Lake William Hovell
Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 CONTENTS
Executive Summary 4 3.4 Boating 11 1. Introduction 5 3.4.1 Key Issues 11 3.4.2 Objectives 11 1.1 Objectives of this Plan 5 3.4.3 Actions 11 1.2 Plan Context 5 3.4.4 Stakeholders 11 1.2.1 Vision for Lake William Hovell 5 3.5 Fishing 12 1.2.2 Storage Operations 5 3.5.1 Key Issues 12 1.2.3 Legal Status 5 3.5.2 Objectives 12 1.2.4 Land Status 5 3.5.3 Actions 12 1.2.5 Plan Area 5 3.5.4 Stakeholders 12 1.2.6 Management Roles and Responsibilities 5 3.6 Emergency and Safety Management 12 2. Plan Implementation and Raising Awareness 6 3.6.1 Key Issues 12 3.6.2 Objectives 12 2.1 Lake William Hovell Plan 3.6.3 Actions 12 Implementation Group 6 3.6.4 Stakeholders 13 2.1.1 Key Issues 6 4. Environment 14 2.1.2 Objectives 6 2.1.3 Actions 6 4.1 Flora and Fauna 14 2.1.4 Stakeholders 6 4.1.1 Key Issues 14 2.2 Community Education and Awareness 6 4.1.2 Objectives 14 2.2.1 Key Issues 7 4.1.3 Actions 14 2.2.2 Objectives 7 4.1.4 Stakeholders 14 2.2.3 Actions 7 4.2 Invasive Species 14 2.2.4 Stakeholders 7 4.2.1 Key Issues 14 2.3 References 7 4.2.2 Objectives 14 4.2.3 Actions 14 3. Recreation and Tourism 9 4.2.4 Stakeholders 15 3.1 Tourism and Economic Development 9 4.3 Water Quality 15 3.1.1 Key Issues 9 4.3.1 Key Issues 15 3.1.2 Objectives 9 4.3.2 Objectives 15 3.1.3 Actions 9 4.3.3 Actions 16 3.1.4 Stakeholders 10 4.3.4 Stakeholders 16
3.2 Public Facilities and Infrastructure 10 5. Cultural Heritage 17 3.2.1 Key Issues 10 5.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 17 3.2.2 Objectives 10 5.2 European Heritage 17 3.2.3 Actions 10 5.2.1 Key Issues 17 3.2.4 Stakeholders 10 5.2.2 Objectives 17 3.3 Camping 10 5.2.3 Actions 17 3.3.1 Key Issues 10 5.2.4 Stakeholders 17 3.3.2 Objectives 10 3.3.3 Actions 11 3.3.4 Stakeholders 11
2 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 6. Land Management 18
6.1 Fire Management 18 6.1.1 Key Issues 18 6.1.2 Objectives 19 6.1.3 Actions 19 6.1.4 Stakeholders 19 6.2 References 19
Appendix A – Overview of Storage Operations 20
Appendix B – Storage and Catchment Map 21
Appendix C – Agency Roles and Responsibilities 22
Appendix D – Agency Quick Reference Guide 25
Appendix E – Community Consultation Summary 27
Appendix F – Summary of Actions 28
Lake William Hovell is a peaceful and well-kept place where visitors can enjoy the natural environment of this effectively functioning water storage.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Lake William Hovell is situated in north- Community interaction is a prominent The development of this Plan has eastern Victoria and was formed by the element associated with the been supported and informed by an damming of the King River. The lake, management of water storages, and extensive community and stakeholder named after explorer William Hovell, the management of public recreational consultation process, which included is 18 kilometres south of Cheshunt and use of irrigation storages is a challenge community forums, surveys, focus groups is bordered to the east by the Alpine for Goulburn-Murray Water. Planning, and interviews. Ongoing stakeholder National Park and to the west by State management and resourcing of engagement for the implementation of Forest. It supplies water for irrigated land and on-water issues has in the this Plan will be facilitated through the crops, vineyards and grazing properties past tended to be reactive rather involvement of the Lake William Hovell along the King River from Cheshunt than proactive, with no integrated Implementation Group. to Wangaratta. The storage is also an overarching plans for the management important tourism and recreation of land and on-water issues. This is This Plan is a dynamic document and asset in north-eastern Victoria, being a currently being addressed through will continue to evolve as the various popular recreational asset utilised by the development of Land and On- actions and strategies that it identifies locals and tourists for a diverse range Water Management Plans for all of are developed and implemented. of activities including boating, fishing, the Goulburn-Murray Water storages. It is proposed that this Plan will be canoeing, swimming, bushwalking Each Plan is being developed through reviewed every five years. and picnicking. an extensive process of engagement with communities to ensure the Plans Construction of the earth and rockfill have strong community support for dam was completed in November 1971. their implementation. At capacity, Lake William Hovell holds 13,710 megalitres and has a water This Lake William Hovell Land and surface area of 113 hectares. The storage On-Water Management Plan aims to catchment area is 331 square kilometres identify and protect important values and generates an average annual associated with the waterways by flow of 320,000 megalitres. The full outlining priority land and on-water supply level is 408.12 metres AHD. The management issues and identifying key storage embankment is an earth and actions to be implemented over the rock fill structure of length 357 metres next five years. Most importantly, this and height 35 metres. Releases occur Plan aims to increase communication, through either the cone value or power consistency, coordination and station. The ‘flip bucket’ spillway is a cooperation between agencies, special feature of the storage. The water stakeholder groups and the community level in the lake can vary considerably. to protect the values and attributes of the Lake William Hovell storage.
4 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objectives of 1.2 Plan Context 1.2.4 Land Status this Plan 1.2.1 Vision for Lake William Goulburn-Murray Water owns and Hovell manages the lake bed plus a narrow The main objectives of this Plan are to: strip of land (generally 200 metres Lake William Hovell is a peaceful and in width) immediately surrounding the • Recognise the diverse range of well-kept place where visitors can waterway. The majority of the values and uses associated with enjoy the natural environment of this Lake William Hovell catchment is the storage. effectively functioning water storage. forested Crown Land, which is used
• Provide a strategic framework for for water harvesting, timber production 1.2.2 Storage Operations management of the storage. and recreation. The primary purpose of Lake • Identify important social, economic 1.2.5 Plan Area William Hovell is to provide water and environmental issues, and to downstream communities and develop a series of actions to address The geographic scope of this project consumptive users. Its operational and these issues to be implemented over is limited to the lake, the foreshore management costs are funded by water the next five years. and the surrounding areas. Appendix tariffs charged to Goulburn-Murray B illustrates the Lake William Hovell • Positively influence the management Water’s wholesale and retail customers. catchment area. of development pressures around Any operational decisions, including the storage to protect natural and water levels and release patterns, Direct management control of water cultural values, through agreement must consider the potential effects on authorities is limited to areas of lake with other Government departments downstream users. bed and foreshore public land. While and agencies. this Plan focuses on the waterways and This Plan cannot make any specific foreshore areas, it also aims to positively • Protect the long-term quality of decisions regarding the management of influence activities that could impact the water resource for local and water levels in the storage. Operational on the waterways, the adjacent land downstream users. issues, including storage levels and areas surrounding the storage, and the expansion of the existing storage, are broader catchment. An additional objective is to ‘bigger picture’ questions beyond the achieve general acceptance of the scope of this Plan. For reference, a brief management recommendations and overview of storage operations 1.2.6 Management Roles and responsibilities by key stakeholder is included as Appendix A. Responsibilities and community interest groups. This will be accomplished through 1.2.3 Legal Status A number of agencies play a role in a comprehensive stakeholder and the management of land and water community consultation program This Plan has no legal status. It will issues for Lake William Hovell. Current and technically robust and defensible not impose any new legal or statutory management roles and responsibilities processes used in the preparation of requirements. However, through are summarised in Appendix C. A quick this Plan. influencing policy, it may lead to future reference guide for the lead agencies changes in legislation that will assist in responsible for managing land and on- meeting the objectives of this Plan. water management issues is provided in Appendix D.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 5 2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND RAISING AWARENESS
The isolated nature of Lake William 2.1 Lake William Hovell 2.1.1 Key Issues Hovell raises issues for community involvement in an ongoing Plan Implementation Limited communication and effective implementation group. Group partnership between agencies for the implementation of this land and on- Stakeholders and community The Lake William Hovell Plan water management plan. members consulted during the Implementation Group will play development of this Plan expressed an important role in enabling the 2.1.2 Objectives support of an implementation group local community and various user but no obvious model for community groups to have ongoing input into To establish a Lake William Hovell Plan representation emerged during the implementation of the actions Implementation Group to advise on consultations. identified in this Plan and a vehicle the implementation of this Plan, and to to ensure the identification and ensure that activities on and around the Lake William Hovell services the management of new issues should lake are consistent with other strategies, community in two primary ways: they arise. policies and plans.
