Camden Haven River Estuary Management Plan

HASTINGS COUNCIL

CAMDEN HAVEN RIVER ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Issue No. 2 JUNE 2002

HASTINGS COUNCIL 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 O V E R V IE W 1 1.1.1 L o n g T e rm S tra te g ie s 1 1.1.2 S h o rt T e rm S tra te g ie s 1

1.2 P L A N L A Y O U T A N D DE S C R IP T IO N 1 1.3 T H E E S T U A R Y M A N A G E M E N T P R O C E S S 1

1.4 A P P L IC A T IO N O F T H E E S T U A R Y M A N A G E M E N T P R O C E S S T O T H E C A M DE N H A V E N E S T U A R Y 1

2. KEY ESTUARY MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND SIGNIFICANT ESTUARY CHARACTERISTICS 2.1 K E Y E S T U A R Y M A N A G E M E N T IS S U E S 3 CAMDEN HAVEN RIVER 2.1.1 De v e lo pm e n t a n d H u m a n Im pa cts 3 2.1.2 W a te r Q u a lity 3 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2.1.3 B a n k E ro s io n 4 2.1.4 A q u a tic P rim a ry P ro d u ctio n 4 2.1.5 R e cre a tio n 4 2.1.6 A q u a tic V e g e ta tio n 5 2.1.7 S ce n ic V a lu e / A e s th tics 5 2.1 C O N F L IC T S O F E S T U A R Y U S E 5 2.2.1 C o m m e rcia l v s R e cre a tio n a l F is h in g 5 2.2.2 O y s te r F a rm in g v s B o a tin g (n a v ig a tio n ) & P a s s iv e R e cre a tio n (v is u a l a m e n ity ) 6 2.2.3 R e cre a tio n a l B o a te rs /F is h e rs v s L a n d h o ld e rs a lo n g S tin g ra y C re e k 6 2.2.4 U rb a n R u n o ff v s E s tu a ry P ro ce s s e s 6

2.3 S IG N F IC A N T E S T U A R Y C H A R A C T E R IS T IC S 6 3. ESTUARY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Issue No. 2 4. ACTIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES JUNE 2001 4.1 P R IO R IT IS E D A C T IO N S 9 4.2 E S T U A R Y W IDE S T R A T E G IE S 9 Docum ent Am endm ent and Approval Record 4.3 S P E C IF IC A C T IO N S 10 Issue Description of Am endm ent Prepared by [date] Verified by Approved by [date] [date] 5. COSTS, TIMING AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1 Issue for Com m ittee Review CRT (5/10/00) 2 Final Draft for Public Exhibition CRT (12/12/00) AES (12/12/00) 5.1 IM P L E M E N T A T IO N S C H E DU L E 15 3 Final Report CRT (18/6/02) AES (19/6/02) Chris Thom as (20/06/02) 5.2 E S T IM A T E D C O S T O F A C T IO N S 15

6. HOW THE PLAN WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ¬ Note: This document is preliminary unless it is Copyright The concepts and information in 6.1 IN T E G R A T E D A P P R O A C H 16 approved by a principal of Patterson Britton & Partners. this document are the property of Patterson Britton & Partners Pty Ltd. Use of this document or 6.2 F U N DIN G S O U R C E S 16 Document Reference: rp 3 3 3 7 c rt0 2 0 6 2 4 - C a m d e n H a v e n E M P .d o c passing onto others or copying, in part or in full, Time and Date Printed: 4 :1 5 p m 2 6 th J u n e 2 0 0 2 without the written permission of Patterson Britton 17 & Partners Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright. 7. REFERENCES TABLE OF CONTENTS

Patterson Britton & Partners page i rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan was prepared M em bers of the Cam den Haven Estuary M anagem ent Com m ittee by Patterson Britton & Partners Pty Ltd on behalf of the Cam den are listed below Their contributions to the developm ent of this Plan Haven Estuary M anagem ent Com m ittee. The Com m ittee reports and the studies on which it is based are greatly appreciated. directly to Hastings Council.

° B K F le tch e r C o m m u n ity re pre s e n ta tiv e The Plan stem s from Council’s com m itm ent to m anaging the valuable estuaries that fall within its local governm ent area. It has ° C K ick C o m m u n ity re pre s e n ta tiv e been funded jointly by Council and the Departm ent of Land & ° C T o m s C o u n cil O ffice r W ater Conservation on a 50:50 subsidy basis, under the New South ° I M cN ico l C o u n cil O ffice r W ales Governm ent’s Estuary M anagem ent Program .

° P L e n tz C o m m u n ity re pre s e n ta tiv e The Plan is the culm ination of a range of studies that have been ° J S m ith N o rth H a v e n P ro g re s s A s s o cia tio n prepared over the last 5 years. These studies form the supporting docum entation on which the recom m endations outlined in this Plan ° A D M a cIn ty re C a m d e n H a v e n P ro te ctio n S o cie ty are based. They include: ° A T ro u p O y s te r F a rm e rs ‘ A s s o cia tio n o f N S W (C a m d e n H a v e n b ra n ch )

° Data Assem bly and Investigations for Estuary Processes Study: ° H W illia m s Do n b o g a n A d v a n ce m e n t L e a g u e Cam den Haven River - Volum es 1 & 2’ (1996) ° K P o o le L a u rie to n F is h e rm e n ‘s C o -o p L td ° Cam den Haven Estuary Processes Study (1999) ° E C la u s e n N S W N a tio n a l P a rk s & W ild life S e rv ice

° Cam den Haven Estuary M anagem ent Study (2002). ° R K a s m a rik De pa rtm e n t o f L a n d & W a te r C o n s e rv a tio n

° C C o ch in i De pa rtm e n t o f L a n d & W a te r C o n s e rv a tio n All of these docum ents have involved varying degrees of com m unity ° M M a n s o n N S W F is h e rie s involvem ent and contributions from key stakeholders. These contributions have been essential to the form ation of the Plan and ° P C h a ppe lo w W a te rw a y s A u th o rity , A re a M a n a g e r are greatly appreciated. ° A T a y lo r L a u rie to n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e rce

° G F a jk s S ta te E m e rg e n cy S e rv ice

° S H e n d e rs o n N S W A g ricu ltu re

° D M a y n e C o u n cillo r

° J S te e le C o u n cillo r

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1 BACKGROUND

1.1 OVERVIEW 1.2 PLAN LAYOUT AND DESCRIPTION The Estuary M anagem ent Policy provides for the assessm ent of all estuarine uses, the This Cam den Haven Estuary M anagem ent Plan The Plan is set-out in detail on the annotated resolution of conflicts, and the production of incorporates both long term and short term figures enclosed within Section 4. It includes 56 a unified and sustainable m anagem ent plan strategies for m anaging the estuary. The Plan strategies or actions which address a m ixture of for each estuary (NSW Governm ent, 1992). has been structured to provide a list of strategic short term and long term objectives. These are It is im plem ented on individual estuaries m easures that can be im plem ented to m eet briefly described in the Plan. through a process which involves the objectives determ ined through consultation establishm ent of an Estuary M anagem ent with key stakeholders. The Plan also incorporates a range of Com m ittee. background inform ation which led to the 1.1.1 Long Term Strategies form ulation of the 56 strategies. This includes a 1.4 APPLICATION OF THE ESTUARY These em brace broad regional issues, description of the key issues, significant and M ANAGEM ENT PROCESS TO THE valuable attributes of the estuary, and the often related to reversing or curbing CAM DEN HAVEN ESTUARY cum ulative anthropogenic im pacts. desired m anagem ent objectives. These issues typically require either further In 1994, Hastings Council sponsored the specific study to identify appropriate A description of how the Plan will be form ation of an Estuary M anagem ent m anagem ent solutions and/or tim e to im plem ented is also provided, along with a Com m ittee for the Cam den Haven estuary. build landowner support and detailed Im plem entation Schedule listing the The Com m ittee was form ed in recognition of com m itm ent, such as for habitat estim ated cost of each strategy, its priority and the need to plan for future developm ent within regeneration on privately owned land. the projected tim ing for com m encem ent. the lower catchm ent of the Cam den Haven River, as well as within the river itself and along In effect, these strategies are targeted at 1.3 THE ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT PROCESS its tributaries. The Com m ittee consists of prevention of problem s that, if no action representatives from Hastings Council, state In 1992, the NSW State Governm ent was taken, could arise in the future. governm ent authorities, and the local introduced an Estuary M anagem ent Policy com m unity. The charter of the Com m ittee is to which was aim ed at m anaging the growing 1.1.2 Short Term Strategies identify the m ain issues affecting the river and pressures on estuarine ecosystem s. The its tributaries and then to proceed with These relate to readily definable policy form s part of a suite of catchm ent preparation of a m anagem ent plan to address com ponents of work or m easures that can m anagem ent policies, which are consistent identified problem s or issues. be im plem ented as soon as funds are with the Catchm ent M anagem ent Act,

available (subject to the usual 1989. As the first step in the estuary m anagem ent developm ent approvals process). process, the Com m ittee, acting through The general goal of the Estuary Hastings Council, com m issioned a Data As such, these strategies are typically M anagem ent Policy is to achieve an Assem bly Study for the estuary. Accordingly, a reactions to existing problem s and include integrated, balanced, responsible and report titled, ‘Data Assem bly and Investigations for exam ple, works associated with bank ecologically sustainable use of the State’s for Estuary Processes Study, Cam den Haven stabilisation and controlling acid runoff. estuaries, which form a key com ponent of River’, was com pleted by Patterson Britton & coastal catchm ents. Partners in July 1996.

Patterson Britton & Partners page 1 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Background

ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT COM M ITTEE The prim ary aim of producing this docum ent was to discover and appraise literature, data and anecdotal inform ation related to the A S S E M B L Y O F E X IS T IN G Cam den Haven River estuary. Inform ation was obtained from libraries, D A T A written com m unications to particular organisations and interest groups, Discover and assem ble relevant data and through site inspections. A com m unity workshop was also held at Canvass public opinion Laurieton Library. Define issues of concern

Following com pletion of the Data Assem bly Study, the Com m ittee, again E S T U A R Y P R O C E S S S T U D Y Hydraulics: tidal, freshwater, flushing, salinity, water quality & sedim ent acting through Hastings Council, com m issioned an Estuary Processes behaviour, etc Study for the estuary. A report titled ‘Cam den Haven Estuary Processes Biology: habitats, species, populations, endangered species, etc Im pacts: im pact of hum an activities on hydraulics and biology Study’, was com pleted in January 1999. The report describes the Define causes and extent of issues of concern hydraulic, sedim entary, water quality and ecological processes within the estuary. E S T U A R Y M A N A G E M E N T S T U D Y

Essential Features: physical, chem ical, ecological, econom ic, The estuary processes study provides essential inform ation on the physical social & aesthetic processes of im portance to the estuary. It provides the Cam den Haven Current Uses: activities, land tenure & control, conflicts of use Estuary M anagem ent Com m ittee with technical inform ation on which Conservation Goals: preservation, key habitats Rem edial Goals: restoration of econom ic quality inform ed decision m aking can be based. These decisions include how to Developm ent: acceptable com m ercial & public works & activities m anage the estuary, and how to respond to issues that m ay confront the M anagem ent Objectives: identification & assessm ent future sustainability of the estuary as a conservation area, fish nursery, M anagem ent Options: im plem entation of options tourist destination and place for urban living. Im pacts: im pact of proposed m anagem ent m easures

E S T U A R Y M A N A G E M E N T P L A N In August 1999, Patterson Britton & Partners was engaged by Council to undertake the final stages in the estuary m anagem ent process, M anagem ent objectives Description of how the estuary will be m anaged com prising the preparation of a com bined estuary m anagem ent study Recom m endations and plan. Schedule of activities to im plem ent recom m endations The aim of this phase of the estuary m anagem ent process is to undertake P L A N R E V IE W appropriate consultation with the com m unity and key stakeholders and Public & Governm ent to carry out investigations that will enable Council to adopt an Estuary M anagem ent Plan for the area. IM P L E M E N T A T IO N

This Plan is the culm ination of this process. Local Governm ent Planning Controls State Governm ent Planning Controls Rem edial W orks Accordingly, the Plan identifies and prioritises objectives and options for M onitoring Program s the future m anagem ent of the estuary. It provides a scheduled sequence Education Program s Com m unity Services of recom m ended activities identified through the consultation and study M onitoring process.

