Hawkesbury Estuary Program 2014 Annual Report

HORNSBY SHIRE COUNCIL Hawkesbury Estuary Program 2013 - 2014 Annual Report

Acknowledgements

The Hawkesbury Estuary Program 2013-2014 Annual Report was produced by Dr Ana Rubio and Dr Peter Coad. Assistance with programs and report contributions were provided by staff from Council’s Natural Resources Branch, Planning Division and Infrastructure and Recreation Division. For further information contact:

Dr Peter Coad Natural Resources Strategy Manager Environment and Human Services Division Hornsby Shire Council Tel: 02 9847 6766 Fax: 02 9847 6598 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary

Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... III TABLE OF FIGURES ...... IV EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 1 HAWKESBURY ESTUARY PROGRAM ...... 4

1.1 APPROACH ...... 4 1.2 GOALS ...... 4 1.3 IMPLEMENTATION ...... 4 2 ON-GROUND WORKS ...... 5

2.1 CLEAN4SHORE PROGRAM ...... 5 2.2 FLOATING LANDCARE ...... 7 2.3 VEGETATION CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF ESTUARINE SITES ...... 8 2.4 FORESHORE REHABILITATION ...... 9 2.4.1 Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve ...... 9 2.4.2 Singleton Rd, Laughtondale ...... 9 2.4.3 One Tree Reach, Laughtondale ...... 9 2.4.4 Bar Island ...... 9 2.4.5 Brooklyn Park & Cole St Brooklyn ...... 10 2.4.6 McKell Park, Brooklyn ...... 10 2.4.7 Kangaroo Point, Brooklyn ...... 10 2.4.8 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn ...... 10 2.5 KANGAROO POINT VESSEL PUMP OUT FACILITY ...... 11 3 COMPLIANCE ...... 13

3.1 RIVERSIDE SETTLEMENT ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT INSPECTIONS ...... 13 3.2 SEAGRASS BEDS PROTECTION ...... 14 4 EDUCATION ...... 15

4.1 BROOKLYN SPRING FAIR AND BUSHLAND FESTIVAL ...... 15 4.2 GUIDED BUSHWALK PROGRAM ...... 16 4.3 BROOKLYN PUBLIC SCHOOL – CONNECTING COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT ...... 17 4.4 SEAGRASS EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ...... 18 4.5 HAWKESBURYWATCH TOOLS ...... 20 5 PLANNING ...... 21

5.1 COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN ...... 21 5.2 NSW BOATING PLANS ...... 22 5.3 NSW COMMERCIAL FISHERS REFORM ...... 23 6 RESEARCH ...... 25

6.1 LOWER HAWKESBURY SEDIMENT MONITORING ...... 25 6.2 EROSION STUDY ...... 27 6.3 NETWORK OF AUTONOMOUS WATER QUALITY MONITORING...... 31 6.3.1 Algal bloom monitoring ...... 32 6.3.2 Swimming risk maps ...... 36 6.3.3 Estuarine health monitoring ...... 37 6.4 PACIFIC OYSTER MORTALITY SYNDROME (POMS) RESEARCH IN THE HAWKESBURY ...... 38 7 2013-2014 ESTUARY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 41 8 FOR FURTHER READING ...... 47

8.1 REPORTS: ...... 47 8.2 RELEVANT WEBSITES: ...... 47 APPENDIX- 1 INTERNET VIDEOS ...... 48 APPENDIX- 2 PRINT MEDIA COVERAGE ...... 49

2013-14 Estuary Program Annual Report

CONTAMINANTS AT THE 52 SAMPLING LOCATIONS Table of Figures ALONG THE LOWER HAWKESBURY ...... 26  FIGURE 22: EROSION POTENTIAL FOR EACH  FIGURE 1 LOWER HAWKESBURY ESTUARY TRANSECT UNDER MID-LOW TIDE CONDITIONS ... 28 MANAGEMENT PLAN STUDY AREA (RED LINE) ...... 3  FIGURE 23: EROSION POTENTIAL FOR EACH  FIGURE 2: BREAKDOWN OF RUBBISH ITEMS TRANSECT UNDER HIGH TIDE CONDITIONS ...... 28 COLLECTED DURING FORESHORE CLEAN-UPS  FIGURE 24: OVERALL MANAGEMENT AROUND BEROWRA CREEK DURING 2013/14. A RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOW BOAT TRAFFIC (150 TOTAL OF 10 TONNES WAS COLLECTED DURING BOAT PASSES – 8 HOUR DURATION) FOR THIS PERIOD. (DATA PROVIDED BY TANGAROA WAKEBOARD OPERATING ACTIVITIES UNDER MID- BLUE) ...... 5 LOW TIDE ...... 29  FIGURE 3: MACMASTERS BEACH SLSC’S  FIGURE 25 EXAMPLES OF SITES WITH DIFFERENT VOLUNTEERS DURING A CLEAN UP ...... 6 OVERALL SCORE OF EROSION INCLUDING THE  FIGURE 4: VOLUNTEERS UNLOADING RUBBISH ON ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES ATTRIBUTING TO SUCH TO MOXHAM’S OYSTER LAND BASE ...... 6 OVERALL SCORE ...... 30  FIGURE 5: MARRAMARRA POINT. MOTHER OF  FIGURE 26 LOCATION OF REMOTE WATER QUALITY MILLIONS, WORKING FROM THE GOOD TO THE BAD. PROBES IN THE LOWER HAWKESBURY RIVER...... 31 ...... 7  FIGURE 27 2013-14 WATER QUALITY SUMMARY  FIGURE 6: LOCATION OF THE 14 BOAT-ACCESS DATA FOR UPSTREAM PROBE AT LAUGHTONDALE ... 33 ONLY ESTUARINE SITES WHERE VEGETATION  FIGURE 28 2013-14 WATER QUALITY SUMMARY CONDITION ASSESSMENTS WERE UNDERTAKEN IN DATA FOR MID-UPSTREAM PROBE AT COURANGRA 2013/14 ...... 8 POINT ...... 33 FIGURE 7: COUNCIL’S BUSHLAND TEAM FROM THE  FIGURE 29 2013-14 WATER QUALITY SUMMARY NATURAL RESOURCES BRANCH UNDERTAKING DATA FOR PROBE AT BAR ISLAND ...... 34 VEGETATION CONDITION SURVEYS OF THE  FIGURE 30 2013-14 WATER QUALITY SUMMARY SHORELINE OF ESTUARINE SITES ...... 10 DATA FOR DOWNSTREAM PROBE AT GUNYAH POINT  FIGURE 8 KANGAROO POINT YEARLY PUMP OUT ...... 34 VOLUMES SINCE 2007...... 11  FIGURE 31 2013-2014 WATER QUALITY  FIGURE 9 KANGAROO POINT MONTHLY PUMP OUT SUMMARY DATA FOR PROBE AT CALABASH BAY IN VOLUMES FOR PERIOD 2009 TO JUNE 2014 ...... 11 BEROWRA CREEK ...... 35  FIGURE 10: RIVERSIDE SETTLEMENTS ALONG  FIGURE 32 2013-14 THERMISTOR CHAIN DATA BEROWRA CREEK ...... 13 AT CALABASH BAY IN BEROWRA CREEK ...... 35  FIGURE 11 MAP OF THE LOCATION OF THE TH  FIGURE 33 SWIMMING RISK SCORES FOR 13 SEAGRASS BUOYS AND CARDINAL MARKERS OCTOBER 2014 ...... 36 DIRECTING BOATERS AWAY FROM SEAGRASS BEDS14  FIGURE 34 ESTUARY HEALTH SCORES FOR 13TH  FIGURE 12: HSC NATURAL RESOURCE BRANCH’S OCTOBER 2014 AT THE 5 PROBE LOCATIONS BASED STALL AT BROOKLYN SPRING FAIR ...... 15 ON NSW OEH PROTOCOLS ...... 37  FIGURE 13: COUNCIL’S WORKING BOAT WAS IN  FIGURE 35 2013/14 WATER QUALITY SUMMARY DISPLAYED AT THE BUSHLAND FESTIVAL ...... 15 OF REAL-TIME PROBE DEPLOYED AT THE MOUTH OF  FIGURE 14: PARTICIPANTS OF ONE OF THE MULLET CREEK TO UNDERSTAND THE GUIDED WALKS LOOKING AT RARE PLANTS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS LEADING TO THE START GALSTON AREA ...... 16 AND END OF THE POMS WINDOW OF INFECTION . 39  FIGURE 15: STUDENTS FROM BROOKLYN PUBLIC  FIGURE 36. RESEARCHERS FROM UNIVERSITY OF SCHOOL PLANTING NATIVE PLANS ALONG THE FENCE SYDNEY CHECKING OYSTER PERFORMANCE WITH OF THE SCHOOL ...... 17 BRUCE ALFORD, OYSTER GROWER FROM BBOA AT  FIGURE 16: COUNCIL STAFF DISSEMINATING MULLET CREEK ...... 39 INFORMATION ABOUT SEAGRASSES AT THE  FIGURE 37. COUNCIL STAFF ASSESSING OYSTER BROOKLYN PUBLIC SCHOOL ...... 18 SPAT SURVIVAL WITH BRUCE ALFORD, OYSTER  FIGURE 17: COUNCIL’S SEAGRASS AWARENESS GROWER FROM BBOA ...... 39 CAMPAIGN ITEMS: BROCHURE, BOAT AND BAIT  FIGURE 38. ON-SITE DISCUSSION BETWEEN FRIDGE STICKERS, CEILING DANGLING PANEL AND UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY RESEARCHERS AND OYSTER AQUABUOY USED TO HIGHLIGHT SEAGRASS BED GROWERS FROM HAWKESBURY AND PATONGA ...... 40 AREAS ...... 19  FIGURE 39. UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY  FIGURE 18 UPTAKE OF COUNCIL’S SEAGRASS RESEARCHERS UNDERTAKING FORTNIGHTLY OYSTER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ITEMS BY BAIT AND BOAT ASSESSMENTS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF BRUCE HIRE SHOPS IN BROOKLYN AREA ...... 19 ALFORD, HAWKESBURY OYSTER GROWER ...... 40  FIGURE 19 KANGAROO POINT PUMP-OUT FACILITY ...... 22  FIGURE 20 TRAWLER IN THE HAWKESBURY ESTUARY CATCHING PRAWNS ...... 23  FIGURE 21: SPATIAL REPRESENTATION OF THE AVERAGED LEVELS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC

2013-14 Estuary Program Annual Report

2013-14 Estuary Program Annual Report

Executive Summary The Hawkesbury Estuary Program (HEP) is managed  Table 1 Hawkesbury Estuary Program projects undertaken by the Natural Resources Branch within Council’s during 2013-14 Environment and Human Services Division. The program is implemented by both Hornsby Shire and Category Project Description Gosford City Councils, encompassing the estuarine On-ground reaches of the lower Hawkesbury River from Foreshore Clean Up – “Clean4Shore” Works Wisemans Ferry to Broken Bay. Successful Vegetation Condition Assessment of implementation of the HEP requires frequent estuarine sites assistance from other Council divisions in particular Infrastructure and Recreation, and Planning. Foreshore Rehabilitation

Hornsby Shire Council’s HEP provides an integrated Kangaroo Point Vessel Pump out Facility and strategic approach to the management of Compliance estuarine assets in the lower Hawkesbury. This is Onsite Wastewater Management Inspections achieved through the implementation of strategies contained within the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Seagrass beds protection Management Plan (2008). This plan was adopted by Education both Hornsby Shire and Gosford City Councils in 2009 Brooklyn Spring Fair & Bushland festival to ensure a consistent local government approach to Guided Bushwalks Program estuary management within the lower Hawkesbury River. Implementation of the plan is overseen by the Brooklyn Public School – connecting Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Committee. community and environment During 2013/14 projects implemented (Table 1) were broadly defined within the categories of on-ground Seagrass education campaign works, compliance, education, planning and research. HawkesburyWatch Tools A significant effort was directed towards the foreshore clean-up program, an erosion study of the Lower Planning Comprehensive Local Environment Plan Hawkesbury riverbank, environmental monitoring of the waterways, oyster research into the Pacific Oyster NSW Boating Plans Mortality Syndrome, vegetation assessment and Commercial Fishers reform rehabilitation of estuarine reserves, protection of seagrass beds through the installation of seagrass Research Lower Hawkesbury Sediment Monitoring buoys and education campaigns. Erosion Study Projects to a value of $135K were implemented in 2013-14 (Table 2) in which funding support of $69K, Estuarine Health Monitoring was received from the NSW State Government for an erosion study and an on-ground/educational project Autonomous Real-time Water Quality to on the protection of seagrass beds. A further project monitor: was also funded by the Greater Sydney Local Land - Algal blooms Service (GSLLS) for a vegetation assessment of 14 estuarine sites. In addition, $27,000 from Hornsby - Swimming conditions Shire Council’s Catchment Remediation program and - Estuarine health Waste program was allocated to support the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome Foreshore clean-up program – Clean4Shore – implemented by volunteers in collaboration with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

