DOCSLIB.ORG

Vicembie Î975

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Vicembie Î975 VubbLcation, n° 11? de. I'A&iocUvUon ïnteAnatlonaZe du Science* HydtologlqueA Sympoilum de Tokyo (Vicembie Î975) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF DAMS AND MAN-MADE LAKES H. BANDLER M.I.E. Aust., Turramura, N.S.W., Australia Preface Much of the investigation work mentioned has been and is being carried out by the Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board (M.W.S. & D.B.). The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Board but are obser­ vations of the author. Synopis The implications of the damming of a river and with it the creation of a man-made lake, extend over a very wide field. The technological considerations are usually given high precendence at the time of design and construction. Topography, geology and structural aspects will be the subject of investigations. The aspects of relocation of communities, the loss of valuable farming land, areas and monuments of tradition deserve serious consideration. The housing of the work force and the consequences of a construction village are hard to predict at the time of establishment. The newly created lake, once the dam is closed, will bring about a new environmental situation which at no time is static; changes occur in the chemical and biological make-up within the water body. The surrounding area from which the water enters the lake will respond to a variety of management techniques which will have an effect on flora and fauna as well as quality and quantity of water in the lake. The length of time of existence of the lake will be subject to the control of erosion to pre­ vent siltation. Making use of the lake for recreational purposes brings ad­ vantages as well as problems with it. Water operation policy has significant effects on the population downstream. Préface La majorité des travaux mentionnés ici sont actuellement entrepris -ou sur le point de l'être- par le Comité Métropolitain des Eaux, Egouts et Drainage (M.W.S. & D.B.). Les points de vue exprimés ne reflètent pas nécessairement les opinions de ce Comité ; il s'agit de remarques personnelles de l'auteur. 579 60.2 Résumé Les conséquences impliquées par le barrage d'un cours d'eau et, partant, la création d'un lac artificiel, ont une portée très vaste. Les considérations d'ordre technique sont en général prioritaires au moment de la conception et de la construction ; topographie, géologie et aspects structurels feront l'objet de diverses recherches mais le relogement des communautés, la perte de terre arable, la disparition de zones et monuments traditionnels méritent d'être pris en considération. Au moment de la construction, il est difficile de prévoir le logement de la main d'oeuvre et les conséquences éventuelles de la création d'un village car, une fois le barrage terminé, le nouveau lac donnera lieu à un nouvel environnement en constante évolution tant dans la composition chimique que dans la vie biologique de l'étendue d eau. La zone environnante dont les eaux pénétreront dans le lac va réagir à tout un éventail de nouvelles techniques qui affecteront la flore et la faune ainsi que la qualité et la quantité des eaux du lac. Quant à la durée de vie du lac, elle sera sujette à la lutte contre l'érosion qui évitera l'envasement. En outre, l'utilisation du lac à des fins de loisirs comporte avantages et inconvénients. Enfin, la politique appliquée en matière d'utilisation des eaux a une grande influence sur la population qui vit en aval du lac. Introduction Examination of Desirable Studies To supply drinking water to the community by the provision of water storage as a means of overcoming seasonal insufficiency dates back to antiquity. Such water impoundments have always had environmental impacts, but the implications have only more recently become recognised as significant with our present popula­ tion pressures and environmental awareness. The initial stage is the period of feasibility studies. During this period the decision whether to build the dam is established subject to political approval. Its location is determined, purpose, use, type and basic economics are generally fixed. The next stage is the period of planning, design and construction which continues up to and until the closing of the dam. As soon as the dam is closed reservoir filling commences and ecological instability begins. This instability still continues even after the dam is filled and is operative, but adjustments are more gradual and constant variations take place throughout the remainder of the life of the reservoir. Depending on the type of structure and the method of construction some of these stages will be overlapping. Feasibility studies of certain features can extend into the design and planning stage and some dams are being filled during construction. Minor changes in climatic condition, lack of rainfall, flood flows and excessive drawdown will have destabilising effects on the environment of the man-made lake which will be established by the dam. Certain major impacts will require study and consideration. The impounded lake, the dam, the catchment area and the river downstream have to be considered as eccosystems which are being subjected to change. Independent of whether the project is a large or a small one, many aspects of the system are subjected to rather sudden changes. During the early stagesof the feasibility study for the dam across the river channel, it will become apparent that the submergence of 580 60.3 the valley upstream will necessitate displacement of those