial discharges. there was an increase in the percentage of Urban stormwater contains animal faeces samples that exceeded ANZECC water quality and garden fertilisers. The widespread and guidelines (and thus a worsening trend in this inefficient use of agricultural fertilisers and Bathurst Bathurst Blayney indicator). Note that the ANZECC guideline increasing stock access to creeks and rivers can Blayney Cabonne used here is for raw human food crops (e.g. result in high nutrient levels in rural runoff. Cabonne Coonamble lettuces) in direct contact with water or for As shown in the summary table (Table 8), Coonamble Dubbo watering of pasture/fodder for dairy animals for those Councils reporting in both years, Dubbo Gilgandra Gilgandra Lachlan with no withholding period. there was only a slight increase in the Lachlan Mid-Western Figure 11 shows the percentage percentage of total nitrogen samples that Mid-Western Narromine exceedances of this ANZECC guideline exceeded the ANZECC water quality guidelines Narromine Orange Orange Warren from the reporting Councils. It shows that for algal growth. Warren Warrumbungle many of the streams in the region have high On the other hand, there was a significant Warrumbungle Wellington E.coli readings which have implications for increase in the percentage of total phosphorus Wellington 0 20 40 60 80 100 drinking and recreation. The reasons for these samples that exceeded the ANZECC water 0 20 40 60 80 100 % samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines % samples exceeding ANZECC guidelines exceedances could include stock watering quality guidelines for algal growth. A possible 2008 2009 close to and in streams, poorly treated sewage, cause of this is the impact of ‘the first flush’ 2008 2009 and many unregulated septic systems. of nutrients at the onset of a wetter time

34 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 35 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

premises are typically the highest contributors In 2008-09, 14 participating Councils had Twelve Councils reported that 1,392 ML of Bathurst of point source pollution in the reporting area. services in their LGAs producing a volume of trade waste was discharged to the sewer in Blayney Bourke The level of treatment of sewage will reduce pollutants of 112,453kg. 2008-09. Cabonne the effect of the pollution, however most Coonamble Cowra effluent will have some level of nitrogen and Indicator – Number of trade waste Salinity Dubbo phosphorus. These can impact on the local approvals Land use has a significant impact on the Gilgandra Lachlan ecosystem, including encouraging algal blooms level of salinity in streams through removal Mid-Western such as blue-green algae. STP pollution may Indicator – Total volume of trade waste of vegetation, irrigation and discharges of Narromine Oberon also peak during storm flows when overflows discharged to sewer. saline water. While geology and topography Orange from drains and holding ponds may occur. also affects salinity, land use is the primary Warren Warrumbungle Agriculture can contribute significant Local Councils have a number of statutory factor that affects mobilisation of salts into Wellington nutrient loads as a diffuse source, through responsibilities for the approval of liquid trade waterways and through soils. 0 100 200 300 400 500 fertilisers, pesticides, sediment and manures. waste discharged to the sewerage system Salt generally degrades aquatic habitats Number and type This can contribute nutrients such as nitrogen under the Local Government Act 1993. Liquid as well as adversely impacting on soils and and phosphorus, pathogens, organic trade waste means all liquid waste other than the crops and vegetation utilising those soils. Colour Odour Taste compounds (some toxic) and suspended solids sewage of a domestic nature. Liquid trade Further discussion on these salinity impacts is to waterways. This can occur both from runoff waste management is needed to: in Land. Figure 13 Type of Indicator – Number of instances drinking across the landscape and also where stock 1. Protect community assets, e.g. sewer Due to the nature of the Macquarie River, drinking water complaints guidelines not met have uncontrolled direct access to waterways. mains, pumping stations and sewage most salt generated in the uplands and slopes Urban areas may also contribute these treatment facilities from damage by is deposited back into the landscape through The quality of drinking water is very important pollutants particularly during storm flows, and trade waste irrigation, floodplain entrapment or deposition to the community, and the number of add oils, grease, metals and further pathogens 2. Protect the environment – some within the wetlands and effluent systems of complaints made regarding water quality to the water. substances, such as metals or pesticides the western areas. may indicate a decline in water quality or an may pass through the treatment facility Some proportion of the salt is also increase in awareness and education. Indicator – Erosion and sediment control unchanged and accumulate in the discharged into the Barwon-Darling River As shown in the summary table (Table 8), complaints received by Council environment. Other substances may system. Salinity in the Barwon-Darling is the number of drinking water complaints adversely affect the biological processes highly variable and can range from 200 EC (for those Councils reporting in both years) One measure of the threat to waterways from and the quality of the treated effluent units to more than 3,000 EC units, although increased from 429 in 2007-08 to 620 in sediment pollution is the number of erosion and biosolids. the median is generally around 500 EC units 2008-09. and sediment control complaints received by 3. Protect public and worker health and (Western CMA, 2007). The number of drinking water complaints the local Councils. The complaints can range safety - people working in and around the The Bogan River is predicted to rise from across 16 participating Councils in 2008-09 from sediment spilling out of construction sites sewerage system can be harmed if toxic approximately 700 EC units in 1998 to almost was 1,321. A breakdown of the type of to obvious plumes of sediment flowing into substances are discharged into the sewer. 2000 EC units in 2050. The Macquarie River is complaints is provided in Figure 13. streams. As shown in the summary table (Table predicted to rise from 600 to 1700 EC units. As shown in Figure 13, by far the most 8), the number of complaints dropped slightly The total number of trade waste approvals in The World Health Organisation’s recommended prevalent type of drinking water complaint for those Councils that reported in 2007-08 and 2008-09 reported from 14 of the participating limit for safe drinking water is 800 EC units was related to the colour of the water. Note 2008-09. The total number of complaints from Councils was 392. (CSIRO, 2007a). The Macquarie River at Warren

that the high number of drinking water all participating Councils in 2008-09 was 68. A new indicator was the total volume averaged 392 EC units over a month toward b e l o w Maquarie River, complaints registered by Warrumbungle Shire of trade waste discharged to the sewer. the end of the reporting period. Sandy Beach, Dubbo Council were most likely due to Mendooran’s Indicator – Load Based Licensing volume water supply which has longstanding issues with quality. Council and the State The load-based licensing (LBL) scheme, sets Government have commissioned a new water limits on the pollutant loads emitted by filtration plant which is due to come online by holders of environment protection licences, end 2009 (see case study in this chapter). and links licence fees to pollutant emissions. LBL is a powerful tool for controlling, reducing Threat and preventing air and water pollution in NSW. Pollution As only one Council reported data for LBL Water quality is affected by both point source in 2007-08, the trend for this indicator is ques- (premises) pollution and diffuse source tionable. In 2007-08, this Council had licences pollution (run-off from a range of activities). to emit a volume of 5,447kg pollutants, Where there are no reuse programs in place, whereas this figure rose to 12,829kg in sewage treatment plants (STPs) and industrial 2008-09.

36 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 37 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

The Murray Darling Basin Salinity Audit has projects and their outcomes across the State. Case Study – Urban Waterways Management predicted increases in average salinity levels Developing and implementing this Strategy over the next 50-100 years, particularly within is a joint initiative by the State’s natural Bathurst’s urban waterways have been under the 2. Guide the future development, rehabilitation and/ all participating CMAs. The ‘Salinity Audit of resource managers (at State, regional and local microscope recently for the development of an Urban or restoration works for each of the main urban the Murray Darling Basin’ (Humphries, 2000) government levels). It builds on, and supports, Waterways Management Plan. The plan is needed waterways within Bathurst City and ensure their identified the Lachlan Catchment as amongst a range of existing diffuse source water because of the growing pressures being exerted on integrated management in the long term. the most “at risk” for serious salinity problems pollution management actions. The main aim the urban creeks of Bathurst, the degraded state of While primarily a tool to guide Council operations and in the basin (Lachlan CMA, 2006). of the Strategy is to reduce diffuse source many creek reaches and the need to be strategic in activities, it has been developed with input from the water pollution inputs into all NSW surface approaching management and rehabilitation of these community and recognises that responsible management Climate Change and ground water and contribute towards important natural resources. of our waterways involves the community, private The reduced quantity of water in streams and the community agreed NSW water quality The broad objectives of the project are to: landholders, industry and land developers. rivers has increased the stresses placed on objectives and state wide Natural Resource 1. Evaluate the present condition of each stream in The plan has been developed by CenWest Environ- these systems by discharges such as sewage Management targets. terms of hydrological, morphological, physical and mental Services and Bathurst Regional Council, with effluent and trade waste. DECCW notes that: A Priority Action Plan has been developed ecological characteristics to provide a baseline against funding from the Central West CMA. ‘Ongoing drought conditions occurring as part of the NSW Diffuse Source Water which condition of the streams can be measured into across much of NSW since 2003 have limited Pollution Strategy. It identifies agreed projects the future. Raglan Creek, Bathurst water availability. This has contributed to that will be progressed across NSW (including a decline in river health indicators such as the reporting region) to help improve macroinvertebrates across many areas of management of priority diffuse source water NSW. In the most recent assessments, only pollution problems. It will be updated from 22% of macroinvertebrate sample sites were time to time to incorporate new projects. considered to be in good condition, compared The Central West CMA has supported to 56% of sites reported in SoE 2003.’ (NSW a water quality monitoring program across Government, 2005) the Councils. Data is collected by Council The impacts of climate change on water officers on a six-monthly basis and provided quantity such as lower flows and higher tem- to the CMA, which collates the data (note peratures will also result in threats to water that this data is used in this report). This is quality. These characteristics create a more also used by the Salinity and Water Quality favourable environment for potentially harmful Alliance, a working group of Councils across algal blooms in water systems. Reported algal the catchment sharing knowledge, ideas and blooms in the Barwon-Darling river system engaging in cooperative projects. have been relatively high over the past 15 years (CSIRO, 2007c). Indicator – Percentage effluent reuse by Increases in intensity and frequency of fire local Councils could also contaminate water catchments with sediment and ash and already existing Effluent discharge contributes nutrients and salinity problems in the catchments may can deoxygenate receiving waters. Reuse be exacerbated by changes in rainfall, of effluent not only reduces the impact of temperature and stream flows (CSIRO, 2007a). effluent on receiving waters, but also reduces Less precipitation and decreases in runoff the demand for potable water and therefore may also reduce the extent and function the need for additional dam storages. of freshwater wetlands within each of the As shown in the summary table (Table 8), catchments that provide habitat for birds and those Councils that reported effluent reuse other wildlife and functions in providing clean schemes in 2007-08 had increased reuse water (CSIRO, 2007a and b). of effluent in 2008-09. Of the reporting Councils, seven reused effluent during the Response reporting period. The NSW Diffuse Source Water Pollution Strategy provides a framework for coordinat- Indicator – Number of gross pollutant ing efforts in reducing diffuse source water traps installed pollution across NSW. The Strategy promotes partnerships, provides a guide for investment, Indicator – Total catchment area of gross and provides a means to share information on pollutant traps

38 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 39 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Water

Case Study – Mendooran Water Supply Augmentation

Mendooran, located about 396 km west of Sydney in Warrum- bungle Shire, has a population of approximately 400 and often the quality of its drinking water fails to meet current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The problems occur with respect to turbidity, colour, iron and manganese and the regular presence of coliforms and occasional presence of E-coli have lead to a permanent boil alert for the drinking of town water. The existing system is deficient in supplying demand at times of peak usage, and daily average usage during dry periods. On 26 June 2008, the NSW State Government offered Council a subsidy of $1,691,684 towards the total estimated cost of $3,396,955 for the augmentation of the Mendooran Water Supply, and a contract was awarded for the following works: • Construction of a new river intake works and pump station • Construction of a new one megalitre/day water treatment plant (WTP) • Construction of rising mains from the pump station to the WTP, and from the WTP to the Cobra Street reservoir.

The aim of this work is to provide a water supply to the residents of Mendooran which complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is able to meet average daily demands.

Site of the new Mendooran raw water pump station

Indicator – Volume of litter collected in to 4,472 hectares thus being an improving Waste water treatment adopted an On-Site Sewage Management gross pollutant traps trend by helping minimise litter movement to There are a large number of septic systems Strategy in 2006 which outlines a proposed streams. being used across the region (estimated to be education and monitoring program. Litter collected in gross pollutant traps The volume of litter collected in the GPTs at least 20,000). If poorly maintained, septic (GPTs) provide an indication of potential dropped in the reporting LGAs from 278 tonnes systems can be a source of nutrients for local Drinking water quality water quality impacts. Installation of GPTs is in 2007-08 to 258 in 2008-09. In 2008-09, the streams and potentially cause problems such An example of a Council project to improve a Council response to litter impacts. These total amount of litter collected in GPTs from 11 as blue-green algae blooms and issues for the supply of reticulated water is provided in devices trap larger pollutants such as litter and councils that reported was 391 tonnes. public health. the case study – Mendooran Water Supply coarser sediments in stormwater drains and Augmentation above. outlets, but they do not trap smaller particles Salinity Indicator – Septic related complaints and heavy metals. While there are ongoing It is acknowledged that the first response Future challenges costs associated with maintenance and required to manage salinity impacts is data. One way to gauge problems related to the Future challenges related to water quality in cleaning of these traps, there are significant Mapping projects have been undertaken by a management of septic systems is through the region include: benefits to aquatic ecosystems and the visual range of State agencies; however, there is no the number of septic related complaints to • Stormwater harvesting improvement of waterways plays a significant single source of this information across large Councils. • Recycled water schemes role in community awareness of Council envi- regions such as this reporting area. Responses As shown in the summary table (Table • Increases in power costs will increase cost ronmental programs. to dryland and irrigation salinity sources 8), the number of septic related complaints of water As shown in the summary table (Table 8), are outlined in the Land chapter. Ongoing increased for those Councils that reported in • Changes in industries/changes in agriculture. there was an increase in the number of GPTs monitoring programs by State agencies also both years. installed by those Councils that reported in allow for increased knowledge and under- Some Councils in the region have Other potential challenges are the on-going both years. Fifty one GPTs were reported to standing of salinity processes. strategies to monitor and educate users in the community and business education around have been installed by 15 Councils to date. The Dubbo City Council program is an management of septic systems. water resources, better data collection for such The total catchment area that drained example of a response to urban salinity and is For example, Dubbo City Council, which aspects as septic tank numbers and acquiring to the GPTs also rose from 2,181 hectares outlined in the Land chapter. has 3,000 on-site sewage systems in its area, the funding to undertake these measures.

