Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 2

Shoalhaven Coastal Erosion Assessment List of Very High and High Risk Outlets by Risk Category

Safety Risk

Name Location Consequence Likelihood Risk Risk Description Ulladulla20 Eastern end of Parson Street 5 3 15 Very High Ulladulla19 East of Caravan Park off eastern end of New Street 5 3 15 Very High Ulladulla24 Eastern end of Dowling Street 4 3 12 High NthBendalong2 Northern side of Allawah Cabins 4 3 12 High Bendalong5 Boronia Street opposite Cedar Street (western side) 4 3 12 High Mollymook7 Opposite No. 89 Bannisters Head Road 5 2 10 High ShoalhavenHds5 River Road opposite Renown Avenue 5 2 10 High

Asset Risk

Name Location Consequence Likelihood Risk Risk Description Ulladulla24 Eastern end of Dowling Street 5 4 20 Very High Vincentia17 Behind No. 332 Elizabeth Drive 5 4 20 Very High Ulladulla10 Corner of Crescent Street and Burrill Street North 5 3 15 Very High Ulladulla20 Eastern end of Parson Street 3 4 12 High NthBendalong2 Northern side of Allawah Cabins 4 3 12 High Mollymook7 Opposite No. 89 Bannisters Head Road 4 3 12 High Berrara1 Collier Drive opposite Fifth Avenue 3 4 12 High Ulladulla18 Northern end of Did-Dell Street South 4 3 12 High Ulladulla21 Rennies Beach Car Park 4 3 12 High Mollymook1 Between Nos. 8 & 10 Surfers Parade 4 3 12 High Bawley21 No. 33 Harrington Crescent 3 4 12 High Mollymook17 Opposite No. 55 Mitchell Parade 4 3 12 High Bawley6 Opposite No. 46 Tingira Drive 2 5 10 High Manyana2 Behind Nos. 53 & 55 Sunset Strip 5 2 10 High

Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 2 -Attachment A

Shoalhaven Coastal Erosion Assessment List of Very High and High Risk Outlets by Risk Category

System Risk

Name Location Consequence Likelihood Risk Risk Code ShoalhavenHds3 River Road opposite Celia Place 5 4 20 Very High Bawley25 Malibu Drive opposite Northaven Avenue 4 4 16 Very High Vincentia23 Opposite No. 72 Plantation Point Parade 4 4 16 Very High Berrara10 Lakeland Avenue opposite Beachview Avenue 4 4 16 Very High Mollymook7 Opposite No. 89 Bannisters Head Road 4 3 12 High Ulladulla10 Corner of Crescent Street and Burrill Street North 4 3 12 High Bawley4 Between Nos. 11 & 13 Tingira Drive 4 3 12 High Bawley21 No. 33 Harrington Crescent 4 3 12 High Bawley15 Between Nos. 13 and 15 Lurnea Avenue 3 4 12 High Bawley28 Opposite No. 85 Malibu Drive 3 4 12 High Mollymook22 Corner of Ocean Street and Golf Avenue 4 3 12 High Mollymook15 Eastern side of Mitchell Parade below Bill Andriske Oval 4 3 12 High Hyams4 Cyrus Street opposite Anemone Avenue 4 3 12 High Hyams3 Cyrus Street opposite Anemone Avenue 4 3 12 High Mollymook10 East side of No 175 Mitchell Parade 3 4 12 High Vincentia32 Opposite No. 437 Elizabeth Drive 4 3 12 High Vincentia31 Opposite No. 425 Elizabeth Drive 4 3 12 High

Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 2

ID Task Task Name Duration Start Finish 1 November 1 January 1 March 1 May 1 July 1 September 1 November 1 January 1 March 1 May 1 Mode 27/10 24/11 22/12 19/01 16/02 16/03 13/04 11/05 8/06 6/07 3/08 31/08 28/09 26/10 23/11 21/12 18/01 15/02 14/03 11/04 9/05 6/06 1 Project Summary 401 days Mon 3/11/14 Fri 17/06/16 2 Collation and review of background information 5 days Mon 3/11/14 Fri 7/11/14 3 Site familiarisation 2 days Tue 18/11/14 Wed 19/11/14 4 Inception Meeting 0 days Wed 19/11/14 Wed 19/11/14 19/11 5 Survey 10 days Mon 10/11/14 Fri 21/11/14 6 Preliminary dredging project concept designs 10 days Mon 24/11/14 Fri 5/12/14 7 Site investigations Scoping 5 days Mon 8/12/14 Fri 12/12/14 8 Community consultations 5 days Mon 8/12/14 Fri 12/12/14 9 Site Investigations 15 days Mon 15/12/14 Fri 16/01/15 10 Sediment Sampling 5 days Mon 15/12/14 Fri 19/12/14 11 Sediment Anaysis 11 days Mon 22/12/14 Fri 16/01/15 12 Working group meeting with TWG 0 days Wed 18/02/15 Wed 18/02/15 18/02 13 Final dredging project designs/revised costings 10 days Wed 18/02/15 Tue 3/03/15 14 Review of Environmental Factors 93 days Mon 8/12/14 Fri 1/05/15 15 Draft Review of Environmental Factors 42 days Thu 15/01/15 Fri 13/03/15 16 Marine Ecology 20 days Mon 8/12/14 Fri 16/01/15 17 Indigenous Heritage Assessment 10 days Mon 19/01/15 Fri 30/01/15 18 Draft REF - Council Review 5 days Mon 16/03/15 Fri 20/03/15 19 Draft REF - Agency Reviw and Public Exhibition 18 days Mon 23/03/15 Fri 17/04/15 20 Finalisation of documents and hand-over 10 days Mon 20/04/15 Fri 1/05/15 21 Application for approvals and licences 35 days Mon 16/03/15 Tue 5/05/15 22 Presentation to NRFM Committees 0 days Fri 1/05/15 Fri 1/05/15 1/05 23 Expression of Interest 33 days Mon 2/03/15 Fri 17/04/15 24 Preparation EOI Document 10 days Mon 2/03/15 Fri 13/03/15 25 Draft EOI - Council Review 5 days Mon 16/03/15 Fri 20/03/15 26 EOI Period 13 days Mon 23/03/15 Fri 10/04/15 27 Assess submission and shortlist for Tender 5 days Mon 13/04/15 Fri 17/04/15 28 Tender Process 67 days Mon 23/03/15 Fri 26/06/15 29 Prepare Tender Documentation 28 days Mon 23/03/15 Fri 1/05/15 30 Tender Period 29 days Mon 4/05/15 Fri 12/06/15 31 Assess Tender Submissions 10 days Mon 15/06/15 Fri 26/06/15 32 Construction 244 days Mon 29/06/15 Fri 17/06/16 33 Shorebird Breeding Season 164 days Sat 1/08/15 Thu 31/03/16 34 Preliminaries 10 days Mon 29/06/15 Fri 10/07/15 35 Conjola 55 days Mon 13/07/15 Fri 25/09/15 36 Mobilisation 10 days Mon 13/07/15 Fri 24/07/15 37 Dredging 30 days Mon 27/07/15 Fri 4/09/15 38 Demobilisation 10 days Mon 7/09/15 Fri 18/09/15 39 Mollymook Training Wall Construction 40 days Mon 13/07/15Fri 4/09/15 40 Transport/ Place Sand - Mollymook Beach 15 days Mon 7/09/15 Fri 25/09/15 41 Currambene Creek 184 days Mon 21/09/15 Fri 17/06/16 42 Mobilisation 10 days Mon 21/09/15 Fri 2/10/15 43 Dredging 15 days Mon 21/09/15 Mon 12/10/15 44 Demobilisation 10 days Mon 21/09/15 Fri 2/10/15 45 Transport/ Place Sand - Callala Beach#1 10 days Mon 29/02/16 Fri 11/03/16 46 Transport/ Place Sand - Callala Beach#2 10 days Mon 25/04/16 Fri 6/05/16 47 Transport/ Place Sand - Callala Beach#3 10 days Mon 6/06/16 Fri 17/06/16 48 Sussex Inlet Navigation Channel 39 days Mon 5/10/15 Fri 27/11/15 49 Mobilisation 10 days Tue 6/10/15 Mon 19/10/15 50 Dredging 30 days Mon 5/10/15 Fri 13/11/15 51 Demobilisation 10 days Mon 16/11/15 Fri 27/11/15

Task Summary Inactive Milestone Duration-only Start-only External Milestone Manual Progress Project: Shoalhaven Dredging Date: Tue 24/02/15 Split Project Summary Inactive Summary Manual Summary Rollup Finish-only Deadline Milestone Inactive Task Manual Task Manual Summary External Tasks Progress

Shoalhaven Dredging Page 1 Schedule Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 2 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5

SOUTHERN SHOALHAVEN NATURAL RESOURCE & FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

MONDAY, 6 MAY 2013

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review 2012 File 1438E

PURPOSE: Delivery Program Activity: 2.1.1.12

To propose that the Committee recommend to Council that the draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review 2012 be adopted.

RECOMMENDED that Council adopt the draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review 2012 with the changes as highlighted in the report and attachments

OPTIONS

1. Adopt the recommendation of this report.

2. Propose and justify an alternate recommendation to Council.

DETAILS

The draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review 2012 was placed on formal public exhibition from 10 October 2012 to 9 November 2012. The draft Plan integrated previous comments provided by the Natural Resources Committee members.

As part of the community consultation, Council’s staff attended a meeting on 22 October 2012 of the Conjola District Lakecare Association to present, discuss and answer any queries relating to the Plan.

# Three submissions were received during the public exhibition period, including a submission from NSW Department of Primary Industries (see Attachment ‘A’). Submissions are summarised in Attachment ‘B’. The plan has been revised to include considerations of submissions received and Council’s other strategic plans such as the Tourism Master Plan, draft LEP 2012 and Growth Management Strategy. The revised Plan is provided as Attachment ‘C’.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The actions identified by the plan will be gradually implemented through allocation of internal budget and grant funding applications.

- Page 1 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

The community will be engaged and consulted when implementing projects identified in the plan.

P L Adams DIRECTOR STRATEGIC PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

General Manager OUT12/28395 Shoalhaven City Council PO Box 42 NOWRA NSW 2541

Your ref: 1438E

Dear Mr Pigg

Re: Draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan 2012

I refer to Council’s public exhibition of the Draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan 2012 (EMP).

NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries NSW) has reviewed the draft plan prepared by Council and makes the following comments.

We note that the draft EMP contains a strategy and two actions to ‘investigate the viability of oyster leases and growing of other bi-valves in the oyster lease locations’ (Strategy B1 p.49) with the responsibility allocated to this Department. Fisheries NSW does not support this strategy or actions and recommends they be deleted from the final plan. Issues related to the current and future viability of oyster farming or use of other bi-valve species in Lake Conjola are best determined by the local oyster farmers themselves and we see no value in this issue being listed as a strategy in Council’s Estuary Management Plan.

Aside from this, Fisheries NSW generally concurs with and supports the other proposed management strategies and actions contained in the EMP, especially those related to access, recreation and tourism, biodiversity and ecosystem protection and rehabilitation, catchment inputs, entrance management and adapting to climate change.

Shoalhaven City Council is to be congratulated for producing this comprehensive and detailed plan for the future management and protection of the Lake Conjola estuary. Implementation of the proposed strategies and actions will greatly assist the protection and conservation of aquatic species and habitats in Lake Conjola. The Department is pleased to continue working with Council on the management and protection of Lake Conjola.

If you require any further information, please contact me on 02) 4478 9103.

Yours faithfully

Trevor Daly Fisheries Conservation Manager, South Coast Aquatic Habitat Protection

2 November 2012 PO Box 17 Batemans Bay NSW 2536 Address: 1st Floor Cnr Beach Road and Orient Street Batemans Bay NSW 2540 Tel: (02) 4478 9103 Fax: (02) 4472 7542 ABN 72 189 919 072 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Attachment ‘B’ Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review Submissions received

comments Change to EMP review DPI Fisheries NSW does not support Strategy, actions and Fisheries Strategy B1, ‘investigate the viability of oyster associated map of leases and growing of other bi-valves in the oyster leases, oyster lease locations’ or actions and removed from the Plan recommends they be deleted from the final plan. as directed by DPI Issues related to the current and future viability Fisheries. of oyster farming or use of other bi-valve species in Lake Conjola are best determined by local oyster farmers. community Reopen North Berringer Boat ramp, leave No changes made to Berringer Lake (south) boat ramp as is. This EMP Review. would give better launching for most boats and leave the south ramp for passive craft. Good Response sent re parking is available on the grass near the dredging and entrance, western end of Donnelly Street and would keep boat ramp suggestions boat trailers from the street. The 4 knot area to be considered in should be extended from the launching ramps to Councils boat ramp Chinamans Island – for safety and to stop wave program. corrosion on the banks.

