Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 1 CONTENTS
Executive Summary 5 3.5 Camping 14 1. Plan Objectives and Context 6 3.5.1 Key Issues 14 3.5.2 Objectives 14 1.1 Objectives of this Plan 6 3.5.3 Actions 14 1.2 Plan Context 6 3.5.4 Stakeholders 14 2. Plan Implementation and Raising Awareness 7 3.6 Emergency Management and Safety 14 3.6.1 Key Issues 15 2.1 Lake Buffalo Plan Implementation Group 8 3.6.2 Objectives 15 2.1.1 Key Issues 8 3.6.3 Actions 15 2.1.2 Objectives 8 3.6.4 Stakeholders 15 2.1.3 Actions 8 3.7 Tourism and Economic Development 16 2.1.4 Stakeholders 8 3.7.1 Key Issues 16 2.2 Community Education and Awareness 8 3.7.2 Objectives 16 2.2.1 Key Issues 8 3.7.3 Actions 16 2.2.2 Objectives 8 3.7.4 Stakeholders 16 2.2.3 Actions 9 3.8 References 16 2.2.4 Stakeholders 9 4. Environment and Cultural Heritage 17 2.3 References 9 4.1 Flora and Fauna 17 3. Recreation and Tourism 11 4.1.1 Key Issues 18 4.1.2 Objectives 18 3.1 Boating 11 4.1.3 Actions 18 3.1.1 Key Issues 12 4.1.4 Stakeholders 18 3.1.2 Objectives 12 3.1.3 Actions 12 4.2 Invasive Species 18 3.1.4 Stakeholders 12 4.2.1 Key Issues 18 4.2.2 Objectives 18 3.2 Fishing 12 4.2.3 Actions 18 3.2.1 Key Issues 12 4.2.4 Stakeholders 18 3.2.2 Objectives 12 3.2.3 Actions 12 4.3 Water Quality 18 3.2.4 Stakeholders 12 4.3.1 Key Issues 19 4.3.2 Objectives 19 3.3 Hunting 13 4.3.3 Actions 20 3.3.1 Key Issues 13 4.3.4 Stakeholders 20 3.3.2 Objectives 13 3.3.3 Actions 13 4.4 Cultural Heritage 20 3.3.4 Stakeholders 13 4.4.1 Key Issues 20 4.4.2 Objectives 20 3.4 Public Facilities and Infrastructure 13 4.4.3 Actions 20 3.4.1 Key Issues 14 4.4.4 Stakeholders 20 3.4.2 Objectives 14 3.4.3 Actions 14 4.5 References 20 3.3.4 Stakeholders 14
2 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 5. Public Land Management 21
5.1 Land Tenure 21 5.1.1 Key Issues 21 5.1.2 Objectives 21 5.1.3 Actions 22 5.1.4 Stakeholders 22 5.2 Agriculture Land Use and Grazing 22 5.2.1 Key Issues 22 5.2.2 Objectives 22 5.2.3 Actions 22 5.2.4 Stakeholders 22 5.3 Permits, Licences and Lease Arrangements 22 5.3.1 Key Issues 23 5.3.2 Objectives 23 5.3.3 Actions 23 5.3.4 Stakeholders 23 5.4 Fire Management 23 5.4.1 Key Issues 23 5.4.2 Objectives 24 5.4.3 Actions 24 5.4.4 Stakeholders 24 5.5 References 24
Appendix A - Overview of Storage Operations 25
Appendix B - Map of Lake Buffalo 26
Appendix C - Agency Roles and Responsibilities 27
Appendix D - Agency Quick Reference Guide 30
Appendix E - Community Consultation Summary 31
Appendix F - Summary of Actions 32
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 3 4 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Lake Buffalo is a water supply storage This Lake Buffalo Land and created by the damming of the On-Water Management Plan aims Buffalo River within the Ovens River to identify and protect important catchment. The storage is an important values associated with the waterways tourism and recreation asset in north- by outlining priority land and eastern Victoria, being a popular on-water management issues recreational asset used by locals and and identifying key actions to be tourists for a diverse range of activities implemented over the next five years. including power boating, fishing, Most importantly, this Plan aims to canoeing, swimming, bushwalking, increase communication, consistency, hunting and picnicking. coordination and cooperation between agencies, stakeholder groups Lake Buffalo was completed in 1965 and the community to protect the with a storage capacity of almost values and attributes of the Lake 24,000 ML. The water stored in Lake Buffalo storage. Buffalo is used to supplement flows in the Ovens River for irrigation and The development of this Plan has urban water supply for the Rural City been supported and informed of Wangaratta. The primary role of by community and stakeholder the Lake Buffalo water storage is for consultation, which included irrigation water supply storage, and community forums, surveys, focus this factor needs to be managed and groups and interviews. Ongoing balanced against the recreational stakeholder engagement for values of the waterways. the implementation of this Plan will be facilitated through the Community interaction is a prominent involvement of the Lake Buffalo element associated with the Plan Implementation Group. management of water storages, and the management of public recreational This Plan is a dynamic document and use of irrigation storages is a challenge will continue to evolve as the various for Goulburn-Murray Water. Planning, actions and strategies that it identifies management and resourcing of are developed and implemented. land and on-water issues has in the past tended to be reactive rather It is proposed that this Plan will be than proactive, with no integrated reviewed every five years. overarching plans for the management of land and on-water issues. This is currently being addressed through the development of Land and On- Water Management Plans for all of the Goulburn-Murray Water storages. Each Plan is being developed through an extensive process of engagement with communities to ensure the Plans have strong community support for their implementation.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 5 1. PLAN OBJECTIVES & CONTEXT
1.1 Objectives of this Plan 1.2 Plan Context Land Status
The main objectives of this Plan are to: Vision for Lake Buffalo Goulburn-Murray Water manages the lake bed and immediate foreshore • Recognise the diverse range Lake Buffalo is an effective operating land around Lake Buffalo. This land is a of values and uses associated water storage and is an attractive and mixture of freehold land held in title and with the storage. safe place for visitors and tourists to Crown Land with vested management. engage in recreational activities on • Provide a strategic framework for and around the water. A small amount of Goulburn-Murray management of the storage. Water managed land is bounded by Storage Operations private freehold land. • Identify important social, economic and environmental The primary purpose of Lake Buffalo Goulburn-Murray Water leases some issues, and develop a series is to provide water to downstream land on the perimeter of the storage of actions to address these communities and consumptive to commercial operators and issues issues to be implemented users. The storage’s operational and licences for agricultural activities. over the next five years. maintenance costs are funded by the tariffs charged to Goulburn-Murray Plan Area • Positively influence the Water’s wholesale and retail customers. The geographic scope of this project is management of development Operational decisions, including water limited to the waterbody, the foreshore pressures around the storage levels and release patterns, consider the and the surrounding areas. Appendix to protect natural and cultural potential effects on downstream users. values, through agreement B illustrates Lake Buffalo and the and partnerships with other This Plan cannot make any specific catchment to the storage. Government departments decisions regarding the management Direct management control of water and agencies, including of water levels in the storage. authorities is limited to areas of Alpine Shire Council. Operational issues, including storage the lake bed and foreshore public levels and the long-proposed land. While this Plan focuses on the • Protect the long-term quality of expansion of the existing storage, are waterbody and foreshore areas, it also the water resource for local and ‘bigger picture’ questions beyond the aims to positively influence activities downstream users. scope of this Plan. For reference, a that could impact on the waterbody, brief overview of storage operations is An additional objective is to the adjacent land areas surrounding the included as Appendix A. achieve general acceptance of the storage, and the broader catchment. management recommendations and Legal Status responsibilities by key stakeholder Management Roles and and community interest groups. This Plan has no legal status. It will Responsibilities This will be achieved through a not impose any new legal or statutory A number of agencies play a role comprehensive stakeholder and requirements. However, through in the management of land and community consultation program influencing policy, it may lead to future water issues for Lake Buffalo. Current and the technically robust and changes in legislation that will assist in management roles and responsibilities defensible processes used in the meeting the objectives of this Plan. are summarised in Appendix C. A preparation of this Plan. quick reference guide for the lead agencies responsible for managing land and on-water management issues is provided in Appendix D.
6 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 2. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & RAISING AWARENESS
Lake Buffalo services the community in Lake Buffalo is located in in the upper two primary ways: reaches of the Buffalo River Valley, near to Myrtleford at the Valley’s mouth. • By regulating the flow of water The lake is positioned in a relatively in the Buffalo and Ovens River, isolated valley without any villages downstream users derive economic or towns located close by. This raises benefit from irrigation and provision issues for community involvement in of water for urban use. Goulburn- an ongoing implementation group. Murray Water has responsibility for maintaining the storage to deliver Stakeholders and community this benefit. consulted during the development of this Plan expressed support of an • By providing a variety of implementation group but no obvious recreational opportunities Lake model for community representation Buffalo benefits the community by emerged during consultations. contributing to community health and wellbeing through recreational For this Plan, it is suggested by activity, and economic activity stakeholders that an implementation derived from visitors spending to committee should be formed, participate in recreation. Alpine comprising representatives of Shire Council has a responsibility Goulburn-Murray Water and Alpine to promote community health and Shire Council. Expressions of Interest wellbeing and economic activity in should be sought to identify a suitable the municipality. independent chairperson to provide community leadership for the group.
It is anticipated that as implementation of the Plan progresses, sufficient community interest may develop to have other formal community representation on the committee.
