Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Edwardes Lake, Our Lake
Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan
November 2005
Page 1 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Table of Contents Page
1. Executive Summary 3
2. Name and contact details of sponsor 4
3. Names of partners and working group members 4
4. What is a Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP or plan)? 5
5. A definition of the neighbourhood 5
6. Why we are undertaking a NEIP 10
7. Process undertaken to develop the NEIP 12
8. The vision for your neighbourhood 15
9. Objectives/issues 15
10. Targets 18
11. Actions 20
12. Demonstration of consistency with plans, policies and strategies 32
13. Community engagement and communication 34
14. Plan implementation arrangements 34
15. Proposed project and action assessment 35
16. Monitoring and evaluation 35
17. Reviewing the NEIP 35
18. Contingency or emergency plans 36
19. Signatures of partners 37
20. Appendices 38
21. Separate schedule – names and contact details of partners – not for 51 publication
Page 2 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
1. Executive Summary
Edwardes Lake is located in Reservoir contained within the 26 hectare Edwardes Lake Park. The park attracts over 135,000 visitors a year for a variety of recreational and social purposes. It is an important habitat for birds and other wildlife. A large stormwater catchment feeds directly into Edwardes Lake and indirectly through upstream Edgars Creek. Increased levels of water pollution in the lake have resulted in a decline in water quality and hence changed usage over time. Originally the lake was used for water activities including rowing, sailing, swimming and fishing. These activities are no longer able to be enjoyed at the lake.
As part of the Edwardes Lake Masterplan, Darebin City Council (DCC), Melbourne Water (MW) and the Victorian Stormwater Action Fund have funded major capital works at the lake since 2002 aimed at addressing its environmental problems. However, physical works are only one part of the solution and the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP) is focused on engaging the community in the task of creating a more sustainable Edwardes Lake.
The NEIP brings together the community of people and organisations who live in, work in and visit Edwardes Lake and its surrounding neighbourhood. The NEIP sets out a 3 year plan of action for improving the environmental sustainability of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood. The motivating vision is that in the long term we would like Edwardes Lake to be safe to swim and fish in.
In order to achieve this vision, the NEIP has the following objectives and 3-year targets: • Improve water quality within Edwardes Lake – the most significant issue within the lake, including, - sediment and suspended solids levels reduced from 2005 levels; - nutrient levels reduced from 2005 levels; - number and severity of pollutant spills reduced from 2005 levels; - number and severity of botulism outbreaks reduced from 2005 levels; • Reduce litter within Edwardes Lake Park – weight of litter reduced from 2005 levels; • Improve amenity of Edwardes Lake Park – visitation numbers increased from 2005 levels; • Improve biodiversity within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood – relative to 2005 levels, an increased number of native species and an increased number of individuals within each species of birds, other animals, aquatic life and plants; • Improved community awareness and participation in the environmental issues of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood – numbers of people participating in Edwardes Lake NEIP related activities increased from 2005 levels.
The NEIP proposes a range of new actions to be implemented in order to achieve these objectives and targets. And a range of existing or ongoing actions have been identified that also contribute to these objectives and targets. These actions are outlined in Section 11 of the NEIP.
A working group, made up of representatives from various community groups, businesses, relevant state government agencies, local government and other community members, has developed the NEIP over a number of years. There have been a number of events and communications that have encouraged broad community engagement including membership of the working group and this draft of the NEIP document has been made available for community consultation. After incorporating feedback, the NEIP will then be ‘signed-off’ by NEIP partners and submitted to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for approval and gazettal. This process commits working group members to implement the actions contained herein over the next 3 years. There will be regular monitoring and evaluation of progress towards objectives and targets. And at the end of this implementation time, the NEIP will be formally reviewed.
Page 3 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 2. Name and contact details of sponsor
Darebin City Council PO Box 91 Preston, VIC 3072 Phone: 9230 4444 Website: www.darebin.vic.gov.au
3. Names of partners and working group members
Organisation Key Contact Position Key Contact Person
Darebin City Council NEIP Coordinator Clayton Simpson
Darebin City Council General Manager Environment & Amenity Libby Hynes
Darebin City Council Team Leader Edwardes Lake & Edgars Luke Sandham Wetlands
Environment Protection Authority Community Relations Officer - Yarra Region Kealy Smith
Yarra Valley Water Sewer Asset Management and Backlog Team Glenn Wilson Leader
Melbourne Water Manager Waterways Phillip Neville
Merri Creek Management Committee Catchment Programs Angela Foley
Merri Creek Management Committee Waterwatch Coordinator Kate Rhook
City of Whittlesea Environmental Projects Officer John Milkins
City of Whittlesea Manager Infrastructure Neil Whiteside
Bostik Australia Technical Services Manager Glenn Martland
Visy Industries Pty Ltd SEQ Manager, Visy Specialties Gordon Bate
Friends of Edwardes Lake Contact person Marianna Pettolino
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Commander – Community Safety Frank Besanko
VicRoads – Metro North West Senior Environmental Planner Jason Horlock
Reservoir Traders Centre Coordinator Penny Jamieson
Port Phillip and Westernport Yarra Landcare Coordinator Greg Milne Catchment Management Authority
VicUrban Assistant Project Manager Tom Scholfield
East Reservoir Wildlife Shelter Operator Reijet Van de Vusse
Darebin Pram Walkers Group Group Leader Nuria Floretino
Friends of Merri Creek Representative Trevor Hausler
Preston Historical Society Representative John Rose
Department of Sustainability and Sustainable Futures Project Officer Murray McIntyre Environment
Page 4 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Darebin Ethnic Communities Council President Gaetano Greco
Community Member Toni-Marie Wuelfert
4. What is a Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP or plan)?
NEIPs were introduced into the Environment Protection Act 1970 in 2001. A NEIP is intended to enable sustained environmental improvements at a local community scale by developing an approach agreed to by the local residents, businesses and government that clearly defines roles and responsibilities, actions and timelines. A NEIP may provide a wide-ranging program of environmental improvements that reflects community priorities and aspirations, and promotes the understanding and ownership of these improvements.
The basic requirements for a NEIP are for an open and public process to:
• Bring together community members and establish environmental concerns; • Develop and obtain endorsement from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of a NEIP proposal in accordance with the guidelines; • Develop a NEIP with agreed actions and timelines for improvements in the neighbourhood; • Gain EPA approval and Gazettal of the final plan that reflects the commitment of all participants in the NEIP; and • Provide for the regular review and updating of the NEIP.
The NEIP sets out agreed actions and timelines for improvements within the neighbourhood.
5. A definition of the neighbourhood
Edwardes Lake
Edwardes Lake is a constructed lake that is located in Reservoir. It is one of the largest lakes in metropolitan Melbourne, with a capacity of approximately 85 million litres and an area of 6.3 hectares. The first mud-brick weirs were constructed in the late 1800s to enable rowing and boating at the lake. In 1914 Thomas Dyer Edwardes donated 34 acres of land to Preston Council for a park. In 1919, returned service men constructed a permanent concrete weir on Edgars Creek. Edwardes Lake Park was officially opened in 1920 and now spreads across a 26 hectare area.
The park is a highly valued resource for the community and attracts over 135 000 visitors a year. Peak usage occurs during the Darebin Festival, which attracts a crowd of many thousands. Other park users include senior citizens groups, sporting clubs, environmental groups, local schools, scouts and guides and a range of other specific interest groups and informal users who use the park for gatherings and social functions. Park users consist of local residents and a larger population who often travel a considerable distance to use the Park facilities.
Increased levels of water pollution in the lake have resulted in a decline in water quality and hence changed usage over time. Originally the lake was used for water activities including rowing, sailing, swimming and fishing. These activities are no longer able to be enjoyed at the lake.
The lake has also been an important place for birds and other wildlife. The recent infrastructure works undertaken by the Darebin City Council (DCC), with funding from Melbourne Water and the EPA, are helping to restore the lake’s habitat for wildlife and improve water quality. These works involved draining and reshaping the lake to allow for better water flow, the installation of litter traps and a sediment trap
Page 5 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP upstream, construction of a wetland pond system, repairing the weir at Edwardes Street and significant landscaping and planting of indigenous species around the lake to provide habitat for native flora and fauna.
Aerial photograph of Edwardes Lake taken before the lake capital works program commenced
Edgars Creek Catchment
Edwardes Lake is part of the urban stormwater system and is fed by Edgar’s Creek, a tributary of the Merri Creek. It has a catchment of around 40km2 and as a result collects all the pollutants, sediment, litter, detergent and fertilisers that go down the drains within this area.
The downstream reaches of the Edgars Creek catchment are characterised by residential homes, commercial business of varying types, industrial premises, recreation and service centres. Further upstream, open space, agricultural areas, market gardens and rural environments typify the catchment.
The Edwardes Lake Catchment spans the borders of three different councils with approximately 20% of the catchment located within the boundaries of The City of Darebin. The remainder is located in the City of Whittlesea and, to a small extent, in the City of Moreland.
Edgars Creek
Edgars Creek is a major tributary within the Merri Creek system. It begins in the vicinity of Craigieburn Road East in the City of Whittlesea as a stream with shallow banks that sometimes runs dry. When it does flow, it runs through areas subject to future development within the Aurora estate in Epping North. The upper reaches of Edgars Creek between Craigieburn Road East and Childs Road have been defined as having geomorphological significance in background studies prepared for Melbourne Water’s Merri Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan. The catchment of this part of the creek also has ecological significance with areas of river red gum floodplain, grasslands and striped legless lizard habitat of State faunal significance.
Edgars Creek enters established urban areas downstream of Cooper Street in Epping. It flows through the former Epping Waste Disposal site between Cooper Street and Childs Road, where a large drop structure is located. Downstream of Childs Road, Edgars Creek is contained within a modified Page 6 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP trapezoidal channel where it flows through mostly established residential areas, almost all of which back onto the stream. Parts of Edgars Creek are concrete-lined through Thomastown and into Reservoir, although the stream is located adjacent to some important open space areas such as Main Street Reserve. A shared path has been constructed along Edgars Creek between German Lane and Main Street in Thomastown.
Closer to Mahoneys Road and the City of Darebin municipal boundary, Edgars Creek flows through the grounds of the Thomastown Electricity Terminal Station. Melbourne Water’s Merri Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan has identified that an investigation into the construction of a sediment treatment wetland adjacent to Edgars Creek is warranted at this location. The development of such an extended sediment pond should provide downstream benefits for Edwardes Lake limiting sediment contributions to the recently constructed wetlands at the head of the lake.
