Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 1

Table of Contents

Hawkesbury 2011/2012 Estuary Program Annual Report 2 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Acknowledgements

The Hawkesbury Estuary Program 2011-2012 Annual Report was produced by Dr Peter Coad and Kristy Guise. Assistance with programs and report contributions were provided by staff from Council’s Natural Resources Branch, Planning and Infrastructure and Recreation Services.

For further information contact:

Dr Peter Coad Team Leader – Estuary Management Natural Resources Environment Division Tel: 02 9847 6766 Fax: 02 9847 6598 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents...... ii Table of Figures...... iv Executive Summary...... 6 1 Hawkesbury Estuary Program...... 7 1.1 Approach...... 7 1.2 Goals...... 9 1.3 Implementation...... 9 2 On-Ground Works...... 10 2.1 Foreshore Litter Clean-Up...... 10 2.2 Foreshore Rehabilitation...... 10 2.2.1 Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve...... 10 2.2.2 Singleton Rd, Laughtondale...... 11 2.2.3 One Tree Reach, Laughtondale...... 11 2.2.4 Bar Island...... 11 2.2.5 Brooklyn Park & Cole St Brooklyn...... 11 2.2.6 McKell Park, Brooklyn...... 12 2.3 Kangaroo Point Vessel Pump out Facility...... 12 2.4 Disused Oyster Lease Clean-Up...... 13 3 Compliance...... 14 3.1 Riverside Settlement Onsite Wastewater Management Inspections...... 14 4 Education...... 16 4.1 Bar Island Education...... 16 4.2 Brooklyn Spring Fair...... 17 4.3 Clean Up Australia Day...... 18 4.4 Guided bushwalk program...... 19 4.5 ‘Love the River’ campaign...... 20 4.6 Media Campaign...... 20 4.7 Real time salinity and temperature maps...... 22 4.8 Underwater Sydney Interactive Website...... 23 4.9 World Migratory Bird Day...... 24 5 Planning...... 25 5.1 Comprehensive Local Environment Plan...... 25 5.2 Land Capability Study...... 26 5.3 Oyster Industry Memorandum of Understanding...... 26 6 Research...... 27 6.1 Brooklyn and Dangar Island STP Water Quality Monitoring...... 27 6.2 Estuarine and migratory bird survey...... 28 6.3 Estuarine health monitoring...... 29 6.4 Microplastics...... 30 6.5 Oyster Information Portal...... 30 6.6 Remote water quality and algal bloom monitoring...... 31 6.7 Vulnerability assessment of the effect of climate change on estuarine habitats...... 36 7 2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented...... 38 8 For further reading...... 46 Appendix- 1 Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding...... 47 Appendix- 2 Radio and television coverage...... 53 Appendix- 3 Print media Coverage...... 55 4 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Table of Figures

� Figure 1 Lower Hawkesbury Estuary � Figure 24 Water quality summary data for Management Plan study area...... 8 Bar Island 2011-12...... 34 � Figure 2 Kangaroo Point Quarterly Pump out Volumes � Figure 25 Water quality summary data for Executive 2008-12...... 12 Calabash Bay 2011-2012...... 35 � Figure 3 Kangaroo Point Monthly Pump out � Figure 26 Water quality summary data for Volumes 2009-12...... 13 Calabash Bay 2011-12 (thermistor chain data)...... 35 � Figure 5 Disused oyster lease infrastructure � Figure 27 Water quality summary data summary removal and stockpile...... 14 for Gunyah Point 2011-12...... 35 � Figure 6 Riverside settlements visited during � Figure 28 Water quality monitoring buoy the onsite wastewater inspection program...... 16 at Calabash bay and servicing...... 36 � Figure 7 Students from Brooklyn Public � Figure 29 Bush telegraph article, 11/08/2011...... 55 School attend the Bar Island cruise...... 17 � Figure 30 Bush Telegraph article, 25/08/2011...... 56 � Figure 8 Visitors to the HEP stall and local � Figure 31 Advocate article 05/09/2011...... 57 children enjoying the colouring in activities...... 18 � Figure 32 Sydney Morning Herald article, � Figure 9 Volunteers and Hawkesbury Estuary 26/09/2011...... 58 Program staff cleaning up Parsley Bay, Brooklyn..... 19 � Figure 33 Page-1 Sydney Morning Herald � Figure 10 ‘Love the River’ campaign bin sticker...... 20 27/09/2011...... 59 � Figure 11 Hornsby Shire Council’s Visitors � Figure 34Manly Daily Article, 28/09/2011...... 60 Guide Advertisement...... 22 � Figure 35 Central Coast Express article, � Figure 12 Example of swimming conditions 05/10/2012...... 61 for 9th October, 2012...... 23 � Figure 36 Bush Telegraph article 06/10/2011...... 62 � Figure 13 Underwater Hornsby page...... 24 � Figure 37 NSW Food Authority ‘Foodwise’ � Figure 14 World migratory bird day 2012 article Winter 2011...... 63 promotion...... 24 � Figure 38 Austasia Aquaculture magazine � Figure 15 World Migratory Bird Day 2012...... 25 article 13/10/2011...... 64 � Figure 16 Advocate article promoting the � Figure 39 Science Daily article 20/10/2011...... 65 Memorandum of Understanding between Council � Figure 40 Advocate article, 22/11/2011...... 66 and Broken Bay Oysters...... 27 � Figure 41 Advocate article, 22/11/2011...... 67 � Figure 17 Brooklyn Dangar Island Sewage � Treatment Plant Water Quality Monitoring Figure 42 Sydney Morning Herald article, Locations...... 28 12/12/2011...... 68 � � Figure 18 Australian Pied Oyster Catcher Figure 43 Advocate article 12/01/2012...... 69 (top left), Bar Tailed Godwit (top right), Dangar � Figure 44 Hornsby Shire Visitors guide 2012...... 70 Island, Courangra Point...... 29 � Figure 45 Bush Telegraph article, 25/01/2012...... 71 � Figure 19 Example display from the Oyster � Figure 46 BBC news article, 27/01/2011...... 72 Information Portal...... 31 � Figure 47 Manly Daily article, 30/01/2012...... 73 � Figure 20 Members of the Broken Bay Oyster � Figure 48 Advocate article, 02/02/2012...... 73 Association attend an information session with � Figure 49 Advocate article, 30/03/2012...... 73 the University of Wollongong to learn more about the Oyster Information Portal...... 31 � Figure 50 Advocate letter to the editor, 30/03/2012...... 74 � Figure 21 Location of remote water quality probes in the lower Hawkesbury River...... 32 � Figure 51 Advocate article, 30/03/2012...... 75 � Figure 22 Water quality summary data for � Figure 52 Austasia Aquaculture article, Laughtondale probe 2011-12...... 33 02/04/2012...... 76 � Figure 23 Water quality summary data for � Figure 53 Rates notification insert, Courangra Point 2011-12 (NB- missing data 19/04/2012...... 77 due to probe vandalism)...... 34 � Figure 54 Advocate article, 22/05/2012...... 78 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 5

Table of Contents Executive summary

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” 6 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Executive Summary

The Hawkesbury Estuary Program (HEP) is part of assets in the lower Hawkesbury. This is achieved the recently formed Natural Resources Branch within through the implementation of strategies contained Council’s Environment and Human Services Division. within the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan The program is implemented by both Hornsby Shire (2008). This plan was adopted by both Hornsby Shire and Gosford City councils, encompassing the estuarine and Gosford City Councils in 2009 to ensure a consistent reaches of the lower Hawkesbury River from Wisemans local government approach to estuary management Ferry to Broken Bay. Successful implementation of the within the lower Hawkesbury River. Implementation HEP requires assistance from other Council divisions of the plan is overseen by the Lower Hawkesbury which include Infrastructure and Recreation, Planning Estuary Management Committee which was chaired and Corporate Support. by Councillor Wendy McMurdo during 2011-2012. During 2011-12 projects implemented (Table 1) were Hornsby Shire Councils’ HEP provides an integrated broadly defined within the categories of capital works, and strategic approach to the management of estuarine compliance, education, planning and research.

Table 1 Hawkesbury Estuary Program projects undertaken during 2011-12

Category Project Description Derelict Oyster Lease Clean-up Foreshore Litter Clean Up On-ground Works Foreshore Vegetation Rehabilitation Kangaroo Point Vessel Pump out Facility Dangar Island Shorebird Protection Compliance Onsite Wastewater Management Inspections Brooklyn Spring Fair 2011 Clean Up Australia Day 2012 Guided Bushwalks Program “Love the River” campaign Education Media Campaign Protection of Migratory and Shore Birds Real time Swimming Condition Maps Underwater Sydney World Migratory Bird Day 2012 Comprehensive Local Environment Plan Planning Land Capability Study Oyster Industry Memorandum of Understanding Brooklyn & Dangar Island STP Water Quality Monitoring Estuarine & Migratory Bird Monitoring Estuarine Health Monitoring Research Microplastics Oyster Information Portal Remote Water Quality and Algal Bloom Monitoring Vulnerability Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change on Estuarine Habitats Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 7

Executive Summary

Funding for HEP projects is primarily received from Media coverage for the 2011-2012 year associated the NSW State Government, Hawkesbury Nepean with the HEP continued with print, radio, internet and Catchment Management Authority and Hornsby Shire television media being broadcast locally, nationally Council (Table 2). During the 2011-2012 financial year, and internationally (refer to the Appendices for article $26,000 was received from the Hawkesbury Nepean examples). This diverse and continued media coverage Catchment Management Authority. Applications for in Council’s estuary program acknowledges the the NSW State Government grants were submitted community interest in the program, project innovation in February 2012, as at September 2012 no decision and timely deliverable of on-ground works. Such has been made on these grants success which total coverage builds rapport with the community and $467,000 in value. highlights the value of protecting the estuary at local through to international scales.