40 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 41 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

iodiversity is essential to functioning ecosystems which maintain important processes on HABITAT TYPES Arid Shrublands (AS): Chenopod shrublands which all life depends. Biodiversity also has an intrinsic value and as such conservation of AS: Tall Shrubland/Low Woodland Dry Sclerophyll Forests (DSF): Plains biodiversity is one of the primary principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) DSF: Ranges, Tablelands & Slopes B Forested Wetlands (Department of Climate Change, 2009). Biodiversity indicators have been selected to measure Freshwater Wetlands Grasslands: Alluvial Plains and gauge local and regional issues of noxious weeds and pests, Landcare and related activities Grasslands: Ranges, Tablelands & Slopes Grassy Woodlands: Ranges & Tablelands Grassy Woodlands: Slopes & Alluvial Plains and the condition of threatened species and ecological communities. Mallee: Sanplains & Dunes Semi-arid Woodlands (SW): Plains SW: Rocky Outcrops, Dunes The planet has a wide range of organisms water cycles) or be limited to a single place or Wet Sclerophyll Forests: Ranges & Tablelands that live in complex interactions, both with event (such as regeneration after bushfires). the natural and built environments. All of the The value of biodiversity extends beyond the Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is defined as: forms of life are connected in webs known as catchment boundaries, providing national and ecosystems which depend on other species international benefits. ‘The variety of life forms, the different plants, and ecosystems for survival. These ecosystems Examples of biodiversity services and values animals and micro-organisms, the genes are dynamic and change over time – both include: biological control and pollination; short term changes in response to events record of natural history; food, medicines, they contain, and the ecosystems they form. (such as populations reducing in a bushfire timber and industrial products; seed dispersal or drought) or long term changes such as and pollination; ornamental plants and Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species evolution or climate change. breeding stock; eco-tourism; genetic diversity; There are a wide variety of ecosystems carbon sinks and greenhouse gas absorption; diversity and ecosystem diversity’ across the reporting region, formed by interac- nutrient cycling; filtration and storage; clean NSW Government, 2008 tions across a range of factors including soils, air and water; ecological services; water urban development, local climate, vegetation quality and flow eg. salinity control; stabilising types, and disturbance by activities such as processes eg. weather, climate, pest and farming and water availability. biological control; healthy soils; nature-based Biodiversity, as with land and air, provide recreation; visually pleasing aesthetics; health important resources that we need to survive, and lifestyle; science and education; spiritual such as oxygen and water cycles, growing and cultural; traditional owner values; cultural foods and forests (timber) and even bacteria identity associated with key species and future keeping the soil healthy. Most of these resources (DECC, 2008). resources are at scales that we cannot see Many species of plants and animals rely on but these change to Poplar Box-White Cypress of the Central West catchment represents Figure 14 Map of habitat and may extend around the world (such as specific habitats in order to survive. Once these Woodlands and mallee in the west. the dense growth of woody shrubs. In the types in the Lachlan and habitats are lost or degraded through activities This study estimates that there is only 38% more highly cleared landscapes remaining Central West Catchments Table 9 Summary table of indicator trends - Biodiversity such as agriculture, development, weed of native vegetation/animal habitat remaining vegetation tends to be concentrated in the (Source Goldney, Kerle Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend invasion or inappropriate fire regimes, there in the Central West Catchment but this is not hills and ranges, along watercourses and road and Fleming, 2007) is usually a significant effect on biodiversity. evenly distributed – 62% has no remaining reserves. In areas with more vegetation it is Habitat loss Area of vegetation protected and 25,694 ha 72,143 ha This may include loss of species or changes vegetation. possible that the size of the remnants are rehabilitated through CMA incentive funding in species composition, such as vegetation The amount of remaining vegetation / is too small for populations of animals and communities. habitat varies from six percent in the Tullamore plants to survive. Threatened Number of fish restocked 54,300 132,400 area to 89% in the east. This does not reflect By combining information about remnant species Number of threatened species 108 117 Issue – Habitat loss the condition of the remaining vegetation – vegetation and its condition and the status Invasive species Number of declared noxious weeds 112 112 some of the highly vegetated land in the west of the fauna with a range of landscape

Condition improvement A recent study by Goldney, Kerle and Fleming Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is defined as: no or little change (2007) examined the condition of flora and worsening trend fauna in the Central West Catchment. As ‘The variety of life forms, the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, the Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They shown in the map of habitat types (Figure genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. Biodiversity includes genetic should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are 14), there is diverse habitat across the region. some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer In the east of the region there are mainly dry diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity’ to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. eucalypt forests, including Box-Gum Woodland, NSW Government, 2008

42 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 43 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

ways across the region, they do provide larger areas of habitat in what is otherwise a highly cleared landscape. As reported by 15 Councils in the region, the area under State Forest was 189,111 hectares in 2008-09. Unfortunately due to data gaps it is not possible to compare these figures with those for 2007-08.

Indicator - Proportion of Council reserves that are bushland/remnant vegetation

This is a new indicator and it measures the amount of habitat available in those reserves managed by local Councils. In 2008-09, there was an average of 53% of Council reserves that were bushland or remnant vegetation which also provide important habitat options for wildlife.

Threat Land Clearing The Central West region has undergone extensive clearing since settlement for ag- ricultural purposes. The remnants of native

vegetation that exist in small patches within also threaten native habitat. Areas that are a b o v e The Green Tree reserves, state forests, or along the ridgeline used for agriculture can suffer through stock Frog is not endangered at and travelling stock routes are at significant grazing on remnant vegetation and also a loss the moment but faces an risk of further fragmentation. The same of connectivity through wildlife corridors as uncertain future due to threats facing vegetation such as drought, development expands and fences and other habitat loss and pollution disease, clearing and land development, barriers are put in place. grazing and fire are also threatening native fauna species (BOD, 2007). Fire regimes The removal of vegetation, whether Bushfires, whether naturally occurring individual trees or large scale (broad acre) (lightning, weather events) or started by land clearing on private property contributes people, have a significant impact on biodi- a b o v e Orange Ammer- indicators about the health of the land, the The area of land that is placed under to the changing character and viability of versity. This may be a negative or positive down-Ploughmans study developed an indication of landscape protection, or reserved, may be considered an remnant vegetation and can dramatically affect impact depending on the local species and Creek—long stem condition across the catchment. The study indicator of the amount of protected habitat the health of the landscape and local amenity. community as they all have an optimal fire tubestock planting in found that the eastern half to two-thirds available in the Council area. However many Information on the number or area of trees range. A too frequent fire regime may cause May 2007 of the Central West Catchment is in poor types of habitat are not well represented in the removed is not recorded by local Councils, species and habitat loss as some native condition and most of the remainder is in reserve system, as reserves tend to be on land however the CMAs have approved a number of vegetation is not adapted to frequent fire. On moderate condition. that has low economic value rather than land clearing PVPs. Some land clearing is approved the other hand, too infrequent fire can also Some areas have a high level of remnant that has representative (ecological) value. by Councils or the State Government under have a negative impact on species as many vegetation but the condition of that In 2008-09, 711 ha was added to the development applications, such as residential native Australian trees and shrubs require fire vegetation, much of which is heavily grazed, National Park estate within the reporting or industrial development (including mining). to germinate. Inappropriate fire regimes also reduces the condition value. region. Additions were made in Winburndale For example, Mid-Western Regional Council encourage the spread of noxious weeds that Nature Reserve, Durridgere and Yarrobil has several large mines which will continue can quickly colonise land following a fire. Indicator – Area of National Parks in the Community Conservation Areas, and Borenore clearing significant areas through approvals and These communities then out-compete native LGAs Karst Conservation Reserve. expansions in the next few years. vegetation for space and resources. The reserved land under State Forests Within the category of land clearing, other All land managers in the central and Indicator – Area of State Forest in the includes both native forests and plantations. threats such as excessive firewood collection western regions, including the Councils, have LGAs Although managed in a variety of different and inappropriate development and land use a responsibility under the Rural Fires Act 1997

44 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 45 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

to manage bush fire hazards on land under general habitat, other ecosystem functions No data on the amount of illegal their care, control and management. This that are expected to be affected include desyn- clearing is available for the reporting period. results in vegetative cover and density being chronisation of migration and dispersal events, Following the changes to legislation, the NSW reduced through prescribed burning and uncoupling of predator-prey and parasite-host Audit Office (2006) undertook an audit of mechanical means. Such programs may be relationships, interactions with new pathogens compliance under the Act and concluded that undertaken by Councils in co-operation with and invasives and changes in species distribu- ‘approximately 74,000 ha of native fire management agencies such as the NSW tion ranges (European Communities, 2008). vegetation were cleared in 2005, made Rural Fire Service and DECCW. The geographic distribution of a species up of 44,000 ha approved clearing and is often defined by its ‘climate envelope,’ 30,000 ha illegal clearing. Most of the Climate Change reflecting species-specific tolerances to illegal clearing was on the previously Climate change will also place added pressure extremes of temperature and moisture (CSIRO, uncleared western edge of farmland in on biodiversity with the impacts of increasing 2007a). The Purple Copper Butterfly which is the State…Most land clearing in NSW was drought and heat, more extreme weather found within the reporting region is at particu- done before regulation began in 1995. conditions and declining water availability larly high risk from climate change impacts. However farmers with uncleared land altering the natural environment. It will lead The species has a specific ‘climate envelope’ at that date were affected by the to changes in land use and prompt native and only lives at elevations above 900m. As is, legislation. A minority of these have cleared and exotic species to move into new areas. there is relatively little available habitat in the illegally, particularly in western areas. Only Ecosystem services such as water filtration, reporting region, but as temperatures increase a small number of prosecutions for illegal soil quality and shelter will also be affected. and environmental gradients are altered, the clearing have been undertaken under the Aquatic biodiversity, in particular, is continuing small available habitat may not have a suitable Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 to suffer from the poor condition of rivers climate to support the species in the future. in the period 1998 to 2005.’ and floodplains in the catchments. Reductions It is likely that this trend has continued as in stream flows are likely to have a negative Response there have been recent prosecutions for impact on aquatic biodiversity and wetland Land clearing illegal clearing within the region including at Roadside vegetation management a b o v e Molong Creek ecosystems such as the Macquarie Marshes There have been significant changes to native Macquarie Marshes. In large sections of the region, especially those and its associated waterbirds (CSIRO, 2007a). vegetation legislation at the State level, with Councils also control clearing of vegetation where broadacre farming is prevalent, roadside A recent report into the effects of climate the Native Vegetation Reforms addressing in urban areas, where the Native Vegetation reserves and Travelling Stock Routes provide change on biodiversity has found that habitats vegetation management from clearing Act 2003 does not apply. Development the only habitat corridors. The management of are at significant risk from even moderate approvals to PVPs. The outcome of these consents allow for minor clearing for housing, these reserves generally falls under the jurisdic- climate change and are already under stress changes has been to reduce the number of business and industrial development as well tion of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority b e l o w Revegetation of from other threats such as those mentioned clearing approvals over the past few years as fire protection zones. This is regulated by (main roads), local Councils (minor roads) Raglan Creek, Bathurst above (DCC, 2009). As well as a loss of (NSW SoE, 2006). environmental impact assessment require- and the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities ments of legislation such as the Rural Fires (Travelling Stock Routes). Act 1997 and the Environmental Planning The management of these roadside verges and Assessment Act 1979, which outline is critical for the conservation of these remnant information addressing environmental impacts corridors and the fauna dependent on (Statements of Environmental Effects or Envi- them. In 2006 and 2007, the NSW Roadside ronmental Impact Assessments) to be provided Environment Committee (REC), funded by a with development applications and burning NSW Environmental Trust grant, supported permits. Development consents may include Councils across NSW to develop Roadside conditions to mitigate land clearing impacts. Vegetation Management Plans (RVMPs) to At the State level, the Biobanking Scheme, better manage roadside verges under their administered by DECCW, was introduced jurisdiction. in 2008. This scheme allows for biodiversity RVMPs are firstly developed through offsets of clearing for development. As it was assessment of the roadside vegetation, only introduced in 2008, no data on the area especially threatened species. The plan then of vegetation affected is available for the identifies strategies to best manage the reporting period. At this stage in the reporting assessed vegetation and to further monitor region, although some landholders have and evaluate the impact of the strategies. expressed interest, no biobanking sites have The strategies in the plan could include been registered and no developers have shown those related to fire management, weed interest in using biobanking as opposed to the management, preservation of critical habitat current Assessment of Significance process. and provision of clear zones for driver safety.

46 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 47 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

Local Councils in the region have Narromine Shire Council awareness of the need to shift towards an developed RVMPs, either as a result of the REC Oberon Council approach which emphasises management project or by their own volition. In 2008-09, Orange City Council and research of landscape function and the according to REC records the following 13 Warren Shire Council role of various abiotic and biotic elements local Councils in the region had RVMPs or Warrumbungle Shire Council in ecosystems processes at the landscape studies: Wellington Council scale (Central West CMA, 2007). One of the Bathurst Regional Council future challenges is to develop a coordinated Blayney Shire Council Rehabilitation and strategic approach to management of Cabonne Council Rehabilitation projects have been developed the whole landscape. A key part of this will Cowra Shire Council by organisations including local Councils, include strategies that relate to the retention, Dubbo City Council Landcare groups and CMAs to help reduce restoration, enhancement and revegetation of Lachlan Shire Council the impact of land clearing on biodiversity. key areas to ensure improved outcomes are Mid-Western Regional Council An example of a rehabilitation project is recognised through the current NSW Planning provided in the case study below. Reform Process and the review of Councils’ Local Environment Plans. Case Study – Putta Bucca Wetland Rehabilitation Indicator – Habitat areas revegetated Future challenges will also include Mid-Western Regional Council, the Central West CMA and the education and awareness of the community Cudgegong Field Naturalists have joined forces to give Putta Bucca This is a new indicator. Local Councils reported and land managers regarding endangered wetlands a facelift. that 248 hectares of Council land were species and how land management influences The area, which has been the location for the Mudgee Sewage revegetated in 2008-09. the spread and health of species. This includes Treatment Works Depot, will undergo site rehabilitation as the the increasing pressure that the RFS is under sewage depot is relocated to a different site. The project aims to Indicator – Area of vegetation protected to undertake excessive hazard reduction work enhance the natural biodiversity of the area by rehabilitating the and rehabilitated through CMA incentive in the wake of the Victorian bushfires. The

riparian corridor along the Cudgegong River which will improve funding community and land managers need to be • That the asset be spatially delineated a b o v e Once widespread, water quality, increasing the visual amenity of the area, and educated in relation to the wider impacts of (single or multiple components can be Barking Owls are now developing a site specific working management plan. Other specific The Central West CMA reported that the area altering fire regimes, especially on threatened drawn on a map) less common in mainland works will include willow and weed removal, feral animal control of vegetation protected and rehabilitated species that are most at risk. • Recognition that asset identification is in Australia and their conser- and revegetation. throughout its area rose from 25,694 hectares The biggest step in overcoming these part a social process that involves consid- vation status varies from Future on-ground works are likely to include additional reha- in 2007-08 to 97,837 hectares (an increase in future challenges is the collection and eration of the ecological, social, cultural state to state bilitation works, walking tracks, boardwalks and bike paths, native 2008-09 of 72,143 hectares) as a result of its maintenance of data of natural assets such and economic values from a range of fish protection programs, bird watching facilities and an interpreta- funding incentives for landholders. as bushland and threatened species, and perspectives e.g. scientific experts and the tive centre. the recognition by Councils of these assets. community Future challenges In 2009, the CMA plans to roll out the • Differentiation between the asset itself and Wetland rehabilitation work being undertaken in Pucca Bucca Wetlands, The Native Vegetation Act aims to end Investment Framework for Environmental the spatial extent of threatening processes Mudgee broadscale clearing which impacts on envi- Resources (INFFER). operating on the asset – the framework ronmental values. There is anecdotal evidence INFFER is a tool for planning and prioritising acknowledges that threats may operate to suggest that pasture condition and soil public investments in natural resources and the proximate to the asset or at some distance. stability have generally improved since the environment. It focuses on achieving outcomes catastrophic declines of 1880-1940 (Western cost effectively. It is relevant to projects where INFFER does not treat ecological processes CMA, 2007). The Western Catchment has the aim is to protect or enhance specific associated with landscapes or ecosystem managed to retain the majority of its native identified natural resource assets. It is not services provided by nature as assets. It vegetation and could provide a refuge for intended for assessment of projects with a does however, recognise these concepts as some species which have declined in the focus on general education, awareness raising, important in the detailed analysis of projects. wheat/sheep belt of the Lachlan and Central capacity building or research that is untargeted It also does not treat people or the community West Catchments to the east. However, there to specific assets. as an asset. are as yet no broadscale monitoring programs However, these actions can be included A future challenge will lie within the in place to assess biodiversity trends. Conse- in projects that aim to protect or enhance operation of this system as potential problems quently it is difficult to determine the current particular assets, and indeed may be crucial could arise if INFFER is the only way projects trends of biodiversity decline/recovery as most components of these projects. are assessed by various levels of government. changes take decades to become evident INFFER specifies a series of requirements An important facet of ecological asset projects (Western CMA, 2007). for asset identification including: is the involvement of the community in the Recognition of the impact of external • That the asset be fundamentally biological/ asset identification process and the existence pressures on remnant vegetation has increased ecological in nature of capacity building projects.