people living and/or working in the area. Another socio-cultural impact will be the introduction of a group of persons who will be working on the construction of the dam. This com­ munity may, if the project is large, take up residence for long periods and estab­ lish local associations which will have considerable impact on the area. Finally, there is the population who will be resident or transient to maintain the struc­ ture and the lake for the remainder of the term of its existence and others who may choose to reside in the area. The creation of a new water body which had not been there before will be al­ most sudden in its evolvement when the dam is being closed and water fills the valley. The change from a terrestial environment to an extensive flat water sur­ face brings with it changes in micro climate, flora and fauna within the lake area. There will also be variations within the water body due to stratification at various dep ths. The dam will also change the regimen of the river flow downstream due to interception of run-off as well as human manipulation of draw-off or release of water. This will have more or less predictable hydrologie implications. The disturbance of the earth's crust, the additional loading imposed by the dam structure and the weight of water in the lake, can bring about seismic activity which needs to be monitored. None of the changes caused by the establishment of the lake can be reversed. Minor changes are constantly taking place in and around the water body due to in­ flow and outflow conditions. Maintenance of the lake to ensure its permanency, control of water quality and conditions of the catchment area as well as safety of the dam structure and the population in the vicinity and downstream will be envi­ ronmentally meaningful. Selection of Warragamba Dam for Examination It is proposed to examine some of the environmental implications, in retro­ spect, with regard to Warragamba Dam and Lake Burragorang in N.S.W., Australia. The dam was built for water supply to the city of Sydney. The construction exten­ ded from 1942 to 1960 if the time of early investigation is included. The physical details give an indication of the magnitude of the structure. (1) TABLE 1 Storage Capacity 2 057 000 Mega litres 452,500 Million Gallons Length of wall 350 m 1,150 feet Length of Spillway over Crest 95 m 310 feet Concrete in Wall 1.2 Million m3 1.6 million yard3 Maximum Height of Concrete 137 m 450 feet Greatest Depth of Water 104 m 340 feet Width of Wall at Base 104 m 340 feet Catchment Area 8,762 km2 3,833 miles2 Annual Average Rainfall 825 mm 32.5 inches Annual Average Evaporation 1,270 mm 50 inches Lake Area at Full Supply Level 75 km2 29 miles2 Maximum Length of Lake 52 km 32% miles Length of Foreshores 353 km 220 miles Hydro Electric Station 50,000 KiloWatts Estimated Cost (up to completion £35% Million in 1960) Water famines and serious shortages were a frequent occurrence since the establishment of the first white settlement on the Australian Continent at Sydney Cove in 1788. 581 60.4 The concept of using the Warragamba River as a source of drinking water for the population of Sydney was apparent at an early stage of colonial develop­ ment. (2) But only in August 1943 was it possible for construction of Warragamba Dam to proceed. The Dam, approximately 75 km (40 miles) from Sydney, was built in a steep sided gorge which was cut by the river in Triassic rocks of the Narrabeen group and the Hawkesbury sandstones. The Warragamba River flows have been recorded since 1880. These records show the irregular rate of flow which continues as inflow to the lake. By statistical analysis of river flow records and comparison with other methods, including that for maximum possible precipitation, a peak intensity of flood flow of 14,0003m /sec (500,000 cusec) was arrived at. The minimum flow for a period of 96 months is the basis for drought con­ siderations .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sydney Water in 1788 Was the Little Stream That Wound Its Way from Near a Day Tour of the Water Supply Hyde Park Through the Centre of the Town Into Sydney Cove
    In the beginning Sydney’s first water supply from the time of its settlement Sydney Water in 1788 was the little stream that wound its way from near A day tour of the water supply Hyde Park through the centre of the town into Sydney Cove. It became known as the Tank Stream. By 1811 it dams south of Sydney was hardly fit for drinking. Water was then drawn from wells or carted from a creek running into Rushcutter’s Bay. The Tank Stream was still the main water supply until 1826. In this whole-day tour by car you will see the major dams, canals and pipelines that provide water to Sydney. Some of these works still in use were built around 1880. The round trip tour from Sydney is around 350 km., all on good roads and motorway. The tour is through attractive countryside south Engines at Botany Pumping Station (demolished) of Sydney, and there are good picnic areas and playgrounds at the dam sites. source of supply. In 1854 work started on the Botany Swamps Scheme, which began to deliver water in 1858. The Scheme included a series of dams feeding a pumping station near the present Sydney Airport. A few fragments of the pumping station building remain and can be seen Tank stream in 1840, from a water-colour by beside General Holmes Drive. Water was pumped to two J. Skinner Prout reservoirs, at Crown Street (still in use) and Paddington (not in use though its remains still exist). The ponds known as Lachlan Swamp (now Centennial Park) only 3 km.