Table 2 External grant funding received for 2011-12 Table 3 Media coverage for 2011-12 Organisation Project Title Funding Status* Media Broadcast area NSW Office of Real time $55,000 Print (newspapers, 27 local Environment estuarine health (pending) magazines, Journals) 3 national and Heritage monitoring in the 4 international Hawkesbury Radio 7 national NSW Office of Kangaroo Point to $262,120 Environment Dolphin Marina (pending) Internet (information 4 international and Heritage boardwalk portals) NSW Office of Kangaroo point $80,000 Television 1 national Environment biodiversity (pending) Total 46 media items and Heritage friendly seawall NSW Office of Environmental $70,000 Environment status of (pending) 1 Hawkesbury Estuary Program and Heritage sediments within the lower Hawkesbury estuary Hawkesbury Derelict oyster $26,000 Nepean lease clean-up (confirmed) Catchment of the lower Management Hawkesbury Authority estuary

$26,000 (confirmed) Total $467,120 (pending)

8 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Hawkesbury Estuary Program

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 9

Hawkesbury Estuary Program

1.1 Approach Hornsby Shire Council facilitates the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Committee (LHEMC) which The management of estuarine areas in NSW is the joint oversees the implementation of the Lower Hawkesbury responsibility of government agencies, commercial Estuary Management Plan (LHEMP, 2008). The area organisations and the community. The management in which this plan is applied is shown in Figure 1. This framework in which the HEP is implemented is directed plan prioritises management recommendations for the by the NSW Governments’ guidelines for Preparing Lower Hawkesbury in order to achieve the integrated, Coastal Zone Management Plans (2010), which balanced, responsible and ecologically sustainable use of supersede the Estuary Management Policy and Manual the estuary. (1992). In accordance with these guidelines and policies,

Figure 1 Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan study area 10 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Hawkesbury Estuary Program

1.2 Goals 1.3 Implementation The LHEMP (2008) recognises that the risks to the The implementation of the plan is overseen by the Lower sustainability of estuarine assets are a direct Hawkesbury Estuary Committee which currently consequence of the health of the catchments within consists of representatives from: which it lies. To address these risks the LHEMP (2008) „„ adopted a risk management approach to develop and Community – Hornsby Shire and Gosford City prioritise future management actions and strategies. Council residents, Local Progress Associations, Ocean To set the strategic direction for the plan the following Watch Australia, Boat Owners Association, NSW management goals were identified; Water Ski Federation. On-Ground Works „„Commercial – Sydney Water Corporation, Marina „„Preserve and enhance the unique and diverse scenic Association, Hawkesbury River District Fishermans and natural environment of the estuary through the Co-operative, Broken Bay Oysters. integrated and holistic management of human and „„ environmental interests; Local Government - Gosford City Council and Hornsby Shire Council „„Conserve, protect and enhance sustainable economic, „„ recreational and social issues without compromising NSW State Government - Hawkesbury Nepean the high quality and functional estuarine ecosystems Catchment Management Authority, Office of upon which they rely; Environment and Heritage, Maritime, Industry and Investment, Food Authority, Land and Property „„Preserve and foster the sense of belonging, culture Management Authority. and respect for the estuary amongst users and managers. Collaboration with other government agencies, universities, local industry and the community are important to ensure successful implementation of the HEP. Of particular note are the partnerships with the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority and Universities (Macquarie University, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney and the University of Wollongong). Support from local marinas, community bush regeneration groups, progress associations, commercial fishers and Broken Bay Oyster Association is also gratefully acknowledged. Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 11

On-Ground Works

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” 12 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

On-Ground Works

2.1 Foreshore Litter Clean-Up Graham Johnston of Macmasters Beach Surf Lifesaving Club has established an extensive, volunteer based clean up program to remove waste from the foreshores of the lower Hawkesbury River. During the 2011-12 period over 30 clean up days were held with volunteers from Macmasters Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School, Brisbane Waters School ‘The Croft’, Terrigal High School Duke of Edinburgh candidates, Kincumber Youth Centre and Brisbane Water Secondary College.

Using Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) Graham and his volunteers target areas of foreshore that have a significant amount of accumulated litter and other waste. Students from Rowland Hassall Special 2.2 Foreshore Rehabilitation Needs High School have completed the bulk of the In conjunction with Councils’ Bushland and Biodiversity clean-up work, thriving on the challenges of working Team and with funding from Environment and in the mud, rain and wind, to clean the mangroves and Heritage NSW WaSIP program and the Hawkesbury foreshores. The waste is transported to collection Nepean Catchment Management Authority, further points at local boat ramps. bushland restoration works were undertaken along Support for the clean up program has been provided the estuary foreshore. Works undertaken consisted of by Hornsby Shire Council, Gosford City Council, weed removal, riparian vegetation planting and bank Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, stabilisation at sites in close proximity to the estuary. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Broken Bay Oysters 2.2.1 Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve Association and the Department of Sport and Recreation. Within the Wisemans ferry recreation reserve works were undertaken to restore significant riparian vegetation communities of Swamp Reedplain, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest & Mangrove, which included;

„„Bush restoration works and target weeding of woody and vine weeds. These included privet, camphor laurel, senna, moth vine, acetosa and morning glory. „„Supplementary planting of indigenous plant species to enhance species diversity and create buffer zone for core bushland area. „„Total of 184 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken across site. „„Outputs: 0.04ha of coastal native vegetation enhanced /rehabilitated. 0.045ha of terrestrial native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 13

On-Ground Works

2.2.2 Singleton Rd, Laughtondale 2.2.4 Bar Island Between Singleton road and the Hawkesbury River Bar Island, located south of Fishermans Point within a significant strip of foreshore vegetation is present. the Hawkesbury river contains significant vegetation Within this area important sandstone vegetation such as Saltmarsh and Mangrove. Furthermore, various communities exist with pockets of weeds intermittently locally significant sandstone vegetation communities distributed through out. The following works were are present across the Island. Works undertaken at Bar undertaken within this area; Island include:

„„Bush restoration which included treatment of woody „„Bush restoration works focussed on the reduction of weeds such as lantana, senna, camphor laurel, privet. invasive species including vinca, buffalo grass and Also target weeding of herbaceous weeds and vines verbena. including arundo grass, balloon vine and morning glory „„Total of 200 hours of contract bush regeneration was undertaken. undertaken across site. „„ Total of 184 hours of contract bush regeneration „„Outputs: 0.08ha of coastal native vegetation undertaken across site. enhanced/rehabilitated. 3ha of terrestrial native „„Outputs: 0.5ha of coastal native vegetation enhanced vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. /rehabilitated. 1.65ha of terrestrial native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. 2.2.5 Brooklyn Park & Cole St Brooklyn Bushland located near Brooklyn Park and adjacent to 2.2.3 One Tree Reach, Laughtondale Cole Street contains significant foreshore vegetation One tree reach is characterised by the presence of comprising of Saltmarsh, Mangrove, Swamp Oak significant vegetation communities of Saltmarsh, Floodplain Forest and Swamp Mahogany Forest Mangrove, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Swamp communities. Regeneration activities undertaken in this Mahogany Forest. At this site the following works area include: were undertaken; „„Main target weeds in this area were noxious vines „„Bush restoration works which included control of and woody weeds. Priority was given to the reduction woody weeds across site such as lantana, ochna and of and prevention of seeding weeds & propagules. senna. Revegetation of indigenous plant species in Target weeds included morning glory, acestosa, disturbed to establish connectivity with core bushland ochna, camphor laurel and privet. and vegetation surrounding wetland. „„Total of 230 hours of contract bush regeneration „„Total of 450 hours of contract bush regeneration undertaken across site. undertaken across site. „„Outputs: 0.07ha of coastal native vegetation „„Outputs: 0.01ha of coastal native vegetation enhanced enhanced/rehabilitated. 4ha of terrestrial native /rehabilitated. 2ha of terrestrial native vegetation vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. enhanced/rehabilitated. 14 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

On-Ground Works

2.2.6 McKell Park, Brooklyn The facility was installed to enable boat users to dispose of effluent in an environmentally acceptable manner and McKell Park at Brooklyn contains various sandstone as a practical solution to help restore water quality within vegetation communities. At this site restoration the lower Hawkesbury estuary. The self serve facility works included; is free to all users. Boats require a 40mm (or 1 1/2”) „„Bush restoration activities which included treatment camlock coupling to connect to the facility with operation of woody, herbaceous and grass weeds such as instructions located on the pontoon. lantana, privet, ochna, senna, exotic succulents, trad, The facility was connected to the new Brooklyn and and African lovegrass. Dangar Island STP early in 2008, which has reduced „„Total of 230 hours of contract bush regeneration the need for a regular pump out service and on site undertaken across site. storage of effluent. Council and the NSW Maritime are „„Outputs: 0.07ha of coastal native vegetation continuously working to raise awareness of the facility enhanced/rehabilitated. 2.0ha of terrestrial native and compliance amongst boat owners to protect the vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated. estuary from the illegal discharge of effluent.

2.3 Kangaroo Point Vessel Pump out Facility In the 2011-2012 financial year, 149 311 litres of effluent was collected from both commercial and recreational The Kangaroo Point pump out facility, funded by vessels operating on the Hawkesbury River, an increase the (then) NSW Department of Land and Water of approximately 19,000L from 2010-11. The summer Conservation, was officially opened in November 2002. months and public holidays remain the busiest periods A significant upgrade to the facility was undertaken in (Figure 3). Volumes collected by the facility have 2008, with new usage data being monitored since this decreased since the installation of the Brooklyn and time (Figure 2). Dangar Island Sewerage Treatment Plant as many commercial operators now utilise their own waste disposal facilities.

Figure 2 Kangaroo Point Quarterly Pump out Volumes 2008-12

Kangaroo Point Pump-out Volumes 2008 - 2012

80000

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Volume (L) 30000

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0 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 07/08 07/08 08/09 08/09 08/09 08/09 09/10 09/10 09/10 09/10 10/11 10/11 10/11 10/11 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 Quarter Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 15

On-Ground Works

Figure 3 Kangaroo Point Monthly Pump out Volumes 2009-12

Kangaroo Point Pumpout Volumes

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2009 30000 2010 2011 25000 2012

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0 January February Mar c h April May June July August September October November December Month

2.4 Disused Oyster Lease Clean-Up In 2004 QX (Queensland Unknown) disease decimated both cultivated and natural populations of Sydney Rock Oysters in the Hawkesbury River, nearly bringing the iconic Hawkesbury River oyster growing industry to an end. Many oyster farmers left the river during this time whilst others remained working with support from federal government funding. The farmers who remained formed the Broken Bay Oysters Association (BBO). Since this time, Council and Broken Bay Oysters have collaborated on a number of projects improving the health of the lower Hawkesbury estuary.

