BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Bellingen Shire Council
Title Bellinger River Health Plan
Date of Publication March 2010
Copyright Copyright © 2010, Bellingen Shire Council. Along with any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this report may also be reproduced in part or whole for the purposes of study, research, review and/or general information provided clear acknowledgement of the source is made.
Citation Bellingen Shire Council (2010). Bellinger River Health Plan. Bellinger Shire Council, NSW.
ISBN 978 0 9807685 1 0 (Hard copy) ISBN 978 0 9807685 0 3 (Digital copy)
Digital Copy Access This report can be accessed and downloaded on line at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au by following the Environment prompt to the Healthy Rivers Program.
Disclaimer While every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate, complete and current at the time of publication, no warranty is given or implied that it is free of error or omission. No liability is accepted for any material or financial loss, damage, cost or injury arising from the use of this report.
Funding Support This report has been prepared by Bellingen Shire Council with financial assistance from the NSW Government through the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. This document does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the NSW Government or the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
Cover Image Bellinger River estuary Bellingen Shire Healthy Rivers Program
Bellinger River Health Plan BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Foreword
Bellinger River Health Plan
Our coastal waterways are under increasing pressure from population growth and change to the traditional low impact industries. Oyster leases dating back to the days of small coastal hamlets are now surrounded by expanding urban and semi rural populations, while agricultural industries such as dairying have become more intensive. Declining water quality and consumer protection have forced government and the aquaculture industry to introduce the Shellfish Quality Assurance Program which regularly monitors water quality and sets rules for the commercial harvesting of oysters.
In 2006 the Shellfish Quality Assurance Program closed the Bellinger River to the harvesting of oysters due to persistently high coliform counts. A Working Group comprising Bellingen Shire Council, government agencies and the oyster industry was established to identify the origin and source of the problem and then institute measures to avoid recurrence in the future. Bellingen Shire Council established a River Keeper position to prepare the Bellinger River Health Plan with support from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (Estuary Management Program). The River Keeper has worked with individuals and groups within the Shire, as well as a number of agencies, to finalise the plan.
The Plan documents the issues which affect river health from community and agency perspectives. It recommends actions to address these issues and improve water quality though improved land management practice. The Plan aims to: ■ engage and motivate the community and Council to adopt improved practices and move towards accepted best practice ■ identify potential improvements for agency engagement and coordination ■ inform Council and the community on water quality issues ■ initiate action with all stakeholders ■ identify barriers, gaps and improve coordination of current management activities ■ provide a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating change.
The Bellinger River Health Plan is an important component of the long term strategy to improve water quality in the Bellinger River and avoid future closures to the commercial harvesting of oysters.
John Williams Chair Bellinger River Working Group
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
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Acknowledgements
The development of the Bellinger River Health plan was initiated by Bellingen Shire Council and funded by the Department of Environment and Climate Change through the Estuary Management program in partnership with Bellingen Shire Council. Thank you; this plan could only be developed because of your vision. Many thanks to the Healthy Rivers Reference Group - Mr Ian Turnbull Manager of Vegetation and Environment Bellingen Shire Council; Mr Mohammed Hanif Natural Resources Project Officer Department of Environment and Climate Change and Dr Colin Mathews Coordinator Bellingen Landcare Inc. for their guidance, support and assistance with the development of this plan, it was much appreciated.
To Mr Mike Edsall, Director of Engineering and Operations, thank you for your support and advice throughout the process. Thank you to Ms Sandy Eager who volunteered her time to assist with the development of the plan and Mr Mathew Birch for the development of the Desk Top Review, your input was very valuable.
Thank you to Ms Tania Malone, River Keeper, for your commitment and diligence in bringing together all the information, ideas and views of all parties to make this document a working blueprint for ongoing action.
Thanks also to the many agencies including Bellingen Shire staff that participated in the process and provided significant information needed for this plan. Finally but certainly not least, much appreciation to the vast number of Bellingen Shire residents, visitors and industry, particularly the oyster farmers and dairy farmers who have supported the Healthy Rivers Program by being involved in the consultations and providing essential information and direction needed for healthy rivers now and in the future. This is our plan and only the beginning.
Mike Colreavy General Manager Bellingen Shire Council 2010
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Foreword i Acknowledgements iii CONTENTS v Executive Summary 1 INTRODUCTION 7
Background 7 What is a Healthy Bellinger River? 8 Purpose of the Bellinger River Health Plan 9 Methodology 9 Community Consultation 10 Agency Stakeholder Survey 10 Desktop Review 10 Strategic Approach 11 Links to other documents 11 Study Area 12
KEY RIVER HEALTH ISSUES 15 Agricultural Practices 15
Overview 15 Current Status 16 Community/Agency Response 17 Best Practice 18 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 18 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Agricultural Practices 19 Impacts: Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution
Riparian and Wetland Management 23
Overview 23 Current Status 24 Community Agency Response 26 Best Practice Riparian Management 27 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 27 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Riparian and Wetland Management 29 Impacts: Erosion, Sedimentation, Flood Impacts and Biodiversity
Onsite Sewage Management Systems (OSMS) 31
Overview 31 Current status 31 Community/Agency Response 33 Best Practice On-Site Sewage Management 34 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 35 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Management Of OSMS 36 Impacts: Pollution
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Boating, Tourism and Recreational Impacts 39 Overview 39 Current status 39 Hydrocarbon Pollution 40 Biological Pollution 41 Community and Agency Response 41 Community Response 42 Best Practice Management of Boating Issues 43 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 43 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Boating, Tourism and Recreational Use 45 Impacts: Pollution, Erosion, Sedimentation and Safety Stormwater and Building Construction 47 Overview 47 Current Status 48 Community and Agency Response 49 Best Practice 49 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 50 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Stormwater and Construction Site Management 51 Impacts: Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution
Rural Roads and Bridges 53 Overview 53 Current Status 53 Community and Agency Response 54 Best Practice 54 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 54 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Rural Roads and Bridges 55 Impacts: Erosion and Sedimentation
Forestry, Logging and Clearing 57 Overview 57 Current Status 57 Community and Agency Response 59 Best Practice Forestry Operations for River Health 59 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 59 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Forestry, Logging and Land Clearing 60 Impacts: Erosion and Sedimentation Oil and Diesel and Waste Spills From Roads 61 Overview 61 Current Practice 61 Community and Agency Response 61 Best Practice 61 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 61 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Oil, Diesel and Waste Spills from Roads 62 Impacts: Pollution
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Waste Water Treatment Plants 63 Overview 63 Current Status 63 Community and Agency Response 65 Best Practice 65 Barriers and Key Considerations for Change 65 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Waste Water Treatment Plants 66 Impact: Pollution
Water Quality Monitoring 67 Overview 67 Current Status 68 Community and Agency Response 69 Best Practice 69 TABLE: Strategic Approach to Water Quality Monitoring 71 Impact: Water Quality
OTHER ISSUES 73 Dredging and Sand Extraction 73 Overview 73 Current Status 73 Best Practice 74
Gravel Extraction on the Bellinger 74 Overview 74 Current Status 74 Best Practice 75
Acid Sulfate Soils 75 Overview 75 Current Status 75 Best Practice 76
Heavy Metal Pollution 77 Overview 77 Current Status 77 Best Practice 77
Licensed Source Inputs to the Bellinger River 78 Overview 78 Current Status 78 Best Practice 78 Climate Change Considerations 78 Overview 78 Current Status 78 Best Practice 79
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Sea Level Rise 79 Overview 79 Current Status 79 Best Practice 80
RIVER HEALTH PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 81 Education 81 Co-ordination 81 Communication 82 Program Sustainability 82 BIBLIOGRAPHY 83
APPENDICES 86
Appendix A: Summary of the Results of the Community Consultations by Area 87 Dorrigo 87 Upper Thora 89 Thora to Bellingen 92 Bellingen Town Area 94 Hydes Creek 97 Gleniffer 99 Bellingen to Raleigh 102 Raleigh to Mylestom and Urunga 104
Appendix B: 109 Summary of Key Agencies and Community Priority Areas of Action to Improve Water Quality and River Health
Appendix C: 110 Key Stakeholder Agencies and their Roles, Responsibilities and Priorities
Appendix D: 113 Key Stakeholder Agencies and their Legislative Responsibilities
Appendix E: 115 Summary of Recommendations to Reduce River Health Impacts from Boating and Improve Behaviours
Appendix F: 117 Examples of Best Practice Guidelines
Appendix G: 118 Relevant Commonwealth and State Legislation Relevant Planning Framework Instruments
Appendix H: 119 Relevant Planning Framework Instruments
Appendix I: 120 Partnership Approach Poster and Abstract
VIII BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Executive Summary
The Bellinger River Health Plan (the Plan) has A three-part approach to developing the Plan was been prepared on behalf of Bellingen Shire Council adopted. This included a community engagement (Council) and the Department of Environment process, a survey of key agencies (including and Climate Change (DECC) under the Estuary government) involved in natural resource Management Program. The Plan has been developed management, and a desktop review of relevant in accordance with the NSW State Government literature. In addition, a program reference group Estuary Management Program to satisfy objectives of comprising Council, DECC (Natural Resources) and the NSW Estuary Management Policy 1992 and the Bellinger Landcare Inc. played an integral role in NSW Coastal Policy 1997. the planning process. This model of a partnership approach to improve river health was presented as The Bellinger River Health Plan (the Plan) is a a poster at the17th NSW Coastal Conference in community-driven, action-oriented plan which has November 2008.A copy of the abstract and poster are been prepared in a partnership between the NSW attached in Appendix J. Department of Environment and Climate Change Ten key issues were identified by the community and (DECC) and Bellingen Shire Council (Council). agencies as matters that need attention to improve water quality and river health. In order of priority these The purpose of the Plan is to document the issues are: which affect river health from community and agency ■ agricultural practices perspectives and priorities, and to assess how these ■ riparian and wetland management currently impact on water quality and river health. The ■ on-site sewage management systems Plan then recommends actions to address issues and (OSMS) improve management though best practice. The Plan ■ boating, tourism and recreational impacts also aims to: ■ stormwater ■ engage and motivate the community and ■ rural roads and bridges Council to adopt improved practices and ■ forestry, logging and clearing move towards accepted best practice ■ oil, diesel and waste spills ■ identify potential improvements for agency ■ waste water treatment plants, and engagement and coordination ■ water quality monitoring. ■ inform Council and the community on water quality issues An overview of each of the priority issues is outlined ■ initiate action with all stakeholders in the document, together with the current status, a ■ identify barriers, gaps and improve summary of the community and agency response, coordination of current management activities best practice management, and barriers and key ■ provide a mechanism for monitoring and considerations for change. This information forms the evaluating change. basis of the strategic management of each identified issue and is summarised in Appendix C.
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Both the agencies surveyed and the community Council is committed to improving water quality and recognised that, in order to ensure effective therefore implementing the actions within the Plan. implementation of the Plan, a number of areas that Department of Environment and Climate Change is should be managed and coordinated by Council’s supporting the Plan and the implementation of actions River Health Program. These are: to improve water quality and river health through ■ Education - integrating educational strategies partnership programs with Council under the Estuary within a holistic framework of actions such as Management Program. Key agencies have indicated creating supporting environments, building a willingness to work together. The community has appropriate policies, reorienting services and indicated its readiness to collaborate with government strengthening action. and other stakeholders to see the improvement in ■ Coordination - Council as the driver of river health. There is a groundswell of support and the Plan will need to ensure coordination momentum for the Program that will assist in this between the key agency stakeholders and process. the community. This will be required both internally within Council, with its defined roles Department of Environment and Climate Change and responsibilities of divisions, as well as is supporting the Plan and the implementation of through the development of partnerships actions to improve water quality and river health with external agencies in order to achieve through partnership programs with Council under actions. In some instances this may need to the Estuary Management Program. Key agencies be formalised through agreed Memorandum have indicated a willingness to work together and the of Understanding or Partnership Agreement. community has shown its readiness to collaborate with A River Health Working Group, which government and other stakeholders to bring about the includes key stakeholders and community improvement in river health. There is a groundswell representatives to oversee and drive the of support and momentum for the Program that will process, supported by a continuing River assist in this process. Keeper position, was recommended as a model to ensure continuing coordination. The The Plan should be viewed as a living document inclusion of universities and schools in the that adapts to meet both opportunities and needs to Program was also strongly recommended. improve water quality and river health for the Bellingen ■ Communication - the development and Shire. To commence the implementation of the Plan, implementation of a communication strategy the priorities and actions set out in the following table is needed to enable participation in and will be addressed over the next three years. monitoring of the Program by the community, ■ Program Sustainability - the most significant key element in the effective implementation of the Plan identified by all stakeholders is to sustain the implementation and actions. This will require a long term commitment by Council and its partners to see the Plan driven and implemented.
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Strategic Action for the Next 3 Years
Year to be Issue Strategy undertaken Agricultural Review locally relevant sustainable farming, engagement and implementation strategies Yr 1─2 Practices and programs Map respondents (and farming areas) who have shown a commitment to Landcare improvement and river health Yr 1─2 Map farming areas to identify cattle access to river Develop calendars of farming production/work schedules to identify intervention times and Yr 1─2 plan appropriate times for strategic workshops and on-ground activities Facilitate a working group of key stakeholders, e.g. Department of Primary Yr 1─2 Industries(Agriculture and Fisheries), Department of Water and Energy, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Council, Landcare, farming representatives, River Keeper and Oyster industry
Identify core duties, functions, legal responsibilities, jurisdictions and resource availability; and clarify status with landholders Develop an agreed strategy to implement the staged adoption of good management practice across the Shire Yr 1─2 Integrate strategic actions utilising universities and schools Identify high profile farmers and community members who can be utilised as “key Yr 1 - ongoing champions” as part of a “train the trainer” process In conjunction with agencies and farming representatives, develop a toolbox of key improvement resources, e.g. farm assessment tools, management options, funding Yr 1 information Identify and gain funding to develop and implement an awareness raising and media strategy to highlight the impacts of agriculture on water quality and river health - highlight Yr 2 - ongoing POEO Act implications and pollution and promote the benefits of sustainable farming Organise and facilitate train the trainer work shops for key peer farming representatives to develop awareness and improved farm management and production information and Yr 2 address river health impacts Strategically write to and contact farmers in reaches to organise workshops and information and assessment days
Target key people identified from consultations Yr 2
Target new residents to increase knowledge and skills to address impacts; encourage formation of river care groups/neighbourhood groups to improve resources Organise and facilitate workshops on good practice management, identify enabling factors and barriers to good practice management in order to utilise an “Education for Yr 2 Sustainability” approach, review and address after each workshop Work with farmers to develop 5-year management plans to improve outcomes Yr 1 - ongoing Identify resource and funding needs, and work in reaches to access funding Yr 1 - ongoing Promote landholders who have adopted good practice management strategies Ongoing Highlight landholder improvement issues Assess and report on improvements, review and identify next stage of the strategy Ongoing Work with the Department of Water and Energy to address more responsible and efficient Yr 1 - ongoing water use (water licences) Liaise and work with all relevant stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to Yr 1 - ongoing address debris removal in relation to flood impacts
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Year to be Issue Strategy undertaken Facilitate a presentation to Council by key agency representatives who have been involved with successfully developing and implementing a comprehensive OSMS strategy OSMS Yr 1 Present the proposed developed proposal to the group Develop and implement a sustainable Onsite Sewage Management Strategy for Bellingen Shire Yr 1 Consult with key agency representatives who have been involved with successfully developing and implementing a comprehensive OSMS strategy to identify the processes and information needed for development and implementation Liaise with other Councils to identify key expert personnel utilised. Yr 1─3 OSMS experts and Council staff to review current performance of systems in Bellingen Shire and improve systems performance Market the “fee for service” needed for implementing the OSMS strategy and promote the Yr 1 benefits to the community Implement the OSMS strategy, utilising a “fee for service” monitoring program of all OSMS Yr 1─2 in Bellingen Shire Ensure Council staff have access to training and development on best practice strategies Ongoing Yr 1- ongoing Ensure the implementation of ongoing best practice development Assess the needs of owner/occupiers in relation to best practice management of OSMS Yr 1 - ongoing Short Term Continue and expand an educational program to improve owner/occupier management – ongoing using adult education principles Yr 1 - ongoing
Investigate and address impacts from camping along the river, incorporating compliance Yr 2 where appropriate Riparian Implement the strategies of the Council’s Estuary Management Plan – Management and Wetland Objective 21 – Incorporate appropriate riparian protection zones within Council’s planning Yr 2 - ongoing Management framework to safeguard against potential future development and land use change Develop a process to undertake a vegetation mapping survey building on previous work (in Yr 1─2 conjunction with the Estuary Management Plan’s erosion study) Develop and implement a weed control strategy for private land, public land, Crown Yr 2─3 reserves and roadsides Develop and implement communication strategies, raise awareness and implement participatory educational workshops Target key weeds in specific landscapes Yr 2 - ongoing Investigate options to assist landholders with weeds management and revegetation Raise awareness of the needs and purpose of improving riparian vegetation through Yr 1 - ongoing the media, letters to landholders, and promotion through suggested local networks and Landcare/river care groups Promote and support with resources as appropriate neighbourhood, Landcare approaches to riparian management Liaise and work with communities to identify needs, information and assistance required to implement good practice management Short to Medium Utilising key stakeholders, facilitate workshops to assist landholders with improving Term management and maintenance of riparian land Hold field days to showcase good practice management for riverbank restoration and Yr 1- ongoing investigate options to increasing landholder participation. Provide discussion forums on overcoming difficult management issues
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Year to be Issue Strategy undertaken Liaise with funding bodies in relation to landholders concerns regarding funding access and utilisation Work with Council’s Grants Officer and other key stakeholders to investigate funding to Yr 1 - ongoing implement actions Facilitate working groups with agencies and communities to improve access to funding Liaise with Council representatives regarding improving vegetation management that Yr 1 involves work across private and public land to improve processes and cooperation Promote improvements and achievements through the media and newsletters Yr 1 - ongoing Investigate rewards systems In conjunction with Landcare facilitate the development of a working group of all key agencies that are involved with riverbank restoration. Identify requirements needed from each agency for undertaking riverbank restoration works; Yr 1─3 Identify good practice processes needed for approvals Develop an information kit outlining the approval process requirements and information regarding approved management options Work with key stakeholders and land owners and raise awareness on the issues concerning river oaks and the recommendations for managing them and improving bank stability as outlined in the leaflet released by Bellingen Landcare in cooperation with Northern Rivers Yr 1 - ongoing Catchment Management Authority Discuss issues at workshops Boating, Tourism Implement the recommendations of the Estuary Management Plan Yr 1 and Recreational Use Incorporate the recommendations of the consultations within the code of conduct Engage with key representative groups including universities and schools to implement Yr 1 good practice adoption Work with and motivate the community to identify and report negative behaviours as well as Short Term and noting successful positive strategies (including noise) Ongoing Yr 1 - ongoing In conjunction with NSW Maritime, actively advise the community about the required information needed for reporting breaches and negative behaviours Liaise with NSW Maritime to raise their profile and presence on the rivers particularly during Yr 1 - ongoing peak periods Liaise with NSW Maritime to improve and update signage around the rivers Yr 1 - ongoing With NSW Maritime, Council and Coastline and Estuary Management Committee, review information at the completion of studies, surveys and implementation of interim code of Yr 2─3 conduct Liaise with Council and undertake an audit of public toilets in recreational areas that are Yr 1 linked to unsewered to ascertain whether they are functioning properly OSMS Rectify any problems Yr 2─3 Improve knowledge and awareness of Council’s effluent dumping points Short to Medium Liaise with Council, and key stakeholders in (e.g. Mylestom and Repton) to improve the Yr 1- ongoing Term reserve areas and decrease erosion on river banks from indiscriminate pedestrian use Work with Department of Primary Industries-Fisheries, community groups, schools and Yr 2 - ongoing universities to address over fishing and over crabbing Waste Water Council to install back up generators for Waste Water Treatment Plants to stop surcharges Yr 1 Treatment Plants during blackouts
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Issue Strategy Year to be undertaken Improve management and operations to minimise license breaches Investigate and implement options to reduce sediment and nutrient concentrations leaving treatment facilities, e.g. constructed wetlands Yr 1─2 Update and implement new emergency spill procedures and complaint procedures
Raise awareness within the community to notify Council Water and Sewerage departments of any sewerage overflows or spills Liaise with Department of Environment and Climate Change (EPA) and Area Health Services to investigate strategies to develop and implement best practice to plan for medium and long term improvements Yr 1 Short to Medium Consult with Council Water and Sewerage staff to identify strategies for medium and longer Term term improvement Yr 2 - ongoing Work with Council Water and Sewerage Engineers to develop and implement a best practice strategy and implement best practice pilot projects Undertake testing to identify and reduce leakages Yr1 Proactively promote Council improvements through the media Short to Medium Yr 2 - ongoing Educate the public regarding improved practices Term Yr 1 Undertake inspections to rectify illegal connections Work with Council Water and Sewage Engineers and Staff, businesses and community, Short Term to - Tourism, (incorporating events and festivals) to identify current practices, and develop and Yr 1 - ongoing Ongoing implement strategies to improve impacts on water quality Forestry, Logging Facilitate staff training in relation to river care and catchment management Yr 2 and Clearing Council to strengthen its regulatory requirements by identifying and implementing water Stormwater and sensitive urban design criteria for new developments Construction Site Yr 1 Management Council to insert a provision in its adopted Fees and Charges Schedule that allows for the collection of funds for the peer review of proposed Stormwater Strategies. Undertake a stormwater study incorporating new and current developments (that Short to Medium incorporates s. 7.3 and Stormwater Management Plan, Water Sensitive Urban Design Term Yr 1─2 principles; includes water quality information, field study to identify and map stormwater data, and the identification of assets, their location and the type of mitigation works) Ongoing Ensure Council staff have access to and implement best practice strategies Yr 1 - ongoing Short to Medium Develop and implement a best practice Stormwater Action Plan for Bellingen Shire including Yr 2/3 - Term education ongoing Develop and implement a policy and an implementation process for managing compliance Yr 2 Short to Medium Develop and implement a holistic building and construction strategy incorporating social and Yr 3─4 Term environmental impacts Investigate with Council the feasibility of providing dog waste disposal bags at key areas in Yr 1 the Shire, and implement as appropriate Liaise with key entertainment area managers regarding a strategy to reduce cigarette butts Yr 2 on the streets Water Quality Ensure the implementation of the strategies of Management Objectives 1 and 3 of the Yr 1─3 Monitoring Estuary Management Plan Short to Medium Collate and provide access to current water sampling results Yr 2 - ongoing Term Provide periodic reports on waterway health Work with the regional working party to develop and implement a Ecosystem Health Monitoring program for the region Yr 1 - ongoing Ensure the program integrates current sampling
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Background However, in April 2006 the Bellinger River was closed to oyster harvesting by the NSW Food Authority. This Bellingen Shire residents have a high level of was in response to the results from: environmental awareness, for many it was its ■ The NSW Food Authority Shoreline Survey of environmental attributes which attracted them to the the Bellinger River which found a number of Shire. The river is a central focus for the community actual and potential pollution sources which and with the Bellinger River originating within the may impact on the harvest area. World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park, the ■ A bacteriological survey and assessment of community perception was that they were living in a shellfish-growing areas in relation to faecal pristine environment with a pristine river. contamination of the harvest area. ■ A survey of potentially toxic phytoplankton in the harvest area to assess the risk of biotoxin contamination of shellfish.
The closure caused community anger and concern over the poor water quality for recreation and industry, with public debate, accusations and questioning as to who was responsible and who should be held accountable. The need was identified for a coordinated approach to address river health.
This prompted the formation of a ‘Whole of Government’ response via a working group driven by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Their charter was to implement a rigorous monitoring regime to identify the source and origin of pollution.
In addition, Council established that the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers suffer from bacteriological contamination that is often unpredictable and has multifaceted sources.
Council recognised a need for a program that would take a holistic approach to address the factors that affect river health. As part of this program it was Plate 1. Dorrigo National Park acknowledged that there was a need to establish a coordinated plan of action to improve water quality and health in the Bellinger River (and then the Kalang). This Plan would reflect both the community’s and agencies’ priorities and be developed and implemented in accordance with those priorities and evidence-based strategies to address and improve river health.
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
In response to this identified need, Department of Environment and Climate Change and Council formed a partnership, and through a grant from the Estuary Management Program, have jointly funded the development of a Healthy Rivers Plan. To develop, implement and manage the Healthy Rivers Plan and Program, Bellingen Shire Council has engaged a River Keeper. This requires identifying, improving and strengthening current practices, instigating new initiatives and ensuring an integrated approach with other relevant plans such as the Bellinger Kalang Estuary Management Plan and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Catchment Action Plan. Plate 2. Riparian vegetation, Bellinger River This was supported by all stakeholders as it was deemed unacceptable for no action or intervention to be The key values were: undertaken to address the issues of water quality in the ■ tourism and recreation – it’s our livelihood, Bellinger/Kalang. visitors stay in cabins and go fishing, canoeing and swimming, good for recreational What is a Healthy Bellinger River? purposes – swimming, fishing The Healthy Rivers Commission defines a healthy ■ relaxing, attractive to visitors water system as one where it enables a broad range ■ aesthetics – scenic, beautiful, like to look of environmental, social and economic values and at it, views, nice to have water around you, practices to be carried out. Essentially, it is a river where river frontage is the reason they live here: a balance may be struck between human use and the biodiversity – wildlife, bird watching, fish, ecology of the river—a balance where the integrity of the lizards and plants system is still preserved, a reasonable level of human ■ it’s our investment, sustainability rivers add needs can be met, and where both can be sustained into value, important for life and trees, indicator of the future. health ■ important to use and sustain as a water To determine a direction for the Bellinger, the community source for multiple purposes – water supply through a systematic planning process have defined for stock, agricultural production, drinking, their values and expectations for the river. showering and swimming, aquaculture.
Landholders across the Shire were asked how they The community recognised that river quality is now defined a healthy river and why this river was important under threat, and that they don’t want to see the river to them. Their response was: deteriorate any further. Negative impacts to the river and tributaries are seen to affect the quality of the ■ abundant wildlife, habitat, biodiversity, fauna and surrounding environment. There is a need to address flora including fish that are endemic to the area, this so the situation doesn’t worsen. Maintaining the platypus, eagles, turtles, dolphins, healthy fish, current status is not enough to improve river health. mangroves ■ good flow ■ able to support a range of functions and land uses, e.g. good biodiversity, drinking water, swimming, good balance and sustainable – recovers well after rainfall and flooding (can provide good drinking water) ■ looks clean and clear, has low turbidity ■ good vegetation in riparian zone and is without weeds.
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Methodology A three-part approach to developing the plan was adopted. This included a community engagement process, a survey of key agencies (including government) involved and a desktop review of relevant literature. In addition a program reference group comprising Council, DECC (Natural Resources) and Bellinger Landcare Inc. played an integral role in the planning process.
The community engagement process ensures that the strategies and actions developed meet identified community needs and are appropriate, effective and Plate 3. Riparian vegetation, Bellinger River sustainable. In addition, as outlined by Phil Smith in the Better Water Quality workshops, community Purpose of the Bellinger River Health Plan engagement if undertaken effectively can produce the The purpose of the Plan is to document the issues following outcomes: which affect river health from community, and agency ■ more effective program and projects as perspectives and priorities, and to assess how these participants become the owners of the currently impact on water quality and river health. The outcomes
Plan will then recommend actions to address issues ■ trust and credibility are built with the and improve management though best practice. The community having a better understanding of Plan also aims to: process boundaries and constraints
■ engage and motivate the community and ■ mobilisation of volunteer energy leading to Council to adopt improved practices and more cost-effective strategies
move towards accepted best practice ■ community skills and experience strengthen ■ identify potential improvements for agency decision making
engagement and coordination ■ better management of environmental, social ■ keep Council and the community informed on and political risks as transparency and water quality issues equality improves confidence and reduces the ■ initiate action with all stakeholders potential for conflict
■ identify barriers, gaps and improve ■ the possibility of strong long term relationships coordination of current management activities is strengthened. ■ provide a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating change. As a result, the process has generated extensive support for the program, with the intention of subsequent ownership of the Plan by the community.
Using this process the Plan was developed through: ■ research and reviews of related literature, plans and information from the Premier’s Working Group ■ consultations and interviews with the community, ■ surveys with key agency stakeholders ■ a desktop review of water quality issues and management (Birch Aquatic Ecology Services 2008).
BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Community Consultation Responses to these surveys provided a legislative, The first part of the consultation process focused on policy and priority framework for water quality issues landholders adjacent to the Bellinger River and its in the local context. The results of the consultations tributaries of Never Never Ck, Man Arm Ck, Connells and surveys were analysed and summarised by Ck, Hydes Ck, Rosewood River, Bishops Ck and agency response and by location across the shire. Back Ck. Letters were sent to each of the landholders The responses were then allocated a priority rating inviting them to participate in the development of the of high and medium based on frequency of response Plan. In addition, the general community was invited (as outlined in Appendix B). The strategic approach to participate in workshops held at Dorrigo, Thora, tables within the Plan provide a summary and address Bellingen, Mylestom and Urunga. the high and medium priorities. This qualitative approach was determined by the reference group To facilitate the consultation process participants were as the most appropriate methodology for prioritising asked the questions: responses. To monitor and evaluate effectiveness and ■ What do you see are the main issues affecting ensure accountability, the tables outline the strategies and impacting on water quality and river and performance indicators needed to achieve the health, and what are the causes? identified objectives. These are linked to intended ■ What current actions are being or have been timeframes with allocated responsibility, and are undertaken to make improvements - and how categorised as short, medium and longer term. effective were these? ■ What are the barriers to achieving more With the vast range of priority areas, these timeframes effective solutions? are set at: ■ What future actions do we need to undertake ■ Short term – 1–5 years to manage and improve the issues? ■ Medium term – 3–7 years ■ What steps need to be undertaken? ■ Longer term – 5–10 years. ■ What contribution are you prepared to undertake to improve water quality and river The achievement of the key results within these health? intended timeframes will be dependant on resources, both human and financial opportunities, and readiness Community responses are presented geographically for change. in Appendix A. Desktop Review A desktop study or literature review was undertaken to Agency Stakeholder Survey identify the extent of issues, the possible implications, Natural resource management has multiple agency and current best practice scenarios for management. stakeholders operating under a number of regulatory This included the review of documents such as and policy frameworks. Key agency stakeholders Council’s Growth Management Strategy, Estuary were surveyed with additional questions relating to Management Plan and numerous other relevant core priorities and functions, current operations and documents. opportunities relating to education and other activities, coordination, resources and water quality or river health monitoring. Pertinent information relating to agency stakeholders is outlined in Appendices C, D and F.
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Strategic Approach Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan (CAP) The Plan synthesises and documents the collective The Plan will address a number of targets within both findings of these processes and from this presents a the water and community themes of the CAP. summary of strategic approaches to the management of each identified issue, guided by currently ■ Management Target CCB1 – Awareness, understood best practice management. Best practice Knowledge and Skills management is documented for a number of the By 2016, there is an increase in community key issues as listed in Appendix D. It is based awareness, knowledge and skills in relation to on techniques, methods, processes, incentives Natural Resource Management. or rewards that are more effective at delivering a ■ Management Target CCB2 – Community particular outcome. These in turn are based on Engagement efficiency and effectiveness and ability to be adapted By 2016, there is an adequate engagement and applied to the local situation. For the purposed of community engagement and collaborative of this Plan, they include guidelines, pollution control partnerships in Natural Resource measures, management and treatment techniques, Management and adequate trust in Natural engineering systems, supporting functions, e.g. Resource Management institutions and training and equipment maintenance, operational processes. or procedural practices, land use management and ■ Management Target CCB3 – Community change processes. Support By 2016, there is an adequate level of Links to other documents community capacity building support, The Plan is linked to a number of key documents both including resources and infrastructure. strategically and operationally. ■ Management Target W1 – River Structure, Riparian Vegetation & Fish NSW State Plan Passage Priority E4: Better outcomes for native vegetation, By 2016, rehabilitate and protect the biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways. stream health (in terms of structure, riparian Implementation of this plan will ensure delivery on vegetation and fish passage) of 60% of the NSW Governments statewide targets for Water stream length in all identified streams in specifically: priority sub-catchments (15% to be completed ■ by 2015 there is an improvement in the by 2009). condition of riverine ecosystems ■ Management Target W3 – Water ■ by 2015 there is no decline in the condition of Information & Education marine waters and ecosystems By 2016, 100% of Local Government ■ by 2015 there is an improvement in the authorities actively participating in water condition of estuaries and coastal lake monitoring/environmental education networks ecosystems. (key networks established by 2009).
The Plan also ties in closely with a number of other Council-developed strategic documents, particularly the Bellinger River Health Plan, Bellinger/Kalang Estuary Management Plan, and the Growth Management Strategy, which will form the basis for inclusion of future programs within Council’s Management and Local Environment Plans. Additionally the Plan ties in with a number of pieces of legislation and policies which are identified both within the body of the Plan and listed in Appendix G and H.
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Management Target W3 – Water Information and Study Area Education The Bellingen Shire is situated on the mid-north coast By 2016, 100% of Local Government authorities of NSW approximately 360 km south of Brisbane actively participating in water monitoring/ and 520km north of Sydney. The Shire has an environmental education networks (key networks approximate area of 1604 km2 while the Bellinger and established by 2009). Kalang Rivers have a total catchment of 1110 km2. Management Target W1 – River Structure, The Bellinger River is estimated to have a catchment 2 2 Riparian Vegetation and Fish Passage area of 780 km and the Kalang River 330 km . By 2016, rehabilitate and protect the stream health The climate of the Shire is sub-tropical with warm, wet (in terms of structure, riparian vegetation and fish humid summers and mild, dry winters. Annual average passage) of 60% of stream length in all identified rainfall for the area is 1526 mm with the majority of streams in priority sub-catchments (15% to be rainfall occurring in the summer period of December completed by 2009). to April with average monthly rainfalls of 138─218mm. Annual rainfall is up to 1904 mm in the upper portions The Plan also ties in closely with a number of other of the catchment at Dorrigo, and smaller in the lower Council-developed strategic documents, particularly portions of the catchment (1370 mm) at Urunga. The the Bellinger/Kalang Estuary Management Plan and relatively high rainfall and steep catchment slopes the Growth Management Strategy, and will form the exacerbate impacts on water quality and river health. basis for inclusion of future programs within Council’s Management and Local Environment Plans.
Additionally the Plan ties in with a number of pieces of legislation and policies which are identified within the body of the Plan and listed in Appendix G and H.
Location Map Bellingen Shire
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Plate 6. Farm land of the Bellinger River floodplain
Plates 4 and 5. Flooding of Lavenders Bridge, Bellingen.
The upper catchment of the Bellinger/Kalang system is predominantly vegetated. More than half the catchment area is contained within State Forest, National Parks and Nature Reserve boundaries (Lawson and Treloar 2003). Logged native forests are the next major land use type, followed by agriculture, with beef cattle, dairy cattle, small fruit and nut operations, small vegetable and cut flowers operations represented. Urban areas within the catchment are dominated by the towns of Bellingen and Urunga, and there are a number of small village settlements including Fernmount, Repton, Raleigh and Mylestom. Rural areas include Thora, Gleniffer, Kalang, Brierfield and Valery. The dominant land uses on the river floodplain are dairy and beef cattle farms, taking advantage of the relatively rich soil.
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KEY RIVER HEALTH ISSUES
Agricultural Practices
Overview A major land use within the Bellinger/Kalang catchments area is agriculture. Agricultural pursuits within the Shire include grazing, dairy farming, turf farms, cropping (eg grains, corn, potatoes, garlic), horticulture (e.g. macadamias, olives, pecans, cut flowers), intensive animal production (e.g. piggeries, chicken farms) and aquaculture. The specific issues and impacts associated with agricultural practices include the following: ■ stock access - increased risk of faecal contamination, trampling of riverbanks, damage to riparian and in-stream vegetation, crossing impacts Plate 8. Stock access surrounding oyster leases ■ runoff of fertiliser, pesticides, sediments and faecal matter ■ drain management, on-farm waste disposal, and dead stock disposal.
Plate 9. Drainage on farms
Plate 7. Stock access in mangroves
It is recognised that agriculture is an integral part of the shire.
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Current status Currently there are no planning or policy procedures A wide range of best practice actions have been to manage stock access to riverbanks. Council undertaken to varying extents including on-ground investigates complaints, however there is no strategic works, and community awareness activities which auditing or inspection program in place. benefit water quality. These have occurred in various geographical areas and within industry groups and to various extents both through individual or group action. For example the Department of Primary Industries has undertaken the program Dairy Farmer Targets for Change; this is voluntary program although completing this course gives them access to funding. Currently 9 out of 11 flood plain Dairy Farmers have undertaken the program in conjunction with Bellinger Landcare. The dairy farmers involved have identified areas on their individual farms where, using a staged plan of action, improvements in water quality and river health can be achieved. Plate10. Access of stock to river and river banks
Additionally, a range of agencies work with farmers in different capacities, offering advice and suggestions in an extension role. They foster on-ground works on both an individual and workshop basis, but these are not coordinated actions.
The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1998 deems Council to be a Regulatory Authority, requiring the prevention of pollution to waterways. Water pollution is defined under Schedule 3 of the Regulations. With specific reference to agriculture this includes: ■ Any animal matter of any description, including (but not limited to) carcasses of animals, parts or remains of animals, offal, flesh and bones ■ Any plant matter of any description, including (but not limited to) vegetable or fruit wastes, leaves, grass, trees, wood, sawdust, shavings, chips, bark or other forest products or refuse ■ Any ashes, soil, earth, mud, stones, sand, clay or similar inorganic matter ■ Any washings or spoil from any mineral processing or extractive operation, from any dredging operation or from any other industrial, agricultural or commercial activity ■ Any matter that contains faecal coliform or faecal streptococci.
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Community/Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Agricultural impacts highest priority. Need to address stock and agricultural impacts in a proactive way. There are a range of agreed best practice management strategies. Increased agency coordination and coordination and involvement with landholders to make improvements. Implement education strategies on best practice and good practice fact sheets. Community specific Agency specific Lobby for alternate and flexible funding sources and funding Regular surveillance and audits of farms should be undertaken timeframes to ensure compliance.
Recognition by agencies for the need for maintenance funding Proactive strategic approach to address impacts; investigate other Council strategies to address agricultural impacts and compliance Partnership development between landholders and Council to Farmers and other River Users need to work together develop and implement strategies for improvement including funding; identify information and skill needs Holistic approach, with actions that meet both farmers needs e.g. for productivity and time and water quality improvements; explore alternative strategies for improvement, monitor to show improvements Audit farms to assess current status and cooperatively develop action plans for improvement Conduct forums on current practice vs. best practice (in specific areas e.g. fertilizers) and Provide education and problem solving discussions, workshops and best practice demonstrations at field days; Build on what has worked elsewhere, utilise experience and skills of farmers (local and elsewhere) with best practice (options and cost effective) and build on local networks River Health program needs to extend program reach to other landholders and land uses e.g. turf farms and piggeries to assess and address impacts; needs to find ways to engage land holders who are sceptical of government Target key landholders
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Best Practice Barriers and Key Considerations for Best practice in agricultural systems is constantly Change evolving. Current understanding of best practice in ■ Clarification of Council’s roles and relation to natural resource management recognises responsibilities and strategies for ensuring that Whole Farm planning is the basis for an compliance integrated approach to maximising production whilst ■ A strategic, proactive Council policy and protecting the natural resources both within and implementation regime of compliance, beyond the property boundary. In relation to river auditing and education is required, linked to health the following are key considerations for best monitoring, evaluation and reporting. practice. ■ Coordinated approach between agencies and ■ Stock access/riparian vegetation – controlling agencies and landholders stock access by fencing/time management. ■ Holistic flexible approach for improved ■ Sustainable grazing along riverbanks can be agricultural practices achieved by careful management. Controlling ■ Funding issues – availability, flexibility, timing, stock access during the regeneration of application processes, knowledge of source riparian plants is particularly important. ■ Inflexible funding, complex funding ■ Fencing must be planned carefully to avoid applications, need for partnership approaches problems with floodwaters. between agencies and landholders ■ The provision of off-stream watering. This ■ Lack of economic and physical resources, removes the need for cattle to regularly visit planning and time management to implement the riparian zone. on ground actions ■ Healthy riparian buffers trap sediment and ■ Attitudes and knowledge/recognition of nutrients and reduce the erosive potential of cumulative impacts of agricultural practices on floodwaters by increasing channel roughness water quality (resistance to high flows) and stabilising soils. ■ Voluntary change re good management practice ■ Some landholders are not fully aware of the commercial returns for implementing best practice activities ■ Best practice paradigms need to be addressed (including site specific considerations), improved management is voluntary, lack of knowledge of best practice.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES TIMEFRAME/RESPONSIBILITY INDICATORS Increase the number Review locally relevant sustainable Evidence-based successful Short to Medium Term of farmers who farming, engagement and intervention strategies and River Keeper are implementing implementation strategies/programs programs are documented sustainable farm management practice Map respondents and farming areas who Baseline spatial/community Short Term have shown a commitment to Landcare information for intervention River Keeper improvement and river health is established Map farming areas to identify cattle access to river Develop calendars of farming production Key intervention times are Short Term /work schedules to identify intervention identified River Keeper times and plan appropriate times for strategic workshops and on-ground activities Facilitate a working group of key A coordinated response Short Term stakeholders e.g. Department of Primary and implementation plan is All core stakeholders Industries Agriculture and Fisheries, developed Department of Water and Energy, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Council, Landcare, farming representatives, and River Keeper and Oyster industry
Identify core duties, functions, legal responsibilities, jurisdictions and resource availability; and clarify with landholders Decrease the Develop an agreed strategy to implement Improved and increased Short Term impacts of farming in a staged good management practice resources to address All stakeholders relation to improving across the shire agricultural impacts water quality, increasing healthy riparian vegetation and improving river bank stability Identify other key farmers and A pool of farmers Short Term community members who can be utilised across the shire agree Landcare as “key champions” as part of a train the to be trained in farm River Keeper trainer process management practice Catchment Management Authority Farmers In conjunction with agencies and farming Resource kit addresses the Short Term representatives develop a toolbox of issues from both farmer Department of Environment and key improvement resources, e.g. farm and agencies perspectives Climate Change assessment tools, management options, Landcare funding information River Keeper Catchment Management Authority Farmers
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES TIMEFRAME/RESPONSIBILITY INDICATORS Identify and gain funding to develop and Increased awareness and Short to Medium Term implement an awareness raising and knowledge of agricultural Department of Environment and media strategy to highlight the impacts impacts and improvement Climate Change of agriculture on water quality and river strategies Landcare health - highlight POEO Act implications River Keeper and pollution, and promote the benefits Catchment Management Authority of sustainable farming Department of Primary Industries Farmers Environmental Health and Building Surveyors Organise and facilitate ‘train the Workshops are undertaken Short to Medium Term trainer’ workshops for key peer farming Landcare representatives to develop awareness River keeper and improved farm management and Catchment Management Authority production information and address river Department of Primary Industries health impacts Farmers Strategically write to and contact farmers Number of farmers Short to Medium Term in reaches to organise workshops and agreeing to participate in Landcare information and assessment days workshops Catchment Management Authority River Keeper Target key people identified from consultations Organise and facilitate workshops, on Number of workshops Short to Medium Term good practice management, identify undertaken and attendance Landcare enabling factors and barriers to good Farmers satisfaction with Catchment Management Authority practice management in order to the work shops River Keeper utilise an “Education for Sustainability” Increase in farmers Landcare approach, review and address participating in a problem Department of Primary Industries solving approach Farmers Number of Farmers committed to future planning and implementation of improvements Number of farmers implementing improvements Work with farmers to develop 5 year Number of farmers who Medium to Longer Term management plans to improve impacts have developed plans All Stakeholders Extent of improved management strategies being implemented Identify resource and funding needs, and Improved cooperative Ongoing work in reaches to access funding approach to accessing Department of Environment and funding Climate Change Number of farming groups Catchment Management Authority who have accessed Landcare funding Department of Primary Industries River Keeper
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES TIMEFRAME/RESPONSIBILITY INDICATORS Promote landholders who have adopted Number of media and Ongoing good practice management strategies promotion events Department of Environment and Increased number of Climate Change Highlight landholder improvement issues landholders involved in Catchment Management Authority promotion Landcare Department of Primary Industries River Keeper Areas still in need of attention are identified Assess and report on improvements, Farmer satisfaction with Ongoing review and identify next stage of the the programs Department of Environment and strategy Extent to which the Climate Change coordinated working Catchment Management Authority groups implement the Landcare proposed program Department of Primary Industries Working groups develop River Keeper the next stage of the plan
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Riparian And Wetland Management
Overview One of the key threats to the health of riparian The land closest to rivers, streams and wetlands is vegetation is weed impacts. Weeds readily colonise called the riparian zone. It is defined as ‘that part of the frequently disturbed sites which occur in the landscape, which exerts a direct influence on riparian zones, outcompeting native vegetation and waterways, and on the water and aquatic ecosystems establishing a monoculture, which is susceptible contained within them’. The width of the natural to future flood impacts. This can lead in turn to riparian zone varies from stream to stream and accelerated erosion. Weeds also impact on the location within the landscape – generally larger biodiversity values of riparian zones. streams and wetlands tend to have wider riparian zones.
Wetlands are areas of river systems characterised by shallow, slow moving water. Like streams, they can be permanent or ephemeral and, because of their low position in the landscape, wetlands play an important role in slowing water movements and filtering nutrients and pollutants from inflowing water. They are also an important biodiversity feature of floodplain and watershed landscapes.
Riparian land is usually highly productive and as a Plate 11. Stock access to river banks result has often been cleared for agriculture. By its very nature, riparian land is fragile and its location next to water subjects it to a range of forces, which A second key threat to riparian lands is unrestricted can result in erosion if it is not adequately protected. stock access. Stock have direct impacts on riparian The vegetation that naturally occurs in riparian zones vegetation and its natural regeneration, can cause is adapted to this higher energy environment and destabilisation of banks, can impact on water quality filtering nutrients from water entering the stream and promote the proliferation of weeds. However, the from elsewhere. Riparian vegetation often provides main tool for controlling stock access to riparian zones important habitat and corridors for wildlife movement – fencing – can also promote weed incursion. The across otherwise modified landscapes. appropriate management of stock in riparian zones is a challenging issue for landholders and the broader Where riparian land has been modified from a community with an interest in good water quality. natural condition, active management is important to decrease erosion, improve water quality and maintain river courses. These management goals can usually be achieved by establishing vegetation in riparian zones. However, where riparian zones are severely degraded, structural works may be necessary to stabilise banks to enable vegetation to become established. Healthy riparian vegetation also provides shade and shelter for stock, regulates stream temperatures, helps provide habitat for fish and can improve property values.
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Current Status Weed management in Bellingen Shire has traditionally There is little current information on the overall been single species focused as required by the condition of riparian land and wetlands in Bellingen Noxious Weeds Act. However, a recent Northern NSW Shire. River rehabilitation projects occurring across Invasive Plants Strategy prepared in partnership with the catchments (e.g. Never Never River, Orama, the NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee and Kalang) have focused on improving the condition the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority of specific reaches, both through structural and has seen a shift in focus towards addressing weeds in vegetation management approaches, but there is landscapes. This strategy will see the management of a need for comprehensive survey as a basis for weeds in the riparian zone (as a defined landscape) strategic planning. treated in an integrated way. This regional strategic approach needs to be focused into local reach Weed infestation in riparian zones of the Bellinger strategies and action plans. This has occurred on a and Kalang River valleys was assessed in 2000 number of reaches within the Kalang and Bellinger (Lonie 2000) with the objective of identifying weeds catchments, providing examples of best practice species, and priority areas for rehabilitation. Out of management of riparian zone integrating the control 242 km of riparian zone surveyed (includes both of weeds into other activities (e.g. fencing, provision of sides of the stream) 38% were in good condition, off stream watering points and revegetation). 11% had moderate weed infestation and 34% was heavily infested with weeds. In addition 16% of Community opinion regarding river oaks (Casuarina riparian areas were classed as “no native vegetation” cunninghamiana) was divided on whether they have a which includes pasture. In summary Lonie notes beneficial or negative impact on erosion. The removal “generally the vegetation is extremely modified and of some larger specimens has been suggested. A fragmented as a result of past land use, flooding review of relevant factors is outlined. impacts and weed invasion”. There has been no comprehensive assessment of riparian condition on River Oaks (Casuarina cunninghamiana) are a the Dorrigo Plateau although significant funding has common riparian tree in the freshwater and upper been allocated to riparian management projects by estuarine reaches of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority River oaks are commonly known as a ‘pioneer’ and North Coast Water in the past 5 years. species because they are fast growing, light loving, set shallow roots and readily colonise disturbed areas Structural bank stabilisation in areas of severe or areas denuded of vegetation. However, community degradation or as a preventative measure has consultation undertaken by Council has identified taken place in a number of locations throughout that some landowners consider them a nuisance, as the catchments both by government and private individual large trees have been known to fall down in landholders. A variety of methods have been used, floods and gravel islands provide colonisation areas some more successful than others, but all generally and are implicated in ‘worsening’ erosion. have a greater or lesser environmental impact either on site or immediately downstream. Council is able to identify locations and techniques used as each activity is subject to development approval.
The location and status of wetlands in the Shire is poorly documented and has never been comprehensively mapped. There are a number of SEPP 14 wetlands on both private and public land in the lower catchments and a wetland zoning is a feature of the current LEP.
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A leaflet, released by Bellingen Landcare in cooperation with the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, identifies some of the benefits of River Oaks in the riparian zone and poses solutions to some of the problems encountered by Land Owners in relation to large individual trees. A summary of the leaflet follows: ■ River Oaks are more numerous now than they would have been pre settlement, due to the increase in suitable (read: disturbed) habitat available ■ River oaks, when left to colonise undisturbed, can stabilise gravel bars and protect riverbanks from erosion, thus playing a role Plate 12. River bank erosion in the re-establishment of a narrow river channel. In this way they have a positive effect on river health. ■ The scouring effects around large individual river oaks can be managed by allowing or encouraging the growth of other plants, such as rushes and other trees around the trees. This will also help to stabilise the bank in the area of the large tree, reducing the likelihood of it falling and taking a section of land with it. ■ The effect of river oaks stabilising gravel islands and thereby diverting flow towards unprotected or susceptible banks can be managed by improving overall bank stability in the immediate area. Plate 13. River bank erosion, Urunga Island ■ The effects of large fallen river oaks deflecting flows towards the riverbanks can be managed by repositioning the log and root ball against the bank.
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Community/Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Undertake an erosion study to identify issues and best management options Improve and streamline riverbank restoration approval process between agencies; guidelines on approval needs and information; implement associated education programs on best practice Integrated multi stakeholder approach for implementing river bank stabilisation and revegetation Investigate options to utilise e.g. Green Teams; Develop neighbourhood working groups Raise awareness and implement education programs on best practice Community specific Agency specific Need for holistic approach and plan of action for clearing weeds, Council to ensure the development of buffer zones through LEP replanting and maintenance; strategically commence at top and planning instruments, incorporate remediation in DA process of catchment; Council, River Health Program and Landcare Information sessions for state agencies and Council coordinated plan (for private and public land) Need for proactive approach - environmental inspections; River Health program to raise awareness of issues and impacts education and improved compliance with POEO Act linked to and encourage landholder action e.g. individual contact and monitoring, evaluation and reporting assistance; utilise existing networks e.g. Landcare, rural fire Need to find and utilise incentives for landholders brigade Need for increased knowledge on best practice management; with multi stakeholder approach for implementation with landholders strategies along with an education program and workshops (NB recommended to also address casuarinas as a specific concern for different situations) Target specific problem weeds instead of everything at once (e.g. vine weeds, camphor laurels) Investigate, lobby and access longer term / alternative funding to address river bank restoration; improve riparian buffer zones and weed management; River Health program to promote the positive work being undertaken
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Best Practice Riparian Management Design of structural works for river bank stabilisation, The overall goal of riparian management is to ensure restoration and rehabilitation is a specialised field that land use and management adjacent to waterways and works are generally tailored to individual sites, has minimal negative impact on water quality, bank using local materials wherever possible. Advice on stability and biodiversity. Best practice management design, construction and maintenance is available of riparian areas can provide a number of additional from a number of sources including Northern Rivers benefits such as landscape connectivity, stock Catchment Management Authority, engineering shading and shelter, security of channel location consultancies and local government (e.g. Tweed Shire and a variety of other ecosystem and property value Council who have developed a toolkit). As a best services. practice principle, any design should always aim to maximise all riparian values e.g. biodiversity, habitat creation and protection and connectivity as well as the primary goal of bank stabilisation.
Barriers and Key Considerations for Change ■ Coordinated/partnership approach between agencies, agencies and landholders and between neighbours that provides an register of land approved for clearing, clarifies best practice, streamlines approvals and actions, ensures quality control and compliance; need for interagency monitoring, evaluation and reporting; need for a reach based approach Plate 14. Mangroves along Back Creek including neighbours across the river, and council reserves and road sides; need for In general, as part of an overall effort to improve resource sharing riparian vegetation cover and general bank stability ■ Lack of knowledge regarding regulations, river oaks play a positive role in the Bellinger River when consent required and monitoring system. When large trees become isolated from unauthorised works (as often these. can only other vegetation they can become a nuisance, but be seen from the water). positive management strategies would revolve around stabilising existing trees with other vegetation to slow flood waters and stabilise soils, rather than removing trees and further degrading riparian structure.
There is also significant overlap between good riparian management and good agricultural practices as they relate to water quality and other impacts on river systems. Private landholders, and especially the farming and grazing community, can play a key role in improved riparian management when given training, support and incentives to undertake works which facilitate production as well as riparian environment outcomes.
From the agricultural perspective, best practice Plate 15. Riparian zones overgrown with weeds riparian management covers a variety of activities relating to protecting the values of riparian zones outlined above. Appendix F identifies a number of guidelines on best practice riparian management.
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■ Attitude and knowledge of the importance ■ Lack of economic and physical resources; of riparian vegetation; desire for river public liability, lack of knowledge of the work views leading to clearing vegetation, and commitment required; management unauthorised clearing; need for guidance issues with absentee landlords. and monitoring for a holistic approach for ■ Lack of legislative controls and regulation, clearing, replanting and management with e.g. private native forestry operations, best practice guidelines. some river bank restoration works; need ■ Difficulty with keeping up with for resources or reorientation of resources maintenance. for compliance and education to address ■ A strategic proactive Council policy and breaches and gaps e.g. earth work implementation plan for management, contractors operating without consent. compliance, auditing and education is required, linked to monitoring, evaluation and reporting. ■ Funding issues, e.g. availability, flexibility, timing, application processes, lack of recurrent funds, knowledge of sources, in relation to length of river bank; need to address needs of local/regional landscape incorporating maintenance rather than evolving priorities. ■ Commitment required for weeds management and maintenance, management is a thankless task, lack of knowledge on management particularly with new residents. ■ Lack of knowledge of diffuse impacts on water quality. ■ Lack of follow through on Landcare plans. ■ Lack of knowledge of best practice, including weed removal and maintenance, and strategic approaches; new weeds; improved management is voluntary, best practice paradigms need to be addressed including site specific considerations, e.g. on steep slopes and appropriate vegetation. ■ Differing opinions on best practice management e.g. gravel deposits, island formation and presence of casuarinas ■ Managing inherited problems e.g. running bamboo, lack of management upstream. ■ Landholders lack of trust with agencies and Landcare. ■ Need for improved knowledge and practice of various bank stabilisation measures, incorporating improved approval and implementation processes, and coordination between agencies.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO RIPARIAN AND WETLAND MANAGEMENT IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION, FLOOD IMPACTS AND BIODIVERSITY PERFORMANCE TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Increase the Implement the strategies of the Council’s Improved riparian protection Short Term extent of Estuary Management Plan – Management Director of Environmental healthy riparian Objective 21 – Incorporate appropriate riparian Health and Planning vegetation protection zones within Council’s planning Strategic Planners framework to safeguard against potential future Manager of Vegetation and Improve the development and land use change Environment management of River Keeper riparian zones Coastline and Estuary Management Committee Decrease the Facilitate a working group of Council, Cooperative partnership Short to Medium Term impacts from government agencies and community developed Manager of Vegetation and heavy rainfall members to develop a strategic coordinated An agreed vegetation Environment and flooding weeds management and vegetation action implementation plan is River Keeper plan, incorporating communication, awareness established Landcare Groups raising, participatory educational strategies and Action plan is implemented Northern Rivers Catchment implementation Improved coordination and Management Authority communication between Other Key agencies agencies and communities Investigate options to assist landholders with Landholders and community Short to Medium Term weeds management and revegetation groups have access to Manager of Vegetation and assistance to implement Environment improvement strategies River Keeper Landcare Groups Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Department of Environment and Climate Change Undertake a community and agency skills audit Register of key personnel Medium to Longer Term to identify key people who can and are willing to assist with the program is River Keeper in conjunction to develop community capacity to improve river established with working group bank stability and improve riparian vegetation Raise awareness of the needs and purpose Increased knowledge and Short to Medium Term of improving riparian vegetation through the understanding of improving River Keeper in conjunction media, letters to landholders, and promotion riparian vegetation and with working group through suggested local networks and improving bank stability Department of Environment Landcare/river care groups and Climate Change Increased number of groups Promote and support with resources as involved in the program appropriate neighbourhood, Landcare approaches to riparian management No. of articles, no. of landholders accessed Liaise and work with communities to identify needs, information and assistance required to Needs are identified implement good practice management Program implementation is appropriately targeted Utilising key stakeholders, facilitate workshops Number of workshops Short to Medium Term to assist landholders with improving undertaken River Keeper management and maintenance of riparian land Number of participants Manager of Vegetation and Workshop satisfaction Environment Hold field days to showcase good practice Commitments to Landcare management for riverbank restoration and improvements Northern Rivers Catchment investigate options to increasing landholder Management Authority participation. Provide discussion forums on overcoming difficult management issues
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO RIPARIAN AND WETLAND MANAGEMENT IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION, FLOOD IMPACTS AND BIODIVERSITY PERFORMANCE TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Work with key stakeholders and land owners Increased community Short Term and raise awareness on the issues concerning awareness and knowledge of River Keeper river oaks and the recommendations for Casuarina management Landcare managing them and improving bank stability Northern Rivers Catchment as outlined in the leaflet released by Bellingen Increased awareness of Management Authority in Landcare in cooperation with Northern Rivers riverbank management conjunction with working Catchment Management Authority. group Discuss issues at workshops Liaise with funding bodies in relation to Agencies recognise funding Ongoing landholders concerns regarding funding barriers and agree to improve River Keeper access and utilisation funding accessibility and Department of Environment appropriateness and Climate Change Work with Council’s Grants Officer and other key stakeholders to investigate funding to implement actions Data base of funding is Facilitate working groups with agencies and identified communities to improve access to funding Increased numbers of groups access funding Increased number of groups making improvements Increasing healthy riparian vegetation Improving weeds management Liaise with Council representatives regarding A streamlined and cooperative Short Term improving vegetation management that process for integrating work River Keeper involves work across private and public land. on private and council land is Manager of Vegetation and Reconvene the working group with key developed and implemented Environment Council stakeholders and Landcare/river care representatives to improve processes and cooperation Promote improvements and achievements Increased recognition is given Ongoing through e.g. the media, newsletters. to good practice River Keeper in conjunction Investigate rewards systems with working group Decreasing impacts as a result of runoff Improved bank stability Improve river In conjunction with Landcare, facilitate the Coordinated streamlined Short Term bank works and development of a working group of all key process for river bank Landcare processes agencies that are involved with riverbank approval process is River Keeper restoration. developed Identify requirements needed from each Coordination and cooperation agency for undertaking riverbank restoration by departments and agencies works; identify good practice processes Increased community needed for approvals knowledge and understanding Develop an information kit outlining the of the approval process approval process requirements, and Decreased approval time information regarding approved management Increased legal restoration options works undertaken Improved community satisfaction
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Onsite Sewage Management Systems (OSMS)
Overview The coastal villages of Mylestom and Repton are unsewered as are the narrow valley communities On Site Sewage Management Systems (OSMS) of Thora and Gleniffer. It is well known that failing applied in the catchment include septic systems, OSMS close to shorelines can result in surface composting toilets, aerated wastewater treatment water contamination, Kenway and Irvine (2001) systems, aerobic sand filters and artificial wetlands. suggest that 50─90% of OSMS perform inefficiently Many of the OSMS are located in close proximity to or fail. Therefore it is of vital importance to consider the Bellinger/Kalang Rivers and their tributaries. the cumulative effect of OSMS on the Bellinger/ Kalang system as well as the individual operating circumstances of each.