• By regulating the flow of water in The Implementation Group will: 2.1.3 Actions the King River, downstream users derive economic benefit from • Assist with the implementation and 1. Establish a Lake William Hovell Plan irrigation and provision of water for monitoring of actions in the Plan. Implementation Group to guide urban use. Goulburn-Murray Water the implementation of the Plan has responsibility for maintaining • Engage representatives from and communicate the priorities the storage to deliver this benefit. community groups; including in the Plan. the Indigenous community and • By providing a variety of other recreational users, adjacent 2.1.4 Stakeholders recreational opportunities, Lake landowners and licence holders William Hovell benefits the to provide input into the Goulburn-Murray Water, Wangaratta community by contributing to implementation of actions. Rural City Council, Parks Victoria and community health and wellbeing community representatives. through recreational activity, and • Provide a forum for agency economic activity derived from representatives and the community 2.2 Community visitors spending to participate in to exchange ideas in relation to recreation. Wangaratta Rural City management of the lake, and to Education and Council has responsibility to discuss policy and regulatory Awareness promote community health and changes relevant to the wellbeing and economic activity in management of the lake. Locals and visitors play an important the municipality. role in the sustainable management • Discuss infrastructure planning, of Lake William Hovell. The community For this Plan it is suggested that an media issues and management. engagement process for plan implementation committee should development highlighted that The Lake William Hovell Plan be formed by with representatives of community members have a close Implementation Group should include, Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria, association with the values provided but not be limited to: Department of Environment and by Lake William Hovell. The community Primary industries and Wangaratta • A Goulburn-Murray Water General consultation process supporting Rural City Council. Expressions of Manager or their nominee. the development of this Plan is interest should be sought to identify summarised in Appendix E. a suitable independent chairperson • An independent chairperson. to provide community leadership for Key issues raised during the the group. • Economic Development consultation process included the representative from Wangaratta limited education and communication It is anticipated that as implementation Rural City Council. with recreational users in relation to of this Plan progresses sufficient care of the environment and safety community interest may develop • Representative from Parks Victoria related issues. to have other formal community and Department of Environment representation on the committee. and Primary Industries.
6 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 This is primarily a result of no • Lack of awareness and The Code of Conduct should onsite management and a lack of understanding of the values include information about the supervision of inappropriate visitor derived from Lake William Hovell importance of designated public behaviour. Also identified through by the variety of user groups. access in minimising impacts on the consultation process was interest the environment, and minimising in a more collaborative approach for • Limited information regarding the the impacts of illegal vehicle access management of the lake. operation of the storage. on the lake bed.
Improved education and awareness 2.2.2 Objectives 7. Implement communication programs are important to help protect actions (e.g. brochures and water quality and the surrounding To promote education on natural values signage) to promote knowledge environment, and raise awareness of and communication on safety issues. of boating rules and to highlight how different activities can impact the behaviour expected of boaters. on the lake. Education and awareness 2.2.3 Actions programs are also required to help the 8. Update the Goulburn-Murray 2. Develop a proactive community understand how the lake Water website to provide details communication and awareness operates, disseminate information on of development controls and campaign which provides up forecast water levels and demands, permit, licence and lease to date information to recreational and the destination (use) of water procedures on Goulburn-Murray users on the status of water levels discharged from the storage. With a Water managed land. in the storage, including planned better appreciation of the operating maintenance activities which may constraints, the impacts of activities and 2.2.4 Stakeholders impact on recreational user groups role of the storage, communities will and to increase understanding of Goulburn-Murray Water, Country be informed and better prepared for the value of riparian frontages and Fire Authority, Victoria Police and changing water levels in the lake. the impacts of recreational activities. Transport Safety Victoria, Parks Various mechanisms can be used to Victoria, Wangaratta Rural City 3. Work with user groups to increase education and awareness Council, Department of Environment understand their information including interpretive signage, websites and Primary Industries, North East requirements. and fact sheets. Enhancing the Catchment Management Authority and the community. Goulburn-Murray Water website and 4. Encourage and support processes encouraging greater use will greatly that involve community and users assist with improved awareness and in the recreational amenity of the 2.3 References understanding of how the lake operates Lake William Hovell. and the impacts of activities on the lake Regional Development Company and its surrounds. 5. Provide clear descriptions (2012), Lake William Hovell Community of Agency roles and and Stakeholder Consultation – Round 2.2.1 Key Issues responsibilities (refer to 1 Outcomes Report, June 2012. Appendix C) and communicate • Lack of understanding of the roles this to the community. and responsibilities of stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in 6. Develop a single Code of Conduct the management of the Lake for the lake which includes William Hovell. information about user and agency responsibilities relating to boating and boating safety, camping, solid waste and emergency management.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 7 LAKE WILLIAM HOVELL BOATING AND FACILITIES MAP
ABCDEFGHIJKL
1 T TNUHSEHC O & DLEIFTIHW
2 Please note: Boating on Lake William Hovell
is restricted to a maximum speed King River 3 of 5 knots
4 Upper King River Road
5 Alpine National State Park Forest 6
MAP LEGEND
7 Road No Boating
Rail Picnic Facilities
River / Channel No Camping 8 Lake Public Launching Area W mailli No Fires Public Toilets Hov lle 9
Upper King River Road
10
11 Upper King River Road
12 TO T LUBMOO LUP & T EIMLO
King River
13
Evans Creek Track 14
Buckland Spur Track
15 0 km 100m 200m Scale of Kilometres N T RELLUB TNUOM O 16
8 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 3 RECREATION AND TOURISM
Set in mountain bushland on the King opportunities to enable the most investment in tourism ventures needs River, Lake William Hovell provides effective and appropriate application to be supported by detailed feasibility fishing, boating and picnic facilities. of resources and amenities. studies regarding tourism development At the southernmost section of Lake opportunities, as well as integrated William Hovell is the entrance to the Council planning for recreation and Alpine National Park, which has a 3.1 Tourism and tourism development. myriad of tracks for four wheel driving, Economic Development access to fishing spots, walking and 3.1.1 Key Issues mountain biking. The water stored in Lake William Hovell is primarily used to supply diverters • The Lake William Hovell area The role of Goulburn-Murray Water who are licensed to pump 18,500 has been underutilised and as the manager of public recreational megalitres from the King River for underdeveloped. facilities is a legacy from the past irrigation. However, due to the idyllic • Adequate potential for when State Authorities provided setting, recreation and tourism activities increased visitation numbers these services, which were funded have also developed in association to pose environmental and by government. Currently there is no with the lake. The consultation process economic impacts. sustainable revenue stream to provide identified that Lake William Hovell has ongoing or enhanced recreational the potential to be developed further to • Lack of infrastructure to support experiences at Goulburn-Murray Water attract a variety of recreational users. tourism activities and a lack of storages. As a Water Corporation, funds to upgrade and maintain operating costs are recovered through Currently, no tourism strategy has current facilities. irrigation water charges, which does been specifically developed for Lake not include management of public William Hovell. The consultation 3.1.2 Objectives recreation facilities. Limited funding process identified that a tourism is obtained from urban water charges strategy is required and should include To incentivise economic development and commercial leases and licences to information regarding the operation in and around Lake William Hovell offset the cost of public recreational of Lake William Hovell within the without affecting the environment. management. Work is continuing with constraints imposed by fluctuating state agencies to develop appropriate water levels, as well as identification 3.1.3 Actions funding mechanisms for the ongoing of the preferred and appropriate management of recreation and public commercial development ventures. 9. Commission a study to estimate access at the storages. This strategy should be underpinned the long term resident and visitor by a study to estimate the long term demand on and around the Recreational activities at Lake William resident and visitor demand on and lake in order to inform decisions Hovell need to be carefully balanced around the lake. about future tourism opportunities against the lake’s primary role as and developments. an irrigation and domestic water Recreational and tourism developments supply storage. that do not have a critical dependency 10. Encourage local government to on stable water levels, but can adapt to develop a Tourism Strategy for This Plan aims to recognise the current fluctuating water levels are preferred, as Lake William Hovell, including funding constraints and identify are ventures for sustainable eco-tourism guidelines outlining preferred opportunities for shared management activities and lodges that do not and appropriate land and responsibility between stakeholder adversely impact on lake operations, on-water commercial ventures agencies, as well as prioritise works water quality, environmental values and opportunities. and services and identify improvement or public safety and access. Private