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The Hawkesbury Estuary Program during 2013-14 achieved the following: In addition, Hornsby Shire Council’s Estuary Program  11.2 tonnes of waste was removed from the has also been a key co-partner in a number of oyster estuarine foreshore by 380 volunteers from the research projects (Table 3) quantifying and managing Clean4Shore and Floating Landcare program the unexpected Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome  Almost 2000hrs were invested in bush (POMS) outbreaks in the Hawkesbury since January rehabilitation work targeting 25ha of coastal 2013. Major research effort is being undertaken since native vegetation and 11.4ha of terrestrial native vegetation. This work was undertaken by Council the onset of the disease by researchers from the staff, contractors and Floating Landcare University of Sydney and members of Broken Bay Oysters Association.  Vegetation condition assessments were undertaken at 14 estuarine reserves in the Lower Media coverage for the 2013-14 year associated with Hawkesbury the HEP has been included in Appendix 1. This  29km of riverbank was assessed for erosion diverse and continued media coverage in Council’s resilience resulting in immediate management estuary program acknowledges the community action being required for only 1% of the stretch interest in the program, project innovation and timely  16.3ha of seagrass beds have been protected by deliverable of on-ground works. Such coverage builds refurbishing 12 aqua buoys and by relocating 2 rapport with the community and highlights the value of cardinal markers protecting the estuary at local through to international  An education campaign was launched at which scales. 1000 brochures and 1300 stickers were disseminated to raise seagrass awareness  Table 3 Estuary Program projects in which Hornsby Shire Council is a co-partner for 2013-14  Additional autonomous water quality probe deployed at the entrance to Mullet Creek to assist with research efforts on the Pacific Oyster Organisation Project Title Council’s Mortality Syndrome in support of the local oyster role industry Fisheries Aquatic Animal Health Assistance with  HawkesburyWatch tools freely available: algal bloom monitoring, swimming conditions, estuarine Research and Subprogram: Pacific field work; health levels and real-time water quality data Development oyster mortality water quality Corporation – syndrome (POMS) - probe  53 onsite wastewater system were inspected and 204,300L of effluent was collected via Council’s University of risk mitigation, deployment, boat pump-out at Kangaroo Point Sydney epidemiology and engagement OsHV-1 biology (2012- with the oyster  Table 2 Funding received for 2013-14 (confirmed/ on-going) 2015) industry and environmental Organisation Project Title Funding data analysis

NSW Office of Hawkesbury River $28,000 Fisheries Development and Project steering Environment and seagrass protection ($14,000 Research and validation of effective committee Heritage and awareness external) Development and affordable oyster member and Corporation – production systems in review capacity NSW Office of Erosion assessment of $50,000 Broken Bay the face of POMS of final report Environment and the Lower ($25,000 Oyster disease of Pacific Heritage Hawkesbury shoreline external) Association Oysters and QX

Hornsby Sire Council Lower Hawkesbury $27,000 (finalised) disease of Sydney – Catchment Foreshore clean-up - Rock Oysters Remediation and Clean4Shore evaluation from a Waste programs production, research and economic Hawkesbury-Nepean Estuarine $30,000 perspective (2012- Catchment rehabilitation and (external) 2013) Management prioritisation project Authority

Total $135,000

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 Figure 1 Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan study area (red line)

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1 Hawkesbury Estuary Program

1.1 Approach 1.3 Implementation The management of estuarine areas in NSW is the The implementation of the plan is overseen by the joint responsibility of government agencies, Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Committee. The commercial organisations and the community. The committee meets quarterly to discuss issues management framework in which the HEP is impacting the Lower Hawkesbury and to receive a implemented is directed by the NSW Government’s progress update on the various projects being guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management undertaken as part of the implementation of the Lower Plans (2010), which supersede the Estuary Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan. The Management Policy and Manual (1992). In committee consists of representatives from: accordance with these guidelines and policies, . Community – Hornsby Shire and Gosford City Hornsby Shire Council facilitates the Lower Council residents, Local Progress Associations, Hawkesbury Estuary Management Committee Ocean Watch Australia, Boat Owners Association, (LHEMC) which oversees the implementation of the NSW Water Ski Federation. Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan (LHEMP, 2008). The area in which this plan is applied . Commercial - Sydney Water Corporation, Marina is shown in Figure 1. This plan prioritises Association, Hawkesbury River District management recommendations for the Lower Fishermans Co-operative, Broken Bay Oysters. Hawkesbury in order to achieve the integrated, balanced, responsible and ecologically sustainable . Local Government - Gosford City Council and use of the estuary. Hornsby Shire Council 1.2 Goals . NSW State Government - Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Office of The LHEMP (2008) recognises that the risks to the Environment and Heritage, NSW Roads and sustainability of estuarine assets are a direct Maritime, Industry and Investment, Land and consequence of the health of the catchments within Property Management Authority. which it lies. To address these risks the LHEMP (2008) adopted a risk management approach to Collaboration with other government agencies, develop and prioritise future management actions and universities, local industry and the community are strategies. To set the strategic direction for the plan important to ensure successful implementation of the the following management goals were identified; HEP. Of particular note are the partnerships with the Greater Sydney Local Land Services and Universities . Preserve and enhance the unique and diverse (Macquarie University, University of New South scenic and natural environment of the estuary Wales, University of Sydney and University of through the integrated and holistic management of Technology, Sydney). Support from local marinas, human and environmental interests; community bush regeneration groups, progress associations, commercial fishers and Broken Bay . Conserve, protect and enhance sustainable Oyster Association is also gratefully acknowledged. economic, recreational and social issues without compromising the high quality and functional estuarine ecosystems upon which they rely;

. Preserve and foster the sense of belonging, culture and respect for the estuary amongst users and managers.

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2 On-Ground Works 2.1 Clean4Shore program Oceanwatch, Community Environment Network and oyster farmers. Notable oyster farmers who have Graham Johnston of Macmasters Beach Surf Life contributed include Rob Moxham (Oyster Farmer - Saving Club with the support of volunteers has Lower Hawkesbury) and Simon Funnell (Wild continued to remove rubbish from the foreshores of Harvest Oysters - Brisbane Water). Hornsby Shire the Lower Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Waters Council has provided a significant financial as part of the Australian Marine Debris Initiative contribution to the program to cover clean-up managed by Tangaroa Blue activities in the Lower Hawkesbury during 2013-14. (http://www.tangaroablue.org/ ). The program has Hornsby Shire Council’s Catchment Remediation been operating for approximately 4 years and has Program and Waste Program contributed these resulted in the collection and disposal of funds whilst Greater Sydney Local Land Services is approximately 100 tonnes of debris from both managing the program with the assistance of the waterways. This debris predominantly consists of Community Environment Network. catchment derived items such as plastics (bottles, bags, containers and packaging, 50%), glass bottles During the 2013-14 period in the Lower Hawkesbury, (13%), foam packaging (12%) as well as derelict close to 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected during boats and oyster infrastructure (Figure 2). Over 300 20 clean up days that engaged around 200 tyres have been removed, cleaned and recycled volunteers from the following organisations: Brisbane from the estuary over the past 18 months. This Waters Secondary College, The Glen Aboriginal debris is collected by volunteers who boat or kayak Mens Rehabilitation Centre, North Gosford Learning out to remote sites. Statistics relating to the type of Centre, Umina Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), waste collected is compiled after each clean-up and Rolland Hassall School, Macmasters Beach Surf Life this information is sent to the Tangaroa Blue Saving Club, Response Training, and The Croft. Foundation to include in the Australia Marine Debris Many of these organisations involve young people Initiative. with disabilities. These clients utilise the program for life and educational experience, together with Key partners in this program who have provided community programs including the Duke of funding and logistical support include Greater Edinburgh's Award and NSW Premiers Award. Sydney Local Land Services, Hornsby Shire Council, Gosford City Council, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife),

 Figure 2: Breakdown of rubbish items collected during foreshore clean-ups around Berowra Creek during 2013-14. A total of 10 tonnes was collected during this period. (data provided by Tangaroa Blue)

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The program also received a number of awards in 2013-14 including:

1. NSW Landcare - State People’s Choice Award 2. NSW Keep Australia Beautiful - State Award "Engaging Communities" 3. NSW Coastal Management Awards - Community Engagement 4. NSW Landcare - State "Engaging Communities" Highly Commended 5. NSW Regional Landcare Awards - Schools - Winner Brisbane Waters

Secondary College 6. NSW Regional Keep Australia Beautiful - Winner Engaging Communities 7. Rotary - "Paul Harris Fellow" Award and Pride of Workmanship Award to Coordinator The program is anticipated to continue despite the overall amount of rubbish being significantly reduced in the Lower Hawkesbury as major rain events and floods bring additional rubbish from the upper catchment to the Lower estuary. This program will result in a reduction of waste in the Lower Hawkesbury and will raise community awareness on litter and the potential threat that it poses to the health of estuarine ecosystems. Further, the program provides life skills and alternate outdoor  Figure 3: Macmasters Beach SLSC’s volunteers during a clean educational programs to students, youth and adults up with disabilities.

 Figure 4: Volunteers unloading rubbish on to Moxham’s oyster land base

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2.2 Floating Landcare Floating Landcare volunteers have participated in a Floating Landcare is coordinated by the Greater total of 20 activities around the Hawkesbury-Nepean Sydney Local Land Services in partnership with estuary during 2013-14. Eleven of these activities Hornsby, Gosford and Pittwater Councils and the occurred within the Lower Hawkesbury (Table 4). local National Parks and Wildlife Service. Upcoming Hornsby Shire Council is one of the partner Floating Landcare events Calendar are available organisations assisting the Greater Sydney LLS with from the management and work undertaken at the http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/environment/bushlan Floating Landcare sites within the Lower d-and-biodiversity/floating-landcare Hawkesbury. Volunteers at the Floating Landcare sites manage the spread of weeds, help the bushland to recover and undertake marine debris clean-ups.