State-wide, the management of OSMS is covered by an Australian Standard for domestic wastewater treatment (AS/NZS 1547:2000) and the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993 as amended by the Local Government (Approvals) Amendment (Sewage Management) Regulation 1998).
Current status Bellingen Development Control Plan (DCP) 6
OSMS in the Bellingen local government area are regulated under a development control plan, DCP 6. The DCP refers to the above State regulations that empower Council to regulate the installation and operation of OSMS and to levy a fee for all necessary inspections. Among the objectives of the DCP are: ■ the protection of ground and surface water, prevention of public health risk ■ a code of practice for OSMS installation, monitoring and management and a protocol for the prevention, detection and management of sewage contamination in oyster-growing areas in the Shire ■ an approval to operate Plates 16 and 17. OSMS located close to the river ■ building and maintaining a database of all OSMS operating in the Shire ■ developing plans for individual households in cooperation with owners. ■ ensuring continuing improvement in the regulation and operation of onsite management systems ■ achieving sustainable, long term on-site sewage management in unsewered areas.
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It should be noted that DCP 6 is a dynamic and ■ Currently information regarding OSMS is not evolving document to ensure continual improvement. recorded on a dedicated register. The document proposes an evaluation of the process ■ Council currently does not have the resources be undertaken in 2009. needed to meet the legislative requirements for management of OSMS; Council is yet to The number of operating OSMS in the Shire is utilise the fee for service system provided approximately 2820. In the 2005 submission by for under the Local Government Act and Council to the Department of Local Government’s Regulations which would address resource Septic Survey, 1700 systems were identified as high issues. risk, 1500 of which were failing at first inspection. The term failing is defined by the Department of Local Government as “when an unacceptable level of contaminants is released from the facility (including the land application area) to either groundwater or surface water pathways to the natural environment. Failures can encompass major and minor issues and include disposal area failures, missing/damaged tank infrastructure, system maintenance (pump-outs) and miscellaneous system discrepancies”.
Operating a system of sewage management is a prescribed activity under the Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations. This means that the landowner must obtain from Council an approval to operate a system of sewage management. This approval should be undertaken annually. Approximately 2580 are currently operating without an “approval to operate”. It has been stated (Civicview 2008) that: ■ There is no routine monitoring of OSMS, inspections occur for new applications, changes of ownership and complaints ■ The current system used is a property based system rather than a database. ■ The current system used doesn’t provide for electronic retrieval of risk classifications being high, medium and low, or relational information regarding status concerning inspection requirements. The system currently relies on an individual inspector’s knowledge and experience both past and present. ■ The current system used cannot provide trends and relevant relational information regarding OSMS, complaints or compliance issues.
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Community/agency response
The agreed/in common response Some concern has been raised as to the operation of OSMS in the Bellingen Shire There are areas along the river that are being used for camping for extended periods without any sewage system Coordinated approach through the River Health program Need for Council action – implementation of an ongoing strategy that incorporates monitoring, management, maintenance and education Council needs to ensure that systems in problem areas are identified and upgraded Systems need to be inspected regularly, annually in high risk area Council needs to adopt best practice strategies for future systems Community specific Agency specific Systems have not been inspected for 8-10 years; some places NSW Food Authority (2007) considers them to be a moderately have illegal sewerage disposal/ no system for sewerage disposal high risk to oyster production in the Bellinger River and this is and malfunctioning systems with particular concern in remote even if there was a reasonable degree of Council control. areas; there is a need for Council to communicate and work with the community to make improvements. This needs to include visitors and holiday rentals –additional monitoring, education and compliance during weekends and the holiday season - this could be linked in with tourism Council needs to investigate alternative funding sources to River Health Program to assist in addressing the deficiencies in implement a monitoring and management program information and how to carry out planning and actions to address these. Council needs to ensure systems are working and maintained Department of Environment and Climate Change have indicated properly; the systems need to be adequate for this area or they can provide funding for OSMS projects managed through upgraded or replaced with more suitable systems; this includes the Healthy Rivers Program. systems on reserves (Council and Lands Department) Council to provide information on cost effective and appropriate More strategic proactive approach, State of the Environment alternative systems, e.g. composting toilets systems Report should be driving actions
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The education of OSMS owners is an important aspect of reducing their effects on the environment. Householders should know (after Great Lakes Council 1999): ■ how their system operates and how to maintain it ■ their responsibilities and costs involved ■ what to do in the event of system failure, and ■ how to minimise waste water and manage its environmental effects.
The use of alternative systems such as composting toilets in new developments is an initiative that could
Plate 18. OSMS located on Lands Department be used. Composting toilets have the advantages of Reserve in close proximity to the river conserving water, being able to be installed in remote locations and recycling nutrients. Best Practice On-Site Sewage Management As information and technology for on-site sewage A review of at least 12 coastal Councils developed management is constantly changing, best practice comprehensive OSMS strategies focussed upon management needs to involve regular ongoing training continual improvement. These strategies have the and development to ensure Council staff have access following elements in common: to and can apply new performance guidelines and ■ catchment management approach to risk best practice strategies. The Centre for Environmental assessment Training (Newcastle) and the On-site Waste Water ■ holistic, coordinated and cooperative Treatment: International Best Practice Conference held approach between community, agencies in Armidale biannually is recommended best practice interdepartmentally within Council training and development. Peer forums such as North ■ frequency of inspections based on risk, with Coast forums are also recommended. high risk systems require a minimum of annual monitoring In order to ensure a holistic approach to OSMS ■ the education of landholders management, additional resources will be needed to ■ an improved understanding of soil conditions ensure Council meets the legislative requirements. To ■ recognition of the cumulative effects of OSMS achieve this, a “fee for service” will need to be adopted ■ use of GIS mapping to classify natural which covers the ongoing cost to manage the systems resource, geographical and climate data to throughout the Shire. It is recommended that the “fee rank areas in terms of their contribution to for service system’ which is provided for under the poor water quality Local Government Act and Regulations incorporates ■ the use of specific systems that a suitable for compliance, education and administration. A proposal specific conditions e.g. the use of alternative outlining the resourcing needs has been developed. systems, such as composting toilets, which have the advantages of conserving water, Environment and Health Protection Guidelines: Onsite being able to be installed in remote locations Sewage Management for Single Households provides and recycling nutrients. ways to meet best practice environmental and health outcomes. Local Government (Approvals) Regulation 1993 states that sewage management systems must be operated to: ■ prevent the spread of disease by micro- organisms ■ prevent the contamination of water, and ■ to ensure good water conservation practices.
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Barriers and Key Considerations for ■ There is a need for a more formalised Change effective register of enquiries/complaints and ■ Community are unclear on their recording system for OSMS issues to extract responsibilities versus Council’s responsibility; data and identify overall issues, trends, risks many community members are unaware that and needs and strategies; this needs to self assessment is no longer applicable. be linked to appropriate data systems, e.g. ■ Council needs to improve the current Northern Rivers Catchment Management inspection system to meet legislative Authority land use conflict data base. requirements and best practice, time periods Currently there is no complaints register; between inspections is too long (often 8–10 information is recorded by various means, years), the practice of carrying out inspections but is property based which often relies on only for new systems, on change of ownership individual knowledge. and receipt of complaint is inadequate. ■ A strategic proactive Council policy and ■ Need for more stringent conditions near water implementation regime of compliance, courses. auditing and education is required, linked to ■ Need for information and guidance on best monitoring, evaluation and reporting. practice management and maintenance. ■ There is a need for coordinated planning and ■ Location of current systems and type of operations; utilise and build on other areas systems may not be appropriate. experience and best practice. ■ System load, inappropriate use and products ■ To date sourcing of the OSMS Shire-wide put through systems. strategy has not been fully investigated or a ■ Holiday period overloading needs to be proposal put to Council. addressed within strategy. ■ Need for improved transparency and communication between Council and the community regarding status, management and improvements. ■ Council doesn’t recognise or address OSMS issues and needs, many systems are close to the river in high risk areas; perception is that systems in remote areas are even less likely to be inspected. ■ Monitoring and management needs to include areas used for either camping or living where there are no sewage disposal facilities, as well as systems on Council reserves. ■ Suitability of current systems in relation to specific local conditions and sites; need for best practice design guide of OSMS for areas of the shire as many newer system being approved may not be the most suitable. ■ Costs to upgrade systems or have regular pump out. ■ Need for a cost recovery system to implement OSMS strategy (like water and sewerage) in order to meet community needs, and ensure required resources to implement the program.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT OF OSMS IMPACTS: POLLUTION OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TIMEFRAME/ RESPONSIBILITY Ensure Facilitate a Council commits to the development and Short Term sustainable presentation to implementation of an OSMS strategy for the shire River Keeper onsite Council by key agency Manager of Vegetation and management of representatives who A process and timeframe is agreed to and Environment domestic sewage have been involved commenced Department of Environment and and waste water with successfully Climate Change while protecting developing and and enhancing implementing a the quality of comprehensive OSMS public and strategy environmental health Present the proposed developed proposal to the group Develop and Consult with Processes and information needed for Short Term implement a key agency implementing the strategy are identified Director of Environmental sustainable representatives who Implementation strategy commenced Health and Planning, with the OSMS strategy have been involved Accurate register of systems is established support of relevant Council for the Shire with successfully Development of a database identifying the levels officers developing and of risk of the OSMS’s in the shire in accordance Department of Environment and implementing a with legislative requirements Climate Change comprehensive OSMS System validated Department of Water and strategy to identify Data needs and systems are established and Energy the processes and linked to a risk rating recall process Department of Health information needed NB A coordinated approach to for development and Shire specific issues are identified waste management should be implementation A range of systems are reviewed regarding undertaken Liaise with other suitability Councils to identify key expert personnel Council officers have access and support of a utilised. range of expertise Key OSMS experts Council officers utilise expertise and staff to review performance of current A comprehensive Bellingen Shire specific on- systems in the Shire, site sewage management strategy based on gather information on the legal responsibilities and the guidelines for other systems and Onsite Sewage Management Systems for Single shire requirements households is developed and improve systems Risk assessment and management options for performance shire developed and implemented Design guide of systems is developed and implemented
Market the fee for Communication strategy informing the community Short Term service needed for of the new process is implemented Director of Environmental implementing the Health and Planning, Senior OSMS strategy and Community have the knowledge and awareness of Environmental Health Officer promote the benefits to the need for Council’s new strategy River Keeper the community Community satisfaction with Council’s new strategy
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT OF OSMS IMPACTS: POLLUTION OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TIMEFRAME/ RESPONSIBILITY Implement the OSMS Council meets its legislative requirements under Short term - ongoing strategy the Local Government Act and Regulations and Director of Environmental Utilising a fee for the Protection of the Health and Planning, Senior service monitoring Environment Operations Act Environmental Health Officer, program of all OSMS in OSMS are inspected according to Council’s risk with the support of relevant Bellingen Shire rating systems of 1, 3, and 5 years Council officers Existing system upgrades are identified and Department of Environment and rectified to meet the requirements of the Climate Change recommended management options and design Department of Water and guidelines. Energy The number of systems meeting performance Department of Health standards including the number of upgrades of existing systems Ensure Council staff Regular ongoing training and development is Ongoing have access to training undertaken to ensure Council staff have access Director of Environmental and development on to and can apply new performance guidelines and Health and Planning with the best practice strategies best practice strategies for OSMS management, support of the River Keeper e.g. The Centre for Environmental Training, Ensure the On-site Waste Water Treatment: Best Practice implementation of Conference held in Armidale biannually, and North ongoing best practice Coast forums such as Septic Tank Action Group development (STAG). Number of Environmental Health and Building staff attending training and development, frequency of attendance and/or number of reports and in-service courses regarding training and development attended by Environmental Health and Building personnel and reported back to the Director of Environmental Health and Planning and relevant Council staff Staff application of best practice management Develop and Owner/occupier OSMS needs assessment Short term – ongoing implement an identifies management knowledge and skills, and River Keeper in conjunction with educational program areas of need the support of relevant Council to improve owner/ River Health education program addresses officers occupier management management needs Reach of education program Educate owners/ Owners and occupiers of premises with OSMS occupiers on best have increased knowledge & skills to manage practice methods for systems managing OSMSs Number of owners / occupiers who are implementing best practice management Community satisfaction with Council’s OSMS Strategy particularly in relation to communication and transparency Investigate and The issue of proper liquid/solid waste disposal is Short term address impacts from addressed camping along the Environmental Health and river incorporating Planning compliance where Senior Environmental Health appropriate Officer in conjunction with River Keeper
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Boating, Tourism and Recreational Impacts
Overview Erosion is a high priority issue in the river system Very little research has been done on the and the potential for erosion caused by boating is environmental effects of boats and jet skis specific dependent on the specific circumstances of the to the Bellinger River system. However, there is waterway in question. In particular: evidence that can be used to discuss the generalised ■ specific quantity and frequency of boating impacts of motorised craft on rivers and estuaries activities everywhere. Impacts can include the following: ■ types of boats involved, and ■ erosion and sedimentation ■ form, stability and soil types of the banks. ■ damage to vegetation and habitat ■ noise However it should be noted that a number of factors ■ pollution, biological and chemical contribute to erosion therefore boating impacts should ■ increased turbidity. not be addressed in isolation.
The effects of a boat are dependent upon a wide Aside from speed and wash restrictions signposted range of variables including, size of craft, weight of on rivers, NSW Maritime have no written policy to craft, hull shape and length (and modifications), water address the environmental effects of boat use. A displaced, the speed of the craft, driver behaviour, decision support tool to assess the impact of boat adherence to rules, type of activity, depth of the water wake has been developed by NSW Maritime and they and the distance from the bank and other sensitive have been invited to trial it in the Bellinger Kalang. receptors. These effects may be exacerbated depending upon the knowledge and behaviour of the Current status operator in different circumstances. The Bellinger Kalang system has a long history of boating. Almost all boating on the Bellinger is recreational and recent studies indicate that it is the major human use of the estuarine area (BMT WBM 2007). The number of boat registrations in the Bellinger region has expanded exponentially in recent years (BMT WBM 2007).
The use of motorised craft on the Bellinger is restricted entirely to the estuarine reaches. Most of the motorised boating occurs downstream of the Pacific Highway crossing on the Kalang and from Mylestom downstream on the Bellinger. Waterskiing occurs in four distinct locations (following BMT WBM 2007): ■ at Urunga between Newry Island and the Plate 19. Examples of types of craft utilizing the Pacific Highway Bellinger River ■ downstream of the Mylestom Pool to the 8 knot area ■ from the Mylestom boat ramps upstream to the caravan park; and ■ upstream of the Raleigh dredge.
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NSW Maritime is responsible for the management of boating traffic on the river. Current controls can be obtained from NSW Maritime in the form of a boating map and include: ■ restrictions on waterskiing and aquaplaning to the east of Tuckers Island and in the vicinity of the NORCO dairy complex ■ extensive 8 knot zones in Back Creek, around Tuckers Island, around Newry Island, all parts of the estuary downstream of the Pacific Highway crossing of the Kalang and downstream of Urunga Island ■ no wash zones around Newry Island. Plate 20. Mylestom Pool A trial code of practice for waterskiing and other craft at Repton on the Bellinger River was introduced in 1999, developed in consultation with Council and waterway users groups. It was endorsed by Council, and aimed to reduce noise and boat wash impacts at Mylestom and Repton.
Both hydrocarbon and biological pollution are also as issues which impact upon river health.
Hydrocarbon Pollution Emissions from two-stroke outboard motors are unregulated in Australia, and for their size and usage Plate 21. Boating and recreation on the Bellinger River levels can contribute significant amounts of air and water-based pollutants. A Voluntary Emissions Generally motorised craft use consists of tinnies, ski Labelling Scheme (VELS) has recently become boats, small trailer boats, wake boats and jet skis. operational in Australia and there is a need to increase During the summer and holiday season, while not boaters’ awareness of the scheme and encourage the unexpected, there are a substantial number of varying replacement of inefficient two stroke motors with more users on the river at one time. This influx can lead to efficient motors. conflicts of river use and other impacts such as noise due to the number of craft in a confined area, often Jet skis and motorized boats, particularly those adjacent to residential properties. This is exacerbated powered by older two-stroke engines emit a variety of at times by a minority playing loud music via their boat pollutants in relatively large quantities which have a stereos. detrimental effect on the aquatic environment.
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Biological Pollution The Estuary Management Plan (BMT WBM 2008) A significant form of pollution associated with outlines two management objectives and strategies motorised craft is biological. This is used to describe that relate to boating use on the Bellinger/Kalang unwanted non-native organisms that can invade estuary. The first objective is to minimise boating aquatic ecosystems. These effects are seen when impacts on sensitive ecological communities and boats move from one waterway to another without riverbanks. The strategies to achieve this are: taking proper precautions to remove unwanted ■ improve signage to protect saltmarsh areas organisms from their hulls. with no wash zones, protect seagrasses against propeller damage and boat wash and Marine pests are plants or animals, usually introduced to educate users from overseas, that have a significant impact on ■ reassess the suitability of jet skis and wake our marine industries and environment. They can boats for the estuary and to gather information include mussels, crabs, seaweeds, sea stars and to confirm the suitability of high impact boating other marine species. However, not all marine pests in the estuary. are from outside Australia. Some are native to other regions of our country and have been transported into The second objective is to assess boating patterns NSW, for example, through domestic shipping or the and related issues throughout the estuary to better aquarium trade. understand actual boat use associated impacts. The strategies to achieve this are: Community and Agency Response ■ maintain an inventory over the course of a year to record the maximum possible Prior to the River Health Plan consultations, many information regarding boat use issues were identified and addressed through the ■ undertake a boating use survey at major Estuary Management Planning process. access points on at least two weekends per season over the course of a year. In terms of the adequacy of current boating controls, the Estuary Management Study (EMS) (BMT WBM These studies would adequately fill gaps in the current 2007) identified: knowledge. ■ a need for boating restrictions around areas of mapped seagrass that may be subject to Of the agencies that responded none identified this propeller damage area as a priority. ■ a need for boating restrictions around mapped mangroves that act as a barrier to salt marsh communities and areas of salt marsh that are exposed to boat wash ■ a need to protect areas that are actively eroding or sensitive to erosive forces from the effects of boat wash ■ a need to review existing boat speed and wash designations to reduce potential confusion and minimise damage to banks susceptible to erosion ■ a need to consider the potential effects of increased boating densities or more widespread boating, as well as likely effects of additional facilities (such as extra boat ramps) ■ a need to protect oyster harvesting areas from sediment disturbance caused by motorised craft.
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Community response Noise issues – need to address noise pollution especially from music, and conflicts in residential areas particularly relating to hours of operation Have zoned areas for activities and identify sensitive areas (including oyster leases) and how to minimise impacts (see Appendix E) Develop a code of conduct to address activities and behaviours that impact on river health (as outlined in Appendix E) and promote this to river users; use this for education through River Health Program, NSW Maritime, peers, River Health Program and tourism, undertake observational studies to monitor and evaluate Investigate a boat user levy to protect the environment Wake boarding, biscuits and jet ski activities aren’t suited to the Bellinger/Kalang – they need to utilise more appropriate areas Concern with larger boats, displacement hulls and speeds on these rivers; need to investigate and address impacts Develop and provide good practice fact sheets on maintenance and operation to minimise pollution Lobby for higher profile from NSW Maritime Assess recreational use; Improve river bank and recreation areas, e.g. Repton and Mylestom (form a River Care group), decrease access by cars, and limit bank damage by pedestrian access (stairs and signage) Work with Fisheries to extend sustainable fishing strategies Work with Tourism Bellinger and Coffs Coast Tourism to develop and implement strategies to reduce impacts on river health, promote best practice and ensure sustainability; investigate options for tourism to support and resource river health Council to address to 4WDing on riverbeds and banks; restrict motorbike riding in sensitive areas Council to implement a litter awareness campaign
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Best Practice Management of Boating Barriers and Key Considerations for Issues Change The best management options for boating issues ■ A lack of planning, resources and amenities are dependent on the issues themselves and the to address tourism impacts on the river specific context and waterway in question. As specific environment, particularly during events the information for the types and location of boating need for an integrated approach between issues on the Bellinger River is limited, specific the tourism industry and the River Health management options cannot be determined with Program certainty at this time. ■ Public toilets (OSMSs) not working, leaking into the creek, Council hasn’t inspected them For example, many vessels reach their transitional for years pattern of wash generation at quite low speeds, ■ Need to address littering through a range between 4 and 8 knots. It also warrants mention, that of strategies; lack of Council resources to some very flat-bottomed vessels, or ‘punts’, reach the monitor littering plane at quite low speeds and therefore can create ■ Need to increase knowledge, awareness and low energy wash on the plane. Additionally, some participation in Council’s waste minimisation boats that reach the plane at 8 knots may be restricted strategy (this includes user pay system for to the transitional phase at the same speed when excess green waste or alternatives rather travelling with a heavier load. The upshot of this is than dumping rubbish in public places); that speed limits within estuarine and riverine waters raise awareness of Raleigh waste disposal may not always be as effective as well-observed and operating hours policed ‘no wash’ zones in reducing erosion. ■ Need to address 4WDs and motor bike riding on gravel creek beds and in forests Best practice management of boating issues for the ■ The need to assess, improve design of, Bellinger /Kalang have yet to be developed. However maintain and promote proper use of reserve information from the scientific literature and plans areas, e.g. Repton and Mylestom - visibility of for other nearby river systems will contribute to this steps, informal river access points and bank process. damage ■ Lack of knowledge of visitors about the For the Bellinger specifically the following actions will impacts of over fishing/crabbing; only visit guide the development of Best practice for the river: for a short time and don’t see the impacts; ■ recommendations from Estuary Management need for Department of Fisheries after hours Plan – including erosion survey, behaviour contact number; Fisheries perceived as not and recreational use survey, identifying and operating after hours when offences primarily managing impact at sensitive areas, reducing occur boat wake ■ The cost (including expenditure by Council) ■ reviewed code of conduct by NSW Maritime to remediate eroded banks, general lack and Council of community knowledge on the best ■ education and awareness programs on techniques to address and minimise erosion, issues – e.g. use of cleaner technologies, bureaucracy and red tape involved in river maintenance of craft, appropriate river use bank remediation often encourages illegal (noise), hygiene and cleaning practices. works due to the number of agencies involved and the time taken for approval, need for a coordinated streamlined process
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■ Negative attitude and behaviours of some ■ Fear of economic impacts if some river use is boat users regarding sharing with passive excluded, divided opinion on these economic recreational users, lack of knowledge of impacts and river health impacts including and the need to protect ■ Difficulty in accessing visitors to provide sensitive areas, lack of knowledge of location information and improve behaviours of sensitive areas and effects, the need ■ Need for further studies on the rivers including for a balance of use to ensure longer term bank erosion in general and recreational use sustainable use in the Bellinger/Kalang Rivers ■ Conflicting values and use including noise, ■ The need for Australian best practice emission varied use intensity and frequency standards. ■ Disregarding rules, lack of NSW Maritime staff, the need for constant presence of NSW Maritime to enforce rules particularly during peak times. Need for a river users code of conduct to improve behaviours
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BOATING, TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL USE IMPACTS: POLLUTION, EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND SAFETY TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Decrease the Implement the recommendations of the Further studies and surveys in relation to Short to Medium negative boating Estuary Management Plan boating impacts and river user behaviour Term and recreational are completed River Keeper impacts Incorporate the recommendations of the NSW Maritime consultations within the code of conduct Coordinated interim code of conduct is Department of developed, implemented and evaluated Environment and by NSW Maritime and Council Climate Change Develop a Engage with key representative groups, to A range of river user representatives Short Term sustainable implement good practice behaviour encourage and promote good behaviours River Keeper boating and and river management NSW Maritime recreational strategy Work with and motivate the community to User groups identify positive and Short Term and identify and report negative behaviours negative behaviours and report back to Ongoing as well as noting successful positive Council and NSW Maritime River Keeper strategies (including noise) In conjunction with NSW Maritime provide and promote to the community the required Increased and improved reporting of information needed for reporting breaches issues to Maritime and negative behaviours NSW Maritime addresses negative issues Liaise with NSW Maritime to raise Increased presence by NSW Maritime Short Term the profile and presence on the rivers Increased awareness by the community River Keeper particularly during peak periods of NSW Maritime presence Increasing compliance with rules NSW Maritime, Council and Coastline and A new river use plan is developed Medium to Longer Estuary Management Committee review Term information at the completion of studies, NSW Maritime surveys and implementation of interim River Keeper code of conduct Coastal Estuary Management Committee Investigate options for a user pays system A range of options utilised in other areas Longer Term to assist with funding to address erosion are documented River Keeper and sedimentation Recommendation for implementing options are identified, reviewed and discussed with Reference Group and Council for practicality. Implementation of system is commenced as appropriate Work with Coffs Coast Tourism Alliance Strategies reach targeted groups Medium to Longer (Tourism Bellinger, Council’s Tourism Increased knowledge and awareness of Term and river user representatives to develop impacts River Keeper and implement strategies to promote Improving behaviours Tourism Manager sustainable and responsible use of the Sustainable river use is integrated into river through regular media, public relations the Coffs Coast Tourism Marketing, and promotions activities targeting Development and Resourcing Plans potential and actual visitors and community members
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BOATING, TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL USE IMPACTS: POLLUTION, EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND SAFETY TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Undertake and compile research and Research completed, sustainable river Medium Term market intelligence, which identifies use evidence gathered Tourism Manager and communicates the importance of River Keeper sustainable river use for recreation and Department of tourism. Environment and Climate Change Use these findings to support the attraction Evidence based information is utilised for of funding and policy to support the funding objectives of the program. Increased funding support Collaborate with local Chambers of Number of businesses promoting Medium to Longer Commerce and individual businesses responsible use of the rivers Term operating in the marine recreational No. of flyers/pamphlets distributed Tourism Manager tourism market to promote and regulate River Keeper responsible use of the river system Work with Coffs Coast Tourism Alliance, Strategies reach targeted groups Medium to Longer events organisers and tourism venues to: Increased knowledge and awareness of Term a) develop and implement strategies impacts Tourism Manager to raise awareness of the impacts and Tourism venues promote good practice River Keeper promote good practice when utilising the Council Ranger river particularly addressing waste, littering, Improving behaviours inappropriate driving
b) ensure events have considered and provide facilities to address impacts from human waste and littering Events provide adequate facilities to Liaise with Council’s Ranger regarding a cater for events strategy to improve compliance issues in key areas regarding e.g. litter, driving on river banks Education and compliance strategy targets key issues at events and key recreational areas Liaise with Council and undertake an audit Public can utilise toilets Short Term of public toilets in recreational areas that Improved waste management Department of are unsewered to ascertain whether they Environmental Health are functioning properly and Planning, Senior Rectify any problems Environmental Health Officer Liaise with Council and key stakeholders, Improved visibility and repair of steps Short to Medium e.g. in Mylestom and Repton, to improve River care group formed and implement Term the reserve areas and decrease erosion on actions to improving riverbanks and River Keeper river banks from indiscriminate pedestrian recreational areas Manager of use Vegetation and Environment Manager of Buildings and Services Liaise with key stakeholders and other Increased government awareness of Longer Term Councils to develop and implement a need for standards Coastal Estuary strategy to lobby government to have Regional/state wide lobby group is Management Australian best practice emission formed Committee standards Emission standards are placed on the government agenda for investigation
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Stormwater and Building Construction
Overview
Plate 22. Stormwater pipes through golf course
Stormwater is water that falls as rain and all the impurities it carries with it. In an urban environment, most rainfall that falls on hard surfaces, e.g. roofs, roads and footpaths, is transported through pipes and channels to existing water bodies. Urbanisation changes the way water flows through a catchment by increasing hard surfaces and changing flow paths. Plate 23. Scouring from stormwater runoff, Bellingen This can adversely affect waterways by: ■ changing flow patterns of naturally existing waterways Stormwater is not usually treated prior to discharge ■ increasing frequency and severity of floods, to receiving waters, so after heavy rains it is common and to see muddy water and litter entering streams. ■ delivering pollution in the form of nutrients, Stormwater management is particularly important sediments, toxic chemicals, harmful bacteria, within urban areas where population density is acid water or low oxygen water to naturally relatively high and the proportion of impervious existing waterways. surfaces increases.