In May 2011, Broken Bay Oysters in collaboration with Hornsby Shire Council, Gosford City Council and NSW State Government agencies, commenced a clean up of disused oyster leases around Bar Island (Figure 4). The project, funded by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, will contribute to the conservation of the Hawkesbury River estuary by; Figure 4 Oyster Lease Removal Location „„Removing pollutants, toxins and waste material „„Restoring estuarine embayments to natural conditions This project fulfils clean up strategies within the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan, Hawkesbury „„Improving and restoring flow regimes where lease Nepean Catchment Action Plan, NSW Oyster Industry infrastructure has altered natural bathymetric Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy and the BBO characteristics Environmental Management System. „„Improving scenic amenity and recreational opportunities „„Reducing potential navigation hazards „„Removing favourable habitat for the exotic pacific oyster 16 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

On-Ground Works

Three leases have been removed from the northern side of Bar Island resulting in approximately 20 tonnes of waste being removed from this location. Broken Bay Oysters Association will progress the removal of disused lease infrastructure in the vicinity of Milsons Island as time and weather permits. Compliance Figure 5 Disused oyster lease infrastructure removal and stockpile Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 17

Compliance

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” 18 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Compliance

3.1 Riverside Settlement Onsite Wastewater Officers from Councils Environmental Protection Team Management Inspections carry out routine inspections of individual properties in riverside settlements. Where required, repairs are Compliance surveys of onsite wastewater management requested and residents provided with maintenance systems associated with riverside settlements on the information specific to their type of system lower Hawkesbury (Figure 6) continued in 2011-2012. (also available via hornsby.nsw.gov.au/services/ This ongoing project aims to: sewerage-management). „„increase community awareness of compliance issues During 2011-12, 14 riverside systems were inspected „„support residents in selecting and maintaining (Table 4), with few identified as requiring repairs and/or appropriate onsite systems modifications to comply with current standards. During „„promote alternative technologies for waste treatment this financial year the number of inspections was lower as they become available when compared with previous years. The riverside settlements are inspected once every 3 years and this The total number of inspections for 2011/12 of Onsite financial year was an intermediate period in this cycle, Waste Water Systems for the Shire was 432. This hence fewer inspections were undertaken. Through this includes scheduled system inspections, repairs inspection and repair process, Council is working with required due to breakdown (with follow up) and sewer residents to prevent the discharge of harmful waste and completion inspections at Brooklyn and Dangar Island. pollutants into the lower Hawkesbury River. The appropriate management of wastewater via these inspections will prevent isolated pollution incidents and the overall decline of water quality in the lower Hawkesbury River.

Table 4 Riverside Onsite Sewage Management System Inspections

Inspections undertaken in period from 1/07/2011 – 30/06/2012 Suburb No. of Inspections No. of Properties Calabash Point, Berowra Creek 13 41 Neverfail Bay, Berowra Creek 1 38 Coba Point, Berowra Creek 0 37 Milsons Passage 0 39 Shire Total 432 ≈ 3500 Riverside Settlements Total 14 – inspections ongoing 155 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 19

Compliance

Figure 6 Riverside settlements visited during the onsite wastewater inspection program 20 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Table of Contents

Education

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 21

Education

4.1 Bar Island Education Several community trips to Bar Island were held to promote the Islands history and ecology and the estuary program. These events principally involved the Brooklyn Public School. Students from years 5 and 6 from the school used a new information booklet that informed them about the Island’s historical and environmental values. Local Historian Tom Richmond and Council Staff were also present to guide students on the Island and answer questions during these visits.

Figure 7 Students from Brooklyn Public School attend the Bar Island cruise 22 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Education

4.2 Brooklyn Spring Fair 4.3 Clean Up Australia Day Brooklyn Spring Fair is held annually in September at Council staff hosted their annual Clean Up Australia Day Brooklyn Oval. The fair offers entertainment, rides, site at Parsley Bay, Brooklyn on Sunday 4 March 2012. music, market stalls and food. In 2011, HEP staff 19 volunteers registered for the site, including students hosted a stall with information for residents and from Asquith Boys High School, and local residents visitors, colouring in activities and stickers for children. (Figure 4). Council’s Water Quality officer was also on hand to answer questions relating to water quality and councils 11 bags of rubbish were collected, which was monitoring program across the shire. significantly less than the amount collected in the previous 2 years. Furthermore, there were notably

Figure 8 Visitors to the HEP stall and local children enjoying the fewer large items of rubbish in the area. Volunteers also colouring in activities. cleaned up around Brooklyn tennis courts, Dead Horse Bay, Upper McKell Park and the point between Parsley Bay and McKell Park baths.

Community members expressed an interest in cleaning up along the roadways, including Brooklyn Road and the Pacific Highway near the entrance to Brooklyn Road, however safety issues associated with these sites currently make them prohibitive. Consideration will be given to additional sites appropriate for Clean Up Australia Day in 2013.

Figure 9 Volunteers and Hawkesbury Estuary Program staff cleaning up Parsley Bay, Brooklyn. Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 23

Education

4.4 Guided bushwalk program To promote the lower Hawkesbury River estuary to residents and visitors, a series of estuary guided walks were included in Council’s Guided Bushwalks Program during 2011/12. These bushwalks make Hornsby’s unique bushland and estuary accessible to the wider community and provides education and information on the importance of native flora and fauna, threatened species and significant habitats. Table 3 lists the walks undertaken during 2011-12.

Table 5 Guided bushwalks for 2010-11 with estuary based walks shaded

Walk description Date Walk description Date Art in the Bush 16-Jul-11 Nature Photography – Kurrajong Track 26-Feb-11 Spring flower identification walk, Birds and Trees at Carrs Bush and Fagan 30-Jul-11 01-Mar-11 Pennant Hills Park Carrs Bush and Fagan Park, Galston 03-Aug-11 Aboriginal Cultural Activity 03-Mar-11 Terrys Creek with Epping 20-Aug-11 Terrys Creek - Epping 10-Mar-11 Crosslands spotlight reserve, Hornsby Lorna Pass 18-Mar-11 07-Sep-11 Heights Native Fish Walk 25-Mar-11 Bujwa Bay Walk, Cowan 17-Sep-11 Whale Rock Circuit 08-Apr-11 Fishponds and Heritage Steps Blue Gum Walk Circuit 14-Apr-11 24-Sep-11 walk, Hornsby Crosslands Reserve Spotlight 18-Apr-11 Nature photography, Pennant Hills 09-Oct-11 Bujwa Bay 22-Apr-11 Mount Kuring-gai to Berowra via Waratah Pioneer Track 05-May-11 15-Oct-11 Bay Berowra to Berowra Waters 06-May-11 Callicoma walk, Cherrybrook 22-Oct-11 Steele Bridge Walk 12-May-11 Lorna Pass, Thornleigh 30-Oct-11 Djarra Ridge Walk 27-May-11 Kayak activity, Berowra Creek 19-Nov-11 Stringy Bark Ridge/Benowie Track 09-Jun-11 Native fish walk, Berowra Creek 27-Nov-11 Berowra to Mount Kuring-gai to 24-Jun-11 Dog walk Beecroft and Cheltenham 10-Dec-11 Waratah Bay Berowra Heights and Berowra Waters 11-Feb 11 24 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Education

3.5 ‘Love the River’ campaign Volunteers visited busy boat ramps to raise awareness of the iconic Hawkesbury River by: ‘Love the River’ is a community based litter reduction & river awareness campaign that was held over the „„telling people about the ‘Love the River’ campaign summer holidays of 2011/12. The campaign targeted „„handing out ‘Love the River’ biodegradable rubbish recreational boat users on the Hawkesbury River, bags & bumper stickers spreading the key messages of “keep it clean” and “watch your wash”. „„inviting boaters to help keep the river clean

The Community Environment Network, Hawkesbury Boat ramps that were visited by volunteers included: Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Hornsby, „„Parsley Bay Boat Ramp Gosford and Pittwater Councils and National Parks and Wildlife Service have joined with local businesses and „„Deerubin Reserve Boat Ramp community groups to spread simple messages about „„Patonga Boat Ramp caring for the river. Extra waste services were also „„Appletree Bay Boat Ramp available at boat ramps over the summer period to help river users keep it clean. „„Akuna Bay Boat Ramp „„Rowland Reserve at Bayview „„Berowra Water Boat Ramp

Figure 10 ‘Love the River’ campaign bin sticker Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 25

Education

4.6 Media Campaign Topics covered in the media campaign during the period from June to December, 2011 included: In January 2011, the HEP launched a 12 month media campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness „„Parsley Bay Seawall of the lower Hawkesbury River environment, provide „„Promotion of the Guided Bushwalks Program information on how to protect the estuary and promoted HEP initiatives. The campaign, funded by a NSW state „„The launch of Underwater Sydney government grant, consisted of advertisements placed „„Promotion of the Love the River campaign monthly in the Bush Telegraph, Hornsby Advocate, „„Promotion of the Hawkesbury Estuary Program Hills News and the Northern District Times council 2010-2011 Annual Report columns. Other media used for promotion during the media campaign included Hornsby Shire’s Visitors Guide „„Advertisement for free seagrass stickers (Figure 11), Twitter, Facebook and the Hornsby Shire Council webpage. 26 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Education

Figure 11 Hornsby Shire Council’s Visitors Guide Advertisement Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 27

Education

4.7 Real time salinity and temperature maps Recommendations for swimming are based on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC, Real time maps indicating current swimming conditions 2008) guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational in the lower Hawkesbury River are now available at Waters. To make such recommendations salinity data is www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/waterquality. In addition, daily used to predict the likelihood of bacterial contamination updated temperature and salinity maps are viewable at at swimming sites. This approach is used as the this site. The maps are produced from data collected by occurrence of freshwater in the estuary following rainfall Manly Hydraulics Laboratory on behalf of Hornsby Shire increases the likelihood of pollution being present. Council and a 3D hydrodynamic model configured by the When pollution is likely, swimmers may be at increased Office of Environment and Heritage. Additional, model risk of contacting illness and swimming at these times input data is sourced from various agencies including should be avoided. Swimmers are reminded to make Bureau of Meteorology, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, observations prior to swimming and to look for obvious Sydney Catchment Authority, Office of Environment and signs of stormwater pollution such as water discoloration Heritage and NSW Office of Water. or the presence of debris in the water and tide line. The information provided by the maps will assist in assessing the suitability of the current estuarine water quality for specific uses, such as recreational swimming, recreational and commercial fishing and oyster harvest area closures and openings.

Figure 12 Example of swimming conditions for 9th October, 2012 28 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Education

4.8 Underwater Sydney Interactive Website Visitors to the website can take a tour of local suburbs, find the ‘local’ fish and look through stunning Despite the huge array of marine life in Sydney, few images and videos created by Underwater Earth’s people are aware of the abundance and diversity of team of photographers, using underwater scooters. species which can be found in the Hawkesbury River. Underwater Sydney staff visited Hornsby Shire and In collaboration with the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, the Hawkesbury River in April 2011 to capture images Hornsby Shire Council has taken part in the development of local marine life to develop the Hawkesbury River of an Underwater Sydney website. Users of this component of Underwater Sydney. The website website can now go online and learn about the marine (www.underwatersydney.org.) was launched in August life in the waters of different Sydney suburbs. 2011 and has received significant media attention.

Figure 13 Underwater Hornsby page Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 29

Education

4.9 World Migratory Bird Day of local bird populations, threats to migratory and local bird species and provided some information on how World Migratory Bird Day is an annual event, initiated residents can assist in protecting them. by the United Nations, to highlight the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats across the globe. The 2012 theme was “Migratory birds and people – together through time”.