Lake Buffalo is an effective operating water “ storage and is an attractive and safe place for visitors and tourists to engage in recreational activities on and around the water. ”
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 7 2.1 Lake Buffalo Plan 2.1.2 Objectives Improved education and awareness programs are important to help protect Implementation Group To establish a Lake Buffalo Plan water quality and the surrounding Implementation Group to advise on The Lake Buffalo Plan Implementation environment. The programs also raise the implementation of this Plan, and Group will play an important awareness of how different activities to ensure that activities on and around role in enabling the Lake Buffalo can impact on the storage. They are the storage are consistent with other community and various user groups required to help the community strategies, policies and plans. to have ongoing input into the understand how the storage operates, disseminate information on forecast implementation of identified actions. 2.1.3 Actions The Group will also act as a vehicle water levels and demands as well as the destination (use) of water to encourage the identification and 1. Establish a Lake Buffalo Plan discharged from the storage. management of new issues should Implementation Group to guide they arise. the implementation of the Plan With a better appreciation of the and communicate the priorities The Implementation Group will: operating constraints, impacts of in the Plan. activities and the role of the storage, • Assist with the implementation and communities will be better informed 2.1.4 Stakeholders monitoring of actions in the Plan. and prepared for changing water levels in the storage. Various mechanisms Goulburn-Murray Water, • Work with community groups to can be used to increase education and Alpine Shire Council and implement actions. awareness. These include interpretive community representatives. signage, websites and fact sheets. • Provide a forum for agency Enhancing the Goulburn-Murray Water representatives and the community 2.2 Community Education website and encouraging greater use to exchange ideas and discuss and Awareness will assist with improving awareness policy and regulatory changes in and understanding of storage relation to lake management. Locals and visitors play an important operation and the impacts of activities role in the sustainable management on the storage and its surrounds. • Discuss infrastructure planning, of Lake Buffalo. The community media issues and management. engagement process used in the 2.2.1 Key Issues development of this Plan highlighted The Lake Buffalo Plan Implementation that community members have a close • Limited information regarding the Group should include, but not be association with the values provided operation of the storage. limited to: by Lake Buffalo. The community • Lack of understanding of the roles • An independent chairperson. consultation process is summarised in Appendix E. and responsibilities of stakeholders • A Goulburn-Murray Water General involved directly or indirectly in the Manager or their nominee. Key issues raised during the management of Lake Buffalo. consultation process included: • Representatives from • Lack of awareness and Alpine Shire Council. • Improving communication with the understanding of Lake Buffalo local and user community. values as perceived by the various • Department of Environment and user groups. Primary Industries representative. • Raising awareness of all stakeholder roles and 2.2.2 Objectives 2.1.1 Key Issues management responsibilities. An informed and involved community • The need for a Lake Buffalo Plan • Improved communication around and user group working cooperatively Implementation Group to enable how the storage operates. with agencies to develop a shared the Lake Buffalo community and understanding of, and solutions to, the Also identified through the user groups to contribute to the management challenges relevant to consultation process was interest in implementation of the Plan. Lake Buffalo. a more collaborative approach for management of the lake.
8 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 2.2.3 Actions 2.2.4 Stakeholders
2. Develop a proactive Goulburn-Murray Water, Country communication and awareness Fire Authority, Victoria Police, campaign to provide up to date Transport Safety Victoria, Parks information to recreational users Victoria, Alpine Shire Council, on the status of water levels in Department of Environment and the storage. Information should Primary Industries and North East including planned maintenance Catchment Management Authority. activities that may impact on recreational user groups. 2.3 References
3. Work with user groups Regional Development Company to understand their (2012), Lake Buffalo Community and information requirements. Stakeholder Consultation – Round 1 Outcomes Report, June 2012. 4. Encourage and support processes that involve community and users in the recreational amenity of the Lake Buffalo.
5. Provide clear descriptions of agency roles and responsibilities (refer to Appendix C) and communicate this to the community.
6. Develop a single Code of Conduct for the storage which includes information about user and agency responsibilities relating to boating and boating safety, camping, hunting, solid waste, and emergency management. The Code of Conduct should also include information about the importance of designated public access in minimising impacts on the environment including the impacts of illegal vehicle access on the lake bed.
7. Implement communication actions (e.g. brochures and signage) to promote knowledge of boating rules and to highlight acceptable boating behavior.
8. Update the Goulburn-Murray Water website to provide details of development controls and permit, licence and lease procedures.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 9 LAKELake BUFFALO Buffalo BOATINGBoating & & FacilitiesFACILITIES MapMAP A BCDEFGHIJKL TO MYRTLEFORD Guidelines You can help protect Lake Buffalo 1 TO BRIGHT and enhance the enjoyment and safety of others by following these simple guidelines:
• Help keep areas around Lake Buffalo clean and protect the 2 environment by taking your rubbish home with you. • Vehicles and motorbikes may be Please Note: used on roads open to public vehicles. All vehicles must be Please take your rubbish home registered and drivers licensed. 3 with you. Rubbish bins are not Abide by speed limits. • A Motor Boat Licence is required provided at Lake Buffalo. when operating a motorised boat in Victorian waters. • All plants, animals and historical sites 4 are protected by law and must not be removed or disturbed. • Your safety is important. If you require emergency assistance take note of your location according to the grid numbers on this map. 5 • Water is not suitable for human consumption. MAIN • No camping or fires on foreshore. RECREATION AREA 6 Lake Be safe - take care
MAP LEGEND MARSHALLS RIDGE National Park SEASONAL RECREATION AREA Road No Boats 7 Yarrarabula Creek Road 5 Knots Rail Speed Restriction River / Channel Access Lane
Picnic Facilities Public Launching 8 Area Cropper Creek Public Toilets
9
10 TO CARBOOR
11
Yarrarabula Creek Road
12
13
14 NOTE: Marshalls Ridge Recreation Area will be open to the public from 1 November to 30 April each year, unless storage levels drop to 50% of capacity (260m AHD) and require early closure.
0 km 200m 400m 15 Scale of Kilometres N
ANTI- CLOCKWISE
SKIING TO DANDONGADALE TO WHITFIELD 16
10 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 3. RECREATION & TOURISM
Lake Buffalo is an important All recreational user groups should recreational and tourism asset make themselves familiar with for North East Victoria. The lake Country Fire Authority regulations attracts tourists from Victoria and and restrictions, particularly during interstate and supports a wide hot and dry weather. range of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, This Plan aims to recognise the current boating, water skiing, walking, funding constraints and identify cycling, hunting and picnicking. opportunities for shared management responsibility between stakeholder Recreational activities at Lake Buffalo agencies. This Plan will help prioritise need to be carefully balanced against works and services and identify its primary role as a water supply storage improvement opportunities to enable for irrigation and downstream potable the most effective and appropriate water supply, and to ensure impact on application of resources. the environment is minimised. 3.1 Boating Goulburn-Murray Water’s role as manager of public recreational Boating at Lake Buffalo includes the facilities is a legacy of the past when following user groups: speedboats, State Authorities provided these personal watercraft, sailing, canoeing services, which were then funded by and kayaking. The consultation process government. Currently, there is no indicated that recreational boating had sustainable revenue stream to provide increased in recent years. ongoing or enhanced recreational experiences at Goulburn-Murray Water The Myrtleford Boat Club leases a storages. As a State Water Corporation, section of the Main Recreation Area operating costs are recovered through on the eastern side of the storage, irrigation water charges, which do adjacent to the boat ramp. not include management of public recreation facilities. Limited funding Goulburn-Murray Water is the is obtained from urban water charges designated waterway manager under and commercial leases and licences the Marine Safety Act 2010. This role to help offset the cost of public includes compliance activities associated recreational management. Work with waterway use and the power to is continuing with state agencies make recommendations to the Director to develop appropriate funding of Transport Safety Victoria to support mechanisms to cover ongoing costs the efficient and safe operation of of recreation and public access vessels. Resources to monitor and management at the storages. enforce boating rules are currently limited. The Water Police on occasion The Alpine Shire Recreation and undertake patrols for compliance with Open Spaces Draft Plan (ASC, 2013) boating safety regulations and vessel is a high level strategic document zoning rules. that will guide Council and the community decision-making process Public boat ramps at the Main about priorities for a broad range Recreation Area and Marshalls Ridge of recreational activities across provide access to the storage at all communities and in a range of varying water levels. The Marshalls different settings. This Draft Plan Ridge Reserve is open to the public identifies actions, such as upgrades from 1 November until 30 April each to cycling infrastructure between year unless storage levels fall below Myrtleford and Lake Buffalo that align 50% (260m AHD), when early closure to recreational opportunities around may occur. the Lake Buffalo storage.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 11 The potential for conflict between user • Safety concerns for impacts of Lake Buffalo is a popular destination groups is greatest during peak use power boating activities on passive for recreational fishing. The storage periods such as Easter and Christmas recreational users e.g. kayakers. provides habitat for a number of holidays when congestion may fish species targeted by recreational arise in some areas of the lake. For • Current zoning rules may not be anglers. These include Murray Cod, example, the location of Myrtleford complimentary to safe boating in Golden Perch, Redfin and Trout. Boat Club being in close proximity some areas of the storage. The Department of Environment to the main public boat ramp was and Primary Industries currently • Failure to adhere to the 5 knot zone identified as an issue in peak use stocks Lake Buffalo with Murray Cod around the lake edge and boat ramps. periods as the launch area crowds and Golden Perch. Stakeholders the foreshore area used by the public. 