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 9 11. Assess the feasibility of the increase in illegally lit fires at this 13. Identify the scale and type of following options: location. Two new double plate infrastructure upgrades and electric BBQs have been installed additional infrastructure and • Development of overnight along with shelters. services required. camping provision. The consultation process for Plan 14. Work in partnership with other • Establishment of eco-tourism development highlighted a number agencies and private enterprises activities/ facilities including: of opportunities for improving to identify funding opportunities low-impact recreational tours or developing new infrastructure, for the upkeep and maintenance of (e.g. bird watching), accommodation including construction of walking infrastructure around the lake. facilities and an eco-tourism and cycling trails around the lake conference centre. foreshore, inclusion of a playground, 15. Develop and implement a fire provision of more boat ramps, increase policy and correspondent signage 3.1.4 Stakeholders the parking area, and camping/ to prevent illegal fires being lit in accommodation facilities in the the area. Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria, northern area of Lake William Hovell. Rural City of Wangaratta, Department 3.2.4 Stakeholders of Environment and Primary Industries More work is required to assess and the community. facilities in detail to determine Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria, priorities for investment in alignment Rural City of Wangaratta and potential 3.2 Public Facilities with population and visitor demand private partners. and Infrastructure forecasts. Costs for maintaining and upgrading reserves and associated 3.3 Camping All public facilities are located on the public infrastructure are significant western shore of the lake along the and potential partnerships with other Camping is not currently authorised William Hovell public reserve that organisations and agencies should be around the foreshore of Lake William covers 15 hectares. The reserve has considered for upgrade or development Hovell, however, there are unofficial picnic areas and two toilet blocks. A of reserve infrastructure. camp sites in the broader catchment public boat ramp allows access for along the King River. The consultation low speed boating for sightseeing and 3.2.1 Key Issues process for plan development fishing. On a busy day over 200 visitors recommended the establishment of • Aging infrastructure that is in need use the facilities. minimum impact camping sites within of upgrading and maintenance. the Lake William Hovell catchment area, Given that most of this infrastructure including appropriate management • A need for more boat ramps and was built around the time of and controls to ensure protection of shelters around the foreshore. construction of the lake, it is now the natural environment. Possible public/private partnerships were old and in need of repair or upgrade. • Lack of funding for the upkeep suggested as a potential opportunity Limited grant funding is available to and upgrade of infrastructure. construct new facilities around the for management of campgrounds. storage and there is no direct funding • Lack of walking, cycling trails and source for maintenance of facilities. camping areas around the lake. 3.3.1 Key Issues
The picnic shelter is a valuable facility • Removal of wood barbeque • No official designated camping for stakeholders. Ongoing management facilities has resulted in increases areas around the foreshore of Lake is required to ensure that it continues in illegally lit fires in the area. William Hovell. to be kept in good working condition. • Illegal camping which has the Toilet blocks and associated effluent 3.2.2 Objectives management systems do not potential to impact water quality currently meet current best practice To provide adequate and well- and habitat if not managed for wastewater treatment due to the maintained infrastructure and safe appropriately. close proximity to the full storage level. access to recreational facilities at Lake Options are currently being considered William Hovell. 3.3.2 Objectives for responding to this issue, including To diversify camping opportunities at replacement of toilet blocks and/or the 3.2.3 Actions William Hovell catchment area and to current effluent systems. Two old toilet manage the impacts of camping on blocks were removed in 2012 and a new 12. Estimate the long-term resident water quality, public safety and the toilet block constructed. and visitor demand on and around the lake, and ensure that foreshore environment. Stakeholders highlighted concerns infrastructure provision is aligned about the recent removal of the wood with estimated demand. barbeque facility and a consequent
10 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 3.3.3 Actions To date there has not been significant • Potential environmental impacts conflict issues between users either and safety risks associated with 16. Determine the feasibility of accessing boating facilities or using the powered water craft. developing low impact camping waterway. However, there is potential sites in the Lake William Hovell for conflict between user groups during • Perception that there is limited catchment. peak use periods such as Easter and monitoring of boating rules Christmas holidays where congestion compliance on the waterway. 17. Undertake compliance may arise in some areas of the lake. activities with regard to illegal The consultation process for plan 3.4.2 Objectives camping activities. development also identified concerns To provide a safe, equitable and regarding safety risks associated 3.3.4 Stakeholders accessible amenity for all boat users, with irresponsible use of powered while minimising the impact on the watercraft. Powered water craft can Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria environment and storage operations. also give rise to environmental and Wangaratta Rural City Council. concerns such as erosion, reduced 3.4.3 Actions water quality and noise. 3.4 Boating 18. Consider the development of more Boating is not permitted in the northern boat ramps to access Lake William Goulburn-Murray Water is the part of the lake near the dam wall, while Hovell and the King River. designated waterway manager the remainder of the lake has a 5 knot under the Marine Act 1988. This role boat speed limit. The current zoning 19. Continue to work with Transport includes the policing and compliance rules for Lake William Hovell need to be Safety Victoria to review current activities associated with use of the reviewed to support safe boating and zoning rules around the lake. waterway and the power to make swimming at the storage. Stakeholders recommendations to the Director of also suggested that increased 20. Develop a Code of Conduct for Transport Safety Victoria to provide compliance activities during peak use the lake which includes for the efficient and safe operation periods was required to ensure greater information about lake user of vessels. Resources to monitor and adherence of power boat users to responsibilities relating to enforce boating rules are currently current speed limits. boating, camping, use of lake bed limited. The water police also undertake and emergency management (also some patrols of the lake to enforce Improved signage at the storage with suggested in Section 2). boating regulations. regard to speed limits, engine size and safety risks was also highlighted by 21. Establish consistent signage at A public boat ramp in the north west stakeholders during the consultation Lake William Hovell boating access of the Lake William Hovell provides process for plan development as a point to improve awareness of access for low speed boating for strategy for improving on-water safety. boating safety issues, such as sightseeing and fishing. The lack speed and engine size limits. of accessibility to the King River 3.4.1 Key Issues immediately below the dam wall 22. Develop a schedule for water represents a current challenge for • Lack of accessibility for recreational police monitoring during recreational activities downstream activities downstream of the dam. peak periods. of the dam. Canoeing is also popular • Congestion of the lake during on the lake, and during spring the 3.4.4 Stakeholders peak use periods. King River is used for white water rafting and kayaking. Goulburn-Murray Water, Transport • Lack of awareness and adherence Safety Victoria, Victoria Police and of waterway rules by boating users. Wangaratta Rural City Council.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 11 3.5 Fishing 3.5.1 Key Issues Goulburn-Murray Water maintains a risk register of public facilities on its Fishing is regulated by Fisheries Victoria • The impacts of European Carp and land, which incorporates a prioritised (Department of Environment and Goldfish on native fish stocks and list of management actions required to Primary Industries) under the Fisheries water quality. manage public safety. A high priority Act 1995 and Fisheries Regulations for Goulburn-Murray Water is the • The impacts of fish deaths when 2009. The fisheries management plan implementation of a best practice risk water levels are low. relevant to Lake William Hovell is the management approach to public safety