Floating Landcare program has been successful in removing weeds from pristine bushland remnants in the Nationals Parks and some council sites in the estuary. The program provides an opportunity for people to be involved in protecting these largely weed free remnants, see new sites and meet like- minded people. Volunteers receive a free lunch and snacks and learn bush regeneration skills. Outputs achieved for the 11 activities in the Lower Hawkesbury during 2013-14 include:

. 180 volunteers who invested 900 hours in marine debris collection and bush regeneration

 Figure 5: Marramarra Point. ‘Mother of Millions’ being removed . 16 staff from partner agencies have supported by volunteers. the project with 104 hours in-kind

Photo: R.Mooy 18.3.2014 . 7510 m2 of bushland weeded

2 . 1.22 tonnes of waste removed from 3462 m of public land  Table 4: Calendar dates for Floating Landcare events during 2013/14

Date Floating Landcare Location Activity

23/Aug/2013 Bar Island Marine debris Clean up

27/Sept/2013 Bar Point, Hawkesbury River Marine debris Clean up/ Bush regeneration

28/Nov/2013 Gentlemans Halt, Marramarra National Park Marine debris Clean up

29/Nov/2013 Bar Point, Hawkesbury River Marine debris Clean up/ Bush regeneration

23/Feb/2014 Gentlemans Halt, Marramarra National Park Marine debris Clean up

18/Mar/2014 Marramarra beach and Bar Island Marine debris Clean up/ Bush regeneration

26/Mar/2014 Long Island Nature Reserve Bush Regeneration Day

10/Apr/2014 Spectacle Island Nature Reserve Bush Regeneration Day

3/May/2014 Bar Point, Hawkesbury River Marine debris Clean up/ Bush regeneration

18/May/2014 Milsons Passage, Muogamarra Nature Reserve Bush Regeneration Day

5/June/2014 Bar Island Marine debris Clean up/ Bush regeneration

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2.3 Vegetation Condition Assessment of revegetation work as a result of the surrounding land Estuarine Sites development and disturbance of the soil. The remainig reserves are relatively resilient as a result Funding from the Greater Sydney Local Land of the size and current good vegetation condition. Services enabled a strategic riparian vegetation assessment at 14 boat-access only estuarine sites Species inventory for each reserve are being within the Lower Hawkesbury. The vegetation finalised which includes native and weed flora condition assessment built on existing environmental species list. Vegetation mapping and work plans for data collected 10 years ago with the overall aim of each reserve are currently underway. A prompt developing priorities for strategic and operational response to target a specific weed (Mother of works (such as weed removal and banks Millions) at one of the reserves (Cunio Point) was stabilisation). coordinated and managed by one of Hornsby Shire Council Bushcare groups soon after the vegetation Overall the estuarine sites were in extremely good assessment was undertaken. condition. Where sites were small and situated in Assessments were undertaken at the following between two blocks of private land their condition estuarine sites (refer to maps in Figure 6): was impacted. Five out of 14 sites require intensive

Pumpkin Point Creek Neverfail Bay Collingridge Calabash Bushland Creek

Calabash Point North

Fishermans Cunio Point Point Calabash Calabash Point 2 Point South Calabash Bar Island Point 1

The Cobah Woolwash Cobah Point 1 Point 2

 Figure 6: Location of the 14 boat-access only estuarine sites where vegetation condition assessments were undertaken in 2013/14

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2.4 Foreshore Rehabilitation 2.4.3 One Tree Reach, Laughtondale Councils’ Bushland Operations Team has continued One Tree Reach is characterised by the presence of vegetation restoration in the reserves along the several Endangered Ecological Communities foreshore of the Hawkesbury River. Works at these including Swamp Mahogany Forest and Floodplain sites comprised of weed removal, riparian vegetation Paperbark Scrub (part of the Swamp Sclerophyll planting and bank stabilisation at these sites. A total Forest on Coastal Floodplains complex) and Forest of 1770 hours were invested in enhancing and Red Gum River-flat Forest (part of the River-flat rehabilitating 24ha of coastal native vegetation and Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains complex) 11.4ha of terrestrial native vegetation. Grant funding listed under the NSW Threatened Species was obtained from Greater Sydney Local Land Conservation Act 1995. At this site the following Service for works at Bar Island, Brooklyn Park, Cole works were undertaken; St and Kangaroo Point.  Bush restoration works which included control 2.4.1 Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve of woody weeds across site such as lantana, ochna and senna. Revegetation of indigenous Within the Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve plant species in disturbed to establish works were undertaken to restore significant riparian connectivity with core bushland and vegetation communities of Swamp Reedplain, vegetation surrounding wetland. Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest & Mangrove, which included;  Total of 450 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken across site.  Bush restoration works and target weeding of woody, vine and herbaceous weeds. These  Outputs: 0.01ha of coastal native vegetation included privet, camphor laurel, senna, moth enhanced /rehabilitated. 2ha of terrestrial vine, acetose, morning glory and tradescantia. native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated.

 Supplementary planting of indigenous plant 2.4.4 Bar Island species to enhance species diversity and create buffer zone for core bushland area. Bar Island, located south of Fishermans Point within the Hawkesbury river contains significant vegetation  Total of 170.5 hours of contract bush such as Saltmarsh and Mangrove. Various locally regeneration undertaken across site. significant sandstone vegetation communities are present across the Island. Works undertaken at Bar  Outputs: 1.0ha of coastal native vegetation Island include 4 visits by Floating Landcare enhanced /rehabilitated. 0.06ha of terrestrial volunteers to assist with weed removal and debris native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. clean up around the Island. This program is funded by the Greater Sydney LLS with support from 2.4.2 Singleton Rd, Laughtondale Council.

Between Singleton Road and the Hawkesbury River  Bush restoration works focussed on the a significant strip of foreshore vegetation is present. reduction of invasive species including vinca, Within this area important sandstone vegetation buffalo grass and verbena. communities exist with pockets of weeds intermittently distributed throughout. The following  Total of 337 hours undertaken across the site works were undertaken within this area; includes

 Bush restoration which included treatment of o 187 hours of contract bush woody weeds such as lantana, senna, regeneration undertaken across camphor laurel, privet. Target weeding of site herbaceous weeds and vines including arundo grass, balloon vine and morning glory was o 150 hours of volunteer bush undertaken. regeneration under the Floating Landcare Program  Total of 125 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken across site.  Outputs: 0.8ha of coastal native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. 3.2ha of terrestrial  Outputs: 0.5ha of coastal native vegetation native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. enhanced /rehabilitated. 0.9ha of terrestrial native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated.  Updated species list completed for the site as part of the Estuary Reserves assessment.

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2.4.5 Brooklyn Park & Cole St Brooklyn  Outputs: 0.07ha of coastal native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. 2.3ha of terrestrial Bushland located near Brooklyn Park and adjacent native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. to Cole Street contains significant foreshore vegetation comprising Saltmarsh, Mangrove, Swamp 2.4.7 Kangaroo Point, Brooklyn Oak Floodplain Forest and Swamp Mahogany Forest communities. Regeneration activities undertaken in Foreshore bushland at Kangaroo Point is located this area include: west of marina and public wharf. This bushland contains significant vegetation communities of  Main weeds in this area were noxious vines Mangrove, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and and woody weeds. Priority was given to the Swamp Mahogany Forest. Restoration works reduction and prevention of seeding weeds & include: propagules. Target weeds included morning glory, acestosa, ochna, camphor laurel and  Woody weeds such as privet, senna and privet. lantana

 245 hours of contract bush regeneration  Control of weed vines such as Balloon Vine undertaken across both sites and Morning Glory

 Outputs: 1.0ha of coastal native vegetation  Total of 88 hours of contract bush enhanced/rehabilitated. 3.0ha of terrestrial regeneration undertaken across site native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated.  Outputs 0.02ha of coastal native vegetation 2.4.6 McKell Park, Brooklyn enhanced/rehabilitated McKell Park at Brooklyn contains the sandstone 2.4.8 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn vegetation communities of Angophora Woodland on the south side and Rough barked Apple-Forest Oak Bushland located adjacent to the Brooklyn Cemetery Forest on the northern side. At this site restoration contains Peppermint / Angophora Forest. works included; Restoration works on roadside edge includes:

 Bush restoration to target woody, herbaceous  Woody weeds such as privet, senna and and grass weeds such as lantana, privet, lantana ochna, senna, exotic succulents, trad, and African lovegrass.  Weed vines such as Balloon vine and Morning Glory.  Upgrade of sandstone steps in lower McKell Park  Total of 25 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken at this site .  Total of 330 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken across site.  Outputs : 0.02ha of terrestrial native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated

Figure 7: Council’s Bushland team from the Natural Resources branch undertaking vegetation condition surveys of the shoreline of estuarine sites

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2.5 Kangaroo Point Vessel Pump out Facility effluent. Towards the end of the financial year 2013/14 the pump out facility recorded a total of The Kangaroo Point pump out facility initially funded 1,070,000 litres of sewage being pumped out by by the NSW State Government was officially opened both commercial and recreational vessels since in November 2002. The facility was installed so boat 2007-08. users can dispose of effluent in an environmentally acceptable manner and as a practical solution to Yearly pump out volumes in 2013-14 dropped help restore water quality within the lower 10,250 litres from last year (Figure 8). Pump-out Hawkesbury estuary. Boats require a 40mm (or usage has increased in 2012-13 and has remained 1 1/2”) camlock coupling to connect to the facility high since then. The summer months and public with operation instructions located on the pontoon. holidays are the busiest periods (Figure 9). Council The self-serve facility is free to all users and is and NSW Roads and Maritime are continuously frequently used (Figure 8 and Figure 9). The facility working to raise awareness of the facility and was connected to the new Brooklyn and Dangar compliance amongst boat owners to protect the Island STP in 2007, which has reduced the need for estuary from the illegal discharge of effluent. a regular pump out service and on site storage of

 Figure 8 Kangaroo Point yearly pump out volumes since 2007.

Dotted line represents the yearly averaged pump out volume (152,839ML) since 2007

 Figure 9 Kangaroo Point Monthly Pump out Volumes for period 2009 to June 2014

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3 Compliance 3.1 Riverside Settlement Onsite Wastewater inspected once every 3 years and this financial year Management Inspections was an intermediate period in this cycle, hence fewer inspections were undertaken compared with Compliance surveys of onsite wastewater previous years. Through this inspection and repair management systems associated with riverside process, Council is working with residents to prevent settlements on the Lower Hawkesbury continued in the discharge of harmful waste and pollutants into 2013-2014. These surveys aim to: the lower Hawkesbury River. Further information on . increase community awareness of compliance best practice management of onsite wastewater issues management systems can be found on Council’s website: . support residents in selecting and maintaining http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/property/common- appropriate onsite systems enquiries/sewerage-management An electronic request can now be made for Council . promote alternative technologies for waste to investigate a property should any community treatment as they become available member have concerns regarding an onsite sewage management system at a neighboring or nearby During 2013-14, 53 riverside properties were property (see link above) inspected (Table 5). Most properties had working onsite wastewater management systems with minor repairs required. The riverside settlements are

 Table 5 Riverside Onsite Sewage Management System Inspections

Inspections undertaken during 2013/14

Suburb No. of Inspections for river properties

Calabash Point, Berowra Creek 8

Singleton Road – Wisemans Ferry; Laughtondale; 45 Singletons Mill

TOTAL 53- inspections

 Figure 10: Riverside settlements along Berowra Creek

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education is needed to remediate and protect these highly important ecological areas. 3.2 Seagrass protection In 2013-14 funding from the NSW Office of Seagrass beds are important habitats to protect. Environment and Heritage enabled Hornsby Shire They provide different functions within the estuary Council to work in collaboration with NSW Roads which include (i) providing habitat for fish and other and Maritime Service to refurbish current buoy aquatic fauna, (ii) helping to reduce erosion and markers around the perimeter of the seagrass beds improve water quality and, (iii) provide a source of off Dangar Island beach (9 buoys) and Brooklyn food for fish and other aquatic fauna. Seagrass beds Harbour (3 buoys). In addition, two of the are extremely fragile habitats that are easily navigational makers around Kangaroo Point were damaged directly from boating related activities such relocated to redirect boaters away from the seagrass as anchoring and boating across the beds, in beds in this area (Figure 11). The funding also particular at low tide which results in propeller covered an education campaign which has been scarring. included in the next section of this report (section Numerous approaches have been used in the Lower 4.4). Hawkesbury to minimise boating impacts on these A total of 16.3ha of seagrass beds are currently important habitats. Marker buoys have been used protected from potential damage from boat around the edge of seagrass beds and a number of propellers and anchors through the deployment of education initiatives have been implemented. the 12 buoys and relocation of 2 cardinal markers. Education initiatives have included overlaying a The continued protection of seagrass beds from seagrass layer on boating maps, providing stickers boating activity is required to ensure their long term with the location of the beds and educational survival and to maintain their important role in brochures. These approaches have minimised the contributing to a healthy estuarine ecosystem within impact of boaters on seagrasses in some areas. the Lower Hawkesbury estuary. However, continued seagrass marking and

 Figure 11 Map of the location of the seagrass buoys and cardinal markers directing boaters away from seagrass beds

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4 Education 4.1 Brooklyn Spring Fair and Bushland occasions Council staff hosted a stall at which Festival information on current estuary projects was provided including natural resources information for residents The Natural Resources Branch from Hornsby Shire and visitors, maps and stickers for children. Council attended both Brooklyn Spring Fair and the Council’s Water Quality officer was available to Bushland Festival in 2013-14 to promote projects answer questions relating to water quality and related to the implementation of the Lower councils monitoring program across the shire. Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan. On both

 Figure 12: HSC Natural Resource Branch’s stall at Brooklyn Spring  Figure 13: Council’s working boat was in displayed at the bushland fair festival

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4.2 Guided bushwalk program This is the second year in which a specific bird walk was organised to honour World Environmental Day. To promote the lower Hawkesbury River estuary to The guided walk focused on the rich birdlife found in residents and visitors, a series of estuary themed the many varied habitats around Hornsby Valley, walks were included in Council’s Guided Bushwalks Joes Mountain and Fishponds on Berowra Creek. Program during 2013-14. These bushwalks make Table 6 lists the walks undertaken during 2013-14 Hornsby’s unique bushland and estuary accessible that are relate to the estuary. to the wider community and provides education and information on the importance of native flora and fauna, threatened species and significant habitats.