3.1.2 Objectives highlighted the long-term The consultation process for Plan continuation of these stocking development also identified concerns To provide a safe and equitable access programs as a key concern during the regarding safety risks associated for all boat users. consultation process. The Myrtleford with irresponsible use of powered Angling Club is located on leased watercraft, particularly personal 3.1.3 Actions land on the western perimeter of the watercraft. Powered watercraft can storage at the Marshalls Ridge. also cause environmental and amenity 9. Continue to work with Transport concerns such as erosion and noise. Safety Victoria to review and Some lake users have reported amend the current zoning rules concerns regarding European Carp All waters of Lake Buffalo are subject to around the storage. populations. Carp not only compete State inland waters boat operating and with native fish species, but can zoning rules. Boats must not exceed 10. Establish consistent signage at all also have adverse impacts on water 5 knots within 50 metres of the shore, boating access points to improve quality. Carp control is further another vessel or swimmers. At Lake awareness of boating safety issues. discussed in Section 4.2: Invasive Buffalo access lanes at both the Main Species. Potential for fish deaths was Recreation Area and Marshalls Ridge 11. Consider feasibility for relocation raised as an issue, particularly during allow for boats involved in skiing to of Main Recreation Area boat ramp periods of very low water levels. approach and depart the shore. away from Myrtleford Boat Club to avoid overcrowding. Alternatively, Management agencies need to No swimming is allowed within 50 consider options for increasing collaborate to manage fish stocking metres of a boat ramp that is being supporting infrastructure such as and fish mortality when water levels used or about to be used. access tracks and trailer parking to are low. Clean up management disperse impacts. practices also need to be considered It has been identified that the current should fish deaths occur. zoning rules for Lake Buffalo need to 12. Establish improved resourcing, be reviewed to support safe boating at monitoring and enforcement of 3.2.1 Key Issues the storage. Stakeholders suggested boating activities. that increased compliance activities • Maintenance of fish stocks for during peak use periods are required 3.1.4 Stakeholders recreational angling. to ensure greater adherence of powered watercraft users to current Goulburn-Murray Water, Transport • Potential for fish deaths, speed limits. Stakeholders highlighted Safety Victoria, Victoria Police, Alpine particularly during periods of very improved signage with regard to Shire Council, Myrtleford Boat Club. low water levels. speed limits and safety risks as a • Compliance issues associated with strategy for improving on-water safety 3.2 Fishing fishing season and bag limits. during the consultation process. Fishing is regulated by Fisheries 3.2.2 Objectives 3.1.1 Key Issues Victoria (Department of Environment and Primary Industries) under the To maintain and enhance a sustainable • Congestion of the storage at some Fisheries Act 1995 and Fisheries mixed species recreational fishery locations during peak use periods Regulations 2009 in conjunction with within Lake Buffalo. (e.g. Main Recreation Area boat Specific Management Plans such as the North East Fisheries Management ramp and Myrtleford Boat Club). 3.2.3 Actions Plan. The goal of the Plan is to “manage • Lack of awareness of boating rules recreational fisheries resources in the 13. Implementation of by waterway users. North East Region in accordance with recommendations in the North ESD [Environmentally Sustainable • Potential environment and East Fisheries Management Plan Development] principles” (Department (2007) that relate to sustainable amenity impacts associated of Primary Industries, 2007). with powered watercraft. recreational fishing in Lake Buffalo.
• Lack of available resources 3.2.4 Stakeholders of agencies for monitoring Fisheries Victoria, Goulburn-Murray and compliance of boating Water, Myrtleford Angling Club. rules on the waterways.
12 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 3.3 Hunting 3.4 Public Facilities and
Deer hunting is permitted and is a Infrastructure popular activity along the Buffalo River Most infrastructure around Lake within the Mount Buffalo National Buffalo is related to recreational Park. Sambar Deer are the primary activities, such as boating and target for hunters in the Lake Buffalo picnicking. Infrastructure is located catchment. Deer hunting is not within the two reserves located permitted on storage perimeter land at Marshalls Ridge and the Main outside the National Park. Recreation Area. The reserves contain shelters, playgrounds, public There has also been a long history of toilet blocks (including supporting wild duck hunting on Lake Buffalo. infrastructure such as effluent Duck hunting is permitted on a evaporation ponds and treatment seasonal basis, generally from mid- systems), picnic tables and chairs, roads, March to early June. Hunting from car parks, viewing areas and boat ramps. powerboats is not permitted when the motor is running, whether the vessel is Stakeholders highlighted concerns in motion or not. Firearm regulations about the recent removal of the wood apply to shooting near dwellings and barbeque facility at Marshalls Ridge restrictions apply within one kilometre and a consequent increase in illegally of any storage structure. lit fires at this location. Options are being considered for a new barbeque Hunters must be aware of the proximity facility within the recreation area. of hunting to recreational users of the storage, as well as the requirement that Given most infrastructure was there is no camping at the site and to built around the time the lake was take rubbish home with them. constructed, it is relatively old and in need of upgrade and maintenance. 3.3.1 Key Issues Limited grant funding is available to • Hunters crossing into areas where construct new facilities around the hunting is not permitted. storage and there is no direct funding source for ongoing maintenance. • Hunters not complying with firearms and hunting regulations. The consultation process for Plan development highlighted a number 3.3.2 Objectives of opportunities for improving or developing new infrastructure. This Increased education and awareness to includes construction of walking and improve hunting behaviour and provide cycling trails around the lake foreshore, clarity regarding the management roles playground upgrades, planting of and responsibilities between agencies. shade trees and construction of boardwalks and rest areas around 3.3.3 Actions the Main Recreation Area.
14. Develop agency management A new toilet block has been agreements that provide constructed at the Main Recreation hunters with clear and concise Area. The toilet block and associated information about areas where effluent management system at hunting is permitted. Marshalls Ridge does not currently meet EPA requirements for onsite 15. Improve education and awareness wastewater management due to its to encourage protection of the close proximity to full storage water environment and compliance with level. Options are being considered firearms and hunting regulations. to address this issue, including replacement of the toilet block and 3.3.4 Stakeholders upgrading of the effluent system to Department of Environment and meet current best practice. Primary Industries, Goulburn-Murray Water, Parks Victoria and Field and Game Australia.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 13 A more detailed assessment of 3.4.4 Stakeholders 3.5.1 Key Issues facilities is required to determine priorities for investment. This should Goulburn-Murray Water, Alpine • No official designated be closely aligned with population and Shire Council, Department camping areas around the visitor forecasts and demand. Costs for of Transport, Department of foreshore of Lake Buffalo. maintaining and upgrading reserves Environment and Primary Industries, and associated public infrastructure Hancock Victorian Plantations. • Illegal camping. are significant. Potential partnerships 3.5.2 Objectives with other organisations and agencies 3.5 Camping should be considered for upgrade or To manage impacts of camping on Camping is not currently permitted development of reserve infrastructure. water quality, public safety and the around the foreshore of Lake Buffalo. foreshore environment. 3.4.1 Key Issues However, there are a number of sites in the broader catchment where 3.5.3 Actions • Aging infrastructure in need of illegal camping is known to occur. upgrade and maintenance. These include those on the Buffalo 19. Determine the feasibility of low Arm, located on land managed by impact camping sites in the Lake • Need for more toilets, seating and the Department of Environment and Buffalo catchment. shelters around the foreshore. Primary Industries and a site on the Yarrarabula Arm located on Goulburn- 20. Undertake compliance activities to • Funding for upkeep and upgrade Murray Water managed land. prevent illegal camping activities. of infrastructure. The Myrtleford Boat Club and Angling • Lack of walking and cycling trails 3.5.4 Stakeholders Club also hold events once or twice around the storage. per year at Lake Buffalo that allows Goulburn Murray Water, Alpine • Removal of wood barbeque at camping on the Club lease site. Shire Council and Department of Marshalls Ridge resulting in increase Environment and Primary Industries. Camping on the Club managed land is in illegal fires in the area. permitted as part of the permit conditions 3.6 Emergency • Onsite wastewater management at for Club sites and subject to adequate Management and Safety Marshalls Ridge does not comply facilities being provided by the Club. with current EPA requirements. The consultation process for plan In addition to safety issues relevant to boating, as discussed in Section 3.4.2 Objectives development recommended the introduction of minimum impact 3.1: Boating, a number of other safety issues are relevant to Lake Buffalo. To improve public infrastructure camping sites within the Lake Buffalo and work with other agencies catchment area. The issues are Examples include the safe maintenance to obtain funding for upgrades managing the impact of camping, of facilities and infrastructure, and and maintenance. including human waste and the safety concerns relating to the isthmus potential impact on water quality. of land between the boat ramp and 3.4.3 Actions This could be managed by developing the “island” during periods of low appropriate management and water. Stakeholders also highlighted 16. Identify the scale and type controls to ensure protection of the lack of mobile phone coverage of infrastructure upgrades, natural environment. Public / private over parts of the storage area as an additional infrastructure partnerships were suggested as a important safety issue. and services required. potential opportunity for campground management. The Nug Nug Reserve Goulburn-Murray Water maintains a 17. Estimate the long term resident was cited as a working example of a risk register of public facilities on its and visitor demand on and public campground managed by a land. This incorporates a prioritised list around the lake and ensure that volunteer committee within the area. of management actions required to infrastructure provision is aligned manage public safety. A high priority with demand. During the consultation, stakeholders for Goulburn-Murray Water is the also suggested consideration of implementation of a best practice 18. Work with other agencies to opportunities for opening up the identify funding opportunities risk management approach for the waters edge at select locations for management of public safety in all for the upkeep and maintenance caravans and campervans. of infrastructure around the lake. publicly accessible areas of the storage.