Downstream of Mahoneys Road, Edgars Creek continues to be highly modified with sections concrete- lined. Pockets of revegetation have been undertaken by Melbourne Water and are now well-established around Hughes Parade and this provides some screening of back fences.
Downstream of Edwardes Lake and Edwardes Street in Reservoir, Edgars Creek flows in a relatively natural channel with steep banks through residential and industrial areas until it leaves the City of Darebin at Carrington Road in Regent. From there, Edgars Creek flows within the City of Moreland to join Merri Creek upstream of Murray Road in Coburg.
Edgars Creek is a stream in two parts - the upstream sections have important natural geomorphological and ecological values requiring protection from the impacts of imminent development, while the middle and lower reaches have already been heavily impacted by urbanisation. Through these areas the back fences of residential properties back onto much of the stream’s path and any natural floodplain areas have been developed and built upon. Significant rehabilitation opportunities are consequently limited by the constraints of the urban context, not the least of which is the intractable problem of poor quality urban stormwater runoff impacting on in-stream water quality. Perhaps the main opportunity for improvement works is to increase the vegetation cover along the waterway corridor to address social and amenity needs and perhaps provide some limited improvement of stream water quality. Melbourne Water’s Merri Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan has identified these opportunities.
The Edwardes Lake Community
The Edwardes Lake Community is made up of 2 main groups that the Edwardes Lake NEIP is aiming to work with – those people living and working within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood and those people visiting Edwardes Lake Park.
The Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Community Edwardes Lake Park falls within the City of Darebin precinct of Reservoir West. This precinct is characterised by an average household size of 2.6 people, slightly higher than the 2.4 Darebin average. It has a higher older age structure with more people in the ages 49 years and over than the Darebin average and fewer people aged between 15 – 49 years.
The area was primarily developed in the 1960s and 1970s during the post war era. The area has a very high non-English speaking background population, with 34.2% of people being born in a non-English speaking country. English is the preferred spoken language at home in only 45% of households. Italian (23.3% of households) is the largest language other than English spoken at home.
The area is considered the third most disadvantaged in terms of socio-economic indicators in Darebin. The predominant housing profile is medium to large blocks, suited to large families. Most residents do not have adequate access to public transport services and the main forms of public transport are buses. The average number of vehicles per dwelling is 1.62, which is higher than the 1.49 Darebin average. There are two main shopping centres in Reservoir West, both of which are close to Edwardes Lake, these being the Edwardes Street Shopping Centre and the Gilbert Road shopping centre. There are many other small local centres and about 280 businesses scattered throughout the precinct, which
Page 7 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP collectively employ approximately 4000 people. The precinct also contains the important Reservoir West Industrial Estate, which is a major source of commercial activity and one of the core industrial areas in Darebin. This estate houses some large industries like Visy Industries, Carter Holt Harvey and Oates Cleaning Products. The industrial estate site is predominantly downstream of Edwardes lake.
Most residents within Reservoir West are within 500 m of some form of open space and over 350,000 residents are within 15 minutes drive of Edwardes Lake Park. The Reservoir West precinct has three secondary schools, eleven primary schools, six kindergartens and pre-schools, seven child care centres, 5 council run Maternal and child health centres, Reservoir Civic Centre and Reservoir Library.
Edwardes Lake Visitors The Edwardes Lake Park Masterplan (DCC, 2000) reported that over 135,000 visitors came to Edwardes Lake Park per year. Whilst many of these visitors include local residents they also include a larger population who travels a considerable distance to use the park facilities and enjoy a regional asset. The annual Darebin Festival, which is has been held at Edwardes Lake every 2 years also draws thousands of people to the park from across Darebin and Whittlesea.
Given the demographics of the Edwardes Lake Community, attention will be given to ensuring that communication and education programs are inclusive of the whole community.
Our Area of Focus – The Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood
The primary area of focus for the Edwardes Lake NEIP is Edwardes Lake and its immediate surrounds, herein referred to as the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood. The Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood is defined by the local stormwater drainage catchments, which includes the catchment of the section of Edgars creek immediately upstream of Edwardes Lake. Figure 1 shows a map of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood. Consequently, any individuals, businesses, government agencies or others who operate, work, live or utilise the land within these local catchments would be considered part of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood as defined here.
Most actions within this plan are focused on the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood. However, some actions extend into the whole Edgars Creek catchment which extends upstream (well into the City of Whittlesea) of the section shown in figure 1. All upstream activity impacts on Edwardes Lake and our area of focus, hence the involvement of up-stream stakeholders like the City of Whittlesea and Bostik are critical. The NEIP seeks to encourage and support works being undertaken up-stream to address the key issues and objectives of the NEIP.
Page 8 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Figure 1 – Our Area of Focus - The Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood
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G GGG G Page 9 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 6. Why we are undertaking a NEIP
Undertaking the Edwardes Lake NEIP has created, and will continue to provide, an opportunity for the Edwardes Lake community to share in and direct the vision for the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood. The NEIP aims to engage the community, raise their awareness of the precious resource we have in Edwardes Lake and preserve and improve Edwardes Lake for future generations. Some community members involved in the NEIP working group have a strong and long-held association with Edwardes Lake. Some have been involved in documenting the history of the park, some visit and enjoy the amenities of the park, some work and run businesses in the neighbourhood, some are members of concerned community groups and some have responsibility for managing the park. Members of the community and the working group have witnessed the environmental deterioration of Edwardes Lake and they want to do something to address these issues and the NEIP is a means through which they can do something. The NEIP engenders community engagement in long term sustainability actions and goals for the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood.
Many other working group members recognise their part to play in the sustainability of Edwardes Lake. Local government, state government agencies and water authorities support the NEIP as an important project that can deliver environmental and amenity improvements and demonstrate the benefits of many sectors of the community working together to improve Edwardes Lake.
For its part as sponsor of the NEIP, Darebin City Council (DCC) is similarly committed to addressing the environmental problems of the Edwardes Lake. As part of this commitment, DCC contributed $2.5 million, Melbourne Water $650,000 and the Victorian Stormwater Action Fund $532,500 to major capital works at the lake, conducted since 2002. These works are part of the Edwardes Lake Masterplan implementation. A further $3 million is proposed to be spent over the next 10 years to implement the remaining capital works identified in the Masterplan. More details of the capital works program can be found in Appendix A. Physical works are only one part of the solution though and DCC recognises that to create a more sustainable Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood the community needs to be engaged and a range of tools and programs need to be employed.
The NEIP employs educational and behavioural change tools which will compliment the physical works and contribute to long term sustainability actions and goals. The NEIP will also provide a mechanism through which all programs and actions regarding Edwardes Lake can be understood, linked with one another and ultimately communicated to and shared with the community. The presence of the NEIP will also encourage consistency between stakeholders, plans and programs.
Page 10 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
As part of the capital works programs undertaken at the lake to improve water quality, amenity and reduce litter entering the lake the lake was dredged, reshaped, a wetlands was created, new paths and litter traps were installed and significant lake edge planting was undertaken in conjunction with Friends of Edwardes Lake.
Page 11 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 7. Process undertaken to develop the NEIP
The Edwardes Lake NEIP has been developed in two stages. Stage one was the development of the NEIP proposal and stage two was the development of the NEIP itself. The process leading to the development of both the proposal and the plan are outlined below.
Development of the NEIP proposal
1. Identification of potential partners with an obvious connection to Edwardes Lake 2. Seeking other potential partners not easily identified 3. Engaging potential partners 4. Conducting workshops with potential partners and the wider community to facilitate discussion and develop/build upon ideas and visions for the Edwardes Lake neighbourhood 5. Preparation of a draft voluntary proposal by DCC that drew upon the ideas and visions from the workshops 6. Formation of a working group, comprising interested potential partners, to review and direct the content of the draft proposal 7. Circulation of the draft proposal to all potential partners (all those involved in the workshops) for comment 8. Re-draft proposal incorporating comments 9. Seeking agreement on the final proposal by all partners for ongoing participation to the process 10. Presentation of the final proposal to EPA for endorsement
Thirteen of the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake – NEIP working group holding their certificates of appreciation, distributed at the November 2003 meeting, following the finalisation of the NEIP Proposal
Page 12 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Development of the NEIP
1. Preparation, publication on the DCC website and distribution of an Edwardes Lake Fact Sheet and Edwardes Lake NEIP - Would you like to be involved form (see Appendices A and B) 2. Communication of the final proposal was achieved through media releases, advertisements in the local papers and through letters and invitations being sent to over 40 local community groups including key groups representing our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community (CALD) and seven schools. These letters/invitations notified the groups of the key aims of the NEIP proposal, invited them to attend the Edwardes Lake New Beginning Event and be involved in the development of the plan (see Appendix C). This event was a community engagement and education activity in which key NEIP stakeholders and working group members ran interactive activities (such as waterwatch activities, wetlands walk and talks, drains and ladders games, the Edwardes lake video etc.) for over 400 people at the lake. 3. Expansion of the NEIP working group to include a representative from the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council and the Merri Creek Management Committee Waterwatch Coordinator. 4. Data collection by NEIP partners and working group members on NEIP issues. 5. Development and adoption of a project assessment tool to help identify the value and importance of different proposed actions (see appendix E) 6. Identification of potential NEIP actions, targets and objectives 7. Communication regarding the NEIP with the wider community at the Darebin Festival. A stall was staffed at the festival with information about the NEIP, Edwardes Lake and how people could be involved. 50,000 – 80,000 people were reported as attending the festival. 8. Preparation of the draft NEIP by the working group 9. Adoption of the draft NEIP by the working group 10. Adoption of the draft NEIP by DCC 11. Community consultation on the draft NEIP. During the one month consultation period the plan will be advertised with feedback and input sought through the following avenues: the Darebin website; local papers; DCC Customer Service Centres and libraries; and the Community notice board at the lake. The NEIP will also be sent to community groups within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood and an article will be sent to the City of Whittlesea with a request for inclusion in EnviroNews (their quarterly environmental newsletter) and the Council column within their local papers. 12. Consideration and incorporation of community comments in the final NEIP 13. Adoption of final NEIP by the working group and sign off by working group agencies/partners 14. Adoption of the final NEIP by DCC 15. Presentation of the final NEIP to EPA for approval.
The workshops were a pivotal point in the proposal development process, which has underpinned the development of the Edwardes Lake NEIP. The workshops were designed to facilitate discussion regarding the participants’ ideas and visions for the Edwardes Lake neighbourhood. These ideas and visions were drawn upon and provided the basis for producing the voluntary proposal and hence the subsequent NEIP.
