TAMAR ESTUARY AND ESK RIVERS PROGRAM: 2009PARTNERSHIP REPORT CONTENTS

3 About the TEER Program 3 Regional Significance 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Program Manager’s Report 6 Key Activities 14 Finance Statements 17 Partners 20 Future Directions

The Vision 2030 The Tamar Estuary & Esk Rivers systems, Healthy Productive, Valued and Enjoyed - Our Rivers of Life ABOUT THE TEER PROGRAM

The Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program was formally established in January REGIONAL 2008. The program is a regional partnership between the statutory authorities SIGNIFICANCE responsible for waterway management The TEER Program is important because it brings within the Tamar Catchment area. Founding together a wide range of partners and key stakeholders partners represented on the TEER Steering and provides a common vision, direction and way Committee include the Tasmanian forward for managing the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers Government, Launceston City Council, systems. The program is able to leverage additional 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR West Tamar Council, George Town Council, investment into the area to fund identified priorities and will ensure that informed management decisions are Meander Valley Council, Hydro Tasmania and based on science and knowledge of the issues. NRM North. TEER Program area covers approximately 20 percent The TEER Program aims to foster of the total land mass of Tasmania. The South Esk collaborative partnerships between all catchment is one of the largest agricultural catchments stakeholders to ensure the resources in Tasmania making it a significant economic resource for the region. The Tamar Estuary is an important available to manage the Tamar Estuary and environmental, recreational and scenic resource, Esk Rivers systems are maximised. particularly for the city of Launceston, as well as for The program is focusing on improving numerous smaller communities along the eastern and western shores. our scientific understanding of the issues impacting upon the health of our waterways. The surface water within the North and South Esk Rivers is an important natural resource for many industries This approach will enable the identification within the region such as Hydro Tasmania and the of priority areas where on-ground actions region’s farmers. These rivers also supply drinking water can be targeted to achieve cost effective to the majority of the areas urban population. resource condition outcomes. Historically management of the Tamar Estuary has been highly fragmented and uncoordinated. The TEER Program was established to overcome this problem, and represents a voluntary regional partnership approach with TEER partners working together to provide integrated governance, planning and common direction for management of priority issues and investment. The TEER partners recognise that in order to manage the Tamar Estuary effectively, management of the waterways in the upper catchments is important. This is reflected in the ‘catchment to coast’ approach to waterway management adopted by the TEER Program.

3 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Now in our second year, having been formally established in January 2008, the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) TEER is a partnership model and its strength relies Program continues to evolve with entirely on the support and co-operation of its partners 2009 seeing some significant outcomes to achieve good outcomes for the Tamar Estuary. being delivered. Our founding partners, the Tasmanian Government, Launceston City Council, West Tamar Council, George The development of a strategic framework, following Town Council, Meander Valley Council, Hydro Tasmania a successful workshop involving a broad cross section and NRM North are to be congratulated for their foresight of stakeholders back in August 2008, provides the in recognising that everyone benefits from such a co- foundation and direction to guide the program for the ordinated and collegiate approach to the management 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR short to medium term. of such a significant asset. NRM North, in particular, has The establishment of the Ecosystem Health Monitoring been at the core of the conception and development of Program for the Tamar Estuary has been a critical the TEER Program. It has provided the key expertise, accomplishment as it provides a sound basis for future personnel, resources and motivation that have enabled management actions and decisions relating to the TEER to establish and deliver outcomes quickly. TEER ongoing health of the estuary. This will also enable us to continues to build on and, benefit from, the great work of publish an easy to understand report card on estuarine NRM North. health across the five ‘functional zones’ along the length It remains a major disappointment that we’ve not been of the estuary. able to convince all of the local governments with The Tamar Catchment Sediment Modelling Project responsibilities in the catchment area to get on board is providing a vehicle for an integrated management with TEER however I remain hopeful the obvious benefits approach for dealing with sedimentation in the Tamar will soon overcome any entrenched attitudes. Estuary. A draft report showing areas within the Our scientific and technical committee and working catchment with the potential to deliver high sediment groups play a critical role in guiding our research and nutrient loads to the waterway and a report, and management approaches, ensuring the highest commissioned by the Launceston City Council, which standards are applied guaranteeing the credibility of our identifies possible technical solutions for managing projects and programs in general. TEER couldn’t operate sedimentation build up in the yacht basin, have without this scientific and technical support and back up been completed. and I sincerely thank all of those who have contributed on that basis since our inception in 2008.