14 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 The consultation process for Plan 3.6.1 Key Issues development highlighted the importance of Lake Buffalo in provision • Impacts of flood events of water for fire fighting. Fire trucks use resulting in flood debris and boat ramps wherever possible to avoid impacts to standing timber impacts to the foreshore. Country Fire and recreational users. Authority requirements need to be considered as part of any proposed • A requirement for improved upgrade to boat ramps. interagency cooperation around emergency management. The large number of submerged trees within the 5 knot zones around the edge 3.6.2 Objectives of the storage and along the Buffalo, The establishment and Yarrarabula and Cropper Arms can present implementation of effective a boating safety issue. Furthermore, emergency management submerged areas within these zones arrangements to improve the become a safety issue when the safety of recreational lake users. storage drops to certain levels.
In the floods during the summer 3.6.3 Actions of 2010/11, a large amount of 21. Emergency services and relevant debris and timber washed into agencies meet regularly to improve the storage causing dam safety and coordinate emergency and boating issues. In 2011 grant management / response. funding from Department of Transport was made available to 22. Enhance existing information restore facilities at Lake Buffalo materials for Lake Buffalo damaged during the 2010 floods. to increase awareness of issues relating to emergency Historical flood events at the storage management and safety. have highlighted the need to plan and coordinate emergency responses and 23. Engage media / communication clarify roles. This issue was highlighted resources to communicate safety in the recent report Review of the and compliance messages to 2010–11 Flood Warnings and Response recreational storage users. (Comrie, 2011). The report took into account extensive community 24. Seek input from emergency consultation with flood-affected towns services regarding methods across Victoria and outlines the need for for locating lake users in reform in four key areas: case of emergency.
• The need for clarification of roles 3.6.4 Stakeholders and responsibilities with respect to flood planning, modelling, warnings Victoria Police, Transport Safety and clean up. Victoria, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire • Improvement and auditing of Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water. emergency management planning at State, regional and local levels.
• For operational purposes, to adopt an ‘all hazards, all agencies approach to emergency management’.
• Greater community involvement in managing risks and planning for emergencies.
Victoria Police coordinates the response to emergency incidents on Lake Buffalo. The Country Fire Authority, Victorian State Emergency Services and Ambulance Victoria all have a support role in response to emergency incidents.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 15 3.7 Tourism and Economic Currently, no tourism strategy has 3.7.3 Actions been specifically developed for Lake Development Buffalo. A tourism strategy is required 25. Commission a study to estimate the long term resident and Although the storage was built that includes information and strategic visitor demand on and around primarily to supply water for irrigation, direction relating to storage operation. the storage in order to inform a recreation and tourism industry It should guide businesses and decisions about future tourism has evolved. This has generated commercial operators on operating opportunities and developments. significant economic and social within the constraints imposed by fluctuating water levels. The strategy benefits to the local region. The 26. Determine actions to support economic value of recreation at should include guidelines relating to preferred and appropriate commercial tourism at Lake Buffalo (e.g. Lake Buffalo has been estimated at picnic areas that include parking $114,000 per year (GMW, 2007). ventures and consider links with Buffalo Valley and Mount Buffalo suitable for buses). National Park. Studies are required to The consultation process for Plan 27. Develop a Recreation Master Plan estimate the long term resident and development highlighted concerns for Lake Buffalo. regarding the impacts of increased visitor demand on and around the lake visitation numbers on safety and prior to strategy development. 3.7.4 Stakeholders the environment. Recreational and tourism ventures such as sustainable 3.7.1 Key Issues Goulburn-Murray Water, Alpine Shire ‘eco lodges’ that do not adversely Council and commercial operators. • Potential for increased visitation impact on lake operations, water numbers to pose environmental quality, environmental values or public and economic impacts. 3.8 References safety and access are encouraged. DPI, 2007, North East Fisheries Preference was given to recreational • Lack of infrastructure to support Management Plan, August 2007, and tourism developments that tourism activities. can adapt to fluctuating water Management Report Series No. 48. levels. Private investment in tourism 3.7.2 Objectives ventures needs to be supported Goulburn-Murray Water, 2007, Lake by detailed feasibility studies and Encourage recreation and tourism Buffalo Water Quality and Biodiversity integrated Council planning for ventures that will not adversely Management Plan (Draft). recreation and tourism development. impact on lake operations, water Goulburn-Murray Water, 2012, website, quality, environmental values or http://www.g-mwater.com.au public safety and access. Tourism Victoria (2008), Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy – 2008 – 2012.
16 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 4. ENVIRONMENT & CULTURAL HERITAGE
Although most significantly altered Re-establishment of native by the damming of the Buffalo River, vegetation around the lake has the Lake Buffalo catchment has had a positive influence on water changed since European settlement. quality. Goulburn-Murray Water in Nevertheless, Lake Buffalo and its partnership with Greening Australia surrounding catchment area support has recently undertaken 180 hectares a diverse range of environmental of revegetation works along the and aesthetic values. Terrestrial Yarrarabula Arm. Revegetation works vegetation around the foreshore on the lake perimeter land should be provides important habitat for native encouraged and supported where species and protects water quality appropriate. Other options include by filtering nutrients, reducing the working with the North East Catchment inflow of sediments and stabilising the Management Authority, local Landcare foreshore and banks of connecting groups and other relevant agencies to tributaries. The lake itself provides investigate the funding of incentive habitat for a diverse range of schemes for revegetation works. aquatic species including fish, macro invertebrates and plants. Invasive weed species can have a significant impact on This Plan should be read in terrestrial flora values (refer to conjunction with other relevant Section 4.2: Invasive Species). regional strategies including, but not limited to the North East Regional Native resident fish species in Lake Catchment Strategy (2012), North Buffalo listed under the Commonwealth East Regional River Health Strategy Environment Protection and Biodiversity (2005), North East Native Vegetation Conservation Act (EPBC Act) 1999 and Plan (2005) and the Ovens Basin Water the Victorian Flora Fauna Guarantee Act Quality Strategy (2000). (FFG Act) 1988 include Golden Perch, Trout Cod and Murray Cod.
4.1 Flora and Fauna Lake Buffalo contains small pockets of standing dead timber that are likely to A significant proportion of the Lake provide important habitat for aquatic Buffalo catchment comprises the fauna. However, the standing dead Mount Buffalo National Park and State timber has also been identified as a Forest. Relatively intact undisturbed safety hazard by recreational users, forest adjoins approximately 50 per particularly in locations where there cent of the storage. are high levels of boating activity The northern, eastern and western (refer to Section 3.1: Boating). catchment areas support intact Generally, relocating dead trees stands of native forest. High value (standing or fallen) should only stands of native forest are located be permitted in clearly justified toward the west of the catchment in circumstances. In the event that any the Cropper Creek production area. timber or large woody debris is removed, Vegetation consists predominantly of it should be relocated safely to an broad-leaf peppermint occurring at alternative area in the waterbody. An lower elevations and on drier aspects. important criterion for approval of Pockets of narrow-leaf peppermint such proposals is the demonstration also occur in sheltered basins and of a net habitat enhancement. on moister aspects. Although there In some parts of the lake an is some awareness of flora species increase in dead trees may create endemic to the lake and immediate potential conflict with recreational surrounds, further detailed flora surveys interests due to safety issues. undertaken by local environment groups would be beneficial (Soil Conservation Authority, 1984).
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 17 4.1.1 Key Issues Weed management activities on 31. Investigate the application of the public foreshore and lake bed innovative Carp control measures • Impacts of invasive species on areas of Lake Buffalo are generally for Lake Buffalo. terrestrial flora and fauna. undertaken by Goulburn-Murray Water and grazing licence holders. 32. Support Department of • Conflict between aquatic habitat The North East Regional Catchment Environment and Primary conservation and recreational Strategy (2011) identifies priority Industries and other agencies boating safety (e.g. dead trees). areas for weed control works on to minimise the impacts waterways. The North East Catchment of pest animals on the 4.1.2 Objectives Management Authority may provide surrounding communities to the lake and environment. Improved protection and financial assistance for the removal enhancement of native flora and fauna. / control of weeds or overgrown vegetation in these areas. 4.2.4 Stakeholders 4.1.3 Actions Pest animal species currently Goulburn-Murray Water, North East Catchment Management Authority, 28. Support foreshore vegetation impacting on the Lake Buffalo area Department of Environment works in riparian areas to protect include rabbits, foxes, hares, pigs, and Primary Industries, and biodiversity values and enhance goats and invasive species such as cats. Field and Game Australia. visual amenity. Carp also pose a serious threat to the health of the storage and surrounding 29. Promote and implement tributaries and streams. Carp 4.3 Water Quality management strategies to monitor, reproduce quickly and can tolerate Good water quality is critical in protect and enhance aquatic a broad range of environmental supporting a range of values that are habitat for native fish species conditions. Their adaptability enables derived either directly or indirectly as identified in the North East them to displace native species. from Lake Buffalo. This includes water Fisheries Management Plan (2007). Currently, there are no programs to manage Carp in the storage. for irrigation, stock and recreation. 4.1.4 Stakeholders Stakeholders suggested that there may Goulburn-Murray Water provides be opportunities to better understand urban water authorities with raw Goulburn-Murray Water, North East and monitor Carp populations in Lake water for a number of small towns. Catchment Management Authority, Buffalo as a part of wider studies, Lake Buffalo also provides raw water Department of Environment and research and control programs. to North East Water for urban water Primary Industries and Parks Victoria. supply for the Rural City of Wangaratta. 4.2.1 Key Issues 4.2 Invasive Species Water authorities have a responsibility • Aquatic and terrestrial weed species under the Safe Drinking Water Act Invasive species, including pest plants impacting on biodiversity values. 2003 to identify and, where possible, and animals, are a major concern to mitigate risks to water quality. This Act public and private land and water • Pest animal species impacting on is aimed at protecting water quality managers. They represent a significant biodiversity values. intended for human consumption. threat to economic productivity and to Water quality within Lake Buffalo environmental values. • Lack of understanding by land managers of their responsibilities in can be influenced by a number of The consultation process for Plan relation to weed control. factors including adjacent land use, development highlighted blackberry storage activities, in-storage processes infestations as a significant concern, • Lack of funding and resources for and the quality of inflows into the particularly in Goulburn-Murray Water control of priority pest and plant storage. Examples of land uses that owned land. The Yarrarabula Arm is animal species. pose high risk to water quality at Lake characterised by significant blackberry Buffalo include road runoff, bushfires 4.2.2 Objectives outbreaks, which have become an and application of pesticides in the catchment. Recreational users of the increasing concern since the cessation To effectively manage invasive species waterway also have the potential to of pine plantation leases following the in Lake Buffalo, the foreshore and impact water quality, and can in turn 2006 bushfires. Other significant weed surrounding environment. species present in the Lake Buffalo be affected by poor water quality. catchment include English Broom and 4.2.3 Actions Good water quality is also important Gorse. Aquatic weed species such as for the preservation and health of Water Lily have also been identified in 30. Develop a prioritised weed aquatic habitat and ecosystems. the Yarrarabula Arm. control program coordinated with agencies and landholders, including the discussion of funding and responsibilities.