The development of the proposal and NEIP attempted to be as open and participatory as possible and involved several stages of review and comment. The working group consisted of potential partners from the community, business and relevant government agencies. The working group was responsible for determining which ideas, visions and comments should be included or excluded in the final proposal. They were also responsible for identifying the issues, actions, targets and resource opportunities included in the NEIP. The group reviewed and commented on drafts of both documents and provided final approval as to the content of the proposal and the NEIP.
Signatures expressing potential and agreed partner’s commitment to the Edwardes Lake NEIP were sought at two stages of the process - the final proposal and final plan.
Page 13 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Over 200 local schools students and 200 community group members and residents were involved in the Edwares Lake New Beginning Day
The stormwater catchment trailer was one of the Edwardes Lake NEIP educational and engagement activities conducted at the 2004 Darebin Festival, held at Edwardes Lake
Page 14 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Images from the launch of Edwardes Lake, marking the completion of the capital works and the progression of the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan
8. The vision for our neighbourhood
In the long term we would like Edwardes Lake to be safe to swim and fish in. Further, we would like the lake and the park, to be used, enjoyed and valued in a sustainable manner.
9. Objectives/issues
In order to achieve this vision, the Edwardes Lake NEIP has the following objectives: • Improve water quality within Edwardes Lake; • Reduce litter within Edwardes Lake Park; • Improve the amenity of Edwardes Lake Park; • Improve biodiversity within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood; • Improve community awareness of, and participation in addressing, the environmental issues of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood.
These objectives will be delivered through the design and implementation of specific new NEIP programs/actions as well as through promoting and adding value to existing programs/actions. The objectives have been drawn directly from the issues that are affecting Edwardes Lake and its surrounds. A summary of these issues is included below. The main issue affecting Edwardes Lake is poor water quality.
Page 15 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Poor water quality has been an issue of significant community concern at Edwardes Lake for a number of years and is one of the key issues that the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake – NEIP is aiming to address
Water quality
Over the last thirty years water quality in Edwardes Lake has declined. This largely stems from urban and industrial development in the Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek catchment.
High sediment and nutrient loads, polluted stormwater and litter adversely affect the water quality of Edwardes Lake. The sources of these contaminants are diffuse, originating in many different locations throughout the catchment. The resulting impacts of the poor water quality are not only environmental but also social. While water quality might not be the only limiting factor in the use of Edwardes Lake, it is a significant issue, and popular activities like swimming (primary contact), fishing and boating (secondary contact) are now prohibited. The prevention of primary and secondary contact with Edwardes Lake reduces the community’s opportunity to enjoy Edwardes Lake and the social interactions it inspires.
Recreational use of the Lake was a clearly expressed community vision during the workshop process conducted as part of the Proposal development. Therefore, the focus of the Edwardes Lake NEIP should be on short-term improvements to the passive recreational (non-contact) environmental benefits, with a longer-term vision of primary and secondary contact beneficial uses (as is suggested in the aforementioned vision for your neighbourhood).
Edgars creek in the defined Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood is in the Urban Waters Segment of the Waters of the Yarra Catchment as defined in Section 6 e. iv of schedule 7 of the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) Waters of Victoria. Above O’Hearns Rd it is classified as being in the Rural Western Segment. Differing uses and contact classifications are prescribed accordingly.
Sediment and suspended solids
Edwardes Lake suffers the effects of very high sediment and suspended solids loads entering the lake annually. Sediment and suspended solids affect the environmental health of waterways and lakes in
Page 16 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP numerous ways, eg. carrying nutrients, altering flow, reducing light and oxygen availability. The high loads entering Edwardes Lake are expected to reduce over the coming years both as a result of the installation of sediment traps in the wetlands upstream of Edwardes Lake and improved construction management practices and/or water sensitive design in the upper catchment.
Nutrients
Excess nutrients - primarily abnormally high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen – can have significant negative impacts on water quality. High nutrient levels can contribute to algal blooms resulting in low oxygen levels in the water body. Excessive plant or weed growth can also result from high nutrient levels. In 1998, The Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment and Land Protection Board Nutrient Study specifically identified the Merri creek catchment (which contains Edgars creek and Edwardes Lake) as contributing major loads of nitrogen and phosphorous to the Yarra and ultimately Port Phillip Bay.
Spills
In 2001 diesel fuel entered the Lake via the stormwater system. Although the quantity of fuel was not very large, it affected the southern third of the Lake, and several waterbirds died as a result of contact with the diesel. The diesel contamination also affected aquatic vegetation in parts of the Lake. Such spills also generate considerable community concern.
Botulism
Botulism outbreaks occurred twice at Edwardes Lake between 1998 and 1999 and are believed to have caused the death of many birds. No Botulism outbreaks have occurred since 1999 at the lake. Botulism is a natural phenomenon, but its incidence has possibly increased at Edwardes Lake due to declining water quality and environmental health. The outbreaks are aided by a combination of warm temperatures, low flow and high nutrient availability. Such outbreaks generate considerable community concern.
Litter
Like most urban waterways and water bodies, litter and rubbish affect the environmental health and greatly reduce the general amenity of Edwardes Lake.
Declining amenity
The decline in water quality of Edwardes Lake over the past few decades has not only impacted on the physical environment but on the social environment also. This decline has reduced the local community’s opportunities to enjoy both the lake and the social interactions inspired by the lake, for example the closure of a once active boat club at the lake.
Biodiversity
Waterways and creeks are key areas of biodiversity. The biodiversity values of Edgars Creek and Edwardes Lake and their surrounds have been significantly degraded as a result of vegetation clearing, weed invasion, pollution and development. The result of this degradation has been a loss of flora, fauna and aquatic species in and around the creek and lake and a significant increase in exotic fauna, aquatic and weed species.
Communication and Education
Whilst a number of infrastructure measures and physical works have and can be undertaken to tackle the issues identified above, these alone will not be enough. Education and behavioural change tools
Page 17 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP also need to be employed to achieve the objectives of the Edwardes Lake NEIP and to gain the support of the community in implementing identified actions and plans.
The initial workshops held as part of the NEIP process identified poor communication between sectors and different Government agencies as a problem. Additionally, the workshop process identified a perceived lack of understanding in the general community in regards to the stormwater system, the effects of pollutants and how their actions impact on water quality within the lake, creeks and other waterways. There is also likely to be a lack of knowledge in the community regarding existing programs that aim to improve the lake and related catchments.
Through the development of the NEIP, communication has been improved between relevant Government agencies, primarily through their involvement in the working group. Communication has also been improved with the broader community through events such as the Edwardes Lake New Beginnings Day (400 people attended) and the publication of regular articles in local papers and Council newsletters.
Actions identified in this plan in section 11 – ACTIONS include the development of a Communication Plan which will continue and improve upon these levels of communication and engagement, particularly within the broader community. Additionally, the working group, DCC and Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) together with the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council (DECC) will investigate opportunities to engage with our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities around NEIP objectives.
10. Targets
The targets for the Edwardes Lake NEIP to be achieved within the next 3 years are the following:
• Improved Water Quality within Edwardes Lake including, - sediment and suspended solids levels reduced from 2005 levels; - nutrient levels reduced from 2005 levels; - number and severity of pollutant spills reduced from 2005 levels; - number and severity of botulism outbreaks reduced from 2005 levels; • Reduced Litter within Edwardes Lake Park – weight of litter reduced from 2005 levels; • Improved Amenity of Edwardes Lake Park – visitation numbers increased from 2005 levels; • Improved Biodiversity within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood – relative to 2005 levels, an increased number of native species and an increased number of individuals within each species of birds, other animals, aquatic life and plants; • Improved community awareness and participation in the environmental issues of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood, including the aforementioned issues – numbers of people participating in Edwardes Lake NEIP related activities increased from 2005 levels.
Achievement of these targets will be facilitated by the following key measures and actions over the next 3 years which are detailed further in Section 11 - Actions:
• Establish an ongoing water quality monitoring program to assess Edwardes Lake and report the results in a meaningful way to the Edwardes Lake Community; • Improve awareness and reporting of pollutant spills at Edwardes Lake and minimise damage resulting from spills on the aquatic system, plants and animals; • Improve awareness and reporting of botulism outbreaks at Edwardes Lake and minimise the loss of bird and aquatic life as a result of these outbreaks;
Page 18 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
• Establish a Litter Watch program and a Litter Management Plan for Edwardes Lake Park which will collect baseline data, assess littering behaviour and develop a range of measures to reduce littering and dog faeces; • Initiate a Edwardes Lake Visitors Project to survey visitors to Edwardes Lake Park annually; • Establish a native bird and animal database and initiate the ‘Spot a Bird, Fish, Frog Project’ to facilitate improved awareness, understanding and reporting of biodiversity observed within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood; • Initiate leadership, stormwater drain stencilling, ‘Adopt a Lake’, and other projects to improve awareness, understanding and participation of the Edwardes Lake Community and NEIP working group members in the environmental issues of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood.
Page 19 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 11. Actions
The Edwardes Lake NEIP has identified 17 new projects or actions. 28 existing programs have also been identified as working to improve the Edwardes Lake environment and amenity. The NEIP aims to increase the focus of these existing programs on the Edwardes lake neighbourhood and/or promote them within the neighbourhood. Both the new and existing projects are designed to compliment each other and collectively address the key NEIP issues. These projects make up the basis of the NEIP action plan, which is outlined in table 1 – New Projects and table 2 – Existing or Ongoing Projects and table 3 – Potential action to be considered in the future. The NEIP has regard to relevant planning schemes and municipal strategic statements under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. In addition to the actions outlined in this document, the responsible authorities within the meaning of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, including Darebin City Council (DCC), are required to have regard to the NEIP when exercising their powers, functions and duties in relation to the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood.
The working group will oversee the delivery of the new projects/actions and seek annual data on implementation of existing programs (within the Edwardes Lake neighbourhood) from the responsible organisations/agencies.