North East Fisheries Management Plan in accessible areas of the lake. The dam 3.5.2 Objectives which aims to manage recreational wall was upgraded in 2010 as part of a fisheries resources in the North East To maintain and enhance a sustainable dam safety program implemented by Victorian Region in accordance with mixed species recreational fishery Goulburn-Murray Water. This involved a the principles of ecologically within Lake William Hovell. 2 metre wave wall being constructed on sustainable development. the embankments and strengthening 3.5.3 Actions of the walls on the spillway. The waterway provides habitat for a number of fish species targeted 23. Support the implementation of In the floods during the summer of by recreational anglers, including recommendations contained in the 2010/11 a large amount of debris and Macquarie Perch, Redfin, Brown and North East Fisheries Management timber washed into the storage, giving Rainbow Trout, River Blackfish and Plan that relate to sustainable rise to dam safety and boating issues. Carp. Macquarie Perch are listed as recreational fishing in Lake William In June 2011 Goulburn-Murray Water endangered on the Commonwealth Hovell. received a grant of $980 for repairs to Environment Protection and Biodiversity navigational aids, to replace buoyage Conservation Act 1999 and Victorian 24. Investigate the application for and remove hazards to ensure the lake Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The innovative European Carp and is maintained at a safe standard and is lake was stocked with 2,650 Macquarie Goldfish control in Lake William usable for local boaters and tourists. Perch in 2011; there was no stocking Hovell. with native fish or salmonoids in the The Upper King River Road is the main previous two years. 25. Monitor fish stocks and water access road to the lake. Most of the quality in the lake. western shore of the lake is landscaped, Some lake users have reported safe and accessible. The consultation concerns regarding European Carp 3.5.4 Stakeholders process for plan development populations and a Goldfish infestation highlighted the importance of Lake in the lake. Carp not only compete with Department of Environment and William Hovell in providing water for fire native fish species but can also have Primary Industries (Fisheries), fighting, and the risk of having only one adverse impacts on water quality, and Goulburn-Murray Water and access to the lake. Any consideration of stakeholders suggested that there may recreational angler groups. the potential to develop a new access be an opportunity to better understand road should include consultation with and monitor Carp populations in the the Country Fire Authority. lake as a part of wider studies, research 3.6 Emergency and and control programs. Fish deaths, Safety Management Bush fire and potential fires from particularly during periods of very low campers were raised in the consultation water levels, were also raised as key In addition to safety issues relevant process. Section 5.1 provides current issues by stakeholders. to boating discussed in Section issues and actions for fire management 3.4, a number of other safety issues at Lake William Hovell. Management agencies need to work are relevant to Lake William Hovell. together to manage fish stocking and Stakeholders expressed safety minimise the risks of fish deaths. An concerns regarding low water levels effective response should be developed and the risks to users during these to clean up and manage the impacts of periods. The consultation process fish deaths when they do occur. for plan development highlighted lack of mobile phone coverage as an important safety issue for visitors in the area.
12 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 3.6.1 Key Issues 29. Consider the feasibility of establishing public phones at the • Low water levels represent safety storage for emergency calls. risks for recreational users. 30. Consider the development of • Lack of mobile phone coverage at least one more boat ramp to in the area. access the storage.
• Single road access to the storage, 31. Ensure emergency services and a single boat ramp for and relevant agencies meet accessing the lake, in case of regularly to improve and bushfires, floods and other events. coordinate emergency management and response. • There is a requirement for improved
inter-agency cooperation around 3.6.4 Stakeholders emergency management. Victoria Police, Transport Safety Victoria, 3.6.2 Objectives State Emergency Services, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority and To provide safe and equitable access Goulburn-Murray Water. to all Lake William Hovell users and adjacent residents.
3.6.3 Actions
26. Enhance existing information materials for Lake William Hovell to increase awareness of issues relating to emergency management and safety.
27. Engage media/communication resources to communicate safety and compliance messages to recreational lake users.
28. Seek input from emergency services regarding methods for locating lake users in case of emergency.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 13 4 ENVIRONMENT
The limited development in the Herb-rich Foothill Forest interspersed 4.2 Invasive Species catchment and large areas of National with Heathy Dry Forest. Herb-rich Park and Crown Land bordering Lake Foothill Forest occurs on relatively Invasive species, including pest William Hovell has provided for the fertile, well-drained soils on a range of plants and animals, have the maintenance of a diverse range of rock types in low rainfall areas. potential to represent a significant environmental and aesthetic values. threat to economic productivity Terrestrial vegetation around the There is limited information available and to environmental values. Weed lake foreshore provides important regarding the fauna assemblages management activities on the public habitat for native species and protects associated with Lake William Hovell. foreshore and lakebed of Lake water quality by filtering nutrients, The upper catchment also contains William Hovell are the responsibility reducing the inflow of sediments and areas of habitat that have been of Goulburn-Murray Water. The stabilising the foreshore and banks reserved for Powerful Owl (Ninox consultation process highlighted that of connecting tributaries. The lake strenua) and the Smoky Mouse there is some infestation of weeds in itself provides habitat for a diverse (Pseudomys fumeus) which are the areas surrounding the storage, range of aquatic species including fish, both endangered species (GMW, including Blackberries, English Broome macroinvertebrates and plants. 2007). The lake contains Macquarie and Paterson’s Curse, however, due to Perch (Macquaria Australasica), the scale of infestations there has been This Plan should be read in which is listed as endangered on the limited weed management. conjunction with other relevant Commonwealth Environment Protection regional strategies including, but and Biodiversity Conservation Act Little information exists about pest not limited to the North East Regional 1999 and Victorian Flora and Fauna animal numbers in the Lake William Catchment Strategy (2012), North East Guarantee Act 1988. In 2011, the lake Hovell area and their effect on Regional River Health Strategy (2005) was stocked with 2,650 Macquarie biodiversity, and stakeholders did not and the North East Native Vegetation Perch (DPI 2011). raise this as a concern. In the lake itself Plan (2005). European Carp have the potential to 4.1.1 Key Issues impact native fish stocks. A Goldfish infestation was also identified. 4.1 Flora and Fauna • Deterioration of ecological health through land use change 4.2.1 Key Issues A significant proportion of the Lake in the catchment. William Hovell catchment comprises • Terrestrial weed species and forested Crown Land, with the Alpine • The impact of invasive fish the potential to impact on National Park bordering the eastern on native fish stocks. biodiversity values. side of the storage, while the western side is dominated by state forest. • The impact of weed species • European Carp have the potential The forested land provides watershed on native flora. to impact native fish stocks. protection and habitat, with the Upper King River and the Toombullup Plateau 4.1.2 Objectives • Lack of funding and resources providing high quality hardwood for control of priority pest and plant mill logs. Improved protection and animal species. enhancement of native flora The King River that feeds the lake and fauna. 4.2.2 Objectives rises on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range near Mount 4.1.3 Actions To effectively manage invasive Howitt and runs north-west to Lake plants and animals around Lake William Hovell. Below the lake the 32. Promote and implement William Hovell. King River flows northwards through management strategies to monitor, forested mountain country into a wide protect and enhance aquatic 4.2.3 Actions valley. The fertile valley flats extend habitat for native fish species as through the townships of Cheshunt identified in the North East 33. Undertake mapping and and Whitfield to the confluence of the Fisheries Management Plan. monitoring of weed infested King and Ovens Rivers at Wangaratta areas to enable detection of (Patrick, 1978). 4.1.4 Stakeholders emerging issues.