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2 KEY ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT ISSUES AND SIGNIFICANT ESTUARY CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 KEY ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT ISSUES These broad issues are presented overleaf in Sim ilarly, urban developm ent has im pacted on Figure 1 in term s of the specific locations where estuary processes. Runoff from urban areas A range of key issues have been identified that they arise within the estuary. often carries pollutants such as fertilisers have the potential to confront the sustainable applied to gardens, detergents used to wash m anagem ent of the Cam den Haven River A m ore detailed description is provided in the cars, and oil and grit from roads. This runoff is estuary and lakes system into the future. These following sections. washed into the estuary degrading water are as follows: quality and im pacting on biological processes. 2.1.1 Developm ent and Hum an Im pacts W eed infestation due to urban pressures on 1. Developm ent and Hum an Im pacts - adjacent bushland is also a threat to biological expansion of urban growth within the Since the 1970s, the recreational and aesthetic processes. im m ediate estuarine catchm ent. value of the Cam den Haven estuary has been recognised and urbanisation of the lower 2. W ater Quality – storm water and acid runoff catchm ent has increased. The focus for this 2.1.2 W ater Quality influences on water quality. developm ent has occurred along the lower Sam pling and laboratory testing has shown 3. Bank Erosion – continued erosion of estuary estuarine and ocean beach areas, with the water quality in the waterways of the estuary to shoreline, particularly at specific sites such as towns of Laurieton, North Haven and be generally good during average dry weather along Stingray Creek at Henry Kendall Dunbogan becom ing the prim ary urban conditions. The water quality com plies with Reserve. centres. ANZECC guidelines for the protection of aquatic ecosystem s in m ost conditions. 4. Estuary Sedim entation – infilling of the In m ore recent years, rural residential estuary, particularly at locations where developm ent has increased in areas upstream However, a significant deterioration in water navigation is im portant such as the entry to of these towns, particularly in the cleared and quality can occur during and following m inor the Cam den Haven River from W atson sem i-cleared lowland valleys surrounding rainfall events, particularly along the upper Taylors Lake. Kendall and Herons Creek. tidal reaches of the estuary. 5. Fishery – the decline in fish stocks which could have adverse im pacts on the local The com bination of increased developm ent Of particular concern to estuary water quality is econom y. along the foreshore of the estuary, and acid runoff from areas of actual acid sulfate intensified recreational use and tourism , is soils identified within low lying floodplain areas 6. Recreation – provision of sufficient facilities to placing increased pressure on the estuary and adjacent to the Cam den Haven and Stewarts enable recreation and to m inim ise conflicts its natural environm ent. Rivers. The water quality of all parts of the of recreational use. estuary declines during freshes and rainfall For exam ple, land clearing and drainage for events. 7. W etland, M angrove and Saltm arsh agricultural land uses has led to the exposure Preservation. and oxidation of acid sulfate soils at Rossglen Storm water from the urban areas surrounding 8. Seagrass Preservation and Stewarts River. Drainage waters from the Cam den Haven estuary has the potential areas of acid sulfate soils can affect estuarine to cause a range of direct and indirect im pacts 9. M aintenance of the aesthetic attributes of water quality, leading to the death or disease on hum an health and the aquatic the estuary. of aquatic organism s. environm ent. Urbanisation greatly increases pollutant concentrations in receiving waters. Patterson Britton & Partners page 3 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Key Estuary M anagem ent Issues and Significant Estuary Characteristics

The actual im pact of urban runoff on estuarine 2.1.4 Aquatic Prim ary Production The annual oyster production, in bags, is aquatic ecosystem s at locations throughout The im portance of the fishing and oyster available for the period 1970 to 1997. The the Cam den Haven estuary is dependant on farm ing industry in the Cam den Haven Estuary com m ercial value for 1996/97 was estim ated to the nature, m agnitude, duration and is borne out of its contribution to the local be $430,000. frequency of the change in receiving water econom y. quality. However, the annual production figures There are 10 com m ercial fisherm en that indicate that there is considerable fluctuation The well flushed section of the estuary such as currently service the Laurieton Fisherm en’s in oyster production from year to year, and the Cam den Haven Inlet and Stingray Creek, are Cooperative. All fish the estuary and focus on average annual production during the 1980's generally least susceptible to poor water m esh netting for prawns, when in season. and 90's has dropped significantly from the late quality due to urban storm water pollution. In Som e set traps for crabs and fish. Laurieton is 1970's. the m ore poorly flushed areas such as M irror also the base for a sm all ocean fishing fleet Bay, Gogleys Lagoon, and em baym ents of which services the Fisherm en’s Co-op and in The five-year average production figures Queens Lake, the residence tim es for pollutants turn, distributes som e fish and crustaceans to suggest that the estuary m ay have already are longer. This can stim ulate algal growth and the Sydney Fish M arkets. achieved its sustainable yield of oyster result in depressed oxygen concentrations. production, based on optim um environm ental The total estuary production figures show a conditions, farm ing effort, and technology. 2.1.3 Bank Erosion gradual decline over the period 1990 to 1996, However, there is considerable additional Bank erosion is a m ajor feature of the estuary. with a slight upturn for the last year of record, capacity for oyster production within existing Sites of severe bank erosion have been ie., 1996/97. This is a sign of a fishery in decline. leases, which are gradually being identified along the creek and riverbanks of the The Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) has been recom m issioned. estuary. In particular, there is urgent need to declining steadily since 1990, which also stabilise the banks of Stingray Creek at Henry suggests that the condition of the fishery is also 2.1.5 Recreation Kendall Reserve as continued erosion of the declining. The Cam den Haven estuary is a popular tourist outside bend in this area will threaten public destination. The estuary provides facilities for infrastructure (ie., roads and park am enities). Sim ilarly, recreational fishers report a reduction residents and visitors to use the waterway for a in num bers of traditionally caught species such range of boating activities, including sailing, Other sites of bank erosion are located along as Bream and Luderick. This has been canoeing, rowing, power boats and water the southern pilot channel to Gogleys Lagoon, attributed to the use of pound nets by beach skiing, and personal water craft. The estuary Cam den Haven River and Cam den Haven haulers along the beaches either side of the and nearby beaches are the focus for tourists Inlet. entrance to the estuary. Fish and crustacean and holiday m akers who use the waterway for nursery areas are therefore in need of recreational boating, fishing, swim m ing and Bank erosion along Stingray Creek is due to a protection. relaxation. com bination of point bar m igration caused by tidal processes, and boat wake wave action. The Sydney Rock Oyster has been harvested in The estuary is also a port of call for vessels M uch of Stingray Creek exhibits vertical erosion the Cam den Haven Estuary since 1883, initially travelling up and down the east coast and is a escarpm ents which can extend to 1.5 m etres from naturally occurring dredge beds, and com m on destination for cruising yachts, with above M SL. Bank erosion is evident along all later from cultivation on stone or tim ber suitable m ooring facilities available at Laurieton. outside bends, particularly at Henry Kendall substrates, before rack and tray system s were Reserve picnic area and Ostlers Park. introduced. There are now 22 growers on 58 leases.

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2.1.7 Scenic Value / Aesthtics 2.2 CONFLICTS OF ESTUARY USE Deep, well-m arked channels run along the The landscapes of the Cam den Haven River A broad range of recreational and com m ercial Cam den Haven Inlet to W atson Taylors Lake and estuary are visually unique. W hile coastal activities are undertaken within and adjacent along Stingray Creek to Queens Lake. These lagoon system s are not uncom m on features of to the Cam den Haven estuary. The range of channels provide navigable connections this part of New South W ales coast, the estuary uses and facilities are presented in between the lakes of the estuary and the prim ary com bination of tall and steep m ountains of Figure 2. areas of tourist accom m odation. igneous origin, such as the “Three Brothers”, in

such close proxim ity to the coastal plain sets Due to these uses, conflicts of use, particularly Clearly, tourism and recreation are im portant this area apart from other areas of the coast. at facilities, can occur. Som e of these conflicts com ponents of the local econom y. However, In particular North Brother, which separates of use are discussed in the following sections. increased population densities associated with Queens Lake from W atson Taylors Lake, form s a tourist activities can im pact on the natural spectacular visual backdrop to virtually all 2.2.1 Com m ercial vs Recreational Fishing processes of the estuary. views in the lower estuary. Sections of the com m unity are of the view These im pacts are m ost com m only m anifest as In addition to the spectacular setting of the that com m ercial fishing takes place at the boat wash along eroding stream banks, estuary, the overall visual character is detrim ent of am ateur fishing and that this recreational fishing dem and, im pacts on water dom inated by natural elem ents of forest, adversely im pacts on tourism . Claim s quality (effluent discharges), visual and woodland, m angrove and salt m arsh on the have been m ade that because of acoustic am enity of waterfront properties and lake and river shores. The exception to this is overfishing by com m ercial fisherm en, the im pacts on seagrass from m oorings, anchors the built up areas of the inlet at Laurieton, North estuary has experienced a noticeable etc. Haven and Dunbogan. The extent of this decline in fish stocks. natural dom inance is exceptional, given the 2.1.6 Aquatic Vegetation close proxim ity of the townships to the Figures presented in the ‘Cam den Haven The seagrasses in the Cam den Haven estuary waterways. Estuary Processes Study’ (1999) show that form one of the richest biological resources of the catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the their type in NSW . Three species of seagrasses The dom inance of natural character is total estuarine production from 1990/91 to are found in the estuary, nam ely, Zostera explained by two m ain influences. The first is 1996/97 has been declining steadily since capricorni (eelgrass), Halophila ovalis the extent of national park and state forest, 1990. (paddleweed), and Ruppia sp. (sea tassel). and the second is the extent of riparian vegetation which rem ains along the shorelines The ‘Cam den Haven Estuary Processes Additional m apping resulted in the total area of m ost of the waterways. Study’ (1999) concluded that it m ay be of estuarine seagrasses being enlarged from that the com bined fishing pressure of 7.8km 2 in 1985 to 14.2 km 2 in 1999. The com bined effect is to m aintain a natural com m ercial beach hauling, intense background and foreground to m ost views and recreational fishing, and sensitive but As seagrasses have been shown to provide for the vegetation screening to hide persistent com m ercial estuary fishing that im portant fish nursery habitat, this attribute of developm ent on the lower slopes. This is have contributed to depleted fish stocks. the Cam den Haven estuary needs to be especially evident in views toward Laurieton However, it is considered that the natural protected. from Queens Lake, where m uch of the cycles of drought and flood, and developm ent is out of sight due to an consequent changes in water quality, are environm ental protection zone extending probably the overriding factors. along the southern shore of Queens Lake.