One of our goals over the next few years will be to continue to foster and strengthen our partnerships with industry. This approach would be most welcome as my experience with the Derwent Estuary Program in Hobart has proven that industry is ready, willing and extremely able to contribute to the success of the TEER Program.

Finally, TEER staff Amanda Locatelli and Michael Attard have done an amazing job with truly limited resources and I and the committee thank them and also Dr Troy Gaston as Chair of the Scientific and Technical Committee, for their continued commitment and dedication to the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers.

SCOTT GADD Chairman Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers Program

4 PROGRAM MANAGER’S REPORT 2008-2009 has been a significant year of consolidation and achievement for the

TEER Program. The establishment of the Model to identify areas of the catchment that have the TEER committees and working groups has potential to deliver high sediment loads to waterways. been a major accomplishment, with more Our understanding of sediment transport in the upper than fifty key individuals representing catchment will help to inform appropriate management twenty organisations including government, of sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary. industry, business, research, and the Looking forward to 2010, the TEER will focus on community directly engaged and contributing communication and education activities to ensure that we are providing a portal for the community and key to the TEER Program and its activities. 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR stakeholders to seek information and provide feedback Although much of the past year has been directed regarding management and the health of the Tamar towards strategic planning and establishing the Estuary and Esk Rivers. A priority activity will include operational environment for the TEER during its initiation developing a TEER website. phase in 2008, the commitment of the people involved Fundamental to the success of the TEER Program are the in the TEER has enabled us to progress a number of partnerships and people involved on the committees and significant activities during 2009 as showcased in working groups of the TEER and I would like to thank the this report. many people involved on the TEER committees and working One of the most exciting initiatives of the TEER has been groups for their dedication, commitment and support. the development and establishment of the Ecosystem Special thanks to Michael Attard whose dedication and Health Monitoring Program for the Tamar Estuary. This is hard work has been instrumental in the establishment a remarkable achievement that has taken many similar and implementation of the TEER’s monitoring programs groups more than five years to develop and implement. and to Dr Troy Gaston, who as Chair of the Scientific The first report card to be released early in 2010 will be and Technical Committee, provides invaluable scientific the benchmark for future monitoring and reporting on knowledge, expertise, skills and his time to guide the the health of the Tamar Estuary and represents a huge TEER Program forward. step towards our commitment to the community as well as our ability to identify and act on issues affecting the Finally, I hope the achievements showcased in this report health of the estuary. inspire and encourage our partners in the TEER Program to continue to support and work towards the common The current focus for the TEER remains developing and goal of healthy waterways in the Tamar Estuary and Esk implementing the monitoring and research activities Rivers region. for the Tamar Estuary. In future years, once the Tamar Estuary Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program has been firmly established, we will look towards establishing AMANDA LOCATELLI a coordinated monitoring and reporting program for Program Manager- the Esk Rivers systems so that we can have a truly Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers Program ‘catchment to coast’ approach to waterway management within the TEER area.