Walk description Date Djarra Ridge 27/07/2013

Appletree Bay 4/08/2013

Refuge Rock 29/08/2013

Joe Crafts Creek 31/08/2013

Tunks Ridge Loop 28/09/2013

Jerusalem Bay 19/10/2013

Waratah Bay 2/11/2013

Refuge Rock 22/02/2014

Estuary Walk 16/03/2014

Jerusalem Bay 6/04/2014

Friends of Berowra Valley 12/04/2014

Tunks Ridge 26/04/2014

Djarra Walk 25/05/2014

Whale Rock 31/05/2014

World Environment Day 5/06/2014

Brooklyn Dam 28/06/2014

 Table 6 Guided bushwalks for 2013-14 with an estuary theme  Figure 14: Participants of one of the guided walks looking at rare plants in the Galston area

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4.3 Brooklyn Public School – Connecting As part of this project Council worked with students Community and Environment revegetating areas within the school. All the students from the school participated in the planting of native A Connecting Community and Environment Project plants in December 2013. Council seeks interest funded by the Greater Sydney LLS allowed Council from other schools interested in this program as it to facilitate engagement with communities in enhances the connections that students have with Brooklyn, in particular the Brooklyn Public School. their local environment.

 Figure 15: Students from Brooklyn Public School planting native plants along the fence of the school

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4.4 Seagrass education campaign Key messages of the camping are: Seagrasses are one of the most important aquatic  Seagrasses are essential for healthy fish habitat & water quality ecosystems in the Lower Hawkesbury. Seagrass provide a number of benefits to the estuary including  Avoid shallow waters fish habitat and protection and, improved water  Observe signs & marker buoys quality. The NSW Office of Environment and  Don’t anchor on seagrass Heritage assisted Council in the funding towards an education campaign to raise awareness of the Brochures and stickers were supplied to most boat location and ecological importance of seagrasses hire companies wihtin Brooklyn and Berowra Waters and to change attitudes of boaters who know that the (Figure 18). The campaign has been well received seagrass buoys exist in the Lower Hawkesbury but by the local community in Brooklyn including the continue to take shortcuts across the seagrass beds. students at Brooklyn Public School. Council staff The seagrass education campaign included a spent a day talking to all students (112 in total) at the number of items (Figure 17): school, communicating key messages and

 A new brochure which highlights the protection reinforcing the location of the seagrass beds in the of the seagrasses is every boater’s estuary (Figure 16). The campaign will also target responsibility, residents in Little Wobby. With the assistance of

 Waterproof stickers to be placed in outboard Gosford City Council, these residents will receive a engines of hire ‘tinnies’, house boats and, bait copy of the new seagrass brochure and stickers with fridges within tackle shops the aim of raising seagrass awareness, in particular

 Ceiling hung panel in bait shops and boat hire off Dangar Island. shops. The panel is a stylised outboard motor. .

 Figure 16: Council staff disseminating information about seagrasses at the Brooklyn Public School

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 Figure 17: Council’s seagrass awareness campaign items: brochure, boat and bait fridge stickers, ceiling dangling panel and aquabuoy used to highlight seagrass bed areas

 Figure 18 Uptake of Council’s seagrass awareness campaign items by bait and boat hire shops in Brooklyn area

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conditions, information on swimming conditions, estuarine health grades, spatial layers on the 4.5 HawkesburyWatch web tools location of oyster leases, macrophytes, and popular swimming spots. Specific information on each of The Hawkesbury Estuary is one of a few estuaries in NSW, which has state-of-the-art network sensors these tools has been included in the next section (research projects) of this report. Users who benefit housed within five buoys to monitor key water quality from this real-time information include industry, parameters as described in section 6.3 of this report. recreational users, waterway/catchment managers Data from the sensors is presented in real-time via and researchers. A promotional video an open access website (http://youtu.be/LwJtcoepNtQ?list=UUDLciSD9BFnM (www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary ) and a free Council app. The easy-to-use interface of the HadNQBu1O4A ) has been produced by Council to promote this free accessible resource and website and app provides access to a number of encourage wider use of the website & app. tools that inform waterway users about estuarine

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5 Planning 5.1 Comprehensive Local Environment Plan Under the recent NSW Government reforms, all NSW . W1 Natural Waterways - applied to the majority of councils are required to prepare a new the lower Hawkesbury River to restrict uses Comprehensive Local Environment Plan (CLEP) in consistent with the scenic and environmental accordance with the State Governments’ standard qualities of the area; Local Environmental Plan template (Standard Instrument). . W2 Recreational Waterways - applied to areas in Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to permit a broader The Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (HLEP) 2013 range of uses consistent with the use of these came into effect on 11 October 2013 and has areas for recreational pursuits; subsequently been amended. The preparation of the new HLEP was guided by endorsed planning studies, . E2 Environmental Conservation - applied to including the Waterways Review (SJB, 2005 and mangrove, saltmarsh, seagrass and other 2006). important aquatic communities below the MHWM;

The HLEP 2013 is Council’s principal governing . E1 National Parks and Nature Reserves - applied environmental planning instrument. The HLEP 2013 to areas where National Parks extend over the consists of a written instrument and a number of water. maps.The HLEP 2013 determines what can be developed and where, and how much development can occur. The current version of the HLEP 2013 can be viewed on the NSW Legislation website. Supporting documents of the HLEP 2013 can be downloaded from the council’s website http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/property/development -applications/hornsby-local-environment-plan Council organised a workshop to assist the community understand the HELP 2013 and Hornsby Development Control Plan (HDCP) 2013 and to introduce a new web based mapping tool to assist the community to identify all the planning controls that apply to any property at glance. The new CLEP will afford greater planning protection to estuarine assets. The CLEP includes the following zoning strategy for the Shire's waterways to implement the recommendations of the Waterways Review:

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infrastructure and access to inform the development 5.2 NSW Boating Plans of the Regional Boating Plans. As part of this study a number of stakeholder consultation events, including As the popularity of recreational boating increases NSW Government bodies, local councils, across NSW, a review of existing boating recreational groups and users, have been organised infrastructure, facilities and safety measures is being since January 2014 in order to provide feedback on undertaken by the Maritime Management Centre the draft plans. Council has attended a number of within Transport for NSW (TfNSW) together with these events and have provided feedback on the Roads and Maritime Services to ensure our draft plans. Council will keep working in partnership waterways remain safe and accessible into the with Roads and Maritime Services in the plans for future. Regional Boating Plans are being developed the Hawkesbury region for each major waterway in NSW to prioritise For more information on this project refer to . projects to be funded under the new Boating http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/nsw- Infrastructure Partnership Program (BIPP).The BIPP regional-boating-plans will replace the Better Boating Program. TfNSW has engaged GHD to conduct a study of boating

 Figure 19 Recreational boat using the Council’s pump-out facility at Kangaroo Point

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5.3 NSW Commercial fishers reform media articles). A series of public consultation phases have taken place during the first half of 2014. The wild-catch commercial fishing industry in NSW The Hawkesbury Trawl Fishery representatives has faced a range of challenges in recent times, presented at one of the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary including increasing pressure over access to Management Plan Committee meetings about the resources, and pervasive beliefs among sectors of reform and the repercussion on the local industry. the public that the industry does not operate in a Councillors also met with industry members to get sustainable manner and that it does not play a key information directly from the industry prior to the end role in our society. However, the NSW commercial of the consultation process. Ministerial decisions on fishing industry has a value of $90 million annually at the reform packages have been postponed in order the first point of sale – the industry also supports to take into consideration the numerous feedbacks related jobs in the seafood processing, wholesalers, received. The NSW Government commitment to the exporters, the transport sector as well as supplying $14M allocated to the structural adjustment package, fresh seafood to local cooperatives, restaurants and including exit grants, will remain until the reformed is retail outlets (NSW DPI website). The NSW finalised. commercial fisheries are carefully managed. The resource is shared amongst over 1,000 commercial In the meantime the Professional Fishermen’s fishers. In the Hawkesbury estuary the primary Association in NSW highlighted the need to species caught by the Hawkesbury Trawl Fishery undertake a socio-economic study of the NSW wild consist of School Prawns and Calamari. The catch fishing industry as there is a lack of Hawkesbury River is one of the largest producers of sophisticated information about the economic School Prawns in NSW. contributions of commercial fishing that puts fisherman as a group at a disadvantage compared to In May 2012, the Government released the competing resource users in negotiations over Independent Report of Commercial Fisheries Policy, access to fishing grounds. Equally, there is also a Management and Administration containing 22 key range of social impacts that have not been recommendations for change. In November the systematically evaluated in NSW. As a result the NSW Commercial Fisheries reform program was Fisheries Research and Development Corporation announced as part of the Government’s response to (FRDC) has funded a UTS research proposal that the independent body’s report. The reform resulted aims to generate reliable information about the ways in changes in the management of shares and offered the professional fishing industry contributes to the exit grants which industry believes does not benefit local economies and social fabric of NSW them. Some of the Hawkesbury trawlers believe that communities. Council will assist the researchers with if the reform is to go ahead, only one of 55 prawn industry liaison and will join the project’s reference trawlers on the Hawkesbury will be able to fish by group. middle of 2015 (further information on Appendix 2

 Figure 20 Trawler in the Hawkesbury Estuary catching prawns

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6 Research 6.1 Lower Hawkesbury Sediment Monitoring Ferry. The samples collected in triplicates had minimal/low variability between each of the 3 A study to characterise sediment quality within the samples collected. Further, the concentrations Lower Hawkesbury Estuary was completed in 2013- measured by the lab for these samples also reflected 14 with funds provided by the NSW Office of minimal variability. Hence, samples were considered Environment and Heritage. The study assessed the to accurately represent the concentration levels. distribution and major sources of persistent sediment contaminants in sediment and the quality of Contaminant concentrations in the Lower sediment referencing ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) Hawkesbury Estuary were generally low in interim sediment quality guidelines. In addition, comparison to urbanised and industrialised areas in temporal trends in contaminant concentrations were other parts of Australia. Concentrations of arsenic, assessed by comparing sediment data collected in barium, beryllium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and 2013 to those collected in 2006. Samples were vanadium in the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary are collected at the 52 locations that had been sampled (with several possible exceptions) not measurably previously in December 2006. At each location, three influenced by anthropogenic sources. In contrast, grab samples were collected to assess small-scale concentrations of boron, cadmium, chromium, spatial variability of selected contaminants. copper, lead, manganese, mercury, silver and zinc varied markedly throughout study area and are The analytical suite for all samples included trace significantly higher in the upper reaches of Berowra metals and selected elements polycyclic aromatic Creek and Cowan Creek (i.e. Bobbin Head, and hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons Akuna and Apple Tree Bays). The highest (TPHs), polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs), concentrations of copper, lead, zinc and mercury in organochlorine pesticides (OCs), organophosphate the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary were located in close pesticides (OPs), nutrients (TKN, TOC, NOX, proximity to marinas suggesting a significant reactive inorganic phosphorus), ammonia and TOC. contribution of these trace metals from marina and Sixteen samples were analysed for organotin boating related activities. TBT was not analysed at compounds from locations near boating facilities all locations, but was detected at sampling locations where this analyte had been tested in 2006. adjacent to marinas where this contaminant would Samples from 11 locations were analysed for Diruon, have been previously used on vessels as an Chlorothalonil, Irgarol 1051 and Diclorofluanid. antifoulant. Low concentrations of TPH in sediments Sediments were collected at three locations in at Berowra Waters, Bobbin Head and Akuna Bay Sandbrook Inlet, five locations in Berowra Creek, two suggest refuelling of vessels is a minor source of locations in Marramarra Creek, and five locations in these contaminants. Urban runoff and discharge the upper estuary were analysed for an extensive from sewage treatment plants (notably for silver) suite of contaminants including synthetic pyrethroids have likely contributed to contaminant carbamates, triazines/triazoles, phenoxy acid concentrations in sediment accumulating at Berowra herbicides, urea herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, Waters. Concentrations of PAHs in Sandbrook Inlet OP’s and miscellaneous biocides. The particle size are typical of that found in sediment near many distribution of sediment samples were assessed by urbanised areas. The distribution of PAHs elsewhere wet and dry sieving sediment samples into seven is consistent with the use of tar products to preserve fractions. Eleven samples were analysed in triplicate oyster racks. Low concentrations of pesticide for selected trace metals aluminium and arsenic to residues in sediment, predominantly in Berowra assess laboratory variability and analytical Creek, probably represent historic domestic usage of ‘robustness’. Duplicate sample analyses (10% of pesticides in urbanised catchments. Concentrations primary samples), method blank samples (i.e. ‘field of the extensive suite of other organic contaminant blanks’) and dried, in house laboratory standards analysed in this study were uniformly below their were used to assess the accuracy of selected respective limits of reporting. inorganic analyses. The overall trends in contaminant concentrations in The majority of samples collected throughout the samples collected in the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Lower Hawkesbury Estuary were muddy during 2013 were similar to those identified in (predominantly <63µm) sediments, but sediment samples collected in later 2006. The highest textures were markedly coarser, i.e. sandy near concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants were Dangar Island, in Marramarra Creek and in the found in sediment in Berowra and Cowan Creeks upper reaches of the study area towards Wisemans and Sandbrook Inlet. 2013-14 Estuary Program Annual Report Page | 25