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These natural cycles occur unpredictably 2.2.3 Recreational Boaters/Fishers vs • Increased frequency of disturbance, and over m any years. Unfortunately, Landholders along Stingray Creek which is likely to reduce the diversity of there is little or no scientific data available Landholders along Stingray Creek have m acroinvertebrates, favouring m ore to dem onstrate the cause and effect witnessed a landward recession of their resilient species; relationships. creek line property boundaries. • Hindering the drift of m acroinvertebrates through the water Nonetheless, this is an estuary Bank erosion along Stingray Creek is due colum n and substrate by reducing the m anagem ent issue that should be to a com bination of point bar m igration inter-flood period, possible hindering m onitored and addressed in close caused by tidal processes, and boat wake recolonisation; and, collaboration with the local NSW Fisheries wave action. Conservation M anager, professional fishers • Disrupting spawning cycles for som e native fish species which are often (both estuary netters and beach haulers), Bank erosion is evident along all outside and representatives of the recreational triggered by seasonal floods. bends, particularly at Henry Kendall fishers. Reserve picnic area and Ostlers Park. Urban runoff also encourages the growth of exotic weeds in urban bushland. 2.2.2 Oyster Farm ing vs Boating (navigation) & Field observations have identified the Passive Recreation (visual am enity) significant role of waves in the bank 2.3 SIGNFICANT ESTUARY Oyster farm ing practices also attract a erosion problem s of Stingray Creek. The degree of criticism . Oyster leases in creek is protected from wind waves and CHARACTERISTICS Queens Lake, Stingray Creek and Gogleys hence boat wake from recreational A healthy estuary results in a strong econom y Lagoon, are considered by som e to be boaters/fishers the m ost significant and a sustainable com m unity lifestyle. contributing to sedim entation problem s in contributing factor. the estuary. Fixed oyster racks are seen to The “essential features” of an estuary are those disrupt tidal flows leading to sedim ent 2.2.4 Urban Runoff vs Estuary Processes which m ake the estuary im portant in a local, build-up. Storm water from the urban areas regional or national sense. surrounding the Cam den Haven River A separate criticism concerns the plight of estuary has the potential to cause a range The essential features of the Cam den Haven disused oyster leases. These are of direct and indirect im pacts on hum an River estuary have been determ ined through considered to present navigational health and safety and the aquatic detailed com m unity consultation and scientific difficulties and to generally detract from environm ent. assessm ents carried out as part of the Cam den the waterscape. According to M r Tony Haven Estuary Processes Study and the Cam den Troupe (pers com m . 1998) the Urbanisation results in the creation of large Haven Estuary M anagem ent Study. appearance of unworked or ‘derelict’ areas of im pervious surfaces (eg., roads leases, particularly along the m ain river and rooves) which decrease rainfall The essential features of the estuary are between Dunbogan Bridge and W atson infiltration, increase runoff volum es and sum m arised in the table overleaf. As inferred Taylors Lake, was attributable to accelerates overland flow velocities. by their title, they are form critical com ponents bankruptcy proceedings of a large of the estuary (from all perspectives) and leaseholder due to the C.gigas infestation. The potential im pacts on aquatic therefore will require preservation. The Farm ers are only now bringing these leases ecosystem s are currently not well known preservation of these essential features is a back into production. (EPA, 1996) but m ay include: m ajor challenge facing the future m anagem ent of the estuary. Patterson Britton & Partners page 6 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Key Estuary M anagem ent Issues and Significant Estuary Characteristics

E S T U A R Y ZONE W ITHIN THE CAM DEN HAVEN ESTUARY A T T R IB U T E Q u e e n s L a k e , H e ro n s C a m d e n H a v e n In le t / S tin g ra y W a ts o n T a ly o rs L a k e C a m d e n H a v e n R iv e r S te w a rts R iv e r a n d B o b s C re e k s C re e k / G o g le y s L a g o o n

ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE A e s th e tics ° N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro p“ ° N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro p“ ° S o u th , M id d le a n d N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in ° M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro ps “ ° V is u a l ch a ra cte r d o m in a te d b y n a tu ra l e le m e n t ° S ta te F o re s t o n n o rth e rn s h o re ° V a rie d ch a n n e l s tru ctu re —b a ck d ro p“ ° R u ra l la n d s ca pe ie m in im a l e v id e n ce o f u rb a n a re a s ° A re a s o f w id e o pe n w a te rw a y ° A re a s o f w id e o pe n w a te rw a y ° V is u a l ch a ra cte r d o m in a te d b y n a tu ra l ° R u ra l la n d s ca pe e le m e n ts ° C o n tin u o u s s h o re lin e v e g e ta tio n ° ripa ria n v e g e ta tio n ° A re a s o f w id e o pe n w a te rw a y ° V is u a l ch a ra cte r d o m in a te d b y n a tu ra l e le m e n ts 2 2 2 E c o lo g ic a l ° 8 .5 k m o f s e a g ra s s b e d s ° 1.8 k m o f s e a g ra s s b e d s ° 3.8 k m o f s e a g ra s s b e d s ° P ra w n n u rs e ry a re a ° F is h n u rs e ry a re a ° T h re e s pe cie s o f m o llu s cs (b e n th ic ° T h re e s pe cie s o f m o llu s cs (b e n th ic ° R ich te rre s tria l fa u n a d u e to re la tiv e ly ° F is h n u rs e ry a re a ° T e rre s tria l C o rrid o r m a cro in v e rte b ra te ) n o t pre v io u s ly re co rd e d in m a cro in v e rte b ra te ) n o t pre v io u s ly re co rd e d in u n d e v e lo pe d n a tu re o f re g io n ° T ro pica l m a n g ro v e s pe cie s E x co e ca ria N S W a n d o n e co u ld b e n e w to s cie n ce N S W a n d o n e co u ld b e n e w to s cie n ce ° P ra w n n u rs e ry a re a a g a llo ch a a t its s o u th e rn lim it ° T ro pica l m a n g ro v e s pe cie s E x co e ca ria ° P a tch o f S E P P 26 L itto ra l R a in fo re s t o n ° F is h n u rs e ry a re a ° W e tla n d h a b ita ts a g a llo ch a a t its s o u th e rn lim it w e s te rn s h o re o f G o g le y s L a g o o n ° R e a s o n a b le w a te r q u a lity in e a s te rn po rtio n o f ° M u d fla t h a b ita ts ° W e tla n d h a b ita ts ° G o o d w a te r q u a lity d u e to lo w flu s h in g tim e s la k e w ith po o re r w a te r q u a lity in w e s te rn ° R ich te rre s tria l fa u n a d u e to re la tiv e ly ° W a te r q u a lity ° W e tla n d h a b ita ts po rtio n d u e to re s tricte d tid a l pe n e tra tio n u n d e v e lo pe d n a tu re o f re g io n ° R ich te rre s tria l fa u n a d u e to re la tiv e ly ° F is h n u rs e ry a re a u n d e v e lo pe d n a tu re o f re g io n ° F is h n u rs e ry a re a S o c ia l ° R e cre a tio n a l b o a tin g ° M o o rin g fa cilitie s a t L a u rie to n ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° De m o n s tra tio n S ite -fo r ripa ria n re v e g e ta tio n ° H is to rica l s ite s /A b o rig in a l H e rita g e ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° R e cre a tio n a l b o a tin g ° U n iq u e u rb a n e n v iro n m e n t ° F is h e rm a n s C o -o pe ra tiv e E c o n o m ic ° T o u ris m ° T o u ris m ° P ra w n in g NIL NIL ° O y s te r fa rm in g

ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE A e s th e tics ° N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro p“ ° N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro p“ ° S o u th , M id d le a n d N o rth B ro th e r M o u n ta in ° M o u n ta in —b a ck d ro ps “ NIL —b a ck d ro p“ ° S ta te F o re s t o n n o rth e rn s h o re ° V a rie d ch a n n e l s tru ctu re ° C o n tin u o u s s h o re lin e v e g e ta tio n

° A re a s o f w id e o pe n w a te rw a y E c o lo g ic a l ° 8 .5 k m 2 o f s e a g ra s s b e d s ° T h re e s pe cie s o f m o llu s cs (b e n th ic ° 3.8 k m 2 o f s e a g ra s s b e d s ° T ro pica l m a n g ro v e s pe cie s E x co e ca ria NIL m a cro in v e rte b ra te ) n o t pre v io u s ly re co rd e d in a g a llo ch a a t its s o u th e rn lim it ° T h re e s pe cie s o f m o llu s cs (b e n th ic ° R e a s o n a b le w a te r q u a lity in e a s te rn po rtio n o f N S W a n d o n e co u ld b e n e w to s cie n ce m a cro in v e rte b ra te ) n o t pre v io u s ly re co rd e d in la k e w ith po o re r w a te r q u a lity in w e s te rn po rtio n N S W a n d o n e co u ld b e n e w to s cie n ce ° P a tch o f S E P P 26 L itto ra l R a in fo re s t o n d u e to re s tricte d tid a l pe n e tra tio n w e s te rn s h o re o f G o g le y s L a g o o n ° T ro pica l m a n g ro v e s pe cie s E x co e ca ria ° W e tla n d h a b ita ts a g a llo ch a a t its s o u th e rn lim it ° G o o d w a te r q u a lity d u e to lo w flu s h in g tim e s ° R ich te rre s tria l fa u n a d u e to re la tiv e ly ° W a te r q u a lity u n d e v e lo pe d n a tu re o f re g io n S o c ia l NIL ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° R e cre a tio n a l fis h in g ° De m o n s tra tio n S ite fo r ripa ria n re v e g e ta tio n ° T o u ris m E c o n o m ic NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL

Patterson Britton & Partners page 7 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P

3 ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT OBJECTIVES

3.1 OBJECTIVES

The objective of the Cam den Haven Estuary The inter-relationship between the issues and estuary attributes is presented below and shows how M anagem ent Plan is to provide an integrated they have been considered in developing the adopted set of m anagem ent objectives for the program of works, actions and strategies that estuary. will: The adopted m anagem ent objectives have been used to develop strategies and actions for the • m inim ise and rectify adverse im pact of sustainable m anagem ent of the estuary and adjoining catchm ent, into the future. developm ent and hum an activity within the estuary and catchm ent.

• encourage low im pact settlem ent patterns lim iting urban sprawl

• protect sites of cultural & aboriginal significance • m aintain and im prove water quality

• restore river/creek banks • reduce im pact of speed boats

• im prove navigation • reduce channel sedim entation

• reverse decline in fish stocks • im prove estuary user facilities

encourage low key tourism • • protect estuary fringing flora

• protect terrestrial flora and fauna

• protect aquatic habitats

• m aintain visual am enity

These broad objectives have been considered in conjunction with the key issues and essential estuary features of the estuary (or significant characteristics), to develop a refined set of m anagem ent objectives.