Table 1 – The Edwardes Lake NEIP Action Plan – New Projects
Project Objective/ Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Target Key Measures Costing Water quality monitoring program DCC Established in • Improved water To assess progress Pending on Monitor Edwardes Lake water quality over the next 3 years and year 1 & then quality towards improved monitoring report these in a meaningful way to the Community. ongoing • Improved water quality regimes, awareness & resources from participation DCC Pollution Spotting Made Easy Project NEIP working Implemented in • Reduced Pollution events $5,000 over 3 Labelling of stormwater drain input points to Edwardes Lake. group, year 2 & then pollutant spills reported more years –from Each sign would have a unique reference number to identify the DCC ongoing • Improved quickly than in the Sustainability drain. Each sign would refer to EPA’s Pollution Watch Line for awareness & past Fund grant easy and quick reporting of pollution events. participation Data collection DCC to send Initiated in year • Improved water To assess progress Officer time Request for annual data on responsible authorities’ projects request – all 1 & then quality towards all NEIP allocated within which impact on Edwardes Lake NEIP issues (see section 9). responsible ongoing • Reduced litter targets existing budgets authorities to respond, • Improved
including EPA, Biodiversity MW YVW • Improved awareness & participation Page 20 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Objective/ Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Target Key Measures Costing Leadership project DCC, WCC, Actions • Improved water To be determined To be determined All government and business Edwardes Lake NEIP partners to Bostik developed in quality in year 1 by each identify and develop programs to address 1 or more NEIP Australia, Visy year 1 & • Reduced litter organisation once objectives on-site and with their staff. Programs could involve Industries, implemented in project proposals Metropolitan years 2 – 3 • Improved have been taking action to insure no pollution nor litter enters stormwater biodiversity from their site, or it could involve stormwater action/behaviour Fire Brigade, developed sessions/ workshops to be held with staff, biodiversity Preston • Improved enhancement projects on-site or off-site within the gardens of Historical awareness & staff etc. Society, participation Friends of Edwardes Lake (FoEL), MW, YVW Stormwater drain stencilling NEIP working Implemented in • Improved water 150 drains $6,000 over 3 Schools and community groups to stencil stormwater drains with group, DCC years 1 – 3 quality stenciled, 10 years – from images and messages to indicate that all water and litter flowing and Merri • Reduced litter groups involved Sustainability into those drain ends up in Edwardes Lake. All participating Creek over 3 years Fund grant Management • Improved students get a copy of the ‘I Only Drain Rain’ story book to take awareness & home. Committee (MCMC) participation Litter Management Plan for Edwardes Lake DCC Developed in • Reduced litter Litter Management Resources to be Develop a Litter Management Plan for Edwardes Lake which year 2, • Improved Plan is developed drawn from addresses measures to reduce littering and dog faeces. implemented in amenity and implemented existing DCC year 3 Environmental Strategy budget for plan development and funding sought from DCC for implementation Adopt a Lake NEIP working Established in • Reduced Litter Reduction in litter $9,600 over 3 Modelled on the ‘adopt a road’ program, local businesses or group, local year 1, • Improved collected by groups years – from organisations commit to picking up rubbish around the lake at Businesses organisations Biodiversity over the project Sustainability least once a month. Equipment will be provided to the and clean up duration, 2 Fund grant • Improved organisations and a plaque erected to acknowledge that they Organisations. monthly organisations awareness & involved per year have adopted the lake. It will include at least one offer of a tree participation planting or Waterwatch activity per group each year. for 3 years
Page 21 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Objective/ Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Target Key Measures Costing Litter Watch Program DCC Initiated in year • Reduced litter To assess progress No additional Collect data on litter collected by weight within the Edwardes 1 & then towards litter costs required for Lake Park and in the litter traps upstream. Survey or assess ongoing reduction goal collection of data littering behaviour and dog handling within the park. on litter by weight within Gross
Pollutant Traps, cost of litter surveys estimated at $2000 per year = $6000 over 3 years, resources from DCC Plastic-bag-free shopping strips NEIP working Initiated in year • Reduced litter 10,000 bags $15,000 over 3 Work with local traders to create plastic-bag-free shopping group, 2 & then • Increased distributed over 3 years – from strips. Initially provide traders with a set quantity of free reusable traders ongoing awareness & years Sustainability bags (approx. 10,000 in total would be purchased) with associations, participation Fund grant Edwardes Lake related messaging printed on it and any logos corporate from sponsors. Work with traders to ensure they can source sponsors reusable bags after free ones run out. Promote and advertise project. Edwardes Lake Visitors Project DCC Implemented in • Improved Progress towards Resources from Undertake an annual survey of visitors to Edwardes Lake. year 1 & then amenity target of increased DCC ongoing visitation numbers from 2005 levels Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Community Day NEIP working Initiated in year • Improved Minimum 150 $4,500 over 3 Annual celebration and activities day held at Edwardes lake to group, 1 & then awareness & attendees per year years – from bring projects’ participants together. Link the day in with DCC ongoing participation at day Sustainability Darebin Festival at Edwardes Lake in 2007 to increase Fund grant awareness in broader community. WaterWatch at Edwardes Lake NEIP working Initiated in year • Increased 3 schools & 1 $21,600 over 3 Working with schools and community groups to collect water group, MCMC, 1 & then on- awareness & community group to years – $17,700 quality samples on a regular basis, develop water quality schools, going, participation participate and 4 from monitoring skills and increase awareness of how to keep our community collections at collections per Sustainability waterways healthy. groups least 4 times group per year. Fund grant, per year $3,900 from DCC
Page 22 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Objective/ Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Target Key Measures Costing Stormwater Mystery Tour NEIP working Established in • Improved 200 students $9,000 over 3 Education event for schools based at Edwardes lake which group, MCMC, year 1 & then awareness & attending per year years – from would include: schools ongoing participation Sustainability Fund grant • Education on what we can do at school, home and in our everyday lives to keep our waterways healthy;
• Emptying of the gross pollutant traps (possibly with some
visual auditing undertaken); • Walk & talks around the wetlands on biodiversity, wetlands and water-quality issues; • Water-wise story telling (I Only Drain Rain book). Copies of book to be given to each class attending the day; • Waterwatch activities (including the Waterwatch trailer); • Stormwater activities (including the stormwater trailer); • Possibly tree planting; • Possibly printing of calico bags with water-wise messaging; • Possibly including a short award presentation to congratulate schools or students who are participating in other Edwardes Lake NEIP programs;
• A BBQ lunch. Development of a Communication Plan NEIP working Developed in • Increased Circulation of $25,000 over 3 Develop a communication plan that identifies how the group will: group, year 1 & then awareness & newsletter to 1000 years – $20,500 DCC ongoing, participation recipients by year 3 from • Promote the Edwardes Lake NEIP; quarterly Sustainability • Communicate with key stakeholders and the community on newsletter Fund grant, implementation of actions, relevant issues and events; $4,500 from DCC • Promote personal case studies and ‘what you can do’ information via a quarterly newsletter and website, including providing information to some of the Edwardes Lake
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities;
• Ensure all actions undertaken as part of the plan are badged or branded as part of the NEIP.
Page 23 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Objective/ Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Target Key Measures Costing Learning Project EPA, MW, Initiated in year • Potentially all To have at least $1500 per year = Identify and learn about best practise projects that address the YVW (It is 1 & then objectives/ three presentations $4500 over 6 Edwardes Lake NEIP objectives and are taking place within expected that ongoing targets made to the NEIP years, resources other NEIPs and Melbourne. Have speakers working on these speakers would working group per to be drawn from projects to present to the NEIP working group on the projects be drawn from year and to assess existing EPA, objectives, actions, results, evaluation and opportunities for these three at least 5 new MW, YVW extension. organisations, projects through budgets though not the NEIP limited to them) assessment tool per year.
Table 2 – The Edwardes Lake NEIP Action Plan – Existing or Ongoing Projects
Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Manage pollutant spills EPA in Ongoing Reduced pollutant spills, Minimised damage Monitor, manage and report to the community on any pollutant spills conjunction improved awareness & resulting from spills on the that occur at Edwardes lake. Improve awareness about spills and their with DCC – participation aquatic system, plants and impacts on the aquatic environment and encourage reporting. Bushland animals Manageme nt Team (BMT) Manage and communicate about botulism DCC – Ongoing Reduced botulism Minimised loss of bird and Monitor, manage and report to the community on any outbreaks of BMT outbreaks, improved aquatic life resulting from botulism that may occur at Edwardes Lake. Communication will awareness & participation botulism outbreaks address causes (natural and societal), precautions and encouraging reporting of incidents. Clean Up Australia Day DCC Ongoing Reduced litter and Maintain Edwardes Lake as Community litter campaign involving local community groups and improved community an annual Clean Up residents coming together for one Sunday per year in March to clean awareness and Australia Day site. up a specific site. participation
Page 24 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Implementation of the Darebin Stormwater Management Plan DCC 5 year plan To provide flood protection The DSMP Management (DSMP) and contribute to improved Plan is to be reviewed in This plan prioritises actions around stormwater management in water quality for waterways the 2005/06 financial year. Darebin including infrastructure, education, enforcement and and enhance Specific actions and targets advocacy. The improvement works at Edwardes Lake were identified environmental, economic related to the Edwardes in this plan. The implementation of the DSMP has targets to: and recreational values Lake Neighbourhood will be determined as part of this • Reduce the effect of stormwater discharge, in terms of pollution and review flooding;
• Improve water quality of stormwater discharged into receiving waters within the City of Darebin;
• Enhance the environmental and recreational amenity of Darebin’s waterways and associated open space; • Protect and maintain ecological processes in the urban waterway corridors, associated wetlands (including La Trobe Wetlands), Edwardes Lake and receiving waters (principally Merri Creek, Darebin Creek, and the Yarra River), providing water that supports
creek flora and fauna;
• Improve residential, business and community awareness of the effects of their actions on stormwater quality and practices that can be implemented to improve water quality and the recreational amenity of receiving waters. Implementation of the Edwardes Lake Masterplan and DCC 10 year plan Restore and enhance the Implementation of the Management Plan recreational and amenity Masterplan is scheduled to This plan was developed to realise management and open space value of the lake to meet be completed over the next objectives at Edwardes Lake and surrounding parklands. The plan is public safety and 9 financial years with a 10 year strategy and is managed by the DCC – and Open Space expectations $150,000 being allocated area. per year to the project , the key target for the 2005/06 financial year is the development of a playground near the boathouse site