18 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 Public awareness of water quality Blue-green algae are naturally issues can be enhanced through occurring bacteria that have the education programs focused on potential to be harmful as they can communicating the importance of make people and animals sick. Low water quality. Catchment activities that levels of blue-green algae are present can impact upon water are discussed in Lake Buffalo. Blue-green algae is in Sections 3 and 5 of this Plan. A full monitored routinely by Goulburn- assessment and identification of risks Murray Water to meet its obligations to water quality has been completed as a local water manager, as directed under Goulburn-Murray Water’s Lake by the Department of Environment Buffalo Water Quality Risk Assessment. and Primary Industries and the Department of Health. Accurate water quality monitoring is important to improve our The Department of Environment understanding of the trends in and Primary Industries and the biophysical and chemical parameters Department of Health set a maximum in inland rivers, water storages and algae level considered safe (GMW, streams. Understanding these trends 2009). Goulburn-Murray Water issues allows land and water resource warnings when the level of blue-green managers to develop strategies, algae exceeds the safe level. Goulburn- actions and frameworks to address Murray Water has developed incident water quality decline and any response plans for all water major threatening processes impacting on storages including Lake Buffalo. A large the water resource. The quality of number of factors can influence the water is a reflection of the state, use growth of blue-green algae including and management of the catchment weather, light availability, flow / feeding Lake Buffalo. turbulence and algae food (nutrient) levels. A warning for blue-green algae Water quality in Lake Buffalo has has never been issued at Lake Buffalo. been regularly monitored as part of the Major Storages Operation The North East Catchment Monitoring Program that commenced Management Authority has a number in 1992. Basic physico-chemical of strategies in place for targeting factors and blue-green algae are water quality issues as documented monitored monthly; major ions are in the North East Catchment monitored every six months. Results Management Authority Regional River are summarised and analysed yearly Health Strategy (2005). (GMW, 2012). 4.3.1 Key Issues Water quality in Lake Buffalo is considered to be relatively good, • Impacts of natural events and particularly when compared to human activities on water quality other water storages. This is likely and aquatic ecosystem health. to be attributable to less intensive farming in the catchment, combined • Assurance that effective with the presence of large forested monitoring of water quality areas and its position in the upper is being implemented. catchment. Bushfires in the Lake Buffalo catchment in 2003, 2006 and 4.3.2 Objectives 2007 burned a significant proportion Maintain targeted and effective water of the catchment and are likely to be quality monitoring and management the cause of higher turbidity levels. to improve our understanding of This is due to large post-fire inputs of biophysical and chemical parameters sediment and ash to streams flowing and to develop effective management into Lake Buffalo (Smith et al, 2011 and strategies and frameworks to identify GMW, 2012). The relevant water quality and where applicable address water guideline value for turbidity at Lake quality issues. Buffalo is low (5 NTU) and there have been a number of years since the fires when this value has been exceeded.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 19 4.3.3 Actions The current status of Aboriginal and Smith H, Cawson J, Sheridan G and European heritage at Lake Buffalo Lane P (2011), Desktop review – Impact 33. Support the implementation of has not been specifically investigated of bushfires on water quality. For the relevant actions included in the and is not well understood or Australian Government Department North East Regional Catchment documented. Goulburn-Murray Water of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Strategy (2013) and Regional River will seek to work collaboratively Population and Communities, 18 Health Strategy (2005). with key stakeholders including March 2011. the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal 34. Review existing water quality Corporation and other relevant North East CMA (2013), North East monitoring programs to ensure agencies and stakeholders to improve Regional Catchment Strategy. they are aligned with the hazards understanding and protection of North East CMA (2005), North East stipulated in the Safe Drinking heritage items at Lake Buffalo. Water Act 2003 and Regulations, Regional River Health Strategy 2005. Regional Catchment Strategies and 4.4.1 Key Issues related NRM objectives. North East CMA (2005), North East • Lack of understanding of the Native Vegetation Strategy 2005. 35. Actively support partner current status of Aboriginal and North East CMA (2000), Ovens Water agencies in the protection and European heritage within the Lake Quality Strategy 2000. enhancement of water quality Buffalo catchment. within the catchment. GMW (2012a), Blue Green Algae 4.4.2 Objectives 4.3.4 Stakeholders Incident Response Plan Lake Buffalo: Site Specific Information. Protect Aboriginal and European Goulburn-Murray Water, Environment cultural heritage sites at Lake Buffalo. Protection Authority, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 4.4.3 Actions North East Catchment Management Authority and North East Water. 36. Support initiatives to enhance identification and protection 4.4 Cultural Heritage of Aboriginal and European cultural heritage. The management and protection of Aboriginal and European heritage 4.4.4 Stakeholders located within the Lake Buffalo catchment is the responsibility of Goulburn-Murray Water, Aboriginal all government agencies in control Affairs Victoria, North East Catchment of land management activities and Management Authority and the local private landowners. Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) if one is appointed. State and Commonwealth legislation provides specific protection for 4.5 References Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage. In particular, the Aboriginal GMW (2012), Goulburn-Murray Heritage Act 2006 and associated Water Major Storages 2011 Water Aboriginal Heritage Regulations (2007) Quality Report. protect Aboriginal heritage and provide a consistent approach to National Parks Service (1996), Mount managing Aboriginal cultural heritage Buffalo National Park Management land use and development proposals. Plan. National Parks Services – There are also other guidelines and Department of Natural Resources and regulations that set standards for Environment, Victoria. June 1996. identification, listing and conservation North East CMA (2005), North of heritage places. East Native Vegetation Plan ISBN 0 9578204 3 7.
Soil Conservation Authority (1984), A proposal for Proclamation Prepared for consideration by the Land Conservation Council.