Further information on the results obtained from the Council’s Estuary webpage extensive sediment monitoring program can be http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/environment/water- found in the final report for this project from the catchments/hawkesbury-estuary/reports

 Figure 21: Spatial representation of the averaged levels of organic and inorganic contaminants at the 52 sampling locations along the Lower Hawkesbury



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6.2 Erosion Study /armouring is more resistant to erosion compared to a sloping beach. An erosion The Water Resource Laboratory (WRL, UNSW) was potential score and associated erosion potential engaged by Hornsby Shire Council to undertake a category was assessed for each site. detailed riverbank vulnerability assessment of a 29  A majority of the region is considered ‘highly km section of the Hawkesbury River between resilient’ to erosion throughout the tidal range. At Wisemans Ferry and Spencer. mid-low tide, 50% of all transects observed were ‘highly resistant’ to erosion, whereas at high tide, This project provided a new baseline to assist this rating increased to approximately 80%. evidence-based management of riverbank erosion  Up to 150 boat passes/day (during 8hr), the for Hornsby Shire Council. A Decision Support Hawkesbury estuary response well at both Low- System (DSS) designed by WRL was used to Mid and High tide. However the estuary is less objectively assess and rank the riverbank’s resilient under high boat activity of >=500 boat susceptibility to erode based on various passes/day environmental factors. Specifically, the DSS  Through a sensitivity analysis that used wind assessed: records from Richmond RAAF Base and estimates of boat passes (typical:10-150 boat  The current condition of the riverbanks using a passes/8hr vs 500-1000 boat passes/12hr) for robust and repeatable ranking system; both wakeboard & waterski it was found that:  The effect of natural wind waves and boat wake . The Hawkesbury has suitable waves and other contributing causes to riverbank erosion along key reaches of the lower conditions for low boat traffic of 50 boat Hawkesbury River; passes (i.e. 6 boat passes/hr over 8hr day) resulting in 75% stretches of  The vulnerability of the riverbanks to erosion; and shoreline categorised as ‘Allow boating’ and 25% of stretches categorised as  Potential management actions that can best ‘Monitoring required’ (Figure 24) address erosion at key sites. . Only 1% of stretches were found as The study included a boat-based field campaign to ‘problematic’ sites (i.e. ‘Manage’) for 150 inspect the north and south riverbanks at a total of boat passes for wakeboard under 348 sites over four days. In assessing riverbank ‘operating’ conditions (Figure 24). This erosion potential (i.e. the current condition), key stretch of the river is privately owned on criteria and importance weightings were combined to the northern bank at the level of form an erosion potential rating for each site. These Laughtondale criteria include river type, vegetation coverage and extent, erosion descriptors, adjacent land use and In broad terms, the riverbank’s vulnerability in this channel features (Figure 25). Erosion potential was stretch of the Hawkesbury River is comparatively low assessed as mid – low tide and high tide to due to: accurately observed the wave zone throughout the 1. Natural rock armouring being present along entire tidal cycle. This study assessed boating approximately 25% of the riverbanks in the study impacts on the natural environment. It did not assess area. other issues such as access, end user needs which 2. A significant extent of both the north and south might be considered when determining appropriate riverbanks is also managed by the NSW NPWS. boating levels in this area. As such, grazing hard hoofed stock is generally absent and native riparian vegetation, Key results from this study indicate: particularly mangroves, remains intact.  Riverbanks in the Hawkesbury are less 3. Boat numbers are relatively low in this stretch of vulnerable to erosion at high tide than at mid-low the Hawkesbury River, in part due to the tide (Figure 22 and Figure 23). At the majority of absence of public boat ramps between locations, the wave zone at mid-low tide Wisemans Ferry and Spencer. interfaces with a gently sloping tidal beach. However, at high tide the wave zone interfaces 4. The lack of inappropriate development along the with the bottom level of the vegetation or riverbanks is also a positive factor contributing to bedrock/armouring. Such vegetation /bedrock its low vulnerability.

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 Figure 22: Erosion potential for each transect under Mid-Low Tide conditions

 Figure 23: Erosion potential for each transect under High tide conditions

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Recommendations: weekends and public holiday, and localised wind data can be obtained 1. There is need for onsite management at the problematic stretch known as ‘The Missions’. At 4. It is recommended that a new assessment this site stock needs to be restricted and native should be undertaken in 2 years to compare riparian vegetation planted. In addition buoys riverbank stretches ranked as ‘Monitor’ and should be deployed to prevent boats passing ‘Manage’ within 70m of the riverbank A copy of the final report that includes detailed 2. Further investigations are required at sites rated information on the methodology used, field data as ‘Monitor’ in particular for specific factors assessment, different scenarios used in the contributing to high riverbank vulnerability. A common issue is the free access that stock has sensitivity assessment, etc can be downloaded from to the riverbank. Fencing of these sites will the Council’s Estuary website improve the condition of these stretches http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/environment/water- 3. The DSS results can improve significantly if catchments/hawkesbury-estuary/reports better data on boat passes, especially during

 Figure 24: Overall management recommendations for low boat traffic (150 Boat Passes – 8 Hour Duration) for Wakeboard Operating activities under Mid-Low Tide

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 Figure 25 Examples of sites with different environmental variables contributing to an overall erosion score

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6.3 Network of autonomous water quality Data from the sensors is presented in real-time via monitoring an open access website (http://mhl.nsw.gov.au/projects/berowra/latest.php The Hawkesbury Estuary is one of a few estuaries in and http://mhl.nsw.gov.au/projects/hscsal/ ) and a NSW, which has state-of-the-art network sensors free Hornsby Shire Council app. This information housed within six buoys to monitor key water quality allows estuarine managers to monitor potential algal parameters. Technically, the network is comprised of blooms or potential cases of pollution. Real-time a series of buoys that house autonomous, extremely probe data also feeds into a hydrodynamic model accurate water quality probes which collect high that interpolates estuarine conditions away from the frequency data (every 15 minutes) on water buoy locations and provides information on temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and turbidity. swimming conditions and estuarine health grades to Data collected is transmitted to Council’s publically the benefit of various waterway users. Users who accessible webpage and app every 6 hours benefit from this real-time information include, for (www.estuary.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary ) using example, industry, recreational users, telemetry. The probes are calibrated and replaced waterway/catchment managers and researchers. every 3 weeks in summer and 5 weeks in winter to This innovative water quality monitoring program has maintain the systems accuracy and reliability. Quality been established by Hornsby Shire Council in control checks are performed at probe changeovers partnership with NSW Public Works - Manly to ensure continuity in the records. In addition to the Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL). probe network, water quality sampling occurs at the probe locations during probe changeovers to identify The program began in 2004 after two years of phytoplankton species, density and diversity and a research and development and continues today with range of other biological (including bacteria), funding support from the NSW government. This physical and chemical data. year represents a significant 10 year milestone of continuous operation.

.

 Figure 26 Location of remote water quality probes in the lower Hawkesbury River.

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Data from the monitoring network supports algal Council works in collaboration with the Metropolitan bloom monitoring, swimming risk maps and and South Coast Regional Algal Coordinating information on estuarine health. These projects are Committee (MSCRACC), administered by the NSW described in the following sections: Office of Water, to monitor the bloom and inform the 6.3.1 Algal bloom monitoring community of possible risks or estuary closures.

The occurrence of algal blooms and the potential During 2013-14, there were no estuary closures due threats from the introduction of non-indigenous to elevated levels of potentially harmful algal blooms. phytoplankton species has been a problem in the A number of occurrences of elevated harmful algae lower Hawkesbury River. These blooms can levels were detected, monitored and reported to the potentially discolour the water and cause fish kills, MSCRACC however they did not exceed thresholds particularly around the deep waters of Calabash Bay that required further action. As per previous years in Berowra Creek. Depending on the algae species the species of concern during the 2013-14 period present, these blooms pose a threat to local biota, included: Dinophysis spp (in January 2014) and the aquaculture and fishing industry, recreational Alexandrium catenella and Prorocentrum cordatum pursuits and public health. To assist in managing (also known more often as P minimum) at Calabash algal blooms, Council commissioned Manly Bay (in April 2014) with no public health implications Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) to develop a remote but shellfish harvesting management. Prorocentrum water quality monitoring station at Calabash Bay in cordatum is a species that occurs frequently in 2002. As a result of the positive feedback received Calabash during both summer and spring. by community and river users, a further 5 monitoring Researchers and taxonomists are interested in probes have been deployed progressively. These learning more about the ecology and severity of five remote water quality monitoring stations are blooms of this species and current collaborations are deployed in areas with varying salinity levels across being established with researchers from UTS and the estuary (Figure 26), with the Gunyah Point probe NSW Food Authority. monitoring oceanic (salt) water whilst the uppermost The Calabash Bay probe, located above a 15m deep probe at Laughtondale monitors primarily fresh hole, has a thermistor cable with temperature water, with a minor saltwater tidal influence. sensors attached every 30cm increasing to 50cm to Calabash Bay, Bar Island and Courangra Point sites the bed of the estuary (Figure 32). The thermistor are strongly influenced by saltwater and freshwater data indicates when the estuary is thermally stratified interactions or mixed. This data is transmitted via a data logger All 5 water quality probes have a chlorophyll-a to MHL and displayed as graphs on the internet sensor which is used as an indicator of the amount www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary. These web of pelagic micro-algae (phytoplankton) present in the based graphs are updated every six hours with the water column which is principally responsive to information being used by local aquaculture and concentrations of nutrients, water temperature, commercial fishing industries, researchers, state predation and sunlight within the water. government and local government agencies to Consequently chlorophyll-a levels act as an assess and improve current management practices integrative proxy for nutrient levels, catchment loads within the estuary. and productivity levels in the estuary. Summary data for 2013-14 is shown in Figure 27 to The data indicates algal blooms generally occur Figure 30. The figures show surface chlorophyll-a, during periods of warm weather and after rainfall. turbidity, water temperature, salinity and rainfall for a When elevated levels of chlorophyll-a are detected, 12 month period at each probe location covering the a phytoplankton sample is collected to quantify the financial year. Graphs of annual data show the phytoplankton species, density and diversity present seasonal rise and fall of water temperature and in the water column. Specific management response consequent increase in chlorophyll-a following rain, is followed when a harmful species dominates the especially in summer. sample. During periods of harmful algal blooms,