The HEP celebrated World Migratory Bird Day 2012 by hosting two cruises from Brooklyn to Bar Island on Sunday 13th May. 80 guests attended and were welcomed to traditional Guringai land by Laurie Bimson, a local descendent of the Guringai Tribe. National Parks & Wildlife Discover Ranger, Les McLeod, spoke to visitors about the significance of birds in Aboriginal culture. Renowned ornithologist and local resident, Professor Harry Recher, then presented on the state

Figure 14 World migratory bird day 2012 promotion

Figure 15 World Migratory Bird Day 2012 30 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Table of Contents

Planning

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 31

Planning

5.1 Comprehensive Local Environment Plan 5.2 Land Capability Study Under recent NSW Government reforms, all NSW The New South Wales State Government has imposed councils are required to prepare a new Comprehensive dwelling increases on local councils across the State. Local Environment Plan (CLEP) in accordance with the These increases are required in response to expanding State Governments’ standard Local Environmental Plan population within in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan template (Standard Instrument). Area and that accommodation for this burgeoning population needs to be found. Given these continued Council has drafted its new CLEP. The preparation of requirements of State Government, Council needs Council’s new CLEP has principally been a process of to understand the carrying capacity for land within transferring Council’s existing Local Environment Plan, its jurisdiction. The methods by which the State the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan 1994 (HSLEP), Government and Council currently decides where people into the new LEP format. However, the preparation are to be housed are based on limited information or of the new CLEP has also been guided by endorsed scientific understanding of the consequences. planning studies, including the Waterways Reviews (SJB, 2005 and 2006). The challenge for Council planning is to ensure an adequate supply of houses to meet State Government The new CLEP will afford greater planning protection requirements, while ensuring that development is to estuarine assets. The CLEP includes the following socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. zoning strategy for the Shire’s waterways to implement To meet this planning challenge Council engaged CSIRO the recommendations of the Waterways Reviews. to develop a method which determines the impact of „„W1 Natural Waterways – applied to the majority of development on the estuarine assets as defined within the lower Hawkesbury River to restrict uses the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan. consistent with the scenic and environmental qualities The method is based on mathematical programming of the area; linked with multi-criteria analysis, and kinematic wave equations. It has a strong GIS component to „„ W2 Recreational Waterways – applied to areas in underpin multiple spatial constraints on where housing Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to permit a broader development can take place, and to provide an effective range of uses consistent with the use of these areas means of visually analysing land development scenario for recreational pursuits; impacts produced by the model. „„E2 Environmental Conservation – applied to mangrove, saltmarsh, seagrass and other important The model has been completed and has narrowed down aquatic communities below the MHWM; the number of development scenarios from virtually infinite number to a few distinct potential development „„ E1 National Parks and Nature Reserves – applied to scenarios which minimise impacts to estuarine assets. areas where National Parks extend over the water. Furthermore, the model provides baseline information to The CLEP was exhibited for community comment compute an impact score on these estuarine assets. from June to August 2012. Also on display were the corresponding explanatory notes and complimentary Development Control Plan. The preparation of the CLEP has been guided by the Standard Instrument, corresponding practice notes and guidelines, other environmental planning instruments and Ministerial directions issued pursuant to Section 117 of the EP&A Act.

It is anticipated that Council’s draft CLEP will be submitted to Council for endorsement and forwarded to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for making by the end of 2012. 32 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Planning

5.3 Oyster Industry Memorandum of Understanding community activities. As a result of these activities, which have improved water quality, oyster harvest Hornsby Shire Council and the Broken Bay Oysters areas within the Hawkesbury have been given export Association (BBOA) have signed a landmark approval (October 2010) by the Australian Quarantine Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection and Inspection Service (AQIS) and direct harvest of the estuarine environment in the Hawkesbury River. classification by the NSW Food Authority. Hence, The MoU was signed on the 29th August 2011 and is the principal objective of the MoU is to improve the the first formalised ongoing partnership between a local environmental conditions required for oyster aquaculture government authority and an oyster industry group which so that BBOA export and direct harvest approvals are recognises their shared goals in protecting water quality Research secured and oyster stress and the likelihood of disease (Appendix 1). are reduced. In achieving this objective, improved Both Council and BBOA seek to responsibly manage estuarine water quality and amenity will provide estuarine resources on behalf of present and future additional public benefits to other commercial and generations. Improvement in the health of the estuary recreational users of the Hawkesbury River. has resulted from various industry, government and

Figure 16 Advocate article promoting the Memorandum of Understanding between Council and Broken Bay Oysters Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 33

Research

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” 34 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Research

6.1 Brooklyn and Dangar Island STP Water 6.2 Estuarine and migratory bird survey Quality Monitoring Local and migratory waterbirds are an integral part of the The Brooklyn & Dangar Island Sewerage Treatment ecosystem of the lower Hawkesbury estuary. Despite Plant (STP) commenced operation in November their ecological significance, there is no baseline data on 2007. A number of potential impacts from the outfall their distribution and abundance. It is recognised that were identified, including elevated nutrient levels and waterbirds are dependent on functioning estuaries, and the effects of fresh water inputs on estuarine fauna are therefore vulnerable to, and indicative of, degradative species. The Sydney Water Corporation predicted that processes including climate change and sea level rise. the installation of the STP should result in an overall reduction in nutrient loads entering the Hawkesbury Council received grant funding from the NSW Office of River by eliminating the need for onsite sewage Environment and Heritage to investigate the impacts management systems in the surrounding area. of climate change on estuarine wetland and migratory waterbirds in the Lower Hawkesbury estuary. The first To monitor potential impacts from the STP, Council phase of this project was carried out by the University commenced baseline water quality data collection of NSW, Australian Wetlands and Rivers Centre, in 2010- in June 2006, prior to the start of effluent discharge 11. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants were engaged under Peats Ferry Road Bridge. Six sites were added by Council to complete the second phase, which had to Councils routine water quality monitoring program. involved waterbird surveys and habitat mapping of 76 These additional sites monitor areas likely to be affected survey sites throughout the Shire, with a total wetland by the outfall (the outfall site, near upstream and area of about 1067 ha, in the first half of 2012. near downstream) and control sites i.e. areas unlikely to be affected by the outfall (far upstream and far The key findings of the 2012 waterbird survey were: downstream). The following parameters are measured „„From the results of the survey and previous records, a monthly at each site: chlorophyll a, nutrients, faecal total of 67 species and forms of waterbirds have been coliforms, suspended solids; Enterococci, conductivity, recorded in Hornsby Shire, consisting of 61 native temperature, salinity; pH; turbidity; and dissolved species, five forms of introduced ducks and geese oxygen. For results of this monitoring please refer to the (three species), and one hybrid between a native and 2011-2012 Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report (HSC, an introduced duck species. These include four 2012). threatened species listed under NSW legislation, 13 migratory species listed under Commonwealth Figure 17 Brooklyn Dangar Island Sewage Treatment Plant Water Quality legislation, and two other species that we consider to Monitoring Locations be regionally significant (Sydney region). „„The suburbs where the highest numbers of waterbird species have been recorded are Brooklyn/Dangar Island and Laughtondale. „„Migratory shorebirds were a focus of the survey, but only a singe Latham’s Snipe was recorded, which was a similar result to the 2010-11 survey. „„Previous records confirm that Hornsby Shire supports few migratory shorebirds, despite its extensive intertidal mud flats and saltmarsh, which are typical shorebird habitats. The most important site in Hornsby Shire for migratory shorebirds is Dangar Island, where a number of species have been recorded over the years although the site is only used to a minor extent by shorebirds, usually as a brief stopover during migrations, and their numbers appear to have been declining in recent years. Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 35

Research

„„Three types of wetlands occur in Hornsby Shire. „„The habitats used most often by waterbirds at upland Upland dams were found to support higher densities dams were grassland (either fringing the wetland or of waterbirds on average than floodplain wetlands and nearby) and open water. Grassland was also the most dams, which in turn supported higher densities than favoured habitat at floodplain wetlands and dams, estuarine wetlands. However, the three wetland followed by open water and freshwater vegetation. types support different mixtures of species and Phragmites reedland, Swamp Paperbark scrub, complement each other, adding to the overall diversity Swamp Oak forest and Swamp Mahogany forest were of waterbirds in the Shire. strongly avoided. The most favoured habitats in „„Individual wetlands of each type varied widely in their estuarine wetlands were intertidal mud flats, artificial value to waterbirds. The site supporting the greatest structures (oyster leases, boats, wharves, posts, etc.), diversity of waterbirds during the 2012 survey was a mangroves and open water. floodplain wetland at Laughtondale. The best of the upland dam sites was the large north-eastern dam in Fagan Park at Galston. The most important estuarine wetland was Dangar Island because of its value to migratory shorebirds.

Figure 18 Australian Pied Oyster Catcher (top left), Bar Tailed Godwit (top right), Dangar Island, Courangra Point 36 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Research

6.3 Estuarine health monitoring 6.4 Microplastics Estuarine health is directly influenced by the quantity Particles of microplastic have been recognised by and quality of water entering the estuary from the international and government agencies around the world upper catchment and at the estuary mouth through as a major problem. Plastic debris has a range of shapes oceanic tidal interchange. Council is monitoring the and sizes from tiny fragments, micrometers in length, to lower Hawkesbury River health through an on-going larger items, including hulls of boat and fishing net many water quality monitoring program. Estuarine sites meters long. Particles of plastic smaller than 1mm in (Table 6), sampled to assess ecosystem health (EH), size (microplastics) are particularly problematic because recreational water quality (REC) and impacts of the they are small enough to be ingested by animals and Brooklyn STP outfall, are been monitored on a then enter cells and tissues, making them difficult to regular basis. detoxify (Browne et al., 2008, 2010). For the most recent water quality data and interpretation refer to the 2011-2012 Water Quality Monitoring In 2010 researchers from the University of Sydney Annual Report (HSC, 2012), available at www.hornsby. collaborated with Council to carry out research to nsw.gov.au/water. characterise sources (stormwater and sewage) and sinks of microplastic debris in estuarine, freshwater and

Table 6 Estuarine water quality monitoring sites terrestrial habitats. The research that was undertaken in Hornsby Shire formed part of an international research

b project published in 2011. This research, Accumulation

a of Microplastic on Shorelines Worldwide: Sources and Sinks (Browne et al., 2011), received world wide media Site