20 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 5. PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT
Goulburn-Murray Water owns Significant areas of the plantation and manages the lake bed and a were destroyed by fire and storm substantial amount of land around in 2003 and 2006. These areas of Lake Buffalo. The land is public plantation have not been replanted land, existing as either freehold title due to the short period of time vested Crown Land or Crown Land to lease expiry, hence the areas reserved for water supply purposes. have been neglected and not Along with other nearby public actively managed. Negotiations are land managed by other authorities, currently in progress for the grant this land is considered a valuable of a new long term commercial community asset. Effective land forestry lease. The Yarrarabula management is critical for protection Creek Arm of the lease however of environmental, social, cultural and was surrendered and attempts at economic values at Lake Buffalo. rehabilitating this area through native revegetation programs and weed Examples of land management issues control have been implemented, include historical land tenure issues, although with mixed success. potential impacts of grazing and commercial forestry on water quality Goulburn-Murray Water lacks and management of fire risk. Land use sufficient funding to ensure effective and development planning issues are management of its freehold title lands not significant at Lake Buffalo given at Lake Buffalo and hence long term the small proportion of freehold leasing preferably for commercial land which makes up the storage forestry is necessary. Stakeholders catchment area. highlighted this as a key concern during the consultation process for 5.1 Land Tenure Plan development. Issues associated with limited resources for catchment Goulburn-Murray Water owns and management activities have been manages a significant proportion of further exacerbated by Hancock land immediately surrounding the Victorian Plantations reducing its lake. It holds freehold title to over leasehold area for pine plantations in 5,000 hectares of land around the the Yarrarabula Creek Arm area due perimeter of Lake Buffalo that was to fire risk and access difficulties for acquired for the proposed Stage II forestry operations. enlargement of the storage known as “Big Buffalo”. The land around 5.1.1 Key Issues the storage varies from cleared to heavily timbered native forest. Pine • Limited resources to manage large plantations were established in the tracts of Goulburn-Murray Water 1980s and are currently owned by freehold title land and Crown Land Hancock Victorian Plantations Pty Ltd, at Lake Buffalo. a major commercial forestry company, under a lease from Goulburn-Murray 5.1.2 Objectives Water. The lease area is in excess Lease all suitable land for long term of 4,000 hectares although the net commercial forestry and consider plantation area comprises about 1,000 suitable land management options hectares. A small number of grazing for the Yarrarabula Creek Arm, areas of sub-leases exist within the lease native forest and the Crown Land river area. The river and creek Crown Land and creek reserves. Reserves through the area are also currently not actively managed.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 21 5.1.3 Actions Land currently grazed under sub-lease • Limited monitoring of compliance arrangement at Lake Buffalo is known with grazing sub-lease conditions. 37. Investigate suitable land to have been contaminated with management options for biocides due to the application of DDT • Cattle becoming trapped on Goulburn-Murray Water freehold and Dieldrin when the land was used an island between Buffalo land located on the Yarrarabula for tobacco growing. There are concerns and Yarrarabula Arms. Creek Arm, areas of native forest that potential contamination ‘hotspots’ • Termination of grazing with long and the Crown Land river and still exist (GMW, 2007). Cattle grazing term occupants. creek reserves. land previously used for tobacco growing has retained the biocides and 5.2.2 Objectives 38. Proceed with negotiations for a there is evidence to suggest detectable long term lease. levels in the animals’ flesh. There is Well managed, best practice grazing limited potential for the expansion of 5.1.4 Stakeholders and agricultural programs to manage grazing leases due to the presence of and minimise the impacts to stock on Goulburn-Murray Water, Hancock these contaminants at Lake Buffalo. public land. Victorian Plantations, Department of There is currently a small number of Environment and Primary Industries, Eliminate stock grazing as a stock trapped on an island between Parks Victoria and Alpine Shire Council. management tool. the Buffalo Arm and Yarrarabula Arm. Stock are likely to have accessed this 5.2.3 Actions 5.2 Agriculture Land Use area during periods of lower water and Grazing levels. Goulburn-Murray Water is 39. Determine the appropriateness of currently considering options for grazing in the future as part of the Only a small proportion of the removal of stock from this area of land. lease negotiations with Hancock Lake Buffalo catchment is used Victorian Plantations. for agriculture, but the value of Well managed grazing lands can be production is high. Most of the cleared beneficial in controlling weeds and 40. In the interim, reinforce land is under pasture, consisting vegetation growth in foreshore areas, compliance with sub- mainly of sown introduced species particularly where it creates a fire lease conditions through grazed by beef and dairy cattle. Some hazard. However, poorly managed adequate monitoring. sheep are grazed mainly for meat grazing can result in public health production. Tobacco was traditionally risks. This is due to faecal matter inputs 41. Investigate strategies for removal the major crop of the area, which was and other water quality issues such of stock from island between cultivated both on the land that is now as increased nutrients contributing Buffalo and Yarrarabula Arms. inundated by Lake Buffalo and in the to nuisance, potentially toxic algal Buffalo Valley downstream of the lake. blooms, erosion, pathogens and 5.2.4 Stakeholders Tobacco production has now been increased turbidity. Unrestricted Goulburn-Murray Water, Hancock replaced by vegetables and viticulture. grazing in foreshore areas can also Victorian Plantations, Department of result in damage to native riparian Environment and Primary Industries, Goulburn-Murray Water does not vegetation, including spread of pest Alpine Shire Council and North East currently issue grazing licences. plant species and destruction of Catchment Management Authority. However currently there are two habitat of native animals (GMW, 2011). grazing sub-leases for grazing on Hancock Victorian Plantations lease Public ownership has effectively 5.3 Permits, Licences and areas in the Lake Buffalo catchment. prevented private development Lease Arrangements To date, there has been limited in the immediate environment monitoring of compliance with the and catchment of Lake Buffalo. As There are two Club leases in place sub-lease conditions, or assessment a consequence, issues commonly at Lake Buffalo; the Myrtleford of the adequacy of conditions. associated with catchment water Angling Club at Marshalls Ridge, Some areas that are not under quality protection, such as the and the Myrtleford Boat Club lease are also being grazed illegally. effects of agricultural production located adjacent to the boat ramp It is proposed to terminate all and grazing, have not arisen. in the Main Recreation Area. grazing in the future as part of the lease negotiations with 5.2.1 Key Issues Event permits are also issued for Hancock Victorian Plantations. various recreational activities. • Potential impacts on stock in In recent years approximately 200 historical tobacco growing areas Issues raised in relation to leases and hectares of agricultural land outside due to biocide accumulation. permits include the lack of clarity of the plantation lease was licensed by regarding conditions, overly onerous Goulburn-Murray Water for copping • Poorly managed grazing land conditions, lack of compliance with purposes only however these areas are resulting in water quality decline, conditions and excessive cost. currently vacant and negotiations are public health risks and damage to in progress for these to be occupied for native riparian vegetation. the purpose of commercial forestry.
22 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 5.3.1 Key Issues Goulburn-Murray Water implements annual Fire Protection Plans to address • The need for further information to potential fire risks on and around assist occupiers in making decisions storages and along the delivery about lease agreements. network. Goulburn-Murray Water has also implemented a range of programs 5.3.2 Objectives in partnership with local Councils, the Country Fire Authority and Department To establish a cooperative partnership of Environment and Primary Industries between lease and permit holders, to to identify and address potential fire risks provide an appropriate, well maintained on and around its storages and along the perimeter land around Lake Buffalo. delivery network to reduce fire risk. This 5.3.3 Actions cooperative approach with the Country Fire Authority and other relevant 42. Proactively consult with occupiers agencies will continue into the future. regarding the conditions of their The Alpine Shire Council is lease agreements and deal with currently preparing a Municipal cases of repeated non-compliance. Fire Management Plan. Club sites 5.3.4 Stakeholders are required to have updated Fire Management Plans in place as part Goulburn-Murray Water, permit and of their lease agreement. These plans lease holders. have been developed in partnership with the Country Fire Authority, 5.4 Fire Management Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria Police and Vegetation around storages can pose other agencies and community groups. a significant fire risk to neighbouring properties and recreational users. Hancock Victorian Plantations is Public land managers are obliged a significant stakeholder in fire to responsibly manage fire risk management at Lake Buffalo and on land around Lake Buffalo. The has its own fire fighting equipment lighting of illegal fires around the and appropriately trained staff. storage is also a potential problem The company declares “black” days identified during the consultation when staff do not attend work as the process for plan development. conditions are deemed unsafe, even if a total fire ban has not been declared. Fire hazards tend to increase during periods of low storage levels. This is Following the events of Black Saturday because vegetation areas effectively on 7 February 2009, the State increase in parallel with the drying lake Government has taken a number of bed. However, this is not a significant steps to address and reduce bushfire issue at Lake Buffalo. risk to the Victorian population. One of these steps is the capacity The consultation process for plan of the Government to declare development also highlighted certain days as ‘Code Red’ days. On the importance of Lake Buffalo in ‘Code Red’ days any activity on and providing water for fire suppression around Lake Buffalo, including use activities. Trucks, planes and by the public, will be guided by the helicopters all access the storage recommendations of Goulburn-Murray for re-filling during wild fire events. Water, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and the Country Fire Authority.
5.4.1 Key issues
• Illegally lit fires around storage.
• Vegetation around the storage can pose a significant fire risk to neighbouring properties and recreational users.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 23 5.4.2 Objectives 5.4.4 Stakeholders
To ensure responsible management Department of Environment and of fire risks at Lake Buffalo. Primary Industries, Country Fire Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and 5.4.3 Actions Alpine Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee. 43. Manage fire risks around Lake Buffalo through annual Fire 5.5 References Protection Plans prepared by Goulburn-Murray Water. Ensure EPA, 2008, Code of Practice – Onsite Fire Protection Plans take account Wastewater Management. of supply levels within Lake Buffalo and include a strategy for Goulburn-Murray Water (2007), Lake managing ‘Code Red’ days. Buffalo Water Quality and Biodiversity Management Plan (Draft). 44. Identify areas of public land suitable for use as Neighbourhood Goulburn-Murray Water (2011), Safer Places in consultation with Managing Stock Access to Goulburn- relevant agencies. Murray Water Storages and Channels to Manage Water Quality Risks, Meeting 45. Integrate and link Fire Protection Minutes, Thursday 10 November 2011. Plans with the Alpine Shire Council’s Municipal Fire DPCD (2009), Planning permit Management Plans. applications in open, potable water supply catchment areas.