Patterson Britton & Partners page 8 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P

4 ACTIONS AND M ANAGEM ENT STRATEGIES

4.1 PRIORITISED ACTIONS 4.2 ESTUARY W IDE STRATEGIES

A variety of actions have been determ ined to address the m anagem ent objectives for the estuary. These actions encom pass structural and non- P rio rity 1 S tra te g ie s structural m easures aim ed at protecting significant areas and im proving ° De v e lo p a co m m u n ity e d u ca tio n pro g ra m o u tlin in g th e po te n tia l im pa cts o f d e v e lo pm e n t o n prim a ry aspects of the estuary to m ake it m ore suitable for existing and future e s tu a ry pro ce s s (eg., s ed im en ta ry p ro c es s es , b io lo gy ). waterway users. W here possible, the actions aim to harness the natural ° P re pa re a ”S ig n ifica n t B u s h la n d O v e rla y ‘ fo r C o u n cil‘s G IS b a s e d o n C o u n cil‘s V e g e ta tio n attributes of the catchm ent and are sym pathetic to the interests of M a n a g e m e n t P la n a n d m a p prio rity co n s e rv a tio n a re a s existing land-users. ° In itia te ca tch /e ffo rt d a ta co lle ctio n a m o n g th e re cre a tio n a l fis h in g clu b s

The prioritised actions and associated strategies are the principal ° De v e lo p a DC P fo r W a te r S e n s itiv e U rb a n De s ig n fo r a pplica tio n to n e w s u b d iv is io n s recom m endations of the Cam den Haven Estuary M anagem ent Plan. ° De v e lo p a n in v e n to ry o f b e n th ic a lg a e a n d u s e to d e te rm in e a m e a s u re o f prim a ry pro d u ctiv ity fo r These have been prioritised based on scientific inform ation provided in th e e s tu a ry to g iv e a n in s ig h t in to th e n o te d d e clin e o f fis h s to ck s the Estuary Processes Study together with com m unity, key stakeholder ° P re pa re a s ce n ic a m e n ity a n d co n s e rv a tio n pla n and Com m ittee ranking of key issues and essential estuary features. ° P re pa re a w a te rw a y u s e rs s tu d y to d e te rm in e fu tu re re cre a tio n a l a n d co m m e rcia l fa cility d e m a n d s a n d co n s tra in ts Each strategy has been assigned a priority ranking. The priority rankings are defined as follows: ° Z o n e w e tla n d a re a s id e n tifie d in C o u n cil‘s V e g e ta tio n M a n a g e m e n t P la n a s re g io n a lly s ig n ifica n t to —e n v iro n m e n ta l pro te ctio n “ u n d e r th e H a s tin g s L E P

° P rio rity 1 – Im plem entation should proceed im m ediately and is required ° E x te n d S E P P 14 w e tla n d b o u n d a rie s m a ppin g to address m ajor issues considered to require urgent attention. Physical im plem entation of works or changes to policy should be achieved within 2 years. P rio rity 2 S tra te g ie s ° A d o pt w a te r q u a lity ta rg e ts fo r d iffe re n t re a ch e s o f th e e s tu a ry ° P rio rity 2 – Im plem entation should proceed at som e tim e during the ° S trictly e n fo rce e ro s io n a n d s e d im e n t co n tro ls fo r d e v e lo pm e n t a n d a ctiv itie s w h ich h a v e th e next two years and is required to address issues that have proved to be po te n tia l to im pa ct o n th e e s tu a ry a consistent problem , but which can be “lived with” over the short term in the interests of achieving the right result rather than risking a quick ° E s ta b lis h a n e s tu a ry w id e pro g ra m o f w a te r q u a lity d a ta co lle ctio n a n d a n a ly s is “fix-it” solution that hasn’t been thought out. ° S trictly a pply cle a rin g co n d itio n s o u tlin e d in th e N a tiv e V e g e ta tio n A ct, pa rticu la rly a lo n g riv e r b a n k s ° P rio rity 3 – Im plem entation should proceed at som e tim e over the next ° F o s te r th e re s tru ctu rin g o f liv e s to ck a cce s s to th e e s tu a ry o n in d iv id u a l pro pe rtie s 5 years and is required for the long term benefit of the estuary. Priority 3 strategies are less urgent and can be built into other investigations or ° In v e s tig a te a n d m o n ito r s e a g ra s s g ro w th th ro u g h o u t e s tu a ry activities within the region. ° S u ppo rt lo ca l L a n d ca re g ro u ps in th e re v e g e ta tio n a n d re s to ra tio n o f fo re s h o re a re a s .

° C o n tin u e to in v e s tig a te a n d pro s e cu te pro pe rty o w n e rs fo r b re a ch e s o f tre e pre s e rv a tio n o rd e rs The strategies have been grouped according to their geographic position a n d ille g a l cle a rin g . or zone within the estuary; eg., Gogleys Lagoon, Cam den Haven Inlet ° P re pa re a n A b o rig in a l a n d cu ltu ra l s ite s m a n a g e m e n t pla n fo r th e im m e d ia te e s tu a rin e ca tch m e n t (refer Figure 1). Selected strategies or actions are also identified by location within Figure 3. ° Im ple m e n t C o u n cil‘s O n -s ite S ew a ge M a n a gem en t P la n in a ll n o n -s e w e re d a re a s o f th e ca tch m e n t Patterson Britton & Partners page 9 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Actions and M anagem ent Strategies

Prepare a Land-use Release Strategy for land within the im m ediate P rio rity 3 S tra te g ie s estuarine catchm ent ° P u rs u e g a in s fo r th e e n v iro n m e n t th ro u g h n e g o tia te d co n d itio n s o n a n y n e w d e v e lo pm e n ts Actions Required ° A s o ppo rtu n itie s a ris e th ro u g h re z o n in g o r d e v e lo pm e n t, a cq u ire fo re s h o re la n d to a d d to pu b licly o w n e d re s e rv e s 1. Use m apping com pleted for Estuary M anagem ent Study to identify ° E n co u ra g e th e e s ta b lis h m e n t o f n a tiv e v e g e ta tio n o n priv a te pro pe rty b y pro v id in g tu b e s to ck to land zoned 1(a) that is m ost likely to be rezoned for urban fo re s h o re pro pe rty o w n e rs . developm ent. 2. Com bine with m apping of "hotspots" within the im m ediate estuarine 4.3 SPECIFIC ACTIONS catchm ent where uncontrolled developm ent could have adverse im pacts on estuary processes. Specific strategies and actions of high priority are outlined in the following. 3. Assess other constraints on land developm ent including slope, acid M any of these are also presented graphically in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. A sulfate soils, soil erodibility, proxim ity to sensitive areas such as wetlands, detailed listing of all strategies is provided in the Im plem entation Schedule etc. included within Section 5. 4. Prepare Land Release Strategy docum ent identifying areas suitable for

urban developm ent and areas considered unsuitable for urban 4.3.1 High Priority Strategies to Address Hum an Im pacts developm ent. Develop a com m unity education program em phasising the im portance of estuary processes and the potentially adverse im pacts of developm ent Develop an inventory of Aboriginal and cultural sites and prepare a m anagem ent plan for their preservation and protection Actions Required Actions Required 1. Develop and distribute a global brochure aim ed at the whole com m unity describing key issues facing the estuary 1. Liaise with local Aboriginal groups to identify and docum ent additional 2. Develop and distribute targeted brochures to selected com m unity Aboriginal sites, particularly those identified through Council related groups and estuary users (eg residents, tourists, recreational fishers) works such as road reconstruction activities. outlining potentially adverse im pacts. 2. Require that archaeological surveys be undertaken in high probability 3. Organise m edia coverage of on-ground works as they are areas as part of subdivision or developm ent applications. im plem ented and achievem ents in the im plem entation of this Plan. 3. Liase with the local Aboriginal com m unity to determ ine the appropriate level of inform ation for dissem ination to the broader Identify and adopt land-use m anagem ent policies outlined in the Hastings com m unity. Urban Growth Strategy aim ed at m inim ising urban sprawl 4. Prepare m anagem ent plan to facilitate strategic decisions about Actions Required conservation and to sim plify negotiations at the developm ent assessm ent stage. 1. Support planning policies that foster urban consolidation 2. Identify land-use m anagem ent m easures determ ined in the Hastings Develop a Developm ent Control Plan for W ater Sensitive Urban Design for Urban Growth Strategy that are relevant and specific to the estuary. application to new subdivisions 3. Encourage the utilisation of urban zoned land, subject to Actions Required environm ental consideration, rather than expansion into land that requires rezoning. 1. Liaise with Council planners, building inspectors, and local developers 4. Determ ine recom m endations from assessm ent and present to Council to set criteria for water sensitive urban design. for inclusion within revised LEP. 2. Prepare DCP. Patterson Britton & Partners page 10 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Actions and M anagem ent Strategies

4.3.2 High Priority Strategies to Address W ater Quality Issues

Establish an Estuary wide water quality m onitoring program (Refer Fig 7) Construct pollution control devices recom m ended for Laurieton area in Hastings Storm water M anagem ent Plan (Refer Figure 5). Actions Required Actions Required 1. Install water quality m onitoring devices at locations specified by m onitoring program 1. Review Hastings Storm water M anagem ent Plan and use to prepare site specific plan for m anaging runoff from urban and industrial areas of 2. Undertake sam pling and testing in accordance with m onitoring Laurieton. program . 2. Identify and prioritise sites for installation of devices near outlets to 3. Undertake wet weather sam pling of estuary water quality as Cam den Haven Inlet. recom m ended in the Cam den Haven Estuary Processes Study (1999). 3. Undertake concept designs and recom m end works. 4. Analyse results and docum ent to standard suitable for dissem ination of outcom es to the com m unity. 4. Prepare detail designs and construct devices.

Recom m ended sites are as follows: Im plem ent outcom es of Rossglen Acid Sulfate Soils Pilot Study (Refer Fig 7) (a ) In s ta ll a g ro s s po llu ta n t tra p (G P T ) w ith in th e s to rm w a te r o u tle t n e a r L a u rie to n U n ite d S e rv ice s Actions Required C lu b (b ) In s ta ll co n tin u o u s d e fle ctiv e s e pa ra tio n (C D S ) po llu ta n t tra ps a t th e d o w n s tre a m e n d s o f a ll 1. Review Rossglen ASS Pilot Study report. s to rm w a te r o u tle ts d ra in in g to th e C a m d e n H a v e n In le t. 2. Determ ine works to be undertaken including drain rehabilitation, and (c) In s ta ll co n tin u o u s d e fle ctiv e s e pa ra tio n (C D S ) po llu ta n t tra ps o n a ll s to rm w a te r o u tle ts d ra in in g develop 3 year Action Plan. to th e s o u th e rn s h o re o f Q u e e n s L a k e 3. Undertake works in accordance with 3 Year Action Plan. (d ) In s ta ll o ff-lin e s e d im e n ta tio n tra p w ith in L a u rie to n S e rv ice s C lu b R e s e rv e

(e ) In s ta ll co n tin u o u s d e fle ctiv e s e pa ra tio n (C DS ) po llu ta n t tra ps o n a ll s to rm w a te r o u tle ts d ra in in g Prepare an Acid Sulfate Soils M anagem ent Plan for estuarine catchm ent to G o g le y s L a g o o n . Actions Required (f) C o n s tru ct a rtificia l w e tla n d w ith in L a u rie to n S e rv ice s C lu b R e s e rv e .