    [Show full text]
  • Government Gazette of the STATE of NEW SOUTH WALES Number 112 Monday, 3 September 2007 Published Under Authority by Government Advertising
    6835 Government Gazette OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES Number 112 Monday, 3 September 2007 Published under authority by Government Advertising SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT EXOTIC DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1991 ORDER - Section 15 Declaration of Restricted Areas – Hunter Valley and Tamworth I, IAN JAMES ROTH, Deputy Chief Veterinary Offi cer, with the powers the Minister has delegated to me under section 67 of the Exotic Diseases of Animals Act 1991 (“the Act”) and pursuant to section 15 of the Act: 1. revoke each of the orders declared under section 15 of the Act that are listed in Schedule 1 below (“the Orders”); 2. declare the area specifi ed in Schedule 2 to be a restricted area; and 3. declare that the classes of animals, animal products, fodder, fi ttings or vehicles to which this order applies are those described in Schedule 3. SCHEDULE 1 Title of Order Date of Order Declaration of Restricted Area – Moonbi 27 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Woonooka Road Moonbi 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Anambah 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Muswellbrook 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Aberdeen 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – East Maitland 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Timbumburi 29 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – McCullys Gap 30 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Bunnan 31 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area - Gloucester 31 August 2007 Declaration of Restricted Area – Eagleton 29 August 2007 SCHEDULE 2 The area shown in the map below and within the local government areas administered by the following councils: Cessnock City Council Dungog Shire Council Gloucester Shire Council Great Lakes Council Liverpool Plains Shire Council 6836 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 3 September 2007 Maitland City Council Muswellbrook Shire Council Newcastle City Council Port Stephens Council Singleton Shire Council Tamworth City Council Upper Hunter Shire Council NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No.
    [Show full text]
  • Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report Warragamba Delivery System 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019 26 April 2019
    Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report Warragamba Delivery System 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019 26 April 2019 Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Report | Warragamba Delivery System 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019 1 This report summarises a selection of health characteristics and Your water quality key aesthetic (look, taste and smell) characteristics. We take water samples from the catchments, at the inlet and outlet of Drinking water management water filtration plants, from the reservoirs and from about 720 We supply you with high quality, safe drinking water – managed under customers’ front garden taps. our drinking water quality management system. Our water is among the Our laboratories use internationally accredited methods for all our world’s best! testing. WaterNSW manages Sydney’s catchments to provide the best quality The tables in this report present water quality data from the analysis of water for us to treat. We treat your water by first filtering it, then water samples we collect at various stages of the water supply chain, disinfecting it. This is called the ‘multiple-barrier’ approach. We from raw water sources, through treatment to the water supplied to your continuously monitor these steps to ensure our systems are working as tap. expected. During this quarter, our monitoring confirmed that the drinking water we delivered to you was safe and of high quality. Testing for water quality Our aim is to provide you with high quality, safe drinking water treated to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Our Drinking Water Quality Management System applies the frameworks to manage drinking water quality, and testing water quality is one part of this system.