48 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 49 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1995, and the Environ- • Removal of dead wood and trees – The mental Protection and Biodiversity Conserva- removal of dead wood can have a range of tion Act, 1999. As shown in the summary environmental consequences such as loss table (Table 9), in 2007-08 there were 108 of habitat (for animals that use hollows threatened species listed in the Central West for shelter), disruption of ecosystem CMA area. This figure rose to 117 in 2008-09 processes and soil erosion. The forests and thus showing a worsening trend for this woodlands of the Western Slopes and indicator. The number of populations and Tablelands are the ecological communities EECs stayed constant. most threatened by wood removal as they In 2008-09, across the whole of the contain popular firewood species reporting region there were 126 threatened • Habitat loss/change – From large-scale species, zero populations and eight land clearing to the gathering of bushrock endangered ecological communities listed on for suburban gardens, humans have the State and Federal registers. Species and degraded many native environments across communities may be listed on both the State the State. and Federal registers, such as the Box-Gum Woodland, if they are threatened at a national Climate Change level. Climate change has the potential to impact A list of threatened species, populations on a wide range of habitats, species and and EECs for the LGAs in the region can populations. Many species have limited be found at http://www.threatenedspecies. tolerances to changes in temperature and environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx. rainfall conditions, and even small changes in the climate may increase pressures on Threat local ecosystems. In addition, while species Key Threatening Processes and populations may normally be adaptive potential to boost certain EECs within the a b o v e A storm brewing A key threatening process is defined in the to some changes, the additional pressures of reporting region; however, these benefits over Tullamore. Extreme Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as land clearing, weed invasion and other land may be offset by other climatic impacts such weather conditions are a process that threatens, or could threaten, use changes have reduced the ability of many as decreased rainfall, increased bushfires, becoming more frequent the survival or evolutionary development species to adapt or migrate (AGO, 2003). The changes in pests and nutrient availability due to climate change. of species, populations or ecological CSIRO has modelled climate change impacts (CSIRO, 2007a). The last two years have communities. Something can be a threatening for the catchments of NSW (on behalf of the seen records tumbling for process if it: NSW Greenhouse Office) and notes that for Fire Regimes the hottest days and the a b o v e Box-Gum Issue - Threatened species • Adversely affects two or more threatened the Central West CMA area, it is likely that the Fire is also a useful tool in natural resource length of heatwaves, par- Woodlands, once species, populations or ecological climate will be warmer and drier with more management as it may encourage some ticularly in the southern covered some 10 million Condition communities extreme heat waves, winds and fires. Some species to regenerate and remove some weed states. The hottest 14 hectares of south-eastern Due especially to extensive clearing, there are • Could cause species, populations increases in seasonal rainfall may occur. These threats. Many ecological communities that years on record have Australia. They provide numerous Threatened Species and Endangered or ecological communities that are changes would have ‘significant impact on the occur in the region are adapted to the periodic occurred in the last 20 habitat for the Bush Ecological Communities (EECs) across the not currently threatened to become catchment’s plants and animals…and lead to occurrence of fire. Many species require fire years Stone-Curlew and the region. threatened. changes in the distributions of tree species, to stimulate and facilitate life cycle processes. Squirrel Glider and they Box-Gum Woodland, (also known as Box possible invasion by pests and changes to the Each community will have optimal fire regime are an important source Gum Grassy Woodland) is one of the most Key threatening processes in the region habitat’ (CSIRO, 2007a). thresholds that are influenced by the species of food and habitat threatened communities in the State (1% of include: Possible impacts on threatened species may that occur within it. The sustainability of both for three nationally original extent remaining) and is listed on both • Pest animals – Introduced animal species include increased physiological stress, changes the community and individual species and threatened bird species State and national registers. It was widely can compete with, and prey upon, native in fecundity (the ability to reproduce), changes populations can be dramatically influenced by (Regent Honeyeater, found across the Central West and Lachlan animals. They can also damage native in sex ratios in species whose temperature the intervals, season and intensity at which fire Superb and Swift Parrots). regions however the high level of clearing plants and degrade natural habitats controls the sex of their offspring, and changes occurs in those environments. As such, high linked to agricultural land use in the reporting • Weeds – Weeds compete with native in competitive ability (European Communities, frequency fire is listed as a Key Threatening region has caused significant decline. plants for resources such as light and 2008). Process under the Act. nutrients and can aggressively invade areas, Preliminary research suggests that Indicator – Number of threatened species displacing native plants and animals temperate forests in Australia may increase Surface Water Runoff • Diseases – Exotic fungal infections, viruses in productivity with higher temperatures and Water runoff can transport pollution from Threatened Species, Populations and EECs and other pathogens can weaken and kill increased concentrations of atmospheric sources such as sewage effluent, intensive are listed under the NSW Threatened Species native species carbon dioxide (CSIRO, 2007a). This has the agriculture (feedlots and irrigation) and

50 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 51 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

fertiliser runoff. The increase in impervious • Research into factors influencing the Issue – Invasive species surfaces from roads, buildings and other survival of threatened species development increases runoff and decreases • Community education programs to raise Condition infiltration. Runoff collects and concentrates, awareness of a species or threat in a A detailed study of pest animals recently generating large volumes of water with a particular area. reported that the primary pests in agricultural high velocity, which erodes exposed soil and regions of NSW such as the Central Western carries it into streams along with weed seeds The PAS identifies 36 strategies. These are the region are feral pigs, feral goats, wild deer, and nutrients. Elevated nutrient levels in water main guiding tools for species recovery and foxes, rabbits and wild dogs/dingoes (DPI, and soil generally favour the growth of weeds threat abatement in NSW. 2007). Less than 0.3% of NSW is considered over native plants in remnant vegetation. This • Recovery strategies identify what is free from these species. can encourage weed infestations, particularly required to recover a threatened species along waterways, and make it harder for local • Threat abatement strategies tackle the key Indicator – Number of declared noxious species to compete and survive. Diversity of threatening processes that are putting so weeds aquatic macro invertebrates in many streams many species on the brink of extinction. is threatened by poor water quality and The reporting area has 112 declared noxious sediment derived from stormwater runoff. A total of 750 priority actions have been weeds (DPI, 2009), and a significant number identified to help recover threatened species of environmental weeds present; however Response and tackle threatening processes in the Central no reports on areas affected or number of DECCW has prepared a Priorities Action West Catchment Management Authority environmental species are available at present.

Statement (PAS) to promote the recovery of Region. These priority actions can be grouped This number is the same as for the previous Of particular concern in the reporting a b o v e Dense Willow threatened species and the abatement of key into 25 recovery strategies and seven threat reporting year 2007-08. Noxious weeds area is willow infestation along water courses along the Macquarie threatening processes in New South Wales. abatement strategies. declared for the reporting Councils can be and drainage lines. Willows are declared as River at Wellington, The PAS identifies a number of broad Of the 750 priority actions in this region, found by accessing the website: http://www. a weed of national significance due to their degrades the riparian strategies to help threatened plants and 737 are focused mainly on the recovery of dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/ prevalence and ability to spread. Willows corridor, reducing animals recover in New South Wales. Each threatened species, populations and ecological noxweed have significant impacts on riparian habitat its habitat values. of these strategies has more specific priority communities. including erosion, shading of water surfaces, Rehabilitation works actions within them. They cover such things as: Indicator – Extent of noxious weeds increasing nutrients, supporting pest species have since removed the • Surveys to clarify the distribution of a Indicator – Number of fish restocked and out competing native species. A number willows and revegetated species (Bathurst is currently involved in This is a new indicator. Eleven of the par- of willow control programs and projects have the banks, where surveys of the Purple Copper Butterfly) The NSW Department of Primary Industries, ticipating Councils reported that there were been implemented by the Councils and private necessary, with local • Weed and pest management programs in conjunction with local Councils and recrea- 2,649,102 hectares of noxious weeds across landholders across the reporting area to try native plants • Guidelines for threatened species issues in tional fishers, has restocked several streams in their LGAs in 2008-09. and reduce the impacts of this weed. development assessments the region with native fish. Invasive native scrub (woody weeds) is As shown in the summary table (Table 9), Threat identified as a major concern in parts of the r i g h t Murray Cod there has been a large increase in the number Weeds Western CMA. As a result of changes in fire fingerlings released in of fish restocked comparing 2007-08 with Weeds are plants whose growth and habit regimes and increases in grazing, the scrub the Macquarie River at 2008-09. This would most likely be a mix results in the loss of environmental, economic becomes the dominant vegetative type which Narromine of threatened and non-threatened native or social values. In the natural environment, incurs problems with other vegetation types species. weeds can out compete the native flora competing for resources and secondary for resources including water, nutrients land degradation processes such as surface Future challenges and sunlight, and can displace a range of scouring and sheet erosion (Western CMA, The biggest challenge to Councils by far, species. Weeds vary in their impact upon the 2007). is securing sufficient funding to undertake environment and are broadly grouped into two the research and on-going management of categories – environmental or noxious weeds. Feral and Pest Animals threatened species and EECs. The Federal Environmental weeds are those plants that Introduced species such as rabbits have been Government is currently moving away from have or may have established self-propagating shown to have a significant impact on bio- regional delivery of incentives which restricts populations in areas of native vegetation, diversity through competition for resources the amount of work that can be undertaken outside of their natural range. Noxious weeds or predation. Rabbits are responsible for collaboratively across a region. Enhancing are those that are declared under the NSW concentrated overgrazing causing loss of the tools and educational capacity of land Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and may be declared groundcover; they also cause localised erosion managers is also important, especially when for the whole State or a local control area through burrowing. taking into consideration the exacerbation of only. Noxious weeds must be controlled by the A key predator is the introduced European impacts from climate change. landholder. (red) fox. The fox has predatory character-

52 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 53 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Biodiversity

istics of both cats and dogs and has, along impacts of these may range from the spread of national program to focus community Case Study - The Central West Green Team with rabbits, been declared a key threatening weeds, vehicle accidents and competition for education and involvement in weed process across NSW under the NSW resources to the spread of livestock and exotic management. The NSW Department of The Central West Green Team is a project of the Salinity and Water Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 disease, and fence and crop damage. Primary Industries also promotes school Quality Alliance which undertakes environmental projects in LGAs (TSC Act 1995). The fox is highly adaptable Pigs cause direct disturbance to habitat education programs such as Weed Warriors within the Central West Catchment, to achieve on ground results and is widespread in both rural and urban through wallowing and rooting and are and Weed Attack, aimed at introducing and real improvements in the health of a number of key natural areas and preys on a wide range of fauna widespread across NSW. They also prey on students to weed science as part of the areas. The Green Team, which is made up of four skilled Natural including mammals, birds, reptiles and turtles. plants and animals and have contributed curriculum (DPI, 2008). Resource Management (NRM) specialists, have a wide variety of Other predators such as feral cats and dogs directly to the decline of several species skills including bush regeneration, weed removal, plant and animal found throughout the reporting area create of frogs and birds. While goats are also Pests identification, revegetation and riparian restoration. many problems for the natural environment. widespread, they are more prevalent in the The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities The team work alongside Council staff and the community, to Cats hunt at all hours, especially at dusk and western, more arid areas of the reporting area. (LHPAs) carry out annual pest animal programs undertake projects that include the removal of large woody weeds, night. Their prey commonly consists of bats, Goats browse heavily on some species of native including wild dog and fox baiting, plague such as Willows and Box Thorn, the restoration and protection possums, bandicoots, native rats and mice, plants, including endangered and threatened locust control, rabbit control and various of native vegetation along the river banks of the Macquarie, birds, lizards and snakes. Cats also compete species, compete with native threatened other programs in conjunction with private Castlereagh, Cudgegong and Bogan Rivers as well as the creation with native predators, such as the threatened species and also cause erosion, particularly on landholders. Councils may support or of constructed wetlands to capture stormwater and improve water Spotted-tailed Quoll and can carry bacteria steeper slopes. cooperate with these programs and promote quality in the greater river and wetland system. This not only and blood parasites which can be passed on Goats, rabbits, feral cats, feral pigs and them through education. For example, Bourke improves water quality but also provides habitat for many species to wildlife that have no resistance. Dogs also foxes have been declared under the national Shire has an eradication program across its of native birds, marsupials, insects and native fish. Additionally, have a direct impact on threatened fauna Environment Protection and Biodiversity reserves; Cabonne Shire targets rabbit control many of the projects improve the aesthetics and amenity of the by preying on and harassing wildlife and Conservation Act 1999 and a national threat and Dubbo City undertakes starling control in local area. Key project outcomes are listed in Table 10. disturbing burrowing fauna. Dogs regularly abatement strategy for each has been the city and fox baiting across its reserves. urinate on trees to mark out territory, sending developed and implemented. Councils also use a range of planning tools The Central West Green Team take to the water. out warning signals to native animals to keep to better manage pest species. These include away, and faeces are very high in phosphorus, Response Local Environmental Plans, Development promoting growth of exotic weeds and being Weeds Control Plans and use of a range of State a health hazard. Wild dogs also interbreed Noxious weed control is the responsibility Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) such as with the native dingo, reducing the viability of the local control authority. In many cases SEPP 44 (Koala Habitat). b e l o w Rabbits have of the native species. Dogs are responsible for this is the local Council, however, there are been declared a key attacks on stock including sheep. also two County Councils in the reporting Future challenges threatening process Other pests listed as Key Threatening area, Upper Macquarie (Bathurst, Blayney, The Western Catchment, including Bourke across NSW. Processes include pigs, deer and goats, and the Lithgow and Oberon) and Castlereagh LGA, has identified that a future challenge Macquarie (Coonamble, Gilgandra, Walgett, in the management of land resources is to Warren, Warrumbungle). These provide weed mitigate the spread of scrub and maintain control services, mainly along roadsides, for and rehabilitate native pasture vegetation the Councils and employ weeds officers to communities (Western CMA, 2007). Invasive undertake the works, funded by rates from native scrub (in a rangeland context) is often the member Councils. In addition, committees not well understood and there appears to be a comprised of the Councils, County Councils common misconception that as the species are and other land managers work to share native, then the problem is only a management Table 10 Key Project Outcomes from the Green Team information and planning, such as Macquarie issue for graziers. Action Outcome Valley Weeds Advisory Committee and The reality is that invasive native scrub is a Number of willows treated 5,539 Willows the Lachlan Valley Noxious Plants Advisory symptom of long term rangeland management Area of weed treated 84 hectares Committee. These committees work to ensure that has implications for biodiversity and collaborative efforts on key weed species landscape stability, as much as economic Area prepared for constructed wetlands 9 hectares and also provide an information channel to production (Western CMA, 2007). Area of land regenerated and/or revegetated 51 hectares State bodies such as the NSW Noxious Weeds Other future challenges for invasive species Length of riparian area rehabilitated 37 kilometres Advisory Committee. are similar to those previously mentioned in Councils also undertake programs to biodiversity, including a lack of funding, a Number of plants used for revegetation 26,077 plants control environmental weeds and work to shift away from regional delivery of funding Number of volunteers engaged 263 volunteers educate the community in the importance incentives, the capacity of Councils to carry Number of volunteer hours 1,647 of such control. For example, many Councils out mitigation works and the exacerbated support WeedBusters Week activities, a effects of climate change. Number of staff involved 32

54 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 55 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

his chapter reports on human settlement issues including development, cultural heritage and noise. Improving, maintaining and balancing Tthe diverse social, economic and environmental characteristics of the region are crucial in attaining a good quality of life for the community as a whole. Generally, local Councils have this responsibility, with some regulation and guidance from the State and Federal governments.