1. Assess ASS risk throughout estuarine catchm ent and identify properties with potential for acid runoff generation. Adopt water quality targets for different reaches of the estuary consistent 2. Prepare whole farm plans for properties on high risk ASS with W ater Quality and River Flow Interim Environm ental Objectives. 3. Im plem ent drain m anagem ent strategy (Sm ith, 1999) Actions Required 4. Assess oyster and fishing industry risks and establish m easures to 1. Conduct a of workshop with EM C m em bers and Key Stakeholders to m inim ise risk. determ ine targets for key water quality param eters and indicators. 5. Establish ASS dem onstration sites such as at Rossglen and Stewarts River. 2. Prepare a Discussion Paper sum m arising the outcom es of the EM C / 6. Organise awareness and education activities such as field days, Key Stakeholders W orkshop. inform ation bulletins and newsletters. 3. Present Discussion Paper and recom endations to Council and EPA for 7. Review and assess floodplain m anagem ent plan to identify areas with adoption. high probability for developm ent. 4. Prepare sum m ary brochure outlining adopted target values and 8. Develop Plan for m anagem ent of ASS. distribute to the broader com m unity. 9. Review Developm ent Control Plan No 14 – Acid Sulfate Soils. Patterson Britton & Partners page 11 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Actions and M anagem ent Strategies

4.3.3 High Priority Strategies to Address Sedim entation / Navigation Install channel m arkers within W atson Taylors Lake to im prove navigation for recreational and com m ercial users of the lake and the Cam den Haven Enforce erosion and sedim ent controls for developm ent and activities River (Refer Figure 6). which have the potential to im pact on the estuary Investigate potential for reduction in boat traffic through shallow channels Actions Required within W atson Taylors Lake by upgrading Rossglen Boat Launching Ram p and facilities (ie., near Pacific Highway Bridge). 1. Require that Soil and W ater M anagem ent Plans be subm itted with all subdivision and developm ent applications, with these Plans to provide Actions Required for both construction and post construction sedim ent and nutrient controls. 1. Consult waterway users to determ ine frequency of access from lower estuary to Cam den Haven River and survey their willingness to use a 2. Assess opportunities and where possible, recom m end that Council's boat launching facility at Rossglen as an alternative to traversing developm ent approvals process be m odified to require developers to through W atson Taylors Lake. certify that Soil and W ater m anagem ent provisions are being provided at periodic points through the construction phase. 2. Prepare concept designs for upgrade to boat launching ram p and facilities. Undertake dredging of the m ain navigation channel through the fluvial 3. Present report to Council with associated recom m endations. delta of the Cam den Haven River at its entry to W atson Taylors Lake (Refer Figure 6). 4.3.4 High Priority Strategies to Address Bank Erosion

Actions Required Undertake bank stabilisation works along Stingray Creek at Henry Kendall 1. Undertake feasibilty study and prepare Review of Environm ental Reserve (Refer Figure 5). Factors. Actions Required 2. Assess m ethods for dredging and logistics of undertaking work, including dredge spoil disposal sites. 1. Investigate options for bank stabilisation and prepare concept designs. 3. Prepare design for dredging footprint and associated docum entation 2. Prepare preferred concept designs and present to the com m unity for for agency approvals. com m ent. 4. Undertake dredging of the pilot channel. 3. Undertake detail design of bank stabilisation works. 4. Construct bank stabilisation works. Investigate the benefits of dredging a “pilot” channel through the m arine 5. Analyse results and docum ent to standard suitable for dissem ination of delta at the upstream end of Stingray Creek at its entry to Queens Lake outcom es to the com m unity. (refer Figure 4). Undertake bank protection works along the south-western shoreline of Gogleys Lagoon. Actions Required Actions Required 1. Undertake feasibilty study and prepare Review of Environm ental Factors. 1. Investigate options for bank stabilisation and prepare concept designs. 2. Assess m ethods for dredging and logistics of undertaking work, 2. Prepare preferred concept designs and present to the com m unity for including dredge spoil disposal sites and prepare investigation report. com m ent. 3. Undertake detail design of bank stabilisation works. 4. Construct bank stabilisation works. Patterson Britton & Partners page 12 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Actions and M anagem ent Strategies

4.3.5 High Priority Strategies to M anage Fishery 4.3.6 High Priority Strategies to Im prove Recreational Usage

Verify the extent of the reported reduction in fish stocks Upgrade the boat launching ram p within Henry Kendall Reserve

Actions Required Actions Required 1. Identify all recreational fishing clubs and recreational fishing groups. 1. Conduct a consultation program with the com m unity to identify the 2. Prepare a brochure and questionnaire aim ed at establishing their views extent of the facilities required. on fish stocks. 2. Prepare concept design plans for works and seek Council/com m unity 3. Initiate catch / effort data collection am ong the recreational fishers. approval. 4. Com pile catch / effort data collection for recreational fishers with 3. Undertake detail design. records provided by com m ercial fishers. 4. Construct im provem ent works. 5. Enter catch/effort inform ation into database and analyse to determ ine 5. Upgrade Henry Kendall Reserve boat ram p extent of fish stock reduction, key species, seasonal characteristics etc. 6. Report findings of analysis to NSW Fisheries. Prepare a W aterway Users Study on which future recreational dem ands can be based. Determ ine the prim ary productivity for the estuary Actions Required Actions Required 1. Develop program of consultation to obtain details of current and 1. M onitor baackground nutrient levels at the estuary m outh on a weekly potential future waterway user dem ands. basis over 3 to 4 m onths. 2. Undertake consultation program . 2. Determ ine key fish nursery areas within Queens and W atson Taylors 3. Com pile subm issions and determ ine waterway user requirem ents. Lakes and develop a sam pling regim e for these areas. 4. Introduce classification system for foreshore reserves that balances user 3. Sam ple planktonic and benthic algae and test using C14 dating access with habitait conservation. techniques. 5. Prepare report incorporating capital works program for the subsequent 4. Analyse results to determ ine the cause of the reported decline in fish 5 years. stocks. Develop an inventory of benthic algae to assist in understanding the 4.3.7 High Priority Strategies to Better M anage Riparian Vegetation prim ary productivity of the estuary Retain Priority 1 AND Priority 2 vegetation areas identified in Hastings Actions Required Vegetation M anagem ent Strategy 1. Notify Universities of the suitability of the strategy as a research project Actions Required for a graduate of m arine biology. 1. Establish a Regional Vegetation Com m ittee in accordance with the 2. Com pile all data on benthic algae. Native Vegetation Conservation Act. 3. Undertake detailed survey of benthic algae. 2. Obtain details of land ownership and m ap ownership boundaries for all 4. Develop an inventory of benthic algae including species, distribution Priority 1 and Priority 2 land within catchm ent. and seasonal biom ass. 3. Encourage landholders to conserve existing native rem nant vegetation 5. Analyse results and prepare a report, relating specifically to the prim ary and to enter into Voluntary Conservation Agreem ents or sim ilar productivity of the estuary. conservation schem es. Patterson Britton & Partners page 13 rp3337crt020624-C a m d e n H a v e n E M P Cam den Haven River Estuary M anagem ent Plan Actions and M anagem ent Strategies

Support local Landcare Groups to retain or reinstate riparian vegetation 4.3.8 High Priority Strategies to Better M anage Aquatic Vegetation along river and creek corridors to provide a 30 m etre wide strip along each bank Justify recom m endation for the rezoning of Queens Lake to "Environm ental Protection" under the Hastings LEP 2000 thereby providing Actions Required legal protection for the extensive seagrass beds that extend across the lake. 1. Identify areas along the tributaries of the estuary where vegetation has been rem oved. Actions Required 2. M ap these areas and ground-truth the m apped extents. 1. Undertake a biological assessm ent of the seagrass beds, m ud flats, 3. Identify landowners and raise awareness of the im portance of riparian rocky habitats within Queens Lake and identify areas of conservation vegetation and riparian zones by providing fact sheets and by significance. conducting field days for landholders in areas where successful riparian 2. M ap areas of biological signficance and use the extent of these to revegetation has been im plem ented such as along the Stewarts River. justify the area for conversion in zoning of "Environm ental Protection". 4. Identify priority areas riparian revegetation within the im m ediate 3. Undertake a Crown Lands assessm ent of the ownership of the bed of estuarine catchm ent. Queens Lake. 5. Source funds to revegetate priority riparian zones. 4. Based on the outcom es of tasks 1 to 3, consider either zoning areas of 6. Liaise with landholders to revegetate priority areas for riparian Queens Lake for "Environm ental Protection" under the Hastings LEP or revegetation. extending the boundaries of the National Park to include subm erged 7. Undertake revegetation at sites where landholders are able to partly lands. contribute and agree to the long term m aintenance of the works. 5. Prepare a report to Council, NPW S and DUAP outlining recom m endations Justify and recom m end that wetland areas identified as regionally significant be rezoned to "Environm ental Protection" under Hastings LEP 2000, or be incorporated within SEPP 14 4.3.9 High Priority Strategies to M aintain Scenic Value

Actions Required M aintain existing foreshore vegetation around Queens Lake 1. Review m apping com pleted by Aitken to identify regionally significant Actions Required wetlands and those proposed for inclusion under SEPP 14. 1. Raise awareness of the im portance of riparian vegetation and riparian 2. Obtain details and m ap land ownership in vicinity of regionally zones within the urban com m unities of W est Haven and Lakewood. significant wetlands. 2. Identify and m ap extent of publicly owned land along the lake 3. Prepare Discussion Paper justifying the rezoning of regionally significant foreshore. wetlands to "Environm ental Protection", and incorporating 3. Prepare scenic am enity and conservation plan for the lake foreshore, recom m ended change to LEP and SEPP 14 (ie., m apping and text). incorporating requirem ents for revegetation of lake foreshore as part of 4. Subm it recom m ended changes to Council and DUAP for review. future developm ent proposals. 5. W here necessary consider acquisition by Council of privately owned land to ensure protection of regionally significant wetlands. Prepare visual sensitive urban design DCP for new urban developm ent. 6. Am end LEP to reflect changes to SEPP 14 boundaries and additional SEPP14 areas (ie.,rezoning of these areas to Environm ental Protection in accordance with SEPP 14 classification)..

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5 COSTS, TIM ING AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 IM PLEM ENTATION SCHEDULE 5.2 ESTIM ATED COST OF ACTIONS

A detailed listing of the prioritised actions is As shown in the Im plem entation Schedule, there are 56 strategies in all with a total estim ated cost of provided in the Im plem entation Schedule about $3.75 m illion (including the construction of som e com ponents). The break-up of these is as included as the following 7 pages. The schedule follows: has been developed in a sim ilar fashion to a : P rio rity 1 S tra te g ie s $ 1 .8 5 m illio n (fo r p ro jec ts to b e in itia ted o v er th e n ex t 2 y ea rs ) “capital works program ” and details projected costs, tim ing and responsibilities for undertaking : P rio rity 2 S tra te g ie s $ 1 .5 m illio n (fo r p ro jec ts to b e in itia ted o v er th e n ex t 5 y ea rs ) the various actions. : P rio rity 3 S tra te g ie s $ 0 .4 m illio n (fo r p ro jec ts to b e in itia ted o v er th e n ex t 5 to 1 0 y rs )

The Im plem entation Schedule has been prepared to assist in the process of acquiring funding to undertake the prioritised strategies and to provide a m echanism for im plem enting the strategies.