Due to the Shire’s rainfall patterns and intensity, the issue of stormwater is seen as a significant contributor to water quality.
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Council is in the process of updating these standard conditions. The proposal was to adopt the Aus-Spec Design Specifications as modified by the Institute of Public Works Association (IPWEA) Mid North Coast Group for developments. This change has not yet been implemented mainly because there are no standard drawings readily available to be incorporated in the specifications. Council is currently investigating the revision of standards by Coffs Harbour City Council with the option of jointly adopting the same standards.
The relevant section of the Aus-Spec Design
Plate 24. Stormwater runoff during storm event, Bellingen Specifications as modified by the IPWEA Mid North Coast Group in relation to stormwater quality management is D7 ‘Erosion Control and Stormwater Current Status Management’. One of the stated aims of this Council engaged Resource Design and Management specification is to ensure stormwater runoff meets Pty Ltd to develop Stormwater Management Plans industry acceptable quality criteria. for both Bellingen and Urunga (April 2000). The plans were prepared in order to improve the management This specification is more descriptive than prescriptive of stormwater with the urban areas of Bellingen and in that no detailed criteria are specified. Council Urunga and were designed to comply with directions would be guided by the existing adopted stormwater given under the Protection of the Environment Act management plans for Bellingen and Urunga. 1991. The plans also considered interim water quality This may be difficult to administer because some and river flow objectives developed by the State of the criteria relate to a percentage retention of government and were prepared in consultation with the annual average load. We probably don’t know community members and stakeholder groups. what the existing annual average load is in different catchments. Council has undertaken various improvement works to address some stormwater issues (e.g. kerb and Currently Council may include a condition on gutter work). However the above plans have not development applications along the lines of ‘the been fully implemented and require review to address drainage system is to be designed using the principles gaps and specify more contemporary actions. These of Water Sensitive Urban Design’. The difficulty with gaps include actions to address both new and this approach is that what should Council accept when existing developments. Additionally the plans need to a design is submitted and how do we achieve some incorporate a maintenance element in order increase equity between developments. their sustainability.
Council’s current ‘Standard Conditions for Engineering Works associated with Developments’ was adopted in 1993. Section 8 of these conditions deals with drainage. The only reference to treating stormwater quality is Section 8.3.3 which deals with the provision of gross pollutant traps.
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Community and Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Assess storm water quality, identify high impact areas, undertake mitigation works Ensure new developments and works implement erosion and sedimentation control Need for coordinated interagency approach to improve management, e.g. Back Creek Community specific Agency specific Develop an education and compliance strategy to decrease Investigate and implement best practice management littering Develop an education strategy to minimise household impacts Investigate improved street maintenance practices (e.g. vacuum broom) Council to develop and implement a strategy to improve storm Undertake a storm water study and develop and implement a water quality, involving industries, businesses and community storm water action plan Develop and implement a holistic Building and Construction The creation of a Development Control Plan for stormwater strategy incorporating social and environmental impacts management would be of particular use, especially considering the likely need for new urban subdivisions identified by the Growth Management Strategy
Best Practice ■ The possibility of stormwater harvest and Best practice for the management of stormwater reuse plans in new urban development areas, should consider factors such as: as a mechanism of conserving potable water ■ Onsite strategies for the detention of and minimising stormwater management stormwater, encouraging infiltration and issues. This complements other approaches reducing the velocity of stormwater, reducing to sustainable urban water management such its capacity to carry sediment and thus as demand management, rainwater tanks, protecting water quality, vegetation and and the reuse of effluent and grey water. habitats downstream ■ Emergency plan for management of spills of ■ Strategies to encourage the recycling of significant environmental risk water and the installation of rainwater ■ Harvesting and reusing collection tanks, reducing the volumes of ■ Methods to control stormwater pollution at the stormwater from impervious surfaces reaching source are cost-effective ways to reduce the downstream waterways generation or discharge of many pollutants ■ Requirements for erosion and sediment that cause poor quality stormwater control measures on all building sites and ■ Non-structural source control can include developments, such as regulations for vehicle community education, council management access, minimisation of exposed soil and activities, operations and maintenance disturbed areas, location of stockpiles of activities and land use and site planning. Non- building materials, minimisation of cut and fill structural source control is concerned with operations, use of sediment fences and traps changing behaviour to reduce the amount of ■ Pollution management measures aimed pollution that enters the stormwater system. at reducing chemical pollutants entering stormwater from Council works and private developers operating within the Shire ■ A clear policy and implementation process for managing compliance
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■ Structural source controls aim to reduce Barriers and Key Considerations for the quantity and/or improve the quality of Change stormwater at or near its source, commonly through filtration, infiltration and detention. ■ lack of knowledge and understanding of the These controls include; swales, buffer strips, impacts of stormwater (including litter) and infiltration basins and trenches for quantity mitigation measures control, and small stormwater treatment ■ entrenched maintenance practices for street measures such as stormwater pit gross cleaning; need to address general urban pollutant traps for quality control runoff (containing animal waste, plastics, cigarette butts, weeds) Stormwater treatment should be considered last in ■ lack of baseline data and water quality the hierarchy of methods for managing stormwater; objectives to guide management; inadequate (methods to control stormwater at the source and information to determine development non – structural source control should be considered conditions first as they are more cost effective in reducing the ■ need for coordinated approach (incorporating generation or discharge of many pollutants that cause state agencies) to address impacts; need for poor quality stormwater). ongoing training to ensure access to up to The best practice use of these engineered solutions date information and expertise requires a case by case assessment of individual ■ cost of storm water mitigation works and needs that considers: maintenance ■ volume of stormwater ■ lack of follow through on conditions of ■ types and concentrations of pollutants consent, including impacts from building sites, ■ existing infrastructure lack of storm water compliance activities ■ space available for a treatment measure including business effluent ■ capital and ongoing funding available ■ need for Council to improve storm water ■ hydrologic aspects such as flood levels and management, need for Council to access groundwater considerations, and funding to address this ■ community acceptance. ■ need for a strategic proactive Council policy and implementation system of auditing, compliance, maintenance and education is required, linked to monitoring, evaluation and reporting; State of the Environment Report should drive actions
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO STORMWATER AND CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION PERFORMANCE TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Improve stormwater Council to strengthen its regulatory Facilitate a discussion forum with Short Term management in the requirements by identifying and Council Engineers, Town Planners River Keeper Shire implementing water sensitive urban and Health and Building Surveyors Road Asset Manager design criteria for new developments and Consultant to id criteria and develop policy. Minimise the impacts Council adopt policy on Storm water of stormwater on the management and maintenance criteria aquatic system for new developments is developed and implemented Undertake a stormwater study The identification of an effective Short to Medium Term incorporating new and current combination of economic and River Keeper developments (that incorporate s7.3 community based source control Road Asset Manager and SMP, WSUD principles), this will measures and incentives and Department of Environment include water quality information, engineered solutions to achieve and Climate Change field study to identify and map storm improved water quality standards for water data, and the identification of the Rivers. assets, their location and the type of mitigation works. Ensure Council staff have access Ongoing training and development Ongoing to and implement best practice is undertaken to ensure Council staff River Keeper in conjunction strategies have access to new remediation with Road Asset Manager measures and maintenance options Department of Environment and Climate Change Identify community and business Community and business survey Medium Term knowledge and understanding of developed, implemented, analysed River Keeper impacts relating to stormwater and and reported Department of Environment current practice and Climate Change Increased ability of community and business to address impact areas. Develop and implement a best Plan developed that reflects the Medium Term practice Storm Water Action Plan for practical information required River Keeper Bellingen Shire for Council, businesses and Road Asset Manager the community to implement a Department of Environment comprehensive strategy that identifies and Climate Change priorities, resources, practical management and maintenance to decrease the impacts of storm water on the aquatic system Storm water plan incorporates education, monitoring and compliance Monitor and evaluate plan Council to undertake regular storm Audit identifies and rectifies areas of Medium Term water audits of businesses and concern Senior Environmental business practice, such as service Educational strategy developed to Health Surveyor stations to ensure compliance address problem areas
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO STORMWATER AND CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT IMPACTS: EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION PERFORMANCE TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Investigate and implement Reduced impacts from building sites Medium Term options for Council to oversee Improved operations Health and Builidng and ensure new developments Surveyors meet DA requirement to address sedimentation issues Council to undertake audits of building sites and address impacts Educate builders on correct methods to reduce sedimentation Undertake compliance as required Investigate with Council the Decrease in dog waste in public areas Short Term feasibility of providing dog waste River Keeper disposal bags at key areas in the Council Ranger Shire, and implement Liaise with key entertainment Decreased cigarette butt litter Short Term providers regarding a strategy to River Keeper reduce cigarette butts on the streets Liaise with other councils to A proposal for improved practices is Medium Term investigate affordable options for developed in consultation with Council River Keeper Council to improve their operational Works Engineer and presented to practices in relation to street Council cleaning and subsequent impacts on storm water quality Provide a range of costings and alternatives for resource sharing
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Rural Roads and Bridges
Overview
Plate 25. 2001 Flood impact on rural roads and bridges
Council maintains a network of roads which cross the Plate 27. Impact of storm events on rural roads and bridges, river at various locations. Many of these roads are Darkwood Road not sealed and as a result there are sedimentation impacts on water quality during rainfall events. Maintenance of roads is undertaken on a priority basis, leaving a number of areas without adequate Current Status maintenance which exacerbates these impacts. Council has a Roadside Management Plan, Additionally, the collection of debris at bridges during developed in 1998, which consists of both high rainfall events leads to diverted water flows onto management guidelines and a working document. often unprotected banks. This leads to riverbank It also utilises the Roadside Handbook, which was damage and increased erosion. produced by the NSW Roadside Environment Committee. The documents provide guidelines in terms of environmental strategies, e.g. protecting vegetation, and minimising disturbances to roadsides and management guidelines covering ecological social and economic issues. However these are only guidelines and there is no action plan attached to these documents that outlines the actions and operations in relation to the associated guidelines There are also no specific strategies in relation bridge design, nor maintenance in relation to erosion and sedimentation.
Plate 26. Impact of storm events on rural roads and bridges, Darkwood Road
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Community and Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Develop and implement a holistic Rural Roads Strategy incorporating social and environmental impacts (NB Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Rural Roads Plan) Community specific Agency specific Encourage Engineers to implement strategies to address erosion, The Rural Road Strategy needs to be practical and cost effective, sedimentation and runoff from roads some of the Catchment Management Authority strategies don’t meet these criteria Develop a working group consisting of Council Engineers, River Other State agencies should have input into issues relating to keeper and landholders to audit bridges re impacts relating to flow, design, erosion and sedimentation Need to identify additional funding to enable Council to implement best practice management, address erosion, sedimentation and runoff; Need to prioritise works
Best Practice Barriers and Key Considerations for Council needs to refer to the Local Government Rural Change Roads Strategy and revisit the Roadside Management ■ Lack of funding for adequate road and bridge Strategy to review and update recommended good works, design of bridges impedes flow during practice management. A plan of action then needs to floods and allows debris to build up and be developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated direct flow into bridge structure, the need for based on the management strategies sedimentation control measures during road and bridge construction and maintenance, Council has identified costed priorities in works plan but not the resources to implement best practice ■ Gravel movement during floods pushes the water into the bank undermining banks and roads ■ Need for a holistic approach incorporating social and environmental impacts ■ Differing perspectives of community and Council ■ There will never be enough resources to meet all the needs of the community; need to prioritise works.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO RURAL ROADS AND BRIDGES IMPACTS: EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Decrease the impacts Review and upgrade Council’s Roadside Council’s Roadside Management Medium from road runoff and Management Plan incorporating appropriate Plan reflects priority actions and Council’s Road Asset scouring from rural strategies from Northern Rivers Catchment operations strategies to address Manager, Manager roads and bridges Management Authority’s Local Government environmental, social economic of Vegetation and (particularly during Rural Roadside Strategy issues erosion incorporating roads Environment and heavy rain and flood and bridges, and sedimentation River Keeper events) Good practice operations are detailed Liaise with Development Works Operations Priority areas and associated costs Medium Term Staff to review and document priorities and are identified River Keeper associated costs Increase awareness Develop a working group consisting of Cooperative response is undertaken Medium Term understanding key stakeholders e.g. Council Engineers, Improved communication between Council’s Road and cooperation in landholder/community representatives, Council and community Asset Manager, addressing erosion Northern Rivers Catchment Management Development Works and sedimentation as Authority and Department of Primary Operations a result of heavy rain Industries (Fisheries), River Keeper to Key issues of concern are detailed, Manager of and flood impacts undertake an audit of bridges and key rural Government requirements and Vegetation and from rural roads and roads to identify and assess the major parameters, e.g. Department of Environment and bridges issues of concern relating bridge design, Primary Industries Fisheries, are River Keeper drainage on approaches to bridges, and identified river flow and subsequent impacts relating Increased understanding and to erosion and sedimentation awareness of engineering, environmental, social and economic considerations and parameters
Develop an action plan to address Working party develop an agreed Medium to Longer priority areas incorporating current works action plan Term priorities, and incorporating best practice Council’s Road management in relation to engineering, Asset Manager, environmental, social and economic Development Works considerations and parameters Operations Manager of Vegetation and Environment and River Keeper Identify and source resources and funding Alternate funding sources are Medium to Longer required to implement the plan and integrate identified Term within Council’s Management Plan /Plan of Funding is accessed to implement River Keeper Works (forward plan) the priorities
Implement the action plan in stages Action plan is implemented Ongoing according to priorities, resources and plan according to best management of works practice
Action plan is monitored, evaluated Ongoing modified and reported on Promote improvements, e.g. through Community has an increased Ongoing newsletters and media, and through the awareness of improvements and working group members improved practices
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Forestry, Logging and Clearing
Overview Current Status Healthy, well managed forests filter rainwater and Plantation forest operations on Crown lands and run-off entering watercourses, ensuring good water private land in NSW are managed by the Department quality. Poorly managed forests generate large of Primary Industries under the following legislation: sediment and pollution loads for rivers downstream. ■ Plantations and Reafforestation (Code) The NSW legislation covering the management of Regulation 2001 all forestry operations is rapidly evolving. A number ■ Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 of codes of practice and changes to legislation have been introduced recently covering native forestry The Code outlines buffer zones to be left remaining operations on private lands, native forestry operations around watercourses (20 m either side, and 10 m in State Forests and plantation timber harvesting. either side for drainage depressions), within which neither harvesting nor replanting for harvesting is Forestry operations can have a significant effect on permitted. The Code also stipulates that stabilising water delivery to rivers. For example, an increase vegetation must be planted after harvesting to reduce in water supply tends to occur in recently harvested soil erosion and sets slope limits for harvesting areas, as there are fewer trees intercepting rainfall operations on specific soil types. and transpiring water. The trend is reversed as the trees within a stand grow and require more water. There may also be an increase in the speed of water delivery following harvesting due to an increase in the area of bare soil and a reduction of the baffling effect of vegetation.
Since 2007 Private Native Forestry in NSW has been regulated by the Private Native Forestry Code of Practice (CoP), administered by Department of Environment and Climate Change. The CoP requires landholders to obtain a Property Vegetation Plan for up to 15 years, a legally binding document between the landholder and Department of Environment and Climate Change. The Property Vegetation Plan outlines which areas can and cannot be harvested, Plate 28. Buffer zones and sedimentation prevention identifies effective harvest strategies and targets for regeneration, identifies important landscape Harvesting in Forests NSW plantations also comes and cultural heritage features, identifies strategies under the Forests NSW Code of Practice (NSW for biodiversity conservation and ensures the DPI 2005) and an Ecologically Sustainable Forestry protection of waterways by creating strategies to Management Plan. The Ecologically Sustainable minimise erosion and polluting runoff. The CoP also Forestry Management Plan does not contain any contains a provision for auditing of landholders to guidelines specifically relevant to river health. The ensure compliance and continually improve forestry Code of Practice includes many protection measures, practices. The CoP supersedes the previously existing such as the maintenance of undisturbed streamside agreements under the Native Vegetation Conservation filter strips, use of silt fencing, construction of Act 1997 and the Soil Conservation Act 1938 in appropriate road drainage and stream crossings and October 2008 or at the end of the previous contract. limits placed on road use during wet weather. The CoP is a transitional arrangement until new legislation specific to native forestry is gazetted.
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Forests NSW maintain a register of all plantations in In addition to the IFOA, Forests NSW has an NSW. A summary of plantation areas within the Shire environmental policy (reading like a vision statement), is included in the desktop review. a binding code of practice for harvesting in native At this point in time, there is no binding code or forests and an Ecologically Sustainable Forestry guidelines to manage the environmental effects Management Plan for the Lower North East Zone. The of private plantation forests in NSW. The extent of Ecologically Sustainable Forestry Management Plan privately owned timber plantations in the Shire is not does not contain any guidelines specifically relevant documented at this time. to River Health. The Code of Practice includes many protection measures, such as the maintenance of Forests NSW operations are subject to a wide range undisturbed streamside filter strips, use of silt fencing, of environmental legislation. For each specified construction of appropriate road drainage and stream forestry zone, including the Lower North East Zone crossings and limits placed on road use during wet that encompasses the Shire, Forests NSW have weather. To what extent auditing uncovers breaches of developed integrated forestry operations approvals the Codes of Practice is unsure. In addition, privately (IFOA). The Lower North East Zone IFOA includes managed plantation forests currently have no binding all the licensing information for natural and cultural Code of Practice. heritage protection and operations guidelines including licensing under: Historically private forestry required consent from ■ Fisheries Management Act 1994 Council. However, with the 2003 review of the LEP, ■ Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Council no longer has any control. Notwithstanding ■ The Protection of the Environment Operations this, Council, as previously described is a Regulatory Act 1997. Authority under the POEO Act and is capable of responding to pollution events. Council currently The IFOA includes sections on minimising disturbance responds to complaints, however there is no system to fish and fish habitat, with particular reference to for monitoring private forestry operations. endangered species and ecological communities. It also contains regulations about erosion control measures, including post-harvest replanting, road management and maintenance of riparian buffer strips.
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Community and Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Facilitate the development and implementation of education strategies and workshops on best practice management Provide best practice guidelines and fact sheets to contractors and landholders Community specific Agency specific Engage and build up a cooperative working relationship with System needed to identify operations, need for a compliance Forest NSW Regional Manager. Work together to identify ways register, service requests that can be linked to an auditing system to improve current action and meet the regulations Department of Environment and Climate Change should Coordinated interagency approach with identified roles and coordinate action coordinated auditing and compliance program developed and implemented
Best Practice Forestry Operations for River These measures are covered to a satisfactory extent Health by the Codes of Practice set by Department of The Erosion and Sediment Control Strategy Environment and Climate Change and Department of developed by the Department of Land and Water Primary Industries. Conservation and State Forests NSW in 1997 outlines best practice management of soil conservation Barriers and Key Considerations for measures for forestry. The strategy includes Change suggestions for: ■ Lack of resources by Forests NSW to control ■ clearing, to manage the percentage of forest quality of work undertaken in State Forests, cleared in any one harvest (clear felling e.g. clear felling at the back of Hydes Creek greatly increases the erosive effects of and Box Tree Road; Forests NSW only has rainfall) access to one contractor and work staff may ■ fire management, to avoid the effects of ash be unsure of the regulations covering issues deposition in waterways and the effects of fire impacting on water quality such as the width denuding the ground of cover of buffers needed, sloping sites, and the ■ drainage feature management, to ensure the lack of land management plans. A lack of integrity of riparian vegetation and ensure resources may inhibit the implementation of adequate buffer strips to filter and to reduce good practice the velocity of runoff and minimise stream ■ Lack of communication between Forests NSW bank erosion and community ■ groundcover management, to reduce the ■ Need for coordinated work practice between erosive effects of rainfall and the amount of agencies sediment entering waterways ■ Unauthorised clearing; lack of knowledge of ■ sediment control measures, such as silt best practice measures, attitude and lack of fences and sediment traps to manage siltation knowledge of impacts on water quality of waterways downstream of active harvest ■ Need for a strategic coordinated approach areas, and between Council and other agencies ■ management of unsealed roads, to reduce with a system to monitor, manage and the sediment in runoff from these areas ensure compliance of forestry, logging and (Unsealed roads are considered the greatest clearing activities to ensure best practice contributor to sediment entering waterways management. from State Forests).
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO FORESTRY, LOGGING AND LAND CLEARING IMPACTS: EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Improve logging and Facilitate a meeting with NSW Council staff have an improved Medium to Longer clearing practices both Department of Primary Industries, knowledge and understanding of Term on government and Forests NSW, Department of the regulations and responsibilities River Keeper private lands in order Environment and Climate Change, Department of to reduce river health Northern Rivers Catchment Management Improved strategy to inform Environment and impacts Authority and Council regarding the community is identified and Climate Change regulations, guidelines and current implemented Other key operations to improve operations in the stakeholders shire Work with Council staff to develop Operations and procedures are Medium to Longer an operation policy and system that documented Term incorporates a compliance register, Gaps and improvements are River Keeper service requests that can be linked to an identified Environmental Health auditing system A coordinated strategy for and Planning improvement is developed, implemented and evaluated Develop and implement an education Increased community and Medium to Longer strategy incorporating fact sheets, web contractor awareness of the Term site information based on Department of legislation and guidelines for good River Keeper Environment and Climate Change and practice Environmental Health Northern Rivers Catchment Management and Planning Authority Code of Practice Department of Environment and Climate Change Other Key stakeholders Work with NSW Department of Primary Contractors are trained in good Medium to Longer Industries, Forests NSW, Department practice management techniques Term of Environment and Climate Change, River Keeper Catchment Management Authority Decrease in complaints Environmental Health and Council to develop and implement and Planning, NSW education sessions for contractors on Department of Primary good practice Industries State Forest’s, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Liaise and work with Councils Ongoing monitoring and Medium to Longer Environmental Health and Planning compliance is undertaken Term Department to implement a random River Keeper auditing strategy and compliance Environmental Health strategy as appropriate and Planning Other Key agency stakeholders
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Oil and Diesel and Waste Spills from Roads
Overview Best Practice The Shire experiences a large number of diesel and Best practice options need to be investigated due animal waste spills on its roads from a variety of to the specific nature of these issues in relation to sources. Inevitably this pollution enters the waterways. the Shire. Other local government areas place sand The apparent cause of diesel spills is the filling of over the spill and then using a machine, clean this trucks with fuel and this, combined with the failure away within 3 hours so that the spill and sand are not to turn off the overflow tap, can lead to fuel losses, washed into the water courses. particularly on steep winding roads. While there are a large number of incidents, approximately only one Current best practice in relation to animal waste also in one hundred trucks are caught; the drivers being requires further investigation. unaware that the spillage is occurring. Barriers and Key Considerations for change Vehicles transporting stock also have a tendency to ■ Lack of resources (the vehicle needed to contribute to the pollution of road surfaces through address this issue costs $1000 per day) poor waste management practices, the design of preventing the sand and spill from being the truck, and the lack of waste disposal and wash cleaned up within 3 hours of occurrence. down areas. The problem is associated primarily with ■ Driver behaviour in preventing overflow and a steeper roads, such as the Dorrigo Mountain section lack of awareness of spill of Waterfall Way. The increase in the number of ■ Lack of resources to ensure compliance vehicles transporting stock during the winter months ■ Design and management of stock trucks and and the increase in associated spills is evident. facilities for waste disposal ■ Knowledge, awareness and attitudes of Current Practice drivers on waste disposal and stock waste Council responds to these incidents by placing impacts sand over the spilled diesel, primarily as a safety ■ Need for a coordinated approach to address mechanism. This, in the case of Waterfall Way, is the issue by preventing occurrence and covered in Council’s maintenance contract with the between agencies to address through Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). education and compliance ■ Need for industry involvement in best practice No actions are undertaken in the case of animal waste and ensuring compliance. spills.
Community and Agency Response
The agreed/in common response Develop and implement an education, monitoring and compliance strategy to decrease water quality impacts from oil, diesel and waste Community specific Agency specific Key problem areas occur along Waterfall Way Assess alternative options to improve practice, including feasibility to share a clean-up vehicle with other Councils
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO OIL, DIESEL AND WASTE SPILLS FROM ROADS IMPACTS: POLLUTION TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Decrease the number Liaise with RTA, National Parks, heavy Coordinated response is agreed to Medium Term of spills occurring in the vehicle industry, NSW Farmers, Council River Keeper Shire Ranger, Manager of Development Works Operations and petrol stations to discuss spill issues from not turning off overflow, and the lack of maintenance of overflow trays from cattle trucks and a process for addressing the issues Develop and implement a monitoring, Number of service stations aware Medium to Longer education and compliance strategy to of the issue and provide reminders Term address the issue to truck drivers River Keeper in conjunction with RTA, Increased number of truck drivers National Parks, heavy are aware of the issue vehicle industry, NSW Farmers, Council A monitoring, compliance and Ranger and Manager education strategy is undertaken of Development Works Promote the issue through the media through RTA vehicle inspections Operations Extent of media reach Department of Public identify spills and record Environment and registrations Climate Change
Decreased spills Improve the Liaise with other Councils to investigate A review of strategies are Medium to Longer management of spills good practice management strategies documented Term and options regarding spill response Required resources are identified River Keeper management Options for resource sharing are in conjunction Investigate alternatives to a street identified with Manager of sweeper Development Works Operations Develop a proposed strategy for improved Good practice management is Longer Term practice identified, costed and reported to River Keeper Council in conjunction with Manager of Development Works Operations
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Waste Water Treatment Plants
Overview Current Status Council is responsible for the maintenance Two of the three Council sewage treatment plants and monitoring of the systems under the Local (STP) discharge effluent to the Bellinger/Kalang Government Act (1993) subject to licensing River System. The Bellingen STP releases treated requirements set out by the Protection of the effluent into the river less than 1 km downstream Environment Operations Act (1997). from Lavenders Bridge, which joins north and south Bellingen. The Urunga STP releases into The licensing requirements for both of the plants Urunga Lagoon, indirectly via an unnamed creek, dictate that fortnightly sampling of effluent discharge is approximately half way along the lagoon, which itself undertaken. In addition Council undertakes sampling is located adjacent to the mouth of the Bellinger for faecal coliform levels in receiving waters on a system. fortnightly basis. The licences also require annual reporting of recorded information including pollutant Both systems treat effluent to a tertiary standard. The levels, breaches of licence conditions, complaints and basic treatment program for the plants is: overflow/bypass incidents. The parameters monitored ■ Primary Treatment. Screening of effluent at are daily inflow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand inlet works to remove rags, etc (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), grease and ■ Secondary Treatment. Effluent is aerobically oil, Ammonia, Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus processed in an extended aeration tank, (TP), pH and faecal coliforms. The licensed pollutant excess sludge is anaerobically process in levels from the plants are the same with the following sludge lagoons exceptions: ■ Tertiary Treatment. Effluent is disinfected with ■ The Urunga STP is licensed for a maximum ultra-violet radiation from a UV unit. At both daily inflow of 10 000kL whilst the Bellingen Bellingen and Urunga plants phosphorus is plant is licensed for 3 000kL, and removed chemically. ■ The Bellingen plant is licensed for a maximum concentration of 700 faecal coliform units (fcu) in effluent, Urunga is licensed for 600 fcu.