To keep the Lake open, the sedimentary areas of the Lake should be dredged to original depth - this being the back reaches of Lake. More tidal water in means more water out and would improve water quality. Community Water quality concerns in Berringer Lake – No changes made to – non water is ‘murky and stagnant’. Concerns that the EMP Review. resident fish may be dangerous to eat (observed 8 dead property fish) and that children playing at the Lake Response sent re owner entrance may be in danger. entrance management and water quality. The Lake is being opened in the wrong place because it didn’t stay open after interventions. The sand dune stopped the Lake opening after heavy rain (>100mls). Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

.

Shoalhaven City Council Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

July 2012 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

GHD and its servants, employees and officers otherwise expressly disclaim responsibility to any person other than [Shoalhaven City Council] arising from or in connection with this Report. To the maximum extent permitted by law, all implied warranties and conditions in relation to the services provided by GHD and the Report are excluded unless they are expressly stated to apply in this Report. The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this Report: • were limited to those specifically detailed in section 1 of this Report; • did not include GHD undertaking any detailed testing or analysis. The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this Report are based on assumptions made by GHD when undertaking services and preparing the Report (“Assumptions”), including (but not limited to): • All provided documentation was accurate in its entirety GHD expressly disclaims responsibility for any error in, or omission from, this Report arising from or in connection with any of the Assumptions being incorrect. Subject to the paragraphs in this section of the Report, the opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this Report are based on conditions encountered and information reviewed at the time of preparation and may be relied on until 6 months, after which time, GHD expressly disclaims responsibility for any error in, or omission from, this Report arising from or in connection with those opinions, conclusions and any recommendations. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Contents

1. Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 The 1998 Estuary Management Plan 2 1.2.1 Management Plan Strategies and Actions 2 1.2.2 Revised Management Areas 3 1.3 EMP Review Process 3 1.3.1 Consultation 4

2. Review of Water Quality Objectives, Strategies and Actions 5 2.1 Objective 5 2.2 Strategies/Actions 6 2.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 8 2.3.1 Water Quality Monitoring Undertaken Within Lake Conjola 8 2.3.2 Water Quality Actions (WQ1 – WQ7) 10 2.4 Recommendations/Actions 10

3. Review of Erosion and Sedimentation Objectives, Strategies and Actions 12 3.1 Objective 12 3.2 Strategies/Actions 13 3.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 15 3.3.1 Embankment Protection and Revegetation (ES1) 15 3.3.2 Bank Stabilisation (ES2) 17 3.3.3 Entrance Dune Stabilisation (ES3) 19 3.4 Recommendations/Actions 19

4. Review of Flooding Objectives, Strategies and Actions 21 4.1 Objective 21 4.2 Strategies/Actions 22 4.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 23 4.3.1 Flood Study and Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FL1 and FL2) 23 4.4 Recommendations/Actions 24

5. Review of Lake Ecology Objective, Strategies and Actions 25 5.1 Objective 25 5.2 Strategies/Actions 27 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

5.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 28 5.3.1 Seagrass (AE1) 28 5.3.2 Sustainable Management of Fish Communities (AE2) 29 5.3.3 Public Education (AE3) 29 5.3.4 SEPP14 Wetlands (AE4) 30 5.3.5 Riparian Zones 31 5.4 Recommendations/Actions 31

6. Review of Recreation and Tourism Objective, Strategies and Actions 32 6.1 Objective 32 6.2 Strategies/Actions 32 6.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 34 6.3.1 Management of Boat Launching Facilities (REC1) 34 6.3.2 Coordinate Future Tourist Development (REC2) 34 6.3.3 Minimise Conflict between Boating Activities (REC3) 34 6.4 Recommendations/Actions 35

7. Review of Lake Entrance Management Objective, Strategies and Actions 36 7.1 Objective 36 7.2 Strategies/Actions 37 7.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions 38 7.3.1 Lake Entrance Management Policy (EM1) 39 7.3.2 Effect of Artificial Openings on Lake Ecology (EM2) 39 7.3.3 Community Awareness of Entrance Opening (EM3) 40 7.4 Recommendations/Actions 40

8. Revised Management Areas 41 8.1 Catchment Inputs and their Impacts 41 8.2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation 42 8.3 Access, Recreation and Tourism 42 8.4 Entrance Management 42 8.5 Flooding 42 8.6 Adapting to Climate Change 42 8.7 Cultural Heritage 43

9. Recommendations/Actions 44

10. References 50 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Table Index Table 1 Water Quality Strategies and Actions 6 Table 2 Erosion and Sedimentation Strategies and Actions 14 Table 3 Flooding Strategies and Actions 22 Table 4 Ecology Strategies and Actions 27 Table 5 Recreation and Tourism Strategies and Actions 33 Table 6 Lake Entrance Management Strategies and Actions 37 Table 7 EMP Management Strategies and Actions 44

Figure Index Figure 1 Lake Conjola Locality (SCC Estuary Management Plan 1998) 1 Figure 2 Water Quality Sampling Locations (SCC) 8 Figure 3 Water Quality Index (SCC) 9 Figure 4 LEP Zonings of Lake Conjola (SCC) 15 Figure 5 Boating Plan of Management Zones 18 Figure 6 Lake Conjola Aquatic Ecology 26 Figure 7 Boating Plan of Management Boating Controls (NSW Maritime BPoM 2005) 29 Figure 8 Lake Conjola SEPP14 Wetlands (SCC) 30 Figure 9 Potential Acid Sulphate Soils (SCC Web Maps) 41

Photo Index Photo 1 Lake Conjola Shoreline Vegetation to Prevent Shoreline Erosion 13 Photo 2 Cunjurong Point Foreshore Rehabilitation 17 Photo 3 Carol Avenue Reserve 19 Photo 4 Minor Flooding at Lake Conjola 22 Photo 5 Lake Conjola Education Signage 30 Photo 6 Flood Scoured State, 1999 36

Appendices A Completed Conjola Projects B Estuary Health Report Card C Entrance Brochure D NSW Maritime Boating Plan of Management 2005 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

1. Introduction

1.1 Background Lake Conjola (the Lake) is a coastal lake located approximately 50 km south of Nowra on the NSW south coast within the Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) local government area as shown in Figure 1. The Lake has a surface area of approximately 4.3 km2 and a catchment area of 145 km2. Lake Conjola is classified as an Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon (ICOLL) and historically has remained open for approximately 62% of the time.

The main Lake is separated from the ocean by a shallow sandy inlet some 3 km long. The entrance to the Lake comprises a tidal delta of clean marine sand with pronounced sand lobes which are elevated up to 1 m above sea level. The inlet itself is shallow with extensive intertidal muddy sand flats and an average channel depth in the order of 1 m compared with the Lake itself which has water depths up to 10 m.

Figure 1 Lake Conjola Locality (SCC Estuary Management Plan 1998)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney

Lake Conjola Canberra

0 150 300km Approx. Scale

BERRINGER LAKE

Red Head

Red Head

LAKE Inyadda Point CONJOLA SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Cunjurong Point

Green Island

Pattimores Lagoon  0 1 2km PRINCES HIGHWAY Buckleys Point Approx. Scale

Croobyar

Several villages and caravan parks line the shoreline of Lake Conjola and are popular tourist destinations during summer holiday periods. The area is subject to continuing urban growth, however, urban Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

development is relatively minor at approximately 5% of the total catchment area and confined to the southern side of the Lake entrance and the upper reaches of the Lake.

1.2 The 1998 Estuary Management Plan Preparation of the Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan (EMP) commenced in 1996, initiated by Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) in accordance with the NSW Government’s Estuary Management Policy. The plan was developed to provide a comprehensive and integrated set of strategies to restore, protect and conserve the natural resources of the Lake. The plan was developed cooperatively with members of the Shoalhaven Lakes and Estuary Management Committee, the Lake Conjola Task Force (LCTF), the local community, SCC Councillors/Officers and State Government Departments. The plan also incorporates comments raised during the 1996 public exhibition. The plan was finalised and adopted by Council in 1998.

The 1998 Plan has now been in place for over a decade and has played an important role in the management of the waterway and surrounding environment. During the implementation phase of the 1998 plan there has been extensive achievement in the strategies and actions adopted. There has also been additional information collected, revised strategic planning for the region and new issues raised which require review and incorporation. To ensure the new information, planning requirements and issues are incorporated into the EMP, it is necessary to undertake regular reviews of the strategies and actions adopted.

Based on community survey, the Southern Natural Resource and Floodplain Management (NRFM) Committee undertook a review of the Estuary Management Plan strategies and actions in 2009. This review follows on from this work and forms the first formal review of the Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan in accordance with the NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979 and NSW Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans.

1.2.1 Management Plan Strategies and Actions At the time of the Plan development the six management areas that were identified as being of significance to Lake Conjola were:

• Water Quality;

• Erosion and Sedimentation;

• Flooding;

• Lake Ecology; • Recreation and Tourism; and,

• Lake Entrance Conditions.

The 1998 Estuary Management Plan included 23 strategies and 72 actions that were developed around each of the identified management areas. Of the 72 actions outlined within the EMP approximately 86% have been completed or implemented as ongoing action items. A visual summary of those actions completed is provided in Appendix A with commentary provided throughout this review document. Despite the high percentage of strategies and actions implemented, concerns remain over certain aspects of the Lake. These concerns have been addressed through the development of additional management areas, strategies and actions as outlined within Section 8 of this document. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

1.2.2 Revised Management Areas Along with additional strategies and actions it is also recommended to group the strategies and actions into new management areas that are better aligned with NSW Government Guidelines and SCC’s existing documentation. The new management areas are outlined below and are summarised further in Sections 8 and 9.

 Catchment Inputs and their Impacts – Water Quality and Sedimentation – Urban Stormwater – Onsite Effluent Management – Sewerage Scheme – Acid Sulphate Soils  Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation – Terrestrial Habitat – Riparian Habitat – Aquatic Habitat – Fish  Access, Recreation and Tourism – Foreshore Access – Aquatic Recreation – Boating Navigability  Entrance Management

 Flooding

 Adapting to Climate Change – Lake Level – Sea Level Rise – Strategies  Cultural Heritage

1.3 EMP Review Process Review of the existing Estuary Management Plan for Lake Conjola has been equally funded by SCC and the NSW Government.

Activities undertaken as part of this review process include:

 The identification of the values and issues currently and potentially affecting the health and use of the estuary through consultation and data review;

 The assessment and implementation of new studies and information;

 The assessment of current NSW Government policy and legislations in relation to management of estuaries;

 The review of the actions within the 1998 EMP; and, Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

 The development of new management areas, strategies and actions to be implemented to ensure ongoing, up to date management of the estuary; This review process has followed the guidelines outlined within the NSW Government Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (DECCW December 2010) as well as the requirements of the amended NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979 (amended 2010).

1.3.1 Consultation The methodology used to conduct this review essentially involved contacting each of the stakeholders and agencies responsible for implementing the plan, followed by a meeting with Council to determine the status of each of the strategies and actions outlined in the EMP. In addition, the Lake Conjola Community Consultative Body (CCB) was also given a 2 month period to comment on this review document which ended June 2012 with comments incorporated into the final document. The agencies contacted during the review process included National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), Department of Primary Industries Fisheries (DPI Fisheries), NSW Maritime, The Lake Conjola CCB and Shoalhaven City Council (SCC). The discussions and comments received during the development of this review document have assisted in guiding the development of revised management options and actions for the future management of Lake Conjola. The draft Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan Review 2012 was placed on formal public exhibition from 10 October 2012 to 9 November 2012. The draft Plan integrated previous comments provided by the Natural Resources Committee members. As part of the community consultation, Council’s staff attended a meeting on 22 October 2012 of the Conjola District Lakecare Association to present, discuss and answer any queries relating to the Plan. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

2. Review of Water Quality Objectives, Strategies and Actions

2.1 Objective Water quality is one of the key factors determining the ecological character of an estuary. It is also an important factor to people using the estuary for recreational or commercial purposes, or simply living on its foreshores and adjacent areas.

The water quality in an estuary is affected by a wide range of factors. The estuary can generally be considered to function as a ‘mixing bowl’, in which quantities of dissolved and particulate matter flow in, mix, decay or settle and flow out to varying degrees. The rates of mixing, decay etc. vary considerably among different estuaries. Key factors determining estuary water quality can be categorised as:

• Catchment inflows; • Point source pollutants;

• Physical water exchange; and,

• Internal Lake processes.

During the preparation of the EMP the following issues were raised by the local community in regards to water quality:

• Elevated levels of faecal coliforms, particularly in Conjola creek and Pattimores Lagoon;

• Turbidity related to increases in sedimentation;

• Decrease of dissolved oxygen levels; and

• The change of salinity regime in Lake Conjola and Pattimores Lagoon.

Through a review of available data at the time of the preparation of the EMP the following objective was developed in relation to the water quality within Lake Conjola. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

2.2 Strategies/Actions The factors affecting the water quality in Lake Conjola were assessed in order to develop strategies and actions to achieve the management objective. Table 1 contains the strategies and actions developed for managing and improving water quality in the Lake along with details of the current status of each action.