The one exception to our focus on Tamar Estuary issues has been our on-going investigation to identify the sources of sediment and nutrients entering the Tamar Estuary from the upper catchments. This investigation has included developing a Tamar Catchment Sediment

5 KEY ACTIVITIES Ecosystem health monitoring program framework & report card

INTRODUCTION THE BIG PICTURE Estuaries are among the most diverse and The TEER Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR productive ecosystems in the world and will coordinate and implement an on-going monitoring program for the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (this are often the location of major urban and includes the major tributaries). The EHMP will build industrial centres. The Tamar Estuary is an upon current monitoring programs, identify critical gaps example of this and is important to northern in monitoring and develop a multi-stakeholder approach Tasmania. The Tamar Estuary is listed as to monitoring which can assess and report on the health having high conservation value due to its and condition of the waterways in the TEER region. high biodiversity, including species not This first stage of the EHMP Framework and report card focuses upon the marine and estuarine components. found in other areas of Tasmania. Eventually the EHMP will also encompass the freshwater Why do we need to assess ecosystem components of the Tamar catchment area. health? The aim for coastal waterways is to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem, WHY IS THIS ACTIVITY IMPORTANT? maintain the biodiversity present and to Monitoring ecosystem health not only indicates the provide services for the region. Assessment ecological state of the estuary, but also enables of the status of the ecosystem provides a assessment of the effectiveness of strategic plans, platform to direct management actions and management programs and on-ground works. on-ground works to protect and maintain Furthermore, the EHMP Framework provides a platform the health of the ecosystem. This project is for an integrated approach to management of the being undertaken to develop a framework estuary. Current monitoring programs assess water quality condition of the Tamar Estuary, but this program through which the health and condition of will provide an integrated approach to assess the health the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers can be of the estuary using an ecosystem-based approach. Key assessed and reported on, reflecting the partners that the TEER will aim to engage in the EHMP management objectives for the region. include state and local government, industry groups, NRM groups, research and development institutions and the community.

6 Report cards are an important component of this project as they will be a key communication tool to assist the TEER to educate and raise awareness within the community about the health of the Tamar Estuary. A report card will be produced for each monitoring year to score different zones within the estuary A to F. These grades will indicate the ecosystem health of each zone in the estuary and can

be compared from year to year to see if the health of the 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR Tamar Estuary is improving or declining.

WHAT HAS BEEN SOLVED Analysis of historic data has revealed a greater LESSONS LEARNT understanding of the Tamar Estuary, including a There is a wealth of information available regarding the comprehensive conceptual model and identification of Tamar. However, it is dispersed among many local and five functional zones, which will be used as the reporting state government departments, community groups, zones of the Tamar Estuary. For the first time, data will research institutions and industry. The coordinated be statistically analysed, for the length of the Tamar from approach by the TEER program has brought all that a number of different sites and parameters, to provide information to the table, and stakeholder input at all a single ecosystem health rating for each zone. This is a stages of the development of the TEER EHMP Framework major step forward in reporting and assessing ecosystem and report card process, has fostered ownership of the health in Tasmania and is the first time that a report card program and promoted strong involvement in all stages. of this nature has been developed in the State.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED Some of the achievements so far include;

• Identification of five zones along the length of the estuary to report on ecosystem health. • Development of an EHMP Framework. • Conceptual diagrams showing the processes, habitats and activities in the different zones. • Agreement from monitoring partners to collate all monitoring data on a central database. • Developing a report card template. • Implementation of the EHMP which includes monitoring twenty sites long the length of the Tamar Estuary on a monthly basis. • Monitoring Partnership Agreements signed between fourteen partners to support the EHMP.