Page 25 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Implementation of the Whittlesea City Council Stormwater WCC Ongoing, key To identify and implement Progressive implementation Management Plan (SWMP) priorities actions to improve the of the SWMP priority The Whittlesea SWMP is designed to assist Council and other reviewed environmental management management and reactive stakeholders manage the environmental quality of urban stormwater. annually. of urban stormwater, management strategies as It identifies those activities that may detract from the environmental improve water quality and allowed for by internal and qualities of the waterways and sets in place a program to protect and to protect the environmental external funding. The City improve the stormwater that is discharged via the drainage system to values and beneficial uses of Whittlesea will advise the waterways. Actions in this program include infrastructure of receiving environments and update the NEIP improvements, education, enforcement and advocacy. Through these Working Group as actions actions, the SWMP aims to establish a common understanding and an that benefit Edgars creek integrated approach to stormwater management throughout Council, and the Edwards Lake as well as with external stakeholders and the community. Neighbourhood are undertaken Implementation of the MW Merri Creek Waterway Management MW Ongoing Nil No actions for Edgars Activity Plan (WAP) Creek rehabilitation are This document provides a plan which focuses on key waterway within the 15 year time management issues related to Melbourne Water’s responsibilities such frame of the WAP. Major that an outline works program for the creeks can be identified for the focus on Merri Creek next 10 to 15 years. The plan also provides an accessible form of information and analysis of key waterway management issues. Implementation of the MW Edgars Creek Drainage Scheme MW Ongoing Improved water quality and Development within upper A Drainage Scheme is a plan of the drainage and waterways works no increase in flood risk. reaches of catchment will that are required to service future urban areas within a defined be managed through catchment. The scheme identifies all the works required to provide an implementation of Drainage integrated drainage and waterways system for the development Scheme. Possibility of properties within a catchment and estimates the cost of constructing sediment treatment wetland those works. The Scheme recovers the costs of these works from adjacent to Thomastown landowners when they subdivide or develop their land. Terminal Station to be investigated Weedbuster Week DCC Ongoing Improved community Maintain bushland quality Work with the community to achieve sustainable land and water yearly, 2005 awareness, education and and improve community management. Date – 16th – participation in weed awareness of and 24th October management participation in managing weeds
Page 26 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Regulation and enforcement measures around littering, pollution DCC Ongoing Reduced litter Notify all people who have and stormwater protection, including the implementation of the applied for building permits builder’s code of practice and increasing litter enforcement within Edwardes Lake activities. Neighbourhood of their responsibilities under the building code of practise and improve community awareness of and participation in litter reporting in the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Regulation and enforcement measures around littering, pollution EPA Ongoing Regulate industry and Improved stormwater and stormwater protection community to ensure management, increased compliance with awareness of litter Environment Protection Act management, decreased 1970 number of pollution incidents A native bird and animal database DCC – Ongoing Improved biodiversity, Progress towards the target A database has been established to record native bird, fish and other BMT awareness & participation of increasing the native animal sightings at the lake. species of birds, aquatic life and other animals at the lake Spot a Bird, Fish, Frog Project FoEL, DCC Ongoing Improved biodiversity, Progress towards the target Friends of Edwardes Lake (FoEL) and other community groups and – BMT awareness & participation of increasing the native members to report siting of native birds, aquatic and other animals to species of birds, other the DCC BMT to be recorded on their database. The frog data to be animals, aquatic life and submitted to the Amphibian Centre to assist in collating data plants at the lake throughout the state of Victoria on frog species and their locations. Tree Planting Day (25 July) and other planting days during the DCC in Ongoing To raise awareness of the Improved community year conjunction need to sustain our physical awareness of and with FoEL environment, to raise participation in planting & MCMC community awareness and indigenous plants, to create participation in land a sense of ownership management among the community
Page 27 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) EPA Litter Report Line and Online Service EPA Ongoing core Reduced littering from cars Maintain supply of this Litter report line and online service whereby members of the public business for service can report littering from vehicles to EPA. EPA DCC Litter Report Line and Online Service DCC Ongoing Reduced littering Maintain supply of this Members of the public can report littering via DCC’s general phone service number and with a form available on DCC’s website Chemical collection ERV, DCC Ongoing Improved water quality To continue to provide and A Chemical Collection service coordinated by EcoRecycle Victoria accessible venue and (ERV) whereby household chemicals can be dropped off for disposal promote chemical collection at select collection sites. services within the neighbourhood Learning grounds (MCMC) MCMC Dependent Discover relevant grant Continue to support and This program encourages school communities to plan indigenous funded by on opportunities; plan, increase the number of gardens for their school grounds in a way that closely involves DCC continuous prepare, plant and maintain schools developing students. Developing indigenous gardens in school grounds presents funding indigenous gardens in indigenous gardens in their special opportunities for hands-on environmental learning plus an school grounds & link to school grounds endless range of opportunities across the curriculum from broad learning goals communications to philosophy, from numeracy to fine arts. DCC Community Grants DCC To increase the number of Provide opportunities for community groups and schools to fund applications by groups and community environmental projects. schools within the neighbourhood which support NEIP objectives YVW Northern Sewerage Strategy YVW Completed To reduce sewage spills To eliminate sewage spills The Project will relieve the four emergency relief structures (ERS) by 2011 into the stormwater system, from all ERS’s into the located within the Edgars Creek Sewerage Catchment Area. These improve water quality stormwater system for ERS are located on the Merrilands Branch Sewer to the north of rainfall events up to and Edwardes Lake and discharge into the Merrilands Drain and ultimately including a 1 in 5 year Edgars Creek. ERS’s are controlled overflow points which allow event by 2011 diluted sewage to spill into stormwater drains and waterways in the event of extreme rainfall events instead of within customer properties and from manholes. All spills from ERS’s are monitored and reported
to the EPA.
Page 28 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Animal Control Program NEIP Comply with Domestic Reduce the number of feral Balance the needs of pet owners with other members of the working Animal Management Act and roaming cats in the community and the environment. Contribute to the review of the group, and enhance welfare of the neighbourhood and have Domestic Animal Management Strategy, investigate best practice DCC environment and better adherence to on-lead around domestic and feral cat management and develop actions or community requirements programs for the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood accordingly. Cub Scout/Scout/Venturer Scout Landcare Badge Scouts, Ongoing Improved water quality, 20 Cubs/Scouts/Venturers This badge requires the Cubs/Scouts/Venturers to participate in local MW, reduced litter, improved to earn their Landcare environment projects. Currently, this involves Melbourne Water (MW) MCMC biodiversity, improved Badge and Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) in water quality awareness & participation monitoring, revegetation, litter surveys & clean-ups, habitat surveys and a frog census in Edgars Creek & Wetlands and Edwardes Lake. Corridors of Green Program MW Ongoing Improved riparian Not catchment specific. The Program provides funding to local Councils to improve waterway vegetation Region-wide grant frontages under their management. Improvement works usually take applications assessed the form of revegetation, weed control and vegetation management annually activities, although funding has also assisted Councils to protect floodplain wetlands and fence areas of important riparian vegetation. Funding is provided for materials such as plants, tree-guards and
fencing. Funding is dependant on a co-contribution from Councils, which is preferably matching (1:1).
Community Grants Program MW Ongoing Improved riparian Not catchment specific. The Program provides funding to incorporated community groups to vegetation Region wide grant improve waterway frontages and wetlands. Improvement works applications assessed usually take the form of revegetation, weed control and vegetation annually management activities, although funding has also assisted groups to purchase tools and equipment for projects they are undertaking. The Melbourne Water Community Grants Program also provides funding for community group newsletters. MW school and community education based programs MW Ongoing Community awareness and MW website contains Melbourne Water offers a range of water education resources for involvement significant information teachers and students. Information available for primary, secondary available to community. and tertiary years as well as tours and resources via website – Also regional coordinator www.melbournewater.com.au/education for waterwatch.
Page 29 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Project Target Project Title/Description/Action Partners Timeline Objective (over next 3 years) Promotion of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment PPWCMA Ongoing Potentially could address all Increase awareness of Management Authority (PPWCMA) calendar of grants and NEIP objectives depending groups within the Edwardes incentives on project and grant. Lake Neighbourhood of the Promote this resource which is a collation of information on Community Grants list and environmental grants accessible to community groups, local the corresponding funding governments and other agencies prepared by the PPWCMA, to opportunities available to community groups within the Edwardes Lake neighbourhood. them YVW school and community based education programs YVW Ongoing To educate and improve Support is given to schools, where requested, under the ‘Our Water, community awareness of Our Future’ program. Support is in the form of an information kit for water and wastewater incorporation into the curriculum, as well as shows and presentations issues. that may be booked. YVW is currently confirming its Community Festivals program. YVW will be organising information stands at several festivals from Oct 2006, one of which may be in the Coburg/Preston/Reservoir area. Sustainable Gardening Program DCC Ongoing Improved water quality, Increase the number of Encourage the creation of sustainable gardens and gardening reduced litter, improved people who home practises through the development and promotion of a booklet, biodiversity, awareness & compost/worm farm within workshops and competition. participation the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood, increase the number of indigenous plants in gardens within the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood.
Page 30 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Table 3 – The Edwardes Lake NEIP Action Plan – Potential Action to be considered in the Future
Project Title/Description/Action Project Timeline Objective Target Partners (over next 3 years) Investigate opportunities to engage with our key CALD communities NEIP Year 1 – Potentially all To be determined in year 1 around Edwardes Lake NEIP objectives working identification objectives/ The feasibility of the following programs will be determined: group, of potential targets DCC – projects, year • Surveys regarding Edwardes Lake Park to cover some language Multilingual 2 – 3 – groups other than English; Unit, implementati • Signage around Edwardes Lake Park to be pictorially based; MCMC, on of projects • Involving CALD communities in specific events or activities such as DECC BBQs, walks and tours; • Post basic information in different languages on DCC Multilingual Website; Pollution Sub-catchment Approach EPA, local Implemented Improved water Given the significant resources A specific sub-catchment may be identified as leading to significant councils, as necessary quality, required, such an approach is only pollution entering a waterway (eg Edgars Creek). Often it is difficult to MW based on a improved used when absolutely necessary. If identify specific premises leading to pollution or pollution may be a combination awareness & this approach was identified as combination of many inputs. Where this is the case, an inspection program of pollution participation, appropriate, it might be reasonable may be undertaken where all premises with the potential to pollute are reports and improved to undertake once in the first three inspected in a short period of time (eg 1 week) to assess their water quality environmental years (dependant upon partner environmental management practices and require deficiencies to be impacts. practices resources at the time). addressed via a combination of education and enforcement. Investigate programs to address duck feeding problems NEIP Year 1 – Improved water Reduced number of people feeding Duck feeding is suspected as a major source of nutrient in the lake. working identification quality, ducks and the amount of food being Communication and behaviour change programs will be investigated to group, of potential Improved thrown into the lake reduce nutrient loads. DCC projects, awareness & year 2 – 3 – participation implementati on of projects
There are also a number of historic programs that have been run within the Edwardes Lake Our Lake neighbourhood, these include: • Edwardes Lake History Project, culminating in the production of the book Edwardes Lake – A Gift Well Received (2001 – 2003); • Production of the Edwardes Lake – Jewel of the North video and accompanying booklet (2002); • Catching on automotive workshop education program (2000); • Living Waters Program (2002 – 2003).
Page 31 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 12. Demonstration of consistency with plans, policies and strategies
The Edwardes Lake NEIP is working to support and compliment existing plans, policies and strategies and the implementation of these. The key relevant plans, policies and strategies are listed below with a brief summary identifying their consistency to the NEIP.