Table 1 Water Quality Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

WQ1 Upgrade Encourage septic tank pump out rather Yes Reticulated sewerage Sewerage than disposal into absorption trenches scheme implemented Scheme (short term) 2008

Reticulated sewerage scheme (long Yes term)

WQ2 Monitor bacterial Monitor faecal coliforms at swimming Yes, ongoing During periods of Lake levels in Lake areas closure, weekly Beachwatch monitoring is undertaken at 3 swimming sites. Quarterly water quality monitoring is undertaken at 13 sites.

Monitor faecal coliforms during a storm ongoing Included as part of weekly event at selected sites within the Lake Beachwatch testing during Lake closures and as resources allow.

WQ3 Prohibit on-site Insert provision into DCP to make N/A The Lake Conjola disposal system pump outs or alternative systems in Sewerage Scheme was for new accordance with Draft Guidelines for completed in 2008 and developments Onsite Wastewater Management applies only to urban Systems for Domestic Households areas. On-site sewage (EPA, NSW Health, DLWC, Local management systems in Govt. 1996) compulsory for all new non urban areas will development on flood liable land until continue to be inspected sewer is available by Council.

WQ4 Amend LEP to Provision of minimum buffer zone Riparian The draft SLEP 2013 considers the NSW incorporate widths assessment Government’s Guidelines erosion and procedures sediment control for riparian corridors on requirements waterfront land. The draft proposed Storm Water Controls for inclusion the Citywide DCP provides additional detail for development on waterfront land. At the time of the review neither document had been finalised.

Control clearing and vegetation Yes, ongoing Community notifications disturbance of illegal clearing are Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed investigated by Council Rangers.

WQ5 Undertake works Implement erosion control during Shoalhaven Stormwater Management to minimise construction and maintenance of roads Stormwater Plan (2000) ensures sediment loads Management procedures are followed Plan to minimise sediment loads during construction and maintenance of roads

Sediment control structures near Yes Control structures unsealed catchment roads Installed at West Lake ongoing Conjola.

Structural and vegetative creek bank Yes Bank stabilisation works stabilisation adjacent to Fishermans have also been Paradise boat ramp undertaken at the Lake entrance boat ramp, Cunjurong Point and West Lake Conjola.

Assess the feasibility of installing Not done To be investigated when sediment traps in areas of high funding is available sediment loads

WQ6 Ensure dissolved Investigate feasibility and cost of septic Superseded by sewerage oxygen is at tank pump out rather than disposal into N/A scheme appropriate levels absorption trenches (short term) to maintain the aquatic Provide incentives to residents for N/A ecosystem conversion to alternative systems

Reticulated sewerage scheme (long N/A term)

Detect illegal septic discharges Yes Environmental Services

Public education in dissolved oxygen Yes Water quality index and pollution monitoring results ongoing available online for public information.

Implement erosion and sediment Yes Council requires control during construction activities Environmental ongoing Management Plans outlining sediment and erosion control measures for any construction activities within the catchment. A UoW research project WQ7 Restore Assess the influence of Pattimores Yes completed in 2012, Pattimores lagoon Lagoon weir on salinity determined that no action salinity to was required. appropriate Determine previous salinity regime and N/A regime methods of restoration Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

2.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions

2.3.1 Water Quality Monitoring Undertaken Within Lake Conjola Water quality is important for human enjoyment of the estuary, including amenity, recreation and overall ecology of the aquatic system. In order to ascertain the quality of the water of Lake Conjola and ensure the water quality objective is being achieved, Shoalhaven City Council regularly undertakes sampling and presents water quality data at the below domain. http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/soe/Region/Indicator%20Results%2012/Surfacewaterqualitylakeconjola%2 012.htm

The sampling is undertaken quarterly at 13 sites as outlined in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Water Quality Sampling Locations (SCC)

A variety of indicators are monitored to measure changing conditions within Lake Conjola. These incorporate:

 Concentration of forms of nitrogen (µg/L);

 Concentration of forms of phosphorus (µg/L);

 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)

 Faecal coliform counts (cfu/100mL)

 Water acidity/alkalinity (pH)

 Water temperature (ºC);

 Salinity (ppt);

 Turbidity (NTUs)l; and, Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

 Chlorophyll a (µg/L). Council has adopted a Water Quality Index (WQI) which determines a value from the water quality results and then multiplies them by a weighting. All the results are then added to give an overall Water Quality Index. This method provides a snapshot view of catchment water quality. The sites in Lake Conjola have been assessed against WQI for the period 2009-2012, and were reported as having ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ water quality for this period as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Water Quality Index (SCC)

Water quality in Lake Conjola is considered to be good and improving. Since the implementation of the Entrance Management Plan (2003), SCC has developed an estuary health monitoring project which sets key actions and strategies in order to improve the health of Lake Conjola. Estuary Health Report Cards have been developed for major Shoalhaven estuaries in order to assess their overall health. These report cards are based on an assessment of chlorophyll a and turbidity data collected by Council, combined with information on estuary vegetation distribution change collected by DPI Fisheries. Based on these indicators, the ecosystem health of Lake Conjola has been rated as Good. Algae levels were consistently low, with water clarity always high. These report cards are available on Council’s website (State of Environment Report) and a sample is provided at Appendix B.

With the loss of tidal flushing when the entrance is closed, water colour changes, leading to understandable perceptions that water quality is compromised. In response to these concerns, and in addition to the monitoring described above, Council implemented weekly Beachwatch water quality monitoring at three sites (Entrance boat ramp, Killarney and Conjola Park). For the period January 2012 to January 2013, during Lake closure, results were consistently ‘Good’ or ‘Fair’. These results indicated that all sites were suitable for swimming. If results indicate that water quality is unsuitable for recreational purposes, then Council will inform the community through signage and media. Beachwatch ratings can be found on Council’s website. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

2.3.2 Water Quality Actions (WQ1 – WQ7) In order to improve the water quality within the estuary, address community concerns and implement the strategies/actions identified in the EMP, Council has undertaken, or will undertake the following:

 WQ1, WQ3 and WQ6: The Lake Conjola Sewerage Scheme was completed in 2008. This reduced the potential for elevated levels of faecal coliform in the estuary. On-site effluent management systems are still located on properties outside the urban areas, and Council will continue to inspect these systems for compliance;

 As outlined above, SCC undertakes extensive water quality data collection. In response to WQ2 quarterly monitoring of eight indicators, including bacterial levels in the Lake, is undertaken to ensure levels are in accordance with ANZECC guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. And, in order to address community concerns during periods of Lake closure, weekly Beachwatch monitoring is also undertaken;

 WQ4: The draft 2013 SLEP addresses water quality in Part 7, Additional Local Provisions (clause 7.6 Water), ‘The objective of this clause is to maintain the hydrological functions of riparian land, waterways and aquifers to protect water quality, natural water flows, stability of the bed and banks of waterways and groundwater systems. This clause applies to land within 50m of the bank of a natural waterbody’. In addition, the Draft Proposed Storm Water Controls (DCP 106) for inclusion in the Citywide DCP, contains further detail outlining Specific Controls for Waterfront Land. At the time of the review, the SLEP was still in the public exhibition period. The Citywide DCP will be finalised within six months of the SLEP.

 Bank stabilisation and foreshore rehabilitation works have been undertaken at four locations – Fishermans Paradise, the entrance boat ramp, Cunjurong Point and West Lake Conjola. Further bank stabilisation is proposed for Deepwater Estate in Lake Conjola village.

 To address WQ6 ongoing monitoring of the dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary are undertaken to ensure levels are in accordance with ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality; and

 WQ 7: Research by UoW PhD student, Ashlee Rene Clarke, was completed in late 2012. Ms Clarke concludes that Pattimores Lagoon is ‘behaving relatively similarly to the historic lagoon system.’ Therefore no action is required.

2.4 Recommendations/Actions The actions put in place by Shoalhaven City Council have been successful in improving the water quality in Lake Conjola.

Managing catchment inputs is vital for the protection of water quality and ecosystem health therefore emphasis should remain on minimising pollutant loads at the source by focusing on land use and related management practices. The following recommendations are provided in relation to maintaining and improving water quality in Lake Conjola (and further detailed in Section 9):

 Continue to educate the community in relation to the overall facts on the condition of the Lake and utilise Estuary Health Report Cards. Include information on what the community can do to improve water quality;

 Regularly assess water monitoring locations in the Lake and ensure the test parameters are of relevance and are in accordance with NSW Government Guidelines;

 Continue to inspect and regulate compliance of remaining on-site sewage systems in the Lake Conjola catchment; Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

 Investigate the viability of implementing water quality control structures such as sediment traps, artificial wetlands and trash racks to decrease sediment loading to the Lake and assess effectiveness once implemented;

 Investigate the possibility of deploying a permanent water quality probe with results uploaded regularly to eliminate the need for on-site personnel;

 Ensure that catchment inputs from potential re-developments are effectively managed through the application of DCP 122 - Sustainable Storm Water Management (includes principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design). The draft Shoalhaven Growth Management Strategy states that there is no potential for urban expansion at either West Conjola or Lake Conjola, however, there may be potential for some dual occupancy or infill development. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

3. Review of Erosion and Sedimentation Objectives, Strategies and Actions

3.1 Objective Erosion and sedimentation refers to the amount of material moved and deposited by the action of waves, water and wind into the waterways of the Lake.

Potential sources of sediment capable of infilling the Lake include the catchment, the Lake shore and the ocean. For Lake Conjola possible sediment sources outlined in the EMP include the following:

 Aeolian transport of barrier dune sands;

 Fine catchment soil carried into the Lake during a flood;

 Coarser material from bank erosion in the catchment transported down tributary streams onto fluvial deltas;

 Estuary bank erosion from wind and boat waves, human influence, and natural channel processes; and,

 Marine sand carried into the lower inlet channel reach by flood tides when the entrance is open. During the preparation of the EMP, evidence of significant sedimentation existed, dating back to 1944, in the shoals behind the entrance dune. It was proposed that the majority of the deposited sand had originated from the southern entrance dune however it was recommended that further site investigations would be required to confirm this hypothesis. It was noted that there were few existing erosion problems associated with the main water bodies of Lake Conjola, Berringer Lake and Pattimores Lagoon at the time the EMP was implemented. Minor localised bank erosion had been identified during field observations at various locations around the Lake and generally along the tidal channels which connected the main water bodies to the ocean.

During the development of the EMP possible causes of sedimentation and erosion were determined which included:

 Sediment Generation – Road construction and maintenance; – Agriculture and forestry land use practices; and, – Urban development.  Bank Erosion – Natural channel migration; – Wind waves; – Freshwater flood flows; – Vegetation removal and other human activities on the banks; – Trampling by stock; and, – Boating activities.  Other sources – Aeolian transport of exposed dune sands. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Based on the available information at the time of the development of the EMP the following objective was developed for the management of erosion and sedimentation within the Lake.

Photo 1 Lake Conjola Shoreline Vegetation to Prevent Shoreline Erosion

3.2 Strategies/Actions Historic and current sedimentation rates in the Lake were unknown during the preparation of the 1998 EMP. The strategies developed were to target the obvious causes of erosion through planning controls and protective works where necessary. The strategies and actions are provided in Table 2, together with the current status of each action item. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Table 2 Erosion and Sedimentation Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

ES1 Provide a Amend LEP to provide foreshore The draft SLEP 2013 consistent protection through retention of a buffer considers the NSW Yes approach to bank zone Government protection and guidelines for riparian revegetation corridors on waterfront land. Section 7.5 (Biodiversity) and 7.6 (Water) of the draft SLEP, together with the relevant mapping, provides for the protection of riparian land.

Amend LEP to incorporate long term Not done This issue is beyond strategy of public ownership of the capacity of local foreshore lands and wetlands government. SCC is awaiting action from Federal and State Governments.

Public education in management of Yes Signs installed at foreshore and riparian vegetation multiple locations around Lake foreshore.

ES2 Bank stabilisation Implement boat speed restrictions in Yes BPoM (2005) areas sensitive to wave action

Identify and fence off sensitive Yes The Southern Rivers foreshore areas CMA has worked with property owners to fence off sensitive areas along Conjola Creek and northern reaches of the Lake. Bank stabilisation adjacent to Yes Council has Fishermans Paradise boat ramp undertaken bank stabilisation and foreshore rehabilitation works at Cunjurong Pt, the Lake entrance boat ramp and West Lake Conjola. Further works are proposed for Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed Deepwater Estate.

Provide dinghy racks at foreshore Not done To be reassessed caravan parks

ES3 Entrance dune Formalise foreshore access (including ongoing Foreshore access stabilisation board and chain paths, dinghy racks continues to be and fencing) formalised

Investigate appropriateness of Yes Entrance Plan review vegetation planting on entrance dune

Investigate feasibility of realignment of Yes Following extensive main channel away from current community position near southern dune consultation, a more central intervention channel was trialled in February 2013.

3.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions Since the implementation of the EMP in 1998, the majority of the strategies/actions outlined above have been implemented or are ongoing action items. In 2002 a stormwater and road sedimentation audit was completed with implementation of mitigation measures being gradually implemented.