24 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 APPENDIX A – OVERVIEW OF STORAGE OPERATIONS
At full supply level Lake Buffalo has Lake Buffalo ensures that adequate a total area of 340 hectares and a reserves of water are available to volume of approximately 23,504 water consumers in the Buffalo-Lower megalitres. The area of the lake is Ovens Valleys and on becoming considered relatively small, compared operational it allowed an immediate to its catchment capabilities. As a expansion of irrigation beginning in result the storage is capable of filling the 1960s. It also provided greater several times in a single year. security of supply and an increase in development. The original purpose of The upstream catchment area Lake Buffalo was to maintain summer is approximately 1,062 square flows for irrigation, stock and domestic kilometres of mountainous, heavily requirement especially during drought. timbered country drained by the Buffalo River and its major tributaries, The towns of Wangaratta and the Catherine, Dandongadale and Myrtleford depend on water from the Rose Rivers and the Yarrarabula Creek catchment for domestic and industrial (known also as the Little River). supplies, while agricultural ventures rely on the catchment water for the Lake Buffalo dam was constructed as irrigation of crops and pasture. the first stage of a proposed much larger dam referred to as “Big Buffalo”. Big Buffalo did not proceed and the current dam was designed to enhance supply to Victorian areas served by the Murray River as well as meeting requirements within the Ovens Valley. A Ministerial Task Force is currently investigating the viability of increasing the capacity of the storage.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 25 APPENDIX B – MAP OF LAKE BUFFALO
Buffalo GOULBURN-MURRAY WATER
S a ek n re d r C y Mayday Creek e C n r re o e C k Hill Cr g Bald ee Lon k E
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B u f f a lo - C a rb o o r R B d r e r C pe r a rop e Yarr d C e ar k ab A u n la d LAKE BUFFALO C ld Rd re B e itfi ek u h t W t - e lo r ffa C Bu re e e k k a L
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B u f fa lo R iv k e e r e R r d C y k Bunyip Creek oc R
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YARRAWONGA SCALE AT A4 1:75,000 Legend 0 0.5 1 2 Other Conservation Reserves Waterbody km
Other Public Land Waterway The content of this product is provided for information purposes only. GMW-13-073 BENALLA No claim is made as to the accuracy of authenticity of the content of the Crown (Appropriated/Vested for SR & WSC) product. In no event will G-MW, its agents, instrumentalities and employees 28 May 2013 be liable for the accuracy of the information contained within this product BRIGHT nor its use of reliance placed on it. The information used within this product GOULBURN-MURRAY WATER GMW Freehold is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the information undertake 40 CASEY STREET (PO BOX 165) responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. TATURA VIC 3616 Ph (03) 5833 5500 Fax (03) 58245827 Unknown [email protected] MANSFIELD
26 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 APPENDIX C – AGENCY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria North East Water www.aboriginalaffairs.vic.gov.au www.nerwa.vic.gov.au
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) is the North East Water provides urban water Victorian Government’s central point supply and waste water management of advice on all aspects of Aboriginal to 38 towns, villages and cities in North affairs in Victoria. Currently there is no East Victoria, serving an estimated Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for population of 117,100 people in an the Lake Buffalo catchment. area of approximately 20,000 square kilometres. The region extends from The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act Corryong in the east, along the Murray 2006 recognises Aboriginal people River to Yarrawonga, then south to ‘as primary guardians, keepers and Benalla and the alpine towns of Bright, knowledge holders of Aboriginal Mount Beauty and Dartmouth. cultural heritage’. Registered Aboriginal Parties play a leading Country Fire Authority role in administering the new Act and have well defined www.cfa.vic.gov.au responsibilities at a local level. Country Fire Authority (CFA) is a Alpine Shire Council volunteer and community based fire and emergency services organisation www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au and is responsible for fire and related emergency coordination in rural and Under the Planning and Environment regional areas. Act 1987, local government is responsible for ensuring that Department of Health land is used and developed in an environmentally, economically and www.health.vic.gov.au socially responsible manner, to provide a sustainable future for the community. The Drinking Water Regulatory Section within the Department of Alpine Shire Council is the authority Health (DoH) has responsibility for with responsibility for statutory the implementation and oversight of planning matters, waste management the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and services and management of animals the Safe Drinking Water Regulations and local law enforcement. (2005) on behalf of the Secretary to the Department of Human Services. Bureau of Meteorology The primary functions of this section are to oversee the implementation of, www.bom.vic.gov.au and monitor compliance with, the Act and Regulations. The functions of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is the Department of Human Services are to: main provider of weather forecasts, warnings and observations to the • Protect public health in relation Australian public and is responsible to the supply of drinking water. for issuing flood alerts in Australia. Monitor and enforce compliance with this Act and the Regulations.
• Report on the performance of water suppliers and water storage managers in relation to the requirements imposed on them under this Act.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 27 • Investigate and report on any Department of Environment State environment protection policies aspect of drinking water quality in (SEPPs) are subordinate legislation Victoria. Make recommendations and Primary Industries made under the provisions of the to the Minister for Health on any www.depi.vic.gov.au Environment Protection Act 1970. matter relating to drinking water or Under the Act the requirements in regulated water. The Department of Environment environmental regulations, works and Primary Industries (DEPI) approvals, licences and other • Promote industry and public focuses on boosting productivity in regulatory tools, must be consistent awareness and understanding of Victoria’s world-class food and fibre with SEPPs. The SEPP (Waters of drinking water quality issues. sector, managing natural resources, Victoria) applies to all surface waters protecting the environment and of Victoria and aims to provide The Drinking Water Regulatory responding to fire, flood and a coordinated approach for the Section works with the Victorian biosecurity emergencies. protection and, where necessary, water industry, other units within rehabilitation of the health of Victoria’s the Department of Health, key The Department leads the Victorian water environments. This policy stakeholders and other government Government’s efforts to sustainably protects the environmental values, departments to deliver the regulatory manage water resources and beneficial uses and associated social objectives of the Act. catchments, climate change, and economic values of the water bushfires, parks and other public land, environment to ensure that the needs Department of Planning forests, biodiversity and ecosystem of current and future generations and Community conservation. The Department are met. Specific schedules to SEPP Development provides leadership in conservation, (Waters of Victoria) deal with specific water management, statewide individual catchments. www.dpcd.vic.gov.au planning, urban development and public land management including Goulburn-Murray Water The Department of Planning and forests, coasts, alpine resorts, Crown Community Development (DPCD) Land reserves and parks. www.g-mwater.com.au has a central role in managing Victoria’s growth and development Fisheries Victoria is part of the Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and building stronger communities. Department of Environment and maintains and manages the water The Department of Planning and Primary Industries and regulates supply operations, maintenance and Community Development works the taking of fish species and safety of Lake Buffalo. Goulburn- collaboratively with local government advocacy across all natural resource Murray Water manages lake bed and other key public and private management agencies. and public foreshore land, and stakeholders to lead State and is responsible for licensing and The Department of Environment and metropolitan development, strategic approving structures on the Lake Primary Industries has been formed and statutory planning, development Buffalo foreshore. from the Department of Sustainability regulation, and environmental and Environment and the Department Goulburn-Murray Water also assessment. The municipal Council of Primary Industries. has statutory responsibilities in is usually the responsible authority coordination of the blue-green for issuing planning permits and algae monitoring and response administering the planning scheme Environment Protection program, and as a storage manager and should be contacted for local Authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act and property specific planning 2003. Goulburn-Murray Water is a advice. The Department of Planning www.epa.vic.gov.au statutory referral authority for all and Community Development Environment Protection Authority development applications in the regional offices work in partnership (EPA) is a statutory authority Alpine Shire which is within the with councils and stakeholders established under the Environment Declared Water Supply Catchment. to deliver State Government Protection Act 1970. It exists to ensure policies and programs. They assess the protection of beneficial uses of planning scheme amendments air, water and land from the adverse and provide planning advice and impacts of waste and unwanted noise guidance. The regional offices The EPA also jointly administers the are the local ‘shop front’ for a Pollution of Waters by Oils and Noxious wide range of the Department’s Substances Act (POWBONS Act) 1986 services including statutory and and the Pollution of Waters by Oil and strategic planning information. Noxious Substances Regulations (2002) with the Department of Transport. The Environment Protection Authority also oversees the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria).
28 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 North East Catchment standards for commercial vessels and boating safety, licensing and registration Management Authority for commercial and recreational vessels. www.necma.vic.gov.au Victoria Police The North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) is www.police.vic.gov.au a statutory authority responsible for Victoria Police is the primary law coordinating integrated catchment enforcement agency of Victoria. Victoria management and sustainable land Police is responsible for the enforcement and water use in north eastern of Victorian laws in relation to land and Victoria. The region’s main river on-water uses of Lake Buffalo. catchments include the Ovens, King, Kiewa, Mitta Mitta and Upper Murray which form part of the VicRoads Murray-Darling Basin. The Catchment www.vicroads.vic.gov.au Management Authority fulfills its charter through the preparation, VicRoads supports Victoria’s liveability coordination and implementation and economic prosperity by planning, of the North East Regional developing and managing the Catchment Strategy, where the arterial road network and delivering Catchment Management Authority registration and licensing services. has operational responsibility for waterway and floodplain Victorian State management in priority areas. Emergency Service The North East Catchment Management Authotity has approval www.ses.vic.gov.au authority responsibility for works Victorian State Emergency Service or activities on waterways, such (SES) works to ensure the safety of as the Buffalo River. The North Victorian communities by responding East Catchment Management to emergency disasters across the Authority is also a statutory state. The Victorian State Emergency authority in the planning process Service is the control agency during for proposed works in areas subject emergency responses to floods, to flooding, and has a role in storms, earthquakes and tsunamis in gathering and sharing flood data. Victoria, and is the largest provider of road crash rescue in the state. Transport Safety Victoria www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au WorkSafe
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is www.worksafe.vic.gov.au the integrated safety regulator for bus, maritime and rail transport. WorkSafe is responsible for enforcing This regulatory function is exercised Victoria’s work place safety laws and through the establishment of the helping to prevent work place injuries. independent statutory office of the Director, Transport Safety (Safety Parks Victoria Director) under the Transport Integration Act (TI Act) 2010. parkweb.vic.gov.au Transport Safety Victoria exists to support the statutory object and Parks Victoria is a statutory authority, functions of the Safety Director. created by the Parks Victoria Act 1998 and reporting to the Minister for Transport Safety Victoria is responsible Environment and Climate Change. for determining standards and Parks Victoria is responsible for procedures for navigation and managing an expanding and diverse maritime safety on state waters, estate covering more than 4 million including all inland waters such hectares, or about 17 per cent, of as rivers, creeks, canals, lakes and Victoria, as well as a representative reservoirs. Responsibilities also include system of marine national parks and qualification, crewing and construction marine sanctuaries.