Status attention. A copy of the published paper is available at Location Frequency Monitoring Monitoring hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary. 38 Sandbrook Inlet, Brooklyn, EH M 6.5 Oyster Information Portal Hawkesbury River 48 Marramarra Creek at orange orchard EH M The oyster industry recognises that its success is 60 Berowra Creek, 50 m downstream EH M interwoven with the environment. During the last of Berowra Waters Ferry decade the oyster industry has been competing with 61 Berowra Creek, mid stream at EH M increased development in coastal catchment areas and Calabash Point has suffered from deteriorating water quality and more 100 Berowra Creek at Crosslands REC W frequent disease outbreaks. Reserve (north beach) 103 Mouth of Milsons Passage (Eastern STP M The oyster industry has also recognised the need end) to bring together natural resource and environmental 104 Middle of Hawkesbury River off STP M information and deliver it to the industry in a user Peat island friendly way. Access to consolidated and spatially 105 Under old Hawkesbury River STP M presented information can be facilitated via a web- Bridge; 2nd pylon Southern end based portal. This would allow farmers to access and 106 Middle Sandbrook Inlet, off STP M interpret information with relevance to their own lease Fenwicks Marina productivity, operations and closure events, as well as 107 Middle Hawkesbury north of Long STP M track any long term change in local conditions. Island Researchers at the Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater 108 Hawkesbury off Bradleys Beach STP M Centre from the University of Wollongong in partnership Dangar Island with the NSW oyster industry, Northern and Southern a – EH = Environmental Health Monitoring, REC = Summer Recreational Catchment Management Authorities, coastal councils, Monitoring, STP = Sewage Treatment Plant Monitoring b – M = monthly, W = weekly over summer for recreational monitoring. government departments and the NSW Food Authority have been developing a proof of concept for an Oyster Information Portal (OIP). Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 37

Research

Figure 19 Example display from the Oyster Information Portal

A draft OIP is now developed for the 4 study a number of case studies are being developed to test sites: Camden Haven (Hastings area); Lower the capacity of the data portal to assist in specific Hawkesbury River (Hornsby/Gosford area); management decisions. Shoalhaven River (Shoalhaven area) and Pambula Lake (Bega area). The OIP is embedded in a new website The technology and infrastructure needed to adapt (www.oysterinformationportal.net.au). this proof of concept into a long-term data portal is This website collates and integrates relevant information currently being reviewed. Intensive communication to both the NSW Oyster Industry and catchment is being exchanged with many data portal developers. managers towards a better management of the industry The project is due for completion in December 2012 and coastal estuaries. delivering a final report, an online data portal and recommendations towards the future development of A series of industry workshops have taken place during such a data portal to cover other areas of NSW and other the year where the portal was demonstrated to industry oyster producing states in Australia. members and stakeholders (Figure 20). At present, feedback from users of the portal is being collected in order to improve the interface and content. In addition,

Figure 20 Members of the Broken Bay Oyster Association attend an information session with the University of Wollongong to learn more about the Oyster Information Portal 38 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Research

6.6 Remote water quality and algal bloom monitoring The probes collect data (temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a) every 15 minutes. The Calabash bay Algal blooms have historically been a problem in the probe, located above a deep hole, has a 15m thermistor lower Hawkesbury River. These blooms have caused cable with temperature sensors attached every 30cm discolouration of the water and on some occasions, fish increasing to 50cm (Figure 26). The thermistor data kills, particularly around the deeper waters of Calabash gives an indication of when the estuary is thermally Bay in Berowra Creek. Depending on the algae species stratified or mixed. This data is transmitted via a present, these blooms pose a threat to local biota, the data logger to MHL and then displayed as graphs on aquaculture and fishing industry, recreational pursuits the internet www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary. and public health. These web based graphs are updated every six To assist in identifying and managing algal blooms, hours with the information being used by local Council commissioned Manly Hydraulics Laboratory aquaculture and commercial fishing industries, (MHL) to develop a remote water quality monitoring researchers, state government and local government station at Calabash Bay in 2002. Expanding on the agencies to assess and improve current management success of the first site, a further 4 monitoring probes practices within the estuary. have been deployed progressively. Theses five remote Chlorophyll-a is an indicator of the amount of pelagic water quality monitoring stations continuously collect micro-algae (phytoplankton) present in the water column data in the lower Hawkesbury River estuary. The probes which is principally responsive to concentrations of are deployed in areas with varying salinity levels across nutrients, water temperature, predation and sunlight the estuary (Figure 21), with the Gunyah Point probe within the water. Consequently chlorophyll-a levels act monitoring oceanic (salt) water whilst the uppermost as an integrative proxy for nutrient levels, catchment probe at Laughtondale monitors primarily fresh water, loads and productivity levels in the estuary. with a minor saltwater tidal influence. Calabash Bay, Bar Island and Courangra Point sites are strongly influenced Summary data for 2011/12 is shown in Figure 22 to by saltwater and freshwater interactions. Figure 27. The figures show surface chlorophyll-a, water temperature, salinity and rainfall for a 12 month period at each probe location. Graphs show the seasonal rise and fall of water temperature and consequent increase in chlorophyll-a following rain events during the warmer months.

Figure 21 Location of remote water quality probes in the lower Hawkesbury River. Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 39

Research

Figure 22 Water quality summary data for Laughtondale probe 2011-12

Figure 23 Water quality summary data for Courangra Point 2011-12 (NB- missing data due to probe vandalism) 40 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Research

Figure 24 Water quality summary data for Bar Island 2011-12

Figure 25 Water quality summary data for Calabash Bay 2011-2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 41

Research

Figure 26 Water quality summary data for Calabash Bay 2011-12 (thermistor chain data)

Figure 27 Water quality summary data for Gunyah Point 2011-12 42 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Research

Maintenance of the probes (Figure 28) is undertaken with the Metropolitan and South Coast Regional Algal every three weeks during the warmer months and Coordinating Committee (MSCRACC), administered every four weeks during the cooler months by HEP by the NSW Office of Water, to monitor the bloom and and MHL staff. This maintenance regime prevents inform the community of possible risks or fouling on the probes, ensuring accurate and reliable estuary closures. data. Data collected by the probes is supplemented by monthly sampling of phytoplankton species, density and During the 2011-12 period, there were no estuary diversity and a range of other biological, physical and closures due to elevated levels of potentially harmful chemical data. algal blooms. A number of occurrences of elevated algae levels were detected, monitored and reported Algal blooms generally occur during periods of to the MSCRACC however they did not exceed warm weather and after rainfall. When elevated harmful concentration thresholds and no further levels of chlorophyll-a are detected, Council receives action was required. Species of concern during the an automated alert. Subsequent sampling of 2011-12 period included, Heterosigma akashiwo, phytoplankton species, density and diversity is then Gymnodinium catenatum, Alexandrium catenella and undertaken to identify if the dominant algal species Prorocentrum cordatum. is potentially harmful. During periods of potentially harmful algal blooms, Council works in collaboration

Figure 28 Water quality monitoring buoy at Calabash bay and servicing Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 43

Research

6.7 Vulnerability assessment of the effect of climate 4. The magnitude, frequency and duration of human change on estuarine habitats stressors at sites with habitats that have moderate- high resilience and the quantification of the condition Climate change has been identified as a high risk to the of those habitats should be done. Sites could include, sustainability of natural assets within the Hawkesbury but not be limited to, Cowan Creek, Crosslands/Calna estuary which include estuarine habitats. Management Creek and Brooklyn. agencies need a means of assessing the extent to which climate change will affect these habitats. Such 5. Undertake field surveys to obtain height and slope assessments need to identify the issues management data for mangroves and saltmarsh habitats at One can address to best conserve natural habitats and also Tree Reach, Courangra, Gentleman’s Halt, Big Bay, guide how they might prioritise these issues amidst Coba Bay and Pumpkin Creek. This data should then many other responsibilities. HSC commissioned Trade be used to predict changes in the distribution of these and Investment NSW to undertake a vulnerability habitats under different sea level rise scenarios. assessment of the effects of climate change on the vegetated estuarine habitats in the Hawkesbury estuary 6. Source or commission the development of a suitable to provide some of this information. catchment model of the Hawkesbury that would provide catchment inputs into the estuary and A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model ELCOM be dynamically linked to the current Hawkesbury (Estuary, Lake and Coastal Ocean Model) was applied hydrological model developed for this study. to the lower Hawkesbury Nepean estuary. Baseline (1990) and 32 scenarios of maximum, mean and 7. Ecological studies on floodplain forest, saltmarsh and minimum projections of sea level, sea temperature and seagrass species in the Hawkesbury estuary should air temperature in 2030 and 2050 were then applied. be done to determine their reproductive output, Modelled water levels, salinity ad temperature in the dispersal, colonising and recruitment patterns and baseline and projections were outputted for 18 habitat vegetative growth rates and nutrient requirements. locations. The outputs of this modelling then informed This information would provide a better understanding a four staged assessment process which considered of their capacity to translocate to new habitats. risk, resilience, vulnerability and management priorities. 8. Experimental studies should be done on seagrass, Four different habitat types were assessed using the saltmarsh, mangroves and floodplain forests to data produced form the modelled scenarios; seagrass, determine their physiological and ecological responses mangroves, saltmarsh and floodplain forest. These were to different combinations of climate change variables. assessed at sixteen different sites within the lower Hawkesbury estuary. 9. Quantification of the condition of habitat patches that have become fragmented by non-climatic Recommendations arising from this project include: human stressors should be done and compared with 1. Surface elevation studies should be done for mangrove relatively unfragmented patches to further assess and saltmarsh habitats at One Tree Reach, Courangra, whether their level of resilience to the effects climate Gentleman’s Halt and Pumpkin Creek sites. change may differ and identify any avenues for appropriate management action to occur. 2. A scientific and economic feasibility study should be undertaken on the rehabilitation of available land for Results of this project and a full report are available at habitat expansion for mangrove and saltmarsh habitats hornsby.nsw.gov.au/estuary. at One Tree Reach, Farmland and Courangra sites.

3. A detailed study be done on the effects of current human stressors on the condition and ecological function of the seagrass bed at Dangar Island and determine practical and cost-effective ways of minimising their effects. 44 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Table of Contents

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 45

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

During 2011-2012 the lower Hawkesbury estuary program has implemented the actions outlined in Table 7. These actions have contributed to reducing the risks facing estuarine assets as described within the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan (2008).