3.3.1 Embankment Protection and Revegetation (ES1) ES1: the Draft Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (SLEP) (2013) considers the NSW Government’s Guidelines for riparian corridors on waterfront land. Mapping linked to clause 7.6 Water shows three categories of ‘sensitivity’. Watercourse Category 1 includes the entire foreshore of Lake Conjola and attracts a 50m ‘buffer’. This means that before determining a DA, Council must consider any potential adverse impact in relation to natural flow regime, water quality of receiving waters, waterway’s natural flow paths, and stability of the waterway’s bed, shore and/or banks. Watercourse Categories 2 and 3 apply to catchment creeks with narrower buffers.

Public education: Signage has been installed at various locations around Lake Conjola to educate the community in relation to erosion, sediment control and the importance of foreshore and riparian vegetation. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Figure 4 Draft SLEP Zonings 2013 of Lake Conjola Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Photo 2 Cunjurong Point Foreshore Rehabilitation

3.3.2 Bank Stabilisation (ES2) Boating Plan of Management: In 2005 NSW Maritime implemented the Lake Conjola Boating Plan of Management (BPoM) which is designed to:

• Protect and sustain the recreational and environmental values of the waterway;

• Ensure the boating practices maximise user safety, enjoyment, public safety and amenity;

• Consider the needs of shore-based estuary users as well as boating-based activities;

• Review shore-based boating-related facilities or infrastructure such as launching ramps; and,

• Provide a framework for consultation.

The Plan contains strategies addressing values and issues relevant to both the entire estuary and location specific areas. The boat speed restrictions outlined in the Plan were implemented to address ES2 and to protect the foreshore from erosion as a result of boat wash. See Figure 5. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Figure 5 Boating Plan of Management Zones

Fencing sensitive areas on private land: In order to protect sensitive riparian areas in the northern reaches of the Lake (including 5 SEPP 14 Wetlands, see Figure 6), the Southern Rivers CMA has worked with property owners along Conjola Creek and the northern arm of the Lake to erect approximately 7km of fencing. There is still more fencing required to protect the creek banks upstream of Murrays Bridge where stock continue to access the banks and the water.

Bank stabilisation on public land: Bank stabilisation and foreshore rehabilitation works have been undertaken by Council at

 Cunjurong Point;

 Fisherman’s Paradise boat ramp;

 Entrance boat ramp; and,

 West Lake Conjola foreshore. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Works included bank stabilisation, construction of new walkways and carparks and planting of foreshore vegetation. At West Lake Conjola some storm water mitigation works were also undertaken. The next target area for bank stabilisation works is at Deepwater Estate (Garrad Way) in Lake Conjola village.

Council has continued to regularly assess the condition of foreshore protection assets throughout the catchment to ensure that the bank stabilisation strategy, ES2, continues to be fulfilled. A Shoreline Protection Condition Assessment of all Councils assets was undertaken in November 2010 to assess and prioritise works for future rehabilitation of assets. Photo 3 shows an area of Lake Conjola investigated during the condition assessment which requires rehabilitation.

Photo 3 Carol Avenue Reserve

3.3.3 Entrance Dune Stabilisation (ES3) The 2003/2004 estuary grant funding received was also used for undertaking the actions associated with strategy ES3. Foreshore access within the catchment has been improved and continues to improve. The Entrance Management Plan and Flood Risk Management Studies recently undertaken have broached the subject of the appropriateness of vegetating the entrance dune however it is recommended that further investigations be undertaken.

3.4 Recommendations/Actions Minimisation of erosion and sedimentation requires ongoing attention. Council has addressed most of the strategies outlined in the EMP and the following additional recommendations are made:

 Ensure that private and public shoreline protection works, either repair works or new works, comply with the Environmentally Friendly Seawall Guidelines (DECC and SMCMA, 2008). Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

 Develop an ongoing foreshore monitoring program to ensure that areas of bank erosion are identified and addressed on a regular basis to ensure minimisation of sediment loading entering the Lake;

 Further investigate erosion and sediment loads from road and track surfaces. Identify locations where roads/tracks intersect streams (GIS analysis) and implement appropriate mitigation works.

 Continue to educate the community in relation to the causes and effects of erosion and sedimentation;

 Ensure that buffer zones are maintained and reassess the inclusion of a buffer zone on the Shoalhaven draft LEP (2013). Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

4. Review of Flooding Objectives, Strategies and Actions

4.1 Objective The Lake Conjola Flood Study 2007 (BMT WBM) identified two main causes of flooding at Lake Conjola; flooding as a result of intense rainfall in the catchment (catchment flooding) and flooding resulting from severe ocean conditions (ocean flooding), causing elevated ocean water levels to extend into Conjola Lake. The 2013 Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMS&P) defines both flood types and identifies a third cause of flooding, • Catchment Flooding: Flooding from runoff generated from significant rainfall in the catchment contributing to flows into Lake Conjola • Ocean Flooding: Flooding from very high ocean water levels, typically as a combination of big tides and storm surge and; • Low-level Persistent Flooding: Flooding of the lowest parts of the foreshore areas from gradual rises in Lake level during periods of entrance closure or under potentially higher tidal conditions with sea level rise and an open entrance. The FRMS&P concludes that whilst a closed entrance may increase the likelihood of low level persistent flooding and decreases the likelihood of ocean flooding, it has little impact on major catchment flood events. In these events, flooding is likely to occur whether the entrance is open or closed. Catchment runoff during heavy rainfall events causes significant rises in water levels in many estuaries on the NSW coast. Flood inflows perform several functions vital to the maintenance of an estuary’s character and condition including:

 Introduction of nutrients and organic material from the catchment into the estuary where they may be incorporated in the food chain;

 Inundation of low lying wetlands that are dependent on the cycle of wetting and drying to maintain their viability; and,

 Scouring of entrance channel sand shoals that generally move upstream under tidal influence. Scour is most effective when the difference in water level between the estuary and the ocean is maximised. Sand, scoured from the entrance, is deposited offshore and then moved back onshore by wave and tidal action. The land on which the majority of the Lake Conjola township is located is low-lying. Therefore, there is potential for flooding of residential properties and caravan parks, primarily those located adjacent to the foreshore. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Photo 4 Minor Flooding at Lake Conjola

As a means of reducing or controlling minor freshwater flooding in the township, the Draft Interim Lake Conjola Entrance Policy (2012) outlines proposed triggers that would justify mechanical intervention.

The issues raised by the community during the development of the EMP in relation to flooding included the following:

 Flooding of low lying properties;

 Inundation of septic systems; and,

 The effect of the current entrance opening level on the Lake system. The flooding objective developed for Lake Conjola through the EMP process was:

4.2 Strategies/Actions

The strategies and actions developed are essentially consistent with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual and are outlined in Table 3. Further detail of how Council has addressed each strategy is provided in section 4.3.

Table 3 Flooding Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

FL1 Prepare and Form a Floodplain Risk Management Yes The Southern Natural implement a Committee Resources and Floodplain floodplain Management Committee management plan was formed in 2003

Carry out flood study (including Yes Flood Study 2007 influence of entrance characteristics, catchment and ocean conditions etc.)

Carry out floodplain management Yes FRMS&P completed 2013 study (assessment of management options including structural and non- structural measures)

Review flood standard incorporating Yes both flooding and environmental considerations

Develop a floodplain management plan Yes

FL2 Assess the Identify level of flooding which will N/A No longer relevant as the ecological/water inundate septic systems sewerage scheme has quality issues in been completed conjunction with the flood study Review management study options Yes FRMS&P has reviewed with consideration of environmental the management options impacts available to Council

4.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions Both of the strategies developed in relation to flooding have been addressed.

4.3.1 Flood Study and Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FL1 and FL2) The Southern Natural Resources Floodplain Management was formed in 2003. From this committee emerged the 2007 Flood Study and the 2013 Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. The Lake Conjola Flood Study investigated flooding in the catchment to identify the critical or worst case flood conditions for a range of flood events for both catchment and ocean flooding. It was determined that for different locations within the catchment, and for different size flood events, the dominant flooding mechanism can vary, being either catchment rainfall or ocean flooding. The Flood Study determined that the condition of the entrance has a significant influence on flood behaviour in Conjola Lake. For low level catchment flooding, an effective open entrance provides for lower flood levels in comparison to a shoaled or closed entrance. However, generally for ocean flooding, an open entrance is less favourable as this allows greater penetration of ocean water into the estuary under storm surge (ocean flooding) conditions.

The conclusions of the FRMS&P have been outlined above. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

The aim of the FRMS&P is to ensure that existing and future development is exposed to an ‘acceptable’ level of risk, consistent with other risks that people live with on a day to day basis. Most importantly, the Plan seeks to minimise Risks to Life. Due to the legacy of approved developments in low lying areas, flood risk will remain significant regardless of the management measures being implemented.

4.4 Recommendations/Actions Flooding continues to be a very important area of management for the Lake Conjola community and should be a main focus area for Council. However, no major flooding has recently been experienced at Lake Conjola and as a result flood risks are misunderstood by the community and lack sufficient consideration in planning and development decisions.

The following recommendations are made in relation to flooding:

 Continue to update and educate the community in relation to flooding, the risks associated with flooding and strategies for mitigating against those risks;

 Ensure the controls identified in the NSW Floodplain Development Manual and DCP 106 Floodplain Management, are applied in determining development applications;

 Ensure that the management strategies developed in the Flood Risk Management Plan are appropriately considered in the Estuary Management Plan and the CZMP.

 Ensure future planning for the area recognises the increased flood risks as a consequence of climate change and sea level rise; Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

5. Review of Lake Ecology Objective, Strategies and Actions

5.1 Objective Due to the unpredictable nature of rainfall in south-east Australia, the opening behaviour of estuaries can be intermittent and erratic and the salinity regime is comparatively variable (Roy et al. 2001). As the opening and closing of estuary entrances is a natural occurrence, the plants and animals residing in and around them have adapted to the variability in environmental conditions. Estuaries provide critical habitat for many species of fish, invertebrates and birds, for all or part of their life cycles and often support important commercial and recreational fisheries. Estuaries represent the boundary between marine and freshwater ecosystems and as such they support a combination of habitats and species from both systems. The sheltered environment created in estuaries and the predominance of a soft sediment substrate has resulted in the creation of habitats not usually found outside estuaries such as mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrass beds as shown in Figure 6. Estuaries are dynamic environments, constantly changing their patterns of water movement and standard of water quality, resulting in low species diversity compared with freshwater or marine systems.

A diverse array of aquatic habitats exist within Lake Conjola including seagrasses, mangroves, shoals, wetlands, rocky outcrops and walls and timber pilings. Lake Conjola is a dynamic estuary, with each of these habitats being directly affected by the open or closed state of the entrance. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Figure 6 Lake Conjola Aquatic Ecology

Ecological values identified specifically for Lake Conjola during the development of the EMP where:

 A diverse assemblage of fish;

 Presence of seagrasses; and,

 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 14 wetlands. Because estuaries are popular sites for development, urbanisation, recreation and harvesting, the habitats and species associated with estuaries are possibly the most vulnerable and frequently impacted sites of the coast. Many estuarine habitats and communities have been altered or lost due to direct physical disturbance or as a result of decline in water quality. Those issues identified during the development of the EMP for Lake Conjola included:

 Perception in reduction of areas of seagrass beds; and

 Perception of a decline in fish populations. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

The ecological objective developed for Lake Conjola through the EMP process is provided below.

5.2 Strategies/Actions The strategies and actions developed for the Lake Conjola Ecology through the EMP process are outlined in Table 4 with further details of how Council has achieved each action in Section 5.3.

Table 4 Ecology Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

AE1 Maintain and Further delineate areas of seagrass by Yes BPoM incorporated 4 knot protect seagrass channel markers and buoys zones along with buoys beds and markers to delineate areas of seagrass

Stabilise eroding banks that are Yes 4 knot zones reduce the determined to be increasing potential for bank erosion ongoing sedimentation and/or turbidity levels in along with Council’s the Lake shoreline assessment and revegetation program

Manage stormwater to reduce Yes Stormwater Management sedimentation and nutrient loads Plan 2000 – implement ongoing entering the Lake and review

AE2 Sustainably Undertake a recreational fish catch Yes, manage fish (creel survey) over a full year to recreational communities determine the nature and magnitude of fishing laws the current recreational fishery DPI including fishing effort, species catch, total catch, catch per unit effort etc.