The im plem entation schedule includes:

• a description of the proposed strategy or action;

• the adopted priority ranking for each strategy or

action, which effectively determ ines the

expected date of com m encem ent of works;

• a list of sub-tasks to be undertaken to effect each specific action or strategy;

• the party or governm ent agency responsible for undertaking or coordinating the investigation / work; and,

• an estim ate of the cost to com plete the action or strategy.

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6 HOW THE PLAN W ILL BE IM PLEM ENTED

6.1 INTEGRATED APPROACH Relatively high m aintenance costs will be 6.3 ESTUARY M ANAGEM ENT incurred in carrying out an integrated estuary IM PLEM ENTATION COM M ITTEE The effective im plem entation of the Plan health m onitoring analysis and reporting depends on: program . Ongoing co-ordination of m ultiple At the com pletion of the Estuary M anagem ent ° All levels of governm ent and the com m unity natural resource program s within the coastal Plan it will be tim ely to review the m em bership agreeing on the objectives, priorities and zone, with effective partnerships, will require of the Estuary M anagem ent Com m ittee. principal actions of the Plan; strong staff resources to m anage new Council responsibilities. Although the current com m ittee provides ° All levels of governm ent and the com m unity broad representation of groups with interests in understanding and accepting their The actions in the Estuary M anagem ent Plan the m anagem ent of the estuary, adjustm ents responsibilities under the Plan; will require funds from Hastings Council m ay enhance the effectiveness of the plan ° Com m itm ent from all involved to work budgets, from the recurrent funds in DLW C, im plem entation process. It is expected that together to im plem ent the Plan, and to NPW S, W aterways Authority, NSW Fisheries and there will be considerable continuity of review progress, to ensure strong sustainable NSW Agriculture budgets, special Treasury m em bership so that the experience and outcom es; Enhancem ent funds, NHT grants, Coast and wisdom of the existing com m ittee is transferred ° Com m unication within Council and Clean Seas grants, Acid Sulfate Soil grants, to the im plem entation phase. agencies, between Council and agencies, industry contributions and in-kind contributions and with the broader com m unity; from the com m unity. Nom inations will be called for a new com m ittee that will guide and m onitor the ° Adequate inform ation to m ake sound A range of incentives such as taxes and im plem entation of the Plan. m anagem ent decisions; subsidies, cross com pliance program s, ° Appropriate and ongoing funding. tradeable rights, m arket gains, etc, will assist in It is also proposed that Council appoint a achieving changes in agricultural land coordinator to im plem ent the strategies 6.2 FUNDING SOURCES practices. Cross com pliance and rate included within the Plan. The coordinator reduction program s should be investigated first would be responsible for acquiring funding and Funds for natural resource m anagem ent and would becom e part of form al agreem ents coordinating governm ent agency and projects are scarce, and m ust be spent with landholders. com m unity representatives in the undertaking effectively and accountably. A num ber of the of tasks to effect the specific strategies. actions under consideration require substantial Section 94 contributions from new capital and/or m aintenance costs and an developm ent along the estuary could also be expanded com m itm ent of staff resources. used to assist with the funding of estuary Relatively high capital costs are, for instance, m anagem ent activities. The funds available associated with dredging works and for any from Section 94 will not necessarily be large, structural controls that m ay be required to but they m ay be sufficient to provide seeding stabilise bank erosion. m oney to obtain further funds from elsewhere.

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7 REFERENCES

Aitkens, M G (1998, in draft), ‘The Natural Hastings M unicipal Council (1995), ‘Queens Hastings Council (Novem ber 1999), ‘Hastings Vegetation of the Hastings Council LGA; Stage Lake Foreshore Reserve – Draft Plan of Urban Growth Strategy’ One – The Coastal Strip’; Report to Hastings M anagem ent’; prepared by Pacrim Council. International Pty Ltd Hastings Council (April, 1999), ‘Draft Hastings Urban Storm water M anagem ent Plan’; Departm ent of Planning (1994), ‘North Coast Hastings Council (July, 1996), ‘Data Assem bly prepared by Hunter W ater Corporation Regional Environm ental Plan - Draft and Investigations for Estuary Processes Study – Am endm ent No. 2’ Cam den Haven River Volum es 1 & 2’; prepared Hastings Council (Septem ber, 1998), ‘Rossglen

DLW C (1996) ‘The NSW wetlands m anagem ent by Patterson Britton & Partners Pty Ltd. Acid Sulfate Soils – Land M anagem ent Plan’; policy’ NSW Governm ent. prepared by Snowy M ountains Engineering Hastings Council (January, 1999), ‘Cam den Corporation (SM EC) Australia Pty Ltd. EPA (1995)‘Draft Environm ental Guidelines for Haven Estuary Processes Study’; prepared by the Assessm ent and M anagem ent of Coastal Patterson Britton & Partners Pty Ltd. Hastings Council (M ay, 2002), ‘Cam den Haven Land Developm ents in areas of Acid Sulfate River Estuary M anagem ent Study’; prepared by Soils’ Hastings Council (October, 1999), ‘Vegetation Patterson Britton & Partners Pty Ltd. M anagem ent Plan; prepared by Susanne EPA (1996)‘M anaging Urban Storm water- Cooper & Associates & ECOGRAPH NSW Fisheries (1998), ‘Policy and Guidelines – Strategic Fram ework Aquatic Habitat M anagem ent and Fish Hastings Council (Septem ber, 1999), ‘Urban Conservation’ EPA (1999) ‘W ater Quality and River Flow Growth Options Assessm ent’; prepared by ERM Interim Environm ental Objectives: Cam den M itchell M cCotter Pty Ltd Haven and Hastings River Catchm ents’

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CAMDEN HAVEN ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PLAN STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT

HUMAN IMPACTS

1. Develop an estuary education program for distribution to the community which outlines the importance of estuary processes and 1. Develop a brochure (A3 size ) aimed at the whole community describing key issues facing the future management of the impact of development. the estuary. 2. Prepare multiple copies of the brochure and distribute to the broader community with rates notices. 3. Develop targeted brochures related to the impacts of various estuary uses (eg., amatuer and commercial fishing, boating, urban runoff). Hastings Council 1 4. Distribute to selected community groups, such as recreational and commercial fishing groups and tourists, residents $15,000 (with support from Department of Land & Water December 2002 on the estuary fringe, boating groups). Conservation ) 5. Involve local aboriginal communities in management of the estuary. 6. Organise media coverage of on-ground works as they are implemented.

2. Identify and adopt land-use management measures to minimise urban sprawl. 1. Identify land-use management measures determined in the Hastings Urban Growth Strategy (in draft 1999) that are relevant and specific to the Camden Haven River estuary (refer provisional list provided in Estuary Management Plan). 2. Encourage the utilisation of urban zoned land, subject to environmental consideration, rather than expansion into land 1 that requires rezoning. $10,000 Estuary Management Committee October 2002 3. Determine recommendations from assessment for inclusion within Hastings Council's revised LEP.

3. Update National Parks & Wildlife Service database of Aboriginal and cultural sites throughout the immediate estuarine catchment, 1. Liaise with local Aboriginal groups to identify and document additional Aboriginal sites, particularly those identified biannually. through Council related works such as road reconstruction activities. 2. Require that archaeological surveys be undertaken in high probability areas as part of subdivision or development Hastings Council 2 applications. $5,000 (with support from the National Parks & Wildlife May 2003 3. Liase with the local Aboriginal community to determine the appropriate level of information for dissemination to the Service and the local Aboriginal Land Council) broader community.

WATER QUALITY

4. Determine and adopt target values for water quality parameters for different reaches of the estuary consistent with the Interim 1. Conduct a of workshop with EMC members and Key Stakeholders to determine targets for key water quality Environmental Objectives of the NSW Water Reforms. parameters and indicators. 2. Prepare a Discussion Paper summarising the outcomes of the EMC / Key Stakeholders Workshop. Hastings Council 2 3. Present Discussion Paper and recomendations to Council and EPA for adoption. $15,000 (with support from the Catchment Management January 2004 4. Prepare summary brochure outlining adopted target values and distribute to the broader community. Board )

5. Develop Stormwater Catchment Action Plans for all urban and rural sub-catchments draining directly to the estuary In( accordance 1. Identify stormwater issues within each catchment with the Hastings Stormwater Management Plan). 2. Analyse and rank catchments based on identified stormwater issues Hastings Council 2 3. Identify actions to address issues for each catchment $10,000 January 2004 (with support from EPA )

6. Develop a community education program for responsible stormwater runoff management within the urban areas adjacent to the 1. Use the local media, flyers, schools and Council newsletters to report on stormwater issues. estuary. 2. Educate animal owners and supply bins and plastic bags in popular dog walking areas for disposal of droppings. 3. Educate residents regarding appropriate use of fertilisers, car washing, and disposal of garden wastes. 4. Undertake drain stencilling. Hastings Council 1 $10,000 January 2004 5. Rigorously enforce littering laws. (with support from EPA )

7. Identify, prioritise, design and construct stormwater management mechanisms eg.,( Gross Pollutant Traps and constructed wetlands ) at key locations within the drainage system so that better control of catchment runoff to the estuary can be effected. Design and construct pollution control devices at the following locations:

1 a) Install a gross pollutant trap (GPT ) within the stormwater outlet near Laurieton United Services Club $60,000 Hastings Council 2002

b) Install continuous deflective separation (CDS ) pollutant traps at the downstream ends of all stormwater outlets 2 $30,000 Hastings Council 2003 draining to the Camden Haven Inlet. c) Install continuous deflective separation (CDS ) pollutant traps on all stormwater outlets draining to the southern 2 $50,000 Hastings Council 2004 shore of Queens Lake

2 d) Install off-line sedimentation trap within Laurieton Services Club Reserve $100,000 Hastings Council 2005

2 e) Install continuous deflective separation (CDS) pollutant traps on all stormwater outlets draining to Gogleys Lagoon. $35,000 Hastings Council 2005

3 f) Construct artificial wetland within Laurieton Services Club Reserve. $200,000 Hastings Council 2006

† Listing of the estimated cost does not imply a commitment on behalf of the "Suggested Lead Organisation" to provide the specified funding. Notes: (i) The "preliminary estimated costs" listed in the implementation schedule have been based on the best available information at the time of printing. However, many of these estimates will require "firming - up" as the details of the required investiga (ii) The "Commencement Date" is a only a guide to the likely date for undertaking actions to implement the strategy and is subject to the provision of available funding.

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT 8. Establish a stormwater quality monitoring program. 1. Use outcomes from developing Stormwater Catchment Action Plans to identify key sites within the stormwater drainage network where monitoring should occur. 2. Consider locations for monitoring stormwater control devices that will be constructed / installed as part of Strategy 7. 3. Determine water quality parameters that should be monitored at each of these locations (eg., pH, dissolved oxygen, 2 feacal coliforms etc ). $25,000 Hastings Council 2003 4. Determine frequency of sampling and testing that would be required for the monitoring.

9. Recommend policy changes for incorporation within Hastings LEP & DCPs 1. Incorporate recommendation from the Hastings Stormwater Management Plan. 2. Recommend the inclusion of requirements for development to provide on-site sewage treatment devices in non- 1 sewered areas (eg., ECOMAX systems). $7,500 Hastings Council December 2003 3. Change LEP to enable sustainable re-use of sewage effluent to be maximised.