Table 7 Hornsby Shire Councils Hawkesbury Estuary Program projects 2011-12

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 2h Project offer to commercial fishers and NSW Department of Primary 01-Jul-11 D01918794 Industries to map commercial fishing areas and support their protection with a Memorandum of Understanding 10b Final report received from Hydronumerics who undertook hydrodynamic 01-Jul-11 D01994460 modelling of climate change scenarios for the Lower Hawkesbury estuary 10a Poster presentation of Climate Change impacts on estuarine vegetation 05-Jul-11 D01708752 project prepared to communicate results to scientific community 15d Boat and estuary talk at Asquith Pre-school and nursery 06-Jul-11 13a Riparian vegetation works completed at Brooklyn Park and Saltpan 11-Jul-11 D01712198 reserve 2010-2011 8c Green Globe Award Finalist for environmental innovation. Award proposal 11-Jul-11 D01747440 submitted in the environmental innovation category for the deployment and maintenance of the estuary probes 2s Macmasters Beach SLSC was funded in January by the HNCMA to 20-Jul-11 D01747434 coordinate a Coastal Foreshore Clean Up program along the foreshore beaches of the Hawkesbury from the freeway bridge east to Patonga Beach including Pittwater, Mooney Mooney, Mullet and Cowan Cr 2s Macmasters Beach SLSC clean-up of dead horse bay photographs 21-Jul-11 D01747396 12k Australian Coastal Society notification of the freshwater influence on the 22-Jul-11 D01746437 Hawkesbury following significant rainfall 9a Council report on the Memorandum of understanding between Broken 25-Jul-11 D01746438 Bay Oysters and Hornsby Shire Council 9a Newspaper clipping in the Sunday Telegraph promoting the Memorandum 25-Jul-11 D01747389 of understanding between Hornsby Shire Council and Broken Bay Oysters 13a Riparian vegetation works completed along Singleton road for 2010-2011 25-Jul-11 D01722173 2w NSW Maritime implemented measures with Bridge to Bridge Race 02-Aug-11 D01840193 organisers to protect seagrass beds at the start of the race off Dangar Island 12w Environmental Trust Grant to develop best practise protocols for on-site 11-Aug-11 D01747382 sewage management and inspections by local government 13a Peat Bight and Peats Crater bush regeneration days with National Parks 18-Aug-11 D01945216 and Wildlife Service 12k Regional Algal Coordinating committee notification of recent bloom 19-Aug-11 D01741091 conditions at Laughtondale 12k Regional Algal Coordinating committee notification of recent bloom 24-Aug-11 D01746433 conditions at Laughtondale 1a CSIRO Land capability assessment final report and model results are 29-Aug-11 D01886742 archived on Councils database (F2009/00865) 6e Best practise farm dam management handbook available for rural 29-Aug-11 D01782210 properties owners 9a Memorandum of Understanding signed by HSC General Manager and 29-Aug-11 LDOC006276 John Stubbs President Broken Bay Oyster Association 9a Newspaper clipping promoting the Memorandum of Understanding 05-Sep-11 D01754396 between Broken Bay Oysters and Hornsby Shire Council 15i Guided Spotlight walk to Crosslands Reserve 07-Sep-11 D01838511 46 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 12k Regional algal coordinating committee notified of potentially harmful 12-Sep-11 D01758099 Heterosigma akashiwo at Calabash Bay 15i Guided walk to Bujwa Bay, Cowan 17-Sep-11 D01838511 12j Advice given to Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Committee members 21-Sep-11 D01839651 regarding Sydney Water's proposal to increase nutrient discharge at Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant 12j Newspaper article in Sydney Morning Herald noting the communities, 27-Sep-11 D01839647 local fishers and oyster farmers concerns with regard to increasing nutrients at Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant 12j News alert radio interview on 2UE noting Council's concern about 28-Sep-11 D01839644 treatment quality at Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment plant 12j Manly Daily Article noting Council's request to seek alternatives to 28-Sep-11 D01839640 increasing nutrient discharge from Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant 12j Estuary Committee concerns regarding altered discharge license 30-Sep-11 D01782118 conditions for Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant expressed to Sydney Water 8e Article in Austasia Aquaculture Magazine describing the modernisation 13-Oct-11 D01801060 of the Australian Aquaculture Industry and the memorandum of understanding between Hornsby Shire Council and Broken Bay Oysters 15d Commercial fishers favourite place on the estuary, promoting the 14-Oct-11 D01801056 "My favourite place" website established by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority 15i Guided walk to Mount Ku-ring-gai to Berowra via Waratah Bay 15-Oct-11 D01838511 15d Support given to "Love the River" campaign with the Community 21-Oct-11 D01801050 Environment Network and Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority. Key messages of the campaign include responsible waste disposal and to take care with boat wash 13a Broken Bay Oysters hosted a tree planting day at Mooney Mooney to 22-Oct-11 D01774996 improve the habitat and site rehabilitation behind the oyster land bases 6i Support given to tree planting day with Broken Bay Oyster Association at 26-Oct-11 D01801049 Mooney Mooney. 12j Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Committee members provided information 28-Oct-11 D01801044 about nutrient discharge license condition changes to the Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant 5e Hornsby Shire Council and Manly Hydraulics laboratory awarded a NSW 28-Oct-11 D01801038 Government "Green Globe" award for estuary monitoring 15d Support given to Willow Warriors activities between November and 01-Nov-11 D01799150 December 2011 15d Estuary Tweet- Estuary stratification notification about the heating up of 03-Nov-11 D01838640 the estuary 15g Newsletter article written by the NSW Food Authority "Foodwise" 10-Nov-11 D01801054 promoting the estuary and the memorandum of understanding between the oyster industry and Hornsby Shire Council 13a Support given to Asparagus fern out day at Rocky Point, Pittwater 12-Nov-11 D01799150 16a Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Committee objects to the closure of the 15-Nov-11 D01818603 Cronulla Fisheries research centre as this will impede collaborative research projects with Fisheries 10a Sydney Coastal Councils Group and CSIRO project to map sea level rise 17-Nov-11 D01806348 for member Council's- Planning comments on limitations of the maps 15i Kayak activity on Berowra Creek 19-Nov-11 D01838511 13a Wetland care day at the upper Colo 20-Nov-11 D01799150 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 47

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 12j Hornsby Advocate Article- "oyster farms under threat" noting Council's 22-Nov-11 D01808913 objection to increasing nutrient discharge from Brooklyn Waste Water Treatment Plant 12j Hornsby advocate Article- "strong opposition to Sydney Water Plans" 22-Nov-11 D01808924 noting Council's request to meet with State Government to discuss alternative treatment options 15i Native fish walk, Berowra Creek 27-Nov-11 D01838511 13a Creek to Coast Day at Careel Bay 27-Nov-11 D01799150 3c New Pontoon installed at McKell Park as part of NSW Maritime better 28-Nov-11 D01812562 boating program 12k Regional Algal Coordinating committee notification of potentially harmful 01-Dec-11 D01817079 levels of Gymnodinium catenatum at Calabash Bay 15b Pollution incident investigated at Bradleys Beach, Dangar Island. 02-Dec-11 D01818174 Suspected oil spill along the beach appears to be rutile 2s 12 participants from “Roland Hassall’ Special Needs School- Hawkesbury 05-Dec-11 D01844645 River cleaned up Brooklyn, Little Wobby 12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee notification - elevated levels of 06-Dec-11 D01819181 Alexandrium catenella and presence of blue green algae due to fresh water 12j Sydney Coastal Councils Group support for Hornsby Shire Council's 08-Dec-11 D01838140 objection to increased nutrient discharge at the Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant 2s 15 participants from Report: Brisbane Water Secondary College “Special 09-Dec-11 D01844642 Education Unit” cleaned up Cowan Creek (west bank) 12j Mayor provided with advice regarding the operation of Brooklyn 09-Dec-11 D01838139 Wastewater Treatment Plant 12j Bush Telegraph article noting Council's request for Sydney Water to 12-Dec-11 D01831275 reconsider options for increasing nutrient discharge to the Hawkesbury 2s Bush Telegraph article highlighting the clean -up project being undertaken 12-Dec-11 D01831284 by Broken Bay Oysters with support from the Council and the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority 12j Sydney Morning Herald article noting Council's objection to increased 12-Dec-11 D01838138 nutrient discharge from Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment plant 2s 9 participants from “Roland Hassall’ Special Needs School- Hawkesbury 14-Dec-11 D01844639 River cleaned up Hawkesbury River southern foreshore, west of the freeway bridge 2s 17 participants from Brisbane Water Secondary College “Special ED Unit” 16-Dec-11 D01844636 Brisbane Water Secondary College “The Croft” cleaned up foreshore, and sandy beaches on the eastern foreshore of Cowan Creek from the Hawkesbury junction to Cowan Point 15d CNN news article on the clean-up of the oyster industry and Councils 19-Dec-11 D01826783 monitoring probes providing useful data on the health of the Hawkesbury 12j Letter from Chris Holstein and Brad Hazzard in response to the Lower 20-Dec-11 D01842168 Hawkesbury Estuary Committees opposition to Sydney Water's proposal to increase nutrient discharge to the Hawkesbury 2s 18 participants from Macmasters Beach Surf Club cleaned up 03-Jan-12 D01844629 Hawkesbury and Cowan Creek 9a NSW Food Authority article promoting the Memorandum of 10-Jan-12 D01839638 Understanding between HSC and Broken Bay Oysters 2s 34 participants from Central Coast Surf Life Saving (Youth Leader) 10-Jan-12 D01844632 cleaned up Hawkesbury River & Cowan Creek 48 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 10b Final report received from NSW Primary Industries which undertakes a 12-Jan-12 D01994454 vulnerability assessment of the effects of climate change on estuarine habitats in the Lower Hawkesbury estuary 2s 10 participants from Kincumber Youth Centre cleaned up Brisbane Waters 12-Jan-12 D01844625 (Rileys Island, south west bank) 15d Presentation by Tim Silverwood outlining impacts of plastic upon the 12-Jan-12 D01840869 marine environment at Hornsby Library fully booked (60 participants) 12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee notified regarding Prorocentrum 13-Jan-12 D02034864 cordatum bloom at Berowra Waters 12k Regional Algal Coordinating Committee notified on Prorocentrum 13-Jan-12 D01841705 cordatum bloom at Berowra Waters- Advice given not to proceed media release or health warnings 1e Hornsby Shire Council submission on the NSW Oyster Industry 16-Jan-12 D01842019 Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy Review noting procedures for assessing on-site sewage treatment 2s 25 participants from Kincumber Youth Centre cleaned up Parsley Bay, 19-Jan-12 D01884913 Dead Horse Bay, Sandy Bay, Gunyah Beach, Eleanor Beach, Spring Beach 2s Clean-up of Bar Island undertaken with bush regeneration volunteers 25-Jan-12 D01918324 12j Letters sent to Hon Robyn Parker, Hon Gregory Pearce and to 42 27-Jan-12 D01849894 Members of the Legislative Council of NSW, requesting Sydney withdraw its application to increase nutrient discharge in the estuary 15d News alert on ABC 702 discussion had with Oyster farmers regarding 27-Jan-12 D02034774 Sydney Water's decision to not increase nutrient discharge to the estuary 12j The Advocate newspaper clipping "Sydney Water retreats" page-3 30-Jan-12 D01894622 highlights Sydney Waters public announcement stating it will withdraw its application to increase nutrient discharge concentrations into the estuary 12j The Advocate newspaper clipping "Council focus on community needs" 30-Jan-12 D01894619 Mayor Nick Berman writes in support of Councils opposition to Sydney waters proposal to increase nutrient concentrations into the estuary 12j Sydney Water announces that it will not proceed with its application to 30-Jan-12 D01852776 increase nutrient discharge to the estuary 15d News alert for ABC Radio National Dr Mark Brown microplastic research 30-Jan-12 D02034767 15d News alert for ABC 702 for Dr mark Brown's research on microplastics 30-Jan-12 D02034768 15d News alerts for media relating to research undertaken by Dr Mark brown 30-Jan-12 D02034772 concerning microplastic research within the Hawkesbury 1a Final report submitted to NSW State Government reporting on project 30-Jan-12 D01886381 completion for the Land Capability Assessment undertaken by CSIRO 12jj Media article and scientific publication reporting on microplastic research 30-Jan-12 D01852726 undertaken in the Hawkesbury with support from Hornsby Shire Council 12j media article in Manly Daily notifying readers of Sydney waters reversal to 30-Jan-12 D02006439 increase nutrient discharge in the estuary 12j Media release from Sydney Water announcing its reversal to increase 30-Jan-12 D01918320 nutrient discharge into the estuary 16d HSC has provided comment on the Marine fish stocking Environmental 31-Jan-12 D01868557 Impact Statement which considers fish stocks for recreational fishers 2s 11 participants from Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School cleaned 08-Feb-12 D01863489 up Hawkesbury River Brooklyn/Mooney Mooney 2s 11 participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary Campus "The Croft" 09-Feb-12 D01863489 cleaned up Hawkesbury River Brooklyn/Mooney Mooney/ Alison Point 2s 45 participants from Brisbane Waters Secondary College “Bushcraft and 10-Feb-12 D01863487 Special ED Units” cleaned up Brisbane Waters (Rileys Island, west bank and Pelican Island) Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 49