Continue to monitor and assess the N/A Commercial fishing commercial fish catch, effort and catch prohibited in the Lake per unit effort trends for individual species and all species

Compare the commercial and N/A recreational catches to determine if the resource is being shared appropriately and is not declining Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

Continue to enforce the existing Ongoing Recreational fishing laws commercial and recreational fisheries are enforced, commercial regulations and closures fishing is prohibited

Educate fishing community of current Yes Signs/brochures adopted rules to ensure conservation of the fish DPI resource and its habitat

AE3 Public education Develop and implement public Yes Council has erected signs on importance awareness and education and throughout Conjola with and value of programs (brochures, signs, personal information on the aquatic ecology of contact) to describe ecological value of habitats within the Lake Lake Conjola the Lake, identifying vulnerable habitats and management plan

AE4 Maintain and Amend LEP to provide Environment Yes SEPP14 wetlands have protect SEPP14 protection zonings for SEPP 14 been identified as wetlands wetlands Sensitive areas and zoned E2 in the draft SLEP

5.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions The number, type and location of species in an estuary are determined by water quality (salinity, light availability, nutrient levels and turbidity), substrate type and availability and patterns of water movement. Because all these factors can alter significantly under natural conditions, estuaries are often colonised by species (both marine and freshwater) which can tolerate extreme changes in these characteristics. In addition to the variation resulting from natural events, impacts from human activities can also significantly alter these factors.

5.3.1 Seagrass (AE1) Three species of seagrass were recorded in Lake Conjola in a study undertaken in 1985. The seagrass beds were patchy near the mouth of the Lake, possibly reflecting the mobile shoals with smaller areas at the end of each sheltered bay. The shape and location of seagrasses had changed in many parts of the Lake by 1994. The status of seagrass communities around the Lake is reported in the State of the Catchments report (DECCW, 2010) as poor. This analysis was based on an apparent 68% loss in seagrass area from 1985 to 2006. Previous studies have noted that increased recreational boating over shallow seagrass beds is a likely contributor to decline in some areas, however, natural fluctuations are also likely to be a factor.

The strategy to maintain and protect seagrass beds (AE1) is being managed by SCC and NSW Maritime. The Boating Plan of Management for Lake Conjola incorporates 4 knot zones along with channel markers and buoys to ensure that areas with seagrass populations are delineated and to ensure that erosion to the foreshore is minimised, Figure 7. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Figure 7 Boating Plan of Management Boating Controls (NSW Maritime BPoM 2005)

Fish sampling in Lake Conjola was carried out by Pollard (1994) between April and May 1985 using gill nets, and between August 1984 and September 1986 using beach seines, beam trawls and rotenone ichthyocide (fish poison). One hundred species of fish were captured, with almost half of the species of some economic importance to commercial and recreational fisheries.

5.3.2 Sustainable Management of Fish Communities (AE2) The sustainable management of the fish communities identified within Lake Conjola (AE2) has been addressed through the Department of Primary Industries fishing laws and prohibition of commercial fishing in Lake Conjola. Commercial fishing was prohibited in order to manage the spread of Caulerpa taxifolia. In addition, the Estuary Program in 2003/04 provided funding for signage, pamphlets and brochures regarding sustainable fishing practices.

5.3.3 Public Education (AE3) Signs have been installed around Lake Conjola in order to address AE3 and educate the Lake Conjola community on the importance and value of the aquatic ecology of the Lake. Photo 5 is an example of the educational signage incorporated within the catchment area. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Photo 5 Lake Conjola Education Signage

5.3.4 SEPP14 Wetlands (AE4) In natural systems, wetland vegetation is responsive to its environment. Interpretation of changes in spatial spread, abundance and composition may not necessarily indicate long term decline, increase or change in wetlands. These changes may be attributed to a variety of parameters e.g. dry / wet years, increased / decreased salinity, physical destruction and regrowth etc. Figure 8 shows the areas of SEPP14 wetland associated with Lake Conjola. Wetlands around Lake Conjola are considered to be of national significance as habitat for migratory wetland species such as waders and shorebirds. The Southern Rivers CMA holds detailed datasets and baseline mapping of wetland vegetation communities, condition and threats, compiled by Wetland Care Australia. This information can be used to ensure that AE4 is successfully achieved and the wetlands are maintained.

Figure 8 Lake Conjola SEPP14 Wetlands (SCC) Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

5.3.5 Riparian Zones Riparian zones are those areas which interface between land and water. Plant habitats and communities along the banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by hydrophilic plants. Riparian zones are significant in ecology, environmental management and civil engineering because of their role in soil conservation, their habitat biodiversity and the influence they have on fauna and aquatic ecosystems, including grassland, woodland and wetlands. The Office of Environment and Heritage (DECCW 2006) promotes three riparian categories and objectives as outline below.

 Category 1 – Environmental Corridor – Provides biodiversity linkages by maintaining connectivity for the movement of aquatic and terrestrial species along the riparian corridor and between key destinations such as the Lake and the upper catchment. – Provides a ‘core riparian zone’ (CRZ) with a minimum width of 40m from the top of the bank and a vegetated buffer of 10 m minimum width to protect the CRZ from edge effects.  Category 2 – Terrestrial and Aquatic Habitat – Provides basic habitat and preserves or emulates as much as possible a naturally functioning stream (not necessarily linking key destinations). – Provides a ‘core riparian zone’ (CRZ) with a minimum width of 20 m from the top of the bank and a vegetated buffer of 10 m minimum width to protect the CRZ from edge effects.  Category 3 – Bank Stability and Water Quality – Prevent accelerated rates of soil erosion and enhances water quality. – Contributes to the overall basic health of a catchment. – Provides a minimum riparian width of 10 m from the top of the bank.

5.4 Recommendations/Actions Estuaries provide critical habitats for a range of species and as such the ecological values of the estuary need to be maintained for future generations. The following recommendations are made in relation to the ecology of Lake Conjola, and further summarised in Section 9:

 Identify key estuarine vegetation communities around the Lake, such as saltmarsh, that have the potential to migrate landwards with sea level rise. Prioritise these areas for protection;

 Continue to increase community awareness in regard to the management of Caulerpa taxifolia;

 Promote ongoing research into the management of Caulerpa taxifolia;

 Research the impacts of mechanical intervention on Lake ecology and continue research into the hydrological and ecological processes at work in and around the Lake. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

6. Review of Recreation and Tourism Objective, Strategies and Actions

6.1 Objective Lake Conjola is highly valued for the recreation and tourism opportunities that it offers. The Lake has long been recognised as a prime location to live and visit due to its largely unspoilt natural environment and the diverse range of recreational pursuits that the area offers. The Lake provides a large expanse of protected water for power boating, skiing, sailing, canoeing, swimming and fishing. The area also offers opportunities for tourists, with many groups visiting including water skiers, fisherman, families and caravaners.

As a result of the attraction of Lake Conjola there is a substantial economic dependence among the local community on the income generated from recreation and tourism.

During development of the EMP, conflicts associated with recreation activities were identified. These included:

 Conflict between passive and active recreation activities; – Both activities being carried out in the same areas at the same time – Boat noise – Inappropriate boating controls  Cumulative impacts of development around the Lake; – Excessive foreshore development generating poor quality runoff, particularly sewage – Inequitable allocation of water use areas  Informal boat launching; – Lack of public boating facilities. It was recognised that an uncoordinated and uncontrolled approach to recreation and tourism may lead to deterioration of Lake ecology. This in turn could potentially impact on tourism and the range of recreational pursuits in the region. As such the following objective was developed in relation to recreation and tourism.

6.2 Strategies/Actions The strategies developed around recreation and tourism in the EMP focused on equitably sharing the resources of the Lake and formalising current uses to ensure the resources were protected and conserved in the future. The strategies developed are outlined within Table 5. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Table 5 Recreation and Tourism Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

REC1 Improve and Assess usage of formal and informal launching Yes Actioned through the manage boat sites. BPoM (2005) launching facilities Assess feasibility of new boat launching facility Yes in western part of lake, in particular Killarney.

Assess relocation of caravan park boat ramp. Yes New facility proposed Conjola Park - low priority. Need to control levels of boating due to Caulerpa taxifolia

Assess areas of bank erosion near formal and Yes The foreshore informal launching sites. rehabilitation program has assessed areas of bank erosion

Provide formal boating access in western area Yes A sealed access way of the Lake. has been provided at west Conjola Valley Drive

REC2 Coordinate Develop a local tourism plan. Not done future tourist development to preserve the Assess the cumulative impacts of current Yes Estuary Health ecological and development on the ecology and water quality Monitoring Program recreational of the Lake. with information values of the provided through Lake Estuary Health Report Cards

REC3 Minimise conflict Review and develop new Lake boating Yes Addressed through the between boating controls. BPoM activities Enforce speed limits. Yes Ongoing through BPoM and signage Install boat speed limit signage. Yes

Initiate public education of boating controls. Yes

Monitor effect of new Lake boating controls on Yes bank erosion and other environmental factors.

Investigate the need for a potential statutory Yes Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed mechanism for defining active/passive waterway usage areas.

6.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions All of the strategies/actions developed during the EMP have been addressed.

6.3.1 Management of Boat Launching Facilities (REC1) There is formalised boat access to various sections of the Lake as highlighted in Figure 5; however at the time of review of the EMP the number of boat access points appeared to be insufficient due to the number of informal boat launching ramps that were observed. As part of REC1 Council in partnership with NSW Maritime, has and continues to manage and upgrade the formal boat launching facilities available to the recreational users of the Lake.

The Lake has a number of boat launching ramps (both formal and informal), located around the estuary. As part of REC1, these facilities were inspected during May to September 2004 in order to develop appropriate management strategies. Results from the inspection are provided in Appendix C.

The NSW Maritime Boating Plan of Management (BPoM) 2005 developed for Lake Conjola was implemented to achieve the following:

 Protect and sustain the recreational and environmental values of the waterway;

 Ensure that boating practices maximise user safety, enjoyment, public safety and amenity;

 Consider the needs of shore-based estuary users as well as boating-based activities;

 Review shore-based boating-related facilities or infrastructure such as launching ramps; and,

 Provide a framework for consultation. NSW Maritime, in consultation with SCC, has ensured that the boat launching facilities of Lake Conjola are effectively managed in order to address REC1.

6.3.2 Coordinate Future Tourist Development (REC2) Of relevance to Lake Conjola, the Shoalhaven Tourism Master Plan 2012 – 2017 aims to work with local communities to enhance the visual impact, appeal and product base of key localities and to develop special interest, activity based marketing based on fishing, boating, canoeing, cycling and mountain- biking. The challenge for Council, communities and business is to implement these aims whilst preserving the natural values of the Lake.

6.3.3 Minimise Conflict between Boating Activities (REC3) During preparation of the EMP conflicts between passive and active users of the waterway became evident. These conflicts are, in part, addressed by the BPoM developed by NSW Maritime in 2005. The actions under strategy REC3 were to; implement boating controls, speed limits, speed limit signage, public education of boating controls and to monitor the effect the new Lake boating controls have on the erosion within the region, all of which were and continue to be addressed as part of the BPoM. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

6.4 Recommendations/Actions In order to maintain and encourage a range of safe and compatible recreational opportunities that are consistent with the ecological and aesthetic values of the Lake, it is recommended that the strategies and actions are regularly addressed and updated. The following recommendations are made in relation to the strategies/actions:

 Ensure EMP strategies and actions are updated when the BPoM is revised;

 Restrict informal boat access points;

 Ensure the monitoring of erosion as a result of boat wake is regularly assessed and, where necessary, enforce 4 knot zones;

 Ensure that any community education activities are targeted to visitors as well as residents;

 Ensure objectives and outcomes from the Shoalhaven Tourism Master Plan are incorporated into the EMP for Lake Conjola. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

7. Review of Lake Entrance Management Objective, Strategies and Actions

7.1 Objective Lake Conjola is classified as a barrier estuary with steep valley sides and a central basin that formed when the sea level rose and drowned the river valley formed 6,500 years ago. It is an immature estuary that has remained largely unaffected by river sedimentation. A study undertaken in 1999 identified four basic entrance states, specifically • Regime State: describes the steady end state whereby the entrance naturally and gradually establishes in the absence of any sudden changes caused by major floods and storms. • Flood Scoured State: Flood Scoured state describes the condition whereby a sudden change occurs to the entrance as a result of a significant flood leading to a net loss of sand from the entrance shoals and widening of the entrance.

Photo 6 Flood Scoured State, 1999

• Intermediate State: characterised by rapid infilling of entrance shoals after a major flood and before reaching regime conditions (1-2 years). • Storm Washover State: describes the scenario whereby a sudden change occurs to the entrance caused by major to severe storm waves washing over the entrance spit leading to blocking of the entrance channel.

Historically the entrance to Lake Conjola has been predominantly open. Recent extended closure has raised community concerns on the potential effects the closure might have on the Lake. Flood risk to surrounding development during low level flood events requires mechanical intervention at 1m AHD. Effects on the ecology of the Lake, with continued artificial openings, are unknown. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Entrance behaviour is a complex process due to the unpredictable nature of coastal processes acting to infill the entrance with beach sand and fluvial processes, resulting from rain, acting to scour sand out of the entrance. In order to improve understanding of the complex entrance behaviour, studies were undertaken by Shoalhaven City Council and Patterson Britton and Partners in 1996 and 1999, with findings presented in the Lake Conjola Entrance Study. The issues identified during the development of the EMP in relation to the Lake entrance are outlined below:

 Perceived deterioration of water quality when the entrance is closed;

 Flood risk when entrance is closed;

 Impacts on aquatic ecology of artificial opening regime;

 Reduced entrance scour from increased opening frequency; and

 The position and frequency of artificial entrance openings. Based on the identified issues SCC developed a management objective to ensure that the community concerns were addressed.