Local Councils are responsible for urban land since European planning, infrastructure, some aspects of settlement. Heritage environmental and heritage restoration and sites include old protection and conservation of resources, commercial/industrial, provision of community facilities, and iconic architecture community services. This wide range of and military heritage responsibilities requires sound information on still present in the which to make decisions. reporting region. Cultural heritage incorporates both Heritage Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage. indicators have been Aboriginal heritage sites including occupa- selected to gauge the tional, ceremonial and midden sites can be management of both found on public and private land where dis- Aboriginal and non- turbances and development has been limited. Aboriginal heritage in Non-Aboriginal heritage refers to use of the the reporting region and within individual Council areas. Table 11 Summary table of indicator trends – Human Settlement Noise pollution encompasses both sound and vibration and is surrounding native vegetation and agricultural Threat a b o v e Talbragar Street, Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend defined in the PoEO Act 1997 as: lands and increased access to facilities such as Changing populations Dubbo Population and Settlement Number of ‘The emission of offensive noise, recreation areas. It is important for Councils to Changing population will have an impact Patterns development 4,080 3,789 which means noise that by reason of its level, ensure responsible and appropriate decisions on the planning and provision of infrastruc- consents and building approvals nature, character or quality, or the time at are made relating to land use, in accordance ture and services in local Council areas. For which it is made, or by any other circumstanc- with Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), rural/ example, as a population ages there will be Aboriginal Heritage Listed Aboriginal sites 263 263 es, is harmful (or likely to be harmful) to or urban strategies and State Environmen- a greater need for retirement homes and Non-Aboriginal Heritage Number of heritage interferes unreasonably (or is likely to interfere tal Planning Policies (SEPPs). A significant possibly ‘rural residential’ properties on the items on National 923* 927 unreasonably) with the comfort or repose of potential impact is from the urban fringe, outskirts of towns. Trust Register a person outside the premises from which the where housing and associated infrastructure Noise Pollution Industrial noise noise is emitted.’ PoEO Act 1997 cannot only affect the land but also other Indicator – Population change complaints received 17 16 land uses such as agriculture. This area is also by Council Issue – Population and known as ‘peri-urban’, and is often typified As shown in Figure 15 and in the Land Urban noise settlement patterns by conflict over land use where the zones chapter, the LGAs in the region have complaints received 164 723 interface. experienced a general slight rise in population by Council Condition over the past years. The need for land * data is for 2006 As a population grows, the demands for Indicator – Landuse conflict complaints to be used for residential and industrial infrastructure such as housing, energy, water, improvement transport and waste disposal also increases. This is a new indicator. One way to measure no or little change Supplying this infrastructure results in land use the impact of changing landuse patterns and As a population grows, the demands for worsening trend changes that can have negative impacts on the Council zonings is through complaints about Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They environment. Increasing the density of existing landuse matters to Council. infrastructure increases. Supplying this should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are urban areas (‘brownfield’ development) can Fifteen of the participating Councils infrastructure results in land use changes that some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer have advantages over new ‘greenfield’ sites, reported that there were 67 landuse conflict to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. with economies of scale, lower impacts on complaints received in 2008-09. can have negative impacts on the environment.

56 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 57 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

ageing population as discussed above will have Table 12 shows the predicted population Table 12 Projected population for the Centroc region certain social needs that all have changing for the Centroc region under the different 50000 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 environmental impacts. scenarios. The mid-range scenario suggests Figure 16 shows the change in the an average annual growth of 0.91% between DoP Projections (2005) 206,610 209,180 212,230 215,230 217,680 40000 median age of populations in each LGA in the 2011 and 2021 or an average growth of WRI Scenario A 215,691 235,630 249,944 253,106 254,720

reporting region and demonstrates that the 0.54% pen annum between 2011 and 2031 WRI Scenario B 211,189 222,752 231,254 233,844 235,389 30000 populations in all the LGAs in the reporting (WRI, 2008). region are ageing as the median ages for each The predictions, however, are based on WRI Scenario C 207,584 212,444 216,287 218,414 219,886 have increased from 2001-2006. historical data and are only estimates so the 20000 In 2008, Centroc with the Western further into the future they are made, the Indicator – Number of development Research Institute (WRI) produced a report on less reliable. It is also worth noting that the consents and building approvals 10000 population projections for its member Councils predictions made in the report vary signifi- showing: cantly to those made by the ABS, most notably The number, type and location of

0 • Population projections on an LGA-by-LGA in the LGAs of Cabonne and Blayney where development applications can provide 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 basis for the 16 Centroc member councils they are underestimated and Lachlan and some information on the potential level of Bathurst Blayney Bogan Bourke Cabonne over the next 25 years based on research Wellington where they are overestimated. development impacts on both the built and

Coonamble Cowra Dubbo Gilgandra Lachlan that has industry credibility Overall, the data presented in the report tends natural environment. While the number Mid-Western Narromine Oberon Orange Warren • Commentary on population projections to be consistently slightly higher than the ABS of development applications lodged with into the future estimated resident population. Councils do fluctuate with economic Warrumbungle Wellington • Projections that utilise data provided by cycles and other factors such as the size Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Centroc on developments in the Centroc Development of population and presence of industries; region Key areas where environmental impacts of as a general trend they reflect the likely Figure 15 Population development, as urbanisation increases, places • Assessment and commentary on development may occur include residential, levels of development impacts on the LGA. change across the pressures on stormwater systems and waste population projections from NSW mining/heavy industry and rural/residential As shown in the summary table (Table reporting region infrastructure such as landfills, which in turn Department of Planning (DoP). developments. 11), there was a decrease in the number 1996-2008 puts additional stress on the environment. In the reporting region, a particular of development consents and building Information supplied by the member Councils pressure is that of the rural small holding, approvals from 2007-08 to 2008-09 for Indicator – Median age regarding future major developments was where existing agricultural land is sub-divided the 14 local councils that reported in each used to generate estimates of employment to meet demand for smaller hectare residential year (thus the improvement trend for the Figure 17 Types of Median age of the population is another and the associated population impact under lots in an otherwise rural landscape, reducing environment). development consents Figure 16 Median age measure that needs to be considered in three scenarios namely: the available areas of primary production and Fifteen of the Councils reported that and building approvals of population in each relation to environmental impacts. A ‘young’ Scenario A – 100% of new mining, health- therefore increasing pressure on agricultural there were 3,909 development consents and across the region in LGA - 2001 compared population will have certain needs (e.g. new related and high technology jobs are land. building approvals given in 2008-09. Figure 2008-09 with 2006 schools, recreation facilities) whereas an assumed to be filled by people migrating This also requires provision of services such into the LGA. 50% of other new jobs are as waste collection and infrastructure such as assumed to be filled by people migrating water (tank or town), sewer/septic and roads. into the LGA with the balance being filled The interface between these areas may also by the existing workforce. cause noise and other complaints such as Bathurst Bathurst Blayney Blayney Scenario B – 50% of new mining, health- odour and air pollution. Bourke Bogan related and high technology jobs are Cabonne Bourke Cowra Cabonne assumed to be filled by people migrating Indicator – Extent of new road Dubbo Coonamble Cowra into the LGA. 25% of other new jobs are construction Gilgandra Dubbo City assumed to be filled by people migrating Lachlan Gilgandra Mid-Western Lachlan into the LGA with the balance being filled Indicator – Extent of road upgrades Narromine Mid-Western Oberon Narromine by the existing workforce. Orange Oberon Scenario C – 10% of new mining, health- These are new indicators and can be used to Orange City Warren Warren related and high technology jobs are gauge the extent of development experienced Warrumbungle Warrumbungle Wellington Wellington assumed to be filled by people migrating across the region. 0 10 20 30 40 50 into the LGA. 5% of other new jobs are In 2008-09, 15 of the participating Councils 0 200 400 600 800 1000 Median age assumed to be filled by people migrating reported that there was 46 km of new road Number

2001 2006 into the LGA with the balance being filled construction (local Council roads) and reported Commercial Industrial Other by the existing workforce (WRI, 2008). that 1,635 km of local Council roads had been Residential (including Rural Residential) Rural Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics upgraded.

58 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 59 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

17 shows that most of these consents and communities and also oversee the estimated to guide future developments away from The land has great significance to the approvals were for residential premises. $20 billion worth of local development that is important natural areas. The challenge for Aboriginal people for the role it plays in social determined each year. Councils will be to ensure that the information and political relations and the cultural con- Response On 31 March 2006, the NSW Government in the maps is recognised, reviewed and struction and transmission of knowledge, as There are a suite of planning tools that gazetted a standard instrument for preparing updated to include new areas as they are well as its spiritual values. In NSW, the inland Councils in the reporting region are using to new LEPs, also known as the LEP template. discovered and to ensure the sensitive areas rivers and surrounding areas that supported ensure that development is sensitive to the These plans across NSW will now use the are properly protected. the largest Aboriginal communities, had the environment. State Environmental Planning same planning language, making it easier for ESD principles are essential in managing most innovative societies and were the most Policies (SEPPs) deal with issues significant to communities to understand what is proposed and improving services and facilities within active traders of material goods and intellec- the State and people of New South Wales. for their local area. Councils are able to include urban centres and should include attributes tual property (Central West CMA, 2007). They are formulated by the Minister for localised planning objectives and provisions such as protection of the environment, culture, Until recently, Aboriginal objects (‘sites’) Planning and may be exhibited in draft form specific to their area, as well as determine community involvement, facility access, were narrowly defined. However, there is an for public comment before being gazetted as a zoning, additional land uses, heritage items, employment opportunities and human health increasing move to record locations that are legal document. and development standards such as height and safety. important to Aboriginal people, recognising LEPs guide planning decisions for LGAs. and minimum lot sizes. The greatest challenges in achieving linkages to the post-European settlement Through zoning and development controls, ESD in the region include conserva- period and the importance of contemporary LEPs allow Councils to manage the ways Future challenges tion of biodiversity on private and public places to them. b e l o w Aboriginal artwork in which land is used. LEPs are the primary Councils across the region have been provided land, and pressures on water resources A current list of Indigenous sites in the on road pylons planning tool to shape the future of with Environmentally Sensitive Area mapping where often any development is seen as reporting region on the State Heritage Register good development. The challenge here is indicates there are 27 recognised sites. maintaining a balance between keeping However, many ‘intangible’ sites and places towns and villages alive and being able to which have high sensitivity and significance to do it sustainably. Awareness of the issues Aboriginal communities may not be recorded surrounding ESD and the education of its with Government. principles to land managers and the wider Some of the sites include: community is a vital step in overcoming this Alectown Area future challenge. Burdenda Carved Trees Burra Bee Dee Reserve Issue - Management of Euromedah Carved Trees Aboriginal heritage Haddon Rig Carved Trees Kiriibilli Carved Trees Condition Louisiana Carved Tree The major Aboriginal groups in the Central Nagundie Archaeological Area West Catchment are the Wiradjuri, Narromine Carved Trees Kawambarai, Weilwan and Wongaibon. Small New Oakleigh Carved Trees groups include the Dharuk, Darkinung and Stockyard Park Carved Trees the Gamilaroi which has traditional lands that Tara Cave Area extend into the boundaries of the Central Terramungamine Reserve West Catchment (Central West CMA, 2007). The Springs Carved Trees The Western Catchment includes the Warren Carved and Scarred Trees Aboriginal language groups of Ngemba, Waterloo Carved Trees Wilyali, Nawalgu, Ngiyampaa, Gurnu, Yuranigh’s Grave. Barundji, Garanggaba, Baranbinya, Walywan, Yuwalari, Murrawari, Wanywalgu, Wadigali, Indicator – Number of Aboriginal sites on Wangkumara, Malyangaba, Bandjigali, AHIMS register Yawaalaraay, Gamilarray and Barkintji (Western CMA, 2007). The Aboriginal Heritage Information The Lachlan catchment is comprised Management System (AHIMS) register of of 13 Local Aboriginal Lands Councils and Aboriginal sites is managed by DECCW and eight different Aboriginal nations including includes those sites listed above. There were Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Wongaibon, Yitha Yitha, 263 sites registered on AHIMS from across the Dharug, Madi Madi, Gundungurra and Barindji reporting region in 2008-09 (no change from (Lachlan CMA, 2007). the 2007-08 figure).

60 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 61 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

Threat quantify in a general sense across the region, Case Study: Wellington Working Farms Project Restrictions as they may affect some heritage sites more Restrictions on Aboriginal people to practise than others. For several years, Wellington Council has supported the Community. Gallanggabang Aboriginal Corporation their rituals and ceremonies have a significant concept of developing a working farm on the outskirts of compiled this survey in 2008. impact on Aboriginal heritage. This may Response Wellington where youths are able to experience training The Committee is also liaising with the Wellington include loss of access to significant sites or Key responses include the listing of places and working on a real farm. The University of New Working Party which represents all Aboriginal Groups in places or lack of ability to carry out ceremonies and items with heritage values, legislative South Wales operates a property adjacent to Wellington the Council Area. The Nanima Village is an immediate and cultural activities. and planning controls to protect them, on the Macquarie River and in 2006 it was decided neighbour of the farm and cooperation in this area is and partnership programs to support to partner with Wellington Council in developing the vital. Site Degradation the involvement of Aboriginal and other concept of the Working Farm with emphasis on training The University has received significant funding in Environmental impacts from fire, natural communities in heritage conservation and for school students and youth at risk. order to establish a Groundwater Research and Training weathering and salinity can result in management. Council formed a Section 355 Committee with rep- Centre on the farm. This project will involve drilling detrimental physical impacts on heritage DECCW has also released draft guidelines resentatives from several organisations and community several bores in order to study groundwater systems. places and items and may cause permanent and proposed amendments to the National groups which now include UNSW, Wellington High Furthermore, UNSW were successful in obtaining a grant loss or damage. Likewise, vandalism and wilful Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 that will Schools, Barnardos, Department of Juvenile Justice, for a Box-Gum Woodland Stewardship Program which destruction or ignorance of location/signifi- strengthen prosecutions for disturbance or Burnside, Gallanggabang Aboriginal Corporation, Con- will involve the reforestation of a 65 hectare area of the cance can also result in permanent damage or destruction of Aboriginal heritage sites. The servation Agriculture and No-Till Farming Association farm. Community involvement in this project will be loss. suggested penalties now include a maximum (CANFA), Central West Catchment Management encouraged. penalty for a knowing offence of $550,000 for Authority (CWCMA), STIPA Native Grass Association, Best practice grazing management and rehabilitation Development an individual or $1.1 million for a corporation TAFE, and Community Representatives. of an area of the Macquarie River riparian zone are also This includes physical and aesthetic impacts and the maximum penalty for a strict liability The NSW State Government provided funding to among planned projects. from road works and road realignment, offence is $110,000 for an individual or develop a Strategic Management Plan in 2008. To date, Working Farms is a work in progress and still in its land clearing, unsympathetic alterations and $220,000 for a corporation. Wellington High School has commenced activities on early stages of development but has potential to provide additions and adjacent development. Further The Central West CMA has a funded the farm as part of its agricultural studies curriculum. a meaningful contribution to the Wellington Community impacts may occur from increased demand for Cultural Heritage program which seeks to Several hectares of crop were planted this year using and the region as a whole. tourism and recreation, particularly affecting improve management and knowledge of donated farming equipment from Chesterfield Australia. natural area heritage. Aboriginal heritage. The Aboriginal Reference The state of the art tractor included GPS steering and The Wellington Working Farms site with Director Technical Services Changes to land ownership can also Group (ARG), comprised of community the students enjoyed driving the tractor. Burnside and Owen Johns, The Hon Graham West MP and Councillor Tom affect heritage, as new landowners may not members across the catchment, has already Barnardos have also commenced utilising the farm Knowles (left to right) recognise heritage significance, and may undertaken the following projects: facilities to allow also change land use affecting heritage. For • Undertaken natural resource management youth at risk to example, clearing of land for cropping will training experience outdoor impact on sites of significance or change the • Prepared a schedule of fees for conducting time activities. local character of a place. cultural heritage assessment on private The Minister for property Juvenile Justice has Lack of Knowledge, Appreciation • Undertaken cultural heritage assessments recently provided and Recognition as part of a riparian improvement project additional funding We have lost a great deal of knowledge about • Assisted with development of the Cultural to investigate Aboriginal heritage, and this may cause a Heritage Incentive program, providing the feasibility of lack of appreciation and recognition of the funding for landholders to identify, protect utilising the farm importance of heritage items and places. There and preserve values and sites on their for court diversion is often a reluctance to acknowledge potential properties. activities. heritage sites as it is felt this may impact on One of the future land use. Thirty three projects were funded under this first tasks of the incentive in the last financial year. Nine were Committee was Inadequate Resources for non-Indigenous projects and nine were to carry out a Communities and Councils face a limit in the for a project, jointly funded by DECCW for cultural heritage resources available to protect, identify and cultural heritage mapping. survey to identify maintain heritage. This may include an inability The final fifteen went to private sensitive sites to respond to threats to heritage items or landholders to manage cultural heritage on particularly for the to conduct heritage assessments. It can also their property, which was a great outcome traditional owners cause neglect, whether known or unknown. for the region and a much desired aim of the in the Aboriginal Many of these pressures are difficult to incentive program.

