KERANG LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT
LITERATURE REVIEW
PREPARED FOR THE NORTHERN VICTORIA IRRIGATION RENEWAL PROJECT
September 2011
Kerang Lakes Water Saving Project Literature Review
DOCUMENT HISTORY AND STATUS Version Date Issued Prepared By Reviewed By Date Approved 1 8 September 2011 Michelle Maher Pat Feehan, Ross Plunkett, Emer 8 September 2011 Campbell and Andrea Joyce (Hold point 1 meeting) 2 27 September 2011 Michelle Maher Pat Feehan, Ross Plunkett, and 29 September 2011 Andrea Joyce (Hold point 2 meeting) 3 30 September 2011 Michelle Maher Handover to Andrea Joyce 3rd October 2011 DISTRIBUTION Version Date Quantity Issued To 2 27 September 2011 Email Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett 3 30 September 2011 CD NVIRP and internal handover DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
Printed: 30 September 2011 Last saved: 30 September 2011 04:04 PM File name: NCCMA – 55463 – Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review Authors: Michelle Maher Name of organisation: North Central CMA Name of document: Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review Document version: Draft, Version 3 Document manager: 55463
For further information on any of the information contained within this document contact: North Central Catchment Management Authority PO Box 18 Huntly Vic 3551 T: 03 5440 1800 F: 03 5448 7148 E: [email protected] www.nccma.vic.gov.au © North Central Catchment Management Authority, 2011 Front cover photo: Middle Reedy, November 2010, Michelle Maher, North Central CMA The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review is a working document, compiled from the best available information. It will be subject to revision in the future as new information becomes available. This publication may be of assistance to you, but the North Central Catchment Management Authority and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on information in this publication. Please cite this document as: North Central CMA (2011). Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project: Literature Review, Prepared for the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly, Victoria.
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Executive Summary The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project (KLWSP) is part of the Northern Victoria Renewal Project (NVIRP) Stage 2. Water savings and environmental enhancement could potentially be achieved by changing how the wetlands are connected to each other and by modifying current operational protocols. This project is focusing on the future operation of the Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Lake and Third Lake), Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake (KLWSP wetlands). These wetlands are part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site and are managed as part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System (TIS). The KLWSP wetlands have been operated as permanent water supply lakes since the establishment of the Torrumbarry Weir in 1923. This project will investigate the potential to reinstate a more natural wetting and drying regime to the wetlands by incorporating a bypass channel into the irrigation system. The aim of this literature review is to document in an annotated bibliography all literature relevant to the KLWSP. The information will be used to understand what work has been done to date, data and knowledge gaps and the likely issues associated with project implementation. The next stage for the KLWSP is the development of the project plan with the key planning documents required being the development of an Environmental Watering Plan, a Construction Management Plan and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan. Need to finish – refer to Section 3 and summarise
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Contents page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... II CONTENTS PAGE ...... III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... IV ABBREVIATIONS ...... V 1. KERANG LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT ...... 6
1.1 STUDY AREA ...... 6
1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW PURPOSE ...... 7
1.3 STRUCTURE OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 7 2. LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE KERANG LAKES...... 8
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES ...... 8 2.1.1 Environmental values summary ...... 16
2.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 17 2.2.1 Cultural heritage summary ...... 18
2.3 HYDROLOGY ...... 19 2.3.1 Water balance ...... 19 2.3.2 Flood studies ...... 22 2.3.3 Water savings ...... 24 2.3.4 Hydrology summary ...... 25
2.4 HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 26 2.4.1 Hydrogeology summary ...... 29
2.5 GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ...... 31 2.5.1 Geology and geomorphology summary ...... 31 2.6.1 Salinity and water quality summary ...... 34
2.6 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ...... 35 2.7.1 Social and economic summary ...... 36
2.7 LAND MANAGEMENT ...... 37 2.8.1 Land management summary ...... 39 3 KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 40 4 REFERENCES ...... 44 APPENDIX A: KLWSP WETLANDS CHARACTERISTICS...... 47 APPENDIX B: FLORA AND FAUNA SPECIES LIST ...... 50 APPENDIX C: KLWSP PROJECT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 57
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Acknowledgements
The information contained in the Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project literature review has been sourced from a variety of reports and field inspections and from individual knowledge and expertise. The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) acknowledges the assistance of the following people in preparing this Literature Review. • Rob O’Brien (Department of Primary Industries, Kerang)
• Ross Stanton, Jenny Pay and John Ginnivan (Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang) • Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett (NVIRP, Shepparton) • Emer Campbell, Andrea Joyce, Phil Dyson, Bambi Lees, Rebecca Horsburgh and Anna Chatfield (North Central CMA, Huntly)
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Abbreviations AAV Aboriginal Affairs Victoria BE Bulk Entitlement Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals CAMBA China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement CMA Catchment Management Authority DPI Department of Primary Industries DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment EES Environment Effects Statement EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EVC Ecological Vegetation Class EWP Environmental Watering Plan FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 FSL Full Supply Level GIS Geographic Information Systems GL Gigalitre (one billion litres) GMID Goulburn Murray Irrigation District G-MW Goulburn–Murray Water JAMBA Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance North Central CMA North Central Catchment Management Authority NVIRP Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project ROKAMBA Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities TIS Torrumbarry Irrigation System VBA Victorian Biodiversity Atlas VEAC Victorian Environmental Assessment Council
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1. Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project (KLWSP) has been identified as part of the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NIVIRP) Stage 2 Business Case. This project is focusing on the future operation of the Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Lake and Third Lake), Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake. These wetlands are part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site and are managed as part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System (TIS). Water savings could potentially be achieved by changing how the wetlands are connected to each other and by modifying current operational protocols. The project is currently at pre- feasibility stage and no firm proposal has been developed. The need for the KLWSP project is driven by: • The need to meet future downstream irrigation water demands. • The low conveyance efficiency of irrigation water supply system (high system losses). • Concerns regarding the decline in environmental values within the Murray River system, in particular the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site (NVIRP 2010). Water savings are mainly obtained from the reduction in irrigation distribution system operating water. System operating water includes evaporation, seepage, leakage, outfalls and meter error.
1.1 Study area The Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site comprises 23 marshes, lakes and swamps that range from freshwater to hypersaline (KBR 2011). Within this Ramsar site are the KLWSP wetlands, which include Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake (Figure 1). These wetlands have been maintained as ‘regulated fresh supply for irrigation’ wetlands operated at a relatively constant water level via Kerang Weir and Washpen Creek regulator (Figure 1) for over 80 years.
Figure 1: KLWSP Location Map
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1.2 Literature Review purpose The aim of this literature review is to document in an annotated bibliography all literature relevant to the KLWSP. The information will be used to understand what work has been done to date, data and knowledge gaps and the likely issues associated with project implementation.
1.3 Structure of the Literature Review The literature review is focused on the Kerang Lakes and surrounding areas that are likely to be impacted from the KLWSP. Research, reports and other technical documents have been collated and sorted into the following topics: • Environmental values: documentation of key wetland values and flora and fauna reports. • Cultural heritage: reports related to aboriginal and European heritage. • Hydrology: describing the entire water balance relevant to the KLWSP wetlands.
• Hydrogeology: current knowledge of the distribution and movement of groundwater in the KLWSP area. • Geology and geomorphology: current understanding of the classification, description, nature, origin, and development of landforms in the KLWSP area.
• Salinity and water quality: description of water quality monitored and salinity in the wetlands and surrounding floodplain.
• Social and economic use: social, recreational, land use and water harvesting activities that are described in reports reviewed. • Land management: describing primary land tenures. Please note: reports have been reviewed in chronological order with a summary of the main findings provided at the end of each section. Recommendations and conclusions are provided for input into the KLWSP project plan. All available reports, illustrated maps and species lists generated have been provided to NVIRP in electronic format.
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2. Literature Review of the Kerang Lakes
2.1 Environmental values The environmental values represented at the KLWSP wetlands are reviewed in this section. The KLWSP wetlands all form part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site. There is good information pertaining to the wetlands environmental value, which will provide the KLWSP with a starting point in recommending the environmental watering regime to maintain the ecological character of the wetlands. Conservation value of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg et al 1989) The wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area were studied to ascertain their conservation value for input into the Kerang Lakes Area Management Plan (KLAWG 1992). It concluded that the wetlands have been severely degraded through their use as irrigation supply lakes, increasing salinity and altered watering regimes. However, the wetlands remain very valuable in spite of this degradation for native flora and fauna. The findings for the KLWSP wetlands are summarised in Table 1 below. Table 1: Conservation value of the KLWSP wetlands (Lugg et al. 1989)
Wetland Wetland type Land s tatus Recommendations and water quality
Reedy Lake Previous category: Land status: A low value wetland due to habitat diversity, Deep Freshwater Water Supply constant water levels, little aquatic vegetation Marsh and disturbance from boating. Recommendations included: Area: 182 ha Water quality: 100-1,200 EC • Water levels be allowed to fluctuate as much as possible (i.e. high in
Winter/Spring and low in Summer/Autumn so that the littoral zone is flooded. • Public land area fenced and grazing Current category: discontinued. Permanent Open • Water supply secured. Freshwater • Water quality less than 1,500 EC. Area: 182 ha • Regulator installed to manage variable Subcategory: water levels. Shallow Open • Wetland filled in Winter/Spring and Water (182 ha) allowed to decline by evaporation. • Wetland allowed to dry occasionally (e.g. one/two in ten years). Reedy Lake managed as a semi-permanent wetland primarily for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Middle Previous category: Land status: A very high value wetland, mainly for its Lake Deep Freshwater Water Supply waterbird breeding rookery of Straw-necked Ibis, Marsh Sacred Ibis and Royal Spoonbills and native vegetation and habitat diversity. Area: 174 ha Water quality: Recommendations included: 200-1,000 EC • Water levels allowed to fluctuate as Current category: much as possible Permanent Open Freshwater • Close monitoring be undertaken to ensure that the viability of the rookery is
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Wetland Wetland type Land s tatus Recommendations and water quality
Area: 195 ha not declining. Subcategories: • Regulator installed to manage variable Shallow Open water levels. Water (104 ha), • Water supply secured. Dead Timber (47 • ha) and Lignum (44 Health of Lignum and surrounding ha) vegetation is closely monitored. Middle Lake managed as a semi-permanent freshwater wetland primarily to provide breeding habitat for large numbers of waterbirds. Third Lake Previous category: Land status: A moderate value wetland mainly for Deep Freshwater Water Supply conservation of native flora and reptiles. Marsh Recommendations included: Area: 221 ha Water quality: • Water levels be allowed to fluctuate as 200-1,000 EC much as possible (i.e. high in Winter/Spring and low in Current category: Summer/Autumn so that the littoral Permanent Open zone is flooded. Freshwater • Area: 221 ha Public land area fenced and grazing discontinued. Subcategories: • Shallow Open Water supply secured. Water (221 ha), • Regulator installed to manage variable Dead Timber (213 water levels. ha) and Reeds (8 • Wetland filled in Winter/Spring and ha) allowed to decline by evaporation. • Wetland allowed to dry occasionally (e.g. three to four months every year or one in three/four years). Third Lake managed as a semi-permanent wetland primarily for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Little Lake Previous category: Land status: A moderate value wetland that has been greatly Charm Shallow Freshwater Water Supply modified, however it does provide some habitat Marsh for waterbirds and native fish. Recommendations included: Area: 113 ha Water quality: 200-600 EC • Water levels fluctuate as much as possible, including flooding the Scotts Current category: Creek Section. Permanent Open Freshwater • Regulator installed to manage variable water levels. Area: 113 ha • Subcategories: Wetland filled in Winter/Spring and allowed to decline by evaporation. Shallow Open Water (82 ha) and • Wetland to dry out completely Reeds (31 ha) periodically. • Public land areas fenced and grazing discontinued. Little Lake Charm managed as a semi- permanent freshwater wetland primarily for conservation of waterbirds.