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 3c Final report including "before and after" pictures showing the work 16-Feb-12 D01865112 undertaken at Parsley Bay 12j Sydney Water informs Council that is will not proceed with its application 20-Feb-12 D01869092 to increase sewage discharge at Brooklyn 16d NSW DPI has completed a survey of recreational fishing effort within the 23-Feb-12 D01869897 Hawkesbury "Recreational fishing surveys in the greater Sydney region" 15c Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Committee members informed of funding 23-Feb-12 D01869891 available to the community to undertake environmental restoration work 9a Information provided to the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management 23-Feb-12 D01869887 Committee for comment on the audit of Marine Parks within NSW which recommends a single governing body and independent scientific panel 2s 19 volunteers participated in the 2012 Clean-up Australia Day at Parsley 04-Mar-12 D01877108 Bay with 11 bags of rubbish being removed 15d Twitter message "Water released from Warragamba dam is detected at 07-Mar-12 D01918477 Gunyah Point within 48hours. For live updates on the water quality: http:// mhl.nsw.gov.au/projects/hscsal/" 2s 22 participants from Brisbane Water Secondary College Special Ed Unit 09-Mar-12 D01884916 cleaned up Brisbane Waters 2m Seagrass stickers and information promoted in the Autumn 2012 14-Mar-12 D01883623 Bushcare Newsletter 2s 11 participants from The Croft & Terrigal HS (Duke of Edinburgh) cleaned 15-Mar-12 D01884763 up Patonga west to the rail bridge, dead horse bay 2s 21 participants from Brisbane Water Secondary College Special Ed Unit 16-Mar-12 D01884760 cleaned up Patonga, Hawkesbury, Cowan, Pittwater 16a Collaboration with University of Sydney on a Pacific Oyster Mortality 23-Mar-12 D01918356 Syndrome research project. The project sought funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation but was unsuccessful 15i Guided native fish walk upstream of Crosslands Reserve 25-Mar-12 D01867563 13a Bitou Bush removal from Juno Point under taken by the Hawkesbury 28-Mar-12 D01918447 Nepean Catchment Management Authority 2s 6 Participants from Brisbane Waters School 'The Croft' cleaned up 29-Mar-12 D01929046 Brisbane Waters 2s 21 participants from Brisbane Water Secondary College Support Unit 30-Mar-12 D01926998 cleaned up Tallow Beach 12hh The Advocate newspaper clipping promoting the real time monitoring 30-Mar-12 D01894612 buoys and information access to the public 15d Hawkesbury Coastal Foreshore Clean up project coordinated by the 30-Mar-12 D01918454 Macmasters Surf Lifesaving Club is supported by the Hornsby Council and the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority 13a Tree planting and bush regeneration undertaken at Wisemans Ferry 30-Mar-12 D01918454 sponsored by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority 15d Advocate newspaper article highlighting how recent flood waters in the 30-Mar-12 D01894624 Hawkesbury have affected the oyster industry 13a Floating Landcare activity on Bar Island, 35 volunteers involved in bush 30-Mar-12 D01918454 regeneration activities 15d Council staff educated on the water quality probes and recent 02-Apr-12 D01894796 redevelopment of Parsley Bay in "Ourchat" magazine 9a Article in Austasia Aquaculture "Broken Bay Oyster Association producing 02-Apr-12 D01895540 premium oysters naturally" promoting Memorandum of Understanding with Hornsby Shire Council 15d Hornsby Library hosts puppet show and talk on marine animals "Floating 03-Apr-12 D01918335 on a sea of stories" 50 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 2s 10 participants from Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School cleaned 04-Apr-12 D01928994 up Brooklyn and Mooney Mooney 2s 6 participants from Macmasters Beach Surf Club & Brisbane Waters 11-Apr-12 D01901573 Oyster Grower; Simon Funnel cleaned up Woy Woy Bay 15i Guided spotlight tour in Crosslands Reserve 18-Apr-12 D01867563 15i Guided walk to Bujwa Bay 22-Apr-12 D01867563 2s 10 participants from Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School cleaned 02-May-12 D01928987 up Brooklyn and Mooney Mooney 15d Hornsby Shire Council's April community newsletter promotes the new 04-May-12 D01918336 seawall at Parsley Bay and benefits of the area 12y Sydney GIS data obtained which shows overflow locations within the 04-May-12 D01926591 Hornsby Shire 2s 22 participants from Bushcraft cleaned up Little Wobby and Tank Creek 04-May-12 D01918781 15i Guided walk from Berowra to Berowra Waters 06-May-12 D01867563 2s 7 participants from Brisbane Waters School "The Croft" cleaned up 10-May-12 D01923471 Milsons Island 2s 28 participants from Brisbane Water Secondary College Support Unit 11-May-12 D01923487 cleaned up Brisbane Waters 2s 10 participants from Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School cleaned 16-May-12 D01927007 up Hawkesbury River Brooklyn and Mooney Mooney 2s 4 participants from Terrigal High School Duke of Ed Students cleaned up 17-May-12 D01927010 Hawkesbury River 15h Brooklyn Public School students taken to Bar Island with Tom Richmond 22-May-12 D02006294 to explain history and natural values of the estuary 5d Aquatic survey completed for Point Clare to Patonga and Mullet Creek by 23-May-12 D01940467 Gosford City Council 5d Aquatic survey completed for Mooney Mooney Creek by Gosford City 23-May-12 D01940470 Council 5d Aquatic survey completed for Mangrove Creek to Wisemans Ferry by 23-May-12 D01940464 Gosford City Council 2h Independent review of commercial fisheries policy, management and 25-May-12 D01931214 administration completed 2s Oyster lease clean-up completed around Bar Island and Milsons Passage 30-May-12 D01943874 15d 2012 World Migratory bird day and library displays theme: "Migratory birds 31-May-12 D01937653 and people- together through time. Two cruises held with 70 people in total attending 13a Riparian vegetation works completed at McKell Park 2011-2012 07-Jun-12 D01942498 13a Riparian vegetation works completed at Brooklyn and Saltpan reserve 07-Jun-12 D01942499 2011-2012 12v Information sent to Gosford Council and Lower Hawkesbury estuary 10-Jun-12 D02006245 committee members regarding opportunities to have shared on-site sewage systems 15h High School Landcare toolkit produced for stage 5 Geography, Agriculture 14-Jun-12 D01945216 and Science. Aimed at increasing awareness of landcare within local schools 6j New brochures available to help people who own riverbank properties, 14-Jun-12 D01945216 manage livestock accessing waterways or who undertake works on riverbanks to comply with the Fisheries Management Act 1994. 15d Brochure promoting adventure conservation initiatives and groups within 14-Jun-12 D01945216 the Hawkesbury Nepean produced Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 51

2011-2012 Estuary management actions implemented

LHEMP Action Date HSC Strategy Reference 15d Brooklyn Schools' grade 5/6 taken to Bar Island with Council staff and 14-Jun-12 D02000807 local historian Tom Richmond to promote the values of the Island and Estuary 15e Seasons and cycles nature walk which includes Aboriginal culture and 17-Jun-12 D01945216 heritage Muogamarra Nature Reserve 2s 10 participants from Rowland Hassall Special Needs High School cleaned 20-Jun-12 D01950592 up Sandbrook Inlet 3c Improvements made to canoe launch ramp at Parsley Bay by attaching 21-Jun-12 D02034766 nylon strips for the kayaks/canoes to run against when accessing the beach area 15i Guided walk from Berowra to Mount Kuring-gai via Waratah Bay 24-Jun-12 D01867563 52 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

For further reading

Hornsby Shire Council (HSC), 2008. Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan. BMT WBM. SJB, 2005 and 2006. Hornsby Shire Waterways Review- Version A. SJB Planning.

Photo: Craig Shiel “Berowra Sunrise” Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 53

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding 54 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 55

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding 56 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 57

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding 58 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 1: Broken Bay Oyster Association Memorandum of Understanding Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 59

Appendix 2: Radio and television coverage

2UE (Sydney) Breakfast year. Emma Whale, Sydney Water, says it is actually $1.6 27/09/2011 - 06:49AM million. Interviewees: Emma Whale, Sydney Water; John Stubbs, oyster farmer; Kate Glenn, resident; Matt � Jason Morrison, Producer Mr Darren Flynn 02 Kean, Hornsby MP 9930 9973 Morrison says Sydney Water upsets Hawkesbury River ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) Mornings residents with a decision to release a significantly 27/01/2012 - 09:24 AM increased number of untreated chemicals into the river, including phosphorous, nitrogen and ammonia, from � Linda Mottram, Producer Mr Yuske Aso their Brooklyn sewerage plant in a bid to save costs. He 02 8333 1214 says they still farm oysters in the Hawkesbury. He says Mottram says Hawkesbury oyster farmers have had a Hornsby and Gosford councils are infuriated as are reprieve, winning out over Sydney Water’s proposal to Dangar Island residents. He says it is an environmentally pump tonnes of nutrients into the river. John Stubbs, sensitive area, but Sydney Water wants to save costs. President of the Broken Bay Oysters Association, He says someone in Govt should tell them to stop. discusses. He says it is terrific news. He says the City of Gosford, Hornsby Shire Council, local MP Matt Kean, Channel 7 (Sydney) Seven News did a lot of work as well. He says he is on the Lower 06/12/2011 - 06:08 PM Hawkesbury Estuary Management Committee, which also applied a lot of pressure. He says Sydney Water 2UE (Sydney)Breakfast - 27/09/2011 - 06:49AM seemed to be out of step on this issue. Interviewees: � Jason Morrison, Producer Mr Darren Flynn 02 John Stubbs, President, Broken Bay Oysters Association. 9930 9973 Morrison says Sydney Water upsets Hawkesbury River ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) 09:00 News residents with a decision to release a significantly 27/01/2012 - 09:03 AM increased number of untreated chemicals into the river, � Newsreader Chief of Staff - News Mr Trevor including phosphorous, nitrogen and ammonia, from Thompson 02 8333 2138 their Brooklyn sewerage plant in a bid to save costs. He Hornsby Local Council says Sydney Water’s decision says they still farm oysters in the Hawkesbury. He says to abandon a plan to release more effluent into the Hornsby and Gosford councils are infuriated as are Hawkesbury River from its Brooklyn waste water Dangar Island residents. He says it is an environmentally treatment plant is a win for the local community. The sensitive area, but Sydney Water wants to save costs. plant will now be upgraded at a cost of $1m. Councillor He says someone in Govt should tell them to stop. Nick Berman, Hornsby Mayor, says this is the right long term decision. Interviewees: Councillor Nick Berman, Channel 7 (Sydney) Seven News Hornsby Mayor 06/12/2011 - 06:08 PM