The landscape around Lake William Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria, Hovell remains largely unchanged in Department of Environment and terms of the EVCs which were present Primary Industries, and North East in 1750. Vegetation comprises Catchment Management Authority.
14 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 34. Promote an inter-agency approach • Bushfires and flooding: includes Water quality in Lake William Hovell to weed management and trees washing into catchment after has been regularly monitored as vegetation programs. fire events and post-fire storm part of the Major Storages Operation events washing nutrients, ash and Monitoring Program which 35. Develop a prioritised weed sediment into the storage. commenced in 1992. Basic physico- control program coordinated chemical factors and blue-green algae with agencies and landholders, Fish deaths (discussed in Section 3.5) are monitored monthly; major ions are including the discussion of also have the potential impact on monitored every six months. Results funding and responsibilities. water quality when the storage is low. are summarised and analysed yearly (GMW, 2012). 4.2.4 Stakeholders Erosion is not currently a major issue but can be exacerbated after fire Water quality in Lake William Hovell Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria, events. Lake William Hovell is largely is relatively good, particularly when Wangaratta Rural City Council, protected from erosion due to the compared to other water storages. North East Catchment Management presence of heavily forested public This is likely to be attributable to less Authority, and Department of lands surrounding the storage. intensive farming in the catchment, Environment and Primary Industries. The boating speed of 5 knots is also combined with the presence of large likely to limit lake shore erosion from forested areas and its position in the wave action. The potential impact 4.3 Water Quality upper catchment. In terms of blue- of increased on-water activities on green algae, there was an Alert Level water quality, particularly from the Good water quality is critical in 1 in 2009, however potentially toxic launching and use of recreational supporting a range of values blue-green algae have not been boats, was raised during consultation. that are derived either directly or dominant in water samples from Lake William Hovell. indirectly from Lake William Hovell, Road traffic and access by four wheel including water for irrigation, stock drives, motorbikes and campers along The North East Catchment and recreation. Water for domestic the shore and creeks feeding the lake Management Authority has a number and industrial uses in the towns of are causing erosion and increased of strategies in place for targeting Wangaratta, Moyhu, Whitfield and sediment during heavy rain falls. water quality issues including its Glenrowan are also supplied from the forthcoming Regional Catchment King River downstream of the storage. Accurate water quality monitoring Strategy (2012) and North East is important to improve our Catchment Management Authority Water authorities have a responsibility understanding of the trends in River Health Strategy (2005). under the Safe Drinking Water Act biophysical and chemical parameters 2003 to identify and, where possible, in inland rivers, water storages and 4.3.1 Key Issues mitigate risks to water quality. This Act streams. Understanding these is aimed at protecting water quality trends allows land and water resource • Impacts of natural events and intended for human consumption. managers to develop strategies, human activities on water quality actions and frameworks to address The key factors impacting water and aquatic ecosystem health. water quality decline and any quality, as identified through threatening processes impacting • Assurance that effective consultation process, include: on the water resource. monitoring of water quality is • Human waste entering the being implemented. water system: the key source The quality of water is a reflection being the public toilet facilities of the state, use and management that are located in close proximity of the catchment feeding Lake to the Full Supply Level. William Hovell.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 15 4.3.2 Objectives 39. Implement a Burn Risk Assessment Tool (BRAT) to assess fire risks. To prevent water contamination and maintain current Lake William Hovell 40. Effectively manage recreation water quality condition. use on and around storage to reduce impact risk to water quality.
4.3.3 Actions 41. Upgrade all barriers around lake to keep vehicles from edges. 36. Review existing water quality monitoring programs to ensure 4.3.4 Stakeholders they identify water quality risk management measures and Goulburn-Murray Water, Environment are consistent with the Safe Protection Authority, Parks Victoria, Drinking Water Act 2003 Risk Department of Environment and Management Plan. Primary Industries, North East Catchment Management Authority 37. Adequately size and locate and North East Water. wastewater treatment facilities to minimise the risk to water contamination from offsite discharge.
38. Build on the forthcoming North East Catchment Management Authority Regional Catchment Strategy to develop a whole of catchment water quality management plan.
16 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 5 CULTURAL HERITAGE
The management and protection Prior to European settlement, there were 5.2.1 Key Issues of Aboriginal and European heritage a number of Aboriginal groups that had located within the Lake William Hovell connections with the area around Lake • Lack of understanding of the catchment is the responsibility of all William Hovell. These groups followed current status of Aboriginal and government agencies in control of a traditional hunting and gathering European heritage within the Lake land management activities and existence, moving across the landscape William Hovell catchment. private landowners. utilising the resources (for food, tools, shelter, clothing, medicine, and cultural 5.2.2 Objectives items for ceremonial purposes) from Protect important Aboriginal and 5.1 Aboriginal Cultural the environment. Heritage European cultural heritage sites at Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) does Lake William Hovell. In Victoria the Aboriginal Heritage not hold any records of Aboriginal Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage cultural heritage sites along the edge 5.2.3 Actions Regulations 2007 protect Aboriginal of Lake William Hovell, however, 42. Support initiatives to enhance cultural heritage, formalise Aboriginal a number of sites have been recorded identification and protection community involvement in decision- within a 10 kilometre radius. of Aboriginal and European making and provide a consistent cultural heritage. approach to managing Aboriginal 5.2 European Heritage cultural heritage issues relevant to 43. Ensure any future development land use and development proposal. In the 1830s squatter-selected pastoral around the lake considers Commonwealth legislation also applies, runs were located in the King River Aboriginal and European with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Valley. However, these pastoral areas heritage issues. Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 did not extend up as high as Lake designed to provide protection where it William Hovell, and no historically 5.2.4 Stakeholders is not adequately provided at the state significant sites are known to exist or territory level. in the catchment. Goulburn-Murray Water, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, North East The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 The Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Catchment Management Authority (the Act) recognises Aboriginal people lists the State’s most significant heritage and the community. as the primary guardians, keepers places and objects. No sites of European and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage – those listed under cultural heritage. Lake William Hovell local planning schemes, by Heritage is located in an area where a Registered Victoria or on the National Estate – Aboriginal Party (RAP) is yet to be were listed for the Lake William appointed for being responsibility Hovell environs. for the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 17 6 LAND MANAGEMENT
Land surrounding Lake William Hovell National Park. Fire can have • Cooperative works with is considered a valuable community considerable effects on the other agencies such as fire asset. Effective land management is environment including exposure break construction and fuel critical for protection of environmental, of the soil cover leading to greater reduction burns. social, cultural and economic values at erosion and loss. Consequently long- Lake William Hovell. term water quality can be impacted by • Participation in development of increased sediment loads from erosion Council Fire Management Plans and The key land management issues are prone areas that have been burnt. Country Fire Authority Township the potential impact of commercial Increased sediment loads can have Protection Plans. forestry on water quality and the a detrimental effect on water quality • Identification of risks to Goulburn- management of fire risk. Land use and and aquatic habitat. Ash can increase Murray Water assets. development planning issues are not the soil pH and the availability significant at Lake William Hovell given of exchangeable cations in the soil • Proposed new protection measures. the small proportion of freehold land and new trees and re-growth can which makes up the catchment area. have considerable impact on the • Approval for Goulburn-Murray reduction of catchment yield as Water land or works areas to be A small strip of perimeter land around growing trees typically require incorporated into Country Fire Lake William Hovell is managed for large amounts of water. Authority plans for community water supply protection. This land is