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Wetland Wetland type Land s tatus Recommendations and water quality
Racecourse Previous category: Land status: A low value wetland that has been highly Lake Permanent Open Water Supply modified. The recommendations were the same Freshwater as for Kangaroo Lake: Area: 187 ha Water quality: • Water levels be allowed to fluctuate as 200-1,000 EC much as possible (i.e. high in Winter/Spring and low in Current category: Summer/Autumn. Permanent Open Freshwater • Public land area fenced and grazing discontinued. Area: 235 ha • Subcategories: Water supply secured. Shallow Open • Water quality less than 1,500 EC. Water (212 ha) and • Wetland filled above normal full supply Reeds (23 ha) level to flood littoral zone in Winter/Spring and water level allowed to decline by evaporation.
The report identifies that the artificial environment that is the Torrumbarry Irrigation System is not sustainable in the long term. Rising salinity was the most notable cause of wetland degradation (saline groundwater intrusion, saline irrigation tailwater disposal and isolation of wetlands from the natural floodplain). It recommends a regular cycle of flooding and drying to maintain productivity cycles and successional changes in wetlands. It is recommended that a “semi-natural” (i.e. managed) water regime for wetlands is applied wherever possible. Three additional technical reports were completed as part of this conservation value report and include: • Vegetation of the Wetlands in Kerang Lakes Area (O’Donnell 1990)
• The Aquatic Invertebrate and Fish Faunas of the Kerang Lakes Area (Fleming 1990)
• Waterbirds of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg 1990) The implications of Salinity, and Salinity Management Initiatives, on Fish and Fish Habitat in the Kerang Lakes Management Area (Anderson 1991) No significant salinity or temperature gradients were found and dissolved oxygen levels were generally adequate for fish in this investigation. It was noted that turbulence induced by wind and wave action is the major source of mixing the lakes (making stratification short-lived). Historical data lists the Reedy Lakes as having the most diverse native fish population of any of the Lakes listed (refer to Appendix B for full species lists compiled). The results of this research confirmed the linkage and connection of populations through the channel system. The high species diversity depends on this linkage and good habitat conditions within the wetlands. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992) The long term viability of the Middle Lake Ibis Rookery is identified as being threatened by the lack of lignum regeneration. At this time the exact requirements for regeneration were unknown.
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Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report (SKM 2001) This report was commissioned to assess water savings initiatives within the Torrumbarry Irrigation System and their potential to influence the management objectives for the Reedy Lakes. Changes to the irrigation system may not be compatible with the environmental requirements of the wetlands. The report sets out “immediate key aims” for the management of the Reedy Lakes, including maintain the current water regime until the impact of a changed watering regime on key biodiversity values is understood. An assessment of waterbird habitat at the Reedy Lakes concluded that the habitat value of Reedy Lake is low with Third Lake being slightly greater due to the presence of more vegetated margins and dead trees within open water. It suggested that the habitat values of both these wetlands would be greatly increased by introducing a watering regime that allows occasional lowering of water levels over summer. The stable water levels at Middle Lake appear to have favored Ibises, promoting the rookery amongst the unusual population of Lignum. Due to the presence of this Lignum in stable water levels manipulation of watering regime in this wetland should be undertaken with caution to ensure the rookery is maintained. Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for targeted Kerang Lakes (Ho et al. 2006) Ho et al. (2006) aimed at enhancing the current and future ecological understanding of Kangaroo Lake, Racecourse Lake, Lake Charm, Little Lake Charm and the Reedy Lakes. The provision of ecological information for the targeted Kerang Lakes included baseline ecological monitoring and mapping of a range of indicators (fish, turtles, frogs, macroinvertebrates, wetlands vegetation and surface water quality) and the development of an ongoing monitoring method. Detailed vegetation mapping was completed as part of this. It was recommended that consideration to how the volume and quality of inflows, the number and volume of extractions, as well as groundwater and catchment functioning influence the ecological status of the lakes. Please note: species recorded have been cross referenced and incorporated into the flora and fauna species list in Appendix B. Assessment Framework of Changed water management Regimes on the Health of the Kerang Lakes (KBR 2007)
The objective of this project was to develop a framework and methodology to assess the impacts of altering watering regimes to the Kerang Lakes. The decision making framework to address the following key question was developed: What would happen if the water regimes of the Kerang Lakes were to be managed differently from the current operational practice? This framework provides a method for assessing the risk of changing the watering regime for the KLWSP wetlands and could be used as part of the KLWSP environmental referral. Scenarios of hypothetical wetlands are provided as an example of how this could be done which includes a Quantitative risk assessment and a Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA). Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project (MDBA 2009) The Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project aimed to assess the spatial extent of, and risk posed by, acid sulfate soils at priority wetlands in the Murray River system, Ramsar wetlands and other key environmental sites in the Murray-Darling Basin. 84 waterbodies were sampled in the north central catchment. However no assessments were undertaken at the KLWSP wetlands.
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Environmental water regime of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010) SKM were engaged by G-MW to better understand the potential water savings benefits from reconfiguration and modernisation in the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area, as well as consider risks and opportunities to environmental values associated with the Kerang Lakes. Table 2 provides a summary of the ecological values and recommended environmental watering regime. Table 2: Proposed wetland management goal and recommended watering regime
KLWSP wetland Management goal Recommended watering regime
Reedy Lake To provide a variable watering regime Timing: Winter/Spring that supports a mosaic of littoral plant communities, including Lignum Frequency: one in two to three Swampy Woodland and Tall Marsh, years and open water that together provide habitat for a diverse range of waterbirds Duration: Variable, one to four and native fish. months Middle Lake To provide a watering regime that Timing: Winter/Spring maintains the existing habitat types, in Frequency: one in one to two particular the depleted EVC Lignum years Swampy Woodland and areas of open water that together provide habitat for a Duration: Variable, one to four high abundance and diverse range of months waterbirds.
Third Lake To provide a watering regime that Timing: Winter/Spring includes near annual drying, in order to Frequency: one in two to three improve the condition of the vegetation years communities, providing enhanced habitats for waterbirds. Duration: Variable, up to ten months
Little Lake Charm To provide a watering regime that Timing: Winter/Spring supports a mosaic of littoral plant Frequency: one in two to three communities, and open water that years together provide habitat for a diverse range of waterbirds and native fish. Duration: Variable, one to four months
Racecourse Lake To provide a watering regime that Timing: Winter/Spring supports a mosaic of littoral plant Frequency: one in two to three communities, and open water that years together provide habitat for a diverse range of waterbirds and native fish. Duration: Variable, one to four months
The recommended watering regime summarised above is linked to unregulated flows from the catchment (e.g. Loddon River and Wandella Creek). This watering regime has not gone through the Environmental Watering Plan method of undertaking condition assessments and engaging key stakeholders and experts to review the ecological and hydrological objectives, key justifications, management goal and recommended watering regime. Key components of the watering regime have also not been included (e.g. extent and depth and minimum to maximum frequency of wetting). Key habitat features specific to each wetland have also not been included in each management goal and appear quite repetitive. This information that feeds into the
NCCMA-55463 - Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review September 2011 V3 Page 12 of 61 Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review establishment of the recommended watering regime needs to be scientifically defendable and be able to fit into a water balance model (e.g. Savings at Wetlands from Evapotranspiration daily Time-Series (SWET). It is also important to note that the environmental watering regimes recommended for these wetlands currently contradict the Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) prescribed in the Ecological Character Description, which is summarized below (KBR 2011). A risk assessment for the proposed watering regimes was undertaken in relation to the source of water (Murray River and Loddon River) under an ideal variable regime and climate change regime scenario. A compromised regime was assessed that included maintaining Middle Reedy as a permanent wetland and a variable regime for the remaining lakes: • Third Lake: annual wetting and drying cycle, average filling frequency of one in two to three years. • First reedy, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse: permanent but variable watering regime, filling the wetlands to FSL one in every two to three years. The report suggested that this regime will maintain the high values associated with Middle Lake, however the values at the other wetlands will be subject to some level of risk. The report identifies here that further work is required to determine the acceptable level of risk if a drier regime is introduced. Description of the ecological character of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site (Clunie 2010) This description of the ecological character was prepared in 2006 and published by DSE in 2010 for input into the Ecological Character Description (KBR 2011). The criteria that supports the listing of the Kerang Lakes as a Ramsar site related to depleted wetland and vegetation types, waterbird diversity, abundance and breeding. Analysis of wetland types, changes in vegetation, wetlands that have supported waterbird breeding and threatened flora and fauna are detailed in the report. Breeding waterbird species within the KLWSP wetlands from 1980 to 2003 include: • Reedy Lake: Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca ), Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia ), Yellow Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes ) and Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa ) • Middle Lake: Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis ), Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa ), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio ), Royal Spoonbill, Black Swan ( Cygnus atratus ), Darter ( Anhinga melanogaster ), Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) , Yellow Spoonbill and Pacific Black Duck and White Bellied Sea Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucogaster )
• Third Lake: Black Swan and White Bellied Sea Eagle Please note: species recorded have been cross referenced and incorporated into the flora and fauna species list in Appendix B.
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Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site: Ecological Character Description (KBR 2011) The KLWSP wetlands form part of the larger Kerang Lakes Ramsar site which comprises 23 wetlands. This Ecological Character Description (ECD) represents the second ECD prepared for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site. The first ECD (Clunie 2010) was prepared in 2006 using the ‘Framework for describing the ecological character 1 of Ramsar wetlands’ (DSE 2005). This second ECD updates the description of ecological character in line with the current National Framework and Guidelines for Describing the Ecological Character of Australia’s Ramsar Wetlands (DEWHA 2008). The ECD provides a detailed description of the sites ecological character, establishing a benchmark at the time it was listed (1982) on which change can be assessed and monitored. Hydrology, salinity, waterbirds (International/National) and waterbird (colonial breeding/nesting) have been identified and described for the ecosystem components, processes, benefits and services that are critical to the ecological character of the site. The Ramsar Convention, to which Australia is a signatory carries with certain obligations, including managing a Ramsar site to retain its ‘ecological character’ and to have procedures in place to detect if any threatening processes are likely to, or have altered the ecological character. Table 3 provides a summary of the baseline Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) prescribed for the KLWSP wetlands. It was envisaged that theses LACs are regularly updated in light of monitoring and increased understanding of wetland ecosystem processes and function. Table 3: Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) set for the KLWSP wetlands (KBR 2011) KLWSP Hydrology Salinity International/ Colonial breeding/nesting Wetlands National waterbirds listed waterbird
Reedy Lake Lake managed at or near Salinity No LAC set Baseline condition identified, FSL with annual levels less however no LAC set due to fluctuations(up to than 4000 insufficient data over the 600mm) EC benchmark period No drying event in any period Middle Lake Lake managed at or near Salinity No LAC set No more than five years where no FSL with annual levels less breeding occurs: fluctuations(up to than 4000 • Australian White Ibis: no more 400mm) EC than five consecutive years No drying event in any where the species does not period breed • Straw-necked Ibis: no more than five consecutive years where the species does not breed • Royal Spoonbill: no more than two periods of eight executive years where the species does not breed over a 20 year period
1 Ecological character is the combination of the ecosystem components, processes and benefits/services that characterise the wetland at a given point in time
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KLWSP Hydrology Salinity International/ Colonial breeding/nesting Wetlands National waterbirds listed waterbird
• Yellow Spoonbill: no LAC set Third Lake Lake managed at or near Salinity No LAC set FSL with annual levels not fluctuations(up to to exceed 1000mm) 4000 EC No drying event in any period Little Lake Lake managed at or near Salinity No LAC set No LAC set Charm FSL with annual levels less fluctuations(up to than 4000 1000mm) EC No drying event in any period Racecourse Lake managed at or near Salinity No LAC set No LAC set Lake FSL with annual levels less fluctuations(up to than 4000 600mm) EC No drying event in any period Whole No LAC set No LAC At least 20 000 No less than the median (two) Ramsar site set waterbirds species recorded breeding across across the the site 10 years in 20 Ramsar site
The baseline LACs for the hydrological critical process set no drying event in any period for all of the KLWSP wetlands. Requirements exist to undertake ‘Response Strategies’ to key threats at Ramsar sites, refer to Section 3. The following knowledge gaps and recommended actions to address each gap identified in the ECD are summarised below: • Hydrology: water regime management strategies to sustain wetland health and values. • Water quality – salinity: Quantitative information on salinity. • Waterbirds: Waterbird numbers, habitat use and breeding success rate. • Fauna – Fish: distribution and abundance. • Habitat – Ecological Vegetation Classes: distribution, condition and vegetation mapping. • Flora: confirmation of key flora species that are represented at each wetland.