62 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 63 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

The State Government also has Indigenous challenge but it is recognised that the biggest items and places listed on NSW statutory Threat land use agreements which allow for Native step is getting many landholders to stop registers, including the State Heritage Register Development Title claimants and the land users to agree to regarding heritage items as a threat to their and heritage schedules related to LEPs. Note Many of the same aspects of development management of the land prior to resolution properties and future land use. that some heritage places are listed on both such as land clearing, unsympathetic of a Native Title claim. This may include The CMAs recognise the connection national and State heritage registers. alterations and changes to land ownership, development activity, access agreements, Aboriginal people have with the landscape Table 13 provides a list of heritage items that threaten Aboriginal heritage also threaten extinguishment of native title and compensa- including land, water, vegetation and bio- and places included on both lists. A total of non-Aboriginal heritage. tion. The National Native Title Tribunal keeps diversity, and endeavour to have Aboriginal 1,618 items and places were listed in 2008-09 a register of current agreements, and while communities contribute to future NRM across the reporting region. Lack of Knowledge, Appreciation and there are eight in NSW (340 nationally), none planning for the catchments. Recognition are within the reporting area. Indicator – Number of heritage items on Non-Aboriginal heritage has not undergone Local Councils in the region reported that Issue – Management of non- National Trust Register the same level of depletion that Aboriginal they had liaised with Aboriginal communities Aboriginal heritage heritage has, however the same problems over several planning issues in 2008-09. They The National Trust of Australia is a commu- still exist with a lack of appreciation and also reported that eight Development Control Condition nity-based organisation with independently recognition of the importance of heritage Plans and rural strategies included actions Local heritage items constituted trusts in each State and Territory. items and places. related to the maintenance of Indigenous The National Trust Register is not the same Similar to Aboriginal heritage there is heritage. Indicator – Number of heritage sites as the National and State registers described often a reluctance to acknowledge potential The Lachlan CMA has endorsed and on the National Heritage List and NSW above. As such it provides another indicator heritage sites as it is felt this may impact assisted with the establishment of the Lachlan Heritage Inventory related to heritage across the reporting area. on future land use, although this is slowly Regional Aboriginal Reference Group. The As shown in the summary table (Table 11), improving as developers and property owners

group has engaged communities from The National Heritage List records places that there was an increase in the number of realise the aesthetic and economic value in b e l o w The historic throughout the catchment and includes are of outstanding heritage value to the nation. heritage sites listed on the National Trust owning, maintaining or utilising a heritage Havilah Church, Havilah, members from each of the Aboriginal The State Heritage Inventory comprises all Register from 2006 to 2008. listed property or site. Mudgee Region nations and Local Aboriginal Lands Councils. The Lachlan Regional Aboriginal Reference Table 13: Number of heritage items and places listed on Group operates in a consultative capacity by the National Heritage List and NSW heritage Inventory providing information and recommendations Number of heritage items Council to the LCMA board on Aboriginal cultural and places heritage in NRM (Lachlan CMA, 2006). Bathurst 274

Future challenges Blayney 141 As noted in the Threats section, education Bogan 7 and awareness is a key to developing a Bourke 40 greater sense of understanding and appre- Cabonne 60 ciation of Aboriginal heritage. Indigenous community involvement in projects, including Coonamble 11 the opportunity for volunteering, creates and Cowra 20 improves the sense of community for the area Dubbo 207 and is a key principle of the sustainability of Aboriginal heritage. Gilgandra 2 Securing additional funding and resources Lachlan 46 for mapping and identification work on both Mid-western 493 Council and privately owned land is another Narromine 27 Heritage is…‘Places, objects, customs and Oberon 43 Orange 128 cultures that have aesthetic, natural, historic Warren 5 or social significance or other special values for Warrumbungle 41 present and future generations’ Wellington 73 Total for the region 1,618 NSW Department of Heritage, 2008

64 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 65 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

Site Degradation Indicator – Heritage buildings Case Study – Warrumbungle Shire Community Halls Environmental impacts from fire, natural on statutory heritages lists Warrumbungle Shire’s draft LEP Heritage Schedule includes the weathering and salinity can result in that were demolished/ maintenance of 13 halls in the region that range from magnificent detrimental physical impacts on heritage destroyed Inter-War Free Classical and Inter-War Mediterranean style buildings places and items and may cause permanent to rustic halls constructed with timber frames and corrugated iron loss or damage. Likewise, vandalism and Indicator – Actions to protect cladding. wilful destruction or ignorance of location/ non-Aboriginal heritage items The buildings owned by Council and various local organisa- significance can also result in permanent tions are an important part of the community’s cultural heritage damage or loss. Indicator – Heritage buildings and reflect various building styles and community development on statutory heritage lists that over a period of more than 100 years as applied across a diverse Inadequate Resources are renovated or improved landscape. Communities and Councils face a limit in the The effective management of these halls which include historic resources available to protect, identify and These are new indicators community halls, memorial halls, Mechanics’ Institutes and Schools maintain heritage. This may include an inability introduced in 2008-09 and of Art, aims to encourage the community to be actively involved in to respond to threats to heritage items or provide a gauge of the level of the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage and ensures to conduct heritage assessments. It can also protection through management that Council can be seen taking leadership in the responsible cause neglect, whether known or unknown. of non-Aboriginal heritage management of the community’s heritage assets. Many of these pressures are difficult to items. Sixteen of the 17 Councils Conservation and restoration works for a number of the quantify in a general sense across the region, reported on all these indicators. buildings have been implemented in accordance with the guidance as they may affect some heritage sites more Councils reported that two set down in conservation documents. than others. heritage buildings across the A ‘Work For the Dole’ Team is currently undertaking such works region had been destroyed or on the Purlewaugh Mechanics Institute. Community organisations Response demolished in the reporting managing smaller halls have been provided with simple Conser- Development period. They reported that 22 actions (e.g. Issue – Noise pollution a b o v e Barking dogs are vation Action Plans that set out the requirements for effectively In order to list sites, heritage studies need to management plans) had been prepared in often a source of noise managing the buildings. be conducted to determine the location, sig- 2008-09 to protect non-Aboriginal heritage Condition complaints This program has created opportunities for positive dialogue nificance and value of the site or item. Many items. Sixty eight heritage buildings on Health Impacts between Council and the community in relation to heritage Councils in the reporting area have heritage statutory lists were renovated or improved Noise is a type of pollution that has direct management and has led to positive outcomes in the ongoing care officers appointed to coordinate studies and during the year. physiological and psychological effects on of our precious community halls. listing of sites, as well as providing advice on people. Noise can have a range of impacts individual development impacts. These officers Community education from minor annoyance to more serious also identify key areas that require protection Councils have also undertaken community damage to hearing. The Warkton School of Arts and seek funding for rehabilitation projects to education programs to increase the Some researchers now believe that improve long term management of the place. community’s awareness of the significance of a deafness in elderly people is not just a process Councils also have the authority to site or place. This includes interpretive signage of ageing but can be largely attributed to implement Development Control Plans (DCPs) on historic buildings or placing heritage orders long-term exposure to loud noise. When this which apply to areas or sites and provide an on a site or item. Warren Shire Council has occurs, irreversible physiological changes to additional level of protection for those areas. recently acquired funding for a Community the hearing mechanism of the ear can result. These are often applied to heritage towns and Based Heritage Study which is commencing In less severe cases noise can lead to anxiety, villages. from late 2009. sleeplessness, emotional stress and neighbour- For example, Blayney Shire Council hood disputes. Noise can cause impacts on implemented a DCP for the historic village of Future challenges sensitive land uses including residential areas, Millthorpe. This DCP requires new buildings As with Aboriginal heritage, community schools, hospitals and parks. to reflect the look and character of the village involvement on projects, including the (including materials, roof lines and colours). opportunity for volunteering, creates and Environmental Impacts LEPs can also be used to provide statutory improves the sense of community for the Noise also affects the habitat of some native protection. For example, Mid-Western area and is a key principle of the sustainabil- fauna species. This may include impacts on Regional Council has listed heritage conserva- ity of heritage. However, securing funding breeding cycles and a reduction in the number tion zones in Gulgong (also a National Trust for ongoing maintenance, restoration and of species in a locality (moving to avoid noise). listed town), Mudgee, Rylstone and Hargraves. improvement can often be difficult. Many Some types of fauna are more susceptible to The LEP provides some statutory protection to of the properties that are heritage listed are noise and vibration than others. For example complement listing on Local, State or Federal under no obligation to be maintained and can reptiles that rely on vibration as a primary registers. often quickly fall into disrepair. sense will avoid areas of particular noise wave

66 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 67 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Human Settlement

patterns or vibrations as they disrupt the ability and associated noise from increased housing Premises conducting scheduled activities to hunt and avoid predation. density. Intermittent and intrusive noises are required to hold an Environment include the ‘screeching’ of brakes, the use of Protection Licence through which DECCW can Indicator – Industrial noise complaints engine brakes on heavy vehicles, agricultural apply appropriate noise control conditions. received by Council machinery, industrial noise and acceleration Councils can control noise through conditions noise at traffic lights. Rail movements also determined by Council as part of development As shown in Table 11, there was little change provide intermittent noise, with many villages consent, issued under the planning legislation, in the number of industrial noise complaints and towns located on the rail lines. Noise from and through Notices or Directions issued received by the local Councils that reported barking dogs in residential areas is a concern under the PoEO Act. The PoEO (Noise Control) in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. Sixteen of the to the community and is the most common Regulation 2008 commenced on 1 March participating Councils reported that there type of noise complaint to Councils in the 2008 and addresses common noisy activities were 69 industrial noise complaints received in reporting region (see Figure 18). Domestic air that occur in residential situations. It limits 2008-09. conditioners and music, which are not always the time of day that noisy equipment (such on and therefore intermittent, are another as lawn mowers, stereos and leaf blowers) Indicator – Urban noise complaints source of noise that may have a psychological are permitted to be heard in neighbouring by Council impact on the residents of an area. residences. It also has provisions regarding motor vehicles (including noise limits) and As shown in Table 11 from those Councils Industrial Noise addresses noise from marine vessels. reporting in both years there was a large Complaints concerning the noise from Most Council-regulated potentially noisy increase in the number of urban noise machinery on commercial and industrial activities are not the subject of specific limits complaints from 164 in 2007-08 to 723 in premises are occasionally made to Council or controls. It is an offence under the PoEO 2008-09. This may reflect trends in increasing or the DECCW Environment Reporting Line. Act when noise is emitted from premises urbanisation, however, as it is a relatively Complaints are more frequent in cases where because of the occupier’s failure to maintain or large increase in complaints, another possible commercial operations are situated close operate plant. explanation is that better reporting and data to residences such as small neighbourhood Noise Control Notices or Noise Abatement

collection mechanisms for this indicator have shopping centres using external refrigera- Directions may also require emissions to be The Guide focuses on how to assess and a b o v e Industrial noise is been put in place. tion equipment, or where agricultural activity reduced or cease in certain circumstances (for manage the noise issues dealt with by Council another common form of As shown in Figure 18 most of the takes place close to residential houses. Some example, if offensive noise is being emitted officers, such as neighbour-to-neighbour complaint complaints relate to barking dogs. The total industries may also have the capacity to from certain premises). It is an offence not to problems and those resulting from commercial number of urban noise complaints from all operate on a much larger scale and therefore comply with the Notice or Direction. Nuisance or industrial premises. participating Councils in 2008-09 was 656. may have long reaching impacts. Noise from dogs and cats are covered by the Companion Importantly, the Guide is also aimed at agricultural activities and heavy industries Animals Act 1998 administered by the Minister planners. It outlines planning considera- Threat such as mining also has the potential to cause for Local Government. tions that can have a significant bearing on Figure 18 Type of urban Increasing Urbanisation significant impacts across a broader landscape. Transportation noise is handled by various prevention of future noise problems. The noise complaints received Increasing urbanisation leads to increases in The opening of a new mine in Mid-Western agencies, with aircraft noise exclusively a Guide is advisory in nature and Council officers by Councils urban and rural noise including traffic noise Regional Council area has seen noise impacts Commonwealth Government responsibility, are encouraged to use it to develop their increasing significantly in a previously quiet with the exception of aircraft on the ground procedures and policies to deal with noise rural village area. Although there were no at private or local Council-operated airports. issues relevant to local circumstances. Bathurst reported noise complaints to Council, there Rail noise and noise from the construction of Blayney Bourke were 323 complaints reported to the DECCW freeways and tollways is generally regulated by Future challenges Cabonne during the reporting year. licences issued by DECCW. Noise from general As industrialisation and urbanisation continue, Coonamble Cowra traffic on roads is managed by the Roads and especially in regional centres, there will be a Dubbo Response Traffic Authority (RTA) and councils. Noise from challenge to minimise intrusive and offensive Gilgandra Lachlan The PoEO Act, makes DECCW the appropriate individual vehicles is regulated by the RTA, noise. Of particular concern will be issues Mid-Western regulatory authority and therefore responsible police and DECCW. The maximum penalty for relating to barking dogs and to closer living Narromine Oberon for regulating noise from activities scheduled noise offences under the PoEO Act is $60,000 through medium and high density housing. Orange under the PoEO Act and for premises occupied for corporations and $30,000 for individuals, The interface between residential and industry Warren Warrumbungle by public authorities. Local Councils are largely plus daily penalties for continuing offences. may cause future noise problems. Wellington responsible for the management of noise in The Noise Guide for Local Government Another challenge is to ensure LEPs 0 50 100 150 200 250 relation to non-scheduled activities, with local aims to provide practical advice to Council take into account noise issues when land Number and type police also involved in neighbourhood noise officers in the day-to-day management of is rezoned, by providing adequate buffers Barking dogs Car & building alarms Other Sporting & entertainment venues matters. NSW Maritime enforces noise controls local noise problems and the interpretation of between primary production, rural small for marine vessels. existing policy and legislation. holdings and residential land zones.

68 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 69 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Waste

aste is caused by the disposal of products at the perceived end of their life, or simply Total waste indicates consumption patterns and the pressures placed on rural tips and when the user has no further need for them. Waste management has increased Bathurst primary landfills. Blayney As shown in the summary table (Table 14), Bogan rapidly in terms of the issues and activities that are now being undertaken by local Bourke W there was a slight increase in the average Cabonne Coonamble Councils to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment. total waste generated per person for 2008-09 Cowra compared with 2007-08 (for the nine Councils Dubbo Gilgandra Significant work has been undertaken within transfer stations and ongoing training of that reported in both years). From the 14 Lachlan Mid-Western the Region through NetWaste, a voluntary operational staff. There are 28 member Councils that reported, the average total Narromine regional waste group sponsored by the Councils in NetWaste, with all Councils waste generated per person for 2008-09 was Oberon Orange Department of Environment, Climate Change partaking in this report being members of 0.935 tonnes. As shown in the summary table Warren Warrumbungle and Water (DECCW). the group, along with a number of other (Table 14), for those Councils reporting in Wellington Through NetWaste, economies of scale surrounding Councils. both years, there was a large increase in the 0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 are achieved for member Councils through volume of total waste (excluding recyclables) Tonnes/annum regional contracts and projects. However, Issue – Waste generation taken to rural tips and transfer stations. The 2008 2009 Councils are also actively improving their and pollution total volume received at rural tips and transfer waste management practices on an individual stations from all Councils across the region in scale, such as converting small landfills to Condition 2008-09 was 11,598 tonnes. was an increase in the average cost of waste Figure 19 Total waste Solid Waste There was a significant decrease in the services to people across the region. From the received at primary landfill Table 14 Summary table of indicator trends – Waste Solid waste generated within the reporting area volume of total waste received at primary 16 Councils that reported in 2008-09, the by LGA Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend originates from the following general sources: landfills of the Councils that reported in both average cost of waste service to each person • Municipal: comprises general household years. The total volume of waste received at per year in the reporting region was $197. Waste Average total waste generated per 1.072 t 1.102 t waste and garden organics (including primary landfills across the region in 2008-09 Generation person per annum waste from the Councils’ kerbside was 215,837 tonnes. A breakdown of the Hazardous Chemicals Total waste collected at rural tips collections and waste taken directly to total waste received at primary landfills by Hazardous chemicals include common & transfer stations (excluding 5,971 t 8,164 t landfills by residents) LGA is provided in Figure 19. Comparing household and agricultural materials such b e l o w Illegal dumping at recyclables) • Construction and Demolition: includes the figures for 2007-08 with 2008-09, there as pesticides, herbicides, paints, cleaning Macquarie River, Bathurst Total waste received at primary 225,769 t 199,213 t waste from construction and demolition landfill activities generally associated with Average cost of waste service per $177 $190 development person per annum • Commercial and Industrial: includes waste Number of drums collected in from commercial activities in the area 99,822 88,551 DrumMuster collections including businesses and restaurants. Reduce Amount of office paper used by 26,969 19,893 Councils (A4 reams) This waste requires transport, recycling and/or Recycle Number of recycling services disposal which uses significant energy, as well 60 72 available as creating potential pollutants in the form of air and water pollution and greenhouse gas Volume of material recycled 15,834 t 21,044 t emissions such as methane. Noise pollution Littering and Annual volume of litter collected by may also occur at some landfills or from the 1,417 t 1,359 t illegal dumping streetsweeper transport of waste.