7.2 Strategies/Actions In order to achieve the management objective outlined above the strategies and actions outlined in Table 6 were developed.

Table 6 Lake Entrance Management Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed

EM1 Develop an Assess the relative contribution of the Yes Entrance review appropriate barrier dune to entrance shoaling determined that sand from management through photogrammetric techniques. the barrier dune can policy for the Lake cause shoaling of the entrance entrance

Identify and/or confirm historical Lake Yes Entrance review identified opening position along barrier dune those locations of from aerial photography. historical Lake openings ranging from the north to mid spit

Investigate cost and benefits of various Yes Flood Risk Management management strategies which include Study and Plan(FRMS&P) options other than dredging the entrance channel. The dredging Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Action Comments Completed strategies should include assessment of effects on erosion of dune adjacent to the entrance channel.

Assess the impacts of entrance Yes FRMS&P has identified conditions on flooding. that in larger flood events the state of the entrance will not impact on flooding in Conjola

Develop, document and adopt an Yes FRMPS& 2013 Entrance Management Policy using 2013 Interim Entrance the outcomes of the floodplain Management Policy and management study and the actions REF in final draft. listed above.

EM2 Investigate effects Collate information on the effects of Not done Potential for research of artificial artificial Lake opening on the topic opening on Lake abundance, distribution and ecology and water community structure of various quality biological groups.

Assess the feasibility of carrying out a Yes Estuary Health Monitoring biological monitoring program using Program - vulnerable appropriate indicator lands assessment organisms/community and/or vegetation identified above.

Monitor faecal coliforms at selected Yes Refer section 2.3.1 sites during rises in Lake levels, during and after artificial Lake entrance opening.

EM3 Increase Prepare brochure/poster Underway Lake Conjola specific community brochure/poster to awareness address issues of around entrance community concern. management issues

7.3 Review of Complete and Incomplete Actions Several of the villages bordering Lake Conjola are low lying and susceptible to inundation if the levels in the Lake exceed approximately 1 m AHD. The Lake is a popular tourist destination with many attractions situated on low lying land. It is therefore important that water levels in the Lake are monitored and the Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

entrance effectively managed in order to minimise disturbance to the local community, tourism industry and assets. Since completion of the Lake Conjola Sewerage System in 2008, it is now no longer necessary to open the Lake solely to maintain water quality.

7.3.1 Lake Entrance Management Policy (EM1) In the past the Lake entrance has been managed in accordance with the Lake Conjola Entrance Management Plan, developed by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) in 2003. The plan aimed to ensure a permanently open entrance, with entrance dredging works implemented when necessary, to prevent closure as an interim measure until the sewerage system was completed. A permanently open entrance was necessary because when the entrance was closed and water levels were raised, private septic systems would become inundated and leak sewerage. The long term goal of the NSW Government is to retain or progressively reinstate natural entrance behaviour and to progressively remove, relocate or modify assets or activities that are affected by inundation if the entrance is allowed to return to a natural regime. In 2011/12 an Interim Entrance Management Policy was produced. The policy outlines the circumstances under which Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) is to artificially open Lake Conjola entrance and provides a rational decision making procedure for undertaking the works. The policy aims to:

• Minimise risk to public safety associated with excessive inundation of foreshores and associated infrastructure as a result of low level flooding1;

• Minimise interference with natural entrance opening processes and minimise associated impacts on ecological processes;

• Respond to local community values;

• Articulate the procedures to be initiated for entrance operations including entrance breakouts;

• Articulate key responsibilities for management of the entrance; and

• Detail the procedures for monitoring the Lake Entrance.

7.3.2 Effect of Artificial Openings on Lake Ecology (EM2) Investigations into the effect of artificial openings on the Lake’s ecology and water quality (EM2) are ongoing. As outlined in Section 2, water quality monitoring is undertaken on a regular basis. Various papers have been prepared relating to the impact artificial openings may have on the ecology of ICOLLs such as Lake Conjola.

Research papers have determined that whilst there is evidence that the macroinvertebrate ecology of the beach berm may recover relatively quickly after an artificial opening (Gladstone et al., 2006), ecosystems in and around the ICOLL are likely to be subject to more significant and longer lasting impacts.

Potential environmental impacts of artificial entrance management within the ICOLL and its fringing environments have been documented by Stephens and Murtagh (2012) as follows:

1 It is important to note that an open entrance does not eliminate the risk of flooding for the Lake Conjola community refer Lake Conjola Flood Study (July 2007). Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

 Marinisation through increased and more stable salinities leading to changes in aquatic vegetation communities. Specifically, moving to more regular tidal range and inundation periods may also promote the establishment or expansion of mangroves at the expense of other vegetation types.

 The hydrology of fringing wetlands is changed when consistently opening entrances at lower levels through the reduction in inundation levels and periods (Spurway et al. 2000). Many coastal lakes in NSW have fringing communities of the endangered ecological community coastal saltmarsh (Creese et al. 2009) that rely on periodic inundation.

 Fish kills can occur as a result of anoxic conditions in ICOLLs following artificial opening (see Wilson et al. 2002 for a description of processes leading to anoxia). Fish kills can be the most immediate environmental impact and have the greatest visual and olfactory impact for local communities (Wilson et al. 2002, Arundel 2006 and Stephenson 2011).

 Reduced fish habitat and stock (Jones and West 1995). Direct loss of habitat can occur where seagrass beds have established in entrance channels that then change as a result of artificial opening. Whilst the impact of artificial entrance opening on fish communities remains largely unpredictable, Jones and West (1995) document the short-term visitation of larger economically important fish species to the detriment of the abundance of smaller resident species after artificial entrance opening. The salinity regime of individual lakes contributes to the structuring of fish assemblages on a regional scale (Jones and West 1995, NSW Fisheries, 1999).

 Increased sand shoaling at the entrance (Haines 2008) and reduced opening duration (Spurway et al. 2000) due to inefficient scour of entrances at low opening levels. As outlined previously, Estuary Health Reports Cards are currently being prepared to monitor the health of Lake Conjola. These cards will monitor water quality, along with the changes in estuarine vegetation and will provide an overall indication Lake health.

7.3.3 Community Awareness of Entrance Opening (EM3) As part of the Interim Entrance Management Policy and the Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, community consultation sessions were conducted and brochures, web pages and flyers produced to raise community awareness of entrance behaviour and management. The need for community awareness is ongoing and will need to be continually addressed in order to ensure the community is well informed regarding the state of the entrance and its management.

7.4 Recommendations/Actions The following recommendations are made in relation to the ongoing management of the Lake entrance:

 Continue to review entrance management practices to ensure they are in line with best practice guidelines, NSW Government requirements and available research;

 Continue to engage with the community regarding the natural processes of the Lake and the potential impacts of mechanical interventions;

 Complete further studies into the appropriateness of entrance dune vegetation with due regard to flooding, entrance shoaling and environmental risks. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

8. Revised Management Areas

Together with the review of strategies and actions outlined in the 1998 EMP, it is recommended that new areas of management be adopted that better reflect NSW Government Programs and SCC’s existing documentation. Additional areas of management are outlined below along with additional information not included in the 1998 EMP.

8.1 Catchment Inputs and their Impacts The various inputs from the catchment can have huge detrimental effects on the Lake if they are not managed effectively. Potential sources of catchment inputs include:

 Urban stormwater;

 Road, driveway, track and cleared land runoff;

 Rural land management practices;

 On site sewerage dispersal from rural properties; and

 Sewer overflows. All of the above are addressed in the EMP Review under Water Quality (Section 2) and Erosion and Sedimentation (Section 3). In addition to the objectives already reviewed, it is recommended that strategies relating to disturbance of acid sulphate soils are also identified. Figure 9 shows potential areas of acid sulphate soil in and around Lake Conjola.

Figure 9 Potential Acid Sulphate Soils (SCC Web Maps)

z Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

8.2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation Biodiversity is the collective term for all living things (plants, animals, and mircrobes) that are found in Lake Conjola and its catchment. The 1998 EMP included the management area of Lake Ecology (Section 5) which is aligned with the new management area of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation. The strategies and actions developed in order to effectively manage biodiversity and ecosystem protection are summarised in section 9.

8.3 Access, Recreation and Tourism Access and recreation was addressed in the 1998 EMP in the management areas of Erosion and Sedimentation (Section 3) and Recreation and Tourism (Section 6). Lake Conjola is highly valued for the recreation and tourism that it offers and thus needs to be managed in order to effectively maintain the attributes of the area for future generations. The strategies and actions developed relating to ccess, recreation and tourism as outlined in the sections above are summarised in Section 9.

8.4 Entrance Management Management of the Lake entrance was an important objective identified in the 1998 EMP and it remains a significant issue for the local community and visitors to the area. As such it is recommended that it be retained as a management area. The future strategies and actions recommended for management of the entrance are outlined in Section 9.

8.5 Flooding The land on which the majority of the Lake Conjola Township is located is low-lying. Therefore, there is potential for flooding of residential properties and caravan parks, primarily those located adjacent to the foreshore. Flooding is, and will continue to be, a very important issue for the Lake Conjola community and as such it is recommended to maintain and continually revise the strategies and actions developed in relation to flooding. Section 9 summarises those strategies and actions relevant to management of flooding in the catchment.

8.6 Adapting to Climate Change Climate change is changing the way in which we manage our coasts and waterways. The potential effects of climate change on the physical, chemical and biological processes of coastal lakes as outlined by Haines and Thom (2007) are provided below:

 Increases in rainfall intensity could increase the potential for delivery of sediments and nutrients from the catchment;

 Changes to ocean water levels will impact on foreshore erosion; and

 Increasing Lake water levels will result in inundation of fringing wetlands, some of which (such as saltmarsh) may migrate landward if there are no intervening human structures. However, to the potential detriment of existing brackish and terrestrial vegetation communities; the rate of climate change may be faster than the rate at which some species can adapt. As a result of climate change sea level rise is predicted, this in turn could result in a rise in the Lake water level causing inundation of low lying urban areas and ecological communities. An adaptive approach to managing the impacts of climate change needs to be adopted. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

8.7 Cultural Heritage Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people place cultural values on natural areas including aesthetic, social, spiritual and recreational values. Cultural values may be attached to the landscape as a whole or to individual components, for example to plant and animal species used by Aboriginal people. Cultural values may consist of both physical remains and non-physical manifestations such as knowledge, stories and memories.

Aboriginal people have utilised the resources of the area for the last 20,000 years, especially the Lake and coastline. Conjola National Park contains a large number of Aboriginal sites including middens, campsites, rock shelters and grinding grooves. Non Indigenous people have used the area for industry and recreation since the 1800s, particularly logging, fishing and informal camping and beach activities along the coast. During review of the EMP there were no identified cultural heritage strategies or actions for Lake Conjola, however the 2009 Conjola National Park Management Plan contains areas of management which should be incorporated into the EMP, including:

 Consult and involve relevant Aboriginal community organisations and representatives of traditional custodian families about all aspects of management of Aboriginal sites and values associated with Lake Conjola;

 Protect Aboriginal sites from damage by human activities, carry out surveys and risk assessments as required;

 Precede all works which have the potential to impact on Aboriginal sites, with an archaeological assessment; and,

 Continue to incorporate Aboriginal heritage considerations into all relevant planning and natural resources decisions. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

9. Recommendations/Actions

It is recommended that the following management areas, strategies and actions be incorporated into the EMP and that a review of these actions be undertaken in approximately 5 – 10 years time. Monitoring of each strategy and action should be ongoing to document results and effectiveness.

Table 7 EMP Management Strategies and Actions

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

A Access, Recreation and Tourism

A1 Minimise conflict between Ensure EMP strategies and SCC Strategic Planning water based activities actions are updated when the BPoM is revised.

Monitor impacts of boat wake Roads and Maritime and, where necessary, enforce 4 Services (RMS)/SCC knot zones.

Continue to educate the boating RMS/SCC community in relation to boating controls.

Restrict informal boat access RMS/SCC points.

A2 Coordinate future tourist Ensure objectives in the development with Shoalhaven Tourism Master Plan Shoalhaven Tourism are incorporated into EMP for Master Plan Lake Conjola i.e.

• Explore options for dredging the SCC/Crown Lands channel – to improve navigation and safety. • Strengthen the two small retail precincts with foreshore picnic SCC Tourism facilities and small pontoon / jetty / board walk where boats and canoes can tie up and get a coffee, ice cream etc. • Upgrade directional signage to National Park day use areas and SCC Tourism/NPWS walking tracks in the Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve.

A3 Community education Ensure that any community SCC education activities are targeted Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

to visitors as well as residents.

B Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation

B1 Preserve and improve Identify key estuarine vegetation SCC Strategic Planning riparian buffer zones communities around the Lake, /Development and such as saltmarsh, that have the Environmental Services potential to migrate landwards Southern Rivers with sea level rise and prioritise Catchment Management these areas for protection. Authority (SCRMA) and Continue liaising with the landowners. SRCMA in their work with land owners to fence off sensitive riparian land.