7 Tamar catchment sediment modelling project

INTRODUCTION THE BIG PICTURE Sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary has The surface water within the North and South Esk River been an issue of long standing contention systems is an important natural resource for many industries within the region such as Hydro Tasmania and within the community for both public the region’s farmers. These rivers also supply drinking amenity and environmental reasons.

water to the majority of the urban population. 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR Tidal movement of sediment within the Sediment input into the river systems has contributed estuary as well as sediment transport to the excessive sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary. to the estuary from the upstream river Nutrient inputs into the estuary and heavy metals, systems, are contributing factors to the a legacy of historic mining activities in the upper supply of sediment in the upper Tamar catchment, also impact on the overall health of the river Estuary. Further investigation is required system and the Tamar Estuary. Consequently, improving the water quality within the Tamar Estuary and Esk to understand where in the catchment Rivers (TEER) program area will assist in the long-term sediment is being sourced from, the sustainable management of this resource. processes driving this and the fate of sediments in the Tamar catchment so WHY IS THIS ACTIVITY management strategies can be adopted to IMPORTANT reduce sediment and nutrient input into the A long term approach is required to manage river systems. sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary. Before effective management can occur, a scientific understanding of the issue is required to base decisions upon. This activity will fill a crucial information gap related to understanding the hydrological processes within the greater Tamar Catchment and the interaction with the landscape leading to sediment and nutrient transport to the receiving waters of the Tamar Estuary. This will provide certainty for relevant organisations to identify priority areas for management of sedimentation and waterway health.

8 WHAT HAS BEEN SOLVED An integrated management approach has been achieved through the partners of the TEER Program, and a strategy for managing sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary has been developed. This includes various scientific studies PARTNERSHIP REPORT 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR and data collation to understand the science behind the issue, investigating the cost and technical feasibility of proposed technical solutions to remove sediment from the upper Tamar Estuary, community consultation to impart an understanding of the issue, and to seek input into suggested mitigation measures and modelling to base long term management strategies upon.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED • Coordination of activities and partnerships between LESSONS LEARNT local and state governments, NRM North and other key stakeholders to inform management of the issue. The Tamar Estuary is a focal point for the city of Launceston and many residents are concerned about • Establishment of a TEER Sediment and Modelling its management and particularly how the issue of Working Group to provide expert advice and sedimentation of the Tamar Estuary will be managed. guidance to this activity. It is important to clearly communicate the integrated • A draft report on the Tamar Catchment Sediment approach to management of this issue and also the Model which shows the area in the Tamar Catchment science of sedimentation so the community can make with the potential to deliver high sediment and informed decisions about what they expect from nutrient loads to waterways. management authorities and what their vision is for the • A draft report commissioned by the Launceston Tamar Estuary in the long term. City Council which identifies the possible technical solutions for managing the sedimentation build up in the Tamar yacht basin area of Launceston.

9 Lake Trevallyn algal bloom monitoring program

INTRODUCTION THE BIG PICTURE The cyanobacterium Anabaena circinalis At low numbers, algae causes no problems and is was discovered in Lake Trevallyn in bloom in fact a natural part of a water body. Occasionally however, algae can grow very fast or ‘bloom’ and proportions in January 2007. This bloom accumulate into dense visible patches at the surface PARTNERSHIP REPORT 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR was the catalyst for the establishment of of the water. This is due to high levels of available the Lake Trevallyn Algal Bloom Monitoring nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen. Algal Program and Working Group. The working blooms can become a serious public health and group comprises members of NRM North, environmental problem in many waterways. Contact Hydro Tasmania, West Tamar Council, with an algal bloom can cause a number of human health problems including; skin rashes, eye irritation, Meander Valley Council, and Esk Water (now ear aches, itchiness, swollen lips and other symptoms. Ben Lomond Water). Its aim is to monitor the Algal blooms can also cause unpleasant taste and occurrence of algal blooms in Lake Trevallyn odour compounds in drinking water. during the peak summer recreational period, to try to understand the key drivers WHY IS THIS ACTIVITY influencing the outbreaks and propose IMPORTANT various management strategies to adopt. If activity is important because it coordinates monitoring efforts for Lake Trevallyn which were previously In November 2008, the working group uncoordinated. It also provides a centralised data hosted a public information session about collection point for all stakeholders, provides earlier the monitoring program, health effects of warning of blooms occurring and will increase our algal blooms and the likelihood of algal understanding of the bloom processes in the lake to aid in informing management options to address this issue in blooms recurring in the lake. the long term.