City of Darebin’s Environmental Policy
Darebin’s Environmental Policy provides that the City of Darebin will: • Aim for its own operations to be ecologically, socially and economically sustainable • Be a sustainability promoting organisation by: - Encouraging and empowering Darebin residents, businesses and organisations; and people who work in, study in, or visit Darebin to similarly pursue sustainability - Encouraging and facilitating individuals and organisations outside of the municipality to strive towards sustainability - Collaborating and forming partnerships with other organisations to contribute to the achievement of sustainability The framework through which Council will seek to achieve the goal of sustainability includes the following stretch goals that its activities result in: • zero pollution; • zero waste; • zero habitat destruction; • zero climate damage; • zero soil degradation
Although these ‘stretch goals’ may seem unattainable, aiming for them ensures Council establishes and implements the best possible strategies, objectives, targets and actions for achieving ecological sustainability. This plan is consistent with these goals and in particular the first 3 goals.
The City of Darebin’s Edwardes Lake Masterplan
The Edwardes Lake Masterplan and management plan lists water quality as a key issue. Much of the work undertaken at the lake, including the $3.5 million of works done to improve water quality and amenity, is the implementation of the Edwardes Lake Masterplan.
The City of Darebin’s Stormwater Management Plan
Darebin’s Stormwater management plan’s aim is to manage the City’s stormwater system to provide adequate flood protection, mitigate stormwater impacts, and contribute to improved water quality for receiving waterways and water bodies such that their environmental, economic and recreational values can be enhanced within the constraints of Darebin’s urban and infrastructural context.
City of Whittlesea’s Stormwater Management Plan
The City of Whittlesea’s Stormwater Management Plan and corresponding works undertaken within the Edgars Creek Catchment directly impact on the water quality in Edwardes Lake. The aim of the City of Whittlesea Stormwater Management Plan is to identify actions to improve the environmental management of urban stormwater and to protect the environmental values and beneficial uses of receiving environments. The City’s waterways are valuable assets. They convey stormwater, provide important ecological habitats, are attractive recreational areas and contain sites of cultural significance and enhance property values.
Page 32 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
The Whittlesea SWMP identifies urban activities that may adversely affect waterway quality values and sets in place strategies to protect and enhance these values and other beneficial uses from stormwater runoff.
City of Whittlesea ICLEI Water Campaign and Action Plan
The City of Whittlesea is a member of the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) Water CampaignTM. Through this program the City is working to reduce its own and its community’s water consumption and to improve water quality discharges to waterways in the municipality, including Edgars Creek.
Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009
This strategy sets the framework for the overall co-ordination of natural resource management in the region. It focuses on improving environmental and catchment management while recognising that, by helping resources to be managed more sustainably, it will contribute to society’s present and future options for social and economic development. The strategy sets a planning framework that incorporates native vegetation plans, pest plant & animals, biodiversity action plans, other lands such as a dryland salinity plan and a river health strategy which is outlined below.
Port Phillip and Western Port Regional River Health Strategy Draft
The river health strategy sets direction for regional investment in river and creek health by identifying priority programs for the next 5 years. The goal of the strategy is to ensure that the region’s rivers and creeks are healthy, aiming to improve all of them to be in good or better condition by 2025. Related objectives of the strategy are to enhance opportunities for the community to enjoy their rivers and creeks and to work with the community and key stakeholders to protect and improve rivers and creeks.
Friends of Edwardes Lake Mission Statement
The Friends of Edwardes Lake Mission Statement is to promote the environmental and cultural values of Edwardes Lake and environs by actively involving the community. The group aims to:
• To provide a safe environment to all the community to use; • To use Edwardes Lake Park as an educational resource for future generations; • To improve and maintain Edwardes Lake flora and fauna; • To raise public awareness; • To actively involve the community in the preservation and restoration of Edwardes Lake and its environs; • To promote the cultural and natural resources Edwardes Lake Park offers
Industrial Waste Management Policy (Prescribed Industrial Waste)
In line with community expectations this industrial waste management policy seeks to protect people and the environment from the risks posed by prescribed industrial waste. This is achieved by specifically providing a framework and tools to implement the waste management hierarchy for prescribed industrial waste, consistent with ecologically sustainable development.
State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria – SEPP)
The SEPP sets the framework for government agencies, businesses and the community to work together to protect and rehabilitate Victoria’s surface water environments. Victoria’s surface water environments form the basis of life and prosperity. Healthy water environments provide food and shelter for aquatic plants and animals, enable simple pleasures such as swimming and fishing and provide necessities such as water for drinking, agriculture and industry. SEPPs help protect water environments
Page 33 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP by providing a ‘blueprint’ of agreed environmental outcomes, set the uses and values of water we want to protect and provides clear guidance on what needs to be done to protect them. SEPPs also provide a tool by which the EPA can assess if pollution has occurred and undertake enforcement action if needed. The Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood is covered by Section 6 E IV - Urban Waters Segment of the Waters of Yarra Catchment, in Schedule 7 of the SEPP.
Policy Principles - Environment Protection Act 1970
• Principle of integration of economic, social and environmental consideration; • The precautionary principle; • Principle of intergenerational equity; • Principle of conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; • Principle of improved valuation, pricing and incentive measures; • Principle of shared responsibility; • Principle of product stewardship; • Principle of waste hierarchy; • Principle of integrated environmental management; • Principle of enforcement; • Principle of accountability.
13. Community engagement and communication
The prime opportunities for community engagement and communication of the plan will be achieved through:
• All community based Edwardes Lake NEIP activities, which will be badged and branded as being part of the plan; • Community and stakeholder representation and involvement in the Edwardes Lake NEIP working group; • The development and implementation of the Communication Plan (see NEW ACTION table, Section 10); • The launch of the plan, which will be linked into a key NEIP action, such as the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Community Day and/or the commencement of water quality monitoring at the lake; • The production and distribution of the Edwardes Lake Our Lake Newsletter; • The website and other communication mediums; • Annual reporting to Darebin Council, stakeholders and the community (via the website) on implementation of Edwardes Lake NEIP actions; • Through community events such as the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Community Day and the Stormwater mystery tour;
14. Plan implementation arrangements
Darebin City Council (DCC) and the Sustainability Fund will provide funding for a part time coordinator to commence implementation of the Edwardes Lake NEIP in the 2005/06 financial year. Sustainability funding continues over three years and funds other implementation costs of the NEIP. The NEIP Coordinator will liaise with and support the NEIP working group by organising meetings, minutes and venues.
The specific charter of the working group is outlined in the following:
The working group will be officially known as the ‘Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP working group’. It will meet at least quarterly and will oversee NEIP implementation. Its membership, listed in Section 3, will continue to consist of people from the Edwardes Lake Community including local community groups,
Page 34 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP local businesses, key agencies and other stakeholders. These ‘NEIP partners’ are expected to continue to provide in-kind support through their participation in working group meetings. NEIP partners will also be involved in a number of projects and actions identified in Section 11. Relevant officers within NEIP partner organisations would implement, as part of their work, these projects and actions and would be asked to provide relevant data and report back to the working group on progress towards NEIP targets.
The term of the working group will be 3 years from the date of formal adoption of the NEIP and it will continue to operate as a community advisory committee to DCC. Increased membership will be encouraged throughout the term, with residents and stakeholders being invited to join at key NEIP events. The working group will monitor, evaluate and report on NEIP projects and actions including an annual progress report to DCC. The role of chairing working group meetings will continue to be regularly rotated between attending NEIP partners, set to a timetable agreed to by the working group, with the default chair falling back to one of the attending DCC officers. Decision making will be based on consensus. Where dissenting opinions are expressed regarding significant issues they will be noted and reported to DCC. The NEIP will be formally reviewed at the conclusion of the working group’s 3 year term.
15. Proposed project and action assessment
If a project or action additional to those already contained in this document is proposed by a NEIP partner, it shall be assessed by the proponent using the Assessment Tool (see Appendix E) and presented to the working group for adoption. Only projects or actions that perform well in the tool, relative to those already included, will be considered by the working group for inclusion in the NEIP. For demonstration sake the completed assessment of the ‘Adopt a Lake’ project is also included in Appendix E.
16. Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring of the individual projects, actions and key measures, outlined in Section 11, will be conducted by the working group through its regular meetings. This will feed into annual monitoring of progress towards the NEIP objectives and targets and an evaluation of the projects, actions and key measures. The results of this monitoring and evaluation will be included in the annual progress report to DCC. Relevant data will be sought from a range of stakeholders as part of this process. If implementation of projects, actions and the NEIP overall is not progressing satisfactorily, the contingency plans, as outlined in Section 18, can be employed by the working group.
17. Reviewing the NEIP
The NEIP in its entirety will be formally reviewed 3 years after its formal adoption. This review will involve a formal consultation phase in which a call for input will be made to the community through an advertisement in the local paper and mail out to key community groups and schools. All NEIP working group members (past and present) will be encouraged to participate in the review. The outcomes from this review and availability of funding and resources will determine the future direction, projects and actions of the NEIP and any amendments that may need to be made to the document.
The working group would be responsible for undertaking the 3 year review as well as a review of NEIP partner contributions. The review, consultation and amendment process would be organised and coordinated by the NEIP Coordinator with support from the working group.
Page 35 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
The wetlands of Edwardes Lake, as at December 2004
18. Contingency or emergency plans
The following contingency plans will be in place for the NEIP working group to monitor and respond to potential issues arising with key milestones or project timelines within the Edwardes Lake NEIP:
• Regular reporting to the working group on implementation of actions by identified responsible officers. The working group will accordingly be able to re-prioritise projects and actions if required; • Where required additional support will be sourced from NEIP partners, other stakeholder groups and funding bodies to deliver projects identified within the NEIP; • Project milestones and targets will be regularly reviewed by the working group and if necessary adjusted to reflect available resources. The projects selected as part of this plan are modular in nature and can be easily expanded or contracted as required. For example the number of places available in a program, tasks undertaken or schools engaged can be modified if required; • The working group will liaise with any relevant funding Bodies in regard to the need to amend milestones or timing if required.
Page 36 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 19. Signatures of partners
We the undersigned, being partners in the attached Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan, agree to undertake the actions specified in Section 11 of this plan and to implement this plan in the spirit of Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plans, with openness and active participation by all partners.