B2 Community education - Continue to increase community SCC Environmental Caulerpa taxifolia awareness in regard to the Services/Department of management of Caulerpa Primary Industries(DPI) taxifolia.

B3 Continue to monitor Caulerpa Promote ongoing research into SCC Environmental taxifolia the management of Caulerpa Services/DPI taxifolia

B4 Promote research Research the impacts of SCC Environmental opportunities to assist in mechanical intervention on Lake Services/Strategic protecting the natural values ecology and continue research Planning of the Lake and inform into the hydrological and management decisions. ecological processes at work in and around the Lake.

B6 Further research entrance Complete further studies into the SCC Strategic Planning dune vegetation appropriateness of entrance dune vegetation activities with due regard to flooding, entrance shoaling and environmental risks.

C Catchment Inputs and their Impact

C1 Community education – Continue to educate the SCC Environmental water quality community in relation to water Services quality including; the causes and effects of erosion, the overall facts on the condition of the Lake and Estuary Health Report Cards. Include information on what the community can do to improve Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

water quality

C2 Ensure ongoing Regularly assess water SCC Environmental improvement in methods monitoring locations in the Lake Services and locations for data and ensure the test parameters collection of water quality are of relevance and are in accordance with NSW Government Guidelines.

C1 Investigate the possibility of SCC Environmental deploying a permanent water Services quality probe with results uploaded regularly to eliminate the need for on-site personnel.

C3 Ensure ongoing Continue to inspect and regulate SCC Environmental improvement to water compliance of remaining on-site Services quality in regard to sewage sewage management systems in management the Lake Conjola catchment.

C4 Undertake works to Investigate the viability of SCC Strategic Planning minimise sediment loads implementing water quality control structures such as sediment traps, artificial wetlands and trash racks to decrease sediment loading to the Lake and assess effectiveness once implemented.

Identify locations where SCC Strategic Planning roads/tracks intersect streams (GIS analysis) and implement appropriate mitigation works.

C5 Apply planning tools to Ensure that catchment inputs SCC Development and improve water quality from potential re-developments Environmental Services are effectively managed through the application of DCP 122 - Sustainable Storm Water Management (includes principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design). The draft Shoalhaven Growth Management Strategy states that there is no potential for urban expansion at either West Conjola or Lake Conjola, however, there may be potential for some dual occupancy or infill development. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

C5 Manage impacts of Acid Ensure that the Potential Acid SCC Development and Sulphate Soils Sulphate Soils mapping is used Environmental Services as reference in the assessment of developments in the catchment.

C6 Provide a consistent In order to address the adhoc SCC Strategic Planning approach to bank construction of retaining walls on Development/ protection and revegetation private properties amend LEP and Environmental Services relevant DCP to include the incorporation of the provision of the Environmentally Friendly Seawall Guidelines (DECC and SMCMA, 2008) to ensure all new private and public seawalls comply with these guidelines.

Develop an ongoing foreshore SCC Strategic Planning monitoring program to ensure minimisation of sediment loads entering the Lake.

Ensure that buffer zones are SCC Strategic Planning maintained and reassess the inclusion of a buffer zone on the Shoalhaven LEP.

CC Adapting to Climate Change

CC1 Undertake long term Utilise scenario planning and SCC Development strategic planning to processes to inform Council and Services/Strategic improve community community decision making. Planning resilience to climate change Office of Environment and Heritage(OEH)

CC2 Implement development Continue to implement SCC Development controls development controls in order to Services/Strategic minimise risk to developments in Planning low lying flood prone land.

CC4 Buffer zones to manage Develop buffer zones around the SCC Development against Lake level rise Lake foreshore to manage future Services Lake level rise.

CC5 Consider the Shoalhaven Identify public infrastructure SCC Strategic Planning Adaptation Plan potentially affected by sea level rise and develop appropriate adaptive management strategies. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

E Entrance Management

E1 Adopt best practice for Continue to review entrance SCC Strategic Planning entrance management management practices to ensure OEH they are in line with best practice guidelines, NSW Government requirements and available research.

E2 Community education – Continue to engage with the SCC Strategic Planning entrance management and community regarding the natural Lake processes processes of the Lake and the potential impacts of mechanical interventions.

E3 Further research entrance Complete further studies into the SCC Development and dune vegetation appropriateness of entrance dune Environmental vegetation with due regard to Services/Strategic flooding, entrance shoaling and Planning environmental risks. OEH

F Flooding

F1 Community education - Continue to update and educate SCC Strategic Planning flooding the community in relation to the risks associated with flooding and strategies for mitigating against those risks.

F2 Continue to apply flood Ensure the controls identified in SCC Development development controls the NSW Floodplain Development Services/Strategic Manual and DCP 106 Floodplain Planning Management, are applied in determining development applications.

F3 Align estuary, coastal and Ensure that the management SCC Strategic Planning flood plans strategies developed in the Flood Risk Management Plan are appropriately considered in the Estuary Management Plan and the CZMP.

CH Cultural Heritage

CH1 Consultation Involve relevant Aboriginal SCC Development and community organisations and Environmental Services representatives of traditional Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

custodian families in management of Aboriginal sites.

CH2 Protect Cultural Heritage Protect Aboriginal sites from SCC Development and damage by human activities. Environmental Services Carry out surveys and risk assessments as required.

CH3 Assessment Precede all works with the SCC Development and potential to impact on Aboriginal Environmental Services sites with an archaeological assessment.

CH4 Planning to conserve Continue to incorporate Aboriginal SCC Development and Cultural Heritage heritage considerations into all Environmental Services relevant planning and natural resources decisions. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

10. References

Burrill Lake – Interim Entrance Management Policy Peter Spurway & Associates P/L 2008 Boating Plan of Management Lake Conjola Estuary NSW Maritime March 2005

Conjola National Park Plan of Management NSW National Parks and Wildlife April 2009

Draft Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plan NSW Government, Environment, Climate Change and Water 2011 Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plan NSW Government, Environment, Climate Change and Water 2011 Hazel Rowbotham Reserve Plan of Management Shoalhaven City Council June 2002

Lake Conjola Entrance Study Patterson Britton and Partners 1999

Lake Conjola Entrance Management Plan Manly Hydraulics Laboratory 2003

Lake Conjola Entrance Management Dredging Works Review of Environmental Factors Manly Hydraulics Laboratory 2003

Lake Conjola Flood Study BMT WBM 2007

Lake Conjola Estuary Management Plan 1998

NSW Natural Resources, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water 2010 Riparian Corridor Management Studies and Overview: South Coast Region Landcom Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction DECCW 2006

SCC Stormwater Management Plan Shoalhaven City Council 2002-2005

SCC maps online http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/PlanningampBuilding/Mapsonline.aspx

Summary of Climate Change Impacts – Illawarra Region – NSW Climate Change Action Plan Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water 2009 The Risky Business of ICOLL Management Stephens and Murtagh 2012

Environmentally Friendly Seawalls – A guide to Improving the Environmental Value of Seawalls and Seawall-Lined Foreshores in Estuaries Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority 2009 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Appendix A Completed Conjola Projects Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Appendix B Estuary Health Report Card Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Appendix C Entrance Brochure (in preparation) Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

Appendix D NSW Maritime Boating plan of management 2005, Review of facilities

Description Condition Parking Environmental Washdown Main Issues Facilities

Fisherman’s Paradise

Excellent concrete Excellent. Sealed parking Nil. Tap and hose in Nil ramp suited for Scour on area adequate. parking bay at most sizes of both sides exit of parking vessel. The minor of the ramp area. Improved inconvenience for itself could drainage the Lake user who use minor required on may choose to repairs. road shoulder launch here is a downslope to long trip down prevent long- Conjola Creek, term road wholly within a 4- pavement knot zone, before damage. reaching the Lake’s unrestricted waters.

Lake Conjola West (Valley Drive)

A small ramp, part Appropriat Very limited Heavy Tap and hose in Limited parking will bitumen sealed and e for use formal parking. Caulerpa cul-de-sac restrict usage with no part sand / gravel. and Traffic conflicts in infestation in head. opportunities for Location at the location. cul-de-sac head. this part of Directional expansion. head of Yooralla Need to monitor the estuary. signage on Bay in reserve, informal parking main road adjoining quiet on slope in requires residential area on reserve. Eventual clarification. Valley Drive. damage to Holding jetty 16m reserve could long with 5m long require bollards to T-head also protect grass provides access for cover. Usage to recreational fishing. date sustainable.

Cundenarrah Bay (off Lakeside Drive)

An informal Boat Degraded bush Erosion of track None provided. Access track and launching point for access area suited to 2 producing fine Existing general carpark require small craft is shallow but or 3 vehicles. sand and some NSW DPI maintenanceContinue located on privately reasonable Vehicle access clay material, Caulerpa d public use is under owned (Aboriginal) . Access track degraded, and some signage negotiation. land (previously track requires scour localised impact insufficient. The Washdown facilities Crown Reserve degraded. protection and on the bay nearest (West are required if access subject to a Native Foreshore gravelling. during heavy Conjola) is to continue. Title land claim erosion rainfall is likely. washdown point granted by the evident - is not Minister for Lands). localised to Some bank convenient for It is accessed from launching undercutting users of this a gravel track off area. below She- launch point. Lakeside Drive. oaks. Additional Foreshore washdown Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

nearby mostly facility required sandstone here. shelf.

Sandra (Havilland) Street (Yooralla Bay)

Twin gravel tracks Adequate. Limited Heavy None Track access and lack of at Sandra Street Eastern opportunities Caulerpa provided. washdown facilities both (off Havilland track very for roadside infestation in Suggest require attention. Potential Street) provide steep, parking will this part of the washdown new launching ramp and access to a short requires limit ramp estuary. area should trailer parking area in the concrete ramp. A drainage usage. be provided. reserve to the east of sandy holding and Havilland Street warrants beach is located gravelling. consideration. nearby.

Prior Street

Access along a Some local On street Sand build-up None provided. Track access and lack reserve to sound scour of only. caused by log Suggest of washdown facilities gravel / sand ramp. access groyne will be washdown area both require attention. track in preventing sand drift should be Removal of signage Confusing signage steep towards Killarney. provided. previously closing this associated with section Insignificant erosion ramp. previous ramp immediatel downdrift was closure requires y off noted. Minor removal. sealed erosion upstream of road. ramp has been managed by placement of bricks and rubble to stabilise undercutting below She-oaks.

Killarney (private)

Private concrete Private Paid entry and Heavy Caulerpa Adequate – Private ownership and ramp with gravel facility. ample parking infestation in tap and hose access which could be approaches. Long Rough on private land. this part of the provided on closed. This would make sandy holding gravel estuary. sealed lay- unmanageable demands beach / ski beach entrance by on on other existing and swimming and access road. launching facilities for area. approach large boats. road.

Conjola Lakeside Van Park (private)

Old short concrete Adequate. Used by park Heavy A hose adjacent to the Nil. ramp provides good patrons only, Caulerpa launching ramp will shortly be access to Lake for no parking infestation in relocated at the rear of the park users. A newer necessary. this part of the park to manage noise issues concrete ramp in estuary. associated with motor excellent condition flushing. This may not cannot be used due encourage wash- down prior to potential to leaving the area. However seagrass impacts. a large number of regular users store boats at the caravan park, so transfer of Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

weed to other estuaries is less likely.

Norman Street

Informal access to Poor - 0.3m Limited Heavy None No washdown, limited Lake via sandy drop- off parking Caulerpa evident, launching access due to foreshore at the from along road infestation in NSW scour. NSW Maritime end of Norman pavement to verge. this part of the Maritime recommends that Council Street. scoured estuary. Water would review use and either sandy beach very shallow at recommend upgrade to a sealed access Shallow water would suit launch site. provision of and concrete ramp and would limit use to four-wheel tap and hose provide washdown facility or small boats. drive use nearby. close off to public use if only. funding is unavailable.

Aney Street

Track through low Ramp itself Limited in wet Damage to Zostera None Environmental she-oak forest is weather by seagrass beds in nearby. degradation (marine and gives access to adequate poor drainage. creek either side of terrestrial) makes gravel launching for usage. launching area is continued use area on shallow However noted. Seagrass also unsustainable. NSW tidal creek. Popular access likely at shallow Maritime recommends all-year launching track and creek entrance to that Council consider for local small tinny parking is Lake. Vehicle closure. use. Also utilised over flat, damage to She-Oak daily in peak boggy forest and wetland season by nearby degraded fringe by soil caravan park users. soils that compaction and will trackside parking. No continue to mapped Caulerpa destabilise infestation in this part in wet of the estuary at weather. present.