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2.1.1 Environmental values summary The KLWSP wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Any change to the current water supply arrangements will benefit some species while being a disadvantage to others. For example, implementing a drying regime to Third Lake will provide a benefit to wetland plants while providing a disadvantage fish species (e.g. Golden Perch and Murray Cod). It was identified in SKM (2010) that further work is required to determine the acceptable level of risk if a drier regime is introduced to these wetlands. The baseline Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) for the hydrological critical process includes maintaining the KLWSP wetlands as permanent systems, therefore they contradict the environmental water regime recommendations in the SKM (2010) report. These LACs can be updated in light of new information, including the development of water regime management strategies to sustain wetland health and values. The environmental values of the KLWSP wetlands are well documented, however no environmental assessments or monitoring have been documented since 2006 (Ho et al. 2006). Ho et al (2006), KBR (2007), SKM (2010) and KBR (2011) have provided information on knowledge gaps on environmental values and potential methods to assess the risk of changing the water regime to the KLWSP wetlands. A summary of the wetland characteristics is provided in Appendix A and species lists have been compiled for each of the KLWSP wetlands in Appendix B. Sections 3 and 4 outline the key tasks recommended to inform the environmental aspects of the KLWSP:
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2.2 Cultural heritage Reports related to Aboriginal and European heritage are provided in this section. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992) The first settlers on the Kerang Plains were the Aboriginal people. Graves around Kow Swamp are estimated to be up to 10,000 years old. The rich environment of lakes, rivers, creeks and forests within the Kerang Lakes Area helped attract early settlers to the area as it still draws tourists, naturalists, hunters and anglers each year. The area was ideal for aboriginal habitation prior to European settlement. A total of 425 Aboriginal sites had been formally recorded in the Kerang Lakes Area. These sites occur on river plains, floodplains and on the margins of swamp and lagoons. The KLWSP wetlands was defined as a major area of significance from an archaeological point of view with a wide range of activities represented (36 aboriginal sites identified, e.g. one burial, six mounds, 13 middens and four scar trees). The first European to record a description of the Kerang-Swan Hill area was Major Mitchell (published in 1838). This was followed by waves of settlers and the eventual establishment if irrigation trusts and the Torrumbarry Weir in 1923.
Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report (SKM 2001)
The preservation and management of cultural heritage sites is a long term issue. This report identifies that sites, such as mounds could be damaged by any construction or excavation works. Assessment Framework of Changed water management Regimes on the Health of the Kerang Lakes (KBR 2007) This report states that due to the nature of the waterways and wetlands throughout the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area, they would have been heavily utilised by Aboriginal people. This connection is evidenced by physical evidence (e.g. scar trees), however just as important is the spiritual connection which cannot be measured. It is important for cultural values to be considered when proposing to change watering regimes. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 obligates project managers to conduct detailed identification and valuation of cultural heritage values associated with wetlands. A cultural heritage management plan is required for high impact projects in culturally sensitive landscapes such as Ramsar listed wetlands and activities requiring substantial infrastructure. Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (North Central CMA 2011) Connection to country is identified in this report as particularly important because it emphasizes the spiritual and cultural associations with the land, rather than the European notion of proprietary ownership and a more ‘objective’ connectedness to land. For example, connection to place may be linked through stories to specific locations or it may be a location where people have camped for many generations. Similarly, native animals have specific meaning and significance. For example, the Murray Cod was an important indicator of the environmental and spiritual health of the region’s river systems. The Traditional Owners assign special significance to a range of native plant species.
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2.2.1 Cultural heritage summary The KLWSP area sits within an area of cultural heritage sensitivity, refer to Figure 2.
Figure 2: KLWSP Aboriginal Stakeholders and Native Title Claim Any future activities that would require earth disturbance in culturally sensitive areas need to consider risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Consultation will also be required with all relevant Aboriginal Stakeholders. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (VAHC) has received an application by Barapa Barapa Nation Aboriginal Corporation for registration as a Registered Aboriginal Party which includes the KLWSP area. If registered, the applicant will be responsible for making key decisions about cultural heritage protection and management under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Presently there is a Native Title Claim application being negotiated with the Wamba Wamba Barapa Barapa and Wadi Wadi peoples. The outcomes of this will determine the consultation process and statutory requirements for any future proposed activities.
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2.3 Hydrology Prior to European settlement the KLWSP wetlands were ephemeral, they are now part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System and operated at near full supply level. The current understanding of the KLWSP wetlands water has been reviewed in this section.
2.3.1 Water balance Conservation value of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg et al 1989) At the end of this report wetland water balances are described for the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area. Some of these components are defined in Table 4 below. Table 4: KLWSP wetland hydrology
Wetland Regulated Full Supply Capacity Evaporation Groundwater inflows Level and water depth
Reedy Lake From Loddon FSL: 74.88 3,780 ML 2,500 Losses: minor River via mAHD ML/year Intrusion: nil? Washpen WD: 2-2.4 m Creek Middle Lake From Reedy FSL: 74.88 2,120 ML 2,700 Losses: minor Lake mAHD ML/year Intrusion: nil? WD: 1.5-2.1 m Third Lake From middle FSL: 74.57 2,690 ML 3,000 Losses: minor Lake mAHD ML/year Intrusion: nil? WD: 1.2-1.5 m Little Lake From Third FSL: 73.93 1,700 ML 1580 Losses: minor Charm Lake via No. 7 mAHD ML/year Intrusion: channel WD: 1.5-2 m minor source Racecourse From Little FSL: 73.93 5,300 ML 3,300 Losses: minor Lake Lake Charm mAHD ML/year Intrusion: nil? via No. 7 WD: 3-4 m channel
Environmental water regime of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010) The water savings identified from this report are provided in Section 2.3.3. Additional investigations were recommended in relation to understanding the water balance and include: • A water balance of the lakes would provide a more accurate indication of seepage losses. • A larger research project should be undertaken in order to improve estimates of the pan coefficient. • Groundwater modeling was not available for all of the wetlands (i.e. Little Lake Charm). • Further investigation to better understand the connectivity between the lakes and reduce the uncertainty associated with managing the water regimes in the lakes independent of one another. • Development of an operation and implementation plan
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Infrastructure needs to maximise opportunity for Loddon River flows to enter the lakes. Integration of the Loddon environmental flow study with the Kerang Lakes. Need to develop watering plans for each lake and an integrated plan that encompasses broader landscape considerations. • A monitoring and adaptive management plan needs to be developed to manage the transition from the current regime to the new regime and to inform the annual watering plan. • Need to review approaches to previous lake drying/landscape scale water regime change, for example, Lake Boga and Lake Mokoan to identify lessons learned and adapt accordingly to Kerang Lakes. Central Murray Operations – Operating Procedures (Modernised System) (G-MW 2010) Water down the Loddon River and Box/Pyramid Creek supplies the Kerang Lakes via the Washpen regulator. This regulator is located at the end of Whites Lane and is the key structure used to regulate and maintain the quality of the water entering the Kerang Lakes system. During the irrigation season, 850 ML/day is the maximum regulated flow through the structure, the maximum flood flow is 3,500 ML/day. The regulator consists of timber doors, has a width of 1.8 metres and drop bars are removed to pass flood flows (Plate 1).
Plate 1: Washpen Regulator, 10 th June 2010 (Michelle Maher, North Central CMA) The Full Supply Level of Reedy Lake and Middle Lake is 74.88 mAHD, the lakes are held at this level from August to December. During ‘extreme drought’ and low allocation years this level has been lowered to 74.78 mAHD. These lakes are not operated outside 74.57 and 74.88 mAHD. Third Lake is normally held at a Full Supply Level of 74.57 mAHD throughout the irrigation season. The regulated flow capacity is 750 ML/day, however this is exceeded in times of flood. The No. 7 (Lakes) channel flows to Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake. Refer to Table 5.
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Table 5: Operation storages, levels and volumes for the KLWSP wetlands
Storage Max flow Design FSL LSL Storage at Active (ML/day) discharge (mAHD) (mAHD) FSL (ML) storage level (ML) (mAHD)
Reedy Lake 850 irrigation - 74.88 74.57 3,780 620
3,500 flood
Middle Lake 850 irrihgation 74.88 74.88 74.57 2,120 580
1,500 flood 75.34
Third Lake 750 74.57 74.57 74.57 2,690 -
Little Lake - - 73.93 - - - Charm Racecourse - - 73.93 73.12 5,300 1,870 Lake
Climate Data Online (BOM 2011) Climatic processes that influence the hydrology of the KLWSP wetlands include precipitation, temperature, evaporation and wind. To calculate the inflows and outflows to these wetlands, meteorological data will need to be sourced from a weather station. The average annual rainfall for the Kerang area is 375mm/year (Bureau of Meteorology 2011). Table 6 provides the weather stations in close proximity to the KLWSP area. Table 6: Weather stations in the KLWSP area
Kerang Kerang G -MW Kerang Model Kerang (Meran Farm Downs)
Station number 80023 80110 80126 80024 Opened 1880 1957 1979 1880 Lat/Long 37.52oS / 35.74oS / 35.72oS / 35.87oS / 143.92oE 143.93oE 143.91oE 143.80oE Elevation 78 m 77 m 77 m 80 m
SILO datasets have been developed by Department of Environment and Resource Management (Queensland Government). The Data Drill accesses grids of data derived by interpolating the Bureau of Meteorology's station records. It is also available for any set of geographical coordinates in Australia (Gippel 2011). Wetland Bathymetry Surveys (G-MW 2011) In 2010/11, G-MW resurveyed Reedy Lake, Third Lake and Racecourse Lake, however rating tables have not been derived from these surveys. Old rating tables do exist for Lake Kangaroo, Lakes Kangaroo and Racecourse (combined), Third, and Reedy and Middle Lakes (combined) (pers. comm. John Ginnivan, [G-MW] 19 September 2011).