Luisa Macmillan Libby Hynes Elizabeth Radcliffe Manager General Manager Manager Yarra Region Merri Creek Environment & Amenity Environment Protection Management Committee Darebin City Council Authority
Graeme Brennan Merv Lia Rob Skinner Chief Executive Officer President Managing Director City of Whittlesea Preston Historical Society Melbourne Water
Marianna Pettolino Trevor Hausler Toni-Marie Wuelfert Friends of Edwardes Lake Friends of Merri Creek
Gaetano Greco Peter Watkinson President, Darebin Ethnic Reijet Van de Vusse Regional Director Port Phillip Communities Council Operator, East Reservoir Region, Department of Wildlife Shelter Sustainability & Environment
Daniel van Oosterwijck Manager Service Enhancement Nuria Floretino Penny Jamieson Sewer, Yarra Valley Water Group Leader Centre Coordinator Darebin Pram Walkers Group Reservoir Traders
Glenn Martland Jason Horlock Gordon Bate Technical Services Manager Senior Environmental Planner Environmental Manager Bostik Australia VicRoads – Metro North West Visy Industries Pty Ltd
Greg Milne Frank Besanko Peter Stephenson Yarra Landcare Coordinator Commander Community Senior Project Manager, Port Phillip and Westernport Safety, Metropolitan Fire Aurora, VicUrban Catchment Management Authority Brigade Northern Zone
Page 37 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 20. Appendices
Appendix A– Edwardes Lake Fact Sheet (overleaf):
Page 38 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP EEdwdardwes Laakerdes Lake
ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET
Edwardes Lake Park is a 26 hectare park in Reservoir that attracts 135 000 visitors a year. Edwardes Lake has a long history as a unique and important place for residents of the City of Darebin and beyond. It has played a central role in people’s recreational pursuits and provided an opportunity to interact with nature. In recent years however, people’s enjoyment of the Lake and surrounding parklands has been diminished by an ongoing trend of environmental degradation. The lake is part of the urban stormwater system. All the pollutants, sediment, litter, detergent and fertilisers going down the drains in a 40 km square area go into Edwardes Lake. Because Edwardes Lake is also an important component of the local catchment system, this degradation has had increasing impacts on the wider environment.
This problem is not unique to Edwardes Lake. Stormwater pollution affects every urban waterway. Litter, soil and pollution spilt on roads, footpaths and gutters eventually ends up in a creek, river, lake or beach. What are we doing?
The City of Darebin, together with the community developed a long term master plan for the lake and park. The first part of the plan has involved physical works at the lake to address the water quality issues. These works cost over $3.5 Million dollars. Council has funded the majority, with over a million dollars of funding provided from the Victorian Stormwater Action Program and Melbourne Water. The works are shown over the page and include: • Installing a sediment trap and litter traps upstream from the lake to reduce the amount of sediment and litter entering the lake; • Installing a new wetland pond system in the upstream section of the lake to improve water quality and provide habitat for flora and fauna; • Repairing the weir at Edwardes Street; • Remodelling the lake bottom to vary water depth and allow better water flow, and • Landscaping the edges of the lake to provide further habitat for flora and fauna.
These physical works aim to capture and minimise the extent and damage of pollutants. This does not address the issue that caused the pollution in the first place – business and community behaviour and practices.
Darebin in conjunction with the EPA, community groups, interested individuals, service organisations, businesses, other governments and government agencies have embarked on a Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP) for Edwardes Lake. This involves the development of an action plan to improve the wider factors and practices influencing the health of the lake. The behavioural, operational and attitudinal changes are just as important as the physical ones. Sustainability is all about partnerships and working collaboratively. Our long term goal is the sustainability of Edwardes Lake and you are invited to become part of this important project. See over the page for details.
Page 39 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
How are we going?
The works upstream of the lake including, the sediment pond and litter traps commenced in 2002 and took over 2 years to complete. The major project delay was due to the amount of sediment in the lake. A major cause of sediment in waterways is building and construction works. This sediment results from poor placement and containment of soil on building sites and/or the associated mud on the roads, which ends up in a waterway.
Whilst the construction works are now complete, the lake will not be functioning or looking at its best until planting has occurred during March to June 2004 and the plants mature. Due to dryer conditions and water conservation measures grass and plants at the edge of the lake will not be planted until we start to receive Autumn rains.
The wetland plants need to grow to perform their important functions. They remove nutrients and organic matter from the water; release carbon nitrogen and sulphur into the atmosphere and provide habitat for fish birds and animals.
The Edwardes Lake NEIP proposal has been approved and was launched March 2004. As part of our activities we plan to monitor the water quality at the lake, wildlife and the amount of litter collected in the litter traps as indicators of the project’s success and the lake’s health. What can you do?
All of us have a part to play in creating and keeping Edwardes Lake a healthy place to be enjoyed by all. Below are a few things you can do to make a significant difference: • Become involved in the Edwardes Lake NEIP. You/or your organisation can take a role in the planning phase or become involved in some of the activities that will be organised. For more information about the NEIP call us on 9230 4444. • Join ‘Friends of Edwardes Lake’ and work together with other community members to improve the health of the lake and promote the lake’s environmental and cultural values. To be involved, or for more information call Leanne on 0403 901 980 or email [email protected] • Be careful what goes into your street gutter – as it will end up in a waterway. Fertiliser, garden chemicals and soil can be worse for waterways then litter. • Pick up your dog poo and put it in the bin. 90 tonnes of dog poo are produced in Victoria every day! • Wash your car on the lawn or take it to a car wash. • If you are doing building works – make sure you stop soil and mud from getting into the drains. • If you smoke, use a portable ashtray and/or place your butts in a bin. • Don’t feed the swans & ducks with bread – this puts too many nutrients in the water and pollutes the water.
For more information on what Darebin City Council is doing go to: www.darebin.vic.gov.au, email [email protected] or call 9230 4444 For more information on stormwater management and pollution issues go to: www.epa.vic.gov.au – Victoria’s Environment Protection Agency website www.melbournewater.com.au – Melbourne Water’s website www.environment.vic.gov.au - Gateway site to many other environment sites
Page 40 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Appendix B – ‘Would you like to be involved’ form (overleaf):
Page 41 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Creating a healthy Edwardes Lake for all to enjoy – Would you like to be involved? Edwardes Lake has always been an important place to meet, picnic, walk and play. Now we are trying to add to this by making it a healthy home for native plants, birds, frogs and fish as well as a place of clean and healthy water. To help create these visions Darebin Council has drained, reshaped, replanted and repathed the lake. Now the Council is working with local businesses, government agencies, schools, community groups and residents to continue to improve the lake’s environment. This process is being undertaken through the development of a Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan, which you may be interested in being involved in.
Please take the time to complete this brief questionnaire so that we can keep you informed and involved in the creation of a healthy Edwardes Lake for all to enjoy.
First name: ______Last name:______
Postal address: ______
Suburb:______Postcode:______
Email address: ______
Phone number: (Business hours) ______(After hours) ______
Would you be interested in receiving regular updates on what is happening with Edwardes Lake and the Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan? Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you be interested in being involved in environmental education/action programs (such as Waterwatch) around Edwardes Lake? Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you be interested in being involved in one-off planting days or clean-up days? Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you be interested in being involved in the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan working group? The working group meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 5 – 6.30pm to develop the Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan and on-ground action programs. Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you like to receive a copy of Sustainability News, Darebin Council’s quarterly Environmental Newsletter? Darebin VINE includes articles written by local residents, community groups and Council on sustainability and environmental initiatives, projects and activities. Local up-coming environmental events are also advertised in each edition. Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this brief questionnaire. Please return it to:
Emma Hopkins Sustainability Education Officer The information collected on this form will also City of Darebin be used by Council for the purposes of administering the Edwardes Lake PO BOX 91 Neighbourhood Environment Improvement PRESTON VIC 3072 Plan or providing participants with related information, newsletters or similar. The If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire or the information collected will only be viewed by development of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Environment staff of Darebin City Council or the Improvement Plan please call Emma Hopkins on 9230 4405 or Environment Protection Authority. If you have email [email protected] an email address we will communicate with you primarily via email, otherwise it will be posted. Page 42 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP Appendix C – Generic letter encouraging participation in the Edwardes Lake NEIP development process:
Rolf Bjerkhamn - Phone 9230 4549
16 February 2004
«Title» «Name» «Surname» «Category_Name» «Postal_Address» «Postal_Suburb» VIC «Postal_PostCode»
Dear «Title» «Surname»
Invitation to Edwardes Lake, New beginnings, walk, talk and BBQ lunch, 10am – 1pm, Wednesday 31 March, 2004
Please find enclosed your invitation for this special event. We are celebrating the new beginnings at Edwardes Lake, including the end of the major works and the launch of the Neighborhood Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) project.
Edwardes Lake has always been an important place to meet, picnic, walk and play. Now we are trying to add to this by making it a healthy home for native plants, birds, frogs and fish as well as a place of clean and healthy water.
To help create these visions Darebin Council has drained, reshaped, repathed and is in the process of replanting the lake. Now the Council is working with local businesses, government agencies, schools, community groups and residents to continue to improve the lake’s environment. This process is being undertaken through the development of a Neighbourhood EIP, which you may be interested in being involved in.
We promise an interesting walk and a free lunch on the day. Come and learn about what’s been happening at the lake and what is planned.
If a representative of your group would like to attend this event or be involved in the Neighborhood EIP please let us know by filling in the attached registration form and mail/fax it back to the address at the top of the form.
I look forward to seeing a representative from your group on the day.
Yours sincerely
Rolf Bjerkhamn Environment Project Officer
Page 43 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP – Invite encouraging participation in the Edwardes Lake NEIP development process:
EDWARDES LAKE NEW BEGINNINGS Including the launch of the Edwardes Lake Neighborhood Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) project.