Plate 29. Bellingen Waste Water Treatment Plant
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Generally the Waste Water Treatment Plants function It would appear that the Bellingen Plant required within the maximum allowable limits of their licenses an upgrade to increase capacity, however this was the majority of the time. Over the past 4 years the investigated by NSW Department of Commerce in most common breaches related to: 2004, which found that no upgrade was currently ■ Urunga needed. Council Water and Sewerage staff will Breaches of concentration limits for the instead address leakages and illegal connections. pollutants specified in the license agreement. This is currently being undertaken. The most notable breach was that the pH of the effluent has regularly been outside the To meet future needs and significantly increase the allowable range, attributable to algal growth capacity of the plant (to 6 800 equivalent persons) in the tertiary ponds. Otherwise the breaches some new equipment and an increased area of sludge were generally attributed to incorrect dosing, drying beds are required. Council has stated that incidents relating to equipment problems, high larger drying beds have been installed and that a $1.6 rainfall, and faecal contamination from birdlife million upgrade is planned in 2019. on the tertiary ponds and algal growth. Very little effect on the receiving waters was noted. In addition, both plants would benefit from a mechanism of reducing nutrient and sediment To address the breaches Water and concentrations in the discharged effluent with Sewerage have implemented the following particular emphasis on reducing TP concentrations at actions, improved internal management and Urunga. An improved system for chemical dosing is monitoring, installation of a UV disinfection now being employed. unit and bypassing the tertiary ponds. Effluent reuse schemes have been considered ■ Bellingen for Urunga STP, with a major aim being to lessen Breaches of concentration limits for pollutants the impacts of effluent discharge on the sensitive and exceeding the volume and mass limits of environment of Urunga Lagoon. The council liquids or solids and liquids for that discharge commissioned an Environmental Impact Statement point or area have been similar to those for for conversion to reuse of the effluent from Urunga Urunga. Breaches of concentration limits were but the process met with opposition from the (then) generally attributable to contamination during Department of Land and Water Conservation festivals (may be illegal dumping into the for reasons mostly associated with groundwater sewer), equipment failure inflow from rainfall, protection. Reuse has also been considered for the dosing problems, algal growths. Ongoing Bellingen STP, with agricultural reuse identified as the maintenance and equipment upgrades have most attractive option. Reuse on sporting fields and been undertaken, monitoring and internal the golf course was flagged due to concerns from the management have been undertaken to Department of Health. address these breaches. Liquid trade wastes (i.e. wastes generated by industry, Breaches relating to exceeding the volume small businesses and commercial enterprises) may and mass limits were caused by heavy exert greater demands on sewerage systems and rainfall, noting that the differences between if uncontrolled can pose serious problems to public Bellingen and Urunga plants licensing health, worker safety, the environment and Council’s conditions related to maximum daily inflow. sewerage system. To achieve responsible liquid trade waste disposal, Council developed a Liquid Trade Waste Policy, which was adopted in 2003 and amended in 2005. This policy has yet to be implemented.
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Community and Agency Response
Community specific Agency specific Some concern on STP impacts on water quality Installation of back-up generators to prevent surcharges during blackouts (to occur in Urunga this year and Bellingen next year) Council to seek alternative practice (e.g. constructed wetlands, Council would prefer utilisation of reverse osmosis land based disposal/recycling) Council to inspect their systems, effluent dumping points, Address issues leading to license breaches caravan parks Setup Water Watch and other community-based work groups Improve management and maintenance Stop effluent flowing into water courses, sample more frequently Address leakages and illegal connections to monitor viruses and other levels Council to improve better practices, procedures, management Trade waste management and systems for residents and businesses
Best Practice Barriers and Key Considerations for There is a need to define the principles of best Change practice for the Shire’s STPs. These principles and ■ sewerage discharges during blackouts and actions will be tailored specifically to each of the heavy rain events plants and take into consideration factors such as land ■ iIlegal water and sewerage connections use, future development and alternative options. ■ community knowledge, awareness and understanding of best practice and how to The reuse of effluent for irrigation, industrial and non contribute potable household applications is quickly gathering ■ treated sewerage impacts on Urunga Lagoon acceptance among policy makers, planners and the which has inadequate flushing general public. The benefits of effluent reuse include ■ resources needed (cost and location) to reduced stress on waterways, reduced demand upgrade, though Council has a on potable water resources and reduced need for 30-year plan of works chemical fertilizer use. ■ need to address trade waste impacts ■ need to investigate and pilot best practice The current basic requirements for wastewater reuse options (environmental and public health) are outlined under the Australian Guidelines for Water including contemporary reuse options Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental ■ integration of educational strategies to Risk. These guidelines are used by the Department educate the public (including businesses) on of Water and Energy to assess new reuse schemes best practice, including what should not be under the Local Government Act 1993 or the Water put down the sewer Management Act 2000. The assessment of reuse ■ monitor and identify trends from breaches, schemes has changed therefore Council must implement strategies to address the causes, reassess effluent reuse schemes as part of its monitor, evaluate and report on interventions. Integrated Water Cycle Management efforts.
Where the concept of reuse is not considered feasible, reductions in sediment and nutrient concentrations can be achieved by diverting treated effluent through constructed wetlands before entering existing waterways. Constructed wetlands, when well- designed, offer a relatively low cost, low maintenance form of effective water treatment.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IMPACT: POLLUTION PERFORMANCE TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Implement ongoing Council to install back-up generators for Waste Water Back-up generators Short term improvements to Waste Treatment Plants to stop surcharges during blackouts are installed Council Water and Water Treatment Plants Decreased surcharges Sewerage Engineers and practices to reduce impacts on water quality Improve management and operations to minimise Decreased license Ongoing license breaches breach frequency Council Water and Sewerage Engineers Investigate and implement options to reduce sediment and nutrient concentrations leaving facilities, e.g. Ongoing improvement through constructed wetlands strategy is implemented Liaise with Department of Environment and Climate Best Practice Longer Term Change (EPA) and Area Health Services to investigate environmental and River Keeper strategies to develop and implement best practice to public health strategies Department of plan for medium and long term improvements are identified and Environment and Consult with STP staff to identify strategies for piloted Climate Change medium and longer term improvement Council Water and Sewerage Engineers Work with Council Water and Sewerage Engineers to Council implements develop and implement a best practice strategy and best practice plan implement best practice pilot projects Reduced impacts on water quality Undertake testing to identify and reduce leakages Improved Short term management and Council Water and maintenance Sewerage Engineers Proactively promote Council improvements through Decreased volume of the media waste water Short Term Reduced illegal Council Water and connections Sewerage Engineers River Keeper Increased community Department of awareness of Environment and Undertake inspections to rectify illegal connections Council’s operations Climate Change for improvement Short Term Environmental Health Health and Building On completion of the Trade Waste survey, determine Business fees and Medium Term the fees and charges according to the business type charges are completed Council Water and discharge factors Sewerage Engineers
Review and modify as necessary Council’s Trade Medium Term Waste Policy Senior Environmental Health Officer Investigate and incorporate appropriate strategy to cover liquid trade waste for industrial areas that are not connected to the sewer
Develop a Trade Waste Agreement with each Trade Waste Policy business and Strategy is implemented and Undertake regular audits to ensure compliance with evaluated the agreements and in accordance with Council’s Trade Waste Policy 66 BELLINGER RIVER HEALTH PLAN
Water Quality Monitoring
Overview Diffuse source inputs are more difficult to quantify Water quality is a key measure of river health. This and are dependent upon a range of factors including section of the Plan addresses water quality monitoring climatic conditions, land use choices and riparian as one of the tools for determining the status of river vegetation. For relatively undeveloped catchments health at a point in time. This section will identify like the Bellinger/Kalang catchment, diffuse source the key elements in the management of Water inputs account for the majority of poor water quality Quality Monitoring as a tool to assist in guiding the issues. Diffuse source pollution loads include inputs implementation of the plan. from stormwater, runoff from agricultural land, runoff from on-site sewage management systems, erosion Healthy aquatic systems and good water quality are and runoff from unsealed roads, runoff from acid dependent upon each other. Water quality refers sulfate soils and private and state native forestry. The to the suitability of water for a specific purpose or major pollution types delivered to waterways from value. River water quality is usually measured in diffuse sources are sediment, nutrients, pathogens, terms of its suitability for drinking, swimming, boating, chemicals, acidity, salinity and rubbish. Priorities for aquaculture or the protection of aquatic ecosystems. the management of diffuse source water pollution in The measurement of water quality involves testing NSW are: the water for physical, chemical and biological ■ excessive sediment loads affecting river parameters. Achieving appropriate water quality is health and increasing the cost of managing fundamental to good waterway management. water infrastructure ■ high nutrient loads causing weed growth and Council does not have its own specific water quality harmful algal blooms, and objectives for the Bellinger/Kalang River system. ■ high pathogen levels affecting oyster growing, There are, however, Commonwealth and State recreational opportunities and tourism. guidelines and user group defined objectives for water quality that should guide council decisions with Water quality information for the Bellinger/Kalang respect to river water quality. It is suggested that a estuary has been summarized and analysed by maintaining a sustainable oyster industry is a base Lawson and Treloar (2003) and by BMT WBM (2007). line objective for water quality (Estuary Management The data suggests that the Bellinger River estuary Plan 2008). suffers from the following water quality issues: ■ elevated nutrient (total nitrogen and total Catchment inputs are a major source of poor water phosphorus) concentrations quality in river systems. Catchment inputs are ■ elevated chlorophyll-a levels in the upper assessed and managed as either point source or reaches of the estuary diffuse source inputs. Point source inputs include ■ elevated faecal coliform levels – particularly effluent discharge from sewage treatment plants after significant wet weather events and licensed waste flows from industry. Point source ■ elevated sediment levels. inputs are generally monitored and easy to quantify.
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Current Status As well as monitoring drinking water and sewerage, river water quality data has traditionally been collected by Council when funding allows, and for a specific purpose (e.g. responding to incidents). This has resulted in a body of water quality data that is disjointed and does not allow for high level analysis and review.
Council undertakes bacteriological testing for swimming on a fortnightly basis from October to April at four sites, Bellingen Wharf, Capararo’s Hole, Mylestom Pool and Urunga Sea Lido. There is however no map outlining locations for sampling swimming or drinking water nor are the results collated. This is an area that could be addressed immediately by Council. Swimming water quality results are published in the local paper.
The Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) undertakes statewide monitoring of seagrass, mangroves and salt marsh habitats and fish stocks.
The oyster farmers undertake sampling of water and oyster meat as per the shellfish guidelines.
Plates 31 and 32. Water quality monitoring undertaken by Department of Environment and Climate Change
Plate 30. Salinity buoy at oyster leases
Department of Environment and Climate Change been undertaking a hydrographic survey of both the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. In addition, it is monitoring physical characteristics of the river, and has set up stationery monitors in the estuarine areas that feed information back to Manly Laboratories for analysis.
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Community and Agency Response
The agreed/in common response ■ identified the need for planned and targeted monitoring ■ respondents suggesting that the monitoring program needs to be improved - more comprehensive so it can be utilised to address impacts Suggestions for improvement included: ■ monitoring bacteriological, chemical, physical and nutrient levels all along the river and key tributaries ■ strategic rain/storm event monitoring ■ more coordinated action involving all appropriate agencies and community ■ strategic management of contamination sources ■ development of a data base available to the public ■ development and implementation of an Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program to monitor and evaluate river health.
It was noted that cost may be a limiting factor to implementing a comprehensive program, however it was noted that all stakeholders could contribute to this.
Best Practice 2. BMT WBM (2007b) undertook a scoping In order to maximise the potential of water quality study of an Ecosystem Health Monitoring data as a management and policy tool, it should be Program (EHMP) that has been successfully collected in a fashion that is: implemented in SE Queensland in order to ■ regular and ongoing assess its suitability for application across ■ consistent among sites, locations, catchments the Northern Rivers Catchment Management and with respect to analyses Authority region. The scoping study identified ■ comprehensive the need for more integrated collection of ■ targeted at providing the maximum coverage aquatic resource information. It identified of a system and information about important shortfalls and complications with the current features such as point source inputs, monitoring activities and assessed the questionable land use aquaculture industries, number of existing programs that would major tributary contributions and ecosystems. benefit from information collected under an EHMP. The study concluded by proposing Data collected in this way could then be usefully an indicative EHMP for the Northern Rivers assessed and used to develop management tools. and outlining particular considerations for the Recommended best practice has included development of an EHMP.
1. These include a monitoring protocol for the Bellinger/Kalang estuaries developed in 2004 (Luffman 2004). The protocol aimed to coordinate and improve upon existing programs to assess the health of the estuary in the long term. It suggested that various physical, chemical and biological samples be collected at 9 sites within the estuary on a monthly basis. The protocol is yet to be implemented.
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In general, an EHMP will improve upon the current situation and provide many benefits for local resource management. An EHMP provides a framework for collecting information about river health that meets all the criteria for effective monitoring. Benefits of the EHMP scheme for water quality management of the Bellinger/Kalang system would include: ■ A system-wide approach to water quality monitoring. This would reduce the current deficit in water quality information from the freshwater reaches. It would also contribute to a total catchment management approach to the Bellinger/Kalang River system. ■ Regular, consistent information on which to base decisions as opposed to inadequate needs based sampling. ■ A regular, consistent background of data to relate to special needs sampling programs that will help contextualise special needs sampling programs within a broader longer term picture of river water quality. ■ More efficient, integrated water quality sampling, resulting in cost/benefit improvements. ■ An integrated system of measuring river health, including physical, chemical and biological indicators. ■ The provision of improved information for the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority to make better decisions about funding allocation and management priorities.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH TO WATER QUALITY MONITORING IMPACTS: POLLUTION AND SAFETY TIMEFRAME/ OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RESPONSIBILITY Ensure water quality is Ensure the implementation of the Estuary Management Plan strategies Short to Medium appropriate for human strategies of Management Objectives 1 are implemented Term use, protects ecological and 3 of the Estuary Management Plan River Keeper processes, sufficient to Environmental support a sustainable Health oyster industry Maritime Road Asset Manager Manager of Vegetation and Environment Council Water and Sewerage Engineers Work with relevant stakeholders to Recommendations are incorporated Medium to Longer achieve the recommendations from the into appropriate areas of Council’s Term NSW Department of Primary Industries operations River Keeper in Guidelines ‘Healthy Estuaries for conjunction with Healthy Oysters’. Council staff Collate and provide access to current Specific tasks under Management Short Term water sampling results Objective 3 and 4 are achieved Senior Environmental Provide periodic reports on waterway Health Officer health Develop and implement Work with the regional working party to An appropriately resourced Short to Medium a comprehensive water develop and implement a Ecosystem Ecosystem Health Monitoring Term quality monitoring program Health Monitoring program for the program for the region is River Keeper that can be utilised to region implemented improve river health
Ensure the program integrates current Management Objective 4 of the sampling Estuary Management Plan is achieved
Work with the Water Watch Coordinator Water quality results are utilised; the to implement the program in the Shire program guides river health strategy implementation Increased community involvement and commitment to water quality
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OTHER ISSUES
This section covers other issues or areas for consideration for the River Health Plan. These issues do not have a specific action associated with them however their consideration in the context of the Plan is important in terms of implementation and operation.
Dredging and Sand Extraction
Overview Dredging of river mouths and navigation channels on NSW waterways has been common practice for more than a century. Extraction of gravel and Plate 33. Raleigh dredge sand from waterways for use in construction of roads and property development has also been The environmental impacts of dredging in estuarine widespread. Dredging can threaten river health by areas have been studied worldwide and shown to be disturbing aquatic ecosystems, disturbing potential extensive. A brief review of general environmental acid sulfate soils and generating turbidity through impacts associated with dredging reveals the following: the resuspension of sediments. Poorly managed ■ The disposal of dredged material, extractive industries can adversely affect river particularly when the removed sediments health through the contamination of stormwater, are contaminated, poses a significant risk to the extraction of river flows and the disturbance of coastal environments. The threats include a river banks and riparian vegetation, causing erosion loss of biodiversity and biomass of benthic (Healthy Rivers Commission 2000). fauna. The actual effects of this vary among rivers and are also related to antecedent Historically, dredging occurred within the Bellinger stresses present in the dredged area. River mouth in order to maintain suitable entrance ■ The resuspension of sediments can result in conditions for commercial vessels. This operation high levels of turbidity and suspended solids. had mixed success and ceased in 1929. There are Elevated suspended sediment concentrations no immediate plans to resume dredging at the river can prove lethal to fish and crustaceans, mouth (BMT WBM 2007) and adequate access although the actual effects vary with the points to oceanic waters exist in Nambucca and Coffs species, their life history phases (i.e. adult fish Harbour. are less susceptible then larvae) and depend on the concentration of pollution and the time Current Status of exposure (Wilber and Clarke, 2001). The only ongoing dredging operation within the ■ Dredging disturbs benthic ecosystems, often estuarine reaches of the Bellinger/Kalang River resulting in the functional extinction of benthic system is of the area known as the ‘Raleigh Shoal’. invertebrates in an area for up to 4 years. This The Raleigh Shoal is currently dredged at an average is particularly important because organisms 3 rate of 20 000 m per year and approximately half that inhabit the beds of estuaries and rivers are of the total extractable material is estimated to have responsible for the particular structure of their been removed. At present, there appear to be no habitat (by tunnelling and loosening sediments) adverse effects, such as riverbank erosion, directly and the ecological functions associated with linked with the dredging operations at Raleigh (BMT them, such as nutrient metabolism and the WBM 2007). oxygenation of sediments and water. These benthic resources also have a role in fisheries production, providing food sources for many commercially fished species (Thrush and Dayton 2002).
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■ Near-shore dredging operations can result Gravel Extraction on the Bellinger in loss of sand to shorelines and eventual shoreline change as natural cross-shore Overview sediment transport mechanisms operate to The Bellinger River has a long history of gravel fill holes. Indirect effects of this phenomenon extraction. NSW Department of Water Resources can include a significant change in shoreline (DWR, Now Department of Water and Energy) (1994) shape and slope and eventual landward estimated that approximately 50 000 m3 of gravel erosion (Demir et al. 2004). had been removed from the Bellinger River annually
■ Dredging operations can significantly affect over the last 30 years. Gravel extraction from the seagrasses. The main effects can be removal river underpinned Council’s road construction and or burial of seagrass beds, though increases maintenance programs. In 1994, the Department of in turbidity may have severe consequences Water Resources identified 11 sites where extraction as seagrass beds experience greatly reduced would be allowable, though they noted that none were light levels, slowing growth and leaving them active at that time. susceptible to fouling (Erftemeijer and Lewis 2006). Current Status It appears that at present only one active extraction Best Practice operation is ongoing, that operation being adjacent A variety of methods can be used to mitigate the to the Bellingen Concrete plant along Waterfall Way. effects of dredging on the aquatic environment. Best Since 1994, no extraction has been allowed in the practice methods for dredging involve (following reaches of the Bellinger River downstream of the Erftemeijer and Lewis 2006): confluence with Never Never Creek, due to overall ■ The application of turbidity thresholds to channel widening having occurred. Extraction has surrounding waters which, when exceeded, also been limited to the tops of bars and islands cause a temporary halt to dredging above low flow levels, though this control is waived for operations. operators willing to backfill any excavated holes with ■ Predictive modelling of sediment plumes that suitable material. No definition for ‘suitable material’ is can be used to limit dredging operations to provided. specific flow events or tidal directions. ■ The application of seasonal restrictions, for The environmental impacts of sand and gravel example, to avoid flowering periods of aquatic extraction can be far reaching (NSW Department plant life. of Water Resources (now Department of Water and ■ The use of silt screens around dredged areas, Energy) 1992). Excavation below the water level particularly adjacent to sensitive habitats. Silt disturbs fine sediments which can be transported screens should be used with particular care downstream and adversely impact water quality, and are not suitable for dredging in areas of aquatic habitats, oyster farms and fish. Over high flow velocities. extraction resulting in bed and bank erosion can have similar effects. Extraction in the vicinity of the interface The current operation of the dredge at the Raleigh between tidal and non-tidal stretches of rivers can Shoal requires silt screening at all times. result in saline encroachment. Localised changes in river geomorphology (sediment characteristics, channel steepness and flow characteristics) associated with gravel extraction are likely to cause corresponding changes elsewhere within the system, particularly during times of high flow or flooding. Where extraction occurs below the natural bed of the river or where the bed is lowered through erosion associated with over extraction, the quality and quantity of water recharging floodplain aquifers may be affected.
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Native vegetation clearing for access or by erosion Acid Sulfate Soils can further affect riverine processes and impact upon aquatic and terrestrial habitats, as well as causing Overview an erosion feedback cycle. The loss of gravel bars Acid sulfate soils are widespread in the Bellinger/ that control pool depths can effect water extraction Kalang coastal floodplain. Acid sulfate soils are and aquatic habitat. Excavations close to and below soils containing pyrite which become problematic the water level can affect benthic communities, with only when disturbed, allowed to dry out and are flow-on effects for entire ecosystems. They can also exposed to oxygen. When this occurs, the pyrite is reduce habitat available for fish to spawn and shelter. oxidised resulting in sulfuric acid, which can then be In many areas, culturally sensitive sites such as burial transported into surface waters or be absorbed into grounds, middens and campsites have been impacted groundwater by extraction operations. In addition, noise, dust and visual forms of pollution may be associated with Current Status extraction. Almost the entire Bellinger/Kalang estuarine floodplain is considered to have a high probability of acid sulfate Significantly, gravel and sand extraction are soil material. There is a network of drains on the considered potential threats to the Bellinger River floodplain and four floodgates (Lawson and Treloar Emydura (Emydura macquarii), listed as vulnerable 2003). Whilst Department of Environment and Climate under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1997 Change mapping does not indicate any actual acid (DECC 2008). In particular, sand and gravel extraction sulfate soils, it is highly likely that they exist, especially upstream of and in the vicinity of known habitats are around the Man Arm Creek drainage network. defined as threats, though the recovery plan does not Drains, designed to increase the rate of removal of outline a strategy for change to this practice. floodwaters from low lying agricultural lands, tend to drain groundwater if they are deep, allowing pyritic Best Practice soils to dry and become oxidised. Subsequent rainfall Best practice guidelines for extractive industries are events transport the acid created into nearby water as follows: bodies. ■ No extraction below low flow water levels.
■ Do not disturb native species of fringing, Available water quality data does not indicate any floating and submerged aquatic plants. general acidification effects upon the estuarine waters
■ Isolate land based work sites from river flow of the Bellinger/Kalang system. This can be explained to minimise sediment ingress into waterways. by the adequate and consistent river flow and the
■ Extraction from the inside curve of river beds regular tidal flushing of the areas most affected by is preferable. Inter riffle dredging is preferable drainage works. The lack of evidence for acidification to shallow section dredging. It is important to of the estuary also explains the lack of water quality maintain the pool – riffle sequence in rivers. monitoring aimed at understanding the effects of acid
■ Excavation of areas below low flow levels, sulfate soils on the health of the Bellinger/Kalang where necessary, should not occur where Rivers. banks may be undermined and where the rate of removal of material will exceed the rate of In NSW acid sulfate soils management is governed natural replenishment. by the Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory
■ Total extraction should not exceed sediment Committee, an interdepartmental body that released load in any stretch of the river. The cumulative the Acid Sulfate Soils Manual. The manual deals with load of many small extractive operations the assessment and management of acid sulfate soils must be considered in terms of bed and bank with sections about drainage, groundwater and the erosion. development of acid sulfate soils management plans. ■ Extraction should not be undertaken without detailed knowledge of coarse sediment transport rates, river stability and existing geomorphology.
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Current management of acid sulfate soils in the Johnston et al. (2003) discuss best practice for the Bellinger/Kalang River system includes a wetland management of floodgates and drainage systems in care project (Wetland Care Australia 2005). The coastal floodplain areas. Their recommendations are wetland care project is funded by the Northern Rivers as follows: Catchment Management Authority and aims to: ■ active management of floodgates, meaning ■ increase the number of floodgates modified, that floodgates should be manually opened maintained and actively managed to improve water quality in drains by regular ■ increase the area of floodplain under active dilution with tidal waters management and the number of landholders ■ retaining water in drains adopting best management ■ infilling and shallowing of drains. This is used ■ educate landholders with respect to acid to reduce over-drainage of natural wetland sulfate soils areas. ■ install structures to prevent overtopping of low lying areas with tidal water ■ shallow drains to prevent over-drainage ■ rehabilitate acid sulfate soil scalds and reintroduce natural wetting and drying cycles ■ encourage off-stream watering of stock.
Within Council’s own planning framework, acid sulfate soils are dealt with briefly in DCP 26 – Contaminated Land Management. The requirement is, that prior to excavation works, acid sulfate soil maps should be consulted to ensure that no investigation of potential acid sulfate soils occurs.
Best Practice Management Best practice management and mitigation of acid sulfate soils can be sourced from a number of documents. The National Strategy for the Management of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils (National Working Party on Acid Sulfate Soils 2000) outlines the following procedures to avoid the disturbance of acid sulfate soils: ■ increasing the awareness of acid sulfate soils, including both the extent and severity and the potential adverse impacts ■ education of land managers and developers to understand the best management principles and technologies, and ■ introduction of planning and development controls to minimise the risk of disturbing acid sulfate soils and mitigating the effects of disturbed acid sulfate soils.
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Heavy Metal Pollution The risk of remobilisation of heavy metal pollution originating from the APP is associated with the pH Overview of ground and surface waters and the potential Human activities can increase the heavy metal for oxidation and acidification of surface layers of concentrations in waterways to unnaturally high sediments in the event of abnormal groundwater levels. Sources of heavy metal pollution include fluctuations. The risk of heavy metal mobilisation industrial waste products, urban and agricultural could be greatly reduced by the management of this runoff, atmospheric deposition and runoff from mine site. The two main management options identified sites or from acid sulfate soils. from the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation document Urunga Contaminated Site Heavy metal pollution can be toxic to aquatic animals – Part 2 (1997) are capping and prevention of further and plants resulting in changed morphology, reduced oxidation or removal of contaminated sediment. reproduction and even death (OzCoasts 2008). Capping and prevention of further oxidation has been identified as the preferred option. To date, no option An Antimony Processing Plant (APP) operated in has been considered suitable for all interested parties. Urunga adjacent to the corner of Hillside Drive and the Pacific Highway between 1969 and 1974. The There is also some evidence of elevated plant was abandoned after it ceased operating with no concentrations of lead in groundwater that flows into attempt being made to clean up tailings or rehabilitate either Cemetery Creek, a tributary of the Bellinger the land. Paperbark trees in the adjacent wetland River in the vicinity of the Bellingen urban area located down gradient of the site have experienced or directly into the Bellinger River. Initial studies some dieback. conducted at a former NorthPower Depot located on Prince Street Bellingen indicated that after removal of Current Status underground storage tanks previously used for fuel The former APP is a potential source of heavy metals storage, lead concentrations in soil taken from two in the Urunga Lagoon catchment. A suite of heavy areas of the site were elevated to levels exceeding metals, including arsenic, antimony, mercury, copper, guidelines. In addition, the same study found lead iron, aluminium and lead have been recorded on concentrations in groundwater samples exceeded the site itself and in the groundwater surrounding levels acceptable for the protection of aquatic the site, far in excess of ANZECC (2000) guidelines ecosystems. Groundwater modelling associated with for the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Current the study indicates that the lead levels in groundwater management of the site is limited to the construction would be greatly reduced by the time the water of an L-shaped drain at the downstream end that acts joined with the surface waters of the Bellinger River. as a trap for pollutants bound to particulate matter. A further study identified that the original results In effect, heavy metals are chemically attracted were erroneous, that no lead contamination of the to sediment that sinks to the bottom of the drain, groundwater existed and that the flow direction was protecting downstream areas. At the time of the towards Cemetery Creek. Subsequent surface water last in-depth study (1997), no impact of pollution samples taken from Cemetery Creek indicated no lead from the APP site had been recognised on the contamination (Environmental and Earth Sciences waters of Urunga Lagoon. It also appears that the 2003). concentrations of heavy metals on the site and in the wetland are stable, perhaps due to the high levels of Surface and groundwater monitoring is undertaken caustic soda used in the original processing and a at the Raleigh Landfill site and includes testing for subsequent buffering capacity against acidification of arsenic. To date there is no evidence that the runoff the tailings. from the leachate is affecting surface or groundwater. Best Practice Best practice management varies from site to site. Site-specific best practice management needs to be developed and implemented to address these issues.
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Licensed Source Inputs to the Climate Change Considerations Bellinger/Kalang Rivers Overview Overview The predicted changes in climatic conditions arising from increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere Under the Protection of the Environment have a number of significant implications for river Administration Act 1997, Department of Environment health. For example, there is likely to be an increase and Climate Change (formerly EPA) grant licenses for in the intensity and severity of both drought and point source inputs of pollutants into NSW waterways. storms along the NSW coast. The effects of this The licensing conditions usually specify maximum could be large changes in flow variability, channel concentrations of specific pollutants in discharge, meandering and water availability. Additionally, climate maximum annual loads for specific pollutants or both. change driven sea level rise could have particularly The licences also specify exemptions to the licensing significant implications for low-lying areas adjacent to conditions, sampling methods and frequency for estuaries. data collection and the responsibility for recording complaints. A search of the public register, maintained by Department of Environment and Climate Change, Current Status The accurate forecasting of climate change identified a number of licences within the Bellinger/ effects is a complicated business. Despite this, the Kalang catchment. These are outlined in the Desk Top science is advancing and more reliable figures are Study. being released as time goes by. Annual average
Current Status temperatures for most of Australia are projected to increase by 0.6─1.5°C by 2030 and by 1.8─3.4°C A summation of pollutant loads suggests that the by 2070 compared to 1990 levels (CSIRO 2007). contribution of point source inputs of Total Nitrogen, Predicting the exact level of temperature increase Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids is is extremely difficult, but atmospheric scientists can in the order of 2% of the total load of the Bellinger/ say with a high degree of certainty that (after CSIRO Kalang catchment (Lawson and Treloar Pty Ltd 2003). 2007): This factor is approximate, as it considers only the ■ The future climate of the Northern Rivers area discharges from the two sewage treatment plants, of NSW is likely to be warmer. though it does account for maximum allowable loads ■ Predicted increases in evaporation are also from each. likely to result in an area that is drier. Best Practice ■ Other likely effects are increased heat waves, extreme winds and fire risk. Generally license conditions define minimum ■ Over the long term (2070) we are likely to see standards for outputs. Working towards best practice an increase in extreme rainfall events. with licensing authority for each site should be ■ The most severe impacts of climate change undertaken. Relicensing is a key opportunity to move are likely to be felt through extreme weather towards improved best practice. events such as hot days, bushfires, droughts and intense storms.