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2.3.2 Flood studies Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan (SKM 2006) The preferred flood mitigation strategy is detailed in this report with the Reedy Lakes, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake forming a key part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System. The aim of flow regulation during floods is to optimize the use of available flood storage and minimise the peak discharge in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek (refer to Figure 1). The operation of the system is essentially at the discretion of G-MW staff. Diversions into the water supply lakes are restricted by the capacity of the Washpen Creek and volume constraints within the wetlands (e.g. fixed weir structure on Middle Lake). It was identified that the greatest benefit from using the Kerang Lakes for flood storage is during times when the Washpen Creek is running at capacity without surcharging the Reedy Lakes. This enables the greatest possible reduction in flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek. One of the options put forward in this flood study involved increasing the infrastructure capacity to deliver water to the Reedy Lakes, reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek by 3000ML/day. The success of this option depends on the available storage at the Kerang Lakes, therefore lowering the operating levels in the Kerang Lakes was also recommended. While this option had flood mitigation benefits it did conflict with irrigation supply requirements. 2010/11 Flooding in the Kerang Lakes Area Flooding in the lower Loddon around Kerang brought about some unavoidable impacts to the Middle Reedy Lake Ibis rookery. The September and November flood events in 2010 were both generally at moderate or major levels through the Loddon system. The release of the flood flows to the Kerang Lakes 2 was critical to ease pressure on downstream rural property and dwellings, however the high flows through the lakes had an unavoidable impact on the Ibis rookery in Middle Lake. Monitoring undertaken indicated that up to 90% of the Ibis nests, containing eggs and chicks at various stages of development, were affected by the flood flows (Pates 2 and 3). The area did not have a chance to dry out when, in January 2011, many areas received up to five times the average rainfall. The scale of the January flooding was at a magnitude not seen for over a century (refer to Figure 3 and Plate 4)
Plate 2: Ibis at Middle Lake Plate 3: Nests at Middle Lake Photos courtesy of Heath Dunstan, DSE
2 In large floods the Washpen regulator is opened and Loddon flows enter the lakes system west of the Loddon River.
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Figure 3: January 2011 flood extent over the KLWSP area
Plate 4: Racecourse Lake at bottom of photo with Little Lake Charm in centre and Reedy Lakes upstream (28 January 2011, Rob O’Brien, DPI) It is important to note that the birds are opportunistic breeders and have the ability to respond to interruptions to breeding.
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2.3.3 Water savings Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy (TRAMS) (RMCG 2007) An action identified to inform Stage 2 Business Case was the Lakes bypass project. This involved bypassing lakes with a channel/pipeline and then providing an environmental flow for affected Lakes. It covers Racecourse Lake and Little Lake Charm and possibly Reedy, Middle and Third Lakes, although the environmental risks for Reedy, Middle and Third were identified as prohibitive. Annual evaporation and seepage rates (ML/year) were calculated at: Racecourse Lake (2,200), Little Lake Charm (1,060), Reedy Lake (1,700) Middle Lake (1,500) Third Lake (1,800). Estimated savings were presented as a summary of actions to be further developed as a Business Plan (refer to Table 7). Table 7: Water savings assessment
Strategy Option Gross water Estimated Net water saving environmental flow savings needed for wetland
Water saving Little Lake Charm and 3,260 2,445 815 Racecourse Lake bypass channel Water saving Reedy Lakes bypass Not included at this stage, subject to more investigations on cost and specific Lakes bypassed.
The report also identified that more field work was needed to better define the level of losses (evaporation and seepage) in systems. TRAMS update (RMCG 2009) An update to the TRAMS was developed in 2009. As part of this net savings were calculated for each of the bypass options (Table 8). Table 8: Water savings assessment
Strategy Option Gross water Estimated Net water saving environmental flow savings needed for wetland
Water saving Little Lake Charm 3,260 2,445 815 and Racecourse Lake bypass channel Water saving Reedy Lakes bypass 5,000 3,750 1,250
Environmental water regime of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010)
SKM were engaged by G-MW to better understand the potential water savings benefits from reconfiguration and modernisation in the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area. The losses via evaporation estimated by the TRAMS (RMCG 2007 and 2009) were revised using the complementary relationship lake evaporation model, also known as Morton’s evaporation and additional estimates were calculated using the pan coefficient method (Table 9).
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Table 9: Water savings assessment – evaporative losses
KLWS P wetland Average annual net evaporation 1980 – 2007 (ML/year)
Pan Coefficient Method Morton’s Method
First Reedy Lake 1,883 1,921
Middle Reedy Lake 1,883 1,642
Third Reedy Lake 2,131 2,002 Little Lake Charm 565 n/a
Racecourse Lake 2,182 2,341
Estimates of seepage outflow were also provided - at Middle and Third Reedy Lake seepage outflow was estimated as being between 500 ML/yr and 140 ML/yr depending on the climate scenario (dry, medium and wet). At Racecourse Lake, seepage outflow was estimated as being between 100 ML/yr and -23 ML/yr (seepage inflow) depending on climate scenario. Savings estimates calculated based on the environmental watering regime recommended (refer to section 2.1) indicate that from 5,000 to 16,000 ML/year would be saved if the wetlands were isolated from the supply system. If a compromised scenario is implemented between 1,500 and 9,600 ML/year could be achieved. A Bypass Channel is recommended and associated cost estimates are provided based on a channel capacity of 700 ML/day. The estimated costs per ML saved are the highest for First Reedy Lake and the lowest for Third Reedy Lake.
2.3.4 Hydrology summary Since the construction of Torrumbarry Weir in 1923, the operating regime for the KLWSP wetlands has essentially remained unchanged. This has resulted in the wetlands never drying out, modifying their habitat (e.g. dead trees in Third Lake). There is high potential for future irrigation supply and environmental management as a result of the KLWSP to enhance the habitat value at these wetlands. Key opportunities that exist for changing the current operating regime include: • Improving environmental values at the wetlands by providing a watering regime that will maintain the wetlands and improve their connectivity to natural flooding (refer to Section 2.1).
• The option of increasing the infrastructure capacity to deliver water to the Reedy Lakes and reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek by 3000ML/day in the flood study (SKM 2006) is now a potential option due to KLWSP changing the irrigation supply requirements. • There is good potential for water savings through changing the watering regime of the KLWSP wetlands, however hydrology modeling is required to quantify the water balance of the system under two scenarios: o Current operating regime: G-MW managed regime for the five water supply lakes. o Environmental watering regime: recommended to maintain and enhance the values of the five wetlands. The key knowledge gaps in relation to understanding the system hydrology are provided in Section 3.
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2.4 Hydrogeology This section documents the current knowledge of the distribution and movement of groundwater in the KLWSP area. Kerang Lakes Area – Hydrogeological Assessment (Rural Water Commission 1989) This report was developed to provide input into the Kerang Lakes Management Plan. It only included analysis of Racecourse Lake and not the other KLWSP wetlands. Detailed analysis of areas around individual lakes showed that the watertable level is strongly influenced by both surface water features and potentiometric surface in the Parilla Sand. The analysis concluded that decreasing the water level in Racecourse Lake would possibly result in increased groundwater inflow into the wetland. Interaction between groundwater and surface water systems in Northern Victoria (Macumber 1991)
A detailed description of the regional geology and hydrogeology is provided in this report. The work examined the hydrogeological and environmental instability in Northern Victoria due to the interaction between groundwater and surface water systems. In the Kerang area, the Kerang Sand consists of fine to coarse-grained, micaceous sand which is overlain by a clay and silt unit, which is overlain by a micaceous sandstone. Between Cohuna and Kerang the Murray Plains are crisscrossed by a series of shoestring sands, associated with former courses of the ancestral Goulburn River. These shoestring sands can provide pathways for upward moving groundwater. The problems inherent in large-scale flood irrigation within a zone of regional groundwater discharge in a semiarid region are waterlogging and soil salinity, leading to eventual destruction of vegetation. This is evident in the Kerang Lakes area with the development of a general high water table over the central-lower Loddon Plain. There is a delicate balance between groundwater and surface water systems, a small increase in surface water budgets may cause significant rise in groundwater pressures. The rising groundwater can in turn affect surface processes, leading to a rapid shift in environmental equilibrium. This high sensitivity of the groundwater system to a small increase in the water budget indicates a delicately balanced hydrological regime. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992)
The Kerang Lakes Area lies within a natural regional groundwater discharge zone, the natural expansion and contraction of this zone has provided cycles of land and stream salinisation. It is believed that prior to the introduction of irrigation, watertables were four to nine metres below the surface (limited records). In the 1880s watertables rose rapidly and pronounce regional groundwater mounds developed beneath irrigated areas. There are three major aquifer systems, the deepest in the Renmark Group, overlain by the Parilla Sand aquifer and the uppermost aquifer is the Shepparton Formation. The behavior of the Parilla Sand and Shepparton Formation and their interaction are the main drivers for groundwater levels and flows in the area. Refer to Table 10.
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Table 10: Description of Kerang Lakes area aquifer systems Aquifer system Description
Parilla Sand Relatively permeable, extensive sheetlike aquifer (typically up to 50 metres) . Regional groundwater flow: north westerly direction towards the Murray River Groundwater salinity: 8,000 EC (near Cohuna) to 65,000 EC (Lake Boga) *Lower salinities observed in the vicinity of the major supply lakes, suggesting sources of recharge to the underlying groundwater system.
Shepparton Formation Thick sequence of river and lake sediments. Brown and grey mottled clay and silt with thin beds of sand deposited by ancient stream systems. Less permeable than Parilla Sand. Regional groundwater flow: north westerly direction towards the Murray River, however the dominant process for adding or removing water in this aquifer is vertical flow due to recharge or discharge (due to low permeability)
The majority of irrigated land within the Kerang Lakes area is now underlain by a high saline water table that fluctuates between zero to two metres below ground surface. The watertable depth is greater than two metres under lake lunettes, high areas, dryland farming and drained areas adjacent to the Murray River. Shallow groundwater salinities in the Kerang Lakes area typically range from 30,000 to 60,000 EC. The groundwater close to the supply lakes appears to be in many cases less saline than the regional groundwater table. This indicates recharge and flushing of the groundwater system with fresh surface water. Groundwater – surface water interactions at Third, Middle and Reedy Lakes, Kerang, Victoria (Bartley, 1992)
This study commenced in 1987 focusing on the three wetlands and their interaction with the groundwater system (three years of water level records). This report provides baseline data and recommends modeling, assessment of seepage rates, monitoring groundwater changes in response to altering the water levels in the wetlands. During wet periods, the water table in the vicinity of these wetlands is within 0.5 to 1.5 metres, remaining within 2 metres of the surface. In winter, groundwater discharges into Reedy Lake and at the southern end of Middle Lake with them temporarily becoming throughflow lakes at the end of winter. All three wetlands form a recharge mound from October to June as the watertable falls. The regional flow system is a major controlling factor on the surface water and groundwater interactions. • Groundwater recharge into Reedy Lake during winter was identified as a minor detrimental effect on water quality. • It was notable that where the depression is closest to the lakes (from Middle Lake northwards), there has been severe degradation of vegetation (area where groundwater flow is directed and discharge occurs) • It suggested that the watertable aquifer in the immediate vicinity of the wetlands will probably be unaffected if the lakes are maintained at their current water supply levels, continuing to provide recharge throughout most of the year. • Reedy Lake as a terminal wetland for Washpen Creek, may have been filled more frequently than Third Lake, therefore it would have been a more constant source of recharge to the groundwater system. • It may be possible to implement a more ‘natural’ wetting and drying cycle without intrusion of saline regional groundwater. This is due to the existence of a significant lens of relatively fresh water lying beneath the wetlands.