    [Show full text]
  • ASSESSMENT of RESERVOIR WATER QUALITY USING NUMERICAL MODELS in by Amy Liu Chin Sia 2003 Centre for Water Research University Of
    ASSESSMENT OF RESERVOIR WATER QUALITY USING NUMERICAL MODELS in LAKE BURRAGORANG AND PROSPECT RESERVOIR IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA By Amy Liu Chin Sia 2003 Centre for Water Research University of Western Australia 1 ABSTRACT Lake Burragorang is Sydney’s most important water source and Prospect Reservoir is Sydney’s emergency water supply. The water quality in both water bodies must meet strict water quality guidelines because they serve as drinking water for over 4 million people. Lake Burragorang’s inflows have a large range of water quality entering from the seven major tributaries. There is poorer water quality in Lake Burragorang during wet years compared to dry years because of pollutant and nutrient loading from the catchment. In contrast, during dry years, internal processes act to purify the reservoir. Prospect Reservoir receives no external inflows and is highly dominated by internal processes. This study utilizes simulations to investigate the implementation of several mitigation methods to improve water quality. DYRESM-CAEDYM, a combination of a 1-D vertical mixing hydrodynamic and an aquatic ecological model served as the simulation framework. The application of bubble plume diffusers and surface mechanical mixers was simulated to evaluate reductions in nutrient concentrations in Prospect Reservoir; and to evaluate algal dynamics. A chemical-based approach was also evaluated to reduce nutrient levels in the water column by surficial sediment treatment. The evaluation of biomanipulation was also simulated for both reservoirs. An adaptive management strategy of selective withdrawal is the best option for abstracting high water quality from Lake Burragorang. For Prospect Reservoir, the mitigation methods were assessed to determine their effects on water quality.
    [Show full text]
  • Incredible Eel Migration
    Australian Geographic, Incredible Voyagers, Australian Geographic,No.2, pp 24-33, 1985 – with minor editing for school students Incredible Voyagers TEXT BY ANDY PARK ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROD SCOTT W ARRAGAMBA DAM, 70 kilometres west of Sydney, is the imposing structure you would expect, considering it was built to contain much of that city's water supply. Ninety metres thick at the base and 110 m high, this concrete monolith should be the end of the line for any fish moving upstream, particularly one averaging a mere 12 centimetres in length. But the mighty walls of Warragamba Dam are merely another obstacle for a creature with one of the most extraordinary migratory journeys in nature - the freshwater eel. Beyond the walls these young eels grow into adults in the placid waters of Lake Burragorang, having swum more than 4000 km after hatching in spawning grounds believed to be off Vanuatu. And when they have grown to maturity, they tumble over the spillway to begin the tortuous journey downstream to return to their spawning grounds. When I read of this strange phenomenon I considered eels for the first time in 25 years, having successfully driven them from my mind. They are not pretty and my first encounter with one was not pleasant. I was walking with my father in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens when he handed me a crust of bread and suggested in his matter-of-fact way that I feed the eels. I took the bread and knelt at the edge of the pond. For a long time nothing happened.
    [Show full text]
  • Alternative Water Sources
    Part 3 Alternative water sources Part 3 of Best practice guidelines for water conservation in commercial office buildings and shopping centres provides advice on alternative water sources that may be used in commercial buildings. 95 96 3 Chapter 20 – Rainwater 3 Chapter 20 Rainwater Using rainwater is an excellent way to reduce demand on mains drinking water. Rainwater collected from roofs generally has low levels of pollutants, especially if a first flush diverter is installed. This makes any required treatment relatively simple and inexpensive. The bigger and cleaner your roof catchment area, the more likely it is that you will be able to implement an effective rainwater reuse scheme. Using rainwater NSW Health does not as toilet flushing or cooling recommend using rainwater tower makeup. Frequent use of Rainwater can be used to replace for drinking and cooking when rainwater also maintains better drinking water for a range of an alternative mains water water quality. uses including water features, source is available. Guidelines toilet flushing, water heating are available in the document systems, garden irrigation How much rainwater Rainwater Tanks where a Public and outdoor cleaning. Most can you catch? Supply is Available published by rainwater has very low levels of NSW Health. Before implementing any large dissolved solids that can make scale rainwater collection system, it well suited for cooling towers. To maximise the amount of you need to be aware of the size Make sure you are aware of water and money you save with of your catchment and the likely the properties of rainwater you a rainwater tank, it’s important annual rainfall you will receive.