Number of illegal waste disposal 306 337 complaints to Council Indicator – Average total waste generated per person per annum Number of Clean Up Australia sites 83 98

Indicator – Total waste collected at rural improvement tips and transfer stations no or little change worsening trend Indicator – Total waste received at primary Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They landfill should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer Indicator – Average cost of waste service to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. per person per annum

70 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 71 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Waste

products, oils, car batteries and pharma- and Councils have a role in monitoring and increased from those Councils reporting in Response ceuticals. Chemicals have the potential to compliance of these discharges. both years. From 15 Councils that reported in cause significant local or regional impacts on 2008-09 there was a total of 364 complaints Case Study – Emissions from LandfillA ssessment both human health and the environment. Waste Management Facilities received. There are currently limited disposal options The various sources and types of waste The regional collaboration of NetWaste recently coordinated a available in the region, however irresponsible mentioned above are the reason Councils Threat project to investigate the greenhouse gas emissions being produced disposal of such chemicals can cause acute operate landfills and waste management Population and consumerism from Council landfills within the region in response to the Federal and devastating impacts upon the natural facilities. Treating waste and burying waste Ever-accelerating human consumption of Government National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) environment, particularly contamination in landfill has the potential to impact on natural resources lies at the root of many of and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The reporting of aquatic systems, land and ingestion by native vegetation and other aspects of the our global environmental problems. Current requirements are established under NGERS and the first reports for animals. environment. Waste management facilities consumption patterns stress limited natural registered entities are due on 31 October, 2009. It is anticipated Some Councils hold Household Hazardous can result in environmental impacts such as resources, contribute to global warming, and that waste facilities over certain thresholds will have both reporting Chemical Collections for residents, with a noise, odours, windblown litter, methane gas create wasteful and even toxic by-products and carbon permit implications. regional campaign coordinated through emissions, groundwater contamination, and that affect the quality of life and the health Hyder Consulting were engaged to undertake the project, NetWaste proposed to be undertaken in the erosion, sedimentation and weed infestation of communities around the world. Add with eleven of the Councils that are reporting in this Regional SoE latter part of 2009. Councils in the region are of adjacent waterways. Closed landfill sites global population growth to the mix, and it report participating in the modelling project. The project involved also active participants in the DrumMuster can pose similar environmental risks and land becomes increasingly clear how the health of modelling the greenhouse gas emissions from the nominated program, which provides a collection service instability. There are both operating landfills and the ecosystems we depend on for survival are landfills using a model consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel for agricultural chemical containers on an closed landfills across the reporting Councils. being compromised. on Climate Change (IPCC) First Order Decay Model. This model ongoing basis throughout the catchment. The Australia Institute’s Wasteful uses an equation to determine methane emissions released per Littering Consumption Report supports claims that not year by calculating emissions generated in the current inventory Indicator – Number of farm chemical One of the most obvious forms of pollution is only is waste generation at all time highs but year from the waste deposited in previous years. With the accuracy drums collected through DrumMuster litter. Apart from being unsightly and taking a wasteful consumption is of significant concern. of the modelling the project identified a range of issues such as collections long time to breakdown, litter can be washed That is, significant percentages of all goods climatic influences with individual Councils pursuing further investi- into waterways through stormwater systems purchased by Australians are not actually gation as required. As shown in the summary table (Table 14), where it poses a risk to aquatic life. utilised or consumed and end up as waste. It is An important outcome of the project has been reinforcement the number of drums collected through the expected this trend will significantly undermine of the importance for Councils to divert organics from landfill – DrumMuster program has dropped in the LGAs Indicator – Amount of litter collected by the increased recycling effort undertaken by the largest contributor to the generation of methane, to compost – that reported in both years. It is difficult to draw Council streetsweepers the government, community and business instead with regional options being pursued through NetWaste. assumptions for the reasons for the decline, sectors in NSW and nationally. however possible contributing factors may be From the Councils that reported in both years seasonal influences, which means less chemical there was a reduction in the volume Climate Change Waste management at landfill is used and physical drums requiring collection. of litter collected by Council streetsweep- As Australia grapples with its response to It could also be due to the fact that farmers ers (see summary table for details). However, climate change, there is a major concern with had already previously disposed of any stored this could also be a result of a lack of record waste placed in landfill sites. Every tonne surplus of drums and are now disposing of keeping throughout the year. The total volume of degradable waste dumped in Australia’s drums as they currently use the contents. of litter collected by streetsweepers from the landfill sites today will still be a greenhouse 15 Councils that reported in 2008-09 was gas liability in 2050. Liquid Waste 1,359 tonnes. The reason is that waste materials with There are currently a significant number of degradable organic carbon, including food, domestic and commercial premises throughout Illegal dumping paper, garden and wood wastes decompose the reporting area that rely on a septic tank and emit gas when buried in landfill. This arrangement for their effluent disposal. Indicator – Number of illegal waste landfill gas contains methane, which has a These premises are located where, due to the disposal complaints to Councils global warming potential 25 times that of unavailability of sewer mains, or for other carbon dioxide. site-specific reasons, a normal sewerage The number of complaints about rubbish service cannot be provided. These often occur dumping does not reflect the frequency of Indicator – Greenhouse gas emissions in small villages, remote communities and on incidents, nor the impact of illegal dumping. from landfill farms. Trade wastes are those liquid wastes However, it does indicate community produced by industry which are discharged to awareness of illegal dumping and the potential This is a new indicator. It was estimated that

sewer and may contain a range of pollutants impact that it may have on the environment. 129,934 t CO²e- of greenhouse gas emissions that require treatment prior to discharge. This As shown in the summary table (Table 14), were emitted from landfills of twelve of the action is licensed under the PoEO Act 1997 the number of illegal dumping complaints Councils from the region in 2008-09.

72 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 73 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Waste

legacy of landfill, up to 85 per cent of Australians generate more than 32 million Australia’s carbon budget in 2050 will tonnes of waste each year (Hyder, 2006). From be accounted for by waste and therefore this study, 42% is construction and demolition Most Avoidance unavailable for future wealth creating waste, 29% is commercial and industrial preferred activities. Even with existing measures such waste and 29% is municipal or household Reuse as the capture of landfill gas emissions, waste. Total packaging waste generated in Recycling waste could be a disproportionately large Australia is just over 4.2 million tonnes (National

component of Australia’s national emissions Packaging Covenant Annual Report, 2005-06) Recovery of energy in the future. This means that other sectors from commercial, industrial and household could have to exceed their emissions reduction sources. However, according to NetWaste, in the Treatment targets in order for the nation to meet its reporting region municipal solid waste fluctuated Containment global greenhouse obligations. The project from 51-80% of total waste and 18-25% was

undertaken by NetWaste (see Case Study) is a commercial and demolition waste. Packaging Disposal step towards addressing this future challenge. waste generated represents around 13% of Least the total waste stream within Australia, with preferred Issue – Waste treatment beverage packaging comprising less than three and disposal percent. Source: DSE, Victoria

Condition Lack of awareness ability. The first step is to reduce the amount Figure 20 Waste Avoiding the creation of waste is generally Lack of awareness of the hierarchy shown in of waste you need to dispose of or recycle by Hierarchy seen as the best strategy for dealing with the Figure 20 can be a major hurdle in minimising avoiding it in the first place. The second step problems it creates. Key responses to deal with the amount of waste going to landfill. is to reuse any materials before discarding waste include reducing the volume of waste Ongoing education programs and other or recycling. The third step is to recycle any reaching landfills, minimising the environmen- initiatives are required to raise awareness levels material that you can so it can be transformed tal impacts of waste facilities, and encouraging and encourage behaviours related to the top into another useable material. the development of new waste treatment and layers of the hierarchy. Only after the first three steps are recycling facilities. completed, should any leftover waste be Response disposed of to landfill. Reducing waste disposal Figure 20 outlines the hierarchy of avoid, reuse Education of local communities is an and recycle as a method of improving sustain- important part of waste management Indicator – Office paper used by Councils

As relatively large employers and community Case Study – Kerbside Recycling leaders, local Councils can be used as one Rollout in Mid-Western LGA indicator of changing office practices and Mid-Western Regional Council has rolled increased awareness to minimise the use of out blue-top paper and cardboard waste office paper. As shown in the summary table recycling bins for residents of Charbon, (Table 14), the Councils that reported in both Clandulla, Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos, a b o v e A Bin Your Butts This is based on a study by Centroc. Note that years drastically reduced their use of office as a first step in a sweeping recycling change campaign bin Bathurst Regional Council also had emissions paper – a reduction of 7,076 reams. The total for the region. of 30,400 tonnes in 2008-09. number of A4 reams used by 16 reporting This was a first ever kerbside recycling Councils was 27,648 A4 reams in 2008-09. pick-up for these residents who prior to Future challenges Centroc has produced a Council sustain- this, had to take all of their recycling to the As shown in the summary table (Table 14), there ability calendar which includes the use of Kandos Waste Transfer Station. is a worsening trend for the reporting region in double-sided printing as a method of paper The recycling program is being staged to generating waste. If, as expected the region’s use reduction. spread the cost and allow the region to grow population grows (see Human Settlement into the processing of additional recyclable chapter), there will be a future challenge to stem Threat material. The next step in the process is the this trend through a range of initiatives including Packaging roll-out of yellow top bins for plastic and education and improved recycling services. The increasing use of packaging by producers, glass which is expected within a year. Another challenge relates to greenhouse particularly in the last 30 years, means that gas emissions from landfills. Put simply, if consumers are left with waste that may, if they Mid-Western Regional Council recycling rollout action is not taken to stop the greenhouse do not recycle, end up in landfill.

74 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 75 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Waste

upgraded kerbside domestic recycling in the city allowing residents to separate recyclables Case Study – Waste 2 Art Bathurst from waste in the home and have these Every year the Waste 2 Art Exhibition is coordinated Gilgandra in May 2009. Over 150 artworks were Bourke collected from the house. The majority of by NetWaste throughout the region to encourage the received with the overall winner being Helen Standen Cabonne Councils provide recycling collection points concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, whilst changing from Parkes, whose work is shown below. Cowra Dubbo in smaller villages and localities to encourage attitudes about “rubbish” and what we throw away. The Gilgandra recycling, however the viability of offering number of entries has continued to grow every year with Lachlan such services is greatly affected by volumes of artworks of very high standards. Winning entry in 2009 Waste 2 Art competition: “Just hangin’ Mid-Western material and distance from major centres. Ten of the Councils reporting through the Regional waitin’ for a breeze”, constructed out of scrap metal, wire and Narromine Oberon Through NetWaste, Dubbo City, Wellington SoE participated in the recent exhibition held in an old clothesline Orange and Narromine Shire Councils are currently Warrumbungle investigating the possibility of introducing a 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 kerbside recycling service in their communities. Tonnes/annum

Waste Oil Tyres Steel cans Plastic Paper & cardboard Indicator – Number of recycling services Other/Not classified Metal - scrap/other Glass Batteries Aluminium cans available in each LGA

As shown in the summary table (Table 14), Figure 21 Type of throughout the region, to promote the for those Councils reporting in both years, materials recycled importance of avoiding the creation of waste the number of recycling services available in the first place, through activities such as increased from 60 to 72. Note that this trend purchasing items in bulk as opposed to single should be tempered with the fact that kerbside serve items and composting food scraps at collections have ceased in Narromine and home. It is however, equally important that Warren. The total number of recycling services appropriate services are in place to manage across the whole region in 2008-09 was 89. waste that is generated in the region such as This is the number of collection services across kerbside recycling services and efficient waste the region and gives some indication of the management facilities. availability of these services to residents. Many Councils such as Mid-Western, b e l o w Recycled Orange and Blayney have had kerbside Indicator – Volume of material recycled showerheads for recycling programs in place for some years. collection Bathurst Regional Council has recently As shown in the summary table (Table 14) the volume of material recycled increased across the Councils that reported in both years. This positive trend could have been due to the work of NetWaste and the Councils in raising recycling awareness in the community and the increase in the recycling services available. From 16 local Councils, the total volume of waste recycled was 26,047 tonnes in 2008-09. Note that Orange has a numvber of recycling contracts with surrounding LGAs. A breakdown of the type of materials recycled in 2008-09 is provided in Figure 21. This shows a large proportion of the material recycled is paper and cardboard. Other items that can be collected by kerbside recycling services include aluminium, steel and some plastics. Note that some Councils have not dif- ferentiated the type of recyclables in Figure 21. Education programs are an integral component of waste reduction and recycling. NetWaste implements several education

76 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 77 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Waste