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• Several years of monitoring a changed operating supply will need to be undertaken to understand surface water and groundwater interactions. Groundwater/surface water interactions in the Northern Loddon and Avoca River catchments (Lakey 1992) An assessment of groundwater inflows at Third, Middle and Reedy lakes suggested that there is scope to alter the water regimes at these wetlands. The area is underlain by high, saline watertable that is continually within capillary reach of the surface (ranging from zero to two metres below ground surface). The depth to water table is greater than two metres under the lake lunettes, higher topographic areas and dryland farming areas. A groundwater divide also exists under the Lake Charm and Lake Kangaroo lunettes, which extends south along a line through the Reedy Lakes. The report identified that the high water levels maintained for supply purposes in the Reedy Lakes had produced and maintained a groundwater mound beneath the lakes which is superimposed on the regional system. This has the positive effect of protecting the lakes from groundwater ingress (for most of the year), but has had a negative effect of artificially raising water table levels and land salinisation around the lakes. The report states that Reedy Lakes could be lowered for several years without significant inflows of saline regional groundwater occurring. Therefore a unique opportunity exists to return these wetlands to a relatively natural wetting and dry cycle. Careful monitoring and management of this system can be progressively refined to preserve the Ibis rookery, mitigate flood damage and prevent saline inflows from the Loddon River and Wandella Creek. Important considerations if changing the watering regime included: • Volume of groundwater flow into the lakes • Groundwater quality and environmental impact of inflow • The distance that the cone of depression will extend from the lakes. Kerang Future Land Use (SKM 2004) The constant high water level maintained at Reedy, Middle and Third lakes has produced and maintained a groundwater mound beneath the lakes which is superimposed on the groundwater system. It was identified that lower lake levels may induce some groundwater inflow and adversely impact the environmental values of these wetlands. This study attempted to determine the potential for groundwater inflow to occur into Lakes Kangaroo, Charm, Reedy, Middle and Third if the lake levels were draw down cyclically. The lakes recharge the groundwater throughout most of the year, so although the regional groundwater flow direction is to the north and north west, there is local flow to the west and east. Some groundwater inflow was identified along the southern shores of Reedy Lake, with the other two wetlands providing recharge to groundwater. Groundwater quality varies significantly, in the vicinity of the Reedy lakes salinity levels range between less than 1,600 EC and 50,000 EC. Salinity levels generally increasing with distance from the wetlands, which is an indication that the wetlands have a recharge effect. A groundwater model was developed to incorporate the different influences in the hydrogeological system (Visual Modflow). Possible new operating ranges used are shown in Table 11. The lakes are in direct hydraulic connection with the shallow groundwater system and the watertable follows the shape of the topography in a subdued manner. Estimates of groundwater inflow suggested that the Reedy Lakes receive very small volumes of groundwater inflow (20 to 75 m 3/day).
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Table 11: proposed operating levels Wetland Proposed Max level (mAHD) Proposed Min level (mAHD)
Reedy Lake 74.9 73.5 Middle Lake 74.9 73.5 Third Lake 74.5 73.5
This investigation concluded that the proposed new operating levels would have very minor impacts on groundwater inflow into the wetlands. Third Lake may receive slightly more salt, while Reedy Lake may receive slightly less. The salt loads were considered very small due to the surrounding groundwater being relatively fresh. To gain more confidence in the salt load impacts, the salinity immediately adjacent to the wetlands needs to be confirmed. This will also enable an assessment on the salinity of the wetlands. A greater range of operating levels should also be considered as the modeling indicated that it would have little impact on salt loads.
2.4.1 Hydrogeology summary The KLWSP will need to explore and increase the current understanding of surface water and groundwater interactions within the study area. Groundwater interactions and the salinity risk posed to the wetlands via a changed water regime needs to be investigated further. The current water level operation at the wetlands has a positive effect on protecting the groundwater inflow for most of the year, however it also has a negative effect of artificially raising the watertable causing land salinisation around the wetlands. It is important to note that most of the hydrogeology studies were completed when regional groundwater levels were high due to high rainfall. Since the early 1990s when these studies were completed, groundwater levels declined as a result of thirteen years of drought over the whole district. Figure 4 below highlights that even though the drought kicked in around 1998, high groundwater levels were maintained up until 2003, levels also recovered immediately after the floods in January 2011. This groundwater level relationship is consistent throughout the KLWSP area. It highlights the salinity threat and shallow water tables that will need to be considered as part of the KLWSP. Figure 5 below provides the locations of all the bores in close proximity to the wetlands. Most of these bores were established due to the development of the Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992). Refer to Section 3 for the hydrogeology recommendations for the KLWSP.
Figure 4: Bore level data (B79085) near Reedy Lake
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Figure 5: KLWSP wetlands and bore locations
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2.5 Geology and geomorphology This section provides the current understanding of the classification, description, nature, origin, and development of landforms in the KLWSP area. Soils and Land Use in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District (Sargeant, J. Newell, and Walbran 1978) The Riverine Plain within the Torrumbarry Irrigation District is comprised of sediments from two different stream systems – the Loddon system and the Murray–Goulbourn system. The dominant soils in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District are the grey and brown cracking clays on almost level plains. These soils are mainly used for annual pasture. By autumn these soils are deeply cracked and it is not possible to avoid initial rapid water entry. Generally the clays swell on wetting and, when saturated, may become very slowly permeable. Watertables once formed in these soils disperse only very slowly permeable. Watertables once formed in these soils disperse only very slowly and when the salt content of the profile is high surface salinity becomes a problem. Two methods of lowering the watertable, using tile drainage and pumping from shallow aquifers will be discussed later. It is possible that as the salinity of the ground water and soil is reduced, the clays may disperse lowering the permeability of the soil profiles even further. The soils of the treeless plain towards the extreme west of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District have high coarse sand and low silt fractions, as well as more lime than the typical soils of the Riverine Plain. The sediments from which these soils are formed are largely aeolian. An important physiographic feature includes the lake-lunette systems found in the north- western part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District. The crescentic ridges (or lunettes) are formed from material blown from the dry lake beds, and vary from a few feet to over 100 feet in height. The lakes are considered to have developed as terminal basins during the final stages of prior stream activity. It has also been proposed that some lake-lunette systems were created by deflation of salt-affected areas and that the origin of lakes with saline water as points of ground water discharge. Kerang Future Land Use (SKM 2004)
The Kerang Lakes lie on the eastern edge of the plain between Kerang and Swan Hill. The lakes are natural features of the plain and range from less than 10ha to over 1000ha (Lake Kangaroo). The lakes are terminal features on watercourses such as the Avoca River, Wandella Creek and Washpen Creek. The Loddon River lies to the east of the lakes. The topography of the area is undulating ranging between 60 m AHD in the swales and 90 mAHD on the dunes and lunettes associated with many of the wetlands. The topography slopes gently to the north towards the Murray River. Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan (SKM 2006) The gradual fall in natural surface level from Kerang Township to Lake Boga is approximately six metres. The Reedy Lakes are underlain by a low permeability clay layer. The clay is thin in the north beneath Third Lake and thickens to around eight metres beneath Reedy Lake. Underlying the clay layer is a more permeable unit which comprises predominantly sandy clay. 2.5.1 Geology and geomorphology summary The KLWSP area sits in the Victorian Riverina bioregion which is characterised by flat to gently undulating landscape on recent unconsolidated sediments with wide floodplain areas associated with major river systems. The area is the interface country between unconsolidated alluvial sediments (sands and clays) of the Riverine Plain and the marine sediments of the western Murray Basin.
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Figure 6 below provides a general map of the soil types in the KLWSP area. It is important to note that the soil type and its properties influence infiltration and soil water movement.
Figure 6: KLWSP soil types analysis
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2.6 Salinity and water quality
The following section provides a snapshot of the water quality monitored and salinity investigations undertaken in the KLWSP area. Further Considerations of the Environmental Effects of Salinity on Waterbodies in the Kerang Lakes Management Area (McGuckin 1991) This report was concerned with the rising groundwater and increased salinities of irrigation water causing poor water quality in the lakes and rivers in the Kerang Lakes Management Area. Water quality information collected and analysed as part of this study suggested that the existing regulation of flows to the Kerang Lakes did not appear to be the cause for salinity impacts to aquatic biota. The report recommended that the current pattern of regulation should be maintained to preserve the Kerang Lakes: “As natural conditions no longer exist in the Kerang Lakes, management should concentrate on conserving biological communities in their present status in this modified environment.”
Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992) Salinities within the Torrumbarry System vary, Murray River water (diverted from Torrumbarry Weir pool) is of very low salinity and as it travels through the system it receives saline water from groundwater sources, streams and drains. Major sources of salt input include Kow Swamp, groundwater seepage into the Pyramid Creek, Bullock Creek and local drainage catchments and the Loddon River. Water from the Macorna Channel is released into the Loddon River during the irrigation season to dilute salinities for Kerang Urban supplies. Salinities in the KLWSP wetlands are affected by the Pyramid/Loddon mix coming into Washpen Creek. The Wandella Creek is an anabranch of the Loddon River which runs directly into Reedy Lake providing salinity flows greater than 1,000 EC. Salinity ranges in the KLWSP area between the 1981 to 1985 period are documented in Table 12. Table 12: KLWSP Area water quality – average salinities for 1981 to 1985 period Sampling point Salinity (@ 25 oC)
Reedy Lake (Washpen inlet) Mean: 500 EC Range: 150 to 1,700 EC Third Lake Mean: 420 EC Range: 200 to 1,300 EC Lake Charm (North End) Mean: 3,3 00 EC Range: 2,800 to 4,200 EC Racecourse Lake Mean: 500 EC Range: 200 to 1,800 EC Kangaroo Lake (South End) Mean: 500 EC Range: 300 to 900 EC
It is identified in this report that the Kerang Lakes Area irrigators suffer significant inputs of salt which is distributed onto the irrigated lands. Wetlands (excluding Reedy, Middle and Third Lakes) were gradually rising in salinity due to a lack of flushing (any salt that enters theses systems stays in). As salinity in the wetland increases the number and diversity of invertebrates and aquatic plants decreases, therefore their feeding value for birds and animals declines.
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Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for targeted Kerang Lakes (Ho et al. 2006) It was found that the water quality conditions in the KLWSP wetlands were of good quality, with most parameters falling within the expected range. Electrical conductivity levels were much higher at Lake Charm. Assessment Framework of Changed water management Regimes on the Health of the Kerang Lakes (KBR 2007) Salinity levels in wetlands influence the usability of water for flora and fauna species, people and stock. Increasing salinity is identified as a high priority risk for the Kerang wetlands. Salinity levels in groundwater range from 30,000 to 60,000 EC which can increase salinity levels in wetlands where groundwater intrudes into a wetland and is not diluted by flushing or freshwater inputs. Salinity modeling using the updated Kerang Lakes REALM Model (SKM 2011) This report identifies that projects by NVIRP and the implementation of Mid Murray Storage Project are likely to cause changes to the salt load exported from the Kerang Lakes system. The model representation of the Reedy Lakes was improved to better match the current operating rules so as to provide a better match to historical data and prevent excessive drawdown of the Lakes to satisfy demand from Channel 1/7. The changes made to the system file have the following objectives: 1. Prevent Third Lake from drawing down when supplying Channel 1/7 and downstream demands 2. Prevent Reedy Lake and Middle Lake from drawing down to lower than a total of 5900 ML from the start of the season to December 31st and lower than 4700 ML after that date.