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 Figure 27 2013-14 Water quality summary data for upstream probe at Laughtondale

 Figure 28 2013-14 Water quality summary data for mid-upstream probe at Courangra Point

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 Figure 29 2013-14 Water quality summary data for probe at Bar Island

 Figure 30 2013-14 Water quality summary data for downstream probe at Gunyah Point

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 Figure 31 2013-2014 Water quality summary data for probe at Calabash Bay in Berowra Creek

 Figure 32 2013-14 Thermistor chain data at Calabash Bay in Berowra Creek

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6.3.2 Swimming risk maps River, benefiting public health , sustainable fishing, “HawkesburyWatch” ecosystem health and estuary aesthetics. (http://new.mhl.nsw.gov.au/users/HSC/) is a near The website presents daily updates on the swimming real-time rainfall, water level and water quality conditions at popular recreational sites in the Lower monitoring tool which provides information to Hawkesbury. Swimming condition advice is based Hornsby Council and the public. This tool has been on analysis of the probe data with field data. This developed by MHL for Hornsby Council to provide analysis has identified strong relationships between maps of salinity, temperature and swimming bacterial levels and salinity in the estuary. Hence, conditions in the lower Hawkesbury River. bacterial levels can be estimated daily using salinity HawkesburyWatch used data from the monitoring data from the probes as a surrogate, based on the bouys (section 6.3) which is then coupled with a 3D National Health and Medical Research Council hydrodynamic model of the Lower Hawkesbury, that (NHMRC, 2008) guidelines for Managing Risks in is run daily by MHL, to interpolate conditions away Recreational Waters. In particular, rain events (i.e. from the buoys. The model incorporates the probe low salinity) increases the likelihood of pollutants and data together with environmental data sourced from harmful bacteria in areas of the estuary. When the Bureau of Meteorology, MHL, Sydney Catchment model estimates high levels of pollution, swimmers Authority, Office of Environment and Heritage and may be at increased risk of contracting illness and NSW Office of Water. Spatially resolved model data swimming at these times should be avoided. for temperature and salinity is also available on the A promotional video website and app. By using a combination of (http://youtu.be/LwJtcoepNtQ?list=UUDLciSD9BFnM predictive models and real-time in situ environmental HadNQBu1O4A ) has been produced by HSC to monitoring Hornsby Council has put in place a encourage wider use of the website & app. system to proactively manage the Hawkesbury

 Figure 33 Swimming risk scores for 13th October 2014

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6.3.3 Estuarine health monitoring technical report that explains the grading process Estuaries are important natural places that sustain used in the report health card. These information key aquatic species and provide habitat, cultural, resources are available from social, economic and ecological services that are www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/waterquality. important to a region. Estuaries managed Estuarine health/condition grades are also calculated sustainably support a variety of ongoing economic based on standard protocols by the NSW Office of benefits to communities and industry. Estuarine Environment and Heritage (OEH 2013) for the health is directly influenced by the quantity and purpose of daily reporting. These protocols use quality of water entering the estuary from the upper chlororophyll-a and turbidity data which is compared catchment and at the estuary mouth through oceanic to baseline conditions/levels. Trigger values (80th tidal interchange. The collection and interpretation of percentile of all data available for reference estuaries water quality data collected through time is essential in NSW as defined by OEH) are calculated to to understand climate variability and the impact of highlight when an indicator is outside the expected development on the Shire’s natural environment. range. The level of compliance against the trigger Council monitors extensively the lower Hawkesbury values are reported based on the level and River health through monthly water quality testing frequency of exceedance. Results showing poor and real-time monitoring probes to assess grades will trigger further investigation or a ecosystem health, and recreational water quality. management action. Chlorophyll-a and turbidity data Monthly water quality data is analysed and collected by the probes is used in this calculation to summarised in the 2013-2014 Water Quality provide a daily health status of the estuary at the 5 Monitoring Annual Report (HSC, 2014), available at probe locations. This information is provided to www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/waterquality. Data from community members via the “HawkesburyWatch” the water quality monitoring program is also website under the tab for Estuary health presented in a report health card to make the data (http://new.mhl.nsw.gov.au/users/HSC- more accessible to community members. Results EstuaryHealth ). are shown in a summary brochure and a companion

 Figure 34 Estuary Health scores for 13th October 2014 at the 5 probe locations based on NSW OEH protocols

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6.4 Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome number of Vibrio spp. bacteria were present in (POMS) research in the Hawkesbury tissues of healthy oysters in the Hawkesbury River. Hence, OsHV-1 is a necessary but insufficient factor Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS), which in the mortality event or that OsHV-1 is a sufficient appeared in NSW in 2010, is an internationally cause but with a very strong dose effect. There significant disease that has severely impacted might also be an environmental trigger for this Pacific oyster production in Europe and New disease to initiate an outbreak. For instance, the Zealand. On January 21st 2013 the Hawkesbury evidence for water temperature as an important risk River oyster growers were severely affected by an facto related to POMS is not as strong as in France outbreak of POMS (OsHV-1 uvar virus) that wiped where a threshold temperature for onset of mortality out the entire Pacific Oyster industry in the is 16ºC. In Australia POMS occurs in the warmer Hawkesbury. POMS has had a significant social months from November onwards but by then water impact and reduced the economic viability of the temperatures are already considerably higher than local industry. The economic loss from POMS for the the threshold in France. Currently Hornsby Shire Hawkesbury growers is estimated to be more than Council staff are analysing the data from the network $3 million. 30% of Hawkesbury growers sold their of water quality probes deployed in the Lower businesses within six months after the disease Hawkesbury to find a pattern linking changes in outbreak. A few others are relying on other water temperature or other environmental parameter businesses for income or have sought employment to onset of POMS outbreaks. Council has also elsewhere. Hornsby Shire Council staff working on deployed a new water quality probe the Estuary program is noticing the loss of growers (http://mhl.nsw.gov.au/projects/hscsal/ Figure 35) at on the river. the mouth of Mullet Creek to collect environmental Currently, researchers from the School of Veterinary information from the creek where POMS was seen at the University of Sydney (Camden campus) are for the first time killing millions of oysters in a period working hard to better understand the transmission of 48hours. of the disease and recommend practical The distribution of disease is non uniform, clustered, management measures for industry members to highly variable in time and space, and clearly continue the cultivation of Pacific Oysters in the dependent on the age of oysters and their growing affected estuaries (Georges River and Hawkesbury height or position in the water column. The virus River). Hornsby Shire Council staff from the Natural does not appear to be transmitted free in water. Resource Branch have collaborated with University There has been considerable epidemiological of Sydney and the oyster industry to progress this evidence that its distribution is clustered, and that it research. An epidemiological summary of the behaves as if it is moving together with, still to be outbreak in the Hawkesbury has been published by defined, planktonic particles. researchers of University of Sydney and staff from Hornsby Shire Council (Paul-Pont et al, 2014). The Outbreaks occur in summer preferentially in following information is now known about the sheltered habitats, rising to 80-100% especially in disease from the latest research: younger stages of oysters (larvae > spat > juveniles > adults). The window of infection is currently being The presence of the causative OsHV-1 uvar virus in quantified by the researchers but based on the last 2 the estuary does not necessarily lead to an seasons of infection it appears that the virus starts at immediate outbreak of the disease. The virus was the end of October/start of November and ends by detected in oyster tissues up to 2 months before the end of May. mortalities commenced therefore other factors may be required. These factors could include Practical management measures based on environmental conditions/triggers or other as yet increasing growing height to reduce adult oyster undiscovered pathogens. Vibrio spp. bacteria, which losses due to POMS are possible. By increasing the have been suggested to be involved with OsHV-1 height of the cultivation systems growers can reduce virus in POMS disease in France, did not appear to the level of exposure of oysters to OsHV-1 (i.e. be involved in this outbreak in Woolooware Bay reducing the immersion time) and therefore, reduce because their intensity did not increase until after the mortalities. An increase of 300mm height has POMS outbreak had started, the species of Vibrio resulted in 50% gain in oyster survival but present did not change over time and a similar compromising oyster growth (Paul-Pont et al, 2013).

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 Figure 35 2013/14 Water quality summary of real-time probe deployed at the mouth of Mullet creek to understand the environmental triggers leading to the start and end of the POMS window of infection

 Figure 36. Researchers from University of Sydney checking  Figure 37. Council staff assessing oyster spat survival with oyster performance with Bruce Alford, oyster grower from Bruce Alford, oyster grower from BBOA BBOA at Mullet Creek

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These research efforts are trying to unravel the affected by the virus. Consequently, some growers cause of the outbreak in the Hawkesbury. Expert are sharing the farming with businesses outside the opinion is that the virus will spread across NSW affected estuaries in such a way that oysters are estuaries, but the time frame is unpredictable. grown while juveniles outside the Hawkesbury and Research to find a solution to continue farming is an get transferred to the Hawkesbury to finish them off immediate priority to protect the estimated $53M pa prior to market. NSW industry. The POMS outbreak comes eight Future farming of Pacific Oysters in the face of years after QX-disease devastated production of POMS requires improvements in both husbandry Sydney Rock Oysters which prompted a switch and genetics. The breeding program is managed by towards the cultivation of Pacific Oysters in the the Seafood CRC, with FRDC funding to develop a Hawkesbury. Now, many of the growers who made laboratory challenge model for selection. The POMS that change are seeking to diversify from growing R&D Coordination Committee has reported that only Pacific Oysters by adding QX-resistant Sydney resistant triploid stock will not be available Rock Oysters to their production, however access to commercially until 2018. In the meantime the QX resistant baby oysters can be difficult to source. researchers from the University of Sydney are Different alternatives for the future of the concentrating on alternative husbandry farming Hawkesbury growers were assessed in a desktop methods and hatchery strategies to grow oysters in a study soon after the outbreak in January 2013 commercial scale. (Jones, 2014). This study found that until POMS- disease resistant stock becomes available in at least For more information on the impact of POMS in the 5 years time, Hawkesbury growers will need to focus Hawkesbury and to access a complete diary of the on QX-disease resistant oysters or farm oysters in a outbreak as it unfolded in January 2013, visit the joint-venture (i.e. co-farming) with growers from Oyster Health Sydney website managed by other estuaries in NSW. The period out of the University of Sydney (www.oysterhealthsydney.org) window of infection in the Hawkesbury is too short to and the media section of this report. be able to grow an oyster to market before being

 Figure 38. On-site discussion between University of Sydney  Figure 39. University of Sydney researchers undertaking researchers and oyster growers from Hawkesbury and Patonga fortnightly oyster assessments with the assistance of Bruce Alford, Hawkesbury oyster grower

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7 2013-2014 Estuary management actions implemented During 2013-2014 the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Program has implemented the actions outlined in Table 7. These actions have contributed to reducing the risks facing estuarine assets as described within the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan (2008).