    [Show full text]
  • Warragambadam 50Th Anniversary 1960-2010 Contents
    WARRAGAMBADAM 50th Anniversary 1960-2010 Contents 01 Welcome 02 Introduction to Sydney Catchment Authority 04 Indigenous people and the Burragorang Valley 05 Heritage 06 Auxiliary spillway and raising the dam wall 08 Deep water access and new visitor centre 10 Healthy catchments – Special Areas 12 Partnerships and education 14 Droughts, fires and floods 16 Timeline 1840-2010 Centre Warragamba Dam, Official Opening Booklet, 1960 Stairs lead to inspection galleries within the dam wall (left). Visitors enjoy the renewed Haviland Park (opposite). waRRAGAMBA daM 50TH ANNIVERSARY 01 Welcome to Warragamba Dam. Also included is a reprint of the original opening day We hope that you enjoy this commemorative booklet booklet from 14 October 1960. The 1960 document Welcome and keep it as a souvenir of your visit to the dam. provides a glimpse of the immense effort needed to build the dam – a project which employed 1,800 Warragamba Dam Since Warragamba Dam opened in 1960, Sydney’s people working around-the-clock shifts seven days 50th anniversary population has more than doubled from 2.1 million a week from 1948 until 1960. 1960 – 2010 to about 4.5 million. Today the dam still provides about 80 percent of the city’s water. Congratulations to all who were involved in building the dam, their families and to everybody who has This booklet highlights key changes made over the since worked to improve the dam and its catchments. past 50 years to ensure Warragamba Dam remains a vital part of the water supply. Sydney Catchment Authority Warragamba Dam The NSW Government established the Sydney Catchment Authority • major improvements to dams and weirs to allow for fish passage 50th anniversary (SCA) in 1999 to manage and protect the water catchments and • continued science and water quality research 1960 – 2010 supply high quality raw water.
    [Show full text]
  • Fact Sheet Warragamba Dam Raising: What's at Stake?
    Fact Sheet Warragamba Dam Raising: What’s at stake? The NSW Government proposal to raise the wall of Warragamba Dam in the interests of urban development of the Hawkesbury-Nepean floodplains would potentially allow flooding of up to 4,700 ha of land and 65 km of wilderness rivers and streams. We are looking at the irreversible destruction of Aboriginal cultural values and heritage; the extinguishment of Native Title; loss of our UNESCO World Heritage listing; the extinction of numerous species of plants and animals; the last wild rivers in NSW gone and our quality of life forever damaged. 1. Native Title people. If the dam wall is raised the remaining sites of Native Title has not been extinguished in the area to this story - including Aboriginal cultural sites, creation be flooded and the State Government is required to waterholes and art - will be destroyed. negotiate with Traditional Owners under the Native Title Even the draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Act 1993 before taking any action that might extinguish Report which forms part of the Environmental Impact Native Title. This has not been done, despite being Statement, and which only surveyed 26% of the required under both the Native Title Act 1993 and the relevant area, identified 300 sites of Indigenous cultural Gundungurra Indigenous Land Use Agreement. The significance. State Government is a party to the agreement, which was registered by the Native Title Tribunal in 2015 An application by the Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association and other Gundungurra descendants to 2. Aboriginal cultural values have their ancestral lands protected under section Hundreds of Aboriginal sacred sites are at risk of being 90 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act as a place of flooded in the southern Blue Mountains, which is special significance to Aboriginal culture is still to be an extensive and rich cultural landscape belonging determined and would also be compromised by the to the Gundungurra People.
    [Show full text]
  • Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Regional Flood Study
    INFRASTRUCTURE NSW HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN VALLEY REGIONAL FLOOD STUDY FINAL REPORT VOLUME 1 – MAIN REPORT JULY 2019 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN VALLEY REGIONAL FLOOD STUDY Level 2, 160 Clarence Street FINAL REPORT Sydney, NSW, 2000 Tel: (02) 9299 2855 Fax: (02) 9262 6208 Email: [email protected] 26 JULY 2019 Web: www.wmawater.com.au Project Project Number Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Regional Flood Study 113031-07 Client Client’s Representative Infrastructure NSW Sue Ribbons Authors Prepared by Mark Babister MER Monique Retallick Mikayla Ward Scott Podger Date Verified by 26 Jul 2019 MKB Revision Description Distribution Date 7 Final Report Public release Jul 2019 Final Draft Infrastructure NSW, local councils, Jan 2019 6 state agencies, utilities, ICA 5 Final Draft for Client Review Infrastructure NSW Oct 2018 Infrastructure NSW, local councils, 4 Final Draft for External Review state agencies, independent technical Sep 2018 review 3 Revised Draft Infrastructure NSW Jul 2018 2 Preliminary Draft Infrastructure NSW May 2018 1 Working Draft WMAwater Jul 2017 COPYRIGHT NOTICE Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Regional Flood Study © State of New South Wales 2019 ISBN 978-0-6480367-0-8 Infrastructure NSW commissioned WMAwater Pty Ltd to develop this report in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. Infrastructure NSW shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs.