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 29 APPENDIX D – AGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Issue Agency* Aboriginal cultural heritage AAV Agricultural licensing GMW Animal management (e.g. dogs) Council Aquatic vegetation and weeds GMW, DEPI Boating management – zones, buoys, signage GMW, TSV Boating management – policing and enforcement Victoria Police, GMW, TSV Blue-green algae GMW, DEPI Camping GMW, Council Commercial operations, developments and events Council, GMWl Dam operations (lake level and storage releases) GMW Duck hunting DEPI, Victoria Police, GMW Emergency management Victoria Police, CFA, SES Environmental incident (pollution, spills, noise, reportable incidents, etc.) EPA Erosion (public foreshore land) GMW Event licensing – on water GMW Event licensing – foreshore land GMW Event planning approval Council Fishing information (stocking, licensing and enforcement) DEPI Fish habitat management DEPI, NECMA Fish deaths EPA, DEPI, GMW Flood warnings BoM Foreshore works approval and licensing (jetties, moorings, etc.) GMW Illegal activity and anti social behaviour Victoria Police Pest plant and animals (public foreshore) GMW, DEPI Planning and development Council, DPCD Public reserves and facilities (e.g. boat ramps, toilets, playground GMW equipment, BBQs, roads, etc.) Rubbish and litter GMW, DEPI, EPA Trees and foreshore (riparian) vegetation DEPI, GMW, NECMA Timber (lake bed standing and remnants) GMW, DEPI Tourist information (general) Tourist Information Centres Water quality (blue-green algae) GMW, DEPI Water supply (non-reticulated stock and domestic licensing) GMW Water supply (downstream storage releases) GMW Weed management (public land) GMW, DEPI, Council
* Primary contact in bold font
30 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 APPENDIX E – COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SUMMARY
The consultation activities Qualitative data was collected by a for this project consist of two range of methods including: rounds of consultation: • Facilitator/interviewer notes. • Round One aimed to identify key issues, suggestions for tackling • “Six Thinking Hats” exercise those issues, and ideas for the (used to explore the topic from development of a vision. a range of perspectives).
• Round Two to test the Draft Plan. • “Flags on Map” exercise (used to identify issues and solutions). A variety of consultation activities were undertaken throughout Round One of • Information gathered the project. Activities have included: throughout these consultation activities has informed the • A ‘Have a Say Day’ on site at Lake development of the Draft Plan. Buffalo (39 people interviewed). A second round of consultations • Government agencies workshop (12 to test the Draft Plan provided attendees representing 7 agencies). participants with the opportunity to make comment on the draft. Their • Community ‘Have a Say’ meeting in feedback has informed the finalisation Myrtleford (5 present). of the Plan. • One-on-one focused interviews conducted with targeted stakeholders / community representatives and landholders either in person or via telephone (6 interviews).
• An online questionnaire for people unable to attend the consultation activities. The survey link was distributed by Goulburn-Murray Water’s e-newsletter, media releases, Goulburn-Murray Water website and to people who indicated they were unable to attend meetings and interviews (5 respondents).
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 31 APPENDIX F – SUMMARY OF ACTIONS Note: The lead agency principally responsible for each action is highlighted in bold text in the table below alongside key supporting agencies. The lead agency does not have a statutory or legal obligation to carry out the action. The lead agency is responsible for initiating and coordinating the action in collaboration with other agencies.
Action No. Action Lead Agency Plan implementation
Establish a Lake Buffalo Plan Implementation Group to guide the GMW, NECMA, Council, 1. implementation of the Plan and communicate the priorities in the Plan. Parks Victoria
Education and awareness Develop a proactive communication and awareness campaign to provide up to date information to recreational users on the status of water levels 2. GMW in the storage. Information should include planned maintenance activities that may impact on recreational user groups. 3. Work with user groups to understand their information requirements. GMW Encourage and support processes that involve community and users 4. GMW, Council in the recreational amenity of the Lake Buffalo. Provide clear descriptions of agency roles and responsibilities 5. GMW (refer to Appendix C) and communicate this to the community. Develop a single Code of Conduct for the storage which includes GMW, CFA, Victoria Police, information about user and agency responsibilities relating to boating and Department of Transport, boating safety, camping, hunting, solid waste, and emergency management. 6. Planning and Local The Code of Conduct should also include information about the importance Infrastructure, DEPI, TSV, of designated public access in minimising impacts on the environment NECMA including the impacts of illegal vehicle access on the lake bed. Implement communication actions (e.g. brochures and signage) 7. to promote knowledge of boating rules and to highlight acceptable GMW, TSV boating behaviour. Update the Goulburn-Murray Water website to provide details of 8. GMW development controls and permit, licence and lease procedures. Recreation and Tourism Continue to work with Transport Safety Victoria to review and amend 9. GMW, TSV the current zoning rules around the storage. Establish consistent signage at all boating access points to improve 10. GMW, TSV awareness of boating safety issues. Consider feasibility for relocation of Main Recreation Area boat ramp away from Myrtleford Boat Club to avoid overcrowding. Alternatively, consider GMW, Myrtleford Boat 11. options for increasing supporting infrastructure such as access tracks Club, Council and trailer parking to disperse impacts. Establish improved resourcing, monitoring and enforcement 12. Victoria Police, GMW, TSV of boating activities. Implementation of recommendations in the North East Fisheries 13. Management Plan (2007) that relate to sustainable recreational DEPI fishing in Lake Buffalo. Develop agency management agreements that provide hunters with clear 14. DEPI, GMW, Parks Victoria and concise information about areas where hunting is permitted. Improve education and awareness to encourage protection of the DEPI, GMW, Parks Victoria, 15. environment and compliance with firearms and hunting regulations. Field and Game Australia
32 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 Action No. Action Lead Agency Identify the scale and type of infrastructure upgrades, additional 16. GMW, Council infrastructure and services required. Estimate the long term resident and visitor demand on and around the 17. GMW, Council Lake and ensure that infrastructure provision is aligned with demand. Work with other agencies to identify funding opportunities for the upkeep 18. DEPI and maintenance of infrastructure around the lake. Determine the feasibility of low impact camping sites in the Lake 19. GMW, Council, DEPI Buffalo catchment. 20. Undertake compliance activities with regard to illegal camping activities. GMW, Victoria Police, DEPI Emergency services and relevant agencies meet regularly to improve and Victoria Police, SES, CFA, 21. coordinate emergency management / response. Council, GMW Enhance existing information materials for Lake Buffalo to increase 22. GMW, TSV, CFA awareness of issues relating to emergency management and safety. Engage media / communication resources to communicate safety and 23. GMW, TSV compliance messages to recreational storage users. Seek input from emergency services regarding methods for locating lake Victoria Police, GMW, 24. users in case of emergency. Ambulance Victoria Commission a study to estimate the long term resident and visitor demand 25. on and around the storage in order to inform decisions about future Council, GMW tourism opportunities and developments. Determine actions to support tourism at Lake Buffalo (e.g. picnic areas that Council, GMW, 26. includes parking suitable for buses). commercial operators 27. Develop a Recreation Master Plan for Lake Buffalo. GMW, Council Environment and Cultural Heritage Support foreshore vegetation works in riparian areas to protect 28. GMW, NECMA biodiversity values and enhance visual amenity. Promote and implement management strategies to monitor, protect and 29. enhance habitat for native species as identified in the North East Fisheries DEPI, NECMA Management Plan (2007). Develop a prioritised weed control program coordinated with agencies GMW, DEPI, Hancock 30. and landholders, including the discussion of funding and responsibilities. Victorian Plantations Investigate the application of innovative Carp control measures for 31. DEPI, GMW Lake Buffalo. Support Department of Environment and Primary Industries and other DEPI, NECMA, GMW, 32. agencies to minimise the impacts of pest animals on the surrounding Parks Victoria communities to the lake and environment. Support the implementation of relevant actions included 33. in the North East Regional Catchment Strategy (2013) NECMA, GMW and Regional River Health Strategy (2005). Review existing water quality monitoring programs to ensure they are 34. aligned with the hazards stipulated in the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and GMW, EPA, DEPI, NECMA Regulations, Regional Catchment Strategies and related NRM objectives. Actively support partner agencies in the protection and enhancement of GMW, NECMA, North East 35. water quality within the catchment. Water, EPA
Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 33 APPENDIX F – SUMMARY OF ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
Action No. Action Lead Agency Support initiatives to enhance identification and protection of Aboriginal GMW, AAV, local Aboriginal 36. and European cultural heritage. representatives and groups
Land Management
Investigate suitable land management options for Goulburn-Murray Water 37. freehold land located on the Yarrarabula Creek Arm, areas of native forest GMW and the Crown Land river and creek reserves. GMW, Hancock Victorian 38. Proceed with negotiations for a long-term lease. Plantations Determine the appropriateness of grazing in the future as part of the lease GMW, Hancock Victorian 39. negotiations with Hancock Victorian Plantations. Plantations In the interim, reinforce compliance with sub-lease conditions through GMW, Hancock Victorian 40. adequate monitoring. Plantations Investigate strategies for removal of stock from island between Buffalo and 41. GMW Yarrarabula Arms. Proactively consult with occupiers regarding the conditions of their lease 42. GMW agreements and deal with cases of repeated non-compliance. Manage fire risks around Lake Buffalo through annual Fire Protection Plans GMW, Alpine Municipal prepared by Goulburn-Murray Water. Ensure Fire Protection Plans take 43. Fire Management Planning account of supply levels within Lake Buffalo and include a strategy for Committee, CFA managing ‘Code Red’ days. CFA, Alpine Municipal Fire Identify areas of public land suitable for use as Neighbourhood Safer Places 44. Management Planning in consultation with relevant agencies. Committee, GMW Integrate and link Fire Protection Plans with the Alpine Shire Council’s 45. Council, GMW Municipal Fire Management Plans.
34 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 Lake Buffalo Land and On-Water Management Plan 2014 35 Goulburn-Murray Water PO Box 165 Tatura Vic 3616 Tel 1800 013 357 www.g-mwater.com.au Design by Stanford Marketing 2014 Design by Stanford
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