10. Develop a Spills Control Plan 1. Review existing emergency response plans for chemical spills 2. Consult relevant agencies such as the State Emergency Services, Fire Brigade etc., to ensure the suitability of emergency response protocols and mechanisms for spill control. 2 $10,000 Hastings Council January 2003 3. Develop a spills control plan for to protect the estuary from both vessel spills and vehicular spills (eg., at bridge crossings such as the Pacific Highway crossing at Rossglen).

11. Develop a stormwater quality improvement program for Laurieton Industrial Area 3 $35,000 Hastings Council June 2003

12. Establish an estuary wide water quality monitoring program 1. Assess sampling sites and associated testing currently undertaken by Council, EPA and other parties (eg., Camden Haven Branch of the Oyster Farmers' Association of NSW) and determine suitability in terms of long term data collection. 2. Review water quality "hotspots" within the estuary (such as drains near Rossglen ) and consider relative to item 1. 3. Consider stormwater quality monitoring program and design estuary wide program to be consistent. 1 4. Determine preferred set of sites for water quality monitoring, as well as parameters to be monitored and frequency of $50,000 Estuary Management Committee December 2002 monitoring. 5. Submit water quality monitoring program to Council and recommend its implementation.

13. Undertake water quality monitoring program 1. Install water quality monitoring devices at locations specified by monitoring program (ie., as specified in Strategy 8). 2. Undertake sampling and testing in accordance with monitoring program. 3. Undertake wet weather sampling of estuary water quality as recommended in the Camden Haven Estuary Processes Study (1999 ). Hastings Council 2 $100,000 December 2003 4. Analyse results and document to standard suitable for dissemination of outcomes to the community. (with support from DLWC )

14. Implement outcomes from Rossglen Acid Sulfate Soils Pilot Study 1. Review Rossglen ASS Pilot Study report. 2. Determine works to be undertaken including drain rehabilitation, and develop 3 year Action Plan. 3. Undertake works in accordance with 3 Year Action Plan. Hastings Council 1 $75,000 December 2002 (with support from DLWC and local landholders)

15. Promote use of existing boat effluent pumpout facilities. 1. Develop brochure outlining extent of facilities and accessibility. 2. Distribute brochure to Fisherman's Cooperative, local office of Library and Waterways Authority . 3. Undertake works in accordance with 3 Year Action Plan. Hastings Council 2 $7,500 July 2003 (with support from Waterways Authority)

16. Undertake specific actions to prevent future threats to estuary water quality 1. Implement Septic Safe program for all non-sewered areas. 2. Close and remediate the Dunbogan Landfill Waste Disposal Site.

2 $250,000 Hastings Council July 2003

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT

SEDIMENTATION / NAVIGATION

17. Enforce erosion and sediment controls for development and activities which have the potential to impact on the estuary. 1. Require that Soil and Water Management Plans be submitted with all subdivision and development applications, with these Plans to provide for both construction and post construction sediment and nutrient controls. 2. Assess opportunities and where possible, recommend that Council's development approvals process be modified to 1 require developers to certify that Soil and Water management provisions are being provided at periodic points through $10,000 Hastings Council December 2002 the construction phase.

18. Develop a sediment control policy for rural roads in the catchment 1. Identify and map unsealed roads in the catchment. 2. Rank roads in terms of their potential to distribute sediment to the estuary. 3. Develop a policy incorporating sediment management measures for distribution to Council's road maintenance team. Hastings Council 4. Develop a brochure outlining sediment management measures for rural roads and distribute to private land-holders 3 where unsealed roads exist in close proximity to the estuary. $10,000 (with support from the Estuary Management December 2005 Committee )

19. Determine desirable land-use practices in the upper catchment aimed at minimising sediment distribution to the river and 1. Develop desired list of land-use practices in relation to bulldozing and farming activities. subsequently to the estuary. 2. Consult farmers, Catchment Board, and Forestry. 3. Prepare Discussion Paper and distribute to Council as recommendations for further inclusions within the revised LEP. Hastings Council 2 $10,000 (with support from the Estuary Management January 2006 Committee )

20. Undertake maintenance dredging of the south-western channel into Gogleys Lagoon to improve navigation at low tide. 1. Undertake feasibilty study and prepare Review of Environmental Factors. 2. Assess methods for dredging and logistics of undertaking work, including dredge spoil disposal sites. 3. Prepare design for dredging footprint and associated documentation for agency approvals. Hastings Council 4. Undertake dredging of the pilot channel. (with support from DLWC and the Camden Haven 3 $75,000 December 2004 Branch of the Oyster Farmers Association of NSW )

21. Undertake dredging of the main navigation channel through the fluvial delta of the Camden Haven River at its entry to Watson 1. Undertake feasibilty study and prepare Review of Environmental Factors. Taylors Lake 2. Assess methods for dredging and logistics of undertaking work, including dredge spoil disposal sites. 3. Prepare design for dredging footprint and associated documentation for agency approvals. 4. Undertake dredging of the pilot channel. Hastings Council 1 $500,000 (with support from DLWC and Waterways December 2002 Authority )

22. Undertake dredging of the delta within Queens Lake at the upstream end of Stingray Creek. 1. Undertake feasibilty study and prepare Review of Environmental Factors. 2. Assess methods for dredging and logistics of undertaking work, including dredge spoil disposal sites. 3. Prepare design for dredging footprint and associated documentation for agency approvals. 4. Undertake dredging of the pilot channel. Hastings Council 2 $350,000 (with support from DLWC and Waterways July 2003 Authority )

23. Install channel markers within Watson Taylors Lake to improve navigation for recreational and commercial users of the lake and 1. Assess hydrosurvey data to identify areas where additional channel markers could be required. the Camden Haven River. 2. Consult waterway users to determine typical "pathways" for accessing the Watsons Taylors Lake / Camden Haven River section of the estuary and confirm most appropriate locations for channel markers. 2 3. Prepare plan showing locations for channel markers and submit to NPWS for approval. $40,000 Waterways Authority August 2003 4. Install channel markers.

24. Investigate potential for reduction in boat traffic through shallow channels within Watson Taylors Lake by upgrading Rossglen 1. Consult waterway users to determine frequency of access from lower estuary to Camden Haven River and survey Boat Launching Ramp and facilities (ie., near Pacific Highway Bridge). their willingness to use a boat launching facility at Rossglen as an alternative to traversing through Watson Taylors Lake. 2. Prepare concept designs for upgrade to boat launching ramp and facilities. 3. Present report to Council with associated recommendations. 2 $20,000 Hasting Council May 2004

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT

BANK EROSION

25. Develop vegetated buffer strips along major creek lines such as Stingray Creek, Stewarts River and the upper reaches of the 1. Identify landholders adjacent to both major and minor watercourses. Camden Haven River. 2. Raise awareness of the importance of riparian vegetation and riparian zones along both major and minor water courses through a variety of mediums such as media advertisements, landholder fact sheets, or field days. 3. Ground-truth and map riparian vegetation. 4. Identify priority areas within the catchment for riparian rehabilitation. Hastings Council 2 $30,000 December 2003 5. Source funds to rehabilitate riparian zones. (with support from DLWC ) 6. Undertake works at identified sites where landholders are able to partly contribute and agree to the long term maintenance of the works.

26. Identify areas where stock access should be restructured on individual properties to either: 1. Identify and map areas where fencing of stream banks exists. a) prohibit livestock access to creeks by fencing, with watering afforded by pumping to off-channel farm dams; or to, 2. Identify and assess areas of existing stream bank erosion. b) control livestock access so that watering only occurs at selected and rotated watering points. 3. Promote the benefits of Property Management Planning throughout the community. Hastings Council 2 4. Identify areas where stream bank erosion can be attributed to stock access. $60,000 (with support from local Landcare Groups and September 2003 5. Liaise with landholders to consider fencing and providing alternative mechanisms for stock watering. DLWC )

27. Undertake bank stabilisation works along Stingray Creek at Henry Kendall Reserve 1. Investigate options for bank stabilisation and prepare concept designs. 2. Prepare preferred concept designs and present to the community for comment. Hastings Council 1 $150,000 January 2003 3. Undertake detail design of bank stabilisation works. (with support from DLWC ) 4. Construct bank stabilisation works. 28. Investigate the need for creek stabilisation works on the northern bank of Stingray Creek downstream from Henry Kendall 1. Assess bank stability and causes of erosion. Hastings Council Reserve. 2 2. Determine threats to infrastructure and potential for loss of land. $25,000 February 2004 3. Identify potential bank stabilisation measures. (with support from DLWC ) 4. Prepare report on findings and submit to Council. 29. Undertake bank protection works along the south-western shoreline of Gogleys Lagoon 1. Investigate options for bank stabilisation and prepare concept designs. 2. Prepare preferred concept designs and present to the community for comment. Hastings Council 2 3. Undertake detail design of bank stabilisation works. $55,000 January 2004 (with support from DLWC ) 4. Construct bank stabilisation works.

30. Undertake foreshore stabilisation along the eastern bank of the Camden Haven Inlet, south from Dunbogan Bridge (Landcare works already completed) Hastings Council 1 COMPLETED BY LAURIETON LANDCARE GROUP $50,000 Completed (with support from Laurieton Landcare)

31. Revegetate cleared riparian vegetation along Camden Haven River adjacent to the "airstrip" (possible Landcare project) 1. Identify landholder and consult with regard to potential for revegetation of the riverine corridor. 2. Source funds to undertake revegetation of the river bank and riverine corridor. Hastings Council 3 $18,500 December 2003 3. Undertake revegetation using tube stock. (with support from a Landcare Group)

32. Repair existing rock stabilisation along the southern shoreline of the Camden Haven Inlet downstream from Dunbogan bridge 1. Investigate extent of degradation of bank stabilisation works and primary causes. (extending either side of Dunbogan Boat Shed). 2. Develop concept designs for rehabilitation of the shoreline and prepare report outlining recommendations. 3. Construct preferred remediation measures. Hastings Council 2 $30,000 May 2003 (with support from a Landcare Group)

FISHERY

33. Verify the extent of the reported reduction in fish stocks. 1. Identify all recreational fishing clubs and recreational fishing groups. 2. Prepare a brochure and questionnaire aimed at establishing their views on fish stocks. 3. Initiate catch / effort data collection among the recreational fishers. 4. Compile catch / effort data collection for recreational fishers with records provided by commercial fishers. Hastings Council 1 5. Enter catch/effort information into database and analyse to determine extent of fish stock reduction, key species, $40,000 December 2002 (with support from NSW Fisheries) seasonal characteristics etc. 6. Report findings of analysis to NSW Fisheries.

34. Determine the primary productivity for the estuary 1. Monitor baackground nutrient levels at the estuary mouth on a weekly basis over 3 to 4 months. 2. Determine key fish nursery areas within Queens and Watson Taylors Lakes and develop a sampling regime for these areas. 1 $25,000 NSW Fisheries April 2003 3. Sample planktonic and benthic algae and test using C14 dating techniques. 4. Analyse results to determine the cause of the reported decline in fish stocks.

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT 35. Develop an inventory of benthic algae to assist in understanding the primary productivity of the estuary. 1. Notify Universities of the suitability of the strategy as a research project for a graduate of marine biology. 2. Compile all data on benthic algae. 3. Undertake detailed survey of benthic algae. 1 4. Develop an inventory of benthic algae including species, distribution and seasonal biomass. $10,000 NSW Fisheries June 2003 5. Analyse results and prepare a report, relating specifically to the primary productivity of the estuary.