Case Study – Groundswell Organics programs across the Councils and employs an an important role in educating people about Environmental Learning Advisor to design and the impacts of litter. In 2007, several Councils including Lachlan, the Wiradjuri implement programs targeting specific issues. NetWaste has developed regional and sub- Condobolin Aboriginal Corporation, the Palerang Agricultural A number of regional waste management regional waste management plans which work Society, Bettergrow Pty Ltd and the South East office of the programs are also implemented across the towards provision of services across several DECCW Sustainability Programs Division were granted $1.96 region through NetWaste, such as the e-waste Councils to ensure continuity and access to million from the NSW Environment Trust to prove the wider recycling program, to improve collection and resources in more remote areas. Further details economic viability of the “City to Soil” project. With organic recycling of electronic waste such as computers. of these plans are found at the NetWaste making up 40-70% of urban waste going to landfill made up Eleven of the Councils reporting through the website, www.netwaste.org.au. of organic material, the project was designed to show that high Regional SoE offered a collection service to their To attempt to reduce the impact of quality organic waste from urban communities can be collected, communities, with Bathurst Regional Council packaging, the National Packaging Covenant composted and used in agriculture with positive economic and en- now offering an ongoing service to residents was established in 1999. The Covenant is vironmental results for farmers. The project Groundswell, born from for the full range of e-waste material such as a voluntary initiative, by Government and this, is a three year project which aims to rebuild the rural-urban televisions, DVDs, power tools. Annual collection industry, to reduce the environmental effects of relationship by returning organic material from urban communities campaigns will continue to be held throughout packaging on the environment. It is designed to farmland. the region. However NetWaste is currently to minimise the environmental impacts arising Communities such as Condobolin were provided with City to waiting on the outcome of a decision regarding from the disposal of used packaging, conserve Soil wheelie bins, MaxAir Kitchen Top Bins and Biobags to collect an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) resources through better design and production their food scrap and garden waste. Prizes were also awarded to scheme for e-waste in the latter part of 2009. processes and facilitate the re-use and recycling those households who kept their waste free of uncompostable While there have been no large new landfills of used packaging materials. The Covenant items. An online blogsite was also set up to post photos and media built over the reporting year, many Councils establishes a framework for the effective life releases and keep the community up to date with the progression are improving the technologies at the local cycle management of consumer packaging of the project. landfill to minimise the impacts of those sites. and paper products that will be delivered The first batch of compost to be processed from the project was For example, methane gas collection has been through a collaborative approach. It aims to produced in early 2009 and will be used for a variety of purposes implemented at larger landfills servicing the achieve, with the help of all participants, a such as community gardens, farms and also sold back to the larger cities within the reporting area such as recycling target of 65% for packaging and no community and commercial nurseries. Orange and Bathurst. further increases in packaging waste disposed The feedback from the original City to Soil trial in 2004 showed Smaller Councils who do not have to landfill by the end of 2010. that when people knew their City to Soil collection was going to the population base to support high cost Companies, government agencies and farmers, they happily separate out their kitchen and garden waste, technology are also making changes, such Industry Associations sign the Covenant and and keep their City to Soil collection free from contaminants and as establishing Recovery Shops. Bourke and commit to certain responsibilities which things that don’t compost. Gilgandra are two examples of where this has contribute to achieve the Covenant Perform- More information can be found on the project blogsite: http:// happened, with these facilities providing an ance Goals and KPI’s. Anyone involved in the www.groundswellproject.blogspot.com/ opportunity for people to drop-off items that packaging supply chain is invited to sign the they no longer want, but are still in working Covenant. Lachlan City to Soil compost order and available for other people to All signatories to the Covenant recognise purchase. It is a great way to reuse items and that a co-operative approach between industry reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. and all spheres of government is essential to Recycling technologies are also continually achieve national consistency in the lifecycle

improving, and collaborations such as management of packaging and paper and cooperative contacts with other Councils, a b o v e Clean-up Australia NetWaste are able to assist Councils to utilise the implementation of sustainable kerbside through NetWaste. Day, Bathurst these as outlined in the Gilgandra Shire collection systems. A future challenge has arisen as a result of Council Fluorescent Tube Recycling program. The NSW Government is a signatory to the the closure of the CDEP recycling programs due Community involvement in waste activities Covenant as well as 700 companies, many to several towns in the reporting region being includes participation in Clean Up Australia of which sell their goods within the reporting classified as not being “remote”. CDEP was the Day. In 2008-09, fourteen of the participating region. main recycling provider for many towns such as Councils reported that there were 584 people Narromine, Nyngan and Warren, so there is a involved in community activities such as Clean Future challenges need for new recycling services to be provided Up Australia Day. These Councils report that Councils provide a range of waste collection in all areas across the region. 14 tonnes of rubbish were removed through services to the community. The level of Additionally, there has been a drop in the these activities. The activities not only provide services will depend on demand from, and monetary value of recycled material, making the community with the ability to make an potential cost to, the community, resources economic sustainability of recycling harder to impact on their local environment but also play and facilities available, and the presence of achieve especially for smaller Councils.

78 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 79 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Towards Sustainability

ustainability is a relatively new, yet extremely important, emerging issue that is particularly relevant to local Councils in the face of climate change. In the best Sdefinition for local Councils, sustainability can be seen as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is essential that it operates across the three spheres of the community; environmental, social and economic, and combine with governance, in a quadruple bottom line approach. Environmental sustainability can be defined as conserving natural resources so that the ecological processes upon which we depend are maintained both now and in the future. This Regional SoE report provides a platform for measuring sustainability initiatives across the region, while also providing a snapshot of current and future trends.

Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions impacted by National Greenhouse will play a significant role in the future, as and Energy Reporting System Councils are already faced with growing (NGERS) and the Carbon Pollution community concern and awareness of this Reduction Scheme (CPRS). issue as well as with increasing energy costs. Local authorities, which play Legislation is also predicted to be a big driver, a key role in leading by example, particularly for those Councils that will be need a sound understanding of sustainability so they are able to Table 15 Summary table of indicator trends - Sustainability reduce environmental impacts Issue Indicator 2007-08 2008-09 Trend and associated costs and improve the quality of life for their local Climate Annual electricity 51,997 MWh 47,061 MWh communities. Change consumption for Council mitigation facilities Key sustainability issues for all Councils include: Number of Council owned 873 864 • Adapting to and mitigating the facilities consuming electricity effects of climate change • Sustainable waste and resource Annual gas consumption 7,952,959 MJ 9,510,895 MJ management for Council facilities • Sustainable procurement Issue – Sustainable practices chemistry lab a century ago and more than a b o v e Farmer Michael Number of Council 89 82 • Ensuring land use planning and 300 manufactured chemicals have been Inwood from the Bathurst operated facilities development controls deliver sustainable Condition found in human bodies region, with support from consuming gas development locally Households • Australians are the second highest waste the Central West CMA Total fuel consumption of 3,794 ML 3,875 ML • Sustainable energy generation. Households are responsible for a significant producers in the world. We throw away to encourage on-farm Council’s heavy vehicle proportion of the resources we consume each 3.3 million tonnes of food a year - the innovation, has retrofitted fleet Community involvement is also a key year in NSW. As a result, the decisions we equivalent of a quarter of the nations food a commercially available Council facilities 12 143 component of sustainability. Councils regularly make about sustainability in the home can supply vehicle, by replacing a consuming Greenpower/ seek the input and involvement of their local make a real difference to our environmental • The average Australian household also petrol engine with a solar renewable energy communities by formal and informal means. impacts around the State. spends $1500 on energy bills each year. powered electric motor. Formal means include Council committees, • Australians are among the highest water 90% of that energy comes from fossil fuels Michael is shown here improvement surveys, responses to development ap- users in the world. Household water use such as coal, which creates greenhouse gas with his retrofitted ute, no or little change plications and other documents on public accounts for 70% of Sydney’s total water pollution and causes global warming and undertaking minimum till worsening trend exhibition. Informal means are participation consumption. Nationwide, households are climate change. practice, using a purpose- Note – the above trends are for data in 2007-08 and 2008-09 from the same sources. They rates in education programs and workshops, the second largest user of mains water (Source: DECCW website) built disc seeder should be read in terms of limitations outlined in the discussion below. Note also that there are discussions with Council staff and responses after agriculture some new indicators for 2008-09 for which no comparison could be made with 2007-08. Refer in local media. The CMAs also gain regular • The average home today contains more More data is required on the sustainability levels to the Appendix for Councils included in trend data. community feedback by similar means. chemicals than were found in a typical of households across the reporting region.

80 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 81 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Towards Sustainability

Agriculture seasons by utilising soil moisture at greater Indicator – Number of certified organic Case Study – The Great Compost Cook Off There are numerous definitions of sustainable depth than one based on annual species. producers agriculture. One that embraces environ- Provided adequate ground cover is Centroc has partnered with local vineyards to promote the benefits mental, economic and social aspects is that maintained, the potential for various forms This is a new indicator. Organic farming can be of composting across the region. The project began with a vineyard found in the Wollondilly Shire Council LEP: of soil degradation (rising water tables, sustainable and thus can provide an indicator from Mudgee being asked to trial making compost and write a ‘Sustainable Agricultural is the use of land salinity and soil acidification) are also of the move towards sustainable agriculture in report on its experiences. for agriculture, which can be maintained and reduced. Perennial pastures can also limit the region. It has now grown into a full scale competition between managed so that the land remains environ- nutrient run-off into streams, be more This is a new indicator. There were 42 vineyards from Mudgee, Orange, Cowra and Bathurst competing mentally sustainable (that is, environmental competitive against weed invasion, increase certified organic producers in the region in to make the best compost. Green waste from Councils had to be pollution and land degradation arising from soil carbon and improve soil structure, pasture 2008-09. used as a primary ingredient and the trial compost report from the use is minimised); socially sustainable (that composition and fertility. Mudgee was provided to all participating. is, land use conflict and loss of amenity of Perennial pastures have the potential to Threat Vegetables were then grown in the compost by local the surrounding area arising from the use is sustainably support high levels of livestock Awareness and acceptance community gardeners and schools and formed the basis of a minimised); and economically sustainable (that production, provided they are well managed Although it has been embraced by regional cook-off with chefs as part of an annual Compost Ball is, there is a capability of making a net farm and well matched to soils, aspect, topography, governments worldwide since the Rio Summit which celebrates compost and local produce. The final step in the b e l o w Sustainable profit from the use)’. climate and livestock enterprise (Central West of 1992, awareness and acceptance of the program has been the distribution of “Grow your own Compost” agriculture will play There are several ways that landholders in CMA, 2008a). need to move towards sustainability can be kits provided to home gardeners and wine makes with information a significant role in the reporting region can make agriculture more It is also important that there be a future a major barrier. Sustainability is a long-term on starting a compost heap or worm farm. mitigating and adapting sustainable. A well managed perennial pasture emphasis on “no till” practices and more cap goal and individuals and communities can find The aim of the project is to raise the profile of composting, to climate change has deeper roots and can survive on poorer and pipe projects in artesian areas. it difficult to move towards more sustainable and clean green vineyards, as well as promote the region as clean practices particularly when and green and deliver a successful and fun, co-operative regional faced with shorter-term project that will position the region for further funding. external pressures such as drought and global financial downturns. Regional Collaborations The development of regional collaborations is Response one way to move towards sustainability. Sustainable agriculture NetWaste is a regional collaboration between Central and Orana Regional Organi- Indicator – Extent of sations of Councils and sponsored by DECCW. sustainable farming NetWaste is focused on waste and resource initiatives undertaken management projects, including regional with CMA funding contracts, education programs, knowledge sharing and waste planning at both regional This is a new indicator. and sub-regional levels. NetWaste has The Central West CMA undertaken projects such as DrumMuster, reports that as a result of its “Butt It Then Bin It”, Community Sharps incentive funding sustainable Management, Household Chemical Waste farming initiatives have been Collection, Used Oil Recovery, Waste to Art undertaken across 324,818 and E-Waste Recycling. NetWaste coordinates hectares of the region. workshops for Councils, the community, business and schools, promoting waste Council sustainability reduction and recycling. Three of the local Councils Centroc is comprised of 16 member reported that they had Councils, and has undertaken a range of sustainability plans. Four projects to help with regional coordination of Councils said they integrated knowledge and resources across the Councils. sustainability into their This includes training programs, group project objectives. Four contracts and coordinating funding for collab- Councils reported that they orative projects. The Councils covered by this incorporated sustainabil- report under Centroc are Bathurst, Blayney, ity into Council plans and Cabonne, Cowra, Lachlan, Orange, Oberon instruments. and Wellington.

82 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 83 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Towards Sustainability

BOD Alliance: The larger Councils of As noted above, another challenge will be • Increased risk of fires leading to severe placing stresses on energy and emergency Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo have formed the development of sustainability indicators for damage to vegetation and quality of water water infrastructure. an alliance to improve cooperative sharing of households, businesses, farms and Councils in supplies knowledge, resources and projects across the the region. There will also be a challenge for • Increased evaporation reducing water Some of the predicted local impacts from three Council areas. One of the first projects Councils and their communities in developing supplies and water quality through, for changes to storm activity and rainfall include: for the Alliance has been the development of and implementing sustainability strategies example, blooms of blue-green algae from • Increased erosion leading to pest and the BOD Environmental Sustainability Action within the Integrated Planning and Reporting increase nutrient concentrations weed invasion Plan, which includes six management action Framework (see Introduction). • Drier soil leading to less vegetation and an • Increased chance of contaminants and plans in the areas of water, salinity, biodiver- increase in turbid run-off following rainfall pollutant being carried by stormwater sity, energy, waste and pollution. Issue – Climate change events • Erosion of watercourses leading to poor The Central West Salinity and Water • Changes in distribution of plant and animal water quality for aquatic species and Quality Alliance (Alliance) represents a Condition species resulting in less biodiversity drinking water supplies group of thirteen Councils in the Central West CSIRO recently provided evidence to show that • Putrescible waste rotting more rapidly and • Increased flooding of roads leading to that work collaboratively to address water climate change is occurring in Australia. requiring more servicing washouts quality and salinity issues using a whole- • Average temperatures in Australia rose • Outdoor venues requiring more shade • Increased damage to utilities including of-catchment approach. The goal of the 0.9°C from 1910 to 2004. There have been • Heatwaves resulting in dehydration and water supply, sewers and communications Alliance is to achieve real on ground Natural more heatwaves and fewer frosts heat stress, particularly among vulnerable • Increased erosion leading to poor Resource Management (NRM) outcomes, while • Since 1950, annual rainfall has declined sections of the community such as the aesthetics and recreational amenity developing policy within Local Government to on the eastern seaboard and in the south elderly and the very young • Increased overflow of stormwater channels ensure that NRM relevant issues are addressed. of the continent, but increased in the • Outdoor sporting events needing leading to flooding of private property The Alliance also builds on the capacity of northwest to be rescheduled • Increased safety risks from flash flooding Councils and the Community to understand • Since 1973, droughts have become more • More expense involved in keeping and flying debris the importance of managing and improving intense, and extreme rainfall events have buildings cool • Storm damage leading to problems and their environment. increased in the northeast and southwest • Changes to working hours and provision of delays in the supply of goods The Central West and Lachlan Local (CSIRO, 2007a). heat-protective clothing for outdoor staff • Increased maintenance costs from damage Government Reference Groups establish • More strain on emergency services such as to public buildings from wind, hail. formal and constructive relationships between The CSIRO report also predicted that in NSW fire fighting • Damage to vineyards, crops and other the councils and the Catchment Management by the year 2030: • A need to reassess risks to Council aspects of the landscape leading to

Authorities to enhance and promote strategic • It is likely to become warmer than it was • Increases in demand for energy and water, less tourism and significant impacts b e l o w Sunset over the and sustainable natural resource management in around 1990 increasing greenhouse gas emissions and on agriculture Central West (NRM) across the Central West and Lachlan • There will be more hot days over 35ºC Catchments. The Reference Groups recognise and fewer frost days below 0ºC the importance of Local Government in the • Annual rainfall is likely to decline management of natural resources, as a planner, • Rainfall runoff and stream flows manager and local community leader. This will be reduced collaboration ensures that there is a strategic • Droughts are likely to become more severe and long-term approach to NRM through • The risk of bushfires is likely to increase cooperative planning and on-ground action. • Extreme rainfall may become more intense Lower Macquarie Water Utilities in central and southeast NSW. Alliance represents a group of six Councils, within the Central West and Western Although climate change is a global problem, it Catchment Areas, who are commited to will have very different effects on a local scale. providing a unified approach to the sustainable Councils must be ready to find ways to adapt to delivery of water supply and sewerage the unavoidable impacts to infrastructure, biodi- services, and to achieve and maintain gazetted versity and the community. Some of the key Best Practice for Water Utilities. threats that the region may experience includes; a rise in annual temperatures and occurrence Future challenges of heatwaves, increase in bushfire and storm A future challenge will be the capacity of activity and reductions in precipitation. Councils to listen to and interpret community From the BOD Alliance’s Environmental aspirations in creating sustainability policies, Sustainability Action Plan (2007), some of as well as securing funding for ongoing the predicted local impacts from increased community education, rebates and programs. temperature and evaporation include;

84 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 85 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Towards Sustainability

Indicator – Number of Council owned Case Study – Roof Full of Rebates facilities consuming gas Bathurst Dubbo City Council, in a bid to educate Blayney Coonamble As with electricity, the use of gas provides the community about environmental Cowra an indication of contributions made by issues and how to adapt to pressures Dubbo Gilgandra Councils to greenhouse gas emissions. As such as climate change and the financial Lachlan natural gas generally has a lower carbon crisis, have installed a 3kW photovoltaic Mid-Western footprint, changes to the number of premises (PV) system on the roof of the Macquarie Narromine Oberon using electricity or gas could give potential Regional Library. Orange greenhouse emission reductions. With its high patronage from all Warren As shown in the summary table (Table 15), sectors of the community, the central Warrumbungle Wellington there was an increase in the use of gas at location of the library provides an ideal 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 the facilities of those Councils that reported opportunity to demonstrate renewable MWh in both years. Also, there was a decline in energy technologies and energy efficient