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Current climate change predictions indicate potential Sea Level Rise for decreased average rainfall. This means water security could be undermined and stream flows Overview reduced. The follow-on effects of this phenomenon The heat that has warmed the Earth over the past include decreases in water quality, increased saline century as a result of climate change has been largely intrusion and adverse effects on groundwater aquifers. stored by the oceans. The temperature of the world’s It also means potential negative impacts on aquatic oceans rose during the 20th Century and is predicted biodiversity and wetland health. Increased bushfire to continue rising throughout the 21st Century. The incidence may have adverse effects upon rivers thermal expansion associated with temperature through increase sediment loads and ash deposition increases is expected to be the dominant force in sea (CSIRO 2007). Existing stresses on aquatic flora level rise throughout the 21st Century. Glacier and ice and fauna, such as habitat removal, modified flow cap melt is predicted to contribute increasingly over regimes and poor water quality may make them more the long term (CSIRO 2008). susceptible to the above impacts of climate change (DECC 2008b). The best estimates of sea-level rise over the next century (until 2090─2099) are in the order of 18─79 Best Practice cm relative to the average level from 1980─1999 Potential adaptations that may be relevant to the Shire (IPCC 2007). The actual sea level rise experienced is in the future include: predicted to depend on atmospheric carbon dioxide
■ reducing dependency on surface waters concentrations. The predictions are conservative as a during low flow conditions and increasing result of the way they measure contributions from ice overall water use efficiency within the melt. Furthermore, the estimates from the previous catchment (See section 1.3 IWCM) round of IPCC investigations were found to be lower
■ reviewing flood and erosion control than measured changes for the period from 1990 to management 2007 (Rahmstorf et al. 2007). Measured changes in
■ assessing the likelihood of saline intrusion sea level show that at present rates, it is increasing into the vicinity of the Lower Bellinger Water at 30 cm per century. It is predicted that this rate of Scheme borefields change will increase over the next 100 years (ACE
■ reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. 2007).
Current Status The impacts of rising sea level are many. There is the predicted salt water intrusion into aquifers and estuaries, affecting coastal ecosystems, water resources and human settlements. There will be changes in the distribution and extent of coastal wetlands, impacting upon agriculture and low lying urban settlements. There will be changed flushing behaviour of estuaries. Coastal impacts are likely to be shoreline recession and realignment of beaches.
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The intrusion of salt water into the aquifer is of Planning for sea level rise is complicated by other particular concern to Council because the extractive factors. The increase in sea level will exacerbate the bores that supply the towns of Bellingen and Urunga effects of extreme sea level events known as storm lie approximately 1 km upstream of the current known surges. Storm surges are regular events where storm tidal limit. In addition to this, further salt water intrusion associated low air pressure and high winds create into the estuary might affect the utility of certain a temporary surge in local sea levels. Against a sections of the Bellinger River for irrigation purposes. background of elevated sea levels, storm surges are predicted to more frequently inundate low lying urban Whilst the global impacts of climate change are and agricultural areas and to more fully impact upon becoming increasingly clear, it is still uncertain what coastal geography as seawater penetrates further the effects on local systems like the Bellinger River inland and causes greater erosion. The worldwide will be. The science required is complicated. Coastal increase in the number of people flooded per year with erosion effects will almost certainly result in increased a sea level rise of 1 m is expected to increase more sediment deposition within estuaries. The impacts of than tenfold (CSIRO 2008). Increases in severe storm this upon estuarine ecosystems will be dependent events and an extension of the tropical cyclone zone upon specific rates of sedimentation, rates of sea further south will result in high winds and extreme level rise and elevation-dependent accommodation wave events that will further erode coastlines and add space for migration of mangroves, salt marshes and to the encroachment of seawater into catchments seagrasses. and urban areas. In general we are likely to see increased coastal inundation, erosion, significant Sea level rise will impact on drainage and changes to estuarine ecosystems, water quality and groundwater in the Bellinger coastal floodplain in hydrodynamics and groundwater resources. the vicinity of Raleigh. The specific effects may be increased flood levels and duration, water logging of Best Practice soils, soil salination and reduced irrigation amenity of Best practice management to address this issue will groundwater due to saline intrusion (CSIRO 2007). need to be considered, planned for and implemented Sea level rise will also result in an upstream migration in accordance with the evolving evidence. The main of the saltwater/freshwater interface (Newton 2008). effect for planning in the Shire will be to reassess the This could be exacerbated by reductions in average way that risk of flood is calculated. The ACE (2007) freshwater flows associated with climate change predict that by 2020 extreme sea level events will predictions. Increased acidification of estuarine waters happen up to 6 times more often and by 2040 this could also result. Greater fluctuations in the levels could be up to 30 times more often. This would mean of groundwater could potentially increase the risk of that we would see 1 in 100 year flood levels up to exposure of acid sulfate soils which, when combined once every 3 years. Property development codes with a higher proportion of rainfall falling in storm that have relied on a steady sea level for planning events, could escalate the potential for delivery of acid purposes will have to be reconsidered and the way water. In addition, higher concentrations of carbon in which all councils calculate risk will be need to be dioxide in the atmosphere are lowering the pH of reviewed. A Development Control Plan for low level oceanic waters. The impacts of this on shell-forming lands likely to be affected by future sea level rises creatures and the ecosystems they support are should be investigated. potentially enormous.
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RIVER HEALTH PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Both the agencies surveyed and the community have Co-ordination identified a number of areas that should be addressed in order to ensure effective implementation of the plan. In order to successfully implement the Plan a These are education, coordination, communication number of systemic management issues need to be and program sustainability. addressed.
Education Council, as the driver of the Plan will need to ensure coordination between the key agency stakeholders Education was seen as a key element for initiating and the community. This coordination will be required positive change. Suggestions included: internally within Council with defined roles and ■ developing and implementing educational responsibilities of Council divisions. From a wider strategies through schools as well as perspective this will require knowledge of agency workshops for landholders and the community roles and responsibilities and contributions to river ■ using “key champions” and peers to raise health actions. It will assist in resource allocation awareness and change attitudes and and the development of alliances to achieve actions. behaviours In some instances this may need to be formalised ■ raising awareness and providing information through agreed Memorandums of Understanding or through media, marketing and advertising Partnership Agreements. campaigns ■ lobbying industry and businesses to sponsor This approach was supported by the community educational strategies who felt that the River Health Program should ■ building on the Keep Australia Beautiful coordinate action for the Shire, bringing together the campaign and apply it to river health. key stakeholders, working in with and building on existing projects and networks, such as Tidy Towns, The agencies also identified the need to undertake Chambers of Commerce, Cascade Environmental these actions in a more coordinated manner. This Centre, Landcare groups, schools, Universities, would support the Northern Rivers Catchment Bellingen Environment Centre, golf clubs and Rural Management Authority’s role in the coordination of the Fire Service. natural resource management areas and the strategic direction of the Catchment Action Plan. Additionally 24 agency representatives responded to the survey, however these groups identified a Integrating these actions within a holistic framework further 28 agency representatives who should also of actions such as those used in a health promoting be consulted. These groups will be followed up approach (ie creating supportive environments, through the development of the Healthy Rivers Plan building appropriate policies, reorienting services, for the Kalang River and through the recommended and strengthening community action) will increase strategies in the action plan. effectiveness.
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Communication Community suggestions for ensuring successful program implementation included:
In order to achieve the above goals and implement ■ The River Keeper position needs to be the Plan, a communication strategy is needed. permanent in order to oversee the long term Effective communication was also seen as a tool changes needed. which will enable the monitoring of the program by the ■ The River Keeper will need a process to win community. It was noted that improved communication over the community as many people may be was needed from Council. Suggestions included sceptical of the program and being employed providing information, updates and interaction on the by Council, potentially giving rise to concern program through: that gaps identified in their practice may be ■ the media, through print television and radio used against them for compliance.
■ a regular Newsletter – which can be made ■ Work through community members or available through the Landcare network and ‘champions’ to engage other community Councils website members.
■ Landcare office and an interactive website ■ Undertaking a community skills audit to build where people can communicate positive on and utilise community skills and assets.
changes, ask for advice and contribute to the ■ Developing proactive environmental action program groups.
■ utilising community notice boards, rates ■ Working with Youth Environment Groups
notices, post offices, and shops to distribute ■ Having field studies and educational flyers workshops that highlight the effects of positive ■ feedback and interpretation on water quality actions.
results ■ Forming committees or working groups to ■ Council divisions to provide relevant coordinate and monitor actions, increase information to the River Keeper community involvement so they can contribute ■ River Keeper to have regular meetings to the implementation of the plan – which can with both residents and regular visitors then act as river health watch dogs; and make at appropriate times, e.g. Saturdays and sure this includes involving visitors.
workshops and discussion forums in a safe ■ Ensure that the River Health Program environment where issues, problems and provides guidance to the community on how solutions can be addressed without fear of they can assist.
reprisals ■ Develop the capacity of the community.
■ River Keeper to act as a facilitator to ensure ■ Bring government agencies in to work improved communication. more with the community; lobby for more involvement from Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Program Sustainability ■ Build on existing networks, such as Lagoon care groups, Newry Island River Care The key element to the effective implementation of the Groups, other Landcare groups, Chamber Plan identified by all stakeholders will be to sustain of Commerce, Golf Clubs, Bellingen the implementation and actions. This will require a Environment Centre, Bush Fire brigades. commitment from Council and its partners to see the plan driven and implemented. It was made clear that the Plan needs to take in each reach of the river, but also needs to consider how they interact, rather than be taken in isolation.
It was also noted that this Plan and the River Health Program need to be incorporated into Council’s proposed Integrated plan in order to ensure accountability with appropriate monitoring, evaluation and reporting structures.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following is an outline of the sources, as taken Department of Environment and Climate Change from the Desktop Study, which are referred to in (DECC) (2006) NSW Water Quality and River Flow this report. Objectives – Bellinger River and Coffs Harbour. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ieo/Bellinger/ Asplund, T. (2000) The Effects of Motorised Watercraft index.htm. Accessed July 2008. on Aquatic Ecosystems. A report for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. DECC (2008) Stormwater. http://www.environment. nsw.gov.au/stormwater/. Accessed July 2008. Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) (2000) Australian DECC (2008) http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine determinations/BellingerRiverEmyduraVulSpListing Water Quality .htm. Accessed July 2008.
Australian Maritime College (2002) Vessel Wash DECC (2008b) Climate Change Impacts and Impacts on Bank Erosion. Report # 01/G/18. Adaptations Research Programs – Aquatic ecosystems. http://www.greenhouse.nsw.gov. Beachler MM. (2003) Stirring up trouble? au/adaptation/adaptation_research_projects/ Resuspension of bottom sediments by recreational climate_change_impacts_and_adaptation_ watercraft. Lake and Reservoir Management. research_programs/climate_change_impacts_ and_adaptation_research_programs_-_aquatic_ BMT WBM Pty Ltd (2007) Bellinger and Kalang ecosystems Rivers Estuary Management Study. Prepared for Bellingen Shire Council. Department of Environment and Conservation (2006) Managing Urban Stormwater: Harvesting and BMT WBM (2007b) Ecosystem Health Monitoring Reuse. Program and Report Card Scoping Study. Report compiled for the Northern Rivers Catchment Department of Land and Water Conservation (1997) Management Authority. Urunga Contaminated Site – Part 2 Remediation Options. Produced by Centre for Natural BMT WBM Pty Ltd (2008) Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Resources in collaboration with the North Coast Estuary Management Plan. Prepared for Bellingen Region. Shire Council. Department of Land and Water Conservation (1999) Bonham, A. J. (1983) The management of wave- Bellinger Catchment Stressed Rivers Report. spending vegetation as bank protection against boat wash. Landscape Planning Department of Land and Water Conservation (1999b) Bellingen Pollution Reduction Program for Cowell (1996) Wave Action and Bank Erosion Behind Bellingen Shire Council. Seaham Weir in the Williams River. Occasional Paper 1001. Healthy Rivers Commission of New Department of Natural Resources (2006) Draft Code South Wales. of Practice for Private Native Forestry.
CSIRO (2007) Climate Change in the Northern Rivers Department of Primary Industries, Water and Catchment. Prepared for the NSW Government by Environment Tasmania. (Undated). Wake Up? the CSIRO. Slow Down – a guide to low wake wave boating.
Demir, H., Otay, E. N., Work, P.A. and Borekc, O.S. Dickinson (Undated) Water Quality Monitoring Project. (2004) Impacts of Dredging on Shoreline Change. Prepared for the Bellinger Catchment Management Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Committee. Engineering.
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Environmental and Earth Sciences (2003) Land and Water Resources (1998) Managing Stock. Preliminary and supplementary environmental Riparian Management Factsheet No. 6. site assessment, 1-5 Prince Street Bellingen, New South Wales. Report prepared for Country Energy. Gippel, T.M. and Sachs, K. (2008) Healthy Estuaries for Healthy Oysters - Guidelines. NSW Department Erftemeijer, P.A. and Lewis, R.R.R. (2006) of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Environmental impacts of dredging on seagrasses: Centre, NSW. A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Lawson and Treloar (2003) Bellinger and Kalang Gabele, P. A. and Pyle S. M. (2000) Emissions from Rivers Estuary Processes Study. Prepared for two outboard engines operating on reformulated Bellingen Shire Council. gasoline containing MTBE. Environmental Science and Technology. Lawson and Treloar (2003b) Urunga Lagoon Management Guidelines. Prepared for Bellingen Garrad P. N. and Hey R D. (1988) The effect of boat Shire Council. traffic on river regime. International Conference on River Regime (ed. W. R. White), pp. 395-409. Lonie, R. (2000) Bellingen Native Vegetation Wiley and Sons, Chichester. Management Strategy. Unpublished report prepared for Bellinger Shire Council. GHD (2006) Williams River Bank Erosion Study. A report prepared for Port Stephens Council. Luffman, B. (2004) A Monitoring Protocol for the Bellinger Kalang Estuary. GHD (2007) Bellingen Shire Growth Management Strategy. Maynord, T. Wave height from planing and semi planing small boats. River Research and Great Lakes Council (1999) Great Lakes Council On- Applications. Site Sewage Management Strategy. McFarlane, G. and Cox, G. (2004) The development Healthy Rivers Commission (2000) Securing Healthy of vessel wave wake criteria for the Noosa and Coastal Rivers, A Strategic Perspective Brisbane Rivers in Southeast Queensland. Coastal Environment V, Incorporating Oil Spill Studies. IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Brebia, C. A. et al. eds. WIT Press. Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment. Report of the Mosisch, T. D. and Arthington, A. H. (1998) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core impacts of power boating and water skiing on lakes Writing Team, Pachauri, R.K and Reisinger, A. and reservoirs. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 104 pp. and Management.
IWSF (1999) International Water Ski Federation National Working Party on Acid Sulfate Soils (2000) Environmental Handbook for Towed Water Sports. The National Strategy for the Management of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils. Johnston, S., Kroon, F., Slavich, P., Cibilic, A. and Bruce, A. (2003) Restoring the Balance: Guidelines NSW Department of Primary Industries (2005) Timber for Managing Floodgates and Drainage Systems Harvesting in Native Forests. http://www.forest. on Coastal Floodplains. nsw.gov.au/publication/forest_facts/harvesting/ default.asp. Accessed July 2008. Kenway, S. and Irvine, R. (2001) Sewage Pollution Risk Assessment for Environmental Health. NSW Department of Primary Industries (2005) Forest Conference Proceedings – Environmental Health Practices - Part 1 – Timber Harvesting in Forests Conference 2001 Bathurst. NSW Plantations.
Koehler M. E. and Hardy J. T. (1999) Effects of NSW Department of Water Resources (1992) The outboard motor emissions on early development of NSW Sand and Gravel Extraction Policy for Non the killifish Oryzias latipes. Northwest Science. Tidal Rivers.
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NSW Environment Protection Authority (1998) Stefan Rahmstorf, Anny Cazenave,2 John A. Church,3 Managing Urban Stormwater: Source Control James E. Hansen,4 (Draft) Ralph F. Keeling,5 David E. Parker,6 Richard C. J. NSW Food Authority (2007) NSW Shellfish Program Somerville (2007) Recent Climate Observations Sanitary Survey Report for the Bellinger River Compared to Projections. Science. Harvest Area. Thrush, S.E. and Dayton, P.K. (2002) Disturbance to NSW State Government (1998) Environmental and marine benthic habitats by trawling and dredging: Health Protection Guidelines: On Site Sewage Implications for Marine Biodiversity. Annual Review Management for Single Households. of Ecology and Systematics.
Newton, Dr G. (2008) Estuaries and Climate Change. Wachs, B., Wagner H. and van Donkelaar P. (1992) Waves. Two-stroke engine lubricant emissions in a body of water subjected to intensive outboard motor Parsons Brinkerhoff (2005) Numerical Modelling operation. The Science of the Total Environment. of Bellingen Borefield and Groundwater/River Interaction. Wetland Care Australia (2005) Bellinger and Nambucca Coastal Floodplain and Acid Sulfate Parsons Brinkerhoff (2006) Water Level Monitoring Soil Management Projects. Information Report – July 2004 to March 2006 – Bellingen Bulletin # 1. Borefield. Wilber, D.H and Clarke, D.G. (2001) Biological effects Parsons Brinkerhoff (2007) Annual water Level of suspended sediments: A review of suspended Monitoring Report – June 2006 to March 2007 sediment impacts on fish and shellfish with relation – Bellingen Borefield. to dredging activities in estuaries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. OzCoasts (2008) Metal Contaminants http://www. ozcoasts.org.au/indicators/metal_contaminants.jsp. Accessed July 2008.
Resource Design and Management Pty Ltd (2000) Bellingen Urban Stormwater Management Plan. Produced for Bellingen Shire Council.
Sea School (2008) Water Ski and PWC Safety. http:// www.seaschool.com.au/Boat%20Tips%2015%20- %20Water%20Ski,%20PWC%20Safety%20- %20Sea%20School%20240104.pdf. Accessed July 2008.
Shulman P, Pomory CM (2000) The effects of hydrocarbon pollution from a two-stroke outboard engine on the feeding behaviour of Lythrypnus dalli (Perciformes : Gobidae). Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology.
Skelton, S. (2003) Lower Wallamba Rivercare Plan. A report for the Great Lakes Council.
SPCC (1987) Water Quality in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. State Pollution Control Commission Northern Rivers Study No. 2.
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APPENDICES
The information presented in the appendices provides: ■ A summary outline of the Results of the Community Consultations by Area as recommended by the community ■ A summary of Key Agencies and Community Priority Area of Action to Improve Water Quality and River Health ■ Strategic Approach Tables for the Priority River Health Issues ■ Key Stakeholder Agencies and their Roles, Responsibilities and Priorities ■ Key Stakeholder Agencies’ Legislative Responsibilities ■ A list of Recommended Contacts from Stakeholder Surveys ■ A Summary of Recommendations to Reduce River Health Impacts from Boating and Improve Behaviours ■ Examples of Best Practice Guidelines ■ Relevant Commonwealth and State Legislation ■ Relevant Planning Framework Instruments ■ 17TH NSW Coastal Conference 2008 Poster and Abstract
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Appendix A:
Summary of the Results of the Community Consultations by Area
Dorrigo Suggested Actions: ■ undertake an audit of each farm to assess Although the actions undertaken in Dorrigo primarily current condition and develop plans of action impact on the Nymboida catchment, a part of this for improvements area relates to the Bellinger catchment. What is most ■ develop holistic approach to address important though is to ensure that there are good cumulative impacts, e.g. with buffers and management practices throughout Shire. revegetation, improving filtering in riparian zones with swales, and fencing Agricultural Practices – HIGH PRIORITY ■ present good management strategies Common Key Causes: to farmers in terms of benefits to farm ■ runoff from farms that have on-site tips productivity ■ farm chemicals, pesticides and herbicides ■ provide education and good demonstration used for weed spraying and crops projects utilising farmers to educate farmers ■ soil runoff from potato paddocks ■ have education on best practice options which ■ runoff and re-use from dairy effluent ponds are tailored to how this improves farms as well ■ runoff from cattle waste and no buffer zones. as river health ■ undertake monitoring to show effects of best Common Current Responses: practice. ■ Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Landcare-funded projects, Loss of riparian vegetation/weeds – HIGH including examples of particularly best PRIORITY practice actions at North Dorrigo and Common Key Causes: Mountain Top, e.g. privet removal at North ■ clearing weeds without replanting and Dorrigo Recreational Reserve, followed up maintenance, i.e. not having a holistic by revegetation and maintenance, where approach to management the creek was fenced off and off-stream ■ general difficulty in controlling weed watering troughs provided, concreting of dairy infestations which impact upon riparian laneways, revegetation of riparian zones, vegetation. fencing the river to prevent cattle ■ some farmers are using straw swales to Common Current Responses: control runoff from potato farms. ■ Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Landcare-funded projects, Common Barriers: including examples of particularly best ■ improved management practice is voluntary practice actions at North Dorrigo and ■ farmers resistant to improving management Mountain Top. practice, e.g. potato farmers ■ funding for single strategies may only address one component, but may lead to other problems ■ not all potato farmers are implementing good sediment control measures.
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Common Barriers: ■ improved management practice is voluntary ■ funding for single strategies may only address one component but may lead to other problems ■ lack of measures to ensure quality control for implementation, monitoring and maintenance of weed control and revegetation.
Suggested Actions: ■ develop holistic approach to weed control and revegetation together ■ implement holistic plan that covers clearing, planting and maintenance.
Stormwater – MEDIUM PRIORITY Common Key Causes: ■ lack of stormwater mitigation resulting in litter, dog droppings, cigarette butts, garden waste and detergents flowing into water courses ■ old and poorly maintained infrastructure ■ engineering modification of natural systems increasing runoff.
Common Current Responses: ■ no current response identified.
Common Barriers: ■ lack of disposal options for dog droppings ■ inadequate cigarette butt disposal areas in public places, particularly outside pubs, restaurants.
Suggested Actions: ■ promote advertising of rebates on water tanks ■ provide an education program to the public and to the schools regarding litter, cigarettes butts, dog droppings, stormwater etc ■ provide dog droppings collection bags and bins in public places ■ provide portable cigarette butt tins and connect with the Butt Littering Trust ■ lobby with the pubs and entertainment areas to provide ash trays in outside areas ■ plant good buffer zones for modified drainage systems.
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Upper Thora NB: There were differences in opinion as to whether fencing or off-stream watering points and shade were Agricultural Impacts - HIGH PRIORITY more appropriate, therefore it was recommended that Common Key Causes: each property needs to have a plan of action that suits ■ cattle in water courses, deer were also seen individual circumstances. as issue ■ cattle on adjoining properties crossing the OSMS – HIGH PRIORITY river. Common Key Causes: ■ inadequate monitoring Common Current Responses: ■ illegal sewage disposal ■ some landholders have secured funding to ■ leaking systems install off stream watering points ■ camping in areas with no sewage disposal ■ try to minimise the number of times that cattle facilities at all cross the river ■ people living in areas with no sewage disposal ■ use EnviroFund money to fence of waterways facilities at all. and build cattle bridge ■ some properties use electric fences. Common Current Responses: ■ some have installed alternate systems which Common Barriers: are regularly serviced. ■ the expense of fences and off stream watering points Common Barriers: ■ reluctance to change farming methods ■ lack of clarification on whether owners or ■ perception that there are a lot less cattle so Council are responsible for inspections there is less impact on the river ■ Council only inspect systems when land ■ fencing cattle increases weed infestations ownership changes and this is inadequate ■ belief that river flats should not be fenced ■ long time period since Council last carried out ■ inflexibility of funding with priority areas and inspections jargon makes it difficult to apply and gain ■ perception that Council doesn’t want to financial support for work. inspect systems in more remote areas ■ Council did inspections eight years ago but Suggested Actions: the results weren’t made available. ■ develop a collaborative strategy between landholders and Council to address cattle Suggested Actions: impacts ■ Council to implement an inspection and ■ undertake a water sampling program all along maintenance program the river to monitor impacts ■ develop and implement an education program ■ investigate and assist with funding and ■ investigate alternative funding sources to incentives for watering points and restricting implement a monitoring and management troughs in the river program ■ investigate and lobby for alternative sources ■ recommend installation of alternate systems, of funding, e.g. private funding through UNE e.g. composting toilets. Model ■ promote better farm management practices and work with farmers to develop five year plans so that farmers have time to implement actions ■ have controlled access to riverbank by cattle when feed is high to control weeds and fire risk.
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Weeds – HIGH PRIORITY Suggested Actions: Common Key Causes: ■ Council, River Keeper, Landcare and ■ floods bringing weeds from upstream landholders to develop a more co-ordinated, ■ lack of roadside maintenance proactive weed management strategy which ■ people spreading weeds on their clothes and incorporates maintenance on private and on vehicles public land (NB consider targeting select ■ lack of indigenous riparian vegetation weed species to address) ■ riparian areas fenced off from cattle haven’t ■ develop a strategy to implement a more had weed control measures in place co-operative, integrated effort amongst ■ poor past land management practices. neighbours to address weeds in a reach based approach, starting at the head of the Common Current Responses: catchment ■ There has been quite a lot of work undertaken ■ liaise and negotiate for Landcare and Green by individuals to address weeds, stabilise Teams to assist landholders banks and revegetate. This has been carried ■ further develop an engagement strategy to out by local groups and often with the encourage landholders to participate assistance of Landcare. EnviroFunding has ■ organise workshops to assist landholders with been utilised in a lot of cases to carry this out. management and maintenance ■ investigate alternate funding sources, eg. Common Barriers: private, biodiversity hotspot and liaise with ■ extent of problem and time and effort involved current funding bodies regarding more in weed management is overwhelming appropriate options ■ lack of knowledge about the need and ■ liaise with Council to ensure implementation practice of weed control, particularly amongst of compliance measures new landholders ■ develop and implement an education program ■ lack of knowledge about newly emerging for the public on types of weeds, how they are weed varieties spread and the need for control. ■ climate conducive to excessive weed growth ■ large weed infestations become overwhelming Rural Roads and Bridges – MEDIUM PRIORITY ■ some landholders are suspicious of Common Key Causes: government and Landcare regarding gaining ■ design of bridges impeding the flow allows assistance debris to build up and direct the flow to the ■ weed control is a thankless, ongoing job bridge structure ■ Council and government inaction to ensure ■ runoff from roads causing deposition of road compliance for noxious weeds base in water courses ■ lack of funding, particularly recurrent ■ movement of gravel during floods pushes funding, inflexible funding which doesn’t water into the bank, undermining the bank reflect seasonal requirements for work to be and road undertaken ■ lack of sedimentation control measures ■ funding and labour programs don’t incorporate during road and bridge construction and the need for ongoing maintenance. maintenance ■ debris, e.g. logs, block water flow under bridges, diverting flow.
Common Current Responses: ■ ongoing road and bridge maintenance, without improvements to address the above issues.
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Common Barriers: Common Barriers: ■ lack of funding for adequate road and bridge ■ lack of maintenance of revegetation works works allows weeds to take over and doesn’t result ■ Council engineers don’t look past the in bank stabilisation technical aspects to the social and ■ individual landholders who disagree with environmental impacts tree planting and hence remove riparian ■ gravel is taken from the bank to fix the roads. vegetation ■ differences in opinion regarding whether Suggested Actions: casuarinas have a positive or a negative ■ liaise with Council engineers to encourage impact the implementation of strategies to address ■ differences in opinion regarding whether erosion, sedimentation and runoff from roads gravel deposits, forming islands, should be ■ liaise with Council engineers to develop left or removed a strategy similar to the Northern Rivers ■ lack of knowledge and understanding of Catchment Management Authority Rural riverbank stabilisation measures. Roads Plan which addresses social and environmental aspects Suggested Actions: ■ develop a working group (Council Engineers, ■ develop an integrated approach to manage River Keeper and landholders) to undertake riverbank stabilisation and revegetation all an audit of the bridges regarding impacts along the river relating to flow, design, erosion and sedimentation. NB There were differences of opinion regarding the best methods to prevent erosion and stabilise Loss and Degradation of Riparian Vegetation banks, e.g. bevelling the banks, removing – MEDIUM PRIORITY casuarinas, removing islands and gravel. Therefore Common Key Causes: it is recommended that best practice management ■ single lines of casuarinas along river edge fall strategies be reviewed and implemented incorporating down in flood events, taking the riverbank with education with landholders, government, Northern them Rivers Catchment Management Authority and ■ casuarinas forming islands in the mid river Landcare cause a change in the direction of flow leading to erosion of riverbanks Lower Priorities ■ clearing of riparian vegetation. Forestry, Logging and Clearing It was recommended that there should be education Common Current Responses: to address erosion control for logging activities and ■ There has been quite a lot of work undertaken ensuring best practice revegetation measures. It was by individuals to address to river bank suggested that Michael Body from DECC should be stabilisation and revegetation. Groups have contacted to coordinate action in this area. received EnviroFunding and have worked with groups such as Landcare and Northern Rivers Oil and Diesel Spills on Roads Catchment Management Authority. It was noted that quite a few diesel spills were occurring along Waterfall Way and the underlying causes for this needed further attention to reduce such incidents.