Entrance Boat Ramp

Council facility Ramp Informal parking No Caulerpa None Removed from main Lake provides boat and on irregular infestation in provided, basin by shallow flood-tide launching for small approach gravel carpark this part of the none delta and long 4-knot zone. to medium vessels. es good. area does not estuary. necessar Shallow water limits use for Concrete ramp with lend to effective y. larger vessels. Sand shoals bitumen approach trailer parking. will continue to move around. road accessed Vehicles parking Confusion at Tourist Park through Lake on grass beyond entrance for non- locals. Conjola Entrance the grave carpark Directional signage to public Tourist Park. Public were evident at ramp could be improved. toilets located here. time of NSW Maritime recommends inspection. Could that Council consider sealing use further the gravel carpark and bollards to limit parking arrangement vehicle access to formalised for more effective grassed vehicle and trailer parking recreation areas. and to prevent vehicles parking on grass.

Cunjurong Point

Concrete ramp on At the time of Bitumen No Caulerpa None Ramp mostly unusable at northern shore of inspection, roadside infestation in provided - medium tides or lower. Lake Conjola marine sand parking with this part of not Boat turning circle area located near build-up limits overflow the estuary. necessary. requires signage to Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

entrance. use to small to parking along prevent illegal parking. medium gravel access vessels at road if needed. higher tides.

Berringer Lake

Informal soft access Reasonabl Parking Heavy Caulerpa None Standard of vehicle and landing area at e amongst trees infestation in provided. access and tight end of Berringer conditions for up to six this part of the Nearest manoeuvring around trees Crescent provides for vehicles. estuary. Sand facilities on unacceptable given the the only public launching, Overflow launching area Inyadda level of use at this launching point into beach parking along shallow. Drive out of location. NSW Maritime Berringer Lake. stable. roadway Small patches Manyana. recommends that Council Multiple launch Approach available. of healthy Local consider sensitive points used as tracks Zostera washdown improvements to the holding and ski require seagrass in area launching and vehicle beaches. Some better shallow water required manoeuvring area, to limit conflict of usage definition. adjacent to considering launching to a single expected at peak Manoeuvra launching site. level of formalised ramp and to times bility existing provide a turn-around limited usage and area. NSW Maritime also amongst shallow recommends that wash trees. water. down facilities be installed. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment D

GHD 2/57 Graham St Nowra NSW 2541 PO BOX 621 Nowra NSW 2541 T: 61 2 4424 4900 F: 61 2 4424 4999 E: [email protected]

© GHD 2011 This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Document Status Rev Reviewer Approved for Issue Author No. Name Signature Name Signature Date A E.Lockett A.Galea A.Galea* A.Beldom A.Beldom* 23/03/12

B E.Lockett A.Galea A.Galea* A.Beldom A.Beldom* 05/06/12

C E.Lockett A.Galea A.Galea* A.Beldom A.Beldom* 22/06/12

D E.Lockett A.Galea A.Galea* A.Beldom A.Beldom* 09/07/12 Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5

ID Strategy Action Responsibility

A Access, Recreation and Tourism

A1 Minimise conflict between water Ensure EMP strategies and actions are Roads & Maritime Services based activities updated when the new Regional (RMS)/SCC Environmental Boating Plan is developed. Services

Continue to educate the boating RMS community in relation to boating controls, including enforcement of 4 knot zones.

Restrict informal boat access points and SCC Environmental Services upgrade existing nominated boat ramps & parking facilities.

A2 Coordinate future tourist Ensure objectives in the Shoalhaven development with Shoalhaven Tourism Master Plan are incorporated

Tourism Master Plan into EMP for Lake Conjola i.e. SCC Environmental Services • Explore options for dredging the /Crown Lands channel – to improve navigation and safety. • Strengthen the two small retail SCC Environmental Services precincts with foreshore picnic facilities and small pontoon / jetty / board walk where boats and canoes can tie up and get a coffee, ice cream etc.

• Upgrade directional signage to SCC Environmental National Park day use areas and Services/NPWS walking tracks in the Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve.

A3 Community engagement Ensure that any community SCC Environmental Services engagement activities are targeted to visitors as well as residents.

B Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection and Rehabilitation

B1 Preserve and improve riparian Identify key estuarine vegetation SCC Environmental Services buffer zones communities around the Lake, such

as saltmarsh, that have the potential to migrate landwards with sea level rise and prioritise these areas for protection.

Continue liaising with Local Land Services in their work with land Local Land Services and owners to fence off sensitive riparian landowners. land.

B2 Community engagement - Continue to increase community SCC Environmental Caulerpa taxifolia awareness in regard to the Services/Department of management of Caulerpa taxifolia, Primary Industries(DPI) Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment E ID Strategy Action Responsibility

when required. Fisheries

B3 Monitor Caulerpa taxifolia Promote ongoing research into the DPI Fisheries management of Caulerpa taxifolia

B4 Investigate research opportunities Research the impacts of mechanical SCC Environmental Services to assist in protecting the natural intervention (including dredging) on values of the Lake and inform Lake ecology and continue research management decisions. into the hydrological and ecological processes at work in and around the Lake.

B6 Further research entrance dune Complete further studies into the SCC Environmental Services vegetation appropriateness of entrance dune vegetation activities with due regard

to flooding, entrance shoaling and environmental risks.

B7 Preserve, and potentially Carry out research and/or monitoring NPWS enhance, shorebird habitat to identify and implement actions that would preserve and potentially enhance shorebird habitat

C Catchment Inputs and their Impact

C1 Community engagement – water Provide a web portal with accurate & up SCC Environmental Services quality to date water quality data. (Aqua Data portal is on Provide information on what the Council’s web site community can do to improve water http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/ quality Environment/Aqua-Data

C2 Improve water quality data Regularly review test parameters and SCC Environmental Services collection and dissemination of sampling locations to ensure they are results representative of Lake water quality and that they are in accordance with NSW Government Guidelines.

C3 Investigate deployment of a permanent SCC Environmental Services water quality probe with results uploaded regularly to the Aqua Data portal.

C4 Ensure ongoing improvement to Continue to inspect and regulate SCC Environmental Services water quality in regard to compliance of remaining on-site sewage management sewage management systems in the Lake Conjola catchment.

Continue the monitoring and reporting SCC Shoalhaven Water & program of the Conjola Regional Environmental Services Sewerage Scheme in accordance with Environmental Protection Licence requirements and implement rectification or upgrade works when/if required to ensure minimal impacts on the Estuary. Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment E ID Strategy Action Responsibility

C5 Undertake works to minimise Investigate the viability of implementing SCC Environmental Services sediment loads water quality control structures such as sediment traps, artificial wetlands and trash racks to decrease sediment loading to the Lake and assess effectiveness once implemented.

Identify locations where roads/tracks SCC Environmental Services intersect streams (GIS analysis) and implement appropriate mitigation works.

C6 Apply planning tools to improve The draft Shoalhaven Growth SCC Environmental water quality Management Strategy states that there Services/Assets and Works is no potential for urban expansion at either West Conjola or Lake Conjola, however, there may be potential for some dual occupancy or infill development. Ensure that catchment inputs from infill and re-development are effectively managed through Shoalhaven DCP 2014, chapter G2 - Sustainable Storm Water Management & Erosion/Sediment Control

C7 Manage impacts of Acid Ensure that the Potential Acid Sulphate SCC Planning and Sulphate Soils Soils mapping is used as reference in Development Services the assessment of developments in the catchment.

C8 Provide a consistent approach In order to address the adhoc SCC Environmental Services to bank protection and construction of retaining walls on revegetation private properties amend LEP and DCP to include the incorporation of the provision of the Environmentally Friendly Seawall Guidelines (DECC and SMCMA, 2008) to ensure all new private and public seawalls comply with these guidelines.

Develop an ongoing foreshore SCC Environmental Services monitoring program to ensure minimisation of sediment loads entering the Lake.

Ensure that buffer zones are SCC Environmental Services maintained as per the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014

C9 Investigate foreshore erosion Undertake a foreshore vulnerability SCC Environmental Services study

C10 Maintain opportunities for Provide opportunities for lease holders DPI Fisheries and lease aquaculture should they determine that aquaculture holders is a viable enterprise Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment E ID Strategy Action Responsibility

CC Adapting to Climate Change

CC1 Undertake long term strategic Utilise expert input for scenario SCC Environmental Services planning to improve community planning and processes to inform Griffith University resilience to climate change Council and community decision making and continue to liaise with the OEH CCB Resilience Working Group

CC2 Implement development controls Continue to implement development SCC Planning and controls in order to minimise risk to Development Services developments in low lying flood prone land.

CC3 Buffer zones to manage against Develop buffer zones around the Lake SCC Planning and Lake level rise foreshore to manage future Lake level Development Services rise.

CC4 Consider the Shoalhaven Identify public infrastructure potentially SCC Planning and Adaptation Plan affected by sea level rise and develop Development Services appropriate adaptive management strategies.

E Entrance Management

E1 Adopt best practice for entrance Continue to review entrance SCC Environmental Services management management practices to ensure they OEH are in line with best practice guidelines, NSW Government requirements and available research.

Monitor the impacts of the trial configuration dredging on entrance behaviour and review the Entrance Management Plan if required.

E2 Community engagement – Continue to engage with the community SCC Environmental Services entrance management and Lake regarding the natural processes of the processes Lake and the potential impacts of mechanical interventions.

E3 Increase understanding of the Undertake research into the role of the SCC Environmental Services role of the sand spit in entrance entrance sand spit and dune vegetation OEH management. with regard to flooding, entrance shoaling and environmental risks.

Cross reference and review all available studies to determine any additional research requirements.

F Flooding

F1 Community education and Continue to update the community in SCC Environmental Services engagement - flooding relation to the risks associated with flooding and the strategies for mitigating those risks.

Manly Hydraulics Laboratory Shoalhaven portal for rainfall and lake Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 5 - Attachment E ID Strategy Action Responsibility

levels http://new.mhl.nsw.gov.au/users/Shoalh aven/

Install a flood board upstream of the SCC, SES existing MHL gauge.

F2 Continue to apply flood Ensure the controls identified in the SCC Planning and development controls NSW Floodplain Development Manual Development Services and the Shoalhaven DCP 2014, chapter G9 Development on Flood Prone Land, are applied in determining development applications.

F3 Align estuary, coastal and flood Ensure that the management strategies SCC Planning and plans developed in the Flood Risk Development Services Management Plan are appropriately considered in the Estuary Management Plan and the CZMP.

CH Cultural Heritage

CH1 Consultation Involve relevant Aboriginal community SCC Development and organisations and representatives of Environmental Services traditional custodian families in management of Aboriginal sites.

CH2 Protect Cultural Heritage Protect Aboriginal sites from damage by SCC Development and human activities. Carry out surveys and Environmental Services risk assessments as required.

CH3 Assessment Precede all works with the potential to SCC Development and impact on Aboriginal sites with an Environmental Services archaeological assessment.

CH4 Planning to conserve Cultural Continue to incorporate Aboriginal SCC Development and Heritage heritage considerations into all relevant Environmental Services planning and natural resources decisions.

Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 6 ATTACHMENT F

Projects - Southern NRFMC area

Expected Project Status completion Tabourie Lake Floodplain Risk Revising flood model for Dec 2015 Management Study and Plan climate change and reviewing document

Lake Conjola Flood Study Completed 2007 Lake Conjola Floodplain Risk Completed 2013 Management Study and Plan Burrill Lake Flood Study Completed 2007 Burrill Lake Floodplain Risk Completed 2013 Management Study and Plan Lake Tabourie Flood Study Completed 2010

Projects - Central NRFMC area

Expected Project Status completion Lake Wollumboola Flood Study Nearing completion. Jun 2015 Flood model finalised. Currambene and Moona Moona Preliminary flood mitigation Creeks Floodplain Risk Management Feb 2016 options identified and currently Study and Plan being assessed.

Currambene Creek and Moona Moona Completed 2006 Creek Flood Study St Georges Basin Flood Study Completed 2001 St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Completed 2006 Management Study and Plan St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Climate Completed 2013 Change Assessment

Southern Shoalhaven NRFMC - 28 April 2015 - Item 6 -Attachment F Projects - Northern NRFMC area

Expected Project Status completion Berry Town Creek Vegetation Commencing works April 2015 June 2015 Management option Draft document being revised Kangaroo Valley Floodplain Risk prior to being provided to July 2015 Management Study and Plan committee for comment Flood mitigation options Nowra and Browns Creeks Floodplain identified and community Sep 2015 Risk Management Study and Plan consultation commencing Flood mitigation options Bomaderry Creek Floodplain Risk identified and community Sep 2015 Management Study and Plan consultation commencing

Broughton Creek Flood Study Completed 2008 Broughton Creek Floodplain Risk Completed 2012 Management Study and Plan Broughton Creek stock mound Completed 2014 assessment Bomaderry Creek Flood Study Completed 2010 Greenwell Point Flood Risk Completed 2014 Management Options Feasibility Study Kangaroo Valley Flood Study Completed 2009 Lower Shoalhaven River Flood Study Completed 1990 Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Completed 2008 Risk Management Study and Plan Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Completed 2011 Climate Change Assessment Riverview Rd Floodplain Risk Completed 2002 Management Study and Plan Terara Village Floodplain Risk Completed 2002 Management Study and Plan Nowra and Browns Creeks Flood Completed 2005 Study