 Table 7 Hornsby Shire Councils Hawkesbury Estuary Program projects 2013-14

Strategy Action Date HSC Number Reference

2s 5 Participants including Graham Johnston and Kincumber Youth Centre clean-up 03-Jul-13 D02269700 of Little Wobby, 48kg rubbish removed

15i Guided walk to Crosslands - Family Day Out 11-Jul-13 D02247280

15f Newspaper article promoting the estuary grants received to undertake an erosion 23-Jul-13 D02319476 study and deploy seagrass marker bouys

2s 6 Participants including Graham Johnston and Rolland Hassall High School 24-Jul-13 D02368587 clean-up of Mooney Mooney, 740kg rubbish removed

15i Guided walk to Djarra Ridge 27-Jul-13 D02247280

2w Seagrass Marker buoys were refushished and repositioned by NSW Maritime to 28-Jul-13 D02367193 limit a smaller area so that buoys are more visually obvious

15g Promotional HSC (youtube) video of Berowra Creek's water quality and historical 01-Aug-13 D02404289 algal blooms

15i Guided walk to Appletree Bay 04-Aug-13 D02247280

2s 5 Participants including Graham Johnston and Rolland Hassall High School 07-Aug-13 D02367257 clean-up of Berowra creek, 120kg rubbish removed

2s 7 Participants including Graham Johnston and Rolland Hassall High School 21-Aug-13 D02407554 clean-up of Sanbrook channel and Milson Isl, 240kg rubbish removed

15g Media article - improved water quality in Berowra creek - Polluted creek 22-Aug-13 D02410095 transformed into paradise

13a Floating Landcare marine debris clean up and weeding at Bar Island 23-Aug-13 D02261148

2s Notification - Councillors' weekly communication - Quarterly summary report 30-Aug-13 D02441942 MacMasters Beach SLSV foreshore clean up in Lower Hawkesbury

15i Guided walk to Joe Crafts Creek 31-Aug-13 D02247280

2s Notification - NSW Landcare awards - Macmasters Beach SLSC won the 04-Sep-13 D02456886 People's Choice Award

15g Promotional HSC (youtube) video of swimming maps 06-Sep-13 D02452710

2s 6 Participants including Graham Johnston and Rolland Hassall High School 08-Sep-13 D02466900 clean-up of Sanbrook channel and Long Island - 96 kg rubbish removed

2s NSW Landcare Award for the Foreshore clean-up awarded to Macmasters Beach 10-Sep-13 D02456749 Surf Life Saving Club - Graham Johnston

2s 6 Participants from Rolland Hassall High School including Graham Johnston 18-Sep-13 D02526576 assisted in clean-up of Sandbrook and Little Wobby - 85 kg rubbish removed

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12hh Water quality probe deployed at the entrance of Mullet Creek as part of the 19-Sep-13 D02498349 Estuary Management Program and the current POMS research

15f HSC staff attended the Bushland Shire Festival to promote projects related to the 19-Sep-13 implementation of the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan

15f HSC staff attended the Brooklyn Spring Fair to promote projects related to the the 22-Sep-13 implementation of the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan

2s 4 Participants including Graham Johnston and community members assisted in 23-Sep-13 D02526552 clean-up of Long Island - 42 kg rubbish removed

13a Floating Landcare bush regeneration and weeding at Bar Point 27-Sep-13 D02261148

2s 12 Participants including Graham Johnston and University Students assisted in 28-Sep-13 D02561329 the clean-up of Bar Island, Bar point and Fishermans Point - 1.5 tonnes of rubbish removed

12hh Promotion of Mullet creek water quality probe and swimming condition maps on 01-Oct-13 D02526477 Gateway - Brooklyn Community Association Newsletter

2s 17 Participants including Graham Johnston and “The Glen” Aboriginal men’s 04-Oct-13 D02561301 Health Centre assisted in the clean-up of Kincumber Ck, Brisbane Waters - 3 tonne of rubbish removed

2s 10 Participants including Graham Johnston and staff from The Croft Secondary 09-Oct-13 D02561309 School assisted in the clean-up of Henserson rd, Brisbane Waters - 280 kg of rubbish removed

2s 3 Participants including Graham Johnston assisted in the clean-up of Long Island 10-Oct-13 D02570004 - 125kg of rubbish removed

2c The new Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013 and DCP 2013 are now in 11-Oct-13 D02576840 place effective from 11 October 2013

13a Floating Landcare marine debris clean-up and bush regeneration at Little Wobby 13-Oct-13 D02261148

2s 7 Participants from Umina PCYC including Graham Johnston assisted in the 14-Oct-13 D02581285 clean-up of Long Island - 220kg of rubbish removed

2s 18 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College “Support Unit” including 18-Oct-13 D02605023 Graham Johnston assisted in a bulk pick up of old oyster infrastructure at Riley's Island in Brisbane Waters

15i Guided walk to Jerusalem Bay 19-Oct-13 D02247280

2s 6 Participants from Rolland Hassall High School including Macmasters Beach 23-Oct-13 D02605064 Surf Life Saving Club assisted in clean-up of Peat Island and Milsons Point – 160kg of rubbish removed

13a Floating Landcare bush regeneration and weeding at Portuguese Beach, Ku-ring- 26-Oct-13 D02261148 gai Chase National Park

2s 7 Participants from Umina PCYC assisted in clean up with Macmasters Beach 28-Oct-13 D02665989 Surf Life Saving Club and local oyster industry Riley's Island in Brisbane Waters - 160kg of rubbish removed

15i Guided walk to Waratah Bay 02-Nov-13 D02247280

2s 14 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College Bushcraft including 08-Nov-13 D02665978 Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club and BBOA assisted in clean-up of Mooney Mooney Creek - 85 tyres removed from mangrove area

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13a Floating Landcare bush regeneration and weeding at Hungry Beach, Ku-ring-gai 09-Nov-13 D02261148 Chase National Park

15i Guided walk to Whale Rock 10-Nov-13 D02247280

15d Poster presentation for 22nd NSW Coastal Conference on Sediment Monitoring 11-Nov-13 D02666185 in the Lower Hawkesbury

2s 2 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College "Bushcraft" and Graham 22-Nov-13 D02706669 Johnston and BBOA assisted in a clean-up program among the mangroves in Davistown - 118 tyres were collected among the mangroves

2s 11 Participants from Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club including Graham 26-Nov-13 D02711718 Johnston assisted in a bulk clean up at Kincumber Creek Oyster site - 3.2 tonnes of oyster infrastructure removed

2s 5 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College “Bushcraft” and 27-Nov-13 D02711684 Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club assisted in a clean-up program of Milson Passage and Peat Island - 480kg of rubbish removed

12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee informed of high levels of blue-green 28-Nov-13 D02718853 algae in Calabash Point reported by Sydney Waters. Council monitored algae 6 days later with no bloom detected

13a Floating Landcare bush regeneration and weeding at Lion Island 03-Dec-13 D02261148

15g Promotion of swimming maps via Hornsby Council's community electronic 04-Dec-13 D02714448 newsletter

9d Scientific publication partnership between researchers from University of Sydney 07-Jan-14 D02743240 and Council staff in relation to oyster herpevirus infection in Hawkesbury oyster industry

12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee notified regarding a Dinophysis bloom in 16-Jan-14 D02753808 Calabash Bay, Berowra

15g Promotion of swimming maps, water quality probes, new weather forecast and 23-Jan-14 D02763225 Take 3 clean up program via Council's facebook page

12e Kangaroo Point pump-out brokedown as a result of some vandalism. Pump-out 29-Jan-14 was fixed within the day interrupting service for a minimum of 6 hours

15g A new estuary health index provides community with information about the health 03-Feb-14 D02719546 condition of the Lower Hawkesbury River. Results are updated daily and display as part of the swimming condition webpage http://new.mhl.nsw.gov.au/users/HSC-EstuaryHealth

2s 7 Participants from The Croft including MacMasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club 04-Feb-14 D02847177 and BBOA assisted in clean-up of Parsley Bay and Little Wobby - 60kg rubbish removed

2s Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club in partnership with Brisbane Waters 11-Feb-14 D02880612 oyster grower cut and stack 3 derelict boats - 860kg

2s 7 Participants from Rolland Hassall School Parramatta involved in foreshore 12-Feb-14 D02880629 clean-up around Milsons Passage and the Parramatta Wreck in the Lower Hawkesbury - 150kg rubbish removed including derelict small boat

2s 5 Participants from The Croft involved in foreshore clean-up around Yattalunga in 13-Feb-14 D02880514 Brisbane Waters with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club - 1 tonne rubbish removed including dismantled boat

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2s 7 Participants from North Gosford Learning Centre involved in foreshore clean-up 19-Feb-14 D02880494 around South Kincumber in Brisbane Waters with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club - 700kg including 20 oyster bread trays and a few tyres

2s 8 Participants from Rolland Hassall School Parramatta involved in foreshore 26-Feb-14 D02880797 clean-up around Milsons Passage - remove old barge from the foreshore above Peat Island and the sailboat in Milson Passage

2s 8 Participants from Rolland Hassall School Parramatta involved in foreshore 26-Feb-14 D02880675 clean-up around Cogra Bay in the Hawkesbury with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club - remove 700kg rubbish and dismantled derelict abandoned house

2s Clean Up Australia Day event with 50 school kids form Brooklyn Public School in 04-Mar-14 D02876068 Parsley Bay and McKell Park Foreshore - 6 bags of rubbish were removed - March 2014

2s Moxham Oysters in partnership with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club 10-Mar-14 D02880810 removed a 25 foot aluminium cruiser from Cogra Bay

2s Site inspection in Cogra Bay by Moxham Oysters in partnership with Macmasters 13-Mar-14 D02880816 Beach Surf Life Saving Club - found 16 derelict boats in Mullet creek

15i Guided Estuary bushwalk 16-Mar-14 D02247280

12k Notification sent to NSW Office of Water, Regional Algal Coordinating Committee, 19-Mar-14 D02877080 with regards to Dinophysis caudata bloom (2,800 cells/L) in Calabash Bay, Berowra

2s 9 Participants from Rolland Hassall & Waratah Special Education Schools 26-Mar-14 D02890882 involved in foreshore clean-up around Sanbrook Inlet and Long Island with Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club - 70 kg of rubbish removed

2s 15 Participants from Dimension Data working with Macmasters Beach Saving 31-Mar-14 D02954071 Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Cogra Bay in the Lower Hawkesbury - 280 kg

2s 12 Participants from Dimension Data working with Macmasters Beach Saving 01-Apr-14 D02954071 Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Mullet Creek in the Lower Hawkesbury - 4 tonnes including dingies and household white goods

2s 12 Participants from Dimension Data working with Macmasters Beach Saving 02-Apr-14 D02954071 Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Long Island in the Lower Hawkesbury - 560 kg (226 bags and bulk)

2s 13 Participants from Dimension Data working with Macmasters Beach Saving 03-Apr-14 D02954071 Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Erina Bay in Brisbane Waters - 560 Kg rubbish removed

2s 3 Participants from Schools working with MacMasters Beach Saving Club 05-Apr-14 D02954071 involved in foreshore clean-up program around Erina Bay in Brisbane Waters - 60 Kg rubbish removed

15i Guided bushwalk to Jerusalem Bay 06-Apr-14 D02247280

12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee and NSW Food Authority were notified 09-Apr-14 D02924500 regarding a bloom of Alexandrium bloom (750 cells/L) in Calabash Bay, Berowra with no public health implications but shellfish harvesting management

12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee and NSW Food Authority were notified 14-Apr-14 D02926474 regarding a bloom of Prorocentrum minimum/cordatum (1,000,000 cells/L) in Calabash Bay, Berowra with no public health implications but shellfish harvesting management

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2s 8 Participants from Schools working with Macmasters Beach Saving Club 19-Apr-14 D02954047 involved in foreshore clean-up program around Kincumber in Brisbane Waters - 500 kg rubbish removed in 2 days

13b 5 large bushes of Bitou Bush weed were properly removed from Junno Point area 29-Apr-14 D02978965 as per notification of Dangar Island resident

2s 15 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College working with 02-May-14 D02980593 Macmasters Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Erina Bay in Brisbane Waters - 60 bags of rubbish collected

2s 6 Participants from North Gosford Learning Centre working with Macmasters 07-May-14 D03197076 Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Pelican Isl in Brisbane Waters

2s 12 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College working with 08-May-14 D03197049 Macmasters Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Pelican Isl in Brisbane Waters - 2 tonne of rubbish removed including barges, hardwood and aluminium sheeting

2s 13 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary college working with 09-May-14 D03197025 MacMasters Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around Caroline Bay in Brisbane Waters - 1 tonne of rubbish removed

12kk Sediment monitoring undertaken at 52 sites in the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary as 13-May-14 D03013115 a continuation from previous program undertaken in 2007

12jj Levels of some contaminants along Berowra Creek were found to be higher than 13-May-14 D03013115 ANZECC guidelines. These results have been discussed in the final report for the 2013 sediment monitoring sampling

2s 8 Participants from Rolland Hassall School Parramatta involved in foreshore 14-May-14 D03129742 clean-up around Berowra Waters - 65 kg of rubbish collected around Berowra Ferry

2s 8 Participants from The Croft and Junior Support working with Macmasters Beach 15-May-14 D03024814 Saving Club in the foreshore clean-up program around Erina bay in Brisbane Waters - 380 kg rubbish removed