Loss of Biodiversity/Habitat/In-stream Habitat This was also identified as a concern. It was felt that the lack of indigenous riparian vegetation, coupled with siltation of the river, leads to higher water temperatures, increased algal growth and decreased biodiversity.
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Thora to Bellingen Common Barriers: ■ concern with losing land due to change in Loss and Degradation of Riparian Vegetation, and river flow from casuarinas and boulders Weeds – HIGH PRIORITY ■ Council are unable to remove log jams Common Key Causes: against bridges as they need permission from ■ casuarinas fall down in flood events, taking DECC (NPWS) to do so the riverbank with them ■ landholders aren’t following through with ■ casuarinas become the dominant species, Landcare plans forming islands in the mid river, cause a ■ some landholders have extensive river bank change in the direction of flow leading to length so maintenance work is extensive scouring of riverbanks ■ differences in opinion regarding whether ■ floods depositing rocks and gravel with casuarinas have a positive or a negative boulders being driven into the banks, causing impact further erosion ■ differences in opinion regarding whether ■ bridges are too high and logs get caught up gravel deposits, forming islands, should be against them, changing the flow left or removed ■ change in indigenous vegetation composition ■ lack of knowledge and understanding of means that riverbanks are often only riverbank stabilisation measures stabilised by weeds. ■ revegetation on banks is difficult to maintain as landholders are ageing Common Current Responses: ■ lack of knowledge on how to remove weeds ■ have cut casuarinas down on very steep banks where there is no access ■ some riverbank planting and restoration using for machinery logs, landscaping and planting ■ time needed in the first few years to carry out ■ restoration of remnant rainforest areas the most difficult work. ■ some landholders have a regular weeds maintenance program, generally occurring in Suggested Actions: winter ■ identify where the erosion is occurring ■ some landholders spray and mulch weeds upstream resulting in rock and gravel ■ some landholders engage EnVite Teams to sedimentation, and remove the rock and carry out weed control work. gravel deposited for use by concrete companies ■ run workshops on how to manage and implement options to address erosion and sedimentation from casuarinas ■ remove the casuarinas ■ need to target camphor laurels.
Agricultural Impacts - HIGH PRIORITY Common Key Causes: ■ fertiliser runoff, particularly from growing hay ■ cows in the river and cows crossing the river, including neighbours’ cows crossing the river.
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Common Current Responses: OSMS – MEDIUM PRIORITY ■ electric fences on the low riverbank side and Common Key Causes: solid fencing on the high riverbank side ■ many OSMS are located close to the river, ■ built a cattle bridge particularly along Darkwood Rd. ■ off-stream watering points ■ some revegetation of buffer zones Common Current Responses: ■ identified funding sources through Landcare ■ some landholders do a maintenance check field days. every couple of months ■ some tanks pumped out. Common Barriers: ■ negative attitudes from old style farmers Common Barriers: ■ inflexibility of funding, regarding what you can ■ Council hasn’t been out to inspect systems for apply for, seasonal constraints, timeframes, eight to ten years amount of paperwork and jargon required, ■ landholders don’t realise that self-assessment particularly Northern Rivers Catchment is no longer applicable Management Authority funding ■ Council does not recognise OSMS issues and ■ public liability insurance requirements for needs. volunteers to help on private land ■ funding is often one-off, seed funding which is Suggested Actions: inadequate for ongoing issues ■ assess and upgrade OSMS ■ farmers see that they have little individual ■ Council to send out information outlining impact and don’t see the cumulative impacts OSMS Management through the rates ■ attitude that cows in tributaries are not as big notices. a problem as cows in the river.
Suggested Actions: ■ encourage more field days, workshops and demonstrations to showcase actions, particularly cost effective strategies which work ■ encourage neighbourhood, reach-based approaches ■ work with individual farms to develop options and plans which are best for individual circumstances ■ investigate improved funding options for off stream watering points, revegetation, fencing, and run workshops on how to improve access to funding ■ reuse cow dung more effectively to decrease water quality impacts.
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Bellingen Town Area Suggested Actions: ■ raise awareness and provide more Loss of Riparian Vegetation and Weeds – HIGH information regarding water quality and the PRIORITY need to improve riparian vegetation Common Key Causes: ■ River Keeper to raise awareness and ■ flood impacts causing trees to fall down encourage action with landholders regarding ■ flood impacts combined with a lack of weed management and revegetation vegetation ■ develop and implement education strategies ■ weeds deposited from upstream during floods and workshops on good management ■ weed infestations along banks practices ■ clearing of river banks and landholder ■ develop good practice guidelines and fact practices leading to instability of river banks sheets for use by landholders particularly during flood times and loss of ■ apply to State government for further funding topsoil to address riverbank restoration ■ casuarinas become the dominant species, ■ increase riparian buffer zones for bank forming islands in the mid river, cause a stability change in the direction of flow leading to ■ remove islands from the river and utilise scouring of riverbanks. gravel for road construction ■ develop working groups in neighbourhood Common Current Responses: reaches to network and discuss ideas to ■ some successful riverbank restoration works implement actions ■ weed removal in areas, undertaken by ■ develop a co-ordinated, long term, staged Bellingen Urban Landcare and with Landcare strategy with Council, Landcare and assistance landholders to implement actions all along the ■ some areas have addressed camphor laurel river in a strategic manner (NB Actions should and lantana removal and revegetated with commence from the top of the catchment) more appropriate plants ■ lobby and investigate funding for either full ■ have used skilled bush regenerators to time positions or the use of Green Teams to revegetate areas. assist with weeding and revegetation across the shire Common Barriers: ■ lobby and investigate options for longer term ■ lack of knowledge by some landholders on funding which incorporates maintenance. the best methods to regenerate and stabilise banks Agricultural Impacts – HIGH PRIORITY ■ lack of finances to implement actions Common Key Causes: ■ environmental groups are against removing ■ cattle in the river islands of casuarinas ■ runoff from cattle effluent ■ inherited legacy of past planting, eg. bamboo ■ fertiliser and chemical runoff in permaculture, which are difficult to remove ■ rural drains. or control ■ issues downstream are subject to cumulative Common Current Responses: impacts of practices upstream ■ keep stock off river bank ■ lack of a co-ordinated weed management plan ■ no other current responses were identified. between Council and private landholders ■ Council aren’t leading by example on Council reserve areas ■ people have cleared weeds but not revegetated ■ lack of knowledge of the correct plants to use for revegetation ■ people’s desire to have a view of the river.
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Common Barriers: Storm Water and Oil and Diesel Spills from Roads ■ landholders don’t want to fence the river as – HIGH PRIORITY they want access to it Common Key Causes: ■ prohibitive cost of fencing ■ road runoff and runoff from petrol stations, ■ fencing is not always appropriate where it is diesel spills and hosing urban streets washed away by flooding ■ lack of mitigation works, e.g. near Ringwood ■ landholders aren’t making improvements Ck at North Bellingen where their land is agisted out for cattle ■ general urban runoff, including fertiliser and ■ differing attitudes between hobby farmers and garden chemicals commercial farmers ■ litter. ■ farmers needing security of access to water, particularly when they go away as off stream Common Current Responses: watering can fail ■ no current responses were identified. ■ some people don’t believe that cattle waste in the river is a problem as they don’t see the Common Barriers: cumulative effects ■ lack of understanding of the impacts of ■ people want to have local meat so they won’t littering and stormwater. make a stand against farmers ■ managing large volumes of dairy effluent is Suggested Actions: expensive ■ work with Council engineers to develop and ■ entrenched farming practices implement a strategy to improve stormwater ■ lack of knowledge on the type of fertilisers quality and sprays being used and the extent of their ■ develop and implement an education and impacts. compliance strategy to decrease littering ■ develop an education strategy to address Suggested Actions: household runoff ■ develop and oversee the implementation ■ work with industries and Council engineers of good farming practices utilising good to develop a strategy to improve the practice strategies that have been successful management of diesel, petrol, oil and other elsewhere petrol station runoff. ■ organise and implement field days and workshops to discuss and encourage OSMS – HIGH PRIORITY applicable good management practice and Common Key Causes: implementation ■ old systems ■ identify and utilise key farmers to raise ■ systems not being monitored awareness and educate other groups on good ■ systems not being maintained management practices ■ poorly installed and inadequate systems. ■ work with farmers to attain funding grants ■ investigate the types of fertilisers and Common Current Responses: chemical used and their application ■ no current responses were identified. ■ develop and implement education strategies and workshops of fertiliser and chemical use. Common Barriers: ■ cost of upgrading systems ■ cost of pumping out systems.
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Suggested Actions: It was also noted that during festivals ■ Council should have a monitoring and and events, people are camping illegally management program with ongoing at the old Caravan Park and utilise this inspections facility and reserves along the river. Toilet ■ Council should be encouraging more facilities and bins to deal with this activity appropriate alternatives to septic tanks, e.g. are either inadequate or non-existent. It composting toilets is recommended that the Healthy Rivers ■ investigate more cost-effective and alternative Program needs to liaise with Tourism Bellinger systems, so upgrading is more affordable to raise awareness and implement actions to ■ implement an education program to improve address these issues. the use of OSMS.
Lower Priorities Sewage Treatment Plants There were differences in opinion on whether this was an issue of concern. It was pointed out by some that STPs are currently overloaded and their management could be improved, whereas other people felt that the STP improvements were working very well. It was noted that there may be financial restrictions on plant improvements.
Forestry, Logging and Clearing It was acknowledged that there is a lack of legislation, guidelines and quality control relating to private native forestry adding to sediment load.
Tourism / Recreation Impacts ■ Boating Impacts It was noted that residents within Bellingen Township would like to be involved in assisting the River Health Program, in being part of education programs to improve boating behaviours. They would like to be involved with formulating a Boating Code of Conduct.
■ Litter and waste It was noted that litter is an issue, particularly on weekends and school holidays when young people are camping on Bellinger Island. It was suggested that an education program be undertaken through the schools to address this issue, coupled with increased compliance visits from Council’s Ranger.
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Hydes Creek Forestry, Logging and Clearing - HIGH PRIORITY Common Key Causes: Agricultural Impacts - HIGH PRIORITY ■ Forests NSW clear felling at the back of Common Key Causes: Hydes Creek and Box Tree Road. ■ cattle in or having access to waterways ■ agricultural runoff from cattle. Common Current Responses: ■ no response from State Forests despite Common Current Responses: attempts by Landcare to communicate their ■ some fencing and revegetation has occurred. concerns and work together with them. NB: Landcare has mapped the farms along the Bellinger River that have been fenced Common Barriers: ■ Forests NSW only has access to one Common Barriers: contractor and that resource issues didn’t ■ some property owners don’t want to use allow for controlling the quality of work fencing to keep cattle out of waterways. ■ work staff may be unsure of the regulations covering issues impacting on water quality, Suggested Actions: such as the width of buffers needed, sloping ■ lobby landholders to fence off Hydes Creek sites, and the lack of land management plans. frontage commencing at the state forest and It was also felt that there may be a lack of replant, undertake this section by section money to be able to implement good practice. ■ groups agreed that work should be undertaken with landholders to replant to form Suggested Actions buffer zones ■ engage and build up a cooperative working ■ other groups disagreed with the fencing relationship with Forests NSW Regional and thought it would be more appropriate to Manager encourage landholders to provide off stream ■ work together to identify ways to improve watering troughs current action and comply with the ■ recommended that investigation should be regulations. undertaken to assess impacts from piggeries and turf farms. Loss and Degradation of Riparian Vegetation – HIGH PRIORITY Common Key Causes: ■ Presence of camphor laurels along the roadside and on properties and the impacts water quality and habitat ■ lack of ongoing maintenance ■ presence of weeds in the creeks ■ land use impacts such as motorbike riding and tilling of creek flats.
Common Current Responses: ■ some fencing and revegetation has occurred with Landcare’s involvement, and they work in well with the Rural Fire Brigade.
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Common Barriers: Rural Roads and Bridges – MEDIUM PRIORITY ■ only approximately 25% of landholders are Concerns were also raised regarding runoff from making positive improvements (Some of the Council roads and around bridges. It was believed responses to inaction include they are old, that Council should be implementing their Roadside unwell, too busy or not interested) Strategy. ■ public liability insurance was also cited as a barrier as it costs families $30 per year Storm water, and to a lesser extent erosion and to cover people coming on their property to sedimentation from boating activities were also undertake work mentioned as a concern, but less so than the above ■ there are inequities regarding Council’s issues. The main recommendation was for Council to insurance for volunteers in that it covers improve their storm water management. It was stated work undertaken within the township but not that Council hasn’t applied for available funding to outside this area. address this area.
Suggested Actions: ■ make individual contact with landholders, e.g. through a letter drop offering assistance and encouraging the implementation of buffer zones ■ Council to work with landholders to develop and implement a coordinated weed management and replanting plan ■ encourage a team approach for weed maintenance and revegetation with groups working to assist each other ■ Council to assist with providing access to tools to poison and control weeds.
OSMS – MEDIUM PRIORITY Common Key Causes: ■ management of the systems are left up to individuals (It was believed that some are working well, whereas others may not be.
Common Current Responses: ■ Council is not undertaking any response to this area.
Common Barriers: ■ Council inaction.
Suggested Actions: ■ Council should implement a monitoring, management and education strategy.
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Gleniffer Common Barriers: ■ Tourism Bellinger promotes the Gleniffer area, OSMS – High priority but there are no maintenance strategies or Common Key Causes: resources put into the area ■ Septic tanks on Council reserves are not ■ lack of planning and amenities to address functioning properly, it was stated that waste impacts of tourism on the river environment is going straight into the gravel. It was stated ■ lack of knowledge of the impacts on the creek that there are malfunctioning septic tanks at ■ size of the bins can’t accommodate all the Capararo’s Bridge, Keoghs Park and Broken rubbish, and the lack of Council resources to Bridge Reserve. adequately service the bins ■ Council doesn’t maintain their toilets, so ■ lack of Council resources to monitor littering visitors are using the bush. ■ Gleniffer residents don’t have Council green ■ OSMSs on private land are not monitored or bins managed by Council, ■ Raleigh Waste Disposal facility now charges to accept green waste so people are dumping Common Current Responses: their prunings ■ insufficient current action. ■ lack of knowledge of the operating hours for Raleigh Waste Disposal facility. Common Barriers: ■ lack of monitoring and management over Suggested Actions: time. ■ investigate options for cooperative partnerships between Tourism Bellinger and Suggested Actions: Council to ensure sustainability of tourism and ■ Council to fix and properly manage the septic the natural environment tanks in their reserves ■ work with Tourism Bellinger to develop an ■ Council to implement a proper monitoring and education strategy for visitors (and residents) maintenance program for OSMSs to raise awareness of the impacts on river ■ Educate visitors/public on good practice; link health promote good practice this in with tourism. ■ Council to monitor and exclude 4WD vehicles on gravel river beds and restrict motor bike Tourism and recreational impacts/conflicts – HIGH riding in sensitive areas. PRIORITY ■ investigate options for Tourism Bellinger to put Common Key Causes: resources back into the community ■ riding motorbikes in the forests ■ undertake a litter education program and ■ household rubbish and garden waste being monitor impacts left on the ground, which gets washed into the ■ raise awareness of the Raleigh Waste creek Disposal facilities ■ 4WDs being driven along the gravel creek beds ■ visitors using the bush and private property areas for toilets.
Common Current Responses: ■ lack of planning and action to address these impacts.
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Weeds – HIGH PRIORITY Suggested Actions: Common Key Causes: ■ develop and implement a coordinated weeds ■ Camphor laurels in particular management plan (particularly addressing ■ Weeds on roadside reserves e.g. Timboon Rd roadsides and Council land), and improve and Keogh Reserve coordination between landholders, Council ■ Lack of or perceived ad hoc weeds and other departments management undertaken by Council ■ investigate options to improve the use of Common Current Responses: Council’s Environmental Levy to focus on ■ Never Never Rivercare liaises with Forests Council’s reserves and amenity NSW and together they have made good ■ investigate options for utilising s. 94 gains contributions for natural resource amenity ■ Council and the Never Never Rivercare work improvements independently. ■ River Keeper to work with Council to assist As outlined in the notes, the Never Never Rivercare with streamlining DA process for undertaking have undertaken a lot of work to remove invasive work on Council land weeds and replant with native species ■ improve access to good supplies of endemic vegetation Common Barriers: ■ promote and value the positive work being ■ Council is not fulfilling their obligations in undertaken (DECC Kempsey/Nambucca have their reserves which doesn’t assist adjoining a good model). properties being able to undertake effective weed management Agricultural Impacts – MEDIUM PRIORITY ■ lack of a coordinated approach between Common Key Causes: Council and the landholders in this area ■ cattle have access to the creek in some areas ■ lack of a plan for weed management on ■ trampling of riparian vegetation. Council reserves and roadsides, and insufficient budget Common Current Responses: ■ need for Council permission if they want to ■ some fencing has occurred. undertake work on Council reserves, coupled with what they believe is an obstructive DA Common Barriers: process and Council staff not being helpful. ■ divided opinion on whether cattle impacts are (It was stated that they had a DA in to work a major issue for this area. on land but it was stopped because there was ■ cost effectiveness of providing extra fencing a need to undertake public consultation and and stock watering facilities when it brings no Council didn’t have the money to do it) commercial gain to the properties ■ general weeds maintenance issues with ■ not practical to have alternate water sources absentee land lords as there are no licenses to pump water, ■ some land holders were told that they were properties extend over roads so how do prohibited from undertaking weed control and you pipe water under the road and over regeneration in the riparian zone and would hundreds of metres; for absentee landlords be fined if they did so. maintenance issues were identified.
Suggested Actions ■ assess achievements and build on these utilising and building on local networks ■ need to restrict stock access and look for alternate water supplies for cattle.
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Flood Impacts and River Siltation Loss of Riparian Vegetation and Degradation – MEDIUM PRIORITY Common Key Causes: ■ flood waters moving boulders to other areas gouging out banks ■ slip from National Park land and land up creek results in soil movement downstream filling in holes, and hence resulting in increased water temperature and decreased fish life ■ clearing of vegetation.
Common Current Responses: ■ insufficient action.
Common Barriers ■ State government legislation restricts removal of boulders ■ State government rules may relate to extraction rather than addressing individual problem areas.
Suggested Actions ■ liaise and work with Council and State government authorities (including National Parks) to raise awareness and address the issue ■ develop a system where preventive maintenance can occur to relieve erosion pressure points.
Lower Priorities
Forestry, logging and clearing, storm water, loss of biodiversity/habitat/in-stream habitat, coordination and runoff from chemical spraying by Council were also mentioned as being issues of concern, but to a lesser extent than the above issues.
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Bellingen to Raleigh Boating Impacts – HIGH PRIORITY Common Key Causes: Agricultural Impacts - HIGH PRIORITY ■ speeding boats and ski boats which has Common Key Causes: resulted in erosion along 50 m of the bank ■ old drains on farms and loss of mangroves ■ bank erosion from unclear sources ■ jet skis circling to ride the wake impacting on ■ cattle waste runoff riverbanks ■ cattle in river ■ wake boarding results in wake undermining ■ chemical and fertiliser runoff the banks and trees falling in the river ■ cattle going up and down river banks. ■ ski boats circling, particularly to pick up fallen skiers. Common Current Responses: ■ some areas have been fenced and the river bank revegetated Common Current Responses: ■ some dish drains installed which divert the ■ no current responses identified. water away from creeks ■ some landholders don’t use fertilisers where there are steep lands or use organic products. Common Barriers: ■ lack of funding to fix up eroded areas Common Barriers: ■ lack of knowledge on the best techniques to ■ attitude of some farmers who don’t realise the address and minimise erosion impacts caused ■ bureaucracy and red tape involved to address ■ lack of funding the issue. ■ lack of knowledge on the best techniques to address erosion. Suggested Actions: ■ zone areas according to the suitability of Suggested Actions: the river to be able to handle activity, see ■ work with farmers to develop good practice Appendix E for suggestions management for drainage, runoff from cattle ■ some suggested that jet skis are OK if they waste and removing cattle from the river and travel in a straight line, others suggested that river banks jet skiing should not be undertaken in this ■ develop and implement a reach-based river approach with neighbours to prevent cattle ■ develop a Code of Conduct and zone areas going into the river and for revegetation works and promote this use to river users on, e.g. ■ develop and distribute good fact sheets and ramps, maps, through education information on good practice management ■ develop a fact sheet and information on options, including costs and funding sources erosion management techniques ■ facilitate a co-ordinated approach with key ■ improve and streamline riverbank approval stakeholders, such as Department of Primary processes between departments Industries and Landcare, to assist farmers ■ investigate the implementation of a levy to make improvements protect the environment, e.g. boats should ■ develop and distribute fact sheets and pay a levy of about 50 cents per horsepower information on erosion management options when they register and about $1.00 per ■ facilitate a process to improve and streamline horsepower for wake boats. riverbank restoration approvals between government departments ■ provide a buffer zone of vegetation all along the river.
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Loss and Degradation of Riparian Vegetation ■ reach-based approach, including neighbours – HIGH PRIORITY across the river Common Key Causes: ■ develop and implement an improved weed ■ casuarinas and camphor laurels in a single management plan in conjunction with Council row fall down and take the bank with them and Landcare ■ mangroves washed out ■ undertake an erosion study to identify issues ■ weeds in riparian zone and best management options ■ impacts from floods, particularly where there ■ investigate funding from s. 94 contributions is no vegetation. and the environmental levy.
Common Current Responses: OSMS – MEDIUM PRIORITY ■ some planting and riverbank restoration has Common Key Causes: occurred ■ septic tanks leaking into the river. ■ some people have modified the banks from steep slopes to more gentle slopes and Common Current Responses: revegetated the banks. ■ some owners are ensuring good maintenance using Biotech Field Services which reports Common Barriers: quarterly to Council ■ lack of funding ■ some people have upgraded their systems ■ lack of knowledge of the best techniques to and moved trenches away from the river. address erosion ■ lack of information and assistance from Common Barriers: government departments regarding funding ■ Council doesn’t undertake regular inspections and information on how to address the issue and maintenance of systems is necessary, ■ lack of commitment from landholders some stated they haven’t been inspected for as inaction from neighbours negates seven years improvements. ■ Council doesn’t have a good OSMS monitoring and maintenance strategy Suggested Actions: ■ perception that Council is approving ■ develop good fact sheets and information inappropriate systems for the area (in relation on erosion management techniques, to heavy rain, humidity, and soil). incorporating low cost and simple solutions, and funding options Suggested Actions: ■ co-ordinated approach from agencies to assist ■ Council should be implementing a proper people to do riverbank restoration works OSMS strategy. ■ improve and streamline riverbank restoration approval process between government departments ■ develop an information sheet on key contacts for advice and support regarding funding applications ■ assistance from Landcare regarding growing and planting mangroves and the best plants for revegetation ■ revegetate and limit access to riverbank to allow recovery
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Raleigh to Mylestom and Urunga Common Barriers: ■ boating behaviours, eg. attitude of some Tourism and Recreational Impacts / Conflicts boat users who think it is funny to rock – HIGH PRIORITY other boats and put other boats in danger, Common Key Causes: and who don’t want to share the river with ■ boating behaviours, e.g. craft deliberately passive recreational users; uncompromising designed and operated to cause large wake river users can’t see a need for balance which are destructive to banks and prevent and prevent the finding of common ground; use by other craft, speed of ski boats disrupt difficulty with accessing visitors to provide other river use; large wake producing boats information going too close to oyster leases and breaking ■ disregard for rules, e.g. uncompromising up leases river users can’t see a need for balance and ■ disregard for rules, e.g. not using observers prevent the finding of common ground; lack when towing people; going at high speed of NSW Maritime presence and enforcement too close to tinnies, kayaks and skulls and even during peak times; lack of NSW Maritime causing capsizes; going too close to private staff; Bellinger/Kalang considered a low properties and oyster leases; parking on priority by NSW Maritime; NSW Maritime beach near the pool; ski boats passing close won’t enforce boating rules around bridges to each other near the bridge; skiing under and narrow areas of the river because then the bridge; width of the river in places doesn’t there would be no ski areas support rules ■ river constraints, eg. fear of economic impacts ■ river constraints, e.g. width of the river in if some uses are excluded, differences in places doesn’t support rules, river width and opinions over the economic benefits of visitors some areas are not conducive to multiple (note: how does this assist river health) activities and craft, particularly larger craft and ■ pollution, e.g. lack of NSW Maritime presence larger wake-producing craft (note: these are and enforcement more suited to larger bodies of water such as ■ Informal Access, eg. difficulty with accessing the Clarence River) visitors to provide information; steps aren’t ■ people are only considering their own needs visible in places; lack of appropriate design, without considering how they impact on river maintenance and promotion of Repton and health Mylestom reserve areas ■ increased recreational activity ■ pollution, e.g. noise pollution from boat motors and stereos on boats, water pollution from jet skis and older boat motors ■ informal access to water by people going up and down the bank, removing vegetation and eroding bank.
Common Current Actions: ■ most people stated there was no current action ■ NSW Maritime has a brochure on information for water skiers.
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Suggested Future Actions: General Boating Behaviours ■ there should be a boating user pays system, ■ ban wake boarding and biscuits levy or toll to fund the river health program, ■ devise and implement Boating Code of just for the Bellinger/Kalang, e.g. through boat Conduct, see community suggestions in registrations (HIGH); NSW Maritime should Appendix C. put money into the river health program to Disregarding Rules address impacts ■ zone sections of the river to suit different ■ promote good behaviours through education, recreational needs and protect sensitive e.g. during licensing process; develop areas, see community suggestions of zoning partnerships between NSW Maritime, River in Appendix C. Health Program, and river users to promote River Constraints good behaviours through peer education, ■ zone sections of the river to suit different e.g. through caravan parks and river user recreational needs and protect sensitive areas representatives (HIGH) ■ skiers, wake boarders and jet skiers should go ■ more NSW Maritime staff to enforce good to more appropriate areas, such as Telegraph behaviours Point and the Clarence River ■ Council to lobby NSW Maritime to have a ■ have restrictions on boat sizes, displacement higher profile and presence to enforce rules hulls and speeds, e.g. no wake boarding. until negative behaviours change particularly Pollution during peak times ■ NSW Maritime to enforce noise pollution from ■ undertake observational studies of boating stereo activities at peak times ■ address noise by regulating hours of ■ need to maintain a balance between river operation in residential areas health and tourism. ■ develop and provide good practice fact sheets on maintenance and operation of boats to minimise pollution.
Informal Access ■ fix up the steps on the river bank and improving the signage ■ fence areas of the river bank to prevent unlimited access ■ beautify the area; change car parking areas on bank into picnic areas ■ form a River care group to improve riparian zones and develop recreational areas particularly around Repton.
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Agricultural Impacts – HIGH PRIORITY ■ develop and implement an education program Common Key Causes: to raise awareness of the issues and promote ■ cattle access to watercourses and riverbanks best practice management ■ farm runoff from fertilisers, pesticides, ■ identify a range of funding sources and chemicals and cattle waste research best practice in other areas ■ runoff from farm drains and laneways ■ develop a farm action calendar to identify the ■ cropping to edge of riverbank. best times to work with farmers.
Common Current Responses: Erosion and Sedimentation from Boats – HIGH ■ fencing has been installed to prevent cattle PRIORITY going into the river Common Key Causes: ■ laneways have been directed to the centre of ■ speed boats going too close to oyster leases the farm, away from the river ■ general boating impacts on crabs, fish, ■ revegetation of riverbanks. seagrasses and mangroves ■ high speed of boats in narrow areas of the Common Barriers: river ■ traditional practices and reluctance to change ■ high speed turning of boats ■ lack of funding for fencing and for farms to ■ larger boats deliberately designed to cause repair and revegetation river banks large wake and use of biscuits and tubing. ■ difficulty of keeping cattle off riverbanks ■ Northern Rivers Catchment Management Common Current Responses: Authority funding timeframes often prevent ■ some landholders have had to undertake work being undertaken constructively, riverbank restoration as they are in a ski not taking into account seasonal weather turning area. conditions which prevent work being undertaken Common Barriers: ■ the need to undertake the Farmers Targets for ■ people don’t know where the seagrasses and Change program before being able to access sensitive areas are funding ■ people are unaware of the impacts they are ■ having to complete Landholder Management causing which leaves Council and ratepayers Agreements to bear the cost ■ cost of concreting on dairy farms. ■ lack of understanding of the link between erosion and water quality Suggested Actions: ■ lack of Council or other funding and resources ■ survey and raise awareness with farmers on to address erosion issues the need to prevent cattle from accessing ■ uncompromising river users who can’t see a the rivers and identify agricultural activity need for balance occurring close to the river ■ lack of information and understanding ■ lobby and work with farmers to install off- regarding impacts from boat speed and wake stream watering points, improve laneways, ■ lack of baseline erosion information improve waste systems to address agricultural ■ cost to private landholders to carry our runoff riverbank restoration works. ■ provide vegetated buffer zones ■ work with Department of Primary Industries Suggested Actions: and Wetland Care to look at improved farm ■ education program to promote good practice management boat use ■ encourage farmers to have dairy facilities on ■ develop good practice management and code the same side of watercourses that cattle are of conduct (see Appendix C) grazed ■ develop a user pays system to address impacts and fund the Bellinger/Kalang River Health Program (see Appendix C).