� Presenter Ms Chris Bath 02 8777 7806 2UE (Sydney) Breakfast Sydney Water has been accused of putting profits 27/01/2012 - 06:58 AM ahead of public safety. The organisation wants to pump � Jason Morrison, Producer Mr Darren Flynn more waste into a major Sydney waterway instead 02 9930 9973 of spending money to fix a treatment plant. Sydney Water’s Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant is failing, Morrison says there has been a good outcome on the but instead of fixing it, the company wants to increase Hawkesbury River story, with the local member and the strength and volume of effluent pumped into the Mayor of Hornsby ‘screaming’ at the NSW Govt to not river. Matt Kean, Hornsby MP, says Sydney Water are let Sydney Water let partly-treated ‘muck’ go into the asking for the community to pay for their own mistake in Hawkesbury. building a faulty plant. John Stubbs, oyster farmer, fears the reduced water quality will destroy the local oyster industry. The Department of Primary Industries has also attacked Sydney Water’s plan, saying the centre could be repaired for just $1 million over the next 30 years and the company is forecasting a $390 million profit this 60 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 2: Radio and television coverage

ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) Mornings Radio National (National Australia) The World Today 30/01/2012 - 10:37 AM 30/01/2012 - 12:47 PM � Linda Mottram Producer Mr Yuske Aso � Eleanor Hall, Executive Producer Ms Annie White 02 8333 1214 02 8333 2179 Mottram discusses a BBC weekend report claiming that An international team of scientists has taken samples micro-plastics used in synthetic clothes are an increasing from beaches around the world and found microscopic threat to our oceans, with thousands of fibres released pieces of plastic at every site. They are concerned it after washing. She refers to an article in the Journal of could be a hazard to marine life and humans. Dr Mark Environmental Science and Technology. She interviews Brown, Ecologist has collaborated with the University Dr Mark Brown, National Centre for Ecological Analysis of Sydney’s Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts and Synthesis, Uni of California, Santa Barbara, who of Coastal Cities to publish a study on micro plastic. Dr says there have been increases in the amount of micro- Brown says they found micro plastic in every sample plastic fibres in the past 15 years, particularly in seas they looked at across 18 sites. Dr Brown says they surrounding densely populated areas, near sewage teamed up with Hornsby Shire Council to look at treatment plants which release sewage bio-solids. He sewerage effluent discharge in the catchment area to argues that the implications of this research are ‘huge’, evaluate what types of micro plastic they were finding. with related carcinogenic problems for both wildlife Dr Brown is concerned about infiltration into the food and humans, and concerns about the implications for chain. Interviewees: Dr Mark Brown, Ecologist the food chain. He says new techniques are needed to Presenter Ms Chris Bath 02 8777 7806 further investigate this process, where in Aust, govt and Sydney Water has been accused of putting profits industry have so far been reluctant to support further ahead of public safety. The organisation wants to pump research. He discusses ‘worthwhile’ Benign by Design more waste into a major Sydney waterway instead experiments into which types of plastic pose less of spending money to fix a treatment plant. Sydney of a problem to humans and wildlife. He commends Water’s Brooklyn Wastewater Treatment Plant is failing, Hornsby Shire Council who have been ‘great partners’ but instead of fixing it, the company wants to increase in the past, providing money for important pilot studies the strength and volume of effluent pumped into the into NSW habitats. Caller Russell asks about issues river. Matt Kean, Hornsby MP, says Sydney Water are of increased use of grey water and Brown comments asking for the community to pay for their own mistake in that further research is needed, but Sydney Water has building a faulty plant. John Stubbs, oyster farmer, fears been unwilling to support it. Caller Tony asks about his the reduced water quality will destroy the local oyster use of mainstream sports clothing made from bamboo industry. The Department of Primary Industries has also charcoal and polyester. Brown says that sounds like a attacked Sydney Water’s plan, saying the centre could cellulose-based rayon fibre, but many articles are not be repaired for just $1 million over the next 30 years correctly labelled, with many products unsustainable, and the company is forecasting a $390 million profit this He explains that many synthetic fibres are made from year. Emma Whale, Sydney Water, says it is actually $1.6 recycled material, such as Coke bottles, where more million. Interviewees: Emma Whale, Sydney Water; life cycle assessments are needed. Interviewees: Dr John Stubbs, oyster farmer; Kate Glenn, resident; Matt Mark Brown, National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Kean, Hornsby MP Synthesis, Uni of California, Santa Barbara Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 61

Appendix 2: Radio and television coverage

ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) Mornings Environmental Science and Technology. She interviews 27/01/2012 - 09:24 AM Dr Mark Brown, National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Uni of California, Santa Barbara, who � Linda Mottram, Producer Mr Yuske Aso says there have been increases in the amount of micro- 02 8333 1214 plastic fibres in the past 15 years, particularly in seas Mottram says Hawkesbury oyster farmers have had a surrounding densely populated areas, near sewage reprieve, winning out over Sydney Water’s proposal to treatment plants which release sewage bio-solids. He pump tonnes of nutrients into the river. John Stubbs, argues that the implications of this research are ‘huge’, President of the Broken Bay Oysters Association, with related carcinogenic problems for both wildlife discusses. He says it is terrific news. He says the and humans, and concerns about the implications for City of Gosford, Hornsby Shire Council, local MP the food chain. He says new techniques are needed to Matt Kean, did a lot of work as well. He says he is further investigate this process, where in Aust, govt and on the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management industry have so far been reluctant to support further Committee, which also applied a lot of pressure. He says research. He discusses ‘worthwhile’ Benign by Design Sydney Water seemed to be out of step on this issue. experiments into which types of plastic pose less Interviewees: John Stubbs, President, Broken Bay of a problem to humans and wildlife. He commends Oysters Association. Hornsby Shire Council who have been ‘great partners’ in the past, providing money for important pilot studies ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) 09:00 News into NSW habitats. Caller Russell asks about issues 27/01/2012 - 09:03 AM of increased use of grey water and Brown comments that further research is needed, but Sydney Water has � Newsreader Chief of Staff - News Mr Trevor been unwilling to support it. Caller Tony asks about his Thompson 02 8333 2138 use of mainstream sports clothing made from bamboo Hornsby Local Council says Sydney Water’s decision charcoal and polyester. Brown says that sounds like a to abandon a plan to release more effluent into the cellulose-based rayon fibre, but many articles are not Hawkesbury River from its Brooklyn waste water correctly labelled, with many products unsustainable, treatment plant is a win for the local community. The He explains that many synthetic fibres are made from plant will now be upgraded at a cost of $1m. Councillor recycled material, such as Coke bottles, where more Nick Berman, Hornsby Mayor, says this is the right long life cycle assessments are needed. Interviewees: Dr term decision. Interviewees: Councillor Nick Berman, Mark Brown, National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Hornsby Mayor Synthesis, Uni of California, Santa Barbara

2UE (Sydney) Breakfast Radio National (National Australia) The World Today 27/01/2012 - 06:58 AM 30/01/2012 - 12:47 PM

� Jason Morrison, Producer Mr Darren Flynn � Eleanor Hall, Executive Producer 02 9930 9973 Ms Annie White 02 8333 2179 Morrison says there has been a good outcome on the An international team of scientists has taken samples Hawkesbury River story, with the local member and from beaches around the world and found microscopic Mayor of Hornsby ‘screaming’ at the NSW Govt to not pieces of plastic at every site. They are concerned it let Sydney Water let partly-treated ‘muck’ go into the could be a hazard to marine life and humans. Dr Mark Hawkesbury. Brown, Ecologist has collaborated with the University of Sydney’s Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney) Mornings of Coastal Cities to publish a study on micro plastic. Dr 30/01/2012 - 10:37 AM Brown says they found micro plastic in every sample they looked at across 18 sites. Dr Brown says they � Linda Mottram Producer Mr Yuske Aso teamed up with Hornsby Shire Council to look at 02 8333 1214 sewerage effluent discharge in the catchment area to Mottram discusses a BBC weekend report claiming that evaluate what types of micro plastic they were finding. micro-plastics used in synthetic clothes are an increasing Dr Brown is concerned about infiltration into the food threat to our oceans, with thousands of fibres released chain. Interviewees: Dr Mark Brown, Ecologist after washing. She refers to an article in the Journal of 62 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 29 Bush telegraph article, 11/08/2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 63

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 30 Bush Telegraph article, 25/08/2011 64 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 31 Advocate article 05/09/2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 65

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 32 Sydney Morning Herald article, 26/09/2011 66 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 33 Page-1 Sydney Morning Herald 27/09/2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 67

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 34Manly Daily Article, 28/09/2011 68 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 35 Central Coast Express article, 05/10/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 69

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 36 Bush Telegraph article 06/10/2011 70 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 37 NSW Food Authority ‘Foodwise’ article Winter 2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 71

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 38 Austasia Aquaculture magazine article 13/10/2011 72 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 39 Science Daily article 20/10/2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 73

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 40 Advocate article, 22/11/2011 74 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 41 Advocate article, 22/11/2011 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 75

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 42 Sydney Morning Herald article, 12/12/2011 76 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 43 Advocate article 12/01/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 77

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 44 Hornsby Shire Visitors guide 2012 78 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 45 Bush Telegraph article, 25/01/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 79

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 46 BBC news article, 27/01/2011 80 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 47 Manly Daily article, 30/01/2012

Figure 48 Advocate article, 02/02/2012

Figure 49 Advocate article, 30/03/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 81

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 50 Advocate letter to the editor, 30/03/2012

Figure 51 Advocate article, 30/03/2012 82 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 52 Austasia Aquaculture article, 02/04/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 83

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 53 Rates notification insert, 19/04/2012 84 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

Appendix 3: Print Media Coverage

Figure 54 Advocate article, 22/05/2012 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report 85 86 Hornsby shire Council 2011-2012 Estuary Management Program Annual Report

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