Wappa Dam Recreation Management Discussion Paper
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Wappa Dam 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 Version - 1 Page 2 of 16 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 Seqwater 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 Queensland Government on 15 April 2013) acknowledges that there are opportunities to use dams 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 Version - 1 Page 3 of 16 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 Version - 1 Page 4 of 16 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. Version - 1 Page 5 of 16 Overview of Wappa Dam Wappa Dam was built on the South Maroochy River 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. Version - 1 Page 6 of 16 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. Version - 1 Page 7 of 16 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