    [Show full text]
  • Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 – Volume 1
    Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 – Volume 1 WaterNSW © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 1 Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 – Volume 1 | WaterNSW DOCUMENT TRACKING Project Name Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 Project Number 19SUT-12363 Project Manager Beth Medway Prepared by Beth Medway, Claire Wheeler, Brian Keogh Reviewed by Richard Cresswell Approved by Richard Cresswell Status Final Version Number 5 Last saved on 16 June 2020 This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia 2020. Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 – Volume 1. Prepared for WaterNSW.’ Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and WaterNSW. The scope of services was defined in consultation with WaterNSW, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited. Template 2.8.1 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD i Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Audit 2019 – Volume 1 | WaterNSW Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 2. Features and purpose of the Catchment .....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Hut-News-1907-Aboriginal-Heritage-Books.Pdf
    The construction of Warragamba Dam marked the end of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community life in the Burragorang Valley. In this photo the dam is at fi ll capacity and is releasing water through the spillgates. This trilogy of books off ers the reader an insight into the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal culture, history and heritage of the Blue Mountains and what will be LOST if the dam wall is raised. Blue Mountains Dreaming The Aboriginal Heritage (2nd Ed.) Eugene Stockton, John Merriman Aboriginal people have been present in the Blue Mountains for up to 50,000 years. Up-to-date information on them are here presented by ten experts in archaeology, anthropology, geomorphology, rock art, contact history and linguistics. The Aboriginal People of the Burragorang Valley in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales Jim Smith – Second Edition The Aboriginal people of the Burragorang, in the early 1870s, were the fi rst in Australia to enrol to vote, and were among the earliest to make land claims. All the Valley residents, black and white, were evicted in the late 1950s when it was fl ooded to create Lake Burragorang to store Sydney’s water supply. Aboriginal Heritage of the Blue Mountains Recent Research and Refl ections Kelvin Knox and Eugene Stockton Before British colonists found a way across the Blue Mountains, thousands of generations of Aboriginal people had lived here before them. They left traces of their life and culture in campsites, rock art, artefacts, axe grinding grooves, scarred trees and stone arrangements. Their heritage includes language, stories, memories and ceremonies.
    [Show full text]
  • Inquiry Into Proposal to Raise the Warragamba Dam Wall
    Submission No 337 INQUIRY INTO PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE WARRAGAMBA DAM WALL Name: Dr Ian Wright Date Received: 10 September 2019 State Development Committee Inquiry into the Water NSW Amendment (Warragamba Dam) Bill 2018 Submission by Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer, Western Sydney University 10 September 2019 I have prepared this submission in response to the proposal by the New South Wales Government to increase the height of the Warragamba Dam wall. My submission also questions the implications of the Water NSW Amendment (Warragamba Dam) Bill 2018 which will limit the National Parks and Wildlife Act (NSW) due to the future periodic inundation of National Park estate in the vicinity of the lands surrounding Lake Burragorang. I object to the proposal. I think that the proposal will cause long-term damage to high conservation-value rivers, streams and associated lands and ecosystems. My central concern about the proposed Warragamba Dam project is the inevitable environmental damage associated with inundation of high-conservation values lands and waterways within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This includes riparian vegetation and aquatic ecosystems of rivers and streams. The periodic inundation of the World Heritage Area will damage temperate eucalypt forest and rainforest. The inundation would almost certainly kill many plant species and encourage weed invasion. The proposal threatens the integrity of the World Heritage Area and the internationally recognised values for which it was listed. At least two threatened eucalypts would be affected by the proposal. The Camden White Gum (Eucalyptus benthamii) population in the Kedumba Valley is already under threat, and the proposed dam increase will threaten an estimated 40% of the total known remaining population.
    [Show full text]