2.6.1 Salinity and water quality summary From the investigations undertaken, water quality is generally good at the KLWSP wetlands, which is mainly due to the supply of good quality irrigation water (wetlands are managed as water supply lakes). Water diverted from the Murray River for use across this system is typically of high quality with salinity levels ranging between 100-200 EC. However, in times of flood the salinity level of the water can be greater than 500 EC and historically up to 1,000 EC in Lake Kangaroo. The determination of the water balance, water sources and environmental watering regimes will need to consider the salinity impacts to the KLWSP wetlands (refer to Section 3).
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2.6 Social and economic The Kerang Lakes is the centre of a rich and varied agricultural region (cattle and sheep grazing, dairying, vineyards and orchards). Many of the wetlands are also the destination of duck shooters and holiday-makers, seeking to relax and enjoy the many water-based recreational activities. Recreation on Public Land in the Kerang Lakes Area (Heron and Nieuwland C 1989) This report provides a snapshot of the locality, land status, recreational opportunities, types of activities and provides management recommendations for wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area. Middle Lake is identified as a good nature study that has a high intensity of use. Reedy Lake provides good picnicking, swimming, sailing and boating recreational activities. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992) It is identified in this management plan that the Kerang Lakes Area supports diverse agricultural industries, which include irrigated grazing, dairying and horticultural farms along with dryland grazing and cropping enterprises. The area was also recognised for its high environmental values being at the junction of three major floodplains (Avoca, Loddon and Murray rivers). The focus is on rising salinity levels on soil and water resources, with irrigated areas underlain by watertables that were within two metres of the natural surface. It was estimated that approximately 60% of the irrigated pasture lands were affected by soil salinity and 24% severely salinised. The wetlands were also threatened by saline groundwater with the threat of them being transformed into a chain of saline lakes. Without intervention, this agricultural and environmental degradation would lead to major impacts on the social and regional economy. Chapter 11 provides information on the economic conditions, where relationships between agricultural industries and other sectors of the regional economy were estimated. It confirmed the importance of the agricultural and service industries as regional employers, which were 30 and 54% of regional employment respectively. Chapter 12 provides a social profile for the Kerang Lakes Area, the people who farm in this area are as diverse as the crops they produce. The area surrounding the KLWSP wetlands are predominantly been dominated by mixed grazing enterprises (annual pasture irrigation and a smaller area of perennial pasture). Soil salinity and flooding have been major environmental concerns. Community Workshops and Social Network Analysis in the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region of Northern Victoria (Fenton 2007)
An analysis of organisational networks and information exchange in the Loddon Campaspe Region of Northern Victoria was undertaken to identify those organisations and community groups that should be consulted and involved in NRM planning processes. For the Kerang Area the Rotary Club of Kerang was found to be the key organisation through which information is disseminated and acquired, environmental groups such as the Kerang Environmental Education Project, the Normanville and Lake Charm Landcare Group have limited information exchange with other organisations in the region. Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (North Central CMA 2011) The Torrumbarry irrigation area contains around 2,762 irrigators and has (as at 30 June 2010) a total permanent water share of 291,943 ML. Water deliveries in 2009/10 were 191GL. Demographics across the region are changing in response to the challenges being faced by the local communities. The number of farmers is declining whilst their average age is increasing, the number of farm workers is also decreasing. The dairy sector remains the
NCCMA-55463 - Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review September 2011 V3 Page 35 of 61 Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Literature Review largest employer of farm workers and produces the highest gross value of agricultural production in the region. Community impacts of the Guide to the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan (EBC et al. 2011) A community impact assessment was targeted at ‘social catchments’, a level of social grouping that reflects community identity and local economic interaction. The social catchment that incorporates the KLWSP area extends from Serpentine in the south to Barham in the north and Quambatook in the west to Gunbower in the east.
2.7.1 Social and economic summary The KLWSP wetlands provide important economic and recreational services to the region. The use of ‘social catchments’ (EBC et al. 2011) and identified networks (Fenton 2007) will be useful for the community engagement aspects of the KLWSP.
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2.7 Land management The Kerang Lakes region in northwest Victoria is particularly significant for the occurrence of a large number of high value wetlands within a relatively small geographic area. All of the KLWSP wetlands are currently part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System and are managed for water supply. Report on North Central Area (Land Conservation Council 1981) The KLWSP wetlands were classified for the management of water production regulation and drainage. These areas are public land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, and managed by the state Rivers and Water Supply Commission in consultation with the Fisheries and Wildlife Division. Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report (SKM 2001) Most of the land around the Reedy Lakes is private land used for low intensity cropping or grazing. It was identified that most of the water entitlement associated with this land had been traded off due to the degraded nature of the land. Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan (DSE 2004) The KLWSP wetlands are reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and are utilised for the purposes of water supply. These reserves are managed by Goulburn-Murray Water. A number of Site Management Strategies have been developed for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site grouped under relevant management objectives, including maintain or seek to restore appropriate water regimes, manage resource utilization on a sustainable basis and develop ongoing consistent programs to monitor ecological character. River Red Gum Forests Final Report (VEAC 2008) In 2009, the Victorian government endorsed (with amendments) the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) recommendations for public land management. As of June 2010: • KLWSP wetlands: storage and distribution of water for irrigation and domestic supply purposes (H2) • Area south of Little Lake Charm: State Wildlife Reserve (G87) Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (North Central CMA 2011) The Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region (LCIR) covers 713,816 ha of public and private land of which over 90 per cent is privately owned and the majority is used for irrigated agriculture. Approximately 5,000 irrigators farm 505,000 ha of irrigated land, 140 000 ha is land used for dryland farming and the remainder (79,000 ha) is public land - native forest, grasslands and wetlands. As illustrated in Figure 7, irrigated pasture is the main land use in the KLWSP area.
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Figure 7: Types of land use across the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region (North Central CMA 2011)
Future Farming Landscapes (Kilter 2011) Future Farming Landscapes is an investment initiative by VicSuper which commenced back in 2004. Kilter Pty Ltd. Future Farming Landscapes is a long term property investment that seeks to manage land, water and environmental assets for traditional and new income streams including agriculture, forestry, green energy, water and ecosystem services. A map is provided in Figure 8 showing the areas of land Kilter has purchased in the KLWSP area.
Figure 8: Kilter property holdings - KLWSP area as at 30 June 2011
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2.8.1 Land management summary There are a number of stakeholders involved in the management of the KLWSP wetlands. Figure 8 and Figure 9 below outline the land management and land use respectively in the KLWSP area.
Figure 9: KLWSP Land Management
Figure 10: KLWSP Land Use
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3 Knowledge gaps and recommendations Any change to the hydrologic regime in the Kerang Lakes will require both State (Environmental Effects Act 1978 ) and Federal (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) approval. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required to assess the impacts on the environment likely to result from the KLWSP. Although the focus is on biophysical issues, social and economic impacts are also considered. Most EIA systems require a high level of public involvement in identifying issues to be studied and commenting on the environmental studies that are completed. The following gaps, investigations and opportunities have been identified from the literature review for the KLWSP. Environmental values Knowledge gaps Returning the KLWSP wetlands to more natural flood inundation patterns will potentially result in significant environmental benefits. Changing the water management at these wetlands has been identified as a key recommendation to improve the conservation value of these wetlands since 1989 (Lugg et al. 1989). It has also been identified that while changing the watering regime will benefit some species it will also provide a disadvantage to others (disadvantage to species that require permanent water). SKM (2010) recognised that the acceptable level of environmental risk for the KLWSP wetlands needs to be agreed to by stakeholders. The environmental watering regimes recommended for the KLWSP wetlands currently contradict the baseline Limits of Acceptable Change set in the ECD. The LACs for hydrology can be updated through the development of water regime management strategies to sustain wetland health and values. The implementation of the Ramsar Convention is guided by “ensuring that activities that might affect wetlands will not lead to the loss of biodiversity or diminish the many ecological, hydrological, cultural or social values of wetlands” (DSE 2008, p5). A notification is required if the ecological character of a site has changed, is changing, or is likely to change as the result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. There is a good amount of environmental information on the KLWSP wetlands, however environmental monitoring has not been undertaken at these wetlands since 2006. An acid sulfate soils risk assessment will also be required to assess the risk of implementing a drying regime at any of these wetlands. Recommendations The development of an Environmental Watering Plan (EWP) is required for the five wetlands as part of the KLWSP. This will enable scientists and managers to work through the appropriate scientific rigour in establishing the environmental watering regimes that will protect and maintain the wetlands environmental integrity. It will also provide the basis for updating the LAC set in the ECD, the water regime management strategy. Appendix C provides a framework for developing an EWP for the KLWSP wetlands, it builds on the work completed for wetlands and waterways as part of NVIRP Stage 1. Cultural heritage Knowledge gaps There is uncertainty in what the outcomes of the current RAP and Native Title applications will be, however, consultation will be required with all relevant Aboriginal Stakeholders. Any future activities that would require earth disturbance in culturally sensitive areas need to consider risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
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Recommendations It is likely that the development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be required for the KLWSP (activities are high impact and the project is within culturally sensitive area, Figure 2). Refer to Appendix C. Hydrology Knowledge gaps
Uncertainty exists in the volumes required to provide the KLWSP wetlands with their current watering regime and any future watering regime recommended. Putting hard numbers against a wetland filling event is difficult. There are inherent problems with making accurate assessments of the water use in wetlands, including inflow rates, wetland shape, time of year (i.e. temperature) soil moisture and depth to groundwater will all influence the amount of water wetlands will require. The wetland bathymetry data for the KLWSP wetlands is not sufficient to inform the water balance model. Reedy Lake, Third Lake and Racecourse Lake have recently been surveyed by G-MW, however no rating table has been calculated. Middle Lake and Little Lake Charm need to be surveyed and have rating tables developed. While old rating tables do exist for the KLWSP wetlands, the rating tables are combined The potential for the KLWSP to provide flood storage under the recommended watering regime needs to be investigated. The option identified for the KLWSP in the flood study (SKM 2006) included increasing the infrastructure capacity to deliver water to the Reedy Lakes therefore reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek by 3000ML/day. This option was dependent on available storage in the Kerang Lakes. Therefore by changing the current operating levels/watering regime at the KLWSP wetlands, this flood storage option could potentially be another benefit to come out of the KLWSP. Recommendations The SWET model (Savings at Wetlands from Evapotranspiration daily Time Series) is required for the KLWSP wetlands to assess the water balance on different management cycle (current operating arrangements and recommended future water regime). This modeling approach has been approved by the Murray Darling Basin Authority for estimating the wetland surface water balance. The SWET model predicts wetland water level over time, and also predicts water use by the wetland. More recently this modeling has been used to successfully assess the water savings available for Pig Swamp (wetland with no measured outfall, similar to the KLWSP wetlands). By subtracting the incidental water contribution to the wetland from the irrigation system under the water supply scenario from the environmental water use by the wetland under the recommended future scenario an estimate was made of the water savings achieved from the changed operating regime. This is an important component for the EWP, refer to Appendix C. An important input into the SWET models is the wetland bathymetry data. Rating tables are required for the recent surveys undertaken at Reedy Lake, Third Lake and Racecourse Lake Additional surveys for Middle Lake and Little Lake Charm. The surface elevation versus surface area and volume relationships derived from an analysis of wetland bathymetry data is critical for the development of the SWET models.