10 am – 1pm, Wednesday 31 March 2004 Edwardes Lake, Reservoir Walk, Talk and BBQ Lunch
The major works at Edwardes Lake are finished, the lake is full again, with only the planting remaining. This is just the Beginning! Our Neighborhood EIP is a community project which will assist us in achieving short, medium and long term goals in relation to the sustainability of Edwardes Lake and its environment. We are inviting you to celebrate the beginning with us. Come on the day - learn about the old, the new, the wetlands, the water quality, the history, the Neighborhood EIP and how you can continue to be involved in this magnificent lake and park. Activities include: ° 10.15am: Official Launch from Mayor of City of Darebin ° Entertainment from local performers ° 10.45am – 12.30pm: Activity Walk – including history, waterwatch, flora and fauna, health and fitness activities ° 12.30pm: Free BBQ lunch Who’s invited? Local schools; residents; park users; community groups; sports groups; walking groups; environmental groups, local businesses; general public; VIPs
ENQUIRIES: Phone: 9230 4405
Page 44 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
– List of organisations to whom the letter and invite was sent:
Friends of Darebin Creek Friends of Merri Creek Northcote Community Gardens VINC (Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-operative) Darebin Creek Management Committee Reservoir Greek Elderly Citizens Club Inc Reservoir Lions Club Inc PRACE (Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education) Reservoir RSL (Sub-Branch Inc) Darebin Group of Union of Australian Women Lakeside Little Athletics Club 4th Preston Scouts Reservoir District Secondary College Islamic Elderly Group Inc Merrilands College Life Activities Club Darebin 1st Reservoir Scouts Spring Street Reservoir Senior Club Reservoir West Auskick Polish Senior Citizens Club of Reservoir Inc Australian Macedonian Pensioners Group of Reservoir Inc North West Reservoir Italian Senior Citizens Club Inc Elderly Italo-Australian Womens Group of Darebin Inc Merrilands Italian Senior Citizens Club Inc Reservoir Italian Pensioners Club Inc Guides Victoria Reservoir Division Darebin Greek Women's Senior Citizens Group Inc Reservoir Senior Citizens Club Inc Reservoir Trugo Club Regent Pigeon Homing Club Reservoir Tenants Group West Preston Lakeside Football Club Lakeside Secondary College Reservoir Police Station East Reservoir Senior Citizens Club Inc East Preston & East Reservoir Tenants Group Lakeview Tennis Club Reservoir Bowling Club Hellenic Gymnastics & Athletics Association Preston Athletics Club Merri Walking Group Preston Walking Group St Gabriel's Primary School Reservoir West Primary School Merrilands College P-12 Reservoir Primary School Ruthven Primary School
Page 45 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Appendix D – Group Registration Form (overleaf):
Page 46 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP EDWARDES LAKE - NEW BEGINNINGS 10 am œ 1pm, W ednesday 31 March 2004, at Edwardes Lake Group Registration Form
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BEFORE 1 March, 2004 TO: POST: Environmental Strategy, City of Darebin Or FAX: 9470 2259 PO Box 91, Preston VIC 3072
Name of Group/School: ______
Contact name: ______
Postal address: ______
Suburb:______Postcode:______
Email address: ______
Phone number: ______Fax Number: ______
How many People will be attending? (best estimate) ______
Schools only
Which grades will be represented?______
Would your students be interested in painting a banner for the lake depicting the plants, birds and animals of Edwardes Lake for display on the day? (Calico Banners will be provided to interested schools 2 weeks before the event) Please circle one of the following: Yes No
Activities on the day: Official Launch (10am – 10.30am); Activity Walk (10.45am – 12.30pm); Free BBQ (12.30pm – 1.00pm)
Would you be interested in receiving regular updates on what is happening with Edwardes Lake and the Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan? Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you be interested in being involved in one-off planting days or clean-up days? Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
Would you be interested in being involved in the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan working group? The working group meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 5 – 6.30pm to develop the Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan and on-ground action programs. Please circle one of the following: Yes No Maybe
If you have any questions regarding this event or the development of the Edwardes Lake Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan please call 9230 4405
Page 47 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Page 48
Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
Appendix E – Assessment Tool for proposed projects and actions
The Assessment tool we have developed through the Edwardes Lake Our Lake œ Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Program. All proposed NEIP projects are run through this tool. Only projects performing well in this tool are considered for inclusion in the Edwardes Lake, Our Lake œ Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan. This tool is based on the work of Doug McKensie-Mohr and Les Robinson, two leading community based social marketing experts.
Project 1
Project Title Action/project description
What other (potential NEIP) programs does it replicate or is it similar to? Who is the project audience/ target group? Who/which organisations will be responsible for delivering the project? Which Edwardes Lake NEIP issues does the project address? How will the project impact on or address the issue(s)? What are the barriers to the program and/or participants? What are the benefits to (selling points for) program participants? What is the time commitment to participants? What is the project duration? (ongoing œ start and end time, one-off etc.) What are the resource implications? (including cost, time implications and required expertise/skills) Is this project likely to be able to attract resources, corporate sponsorship or funding? Has this project built in an evaluation process to determine what impact it does actually have on the NEIP issue(s)? How does the project score in the Les Robinson Attractors Test (over page)? (Scores to be allocated for each element, 1 œ no, 2 œ somewhat 3 œ very)
What are the programs strengths in terms of the Les Robinson 7 œ door model of change? Does the project: 1. Help set or shift norms/visions? 2. Fill knowledge gaps?
Page 49 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
3. Build skills? 4. Help make systems or actions easy, accessible and convenient? 5. Build peer support and maximise opportunities for social influence? 6. Offer new opportunities and spaces (outside our normal routines) for people to learn, create and imagine new actions, futures and behaviours? 7. Deliver results and satisfaction to participants? Share and reward success?
Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Assessment tool œ PART 2
ATRACT-ORS test
Rate out of 3 how well the project passes each of the following tests. 1 (not), 2 (somewhat), 3 (very)
ACHIEVABLE œ Has this project/action got a reasonable chance of success given the context and history of the audience?
1 (not achievable) 2 (somewhat achievable) 3 (very achievable)
TARGETED œ Is the audience reachable?
1 (not targeted) 2 (somewhat targeted) 3 (very targeted)
REALISTIC œ Are you and those working with you likely to have the resources to make a significant impact?
1 (not realistic) 2 (somewhat realistic) 3 (very realistic)
ACTION-ORIENTATED œ Is a definite, measureable action or decision required from this audience? 1 (not action) 2 (somewhat action orientated) 3 (very action orientated orientated)
COMPELLING CASE œ Are the benefits compelling for this audience? Are they interested in the benefits you are offering them?
1 (not compelling) 2 (somewhat compelling) 3 (very compelling)
Page 50 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP
TIMELY œ Is there enough time to plan, prepare and implement the intervention/project, and for the audience to respond? 1 (not timely) 2 (somewhat timely) 3 (very timely)
OPPORTUNITY VALUE œ Is the opportunity value too good to miss even if the outcome is unclear? (ie it is a calculated risk) 1 (no opportunity value) 2 (some opportunity value) 3 (high opportunity value)
RECOGNITION VALUE œ Is it a major opportunity for exposure and profile building for the campaign or Edwardes Lake NEIP? 1 (no recognition value) 2 (some recognition value) 3 (high recognition value)
STRATEGIC VALUE œ Is it strategically essential to support existing relationships or allies?
1 (no strategic value) 2 (some strategic value) 3 (high strategic value)
Total score:
Page 51 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP – Project Assessment Tool Example:
Project Title Adopt a Lake
Action/project description Adopt a lake œ Modelled on the adopt a road program, whereby 1 or 2 local businesses, rotary groups, or organisations like corrective services commit to picking up rubbish around the lake at least once a month. Bags, gloves and other equipment is provided to the group and a plaque is erected to acknowledge that this organisation has adopted the lake. This program could be expanded to include planting activities and waterwatch activities. What other (potential NEIP) None programs does it replicate or is it similar to? Who is the audience/ Business and Community Groups, Corrective Services target group? Who is the project NEIP working group provider/initiator? (NEIP group or other?) Which NEIP issues does it address? Community engagement and education Litter and declining amenity
How does it have an impact Removal of litter and direct action and involvement of on/benefit to the issue? a business, organisation or community group What are the barriers to the Ongoing time commitment, weather and possible program and/or participants? occumpational health & safety issues What are the benefits to (selling Direct involvement, visible evidence of action and points for) program participants? community recognition What is the time commitment to Monthly (1 œ 3 hours) participants? What is the project duration? Ongoing (ongoing œ start and end time, one-off etc.) What are the resource Low cost and fairly low on-going time implications. implications? (including cost, time Initial training and award follow up, plaques, gloves, implications and required bags and litter disposal would probably result in a cost expertise/skills) of $300 - $600 per group. What are the resourcing Could source grant funding? opportunities associated with this project? (ie. is it a discrete project suitable for corporate sponsorship, or grant funding?) Has this project built in an Number of people involved and amount of litter evaluation process to determine collected (number of bags). Could do periodic audits what impact it does actually have of the litter collected. on the NEIP issue(s)? How does the project score in the 23 Attractors Test? (Scores to be allocated for each element, 1 œ no, 2 œ somewhat 3 œ very)
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What are the programs strengths 5. It builds support and creates a visible opportunity in terms of the Les Robinson 7 œ for social influence, the plaque also demonstrates door model of change? organisational leadership. 8. Norm/vision setting or 6. Offers people a new space to come together in and shifting interact, and act. Involvement in this project may 9. Filling knowledge gaps make them more willing to pick up litter in other areas. 10.Building skills 7. Seeing the site free of rubbish will be rewarding to 11.Helping make systems or participants. Reduced litter over time would also be actions easy, accessible and rewarding. convenient 12.Building peer support and harnessing opportunities for social influence 13.Offering new opportunities and spaces (outside our normal routines) for people to learn, create and imagine new actions, futures and behaviours 14.Delivering results and satisfaction to participants, sharing and rewarding success
Edwardes Lake, Our Lake Assessment tool œ PART 2
ATRACT-ORS test
Rate out of 3 how well the project passes each of the following tests. 1 (not), 2 (somewhat), 3 (very)
ACHIEVABLE œ Has this project/action got a reasonable chance of success given the context and history of the audience?
1 (not achievable) 2 (somewhat achievable) 3 (very achievable) 3
TARGETED œ Is the audience reachable?
1 (not targeted) 2 (somewhat targeted) 3 (very targeted) 3
REALISTIC œ Are you and your allies likely to have the resources to make a significant impact?
1 (not realistic) 2 (somewhat realistic) 3 (very realistic) 3
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ACTION-ORIENTATED œ Is a definite, measureable action or decision required from this audience? 1 (not action) 2 (somewhat action orientated) 3 (very action orientated orientated)
3 COMPELLING CASE œ Are the benefits compelling for this audience? 1 (not compelling) 2 (somewhat compelling) 3 (very compelling) 2
TIMELY œ Is there enough time to plan, prepare and implement the intervention, and for the audience to respond? 1 (not timely) 2 (somewhat timely) 3 (very timely) 3
OPPORTUNITY VALUE œ Is the opportunity value too good to miss even if the outcome is unclear? (ie it is a calculated risk) 1 (no opportunity value) 2 (some opportunity value) 3 (high opportunity value) 2
RECOGNITION VALUE œ Is it a major opportunity for exposure and profile building for the campaign or your organisation? 1 (no recognition value) 2 (some recognition value) 3 (high recognition value) 2
STRATEGIC VALUE œ Is it strategically essential to support existing relationships or allies? 2 1 (no strategic value) 2 (some strategic value) 3 (high strategic value)
23 Total score:
Page 54 Edwardes Lake, Our Lake NEIP 21. Separate schedule œ names and contact details of partners œ not for publication
See attached sheet.
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