The monitoring program was first initiated The monitoring program will also allow management for the 2007 summer season and was authorities to better inform and communicate with the repeated for the 2008 summer season. In public and users of the lake about when it is safe for use, April 2009 a non-toxic algal bloom outbreak why the blooms are occurring and what is being done to manage them. was recorded. Appropriate action was taken by the relevant management authorities including erecting warning signs at Lake Trevallyn and notification of key user groups.

10 WHAT HAS BEEN SOLVED LESSONS LEARNT Through a coordinated partnership approach, the A coordinated partnership approach to monitoring members of the Lake Trevallyn monitoring group have algal blooms in Lake Trevallyn benefited all of the been able to share information, resources and costs, partners involved, allowing them to share resources jointly analyse the results, develop a combined approach and information and discuss various management to management and be kept informed in a timely manner options together. of monitoring results.

Key findings from the Monitoring Program include; 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR

• Algal blooms persist due to stratification of the water under the influence of high summer temperatures and the availability of phosphorous which promotes cell growth and surface concentration of cells. • Anabaena circinalis cells detected in the monitoring program to date have all been found to be at non- toxic levels. WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED A coordinated partnership approach to monitoring Lake Trevallyn which has included;

• A signed partnership agreement and human and financial resources committed by NRM North, Esk Water, West Tamar Council, Meander Valley Council and Hydro Tasmania. • Additional input and involvement in the program from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Primary Industries and Water, the Northern Waterway Assessment Team and Analytical Services Tasmania. • Weekly monitoring of Lake Trevallyn from during the summer recreational season. • A centralised database for monitoring results and sharing of human and financial resources. • A significant increase in our understanding of blooms and the physical and chemical dynamics of Lake Trevallyn. • Establishing a daily status update to appear in The Examiner newspaper during summer months to notify users of the lake.

11 Gambusia control project

INTRODUCTION THE BIG PICTURE This project has been delivered by Tamar Tasmania is in the fortunate position of having only one NRM on behalf of the TEER Program for NRM catchment infested by Gambusia. As such, Tasmania is the only state in Australia where Gambusia eradication North. The Tamar NRM Gambusia Working or control is currently feasible. This makes preventing

Group provides advice and direction for Gambusia spread to other catchments (i.e. preventing 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR the implementation of this project and is movement of Gambusia by people) and tackling this currently recognised as a working group of issue while it is still at a relatively small and therefore the TEER Program whilst it is being funded manageable scale, very important here. The two keys by NRM North. to preventing movement of Gambusia by people are, minimising Gambusia availability at publicly accessible The project aims to control or eradicate sites (via control actions) and raising public awareness the pest fish Gambusia from Tasmania. of this issue. The methods employed to date include direct control actions, research into trap WHY IS THIS ACTIVITY IMPORTANT development, raising awareness to promote Left unchecked the impacts of Gambusia in Tasmania community involvement and minimise the would be magnified, particularly in the absence of risk of Gambusia spreading beyond the substantial community awareness. Gambusia prey on the Tamar Valley. Control actions vary from eggs and young of native frogs and fish in the Tamar and temporary drying of drainage lines and compete for food and shelter with native species. As a poisoning of dams to trapping and hand single female Gambusia and her offspring can potentially netting in open/interconnected waterways. produce nearly a million offspring in one season the impact is significant. The listed vulnerable Green and Maintaining or building volunteer Gold Frog (Litoria reniformis) is particularly affected, as participation in the trapping program is a Gambusia continue to attack and ‘fin nip’ larger tadpoles. core focus of the project. Community groups This drives tadpoles away from the best sources of and local schools and have been engaged food and shelter and forces them to spend time hiding and volunteers from several groups are rather than feeding. Preventing these local impacts from becoming state wide is of critical importance. involved in the ongoing trapping program.

