Surry Estuary Management Plan

Surry Estuary Management Plan Summary This management plan covers the Surry estuary downstream from the Woolwash gauging station at Heathmere to the mouth of the estuary at Narrawong. This management plan has been developed in consultation with members of the local community and government agencies and provides a basis for coordinated and targeted investment in the maintenance and enhancement of the values provided by the estuary for future generations. Development of the management plan has focused on identification of the key assets provided by the estuary and the threats that are degrading, or have potential to degrade the value of the identified assets. This approach is consistent with the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy. The assets and values identified in the Surry Estuary Management Plan include: o Habitat The habitat assets provided by the estuary underpin cultural, social and economic values held by the local community. The estuary provides habitat to a range of species, including 12 species of fish, and 18 species of birds. o Water quality and quantity Good water quality and sufficient quantity is essential to maintain a healthy estuary and healthy habitats. o Social values Key social values at the Surry estuary include recreational fishing, camping and swimming. o Cultural values Because of its environmental attributes the Surry estuary has been highly valued throughout its history – from its original indigenous occupants through to the present inhabitants and visitors. o Economic values Economic values in the estuary management plan area include agriculture, commercial fishing and tourism. The main threats to the estuary’s ongoing health are: o Inappropriate artificial river mouth opening; o Invasion and spread of pest plants and animals; o Reduced water quality and quantity; o Inappropriate development; and o Climate change and sea level rise. Assessment of the threats posed to assets and determination of practical means to reduce or eliminate these threats has allowed formulation of management objectives and actions. Groupings of these management actions form a set of key programs that, when implemented, will provide significant benefits in terms of maintenance and enhancement of the values of the estuary. The following table provides a summary of the implementation programs that have been developed within this estuary management plan. It also includes links to actions identified in the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy (GHRHS). Development of this management plan fulfils one of the high priorities identified by the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (Western Coastal Board 2002a), and contributes to Regional Management Action Target 83 in the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy (RMAT 83: Meet aspirational target for coastal areas through developing and implementing individual estuary management plans in accordance with the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan .). Development of this estuary management plan also fulfils actions identified in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA River Health Strategy (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2004). ii Surry Estuary Management Plan Table 1 Management objectives and targets developed for the Surry estuary Program Management objective Target GHRHS Links Physical habitat – aquatic and No reduction, and if possible an Extent, condition and diversity of RH-P2-2, semi-aquatic increase in the extent, condition and representative habitat types is comparable diversity of all representative habitat to those recorded in 2007. RH-P2-3 types. Fish Demonstrated recovery of fish stocks An increase in the population size and from the fish kill in 2005 and previous number of year classes of black bream from events. those recorded in 2005. Water quality and quantity Achieve a standard of water quality Develop and apply water quality criteria and quantity that protects the diversity specific to the Surry estuary using the and abundance of aquatic ecosystems ANZECC Guidelines (2000). and allows recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of the estuary. Recreation Estuary continues to provide the full Water quality is maintained at a level safe range of recreational opportunities for recreation as per State Environment currently enjoyed by residents and Protection Policy 90% of the time. visitors. Cultural Protect the Aboriginal and non- No disturbance of all sites of archaeological indigenous heritage of the estuary. and heritage significance. Economic Estuary continues to provide the basis Quantification of the economic importance for sustainable economic use. of a healthy Surry estuary. Estuary entrance management Implement a management process for Establish a protocol for estuary mouth RH-P2-1 and artificial river mouth the estuary entrance that provides the opening using the estuary entrance decision opening best possible compromise between support system. the ecological requirements of the estuary and the social and economic requirements of the local community. Pathogens and parasites – fish Maintain healthy indigenous fish Maintain current agency endorsed response populations. plans for all reported incidents of pathogens and parasites. Pest plants and animals Reduction in the extent of listed weed Establish a baseline understanding of listed RH-P2-5 species. weed species. Climate change Incorporate new information on climate change as it comes to light into the management framework for the Surry estuary. Local government planning Direct and control development to The results of the Surry estuary flood study protect the values of the Surry estuary incorporated into the Glenelg Shire and continue economic development Planning Scheme. within the framework of ecological sustainability. Monitoring, evaluation and Monitor and evaluate the health and Undertake an evaluation of the reporting functioning of the estuary and implementation of the plan. implementation of the estuary management plan. Surry Estuary Management Plan iii Acknowledgements Members of the community who gave up their time to attend the workshop Jodie Honan for providing the quote from G.E. Morrison Members of the Coast and Marine Technical Working Group Published by: Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 79 French Street, Hamilton Victoria 3300 Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims any liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on the information in this publication ISBN: Glenelg Hopkins - Copyright Notice © Glenelg Hopkins Management Authority (2007) This work is the subject of copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, adapted, published or communicated (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the public, without the prior written permission of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority or as expressly permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended)(Cth) or other copyright laws. All authorised or permitted, reproduction, adaptation, publication or communication (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the public, of the work or part thereof must include full acknowledgement of the source and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority’s ownership of copyright. All enquiries and requests for permission should be made to Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, 79 French Street, Hamilton, Victoria, 3300. iv Surry Estuary Management Plan Abbreviations AAV - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria ANZECC – Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council ASS - acid sulphate soil ARMO - artificial river mouth opening. CAMBA - China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement CE – Community engagement DCNR - former Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, now DSE DEH - Department of Environment and Heritage (Federal Government department). DIMIA - Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (Federal Government department). DOI - Department of Infrastructure DPI -Department of Primary Industries DSE - Department of Sustainability and Environment DU - Deakin University DVC - Department of Victorian Communities EVC – ecological vegetation class EPA - Environment Protection Authority FSR – Flow stress ranking GHCMA - Glenelg Hopkins CMA GSC – Glenelg Shire Council IPA - Indigenous Protected Area ISC – Index of Stream Condition IUCN - World Conservation Union JAMBA - Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement LCC - Land Conservation Council MER – Monitoring, evaluation and reporting NHT – Natural Heritage Trust NTU – nephelometric turbidity unit OW – On-ground works PV - Parks Victoria SAC – Scientific Advisory Committee SDL – Sustainable diversion limit SEPP WoV – State Environment Protection Policy Waters of Victoria SP – Strategic planning SRW - Southern Rural Water TFN - Trust for Nature WCB - Western Coastal Board Surry Estuary Management Plan v 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ESTUARY MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 THE VALUE OF THE SURRY ESTUARY ........................................................................................................................................................................1

Load more