2008 2009 the number of facilities using gas from those practices. Councils that reported in both years. Completed in 2009, the 22m² roof In 2008-09, the total amount of gas generates approximately 6570 kWh per Figure 22 Electricity • Need for buildings designed and built to consumed by 10 reporting councils was annum with an estimated cost savings of consumption for Council appropriate standards to reduce liability 19,689,755 Megajoules. $1077 per year and a reduction of 6.5 facilities • Provision of increased resources for tonnes of CO2 per year. emergency response Indicator – Total fuel consumption of The installation was accompanied by • A need to reassess the risks to Council. Council’s heavy vehicle fleet an education program about solar energy and current household rebates. Council Threats As with electricity and gas consumption, heavy also ran a successful rebate program for Energy Consumption vehicle fleet fuel use is a significant source of residents encouraging them to install PV greenhouse gas emissions. systems on their homes. Indicator – Annual electricity consumption As shown in the summary table (Table 15) for Council facilities there was little change in the amount of fuel Solar panels on Maquarie Regional Library – consumed for heavy vehicles by Councils that Dubbo Branch Indicator – Number of Council owned reported in both years. In 2008-09, 13 councils facilities using electricity in the region reported that they use 4,649 ML of fuel. emissions. For example, Bathurst Regional • Milestone 3: Develop and adopt a local As one of the highest source of greenhouse Council has recently established an internal greenhouse action plan to achieve emission gases that Councils have a direct impact on, Increases in extreme events and weather Climate Change Committee, reflecting reductions electricity consumption is an area for priority Increases in the intensity of rainfall events growing community concern regarding • Milestone 4: Implement greenhouse gas action. Note that the region is a large producer could increase both flash flooding and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse action plan and quantify benefits of black coal and there is a heavy reliance on the strains on water infrastructure such as emissions through efficiency. Work has • Milestone 5: Monitor and review action coal for electricity. sewerage and drainage systems, particularly focused on energy efficiency such as building plan and highlight the effective work done As shown in the summary table (Table 15), in population centres. and street lighting reviews, landfill gas capture in reducing emissions and saving money the amount of electricity consumed by those For example, climate change may double and purchase of green energy for Council • CCP Plus: Advanced greenhouse reduction Councils that reported in both years increased flood-related damages in population centres assets (BOD, 2007). initiatives through a suite of actions such as from 2007-08 to 2008-09. This worsening trend of NSW (CSIRO, 2007a). Dubbo City Council has addressed many advancing action projects, organisational happened even though the number of Council- Regardless of changes in such extremes, areas of concern through the Cities for reviews and planning and review. owned facilities using electricity declined. higher temperatures and lower average Climate Protection Program, achieving all The total amount of electricity consumed rainfall is likely to lead to increased pressure five milestones in the program and achieving This has allowed Council to set targets for at facilities run by the 11 reporting Councils on urban water and energy supplies, unless recognition of completing extension activities. greenhouse gas emission reduction for in 2008-09 was 53,327 MWh. moderated by demand management measures The milestones Dubbo Council has successfully both Council’s own activities and also for A breakdown of the electricity used in its (CSIRO, 2007a). completed include: the community (BOD, 2007). The current facilities by reporting Councils is provided in • Milestone 1: Establish an inventory and corporate goal is a reduction of 35% per Figure 22. Response forecast for key sources of greenhouse capita on 1998 levels by 2010 - equivalent Climate Change Mitigation emissions for Council and community to 25.5% reduction. The community goal is Indicator – Annual gas consumption for Several Councils across the region are imple- • Milestone 2: Set goals to effectively reduction of 20% per capita on 1998 levels by Council facilities menting actions to reduce greenhouse gas reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2010 – equivalent to 8.5% reduction.

86 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 87 Water Regional State of the Environment Report Towards Sustainability

Indicator – Council facilities using Most of the research for this project is team. This should include a climate change As far as roles are concerned, Council Greenpower/renewable energy being undertaken in the Macquarie Marshes management approach to cover adapting to can be: (CSIRO, 2007a). and mitigating the future impacts of climate • a provider where the strategic objective The conversion to Greenpower is one way that The Central West CMA is also leading change. falls within its area of responsibility Councils can reduce greenhouse gas emissions a research project in conjunction with the Councils are a major consumer of energy • a facilitator where help can be given to at their facilities. As shown in the summary Australia National University and the CSIRO to so reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions others table (Table 15), there was an increase in the develop an integrated catchment model for is one of the key steps to mitigating climate • an advocate by speaking up on behalf of number of facilities using Greenpower from 12 the Macquarie River. change. Councils can reduce the carbon the community. in 2007-08 to 143 in 2008-09 by the Councils This model will be used as a decision footprint of their LGA by focusing on cutting that reported in both years (140 of these support system to assist in making informed emissions within the Council corporate and A major future challenge, for industry and facilities are in Orange City). managed decisions about catchment also educating the community on how to cut other organisations across the region will be management in response to climate change their own emissions. responding to the introduction of the CPRS (at Climate Change Adaptation (CSIRO, 2007a). One of the key sources of greenhouse gas the time of writing it was unsure of the form The NSW Government’s Climate Change Impacts emissions is the decomposition of organic the CPRS will take). and Adaptation Research Program is supporting Future challenges waste in landfill. Future Council activity, Another future challenge will be for b e l o w Roadside Remnant a project with DECCW to research the likely Sustainability needs to be incorporated into together with their local community, within communities across the region to adapt to the Box-Gum Woodland impacts of climate change on inland aquatic the core business mechanisms for all sections this area can achieve rapid and significant possible climate change scenarios described White Rock Road Bathurst ecosystems of outstanding biodiversity value. of Council, not just the environmental reductions in emissions. above.

88 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 89 References Regional State of the Environment Report

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009) CSIRO (2007b) Climate Change in the Lachlan DLG, 1999, Environment Guidelines, State Murray Darling Basin Committee (2007). Population and Community Profile Catchment. Prepared by CSIRO for the of the Environment Reporting for Local Sustainable Rivers Audit: Implementation Census data 2006 and population NSW Government. Available at Government. Promoting Ecologically Period 2 (2005–06) Summary Report. projections 2008. Available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climate Sustainable Development www.abs.gov.au change Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council Department of Infrastructure, Planning and (1999) The Murray Darling Basin Salinity Australian Greenhouse Office (2003). Climate CSIRO (2007c) Climate Change in the Natural Resources (2005) Costs of Urban Audit: A 100 year perspective. CSIRO Change – An Australian Guide to the Western Catchment. Prepared by CSIRO Salinity. Local Government Salinity Land and Water Division Science and Potential Impacts (edited for the NSW Government. Available at Initiative. by Barrie Pittock). Available from www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climate NSW Government (2005). Catchment Department of Climate Change, change Department of Sustainability and Environment Management Authorities: An Overview. www.climatechange.gov.au/science/ (2009) Available at: http://www.dse.vic. Available from www.cma.nsw.gov.au guide Department of Climate Change (2009) gov.au/dse/index.htm Australia’s Biodiversity and Climate NSW Government (2006) NSW State of the The Australian Institute (2005). Wasteful Change: A strategic assessment of the European Communities (2008) The economics Environment Report 2006. Department Consumption in Australia, Clive vulnerability of Australia’s biodiversity of ecosystems and biodiversity – an of Environment, Climate Change and Hamilton, Richard Denniss, David Baker. to climate change. Available at: interim report, Available at http://www. Water. Discussion Paper No 77. http://www.climatechange.gov.au/ ufz.de/data/economics_ecosystems _ impacts/pubs/biodiversity-vulnerability- biodiversity8717.pdf NSW Audit Office (2006) Regulating the BOD Alliance (2007) Environmental Sustain- assessment.pdf Clearing of Native Vegetation. Available ability and Action Plan, prepared for Goldney, D, Kerle, A and Fleming, M (2007) from www.audit.nsw.gov.au Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Alliance of Department of Environment and Climate Threatening Processes – Status of Councils, 2007, Ecolens. Change (2008). What is Biodiversity? vertebrate fauna and their habitats. Regional State of the Environment Report, Available from Greater Central West Region of NSW, Bureau of Meteorology (2009) Rainfall and www.environment.nsw.gov.au Humphries, E.J., (2000). Report Summary 2007-2008 Supplementary Report, Temperature Data. Available at Salinity Risk Assessment of the Central Ecolens www.bom.gov.au Department of Environment and Climate West Catchment. A joint initiative of the Change (2006). State of the Central West Catchment Management Royal Society (2001) The role of land carbon Central West Catchment Management Environment. Available from Committee, the Department of Land sinks in mitigating global climate change. Authority (2008a) Catchment www.environment.nsw.gov.au.soe/ and Water Conservation and the Natural Policy document 10/01, July 2001, UK. Information. Available from soe2006 Heritage Trust, Central West Catchment www.cw.cma.nsw.gov.au Management Committee Waters and Rivers Commission, (1998) Department of Environment, Climate Change Water Facts 7, Government of Western Central West Catchment Management and Water (2009) Environmental Issues: Hyder (2006) Waste and Recycling in Australia, Australia.Available at Authority (2008b) Annual Report for Air quality. Available at http://www. National Packaging Covenant Annual http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/1/ 2007-2008. Available from environment.nsw.gov.au/air/index.htm Report 2005-06 Caring/Useful_Factsheets/wf_07_ www.cw.cma.nsw.gov.au watercycle.pdf Department of Primary Industries (2009) Lachlan Catchment Management Authority Central West Catchment Management Pests and Weeds Management: Noxious (2008). The Catchment. Available from Western Catchment Management Authority Authority (2007) Central West weeds declaration database. Available at: www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au (2008) Our Catchment. Available from Catchment Catchment Action Plan http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/ www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au 2006-2016 pests-weeds/weeds/noxweed Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (2007) Annual Report 2006-2007. Western Catchment Management Authority, CSIRO (2007a) Climate Change in the Central Department of Primary Industries (2008). Available from (2007). Western Catchment Action Plan West Catchment. Prepared by CSIRO Weed Information for Schools. Available www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au 2006-2016. Available from for the NSW Government. Available at at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climate Lachlan Catchment Management Authority change Department of Primary Industries (2007). (2006) Lachlan Catchment Action Plan. Western Research Institute (2008) Centroc Pest Animal Survey. Available at Available at Population Projections www.dpi.nsw.gov.au www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au

90 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 91 Appendix – Data contributed by Councils Regional State of the Environment Report Warrumbungle Mid-Western Coonamble Wellington Narromine Gilgandra Cabonne Bathurst Blayney Lachlan Oberon Orange Warren Bourke Dubbo Cowra Bogan

Issue Sub-Issue Indicator Unit of Measure LAND Land Degradation Contamination Contaminated land sites Number l l l l Contaminated land sites - potentially contaminated sites Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Contaminated sites rehabilitated Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Erosion Erosion affected land rehabilitated Location & sq km l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Salinity Salinity affected land rehabilitated Location & sq km l l l l l l l l l l l l AIR Air Pollution Air quality complaints to Council Number of complaints l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Air quality complaints to EPA Pollution Line Number of complaints l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Industrial Pollution Premises reporting to National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) No. of facilities reporting l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Odour Odour complaints received by Council Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Odour complaints received by EPA Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Urban Air Pollution Air quality testing results Annual exceedances of PM 10 l WATER Water Quantity Council Water Consumption Irrigated council managed parks, sportsgrounds, public o Hectares (Ha) l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Treated water used by Council for irrigation Megalitres l l l l l l l l l l l l l Untreated water used by Council for irrigation Megalitres l l l l l l l l l l l l l Surface & Ground Water Extraction Actual volume extracted through surface water licences Gigalitres (GL) Town Water Consumption Annual consumption (Total from WTP) Megalitres l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Annual metered supply Megalitres l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Average annual household use Kilolitres per household l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Total number of serviced properties Raw number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Water Quality Industrial/Agricultural Pollution Erosion & Sediment Control complaints received by Council l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Load Based Licencing volume Total volume of pollutants l l l l l l l l l l l l No. of trade waste approvals Number in last year l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Total volume of trade waste discharged to sewer ML l l l l l l l l l l % Effluent reuse & location of reuse l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Stormwater Pollution No. of participants involved in stormwater education programs Number of participants l l l l l l l l l l l l l Number of gross pollutant traps installed Total number of GPTs currently l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l installed Total catchment area of GPTs Hectares l l l l l l l l l l l l Volume of litter collected in GPTs Tonnes l l l l l l l l l l l % samples exceeding ANZECC Surface & Ground Water Quality E.coli l l l l l l l l l l l l l guideline Total Nitrogen l l l l l l l l l l l l l Total Phosphorus l l l l l l l l l l l l l Town Water Quality Drinking water complaints l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Drinking water guidelines not met Number of instances l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Waste water treatment Septic related complaints Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l BIODIVERSITY Habitat Loss Area of National Parks in LGA Hectares l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Area of State Forest in LGA Hectares l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Proportion of Council reserves that is Council Reserves - bushland/remnant vegetation Hectares l l l l l l l l l l l l bushland/remnant vegetation Habitat areas revegetated Hectares l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Threatened species Fish restocking activities Number & list of species l l l l l l l l l l l l Invasive Species Noxious weeds extent l l l l l l l l

92 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 93 Appendix – Data contributed by Councils Regional State of the Environment Report Warrumbungle Mid-Western Coonamble Wellington Narromine Gilgandra Cabonne Bathurst Blayney Lachlan Oberon Orange Warren Bourke Dubbo Cowra Bogan

Issue Sub-Issue Indicator Unit of Measure HUMAN SETTLEMENT Population & Settlement Urban/Industrial Expansion Landuse conflict complaints Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Patterns New road construction km l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Number of development consents and building approvals l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Road upgrades l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Noise Pollution Industrial Noise Noise complaints received by Council l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Urban noise Noise complaints received by Council l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Management of Non-Aborigi- Identification Locally listed heritage items Number and type l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l nal Heritage Heritage buildings on statutory heritage lists that are Construction & Development Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l demolished/degraded per year Actions to protect non-aboriginal heritage (including Management Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l management plans) Heritage buildings on statutory heritage lists that are renovated/ Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l improved per year WASTE Tonnes/annum (Compare to Waste Generation & Disposal Average total waste generated per person l l l l l l l l l l l l l l national average) Total waste collected at rural tips & Tonnes/annum l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l transfer stations (exc recyclables) Total waste received at primary landfill Tonnes/annum l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Value of waste service per annum $ Per household l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Emissions from landfill t CO2e- l l l l l l l l l l l l Hazardous/Liquid Waste Drummuster collections No. drums &/or tonnes l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Waste Pollution Reduce Office paper used by Council l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Recycle Recycling services available in each LGA inc private collections Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Littering Annual Volume of litter collected by streetsweeper Tonnes l l l l l l l l l l l l l l No. of attendees at events/ no. Community waste activities e.g. Clean Up Australia Day etc. l l l l l l l l l l l l l sites registered i Illegal dumping Illegal waste disposal complaints to Council Number & tonnes l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable Practices Sustainable agriculture Certified organic producers Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Council & community sustainability Council sustainability plan? Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l l l Sustainability outcomes integrated into project objectives? Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l l Sustainablity incorprated into Council plans/instruments? Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l l Climate Change adaptation/mitigation in Council plans/ Climate Change Mitigation Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l instruments? Council plan focused on Climate Change adaptation/mitigation? Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l l Council projects with Climate Change adaptation/mitigation Yes/No l l l l l l l l l l l l objectives? Annual electricity consumption for Council facilities MWh l l l l l l l l l l l Annual gas consumption for Council facilities Gigajoules l l l l l l l l l l No. of Council owned facilities consuming electricity Number l l l l l l l l l l l l No. of Council owned facilities consuming gas Number l l l l l l l l l l l l l Total fuel consumption of Council’s heavy vehicle fleet Total Kilolitres per annum l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Denotes those Councils that were compared in the trend analysis for these indicators

94 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 2008-2009 Comprehensive Report 95