12 WHAT HAS BEEN SOLVED LESSONS LEARNT The major problem, ‘What can you do when available We have moved from labour intensive trapping to much control methods (drainage and poisoning) which are more efficient methods. Previously, dive torches with great for dams, are not suitable for more sensitive rechargeable batteries were used in the traps. Now, sites infested by Gambusia?’ has been largely solved. new solar powered lights turn on and off automatically Effective control methods suitable for use in sensitive and charge themselves while sitting in the traps. This environments such as Tamar Island Wetlands have been eliminates the need for daily placement and removal of developed. The research and development of Gambusia traps and torches from the water, it also removes the PARTNERSHIP REPORT 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR traps has enabled practical, easy to use, portable need to remove batteries from torches for recharging traps to be made available to Gambusia managers and every two to three nights. This means the same intensity community groups. of trapping can be conducted with about one fifth of the labour previously needed. WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED Regular trapping at all known Gambusia infested sites and involvement of volunteers and community groups has been a key achievement. Volunteers from Tamar Island Wetland Wildcare Group, Fishcare Tasmania and Tamar NRM are involved in the ongoing trapping program. This has resulted in the removal of around 13000 Gambusia from sensitive environments over 2007 to 2008.

This has in turn supported the ongoing trap research and development being conducted by the Australian Maritime College. This research is now refining trap design to maximise catch rates while ensuring traps are still easy to use.

13 FINANCE STATEMENTS 2006-2009

TEER Program Partnership Agreement Financial Statement as at 30th June, 2009

Income 2006-2008 2009 Carried Forward From Previous Years

Income - Living Environment Program 2007 $65,000.00 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR

Income - Living Environment Program 2008 $75,000.00

Income - DEPHA 2007/08 $10,000.00 $150,000.00

Income - DEPHA 2008/09 $160,000.00

Income - Launceston City Council $30,000.00

Income - West Tamar Council $10,000.00

Income - George Town Council $8,000.00

Income - Meander Valley Council $10,000.00 $218,000.00

TOTAL INCOME RECEIVED $368,000.00

Less Expenses

Advertising $4,545.45

Administration $17,500.00

Consultancy Fees $6,825.00

Printing $13,905.00

Wages & Salaries $123,363.81

Superannuation $10,993.85

TOTAL EXPENSES $177,133.11

NET SURPLUS $190,866.89

Notes to the Accounts

NRM North has committed funding to the value of $220,000. $50,000 - Caring for Our Country Australian Government funding for stormwater and water quality. $40,000 - Property Management Planning in the TEER Program area for improving water quality and reducing sediment input into waterways. $60,000 - Riparian and river works. $70,000 - towards hosting and employment costs for the TEER Program Manager, Scientific & Technical Officer and support from the NRM North Knowledge Management Coordinator.

14 TEER Lake Trevallyn Water Monitoring Program Financial Statement as at 30th June, 2009

Income 2006-2008 2009 Carried Forward From Previous Years

Income - NAP Water $25,000.00 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR

Income - West Tamar Council $2,000.00

Income - Meander Valley Council $1,500.00

Income - Hydro Tasmania $10,300.00

Income - Esk Water $9,884.00 $48,684.00

Income - NHT RIP2 $17,206.20

Income - West Tamar Council $2,000.00

Income - Meander Valley council $2,000.00

Income - Hydro Tasmania $9,000.00

Income - Esk Water $9,000.00 $39,206.20

TOTAL INCOME RECEIVED $87,890.20

Less Expenses

Contract Services 07/08 $48,688.60

Contract Services 08/09 $30,831.13

TOTAL EXPENSES $79,519.73

NET SURPLUS $8,370.47

Notes to the Accounts

Contract Services 08/09. Payments to Dept Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts for Water Quality and Algal analysis $24,249.30. Launceston Environment Centre - Water Sampling $6,581.83.