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Hydrogeology Knowledge gaps The KLWSP area is subject to high salinities and shallow water tables. The required hydrogeology understanding for the KLWSP has two components: 1. Interaction between the wetlands and groundwater system (shallow water table close to the wetlands)
Further investigations into this system should provide a general description of the function of the surface water and underlying groundwater, and identify how this may influence the environmental values of each wetland, particularly in regard to influencing the water regime. It is also recognised that each of the five wetlands are unique and may function differently from each other as well as influencing each other. 2. Construction of the bypass channel The KLWSP will need to map what has been drilled in the area, analyse bore stratigraphy, investigate the potential water losses to sand layers (land salinisation impacts), assess the depth of channel versus depth of water table and geophysics. Recommendations Once the desired water regime has been defined and agreed to by stakeholders, a risk assessment will need to give consideration to: • Previous and current surface and groundwater monitoring conducted. Associated map highlighting the primary/key groundwater monitoring observations bores and irrigation infrastructure. • A broad description of groundwater behaviour (direction, hydraulic gradient, trends, potential sink/recharge zone) and how the wetland interacts with the underlying groundwater system over the period of available surface water and groundwater data (groundwater response to wetland water level fluctuations). Accompanied by typical hydrographs to assist in this explanation. • Potential salinity threat to the wetland from a hydrogeological perspective i.e. with regard to periodic inundation or leaving the wetland dry. • Potential threat to the environmental values of the wetlands associated with a drier environment and lower regional groundwater system. • Hydrogeological behaviour of the wetland and influence of the proposed water regime to preserve the current environmental values. • Potential losses during filling (e.g. seepage).and future monitoring requirements In designing the path for the bypass channel, the principal design consultant will be required to complete a detailed geotechnical investigation of the area. The geotechnical investigation shall provide a comprehensive record of the underlying features including soil bearing capacities and a record of the localised groundwater level at the time of investigation. Geology and geomorphology Knowledge gaps The soil properties affecting infiltration and soil water movement at the KLWSP wetlands needs to be investigated. Soil seepage dominates the loss component early on in the filling phase, but once all areas have been wetted-up, evapotranspiration becomes the dominant water loss process. This is an important knowledge gap in understanding the potential water savings and volumes required for the environmental watering regime.
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Recommendations To gain an appreciation of the distribution and variation of soil physical, chemical and hydraulic properties across the KLWSP area soil investigations should be undertaken. This will give some insight into the potential infiltration pattern (e.g. infiltration losses when watering a wetland from dry) for the SWET model. Salinity and Water quality Knowledge gaps The determination of the water balance, water sources and environmental watering regimes will need to consider the salinity impacts to the KLWSP wetlands. Any changes in the operation of the Kerang Lakes are likely to change the current downstream impacts on the Murray system. Recommendations Victoria will need to understand the salinity impacts of the KLWSP and mitigate against any potential negative impacts. The updated Kerang Lakes Realm model will help inform this and the assessment should be considered for inclusion into the development of the Environmental Watering Plan. Refer to Appendix C. Social and economic Knowledge gaps The views of the community in relation to the project and whether they will accept the future recommended water management at the KLWSP wetlands. Recommendations The successful inclusion of community engagement is critical for the KLWSP. In preparing the EIA, a high level of public involvement in identifying issues to be studied and commenting on the environmental studies that are completed will be required. It is suggested that NVIRP use the ‘social catchments’ identified in EBC et al. (2011) and the identified networks for the Kerang area (Fenton 2007) to help inform the Stakeholders that need to be engaged. A stakeholder mapping exercise should be undertaken at the first workshop for the KLWSP project plan. Land management Knowledge gaps Confirmation of the land management for Racecourse Lake is required. Recommendations The KLWSP wetlands are reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and are utilised for the purposes of water supply. These reserves are managed by Goulburn-Murray Water. The KLWSP will need to consult with the land manager to ensure the environmental watering regime and bypass channel will fulfill the requirements of operating the Torrumbarry Irrigation System throughout the irrigation season. The future management of the KLWSP wetlands may change post KLWSP to a conservation status (e.g. Wildlife Reserve) as they will no longer be utilised for water supply.
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4 References Anderson, J. R. (1991). The implications of Salinity, and Salinity Management Initiatives, on Fish and Fish Habitat in the Kerang Lakes Management Area . Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No. 103. Report prepared the Department of Conservation and Environment, Shepparton, Victoria. Bartley, J. (1992). Groundwater – surface water interactions at Third, Middle and Reedy Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Water Resources, Kerang, Victoria . Boulton, A. and Brock, M. (1999). Australian Freshwater Ecology: Processes and Management. Gleneagles Publishing, Glen Osmond. Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), (2011). Climate Statistics, Australian Government, [online] available: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate [date accessed: 24 September 2011], Canberra. Clunie P. (2010). Description of the ecological character of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar site. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, DEWHA (2008), National Framework and Guidance for Describing the Ecological Character of Australian Ramsar Wetlands . Module 2 of Australian National Guidelines for Ramsar Wetlands – Implementing the Ramsar Convention in Australia. Canberra. Department of Sustainability and Environment, DSE (2004). Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan . DSE, Melbourne. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) (2011). Wetland monitoring data, Kerang, Victoria. EBC, RMCG, MJA, EconSearch, McLeod, G., Cummins, T., Roth, G., and Cornish D. (2011). Community impacts of the Guide to the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Report prepared for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. May, Canberra. Egis (2001). Review and update of the Lower Loddon Hydrologic Study. Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria. Fenton M. (2007). Community Workshops and Social Network Analysis in the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region of Northern Victoria . EBC, Townsville. Fleming G. (1990). The aquatic invertebrate and fish faunas of the Kerang lakes Area. Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. Gippel, C. (2011). SWET Water Balance Models for NVIRP Priority Wetlands: Technical Manual. Manual prepared for the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly. Goulburn-Murray Water, G-MW (2010). Central Murray Operations – Operating Procedures (Modernised System). Kerang Victoria. Heron S. and Nieuwland C. (1989). Recreation on Public Land in the Kerang Lakes Area. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, November, Bendigo, Victoria. Ho S., Roberts J., Cheers G., Suitor, L. (2006). Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for targeted Kerang lakes . Technical Report 6/2006. Report prepared by the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. HydroTechnology (1995). An Environmental Water Management Strategy for the Kerang Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne. Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd (KBR) (2011). Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site - Ecological Character Description. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd (KBR) (2007). Assessment Framework of Changed Water Management Regimes on the Health of the Kerang Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Melbourne.
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Kerang Lakes Area Working Group (KLAWG) 1992. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan, March, Kerang, Victoria. Kerang Lakes Area Working Group (KLAWG) 1992. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan – Background Papers. March, Kerang, Victoria. Kerang-Swan Hill Future Land Use Community Working Group (2004). Kerang-Swan Hill Future Land Use Pilot Project. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability and Environment and North Central CMA, Melbourne. Kilter Pty Ltd (2011). Future Farming Landscapes http://www.vicsuper.com.au/www/html/1726-future-farming-landscapes.asp?intSiteID=1 [Date accessed 29 September 2011] Lakey, R. (1992). Groundwater/surface water interactions in the Northern Loddon and Avoca River catchments. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Water Division, Report No. 89, Kerang, Victoria. Land Conservation Council (1981). Final Recommendations – North Central Area , February, Melbourne, Victoria. Lugg A. (1990). Waterbirds of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area, Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. Lugg, A., Heron, S., Fleming, G., and O’Donnell, T. (1989). Conservation Value of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area , Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. Macumber P. (1991). Interaction between groundwater and surface systems in Northern Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne, Victoria. McGuckin, J. (1991). Further Considerations of the Environmental Effects of Salinity on Waterbodies in the Kerang Lakes Management Area. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No. 17. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Environment, Shepparton, Victoria. Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) (2009). Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project . CSIRO Land and Water Science Report, Canberra. North Central CMA (2011). Loddon and Campaspe Irrigation Area Land and Water Management Plan, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly. Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) (2010). NVIRP Stage 2 Project Description and Cost Estimate – North Central CMA Project Excerpts. Shepparton, Victoria. O’Donnell T. (1990). Vegetation of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area. Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. RMCG (2009). TRAMS Update Final Report, prepared for NVIRP, RMCG, Bendigo, Victoria. RMCG (2007). Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy Stage 1 Final Report, Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, RMCG, Bendigo, Victoria. Rural Water Commission of Victoria (1991). Kerang Lakes Area Management Plan – Surface water modeling. Prepared by P.D. Erlanger, October, Kerang, Victoria. Rural Water Commission of Victoria (1989). Kerang Lakes Area Hydrogeological Assessment. Contributions by Hoxley, G., Ife, D. and Pratt, M., March, Kerang, Victoria. Sargeant, I., Newell, J. and Walbran, W. (1978), Soils and Land Use in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District, Research Project Series No. 49. Victorian Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2011). Salinity modeling using the updated Kerang Lakes REALM Model . Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria. Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2010). Environmental water regime requirements of the Kerang Lakes, Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang, Victoria.
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Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2006). Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan – Assessment of Options. Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria. Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2004). Kerang Future Land Use – Groundwater intrusion into Lakes Kangaroo, Charm, Reedy, Middle and Third . Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang, Victoria. Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2001). Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report, Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria. VEAC (2008). River Red Gum Forests Investigation , Final report, Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, July, Melbourne.