15i Guided bushwalk to Djarra Ridge 25-May-14 D02247280

15i Guided bushwalk to Blue Gum Walk 08-Jun-14 D02247280

15f Scientific presentation given at the World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014 Conference 08-Jun-14 D03122954 on Council's real-time environmental monitoring

2s 8 Participants from Rolland Hassall School Parramatta involved in foreshore 11-Jun-14 D03129568 clean-up around Porto Bay - clean-up of old oyster shed 120kg of rubbish

2s 6 Participants from The Croft involved in foreshore clean-up around Berowra 12-Jun-14 D03133152 Waters - removal of 80kg of rubbish

16f Completion of Shoreline erosion assessment between Wisemans and Spencer 13-Jun-14 D03185380 (29 km). Very few areas came up as highly erosive in particular around Laughtondale

12k NSW Food Authority and local oyster growers were notified regarding a bloom of 19-Jun-14 D03197550 Prorocentrum minimum/cordatum (250,000 cells/L) in Calabash Bay, Berowra with no public health implications but shellfish harvesting management

2s 2 Participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary Colleage working with 23-Jun-14 D03196663 Macmasters Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean-up program around

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Kincumber Oyster Stack in Brisbane Waters - 3190kg waste removed

16f Riverbank vulnerability assessment undertaken along 29 km of estuary between 23-Jun-14 D03185380 Wisemans Ferry and Spencer covering both shorelines. Assessment identified only 1 main area with high erosive potential that will require some on-site management techniques. This site is privately owned located on the north shore in the area of Laughtondale

2s 2 Participants from Macmasters Beach Saving Club involved in foreshore clean- 24-Jun-14 D03196540 up program around Kincumber Oyster Stack in Brisbane Waters - 1640kg oyster infrastructure removed

2m Seagrass awareness educational material produced including 1000 brochures, 27-Jun-14 D03211408 1300 stickers for outboard motors and bait fridges and, 20 large ceiling panels for bait shops. 2014 slogan used 'Do not tangle with seagrasses'

2w Refurbishment of 9 aquabuoys around seagrass bed south of Dangar Island and 27-Jun-14 D03211408 3 aquabuoys in the Brooklyn Harbour area. Also 2 navigational markers were repositioned in the Kangaroo Point area to minimise boat traffic to seagrass beds.

15i Guided bushwalk to Brooklyn Dam 28-Jun-14 D02247280

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8 For further reading 8.1 Reports: Hornsby Shire Council (HSC), 2008. Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan. BMT WBM.

Hornsby Shire Council (HSC), 2014. Annual Water Quality Report 2013-2014. Hornsby Shire Council

OEH (2013) Assessing estuary ecosystem health: sampling, data analysis and reporting protocols. NSW Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Program. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Paul-Pont, I., N. Dhand, RJ. Whittington. (2013). "Influence of husbandry practices on OsHV-1 associated mortality of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas." Aquaculture 412-413: 202-214. Paul-Pont, I., O. Evans, NK. Dhand, A. Rubio, P. Coad, RJ. Whittington (2014). "Descriptive epidemiology of mass mortality due to Ostreid herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) in commercially farmed Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the Hawkesbury River estuary, Australia." Aquaculture 422-423: 146-159. SJB Planning Pty Ltd, 2005. Hornsby Shire Waterways Review- Version A. SJB Planning.

SJB Planning Pty Ltd, 2006. Review of Draft Waterways Local Environmental Plan. SJB Planning

Whittington, R., I. Paul-Pont, & N. Dhand. (2013). Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS) - understanding biotic and abiotic environmental and husbandry effects to reduce economic losses Technical Report for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) F2011/053, University of Sydney: 95 pages. 8.2 Relevant websites: Hornsby Shire Council - Hawkesbury Estuary Program http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary

Hornsby Shire Council – Water Quality Program http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/waterquality

Hornsby Shire Council – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HornsbyCouncil

Hornsby Shire Council – Twitter https://twitter.com/HornsbyCouncil Oyster Health Sydney Blog http://oysterhealthsydney.wordpress.com/

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Appendix- 1 Internet videos Hornsby Shire Council Youtube channel: River Watch – water testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSKmXgdiMNo Award submission, focussing on the water testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJctistdkzo Hawkesbury River clean-up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LAnHPkYFuw Yellow submarine water testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGNYJ-Ulg5c Catchment Remediation Rate history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC8jB6FxZ28 HawkesburyWatch- swimming conditions app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwJtcoepNtQ

Other videos: Algal blooms on the rise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qpu6qaSx_c

This was a UTS student (Ellen Leabeater) video looking at algal bloom management. In particular it highlights the collaboration between researchers, oysters farmers and council staff in addressing algal blooms.

Landline short on POMS in the Hawkesbury (10th March 2013) http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2013/s3712209.htm

http://mediaalertordering.isentia.com/Order_Selection.aspx?ID=W4HGPxi4zNe7C&ID2=54179#GoToW00056175 04454179

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Appendix- 2 Print media Coverage

. Media related to Graham Johnston/ McMasters Life Saving Club clean-up program in the Lower Hawkesbury:

(Hornsby Advocate 30Jan 2014)

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(Hornsby Advocate February 2014)

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

Media Release

VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING LANDCARE EFFORTS An 85 year old volunteer who has been planting trees for than 40 years, a Surf Life Saving club that focuses on attracting young people to help clean up the foreshores and an Indigenous man who has been looking after Aboriginal sites for over 10 years have all been recognised for their achievements at the Regional Landcare Awards. The awards were presented at the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority’s (HNCMA) 2013 Community Forum and Regional Landcare Awards, recently held at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, which attracted more than 100 Landcare members and environmental volunteers from across the region. Mr Bernie Bugden, General Manager, HNCMA, congratulated the seven winners and four nominees that were highly commended saying that their work demonstrated the immense value of landcare and bushcare volunteers. “In 2012, more than 130 Landcare groups, supported by the HNCMA contributed over $3.5 million in in-kind volunteer hours towards improving the environment. There are also almost 900 Bushcare groups whose in-kind hours equal around $6 million. “The Regional Landcare Awards are a way of recognising the exceptional efforts of volunteers and we commend the seven winners who all demonstrated dedication and commitment,” said Mr Bugden. Mr Bugden said that all the winners demonstrated great innovation in their work to improve the environment and make a difference in their local communities. “The winner of the Innovative Community Group, the Bushcare’s Major Day Out Committee, is an initiative of some of Willoughby City Council’s Bushcare volunteers. The Committee has a vision to grow the event to a national level, on par with Clean Up Australia Day. In 2010, they persuaded 12 sites to participate in bush regeneration activities – by last year this grew to nearly 100 sites across five states. They hope 150 sites will participate nationally in 2013. “Eric Hurn, co-founder of the Roslyn Landcare Group has been involved in landcare activities since 1970. Being awarded the Individual Landcare Award is recognition of 40 years of volunteer achievement which has included the planting of 10,000 trees in the Cooksvale region after it was devastated by fires in 1999, planting of trees in Roslyn village which led to it receiving a Tidy Towns Award, environmental awareness days for primary school children and numerous talks at community meetings. “Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club won the Coastcare Award for their work in attracting young people to landcare activities such as removing unwanted litter from the foreshores of the Hawkesbury estuary. “Colo High School, which won the Junior Landcare Team Award, has engaged over 110 students in activities to care for the rare Cumberland Plain ecosystem within their school grounds and to change a remnant bushland site at the school from waste land. “Kayne Moreton, the winner of the Indigenous Land Management Award has been taught by some of the Elders in his community. Together with mainstream land management practices, this has helped him mentor young Aboriginal people who are working on sites on Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council.

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

“Zhan Patterson, the winner of the Innovative Young Landcare Leader Award has worked with 12 schools and the Hawkesbury Girl Guides Group to facilitate youth projects addressing food security, urban agriculture, water-reuse, minimising waster, stormwater harvesting and native plant propagation. “The Soil Microscopes Group who won the Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award is educating farmers to grow food and fibre without expensive, unrenewable chemicals and fertilisers with a focus on renewable products for soil conditioning and encouraging natural nutrient cycling within the soil,” said Mr Bugden. For more information about the winners check out www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au/news/6701.html The theme of the popular Forum, which was facilitated by award winning science writer, Bernie Hobbs, was Healthy catchments for healthy aquatic systems. Dr Tom Grant, one of Australia’s leading platypus biologists gave the keynote address and participants enjoyed the opportunity to share stories and network.

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

12 September 2013 Media Release

HAWKESBURY NEPEAN LANDCARE VOLUNTEERS RIDING A WAVE OF SUCCESS!

Three landcare volunteers and groups from the Hawkesbury Nepean region have won awards at the NSW Landcare Awards:

 Eric Hurn -- NSW Individual Landcarer Award  Zhan Patterson -- Innovative Young Landcarer Award  Macmasters Beach SLSC -- People's Choice Award.

Brisbane Waters Secondary School was also a highly commended finalist in the Coastcare Category for the work they have been doing in the Hawkesbury estuary and Brisbane Waters on litter Clean ups with MacMasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club Mr Bernie Bugden, General Manager, HNCMA congratulated all the winners saying “it is very inspiring to have volunteers from our region being recognised for the valuable work that they do to help care and protect their local environment. “In 2012, more than 130 Landcare groups, supported by the HNCMA contributed over $3.6 million in in-kind volunteer hours towards improving the environment. There are also almost 900 Bushcare groups whose in-kind hours equal around $6 million,” said Mr Bugden. Eric Hurn, an 85 year old Landcare volunteer was recognised for a 40 year contribution to landcare activities. He was a pioneer in the land conservation in the region and has planted over 50,000 trees on his two properties in Laggan and Roslyn. He also was the main driver in organising the planting of 10,000 trees in the Cooksvale region after the area was devastated by fires in 1999. Zhan Patterson is coordinator for a project funded under the Environmental Trust Environmental Education program where she has connected youth, government agencies and non-profit groups to create more awareness of environmental problems. She has worked with 12 local schools and the Hawkesbury Girl Guides Youth Group to facilitate a range of projects that addressed food security, bush regeneration, stormwater harvesting, native plant propagation, urban agriculture and water re-use. MacMasters Beach Surf Lifesaving Club works hard to remove litter from the foreshores of the Hawkesbury estuary. MacMaster’s SLSC originally set up this activity in 2010 as part of the Duke of Edinborough program as an ‘off-season’ way to get young kids involved in looking after their local environment. Since then, they have worked in partnership with the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Hornsby Council, Gosford Council, Community Environment Network, HNCMA, involved local Landcare groups, businesses and schools and got more than 170 people involved in cleaning up hotspots of pollution along the Hawkesbury River. To see a video on the winners go to http://www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au/news/6701.html on the HNCMA website (www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au)

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

. Media related to the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-10/nrn-poms-virus/5511634

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

. Media related to commercial fishers reform

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

Media related to other estuary program projects:

(Bush Telegraph July 2013)

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

(Hornsby Advocate 22/August/2013)

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

Hornsby Shire Council Facebook – 24/Jan/2014

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report

Hornsby Shire Council (30/July/2014) DON’T TANGLE WITH SEAGRASS

Hornsby Shire Council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the fragile seagrass beds in the Hawkesbury Estuary, urging boat users to take care around them. Hornsby Shire Mayor Steve Russell is well aware of the situation, as he lives on the river and drives his boat to work every day. “The seagrass beds are vitally important to the health of the estuary, as they act as nurseries for young fish,” Mayor Russell said. “Boat propellers, anchors and mooring chains can very easily damage them – even small scars reduce resistance to erosion and lead to far greater damage.” Council has created a pamphlet with the information boaters need to avoid damaging the seagrass, while stickers and posters are being distributed throughout the area. “The message is a simple one – don’t tangle with seagrass,” Mayor Russell said. “It’s ultimately in the best interest of the boaters, as the loss of seagrass will mean less fish to catch and a less healthy estuary to enjoy.” The three main points to remember when boating are: - Avoid shallow water. - Observe signs and marker buoys. - Don’t anchor on seagrass. PHOTO: Mayor Russell attaching one of Council’s seagrass awareness stickers to the engine of his boat.

2013/14 Estuary Program Annual Report