15 TEER Projects Service Date Funding Project Total Unspent/ Project Activity Provider Commenced Source Total Spent Committed

Tamar Estuary Management Plan 61,236.00 55,239.48 5,942.52

Tamar Estuary Management SFM March 2006 NHT RIP1 YR1 48,182.00 48,182.00 - Plan – June 2007

TEMP priority linking in with the Tamar NRM Aug 2007 NHT RIP1 YR1 7,057.48 7,057.48 - Managing Remnant Bush Project

Gambusia Control 142,878.00 134,725.00 8,153.00 PARTNERSHIP REPORT 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR Invasive Species – Gambusia Tamar NRM May 2006 – NHT RIP 7,500.00 7,500.00 - Control Oct 2006

Invasive Species – Gambusia Tamar NRM Dec 2006 – NHT RIP2 116,300.00 116,300.00 - Control Dec 2008

Gambusia Survey Tamar NRM May 2009 CFOC 08/09 925.00 925.00 -

Gambusia Trapping Program Tamar NRM Sept 09 - NHT RIP1 YR2 18,153.00 10,000.00 8,153.00 2009 Ongoing

Tamar Estuary Knowledge Capture 12,000.00 12,000.00 -

Scholarship for estuarine event Australian Aug 2007 NHT RIP1 YR1 10,000.00 10,000.00 - monitoring Maritime College

Conceptual Model Australian July 2008 NHT RIP1 YR1 2,000.00 2,000.00 - Maritime College

Tamar Catchment Sediment Modelling Project 260,000.00 96,561.13 163,408.87

Tamar Catchment Sediment & Hydro Tasmania Dec 2008 - NHT RIP 2 98,725.00 65,000.00 33,725.00 Nutrient Model Consulting / Ongoing WBM BMT

ADCP profile sampling Hydro Tasmania July 2008 NHT RIP2 20,700.00 20,700.00 -

Event based sampling DPIW Oct 08 - NHT RIP2 28,983.00 10,634.77 18,348.23 Ongoing

Base mapping DPIW March 2009 NHT RIP2 256.36 256.36 -

TEER Lake Trevallyn Algal Bloom Monitoring Program* 87,890.20 79,519.73 8,370.47

Algal bloom monitoring TEER Lake 2007-2009 TEER 87,890.20 79,519.73 8,370.47 Trevallyn Algal Partners Bloom Monitoring Working Group

TEER Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program 49,949.00 25,000.00 24,949.00

EHMP Framework Australian June 2008 - NHT RIP2 29,949.00 20,000.00 9,949.00 Maritime College Ongoing

EHMP Report Card Australian Nov 2009 - CFOC 08/09 20,000.00 5,000.00 15,000.00 Maritime College Ongoing

TOTALS 613,953.20 403,800.34 210,098.86

*See Financial Statement for TEER Lake Trevallyn Algal Bloom Monitoring Program.

16 PARTNERS

Steering Committee Past Members Current Members at 30 June 2009 Kate Kent General Manager, Strategic Policy Scott Gadd Department of Primary Industries & Water Secretary (date resigned 5 June 2009) Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts (Chairman) Ngaire McCrindle General Manager Frank Dixon George Town Council (date resigned 30 April 2009)

General Manager 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR Launceston City Council Greg Preece General Manager Meander Valley Council Ian Pearce General Manager West Tamar Council Stephen Brown General Manager George Town Council James McKee Chief Executive Officer NRM North Andrew Catchpole General Manager Communications and External Relations Hydro Tasmania Joe Conti Regional Environmental Health Officer-North Department of Health and Human Services

17 Scientific and Technical Committee Rolling Membership List - Core Committee - Current members as at 30 June 2009 Current Members as at 30 June 2009 Peter Heading Tamar NRM Dr Troy Gaston National Centre for Marine Conservation Jos Phillips and Resource Sustainability, Australian Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage Maritime College (Chairman) and the Arts