36. Develop strategies to halt the decline in fish stocks 1. Review results of investigations into primary productivity for the estuary. 2. Review analysis of commercial and recreational fishers catch/effort data. 3. Identify strategies to improve fish stock numbers. Hastings Council 2 4. Consult community regarding possible actions to reduce the decline in fish stocks. $7,500 December 2003 5. Undertake recommended actions. (with support from NSW Fisheries)

RECREATION

37. Upgrade the boat launching ramp within Henry Kendall Reserve. 1. Conduct a consultation program with the community to identify the extent of the facilities required. 2. Prepare concept design plans for works and seek Council/community approval. Hastings Council 1 $75,000 May 2003 3. Undertake detail design. (with support from DLWC ) 4. Construct improvement works. 38. Upgrade parking facilities at Dunbogan Boat Launching Ramp 1. Prepare concept design plans for parking upgrade and seek Council/community approval. Hastings Council 2 2. Undertake detailed design. $25,000 March 2004 3. Construct improvement works. (with support from DLWC ) 39. Prepare a Waterway Users Study on which future recreational demands can be based. 1. Develop program of consultation to obtain details of current and potential future waterway user demands. 2. Undertake consultation program. Hastings Council 2 3. Compile submissions and determine waterway user requirements. $20,000 January 2004 4. Introduce classification system for foreshore reserves that balances user access with habitait conservation. (with support from DLWC ) 5. Prepare report incorporating capital works program for the subsequent 5 years.

RIPARIAN VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

40. Support local Landcare Groups to retain or reinstate riparian vegetation along river and creek corridors to provide a 30 metre wide 1. Identify areas along the tributaries of the estuary where vegetation has been removed. strip along each bank. 2. Map these areas and ground-truth the mapped extents. 3. Identify landowners and raise awareness of the importance of riparian vegetation and riparian zones by providing fact sheets and by conducting field days for landholders in areas where successful riparian revegetation has been implemented such as along the Stewarts River. Department of Land & Water Conservation 1 $250,000 March 2003 4. Identify priority areas riparian revegetation within the immediate estuarine catchment. (with support from Council and Landcare Groups) 5. Source funds to revegetate priority riparian zones. 6. Liaise with landholders to revegetate priority areas for riparian revegetation. 7. Undertake revegetation at sites where landholders are able to partly contribute and agree to the long term maintenance of the works. 41. Justify and recommend that wetland areas identified as regionally significant be rezoned to "Environmental Protection" under 1. Review mapping completed by Aitken to identify regionally significant wetlands and those proposed for inclusion Hastings LEP 2000, or be incorporated within SEPP 14. under SEPP 14. 2. Obtain details and map land ownership in vicinity of regionally significant wetlands. 3. Prepare Discussion Paper justifying the rezoning of regionally significant wetlands to "Environmental Protection", and incorporating recommended change to LEP and SEPP 14 (ie., mapping and text ). Undertake: - groundtruthing of wetland extent; - assessment of vegetation type; - detemination of proximity to sensitive areas of the estuary. Hastings Council 1 4. Submit recommended changes to Council and DUAP for review. $15,000 (with suppoer from the Estuary Management January 2003 5. Where necessary consider acquisition by Council of privately owned land to ensure protection of regionally significant Committee ) wetlands. 6. Amend LEP to reflect changes to SEPP 14 boundaries and additional SEPP14 areas (ie.,rezoning of these areas to Environmental Protection in accordance with SEPP 14 classification).

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT 42. Pursue gains for the environment through negotiated conditions on any new developments. 1. Prepare a landscape DCP for currently undeveloped areas zoned urban in the Camden Haven area. 2. The Landscape DCP should be designed to: - include details of native flora native species to be planted adjacent to remnant bushland or wetland areas to prevent spread of exotics and weeds; - address stormwater management to prevent nutrient rich loads discharging from new developments to adjacent 3 bushland or wetlands; $7,500 Hastings Council January 2006 - outline controls preventing development above the 100m contour level to control the impact of development on the visual amenity of the estuary; - provide mechanisms for managing the clearing of vegetation in order to maintain adequate screening of dwellings from the waterway.

43. Prepare a ‘Significant Bushland Overlay’ for Council’s GIS based on the mapping of priority conservation areas within the 1. Obtain GIS layer of priority conservation areas. Vegetation Management Plan. 2. Import and make compatible to Council's GIS system. 3. Amend development application process to include a review of the Significant Bushland Overlay within GIS. 1 4. Advise landowners, developers and the community of the overlay information tool to act as a "flag" that any $10,000 Hastings Council January 2003 development proposals in priority areas need to incorporate vegetation retention and management considerations.

44. Throughout the rural hinterland (ie., Kew, Kendall, Heron’s Creek Catchment) encourage conservation of valued terrestrial 1. Review the Hasting Vegetation Management Plan (VMP ) to identify and map 'Priority 1' Conservation Areas. vegetation through voluntary conservation agreements and retain existing riparian vegetation. Target areas should include: 2. Obtain details of land ownership and map ownership boundaries for all priority areas. - land adjoining the eastern perimeter of Queens Lake 3. Identify areas where clearing should not occur based on the EMS and the VMP. Department of Land & Water Conservation 2 4. Encourage landholders to conserve the forested and important vegetated areas on private land and enter into $20,000 January 2004 - extensive forested areas and existing riparian vegetation around Heron's creek (with support from Council and Landcare Groups) - large tract of undisturbed old growth forest adjacent to Dooragan National Park Voluntary Conservation Agreements.

45. Re-establish vegetation along the cleared parts of the Queens Lake foreshore 1. Identify landholders adjacent to Queens Lake. 2. Raise awareness of the importance of riparian vegetation and riparian zones through media advertisements, fact sheets, and Landcare field days. 3. Ground-truth and update the vegetation maps completed for the VMP. Hastings Council 2 4. Identify priority areas around the perimeter of Queens Lake for riparian rehabilitation. $75,000 October 2003 (with support from local Landcare Groups) 5. Source funds to complement landholders contributions in the rehabilitation of their riparian zones. 6. Completion of works at identified sites where landholders are able to partly contribute and agree to the long term maintenance of the works.

46. Justify and support the rezoning to "Environmental Protection" of the following within land that drains to the estuary: 1. Review vegetation mapping completed for the Hastings Vegetation Management Plan and develop a separate (a) Priority 1 and 2 status vegetation identified and mapped in the draftHastings Vegetation Management Plan that fall within a 500 mapping layer showing Priority 1 and 2 status vegetation within catchments that drain to the estuary. Determine those metre wide band that is parallel to and extends around the perimeter of the estuary shoreline; pockets of vegetation that fall within the criteria specified under (a) and (b) for this strategy and MAP these areas. (b) Native vegetation that exists within a 250 metre wide band along either side of the banks of all estuary tributaries where that 2. Obtain details of land ownership and map ownership boundaries in areas within 500 metres of the estuary shoreline vegetation is considered to be of value. and within a band of land 250 metres either side of estuary tributaries. 3. Undertake detailed ground-truthing and assessment of the "value" of the vegetation identified as Prioty 1 and 2 status that falls within the bounds of the mapping completed as part of Sub-task 1. 3 4. Determine areas of vegetation within the estuarine catchment to be protected. $7,500 Hastings Council July 2005 5. Prepare draft text for LEP which would effectively rezone areas of vegetation to be protected as "Environmental Protection". 6. Place draft of revision to LEP on public display and receive submissions from landowners regarding change in zoning on privately owned land.

AQUATIC VEGETATION PROTECTION

47. Justify recommendation for the rezoning of Queens Lake to "Environmental Protection" under the Hastings LEP 2000 thereby 1. Undertake a biological assessment of the seagrass beds, mud flats, rocky habitats within Queens Lake and identify providing legal protection for the extensive seagrass beds that extend across the lake. areas of conservation significance. 2. Map areas of biological signficance and use the extent of these to justify the area for conversion in zoning of "Environmental Protection". Hastings Council 1 3. Undertake a Crown Lands assessment of the ownership of the bed of Queens Lake. $45,000 January 2003 4. Based on the outcomes of tasks 1 to 3, consider either zoning areas of Queens Lake for "Environmental Protection" (with support from NPWS ) under the Hastings LEP or extending the boundaries of the National Park to include submerged lands. 5. Prepare a report to Council, NPWS and DUAP outlining recommendations.

48. Monitor seagrass growth throughout the estuary 1. Notify Universities of the suitability of the strategy as a research project for a graduate of marine biology. 2. Compile all existing seagrass mapping. 3. Undertake ground truthing of mapping and amend where necessary to develop detailed mapping of existing seagrass 2 extent. $75,000 NSW Fisheries July 2003 4. Monitor seagrass growth and dieback patterns seasonally over 5 years. 5. Analyse results and report annually.

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PRIORITY PRELIMINARY PROJECTED DATE FOR RECOMMENDED STRATEGY SUB-TASKS SUGGESTED LEAD ORGANISATION RANKING ESTIMATED COST† COMMENCEMENT

AESTHETICS

49. Maintain existing foreshore vegetation around Queens Lake 1. Raise awareness of the importance of riparian vegetation and riparian zones within the urban communities of West Haven and Lakewood. 2. Identify and map extent of publicly owned land along the lake foreshore. 3. Prepare scenic amenity and conservation plan for the lake foreshore, incorporating requirements for revegetation of 1 $20,000 Hastings Council Jul-03 lake foreshore as part of future development proposals.

50. Encourage the establishment of native vegetation on private property by providing tube stock to foreshore property owners. 1. Obtain ownership details of foreshore properties 2. Educate owners of benefits of foreshore vegetation 3. Source funds to provide tube stock to foreshore property owners Landcare Groups 2 $10,000 January 2004 (with support from Council)

51. Prepare water / visual sensitive urban design DCP for new urban development.

1 $15,000 Hastings Council January 2003

PLANNING

52. Prepare a land release strategy for land within the immediate estuarine catchment 1. Use mapping completed for Estuary Management Study to identify land zoned 1(a) that is most likely to be rezoned for urban development. 2. Combine with mapping of "hotspots" within the immediate estuarine catchment where uncontrolled development could have adverse impacts on estuary processes. 1 3. Assess other constraints on land development including slope, acid sulfate soils, soil erodibility, proxinity to sensitive $25,000 Hastings Council January 2003 areas such as wetlands, etc. 4. Prepare Land Release Strategy document identifying areas suitable for urban development and areas considered unsuitable for urban development.

53. Prepare acid sulfate drain management strategy 1. Assess the potential for acid generation from drained areas of the estuarine floodplain. 2. Review acid sulfate soils risk maps in conjunction with aerial photography to determine drains and drained areas where risk of scid generation is high. 3. Map all drains and pockets of drained land. 1 4. Prepare strategy document that incorporates provisions for managing these lands, recognising the experiences of $120,000 Hastings Council January 2003 elsewhere on the North Coast. 5. Implement measures. 6. Review DCP No 14 - Acid Sulfate Soils.

54. Identify and map derelict oyster leases and those that are not in production

1 $7,500 NSW Fisheries UNDERWAY

55. Appoint estuary coordinator to facilitate the implementation of strategies over the next 5 years

1 $300,000 Hastings Council August 2002

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