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It was also noted that there is a lack of understanding Erosion and River Siltation in General – MEDIUM of the best way to protect riverbanks and there is PRIORITY frustration with the approval processes needed for Common Key Causes: riverbank works as it involves a range of government ■ loss of riparian vegetation combined with departments. heavy rainfall ■ flooding OSMS – HIGH PRIORITY ■ saturated soil from heavy rainfall periods Common Key Causes: ■ casuarinas growing in single rows on ■ overloaded systems and Council’s inaction on riverbank falling in and causing heavy erosion inspections and measures to address this of bank ■ more houses on smaller blocks with ■ natural wind and tides. inadequate systems ■ houses have been extended since original Common Current Responses: OSMS approval so systems aren’t coping with ■ some bank restoration is being carried out by increased load landholders ■ old systems are not being maintained ■ voluntary revegetation programs are being ■ overloading of systems during holiday periods undertaken ■ location of systems close to the river ■ Landcare assisting with revegetation works. ■ current systems are not suitable to local Common Barriers: climate and soil conditions, concern was ■ lack of knowledge on appropriate riverbank raised about the effects of high rainfall restoration works, works being carried out ■ inappropriate use and type of products being without approval put into systems. ■ cost of restoration works ■ lack of baseline information on erosion Common Current Responses: ■ lack of knowledge on how to address issues ■ some people have upgraded their systems ■ red tape involved in getting approval to ■ there have been limited actions to address undertake riverbank restoration, leading to septic tanks. unauthorised work being undertaken and inappropriate measures to address the issue Common Barriers: ■ perception the most erosion is natural and not ■ people don’t maintain systems impacting upon the river. ■ lack of Council action in relation to monitoring and management Suggested Actions: ■ missed opportunity for Mylestom and Repton ■ develop and implement a co-ordinated to go on the sewer because residents didn’t strategy to make improvements to the want a rate rise. riverbanks with Council working with all groups and investigate options for good Suggested Actions: practice management to address erosion ■ Council to undertake a proper monitoring and along the banks inspection program ■ facilitate a process to co-ordinate and ■ Council to undertake additional monitoring streamline the development approval process and compliance during the holiday seasons for riverbank restoration ■ River Keeper to co-ordinate the development ■ dredge the river mouth and implementation of an education program ■ utilise Work for the Dole programs to work ■ investigate the implementation of more with Council on restoration works appropriate alternative systems. ■ undertake an erosion survey to identify where the worst problems are and strategically address these.
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Loss of Biodiversity/Habitat/In-stream habitat Storm Water – MEDIUM PRIORITY – MEDIUM PRIORITY Common Key Causes: Common Key Causes: ■ washing of cars and runoff from lawns and ■ boating impacts on crabs, fish, sea grasses gardens and mangroves ■ debris from garden cuttings and weeds ■ overfishing, e.g. taking female crabs, coming down the river during flooding particularly occurring at night and early ■ stormwater water pipes running directly along morning the river all along Mylestom Drive and other ■ loss of riparian vegetation. areas with no mitigation ■ drain going from Kylie St into Back Creek Common Current Responses: flows from Yellow Rock, through farmland, ■ there were no current actions identified. creating rubbish and stormwater impacts.
Common Barriers: Common Current Responses: ■ people are unaware of where the seagrasses ■ no current actions identified. and sensitive areas are ■ lack of knowledge by visitors about the Common Barriers: impacts of overfishing and crabbing as they ■ lack of funding for stormwater mitigation only visit for a short time works. ■ no after hours Fisheries complaint phone number Suggested Actions: ■ Fisheries don’t operate after hours when the ■ Council to monitor water quality around overfishing occurs. stormwater drains and then address the issues Suggested Actions: ■ mitigation works, particular at areas with high ■ provide better signage to indicate where impact seagrass and sensitive areas are ■ address runoff from road at surf club ■ raise awareness and develop and education ■ ensure that new works implement erosion and program to promote good behaviours sedimentation control measures including education on seagrasses and fish ■ work with Department of Primary Industries breeding seasons and Wetland Care, Landcare, and ■ liaise with Fisheries to identify strategies to Council Engineers, to improve stormwater address overfishing. management at Back Ck ■ develop an education program to minimise households impacts.
Engineering interventions, e.g. sea wall – LOWER PRIORITY It was noted that the sea wall has contributed to siltation of the river mouth. As a result people feel that the river mouth should be dredged to improve flushing of the river and water quality, as dredging had occurred before.
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Appendix B:
Summary of Key Agencies and Community Priority Area of Action to Improve Water Quality and River Health
Impacts Loss of General Riparian Forestry, Rural Tourism River Cattle and Vegetation, Storm- Logging Road Roads OSMS and Erosion STPs Agriculture Biodiversity, water and Spillage and Recreation and Habitat and Clearing Bridges Siltation Weeds Dorrigo High High Medium
Upper Medium to High High Medium Thora High
Bellingen High Medium High -Thora
Bellingen High High High High High Township
Hydes Ck High Medium High High Medium
Medium to Gleniffer Medium High High High High
Bellingen High Medium High High -Raleigh
Raleigh/ Repton/ High High Medium High Medium Medium Mylestom /Urunga
Medium to Agencies High High High Medium High
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Appendix C:
Key Stakeholder Agencies and their Roles, Responsibilities and Priorities
Stakeholder Contact Roles and Responsibilities Priorities Resource Needs Bellingen Shire Gary Public health, environmental, NRM. Establishing suitable A NRM officer to look Council Hankinson Ensuring suitable monitoring of monitoring, of stormwater at Private Native (Environmental 02 66557331 impacts, input to management and and swimming water, Forestry arrangements, Health) stakeholder consultation. OSMS augmenting OSMS MOUs to coordinate regulation. program, routine River Health Plan, a surveillance of Department compliance officer, an of Environment and Climate education officer, funds Change licence holders for creating a database and potential sources of of monitoring results. pollution. Bellingen Shire Anthony Assess development applications Processing development Better stormwater Council Brandie for impacts, engage consultants to applications and management, more (Health and 02 66557326 assess damage and suggest remedies, responding to and environmental health Building) respond to complaints about vegetation acting upon complaints officers, more strategic removal, sediment control on building immediately. direction and a culture sites, earthworks and septics. change in Council. Bellingen Shire Melanie Development control, including Minimisation of impacts of Council Green setbacks and soil erosion conditions, residential and industrial (Planning 02 66557330 stormwater assessment, ensuring development. Department) minimal impact. Bellingen Shire Dan Bennett Write policies and planning instruments To meet the objectives Information sheets that Council 02 66557352 to regulate land use and conditions on in the LEP and DCPs. give consistent advice (Strategic And development. Protecting waterways and and an Education and Planning) Denique balancing development Compliance officer. Littler needs. 02 6655335 Bellingen Shire Bryan Stokes Promoting the Bellingen Shire as Implementation of the Better marketing Council 02 66557306 a travel destination, promoting and Bellingen Shire Tourism budget and improved Tourism) 0428670357 developing products and experiences Strategy. coordination of that encourage tourism an return activities. visitation Bellingen Shire Craig Salmon Monitoring sewage and town water Ensuring that sewage Slowly upgrading Council 02 66557356 meets EPA licensing plants. (Water and conditions and that water Sewage meets Australian drinking Services) water guidelines. Policing water restrictions at low river flow (95%, 98% or 99%). Department of Richard Proper assessment, management, Lands Dunning development and conservation, (Crown Lands Grafton reservation or dedication of Crown Division) 02 66428124 land. Also the regulation of conditions 0412152185 and the recording of information in relation to Crown land.
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Stakeholder Contact Roles and Responsibilities Priorities Resource Needs Department of Mohammed Coast and Estuaries Management Improving estuary health. Environment, Hanif Program, Policy and Technical Advice. Climate Coffs Harbour Change and 02 66530102 Water (Estuary Management) Department of Estelle Blair Air, noise, water quality and licensing Managing natural Increased funding. Environment Coffs Harbour of pollution, biodiversity conservation and cultural values of and Climate 02 66598256 and management of the Department NSW ecosystems and Change of Environment and Climate Change landscapes and promoting (Conservation estate. Also contribute to Water the recovery of threatened Programs and Sharing Plans. species, populations and Planning) ecological communities and managing key threatening processes. Department of Anton Managing reserves within the Bellinger Protection of scenic Staff and funding Environment Ingarfield Catchment, Bellinger River NP, and natural features, required for adequate and Climate Dorrigo Baalijin NP and Dorrigo NP for the conservation of wildlife, weed control and road Change 02 66572309 conservation of biodiversity, habitats, maintaining natural maintenance. (NPWS) cultural and historic heritage and processes, preserving scenic values. cultural and historic heritage, providing for appropriate recreational use and encouraging scientific and educational enquiry. Department of Craig Bellamy The protection of the SEPP 14 Protection of SEPP 14 and Planning Grafton wetlands and SEPP 26 littoral SEPP 26 areas. (Northern 02 66416600 rainforests. Region) Department of Julie Byers Play a coordinating role with Premier and Coffs Harbour government agencies in the region on Cabinet (North Ph 66487239 issues of strategic importance. May Coast) 0404064101 lead multi-agency efforts under the structure of the Regional Coordination Management Group. Department Katie Sachs Managing marine protected areas, Sanitary water quality for Additional resources of Primary Grafton conserving aquatic biodiversity, aquaculture, protection of always welcome Industries 6640 1600 sustainable development of the fish habitat and threatened (Aquaculture Marcus aquaculture industry and minimising species. Unit and Riches impacts to the aquatic environment. Fisheries Wollongbar Ecosystems 02 66261370 Unit) Department Patrick Dwyer Administering sections of the Fisheries Protecting fish habitat in Improved coordination of Primary Wollongbar Management Act 1994 that relate marine and coastal waters, of approaches to Industries 02 66261397 to impacts on fish and fish habitats, 3rd order creeks, freshwater foreshore structures. (Aquatic Habitat 0407264391 administering relevant aspects of lakes and billabongs, Protection) Threatened Species Conservation Act lagoons and wetlands, and 1995. any habitat that is known to support threatened species. Department Simon Walsh Running externally funded programs to Fish habitat, fish passage More funds and better of Primary Wollongbar improve fish habitat and water quality and water quality. communications on all Industries 02 66261256 across NSW. levels. (Aquatic Habitat 0438465882 Rehabilitation).
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Stakeholder Contact Roles and Responsibilities Priorities Resource Needs Department Tony Dowman Offer advice to farmers on the most A whole farm approach Money and staff in of Primary West appropriate ways to minimise the to dairy and beef cattle, short supply Industries Kempsey environmental impacts of farm primarily concentrating on (Dairy) 02 65626244 business. cattle restriction facilities. 0427102263 Department Nick Giles Protect all habitat below the mean No net negative impact More staff would be of Primary Coffs Harbour high water mark, authorise dredging on marine habitat and good Industries 02 66523977 and reclamation matters. Ensure fish resources. Ensure (Fisheries) 0419185540 compliance with area closures, fishing sustainable use and methods, size and bag limits and economic development of protected species. fisheries resources. Department Rik Department of Primary Industries has Sustainable, adaptable of Primary Whitehead a change management and advisory and profitable primary Industries 02 66261349 role in relation to land use and land industries. Wise use of (Land Use and 0427201835 management as well as a regulatory resources, support for Planning) role with respect to aquatic habitats. partnerships to manage complex NRM issues and research to assist primary industries to be competitive and sustainable. Department John Williams Administer the Fisheries Management To achieve profitable Never enough of Primary Wollongbar Act 1994, implementing the sustainable and sustainable primary resources, money, Industries 02 66261200 aquaculture strategy, providing advice industries, contributing to people and attitude. (Wollongbar and implementing programs relevant to the growth of rural and Agricultural sustainable farming and working with regional communities. Institute) councils. Department Maxine Administrate the Water Management Water extraction and works of Water Rowley Act 2000 with respect to water within river systems. and Energy Coffs Harbour extraction and works within river (Environmental 02 66530120 systems. Evaluation and Performance Water Management Division) North Coast Greg Bell NSW Health has regulatory functions Public health issues and Never enough Area Health Lismore in regards to any water used for public public water supplies. resources Service 02 66207500 water supplies. Northern Rivers Ian Simpson Implementation of the NR Catchment Investing in riverine Could use resources of Catchment Grafton Action Plan. Providing advisory management, planning every description Management 02 65614961 information services to stakeholders, works and advisory Authority 0428824378 funding works and gathering and services. managing information. Northern Rivers Rebecca Support local councils and other Acid sulfate soils, wetland Catchment Keech Natural Resource Managers restoration, boating, Management Kempsey to implement natural resource aquaculture, fishing, Authority 02 65614968 management actions from completed pollution, erosion and (Coastal and plans of management for our coasts entrance management. Marine) and estuaries. This is achieved by developing and funding projects. Northern Rivers Peter Corlis To support and engage the community Community, land use The key lies in using Catchment 02 66530115 to actively maintain and sustainable planning, biodiversity, available resources Management manage the natural resources water, coastal and developing Authority (Water within the catchment and marine management, marine, partnerships and Central environment. soil/land resource Area) management.
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Appendix D:
Key Stakeholder Agencies and their Legislative Responsibilities
Agency Compliance Activities Difficulties with Areas for Legislative Responsibility (Area) and Breaches Legislation Improvement Bellingen Protection of the Environment Septic complaints, erosion, No orders for forestry or Shire Council Operations Act1997, Local cattle in rivers. Compliance agriculture, little checking or (Environmental Government Act 1993 and actions are to investigate control of business effluent. Health) Public Health Act 1991 every complaint and to Lack of political will to carry take action depending out orders. on resources available. Issue orders for septic and erosion control on building sites. Bellingen Environmental Planning and Unvegetated soil stockpiles Rely on complaints to 10-year grace Shire Council Assessment Act 1979. after road grading, tree find out about problems. period for (Planning) clearing without consent, Earthworks laws do not farmers to get lack of sediment control cover small works, no final cattle out of on construction sites and inspection required for the river and lack of follow through on DAs unless construction address effluent. revegetation conditions. involved, No checking of Septics too close to environmental impacts waterways. Compliance required for harvestable usually a verbal warning. rights under WSP. Lack of prosecution with respect to cattle in rivers. Bellingen Environmental Planning and Refer elsewhere for Better Shire Council Assessment Act 1979, the Local compliance, breaches consultation (Strategic Government Act 1993 and the generally unauthorised with LGA when Planning) Protection of the Environment land use or clearing, and developing State Operations Act 1997. contractors working without policies. consent. Department of Coastal Protection Act 1979 No compliance in this Environment primarily. Also work under branch of Department of and Climate Protection of the Environment Environment and Climate Change Operations Act 1997, Soil Change (Coastal Conservation Act 1938 and Management) Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003. Department of Primarily Protection of the Clearing and removal Constraints are primarily Tightening Environment Environment Operations Act of threatened species, financial and political. the wording of and Climate 1997, National Parks and unlicensed pollution legislation may Change Wildlife Act 1974, Threatened emissions and disturbance assist. (Conservation Species Conservation Act of Aboriginal objects. Unit) 1995. Concurrence roles under Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Water Management Act 2000 and Native Vegetation Act 2003.
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Agency Compliance Activities Difficulties with Areas for Legislative Responsibility (Area) and Breaches Legislation Improvement Department of National Parks and Wildlife Inappropriate behaviour Barriers to enforcing Environment Act 1974, Wilderness Act and activities in reserves legislation regarding and Climate 1987, Threatened Species and bringing pets into unauthorised fires. Change (Parks Conservation Act 1995. reserves, dumping of Inadequacies in the permit and Wildlife waste. Compliance system and difficulties Division) activities include patrols, prosecuting offenders. barrier erection and education Department of Crown Lands Act 1989 Unauthorised activities Lands (Crown on Crown lands, including Lands Division) dumping of rubbish. Department Environmental Planning and Illegal clearing, filling, of Planning Assessment Act 1979 leveeing and draining of (Northern SEPP 14 wetlands and Region) works within SEPP 26 littoral rainforests. Department Fisheries Management Act Breaches include Enforcement of Primary 1994 minor dredging and of legislation Industries reclamation works, minor difficult due (Aquatic Habitat harm to vegetation and to lack of Protection) unauthorised obstruction to resources. fish passage.
Department Fisheries Management No compliance for this Very few cases make it to Greater of Primary Act 1994 and Fisheries branch of Department of court due to uncertainty, cooperation Industries Management (Aquaculture) Primary Industries. lake of inter-agency between (Conservation cohesion and cost. industries and Regulation 2007. and pooling of Aquaculture) resources. Department Fisheries Management Act Patrolling. Key breaches Not enough staff to of Primary 1994 include no fishing licence, implement legislation. Industries recreational fishers selling (Fisheries) fish, excessive catches, gear, and undersized fish. Monitoring new development proposals for potential impact on aquatic habitats. Department Water Management Act 2000 No Compliance. of Water and Energy (Water Management Division) North Coast Public Health Act 1991. Potential problems in Lack of inter-agency Area Health regards to effluent/water planning, operations and Service reuse schemes. reporting. Northern Rivers Catchment Management No compliance In the case of Department Catchment Authorities Act 2003. Approve of Environment and Climate Management native vegetation clearance on Change small breaches Authority non-residential land under the of legislation often attract Native Vegetation Act 2003. no compliance attention. Under-resourcing of compliance arms across state government is an issue.
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Appendix E:
Summary of Recommendations to Reduce River Health Impacts from Boating and Improve Behaviours
Suggestions for Zoned Areas ■ Make improvements in a section, ■ No ski zone near Raleigh. e.g. redesign riverbanks or strengthen and ■ Restrict wake boarding to areas where repair river banks to address erosion, and erosion isn’t a problem. then allow skiing in this section. ■ Have separate areas for activities, eg wake ■ The area along Riverside Drive used to be boarding. 8 knots why isn’t it any more? ■ Open up more skiing areas on Urunga side so ■ Have agreed zoned areas. skiing isn’t concentrated to one area. ■ Ski zone could be extended to Urunga ■ Maintain current speed limits. Mylestom area for another 500 m as it is ■ Restrict wake boats east and south of wider. Mylestom Pool. ■ Reduce the speed to 8 knots around ■ Skiing to occur east of Mylestom Pool. Mylestom pool as it is used a lot by non ■ Wake boarding and jet skiing to occur where motorised craft. river is wider. ■ Reduce wake near boat ramps. ■ Ski restriction zones to protect oyster leases. ■ Water ski from Norco to Old Raleigh Bridge. ■ Restrict wake producing boats near oyster ■ From old Raleigh Bridge to Pacific Highway leases and other sensitive areas. Bridge restrict speed to 4 knots to reduce ■ No skiing in sea grass areas. noise and wake. ■ Have different speed zones ■ Use wider areas of the river for skiing, ■ Stop jet skiing here e.g. near oyster lease and housing area. ■ Prevent skiing along the narrow shallow areas ■ Skiing should occur from Repton Caravan east of Raleigh, zone other areas for skiing. Park up to Norco, and from Mylestom Pool ■ Wake producing recreation including jet skiing down to the river mouth. to be undertaken in wide area of the river, ■ 4─6 knots in sensitive areas. same with water skiing. ■ No wash zones in sensitive areas. ■ Have higher speeds in the open areas, lower ■ Have speed limits around oyster leases. speeds near boat ramps. ■ No ballast boats or jet skis except from ■ Zone different areas for appropriate use. Mylestom to river mouth. ■ Low speeds in narrow sections of the river. ■ Leave the Kalang as is. ■ Have no wash zones. ■ Zone according to condition of the river banks, stop high speed boating in the most fragile areas. ■ Ban wake boarding and biscuits. ■ Restrict wake boarding to the ocean or as second option east of Mylestom Pool. ■ No skiing, wake boarding, use of biscuits or jet skiing as the river can’t support this – should go to other larger rivers or areas designed for skiing, e.g. Telegraph Point.
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Suggestions for Boating Code of Conduct: ■ Have restrictions on boat sizes/hull ■ Develop a water ski protocol and driving displacement and speeds. technique requirements in sensitive areas. ■ Provide information and education through ■ Develop a code of conduct with all river rates, notice boards, post offices, shops, users including skiers, wake boarders and flyers and have a media campaign. fishermen and then have an education ■ Promote good behaviours with education campaign with it. during licensing. ■ Develop and implement a code of conduct to ■ Utilise caravan parks and peers to give out allow all recreational use to be undertaken information on acceptable behaviours. safely. ■ Develop a partnership between NSW ■ Jet skiers need to just travel in a straight line. Maritime and the Healthy Rivers Program to ■ No speeding or spinning around along promote good behaviours. Riverside Drive. ■ Work with NSW Maritime to work out ways to ■ Slow boats down. assist them. ■ Improve boating practice. ■ Provide good practice fact sheets on ■ Skiers not to turn at high speeds, particularly maintenance (like car rego checks) to in narrow sections of the river. minimise pollution. ■ Have a skiing duty person to provide ■ Promote flat-bottomed boats. information on good practice. ■ Education and promotion of good practice at ■ Restrict number of skiers using river at the launching areas. one time. ■ Have a water ski season and then a recovery Suggested Process: period for the river. ■ Assess needs before altering boat speed ■ Set up a safe skiing group. limits. ■ Complete a study of recreational sports. Suggestions for Education/Enforcement: ■ Undertake observational studies of boating ■ Educate ski boats to reduce wake. activities during peak times. ■ Promote/educate river health issues. ■ Ensure balanced outcome to suit all river ■ Increase profile/presence of NSW Maritime users. enforcement until negative behaviours change ■ A minimal fee with boat registrations to go – Council to lobby NSW Maritime to undertake towards a Healthy Rivers fund. this. ■ Have levy to protect the environment, ■ Educate re safe tubing. e.g. 50 c per horsepower and $1 per ■ Introduce river safety into school curriculum. horsepower for wake boats. ■ Have community education program on how ■ Levy to be used for river bank restoration. to look after the river. ■ Have a user pay system/levy / toll to fund ■ Have a map of new zoned areas. the Bellinger/Kalang Healthy Rivers Program ■ Educate visiting boat owners re their impacts, – maybe through registration. e.g. erosion, turbidity via brochures at caravan ■ User pays system set up at boat ramps. park and signs at boat ramps. ■ Boat users and NSW Maritime should put ■ Better signage to indicate where sea grasses money in to the Healthy Rivers Program to and other sensitive areas are, e.g. Shallow address impacts. Water Keep Out. ■ Ensure there is opportunity for all people ■ Promote good behaviours. across the Shire as well as visitors to ■ Educate community about fish breeding participate in code of conduct (not just some season. boat users). ■ Raise awareness of issues and impacts so people know how to look after the river.
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Appendix F:
Examples of Best Practice Guidelines
1. Managing Waterways on Farms 6. Guidelines for Managing Floodgates and Outlines how to manage creeks and streams to Drainage Systems on Coastal Floodplains prevent erosion, reduce salinity and improve water Written for local government, landholders, drainage quality. The role of plants and buffer zones. Includes unions industry and community to encourage and case studies. improved balance between economic, environmental Author: NSW Department of Primary Industries, Tocal and social aspects of drainage. College, 1997 Author: New South Wales Department of Primary Web:www.agric.nsw.gov.au Industries Web: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au 2. Stock and Waterways: A Manager’s Guide Assists farmers to identify their riparian land and 7. DECC Stormwater Guidelines understand the role it plays in maintaining a healthy A variety of publications aimed at local councils, waterway. construction industry and the education section Author: Australian Government - Land and Water Author: Department of Environment and Climate Australia Change Web: www.rivers.gov.au Web: www.environment.nsw.gov.au
3. Bellinger River - Estuary Revegetation Guide 8. Best Practice Management of Water Supply and Recommends species assemblages for riparian Sewerage - Guidelines revegetation on a reach by reach basis. Assists Local Water Utilities to formulate a business Author: Stuart Johnstone for Bellinger Valley plan that reflects best practice management of water Landcare/Coastcare resources. Available: Hard copy with Council Author: Department of Water and Energy Web: www.dwe.nsw.gov.au 4. Land and Water Restoration of Riparian Vegetation 2006 9. Liquid Trade Waste Regulation Guidelines Various documents aimed at the restoration and An integrated approach to liquid waste management maintenance of riparian lands for reducing pollution to assist Local Water Utilities and stabilising streambanks. Author: Department of Water and Energy Author: Australian Government - Land and Water Web: www.dwe.nsw.gov.au Australia Web: www.rivers.gov.au 10. National Environmental Guidelines for Piggeries 5. Acid Sulfate Soils Remediation Guidelines Current best practice guidelines for piggery operators. Best practice management of floodplain drainage to Author: Australian Pork Limited minimise the impacts of actual Acid Sulfate Soils. Web: www.ausralianpork.com.au Author: Mitch Tulau for the (former) Department of Environment and Climate Change 11. The Effluent and Manure Management Available: Hard copy from Kempsey Office, Database for the Australian Dairy Industry Department of Environment and Climate Change. Current best practice guidelines for managing effluent from dairies. Author: Dairy Australia Web: www.dairyingfortomorrow.com
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Appendix G:
Relevant Commonwealth and State Legislation
Commonwealth Legislation Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Water Act 1912 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Water Management Act 2000 Protection Act 1984 Wilderness Act 1987 Australian Heritage Council Act 2003 Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003 Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2006 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 National Environment Protection Measures (Implementation) Act 1998 National Water Commission Act 2004 Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997
NSW State Legislation Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 Coastal Protection Act 1979 Crown Lands (Continued Tenures) Act 1989 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Environmental Trust Act 1998 Fisheries Management Act 1994 Forestry Act 1916 Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 Heritage Act 1977 Local Government Act 1993 National Environment Protection Council (New South Wales) Act 1995 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Native Vegetation Act 2003 Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 Nature Conservation Trust Act 2001 Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Public Health Act 1991 Rural Lands Protection Act1998 Soil Conservation Act 1938 State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989
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Appendix H:
Relevant Planning Framework Instruments
NSW Estuary Management Policy Bellingen Local Environmental Plan NSW Coastal Policy Bellingen Pollution Reduction Program for Bellingen North Coast Regional Environmental Plan Shire Council Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan Bellingen Shire Growth Management Strategy NSW Water Quality and River Flow Objectives Bellingen Shire Local Government Development – Bellinger River and Coffs Harbour Control Plans Healthy Estuaries for Healthy Oysters – Guidelines - DCP 6 – On-site Sewage Management Healthy Rivers Commission – Independent Inquiry Strategy into Coastal Lakes - DCP 22 – Mylestom Development Policy Healthy Rivers Commission – Healthy Rivers for - DCP 23 – Flood and Riverine Processes Tomorrow - DCP 26 – Contaminated Land Management State Environmental Planning Policies Kalang/Bellinger Water Sharing Plan - SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Estuary Management - SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests Plan. - SEPP 35 – Maintenance Dredging of Tidal Waterways - SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection Bellingen and Urunga Stormwater Management Plans
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Appendix I: Partnership Approach Poster and Abstract
Abstract to accompany 17th NSW Coastal Conference Poster BELLINGER AND KALANG RIVERS A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH IMPROVE RIVER HEALTH
Malone T1, Hanif M2, Turnbull I3
The Bellinger River catchment is located on the mid-north coast of NSW about 600 km from Sydney. The aim of the River Health Plan is to present a holistic view of the factors which affect Bellinger River health and provide actions for addressing the issues that influence river health. In April 2006 the Bellinger River was closed to oyster harvesting by the NSW Food Authority due to actual and potential pollution sources which may impact on the harvest area. The closure resulted in a number of responses, highlighting the community’s anger and concern over the evident poor water quality for recreation and industry, and the onset of a public blame game as to who was and who is responsible for maintaining river health in the catchment.
The closure and responses led to the formation of a working group, steered by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, with an initial charter to implement a rigorous monitoring regime in order to identify the source and origin of the pollution. The group make-up provided for a ’Whole of Government’ response to the issue. Nevertheless, after 18 months of monitoring no precisely identified key sources were found and the consensus was that multiple factors were contributing to the water quality issues.
Concurrent with the working group’s activities was the successful partnership of NSW DECC (DNR) and Bellingen Shire Council in the engagement of a River Keeper charged with the task of preparing a River Health Plan. That Plan has now been developed through consultation via focus groups and interviews with community and key agency stakeholders. The Plan is a community plan in response to identified issues affecting river health. Overwhelming support for this Plan has been achieved as a result of the community engagement process.
The key outcomes of the Plan are that the actions are owned and authored by the community with Council and other agencies as facilitators. The Plan has clearly identified on-ground practical actions rather than management strategies. The Plan is a valid community response to a real community need with the crucial input of industry and departmental stakeholders.
References: NSW Dept. of Land and Water Conservation - NSW Estuary Management Manual (1992) BMT WBM Pty Ltd - Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Estuary Management Plan (May 2008)_ Bellingen Shire Council - Draft Bellinger River Health Management Plan (2008).
1Bellingen Shire Council, NSW 2Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW 3Bellingen Shire Council, NSW.
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BELLINGEN SHIRE COUNCIL 121