Dr Andrew Seen Alexandra Spink 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR University of Tasmania Department of Primary Industries and Water Greg Dowson Past Members Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts Sonia Lloyd Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment Kate Wilson Department of Primary Industries and Water Duane Richardson Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment Dr Raquel Esteban Department of Health and Human Services Holly Wallace Rio Tinto Alcan Debbie Searle NRM North Carmel Miller Meander Valley Council Andrew Baldwin NRM North Steve Powell TEMCO Alison Howman Hydro Tasmania Scott McCallum Smith BHP Billiton Gail Martin Van Dieman Aquaculture Peter Hills Beaconsfield Gold Glen Rowlands Esk Water Steve Ratcliffe Launceston City Council Rick Chippindall West Tamar Council James Doherty Launceston City Council

18 Sediment and Modelling Lake Trevallyn Algal Bloom Working Group Monitoring Working Group Current Members as at 30 June 2009 Current Members as at 30 June 2009 Dr Troy Gaston Andrew Baldwin National Centre for Marine Conservation NRM North and Resource Sustainability, Australian Maritime College Alison Howman Hydro Tasmania Dr Andrew Seen 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR University of Tasmania Dr Raquel Esteban Department of Health and Human Services Greg Dowson Department of Environment Parks Heritage Joe Conti Department of Health and Human Services and the Arts Andrew Baldwin Rick Chippindall West Tamar Council NRM North Steve Ratcliffe Katie Proctor Meander Valley Council Launceston City Council Alison Howman James Doherty Launceston City Council Hydro Tasmania Shane Broad Glen Rowlands Ben Lomond Water Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research Dr Owen Ingles Dr Malcolm McCausland Hydro Tasmania Consulting Geotechnical Engineering and Soils Consultant Alexandra Spink David Thomas Analytical Services Tasmania Department of Primary Industries and Water Stephanie Fulton Analytical Services Tasmania Dr Caroline Whalley Hydro Tasmania Consulting Dr Chris Bolch University of Tasmania Anthony Ross Parks and Wildlife Service

19 FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In August 2008 key stakeholders and community leaders from government, industry, business and the community Future Directions - Strategies, came together to develop a vision and roles and performance measures strategic framework for the Tamar Estuary 1. Protect, maintain and enhance natural values and Esk Rivers systems. The Strategic - healthy river systems help build healthy communities. Framework is the future blueprint that will guide the operation of the TEER 2. Build sustainable futures - water is a precious resource. Good water is a key element in our ability Program and will enable our partners and to sustain life now and into the future. 2009 REPORT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: RIVERS ESK AND ESTUARY TAMAR stakeholders to work together towards a 3. Working together to provide integrated governance, common set of goals. planning and management - working together is the way to achieve outcomes for the Tamar Estuary & The Vision 2030 Esk River Systems. The Tamar Estuary & Esk Rivers systems, 4. Build community knowledge and awareness of the Tamar Estuary & Esk River Systems - it is important the Healthy Productive, Valued and Enjoyed - entire community understands the Tamar Estuary & Our Rivers of Life Esk Rivers, the role they play in our lives, the need for them and what we can do to help maintain their health.

5. Improve the amenity of the Tamar Estuary and Esk River Systems - how the rivers look and how they are used is important to our community.

These future directions provide the blueprint for the TEER Program to work towards however it is not possible for the TEER Program to achieve this in isolation. This will require the commitment and support from a ‘whole of community approach’ to truly make a difference. The TEER Program has been established as the vehicle to coordinate and rally people to work towards achieving the community’s vision for healthy waterways. As a partnership program the TEER will continue to foster and develop new partnerships and initiatives with the community, government, business and industry to work towards waterways that are healthy, productive, valued and enjoyed.

20 63 – 65 Cameron Street Launceston TAS 7250 Ph: (03) 6333 7777 Fax: (03) 6334 2822 www.nrmnorth.org.au