refuge areas. bounded by heavily forested Crown Wildfires encroached on Lake Land comprising State Forest to the William Hovell and its catchment in • Evacuation procedures for west and the Alpine National Park to the summer of 2006/07. The forest Goulburn-Murray Water staff, based the east (GMW, 2007). surrounding the lake was burnt right on Country Fire Authority fire index down to the water’s edge. It appears recommendations. Downstream of Lake William Hovell the fire was of a relatively low intensity the main agricultural activities include as the canopies were not very burnt • Access points for emergency vineyards with small scale irrigation, (GMW, 2007). services vehicles to take water. high value agricultural production including cattle and sheep. A limited To ensure a clear understanding by • Goulburn-Murray Water fire amount of licensed grazing has Goulburn-Murray Water staff and other fighting equipment available for occurred on Crown Land below Mount agencies of fire risks and fire protection emergency response. Typo and in the upper catchments works being undertaken, a Fire above Lake William Hovell. There are Protection Plan has been developed • Maps showing high risk areas, fire no grazing licences issued over land for Lake William Hovell. The plan is protection works and water supply immediately surrounding the storage. reviewed and updated annually prior assets requiring protection. to the fire season. The plan is prepared Public ownership has effectively Following the events of Black Saturday in consultation with the Country Fire prevented private development in on 7 February 2009, the State Authority, Department of Environment the immediate environment and Government has taken a number of and Primary Industries, Parks Victoria catchment of Lake William Hovell. steps to address and reduce bushfire and local Councils, and includes the As a consequence, issues commonly risk to the Victorian population. One following information: associated with catchment water of these steps is the capacity of the quality protection, such as the effects • Compliance with any relevant Government to declare certain days of agricultural production and grazing, direction from the Bushfire as ‘Code Red’ days. On ‘Code Red’ have not arisen. Royal Commission, Department of days, any activity on and around Environment and Primary Lake William Hovell, including use by the public will be guided by the 6.1 Fire Management Industries, Country Fire Authority and Council. recommendations from Department of Environment and Primary Industries The consultation process for Plan • Identification of fire hazards to and the Country Fire Authority. development identified bushfire and adjacent land and assets. fire risk from visitors as key issue for Lake William Hovell. The fire risk from • Annual fire protection works, activities at Lake William Hovell is of including slashing, spraying and particular concern due to the high maintenance of fire breaks. conservation value of the adjacent land and the proximity to the Alpine
18 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 6.1.1 Key issues
• Illegally lit fires around the storage.
• Vegetation around the storage posing a significant fire risk to neighboring properties and recreational users.
6.1.2 Objectives
To ensure responsible management of fire risks at Lake William Hovell.
6.1.3 Actions
44. I mproved compliance, education and signage around the lake in relation to fire requirements and risks.
45. M anage fire risks around Lake William Hovell in accordance with the Fire Protection Plan.
46. Ensur e Fire Protection Plan takes account of supply levels within Lake William Hovell and includes a strategy for managing Code Red days.
6.1.4 Stakeholders
Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water, Rural City of Wangaratta Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee.
6.2 References
Goulburn-Murray Water (2007), Lake William Hovell Storage Management Plan: Water Quality and Biodiversity Management (Draft), August 2007.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 19 APPENDIX A OVERVIEW OF STORAGE OPERATIONS
Releases from Lake William Hovell to Water is released through the outlet the King River during the irrigation tower that has two outlets, one at RL season are determined by long-term 392.7 metres AHD and the other at RL bulk requirements and orders lodged 389.6 metres AHD. The 900 millimetres by downstream diverters. Regulated diameter outlet conduit allows the releases for irrigation can occur release to the King River through the between 15 August and 15 May of cone valve or alternatively via a hydro- the following year. Discharge occurs electric power station. Although each via the Pacific Hydro Investments outlet valve has a 300 ML/day capacity, hydroelectric turbines, when possible. the capacity of the outlet conduit is 520 ML/day. The power station has a In accordance with the Bulk maximum discharge of 520 ML/day Entitlement (Ovens System - Moyhu, via its turbines. The maximum capacity Oxley and Wangaratta - North East of the cone valve is 320 ML/day. The Water) Conversion Order 2004, maximum flow that can be released Goulburn-Murray Water must provide when the dam is not spilling is 520 water from Lake William Hovell, to ML/day (Cottingham et al., 2001). maintain minimum environmental flows for the King River (GMW, 2007).
The dam has a free-flow overfall spillway with a capacity of 97,900 ML/day. All inflows are spilled as the storage reaches full capacity and during floods. The ‘flip bucket’ spillway chute terminates part of the way down the slope of the storage embankment and the water discharges as a large spray into the King River. The bottom lip of the chute is curved upwards so that large flows can be thrown well clear of the chute to reduce the risk of erosion damage.
20 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 APPENDIX B STORAGE AND CATCHMENT MAP km 0.5 1:5,000 LONG SPUR TRACK 0.25 vided on the basis that all persons accessing the SCALE AT A0 AT SCALE 0.125 0 its agents, instrumentalities and employees be liable for the accuracy of the information used within this product is pro contained within this product nor its use of reliance placed on it. The information as as to the accuracy of authenticity of the content of the product. In no event will G-MW, The content of this product is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made information undertake responsibility forassessing therelevance and accuracy of its content.
K C A R T G IN S S O R C
P
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BUCKLAND SPUR TRACK 2WD 4WD PropertyParcel MajorRoad Semi-Major Road MinorRoad Lake William Hovell GOULBURN-MURRAY WATER
UPPER KING RIVER ROAD
EVANS CREEK TRACK Lake William HovellFSL Freeway Highway
UPPER KING RIVER ROAD OMEO CORRYONG YARRAWONGA BENALLA EILDON SHEPPARTON NAGAMBIE MELBOURNE ECHUCA MELTON BENDIGO BOORT SWANHILL 17 May 11 GMW-11-098 TATURA VIC 3616 TATURA [email protected] GOULBURN-MURRAYWATER 40CASEY STREET (PO BOX 165) Telephone (03) 5833Telephone 5500 Fax (03)58245827
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 21 APPENDIX C AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Environment and Primary Industries • Promote industry and public (DEPI). DEPI is the lead government awareness and understanding of www.aboriginalaffairs.vic.gov.au agency responsible for protecting the drinking water quality issues. environment, boosting productivity Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) is the in the food and fibre sector and the The Drinking Water Regulatory Victorian Government’s central point management of our natural resources. Section works with the Victorian of advice on all aspects of Aboriginal DEPI is also responsible for responding water industry, other units within affairs in Victoria. A Registered to emergencies such as fires, floods or the Department of Health, key Aboriginal Party (RAP) has yet to biosecurity incursions and to seasonal stakeholders and other government be appointed responsibility for the programs such as prescribed burning departments to deliver the regulatory management of Aboriginal cultural and compliance actions across the objectives of the Act. heritage at the Lake William Hovell. range of department portfolios. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage The Department supports the Department of Planning Act 2006 recognises Aboriginal agriculture, fisheries, petroleum, and Community people “as primary guardians, minerals, energy and forest industries keepers and knowledge holders Development in Victoria. of Aboriginal cultural heritage”. www.dpcd.vic.gov.au Registered Aboriginal Parties play a leading role in administering the Department of Health The Department of Planning and new Act and have well defined Community Development (DPCD) www.health.vic.gov.au responsibilities at a local level. has a central role in managing The Drinking Water Regulatory Victoria’s growth and development and building stronger communities. Bureau of Meteorology Section within the Department of Health (DoH) has responsibility for DPCD works collaboratively with www.bom.vic.gov.au the implementation and oversight of local government and other key the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and public and private stakeholders Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is the the Safe Drinking Water Regulations to lead State and metropolitan main provider of weather forecasts, 2005 on behalf of the Secretary to development, strategic and statutory warnings and observations to the the Department of Human Services. planning, development regulation, Australian public and is responsible for The primary functions of this section and environmental assessment. issuing flood alerts in Australia. are to oversee the implementation of, The municipal council is usually the and monitor compliance with, the Act responsible authority for issuing Country Fire Authority and Regulations. The functions of the planning permits and administering Department of Human Services are to: the planning scheme and should www.cfa.vic.gov.au be contacted for local and property • Protect public health in relation specific planning advice. DPCD Country Fire Authority (CFA) is a to the supply of drinking water. regional offices work in partnership volunteer and community based fire Monitor and enforce compliance with councils and stakeholders to and emergency services organisation with this Act and the Regulations. deliver State Government policies and is responsible for fire and related and programs. They assess planning emergency coordination in rural and • Report on the performance of scheme amendments and provide regional areas. water suppliers and water storage planning advice and guidance. The managers in relation to the regional offices are the local ‘shopfront’ Department of requirements imposed on them for a wide range of the Department’s under this Act. services including statutory and Environment and strategic planning information. Primary Industries • Investigate and report on any aspect of drinking water quality www.depi.vic.gov.au in Victoria. Make recommendations to the Minister for Health on any In April 2013 the former Departments matter relating to drinking water of Sustainability and Environment or regulated water. (DSE) and Primary Industries (DPI) were merged to create the Department of
