Wappa Recreation Management Discussion Paper

November 2013

Contents November 2013 ...... 1

Background ...... 3

Overview of Wappa Dam ...... 6 Cultural Heritage ...... 6 Commercial Development ...... 7 Trespassing ...... 7

Areas of Discussion ...... 8 Swimming ...... 8 Picnicking ...... 8 Playgrounds ...... 9 Camping ...... 9 Motorised Watercraft ...... 10 Non-Motorised Watercraft ...... 11 Fishing ...... 11 Recreation Trails ...... 12 Dogs ...... 12 Site Access...... 13 Opening Hours ...... 13 Environment ...... 14

Have Your Say ...... 15

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Background

Seqwater manages access to recreation opportunities whilst protecting natural resources and water quality.

Our objective with this review is to listen and learn about what recreational opportunities you would like to see in and around the lakes, and within our constraints will deliver a plan based on this feedback.

Recreation on lakes and land must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the core role of these assets –providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply for our growing region. The draft State Planning Policy (released by the Government on 15 April 2013) acknowledges that there are opportunities to use and lakes for recreational uses on the proviso that those activities are carefully considered so as not to affect the primary use of the water storage assets. The operational requirements of Seqwater’s business will always override any recreational use. All opportunities identified as part of this recreation review must not impact on Seqwater’s regulatory obligations. This is particularly important in regard to water quality and the potential risks to water supply. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are not only limited by available space, but also by the other values and uses that exist for our sites. Seqwater’s Recreation Management Framework recognises recreation in natural areas as a legitimate use, however not all activities can be provided at every site, nor is it desirable to do so. The purpose of this paper is to open up discussion on the opportunities relating to the management and allocation of recreation facilities at Wappa Dam, keeping within the key principles of the Recreation Management Framework. The paper includes a number of discussion points. These points are not intended to be recommendations, merely a starting point to open the discussion process. For this review to be successful, it is important that the views of all interested parties are heard and understood. We strongly encourage you to have your say. Wappa Dam is being reviewed in conjunction with Cooloolabin and Poona Dams. Managing these sites in a local cluster group provides the opportunity to cater for differing experiences and settings, assisting to meet the key management principle of Diversity. This paper provides information on:  Existing recreational facilities  Areas for further discussion  Past feedback provided to Seqwater

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The Recreational Review Process

To deliver safe, secure, resilient and reliable water supplies at least cost to its customers.

Recreation Management Framework

Our Objective: Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality.

Key Recreation Management Principles Water Quality Environmental Diversity Asset and Sustainable External Financial Sustainability Land Recreation Engagement Management Management

Recreation Review Discussion Paper

Land Based Water Based Operational Environmental Activities Activities Considerations Considerations

Community Consultation Activities Survey Information Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Session

Review Considerations

Community Financial Operational Recreation Wide Benefits Consideration Imperatives Opportunities

Final Site Management Plan

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Summary of Activities and Feedback

Activity Existing Community Feedback Swimming No No identified issues

Picnicking Yes No identified issues

Playgrounds Yes No identified issues

Camping No No identified issues

Motorised No No identified issues Watercraft

Non-Motorised No No identified issues Watercraft

Fishing No No identified issues

Trails Yes No identified issues

Dogs No No identified issues

Site Access No identified issues

Opening Hours No identified issues

Trespass No identified issues

Note –Visitor surveys have not been undertaken for Wappa Dam. The issues highlighted in this discussion paper are based on feedback provided to Seqwater staff.

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Overview of Wappa Dam

Wappa Dam was built on the South in 1963. Water from Wappa Dam is treated at the Image Flat Water Treatment Plant. The lake is small with a surface area of 75 hectares when full, a catchment area of 69.7 km2 and a volume of 4,694 megalitres of water at full supply.

Recreation Usage

Currently, water-based recreation activities are not permitted on the lake at Wappa Dam. Jack Harrison Park is the recreation area near the dam wall, which has barbeque facilities, picnic tables, playground, toilet block and a spillway lookout area. There is a walking trail from the recreation area to Wappa Falls, which is located within the adjacent Mapleton Conservation Park. Cultural Heritage

Seqwater will work with the Aboriginal Parties for the area to determine their aspirations with regard to recreation activities at Wappa Dam, including the establishment of any heritage trails or interpretive signage or other materials, and the impacts of any new infrastructure on Indigenous cultural heritage and how these can be mitigated if necessary. Seqwater will also work with any local historical societies with regard to the same aspects for historical cultural heritage.

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Commercial Development

Regular requests to use the lakes and their catchments are received by Seqwater from businesses, individuals, community organisations, and other groups. These requests are for either one-off events (e.g. weddings) or for new activities to be approved at the lake. Each request is processed by Seqwater so that the risks and impacts are assessed and managed.

Seqwater’s primary objective in its management of recreation is to manage access to recreation opportunities for the public. It is, however, recognised that commercial operators can play a role in supporting visitor needs and increasing the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of our natural areas.

Seqwater has developed a Commercial Activities Policy which outlines the process and requirements for any commercial use of sites. Where sites are used either temporarily or more permanently for commercial purposes, a commercial fee will be applied.

While this review did not highlight any potential sites suitable for commercial use, proposals from interested parties are welcomed.

Trespassing

There have been no major identified issues of trespassing at Wappa Dam.

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Areas of Discussion

Swimming

Discussion Point:

Should a designated swimming area be established?