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Appendix A: KLWSP Wetlands characteristics
Table A1: Reedy Lake characteristics
Characteristics Description
Wetland name s Reedy Lake First Reedy Lake Wetland ID 7626 604477 Wetland area 182 ha Conservation status Ramsar Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia Land manager Goulburn -Murray Water Surrounding land use Irrigated modified pastures Water supply Natural: Loddon River and Wandella creek Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System, supplied via the Washpen regulator and Kerang Weir 1788 Wetland Classification Deep freshwater marsh 1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater Wetland capacity 3,780 ML Influence of irrigation system Wetland operated at 74.88 mAHD from August to September. Not operated outside 74.57 and 74.88 mAHD Table A2: Middle Lake characteristics
Characteristics Description
Wetland name s Middle Lake Middle Reedy Lake Wetland ID 7626 605495 Wetland area 195 ha Conservation status Ramsar Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia Land manager Goulburn -Murray Water Surrounding land use Irrigated modified pastures Water supply Natural: Loddon River, Wandella Creek - overflow from Reedy Lake Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System 1788 Wetland Classification Deep freshwater marsh 1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater Wetland capacity 2, 120 ML Influence of irrigation system Wetland operated at 74.88 mAHD from August to September. Not operated outside 74.57 and 74.88 mAHD
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Table A3: Third Lake characteristics
Characteristics Description
Wetland name s Third Lake Third Reedy Lake Wetland ID 7626 596516 Wetland area 221 ha Conservation status Ramsar Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia Land manager Goulburn -Murray Water Surrounding land use Irrigated modified pastures Water supply Natural: Overflow from Middle Lake Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System 1788 Wetland Classification Deep freshwater marsh 1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater Wetland capacity 2,690 ML Influence of irrigation system Wetland held at FSL of 74.57 mAHD throughout the irrigation season Table A4: Little Lake Charm characteristics
Characteristics Description
Wetland name Little Lake Charm Wetland ID 7626 546544 Wetland area 113 ha Conservation status Ramsar Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia Land manager Parks Victoria and Goulburn -Murray Water Surrounding land use Cropping and grazing Water supply Natural: Large floods on the Loddon System Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System via the No. 7 (Lakes) channel 1788 Wetland Classification Shallow freshwater marsh 1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater Wetland capacity 1,700 ML Influence of irrigation system Wetland held at FSL of 73.93 mAHD throughout the irrigation season
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Table A5: Racecourse Lake characteristics
Characteristics Description
Wetland name Racecourse Lake Wetland ID 7626 528557 Wetland area 235 ha Conservation status Ramsar Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia Land manager Goulburn -Murray Water Surrounding land use Cropping and grazing Water supply Natural: Large floods on the Loddon System Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System via the No. 7 (Lakes) channel 1788 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater 1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater Wetland capacity 5,300 ML Influence of irrigation system Wetland held at FSL of 73.93 mAHD throughout the irrigation season
Figure A1: Wetland types (prior to European settlement and current)
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Appendix B: Flora and Fauna species list
Table B1: Reedy Lake Flora Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC status FFG status DSE Status Flora Species Berry Saltbush Atriplex semibaccata Blackseed Glasswort Tecticornia pergranulata Brome Bromus spp. Brown Beetle -grass Leptochloa fusca subsp. fusca Rare Charophytes Characeae Coast Sand -spurrey Spergularia media s.l. Couch Cynodon dactylon Cumbungi Typha spp. Narrow -leaf Cumbungi Typha domingensis Nitre Goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nodding Saltbush Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Poison Pratia Lobelia concolor Poong'ort Carex tereticaulis Rat -tail Grass Sporobolus spp. River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus River Club -sedge Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Slender Knotweed Persicaria decipiens Southern Cane -grass Eragrostis infecunda Spiny Flat -sedge Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Lignum Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. Rare horrida Swamp Buttercup Ranunculus undosus Vulnerable Swamp Crassula Crassula helmsii Tall Fireweed Senecio runcinifolius Tangled Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta Tassel Sedge Carex fascicularis Twin -leaf Bedstraw Asperula gemelia Rare Water Couch Cynodon dactylon Table B2: Reedy Lake Waterbirds
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Fauna - Birds Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis v Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Black Swan Cygnus atratus Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L e Darter Anhinga melanogaster Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L v Y Y Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa L e Great Egret Ardea alba L v Y Y Grey Teal Anas gracilis Hardhead Aythya australis v Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L c Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
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Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia v Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus n White -bellied Sea - Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L v Y White -winged Black Tern Chilidonias leucopterus n Yellow Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Table B3: Reedy Lake Other Fauna Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC status FFG status DSE Status Fauna - Fish Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni Bony bream Nematalosa erebi Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead stercusmuscarum L Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus L e Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua v Goldfish* Carassius auratus Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica EN L e Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii VU L Murray Rainbowfish Melanotaenis fluviatilis L Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L c Fauna - Other Eastern Long -necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d Bibron's Toadlet Pseudophryne bibroni Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peroni Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Table B4: Middle Lake Flora Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Flora Species Brown Beetle-grass Leptochloa fusca subsp. fusca Rare Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis acuta Cumbungi Typha domingensis Moss Sunray Hyalosperma demissum Nitre Goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariaceum Pervian Primrose Ludwigia peruviana River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus River Red Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis Rudy Ground Fern Hypolepis rugosula Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. Spiny Lignum horrida Rare Spiny Rush* Juncus acutus Tangled Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta Twin-leaf Bedstraw Asperula gemelia Rare Water Milfoil Myriophyllum papillosum
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Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Water Primrose Ludwigia peploides Table B5: Middle Lake Waterbirds
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Fauna - Birds Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis v Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Black Swan Cygnus atratus Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L e Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L n Y Y Darter Anhinga melanogaster Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L v Y Y Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa L e Great Cormarant Phalacrocorax carbo Great Egret Ardea alba L v Y Y Hardhead Aythya australis v Little Black Cormarant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Musk Duck Biziura lobata v Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus n Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia v Straw -necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus n White -bellied Sea - Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L v Y Yellow Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Table B6: Middle Lake Other Fauna Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Fauna - Fish Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead stercusmuscarum L Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus L e Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki Goldfish* Carassius auratus Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua v Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii VU L Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L c
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Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Fauna - Other Warty Bell Frog Litoria raniformis Eastern Long -necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri Bibron's Toadlet Pseudophryne bibroni Eastern Common Froglet Crinia signifera Eastern Sign -Bearing Froglet Crinia parinsignifera Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peroni Pobblebonk Limnodynastes dumerili Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Table B7: Third Lake Flora Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Flora Species Brown Beetle-grass Leptochloa fusca subsp. fusca Rare Cumbungi Typha spp. Giant Rush Juncus ingens River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus Tangled Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta Twin-leaf Bedstraw Asperula gemelia Rare Water Milfoil Myriophyllum papillosum Table B8: Third Lake Waterbirds
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Fauna - Birds Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Black Swan Cygnus atratus Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus n Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L n Y Y Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Darter Anhinga melanogaster Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Great Cormarant Phalacrocorax carbo Grey Teal Anas gracilis Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia v Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Straw -necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis White -bellied Sea - Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L v Y White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
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Table B9: Third Lake Other Fauna Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Fauna - Fish Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead stercusmuscarum L Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus L e Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua v Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii VU L Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L c Fauna - Other Eastern Long -necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peroni Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Table B10: Little Lake Charm Flora Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE status status Status Flora Species Cumbungi Typha spp. River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. Spiny Lignum horrida Rare Table B11: Little Lake Charm Waterbirds
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Fauna - Birds Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Black Swan Cygnus atratus Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L n Y Y Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L v Y Y Great Cormarant Phalacrocorax carbo Great Egret Ardea alba L v Y Y Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica L e Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Musk Duck Biziura lobata v Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia v Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus n
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Table B12: Little Lake Charm Other Fauna Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE status status Status Fauna - Fish Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead stercusmuscarum L Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki Goldfish* Carassius auratus Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis Weatherloach* Misgurnus anguillicaudatus Fauna - Other Eastern Long -necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri Eastern Common Froglet Crinia signifera Eastern Sign -Bearing Froglet Crinia parinsignifera Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peroni Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Table B13: Racecourse Lake Flora Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Flora Species Charophytes Characeae Cumbungi Typha spp. Glossostigma Glossostigma River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. Spiny Lignum horrida Rare Swamp Stonecrop Crassula helmsii Water Milfoil Myriophyllum papillosum Table B14: Racecourse Lake Waterbirds
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Fauna - Birds Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Black Swan Cygnus atratus Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L n Y Y Darter Anhinga melanogaster Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L v Y Y Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa L e Great Cormarant Phalacrocorax carbo Grey Teal Anas gracilis Little Black Cormarant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
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Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE JAMBA CAMBA status status Status Musk Duck Biziura lobata v Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus n White -bellied Sea - Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L v Y Table B15: Racecourse Lake Other Fauna Species
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG DSE Status status status Fauna - Fish Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead stercusmuscarum L Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua v Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii VU L Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L c Fauna - Other Eastern Long -necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d Bibron's Toadlet Pseudophryne bibroni Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
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Appendix C: KLWSP Project Plan recommendations
To Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett, NVIRP Date 30 September 2011 No. of pages 3 From Michelle Maher Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project (KLWSP) – Project Plan Subject Recommendations Following the development of KLWSP Literature Review, t he next stage for the project is the development of the project plan. Figure 1 illustrates the steps recommended for the KLWSP which include s the development of an Environmental Watering Plan, a Construction Management Plan and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
Figure 11: Project Plan development Environmental Watering Plan An EWP identifies the current environmental condition, establishes environmental objectives, and recommends the watering regimes that will protect and/or enhance the environmental values at each wetland. The EWPs are developed on the basis of ecological knowledge, supported by hydrological information. The hydrological information helps define the ecological deficiencies in the historical water regime (pattern of water levels through time) and helps to guide formulation of the recommended regime. Key activities recommended for the KLWSP EWP (Figure 2) include: • Fieldwork: condition assessments for vegetation, fauna, habitat values, water quality and Acid Sulfate Soils assessment. • Community consultation: Considerable consultation will need to be undertaken regarding the future environmental watering regime with Aboriginal stakeholder groups, land managers, key partner agencies and targeted community groups. A community engagement and consultation strategy is recommended to guide the communication activities during the development of the EWP. • Defining ecological objectives and associated water requirements: this will inform the environmental watering regime required or the KLWSP wetlands.
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• Hydrogeology analysis: description of how each wetland interacts with the underlying groundwater system, including any risks associated with the environmental watering regime. • Hydrology assessment: SWET water balance model which requires climate data, wetland bathymetry (including rating table), scenarios for modeling and key wetland characteristics to inform hydrology calculations for inflows and outflows to each wetland. • Salinity impacts assessment: assessment of the impacts to the KLWSP wetlands and downstream on the Murray system. • Mitigation water assessment: volume of water that is required to offset the impact of NVIRP on the KLWSP wetlands. • Infrastructure requirements: delivery of water at appropriate times and in the required quantities is dependent on having appropriate infrastructure and access to spare channel capacity when required. • Adaptive management: an adaptive management approach is adopted to ensure an appropriate response to changing conditions. For example, due to the presence of Lignum in stable water levels (Middle Lake), manipulation of the watering regime should be undertaken with caution to ensure the rookery is maintained.
Figure 12: Key components of the Environmental Watering Plan for the KLWSP wetlands
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Construction Management Plan The Construction Management Plan will provide the measures that will be implemented during the construction phase to minimise impacts on the environment as a result of the project. Its purpose is to summarise the methods of construction, describe the relevant environmental sensitivities, and outline actions to be implemented, maintained and monitored and reported throughout construction. Cultural Heritage Management Plan Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) are a way of protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage while allowing the KLWSP to proceed. The following steps will be required for the KLWSP CHMP: 1. Employ a Cultural Heritage Advisor (a Consultant). 2. Lodge a Notice of Intent to prepare a CHMP with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, the proponent must notify any Registered Aboriginal Parties, land managers and other Aboriginal groups that have an interest in the area that a CHMP is being developed. 3. Desktop assessment – documents known cultural heritage and the potential cultural heritage. This assessment will inform the type of CHMP required (standard or complex). 4. Consultation meeting with Registered Aboriginal Party and/or Aboriginal group – confirm involvement in plan and rates for service. 5. Field Assessment: may include sub-surface testing if requiring a complex CHMP), usually involves stakeholders assisting archaeologist with field work. 6. Register any new sites with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (lodge site cards). 7. Develop draft management recommendations in consultation with Registered Aboriginal Party. 8. Lodge CHMP with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria or Registered Aboriginal Party for approval. It is likely that the KLWSP will require a complex CHMP due to the type of activity (a lot of digging in and near highly sensitive areas such as wetlands and waterways). Complex CHMPs are more expensive and require more time due to the greater amount of field work involved and the number of issues that need management recommendations. Indicative costs for a complex CHMP are between $100,000 to $500,000 which includes paying for Registered Aboriginal Party fees and field work fees charged by the Aboriginal groups. On average a complex CHMP takes 12 months to go from lodgment of Notice of Intent to approval.
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