22 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 Environment Protection Goulburn-Murray Water North East Region Water Authority www.g-mwater.com.au Corporation www.epa.vic.gov.au www.nerwa.vic.gov.au Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Environment Protection Authority maintains and manages the water North East Region Water Corporation (EPA) is a statutory authority supply operations, maintenance (North East Water) provides water established under the Environment and safety of Lake William Hovell. and sewerage services to 38 towns, Protection Act 1970. It exists to ensure Goulburn-Murray Water manages villages and cities in North East the protection of beneficial uses of lake bed and public foreshore land, Victoria, serving an estimated air, water and land from the adverse and is responsible for licensing and population of 117,100 people in an impacts of waste and unwanted noise approvals on the land around Lake area of approximately 20,000 square The EPA also jointly administers the William Hovell. kilometres. The region extends from Pollution of Waters by Oils and Noxious Corryong in the east, along the Murray Goulburn-Murray Water also Substances Act 1986 (POWBONS Act) River to Yarrawonga, south to Benalla has statutory responsibilities in and the Pollution of Waters by Oil and the towns of Bright, Mount Beauty co-ordination of the blue-green algae and Noxious Substances Regulations and Dartmouth. monitoring and response program, 2002 with the Department of and as a storage manager under the Transport. The EPA also oversees the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. State Environment Protection Policy Parks Victoria (Waters of Victoria). State Environment parkweb.vic.gov.au Protection Policies (SEPPs) are North East Catchment subordinate legislation made under Management Authority Parks Victoria is a statutory authority, the provisions of the Environment created by the Parks Victoria Act 1998 Protection Act 1970. Under the Act www.necma.vic.gov.au and reporting to the Minister for the requirements in environmental Environment and Climate Change. regulations, works approvals, licences The North East Catchment Management Parks Victoria is responsible for and other regulatory tools, must Authority (NECMA) is a statutory managing an expanding and diverse be consistent with SEPPs. The SEPP authority responsible for coordinating estate covering more than 4 million (Waters of Victoria) applies to all integrated catchment management and hectares, or about 17 per cent, of surface waters of Victoria and aims to sustainable land and water use in north Victoria, as well as a representative provide a coordinated approach for eastern Victoria. The region's main river system of marine national parks and the protection and, where necessary, catchments include the Ovens, King, marine sanctuaries. rehabilitation of the health of Victoria’s Kiewa, Mitta Mitta and Upper Murray. water environments. This policy which form part of the Murray-Darling protects the environmental values, Basin. The NECMA fulfils its charter beneficial uses and associated social through the preparation, coordination and economic values of the water and implementation of the North East environment to ensure that the needs Regional Catchment Strategy, where the of current and future generations NECMA has operational responsibility are met. Specific schedules to SEPP for waterway and floodplain (Waters of Victoria) deal with specific management in priority areas. individual catchments.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 23 APPENDIX C AGENCY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED
Transport Safety Victoria VicRoads Wangaratta Rural City Council is the authority with responsibility for www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au www.vicroads.vic.gov.au statutory planning matters, urban Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is VicRoads supports Victoria’s liveability water supply, wastewater management, the integrated safety regulator for and economic prosperity by planning, storm water management, waste bus, maritime and rail transport. developing and managing the management services, onsite This regulatory function is exercised arterial road network and delivering wastewater management tanks, through the establishment of the registration and licensing services. management of public facilities and reserves, management of animals independent statutory office of the Director, Transport Safety (Safety and local law enforcement. Director) under the Transport Victorian State Integration Act 2010 (TI Act). TSV exists Emergency Service WorkSafe to support the statutory object and www.ses.vic.gov.au functions of the Safety Director. www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Victorian State Emergency Service WorkSafe is responsible for enforcing Transport Safety Victoria is responsible (SES) works to ensure the safety of for determining standards and Victoria’s work place safety laws and Victorian communities by responding helping to prevent work place injuries. procedures for navigation and to emergency disasters across the maritime safety on state waters, state. The Victorian State Emergency including all inland waters such Service is the control agency during as rivers, creeks, canals, lakes and emergency responses to floods, reservoirs. Responsibilities also include storms, earthquakes and tsunamis in qualification, crewing and construction Victoria, and is the largest provider of standards for commercial vessels road crash rescue in the state. and boating safety, licensing and registration for recreational vessels. Wangaratta Rural City Victoria Police Council www.police.vic.gov.au www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Victoria Police is the primary law Under the Planning and Environment Act enforcement agency of Victoria. 1987, local government is responsible Victoria Police is responsible for the for ensuring that land is used and enforcement of Victorian laws in developed in an environmentally, relation to land and on-water uses of economically and socially responsible Lake William Hovell. manner, to provide a sustainable future for the community.
24 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 APPENDIX D AGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Issue Agency* Aboriginal cultural heritage AAV Animal management (e.g. dogs) Council Aquatic vegetation and weeds GMW, DEPI Boating management—zones, buoys and signage GMW, TSV Boating management—policing and enforcement Victoria Police, GMW, TSV Blue-green algae GMW, DEPI Camping GMW, Council Commercial operations, developments and events Council, GMW Dam operations (lake level and storage releases) GMW Emergency management Victoria Police, CFA, SES Environmental incident (pollution, spills, noise, reportable, EPA incidents, etc.) Erosion (public foreshore land) GMW Event licensing—on water GMW, TSV Event licensing—on land GMW Event planning approval Council Fishing information, stocking, licensing and enforcement DEPI Fish habitat management DEPI, GMW Fish deaths EPA, GMW, DEPI Flood warnings BoM Foreshore works approval and licensing (jetties, moorings, etc.) GMW, Council Grazing (licensed) GMW Hunting DEPI Illegal activity and anti-social behaviour Victoria Police * Primary contact in bold font
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 25 APPENDIX D AGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE CONTINUED
Issue Agency* Pest plants and animals (public foreshore and lakebed) GMW, DEPI Planning and development Council, DPCD Public reserves and facilities (e.g. boat ramps, toilets) GMW Rubbish and litter GMW, Council, EPA Timber (lake bed standing and remnant dead timber) GMW, DEPI Trees and foreshore (riparian) vegetation GMW, DEPI, NECMA Timber (lake bed standing and remnant dead timber) GMW, Tourist information (general) Council Tourist Information Centres Water quality (blue-green algae) GMW, DEPI Water supply and water quality (urban, potable drinking and North East Water, DoH household use) Water supply (non-reticulated, non-potable stock and domestic GMW licensing and use) Water supply (downstream storage releases) GMW Weed management (public land) GMW, Parks Victoria, DEPI, Council * Primary contact in bold font
26 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 APPENDIX E COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SUMMARY
The consultation activities for this Qualitative data was collected by a project consist of two rounds of range of methods including: consultation: • Facilitator/interviewer notes. • Round One aimed to identify key issues, suggestions for tackling • ‘Six Thinking Hats’ exercise (used those issues, and ideas for the to explore the topic from a range development of a vision. of perspectives).