Background and Considerations Swimming is only a permitted activity at sites that have a designated swimming area for public safety reasons. Currently there is no designated swimming area at Wappa Dam.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Water quality testing is required to ensure public health standards are met.  Drinking water storage  Limited suitable access

Picnicking

Are the picnic facilities at Wappa Dam satisfactory?

Background and Considerations The facilities at Jack Harrison Park at Wappa Dam include sheltered tables, barbeques and a toilet block.

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Considerations Constraints  Nil  Limited suitable areas  Funding and maintenance costs

Playgrounds

Discussion Point:

Is the playground equipment satisfactory?

Background and Considerations The playground at Jack Harrison Park has swings and other play equipment.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Funding and maintenance costs

Camping

Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial?

Background and Considerations There are currently no camping areas at Wappa Dam. Given Seqwater land around the lake is limited, any establishment of camping areas may need to be implemented through collaboration with other agencies.

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Considerations Constraints  Nil  Suitable sites or land  Funding and maintenance costs

Motorised Watercraft

Discussion Point:

Should Wappa Dam be opened up to motorised watercraft?

Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities?

Background and Considerations There has been interest in accessing Wappa Dam in fuel-powered vessels. Wappa Dam is a small lake, and there may be public safety concerns if the lake were opened to public access for motorised watercraft.

Considerations Constraints  A Boating Permit Scheme already  Access points to the lake exists at Lakes Somerset and  Size of the lake Wivenhoe.  Managing spread of aquatic weeds

 One permit could provide access

to all Seqwater lakes  Database of permit holders would allow targeted communications regarding sites to be easily done and also aid education

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Non-Motorised Watercraft

Should Wappa Dam be opened up to non-motorised watercraft?

Background and Considerations

Seqwater has received calls for Wappa Dam to be opened to paddlecraft.

Considerations Constraints  Access points to the lake  Size of the lake  Managing spread of aquatic weeds

Fishing

Discussion Point:

Should fishing be allowed at Wappa Dam?

Background and Considerations Currently, fishing is not permitted from at Wappa Dam, including from the shoreline. The lake is not stocked with fish.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Limited access to the lake.

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Recreation Trails

Discussion Point:

Do you find the available trails to be satisfactory?

Background and Considerations There is a short walking trail from Jack Harrison Park to Wappa Falls (which is within the Mapleton Conservation Park).

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Limited land holdings  Funding and maintenance costs

Dogs

Discussion Point:

Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Wappa Dam?

Background and Considerations Currently, domestic pets, including dogs, are not permitted at Wappa Dam.

Considerations Constraints  Wappa Dam provides sanctuary to an  Increased management costs abundance of birdlife  Dogs can impact visitor amenity and public safety if they are not controlled by all owners

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Site Access

Discussion Point:

Does access to Wappa Dam need to be improved?

Background and Considerations Opportunities for the provision of access points around Wappa Dam are limited.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Limited suitable sites

Opening Hours

Should opening hours for summer months and winter months be adjusted to more closely correspond to daylight hours? For example:

October – March 5.30am – 6.30pm April – September 6.30am – 5.30pm

Background and Considerations Access to all Seqwater sites, including on-water access, is currently permitted between 6am – 6pm. The only exception to this is camping at a designated campground or if a permit expressly provides permission.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Opening hours need to be consistent across all sites

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Environment

Discussion Point:

Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Wappa Dam?

Background and Considerations Wappa Dam provides habitat to native fauna, particularly birdlife.

Considerations Constraints  Nil  Nil

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Have Your Say

We are undertaking a Recreation Review to listen and learn about the recreational opportunities the community would like to see in and around the lakes and, within defined constraints, deliver a suite of management plans based on this feedback.

You can have your say on the recreational activities specific to this paper in the following ways:

Website All details of the recreational review process are available online at www.yourseqwater.com.au. Please visit the website for regular updates.

Phone Should you need to know any further information or clarification on this paper please contact us on 1800 505 182 or [email protected].

Survey An online survey is available at our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. Simply click on the survey online and follow the prompts to select the area of your choice.

Information Sessions Seqwater will be advertising an information session where you can ask questions or get additional information on the review process.

Details of the information session can be located online at www.yourseqwater.com.au and it will be advertised in local newspapers.

Workshop Nominate yourself to attend the following workshops. Details of the workshops are on our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. The content of the two workshops is sequential and therefore only attendees of the first workshop will be attending the second workshop: 1. Round 1 Workshop: Have your say 2. Round 2 Workshop: Feedback so far

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Appendix A: Table of Discussion Points Activity Discussion Points Swimming Should a designated swimming area be established?

Picnicking Are the picnic facilities at Wappa Dam satisfactory?

Playgrounds Is the playground equipment satisfactory?

Camping Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial?

Motorised Should Wappa Dam be open to motorised watercraft? Watercraft Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities?

Non-Motorised Should Wappa Dam be open to non-motorised watercraft? Watercraft

Fishing Should fishing be allowed at Wappa Dam?

Trails Do you find the available trails to be satisfactory?

Dogs Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Wappa Dam?

Site Access Does access to Wappa Dam need to be improved?

Opening Hours Should all sites operate under different opening hours for summer months and winter months to more closely correspond to daylight hours eg: October-March 5.30am-6.30pm April – September 6.30am-5.30pm

Environment Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Wappa Dam?

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