• Round Two to test the Draft Plan. • ‘Flags on Map’ exercise (used to identify issues and solutions). A variety of consultation activities were undertaken throughout Round One of • Information gathered throughout the project. Activities have included: these consultation activities has informed the development of this • A community ‘Have a Say Day’ Draft Plan. on site at Cheshunt (7 participants). A second round of consultations will • On-site ‘Have A Say’ at Lake William test the Draft Plan. The second round Hovell (33 interviewed). of consultations will be developed with the Project Guidance Group and • Government agencies workshop as a minimum will provide participants (12 attendees). in the first round of consultations the opportunity to make comment on the • One-on-one focused interviews draft. Feedback on the community’s conducted with targeted impressions of the Draft Plan to inform stakeholders/community the finalisation of the Plan. representatives and landholders either in person or via telephone (8 interviews).
• An on-line questionnaire for people unable to attend the consultation activities. The survey link was distributed by Goulburn-Murray Water’s e-newsletter, media releases, website and to people who indicated they were unable to attend meetings and interviews (9 respondents).
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 27 APPENDIX F SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
Action No. Action Lead Agency Plan implementation
Establish a Lake William Hovell Plan Implementation Group to guide the 1 GMW implementation of the Plan and communicate the priorities in the Plan.
Community Education and awareness Develop a proactive communication and awareness campaign which provides up to date information to recreational users on the status of water 2 levels in the storage, including planned maintenance activities which may GMW, DEPI, CFA, Police, TSV impact on recreational user groups and to increase understanding of the value of riparian frontages and the impacts of recreational activities. 3 Work with user groups to understand their information requirements. GMW Encourage and support processes that involve community and users in the 4 GMW recreational amenity of the Lake William Hovell. Provide clear descriptions of Agency roles and responsibilities (refer to 5 GMW Appendix C) and communicate this to the community. Develop a single Code of Conduct for the lake which includes information about user and agency responsibilities relating to boating and boating safety, camping, solid waste and emergency management. The Code of 6 GMW Conduct should include information about the importance of designated public access in minimising impacts on the environment, and minimising the impacts of illegal vehicle access on the lake bed. Implement communication actions (e.g. brochures and signage) to 7 promote knowledge of boating rules and to highlight the behaviour GMW expected of boaters. Update the Goulburn-Murray Water website to provide details of 8 development controls and permit, licence and lease procedures on GMW Goulburn-Murray Water managed land. Recreation and Tourism Commission a study to estimate the long term resident and visitor demand 9 on and around the lake in order to inform decisions about future tourism GMW opportunities and developments. Encourage local government to develop a Tourism Strategy for Lake 10. William Hovell, including guidelines outlining preferred and appropriate GMW, Council land and on-water commercial ventures and opportunities. Assess the feasibility of the following options: • Development of overnight camping provision. 11. • Establishment of eco-tourism activities/ facilities including: low-impact GMW recreational tours (e.g. bird watching), accommodation facilities and an eco-tourism conference centre. Estimate the long-term resident and visitor demand on and around 12 the lake, and ensure that infrastructure provision is aligned with GMW, Council estimated demand. * Primary contact in bold font
28 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 Action No. Action Lead Agency Identify the scale and type of infrastructure upgrades and additional 13. GMW infrastructure and services required. Work in partnership with other agencies and private enterprises to identify 14. funding opportunities for the upkeep and maintenance of infrastructure GMW around the lake. Develop and implement a fire policy and correspondent signage to 15. GMW prevent illegal fires being lit in the area. Determine the feasibility of developing low impact camping sites in the 16. GMW Lake William Hovell catchment. 17. Undertake compliance activities with regard to illegal camping activities. GMW Consider the development of more boat ramps to access Lake William 18. GMW, NECMA Hovell and the King River. Continue to work with Transport Safety Victoria to review current zoning 19. GMW, TSV rules around the lake. Develop a Code of Conduct for the lake which includes information about 20. lake user responsibilities relating to boating, camping, use of lake bed and GMW emergency management (also suggested in Section 2). Establish consistent signage at Lake William Hovell boating access point 21. to improve awareness of boating safety issues, such as speed and engine GMW, TSV size limits. 22. Develop a schedule for water police monitoring during peak periods. Police, GMW, TSV Support the implementation of recommendations contained in the North 23. East Fisheries Management Plan that relate to sustainable recreational DEPI, GMW fishing in Lake William Hovell. Investigate the application for innovative European Carp and Goldfish 24. DEPI, GMW control in Lake William Hovell. 25. Monitor fish stocks and water quality in the lake. DEPI, GMW Enhance existing information materials for Lake William Hovell to increase 26. GMW awareness of issues relating to emergency management and safety. Engage media/communication resources to communicate safety and 27. GMW compliance messages to recreational lake users. Seek input from emergency services regarding methods for locating lake 28. Police, GMW users in case of emergency.
Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 29 APPENDIX F SUMMARY OF ACTIONS CONTINUED
Action No. Action Lead Agency Consider the feasibility of establishing public phones at the storage for 29. GMW emergency calls. Consider the development of at least one more boat ramp to access 30. GMW William Hovell storage. Ensure emergency services and relevant agencies meet regularly to 31. Police, GMW improve and coordinate emergency management and response. Environment and Cultural Heritage Promote and implement management strategies to monitor, protect and 32. enhance aquatic habitat for native fish species as identified in the North DEPI East Fisheries Management Plan. Undertake mapping and monitoring of weed infested areas to enable 33. GMW detection of emerging issues. Promote an inter-agency approach to weed management and 34. GMW, NECMA, DEPI vegetation programs. Develop a prioritised weed control program co-ordinated with agencies 35. GMW, NECMA, DEPI and landholders, including the discussion of funding and responsibilities. Review existing water quality monitoring programs to ensure they identify 36. water quality risk management measures and are consistent with the Safe GMW, DoH Drinking Water Act 2003 Risk Management Plan. Adequately size and locate wastewater treatment facilities to minimise the 37. GMW risk to water contamination from offsite discharge. Build on the forthcoming North East Catchment Management Authority 38. Regional Catchment Strategy to develop a whole of catchment water NECMA, GMW quality management plan. 39. Implement a Burn Risk Assessment Tool (BRAT) to assess fire risks. CFA, Council Effectively manage recreation use on and around storage to reduce impact 40. GMW risk to water quality. 41. Upgrade all barriers around lake to keep vehicles from edges. GMW Cultural Heritage Support initiatives to enhance identification and protection of Aboriginal AAV, GMW, local Aboriginal 42. and European cultural heritage. groups Ensure any future development around the lake considers Aboriginal and 43. GMW and the community European heritage issues. Land Management Improved compliance, education and signage around the lake in relation 44. CFA, GMW, DEPI to fire requirements and risks. Manage fire risks around Lake William Hovell in accordance with the Fire 45. GMW Protection Plan. Ensure Fire Protection Plan takes account of supply levels within Lake 46. GMW William Hovell and includes a strategy for managing Code Red days.
30 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 Lake William Hovell Draft Land and On-Water Management Plan 2013 31 Goulburn-Murray Water PO Box 165 Tatura Vic 3616 Tel 1800 013 357 www.g-mwater.com.au