Gi pps l and Coas tal Board Annual Report

2001- 2002

Presented to the Victorian Coastal Council Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 Gi pps l and Coas tal Board Annual Report

2001- 2002

Presented to the Victorian Coastal Council

Gippsland Coastal Board 7 Service Street (PO Box 476) BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 Ph (03) 51520451 Fax (03) 51520444 [email protected] http://www.gcb.vic.gov.au Table Of Contents

FORWORD 1

HIGHLIGHTS 1

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 2

BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND STAFFING 4

BOARD ACTIVITIES (FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ACT) 6

STATUTORY REPORT 15

FINANCIAL REPORT 18

CHALLENGES AND EMERGING ISSUES 20

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 Foreword The Gippsland Lakes and Coast Regional Coastal Board was formed under the Coastal Management Act 1995. Under the Act, the Board is required to report to the Victorian Coastal Council by June 30 each year on - a) The status of coastal planning in the region; and b) Implementation in its region of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans, and approved coastal guidelines for the region. In addition to its statutory reporting requirements, the Gippsland Coastal Board has an obligation to inform its numerous stakeholders about its activities over the past year. This Annual Report for the financial year 2001 – 2002 is intended to meet both these objectives.

Highlights • Completing the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001), including submission to the Gippsland Lakes Task Force and the Minister for Environment and Conservation, the Hon Sherryl Garbutt; • Supporting the development of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, which was released by the Minister for Environment and Conservation in January, 2002; • Gaining Victorian Coastal Council endorsement for two new Coastal Action Plans – the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan and the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan; • Completing the Gippsland Coastal Mapping Project, including distribution of hard copy and CD mapping products to agencies; • Supporting the development of the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan, which was released by the Minister for Environment and Conservation in May 2002, as the Government’s response to the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIR0, 2001), together with funding of $12.8 million over four years; • Launching the Gippsland Coastal Board web site at www.gcb.vic.gov.au • Finalising expenditure of the Coastal Action Plan implementation funding ($1.5 million over three years), including major projects such as the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001) and the Gippsland Lakes Boat Sewage Pump-out and Composting Toilet Project, and a range of other planning projects such as the Gippsland Lakes Shore Erosion and Revegetation Strategy (GCB, 2002); • Convening the Gippsland Lakes Blue-green Algae Task Force and responding to a significant summer bloom; • Gaining approval for the third year of funding for the National Heritage Trust “Bush Partnership” Native Vegetation Incentives Program; • Supporting the establishment of Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries; • Continuing to strengthen relationships with Municipalities, Catchment Management Authorities, Parks , the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other Regional organisations.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 1 Chairperson’s Report

The 2001/2002 year has been notable for the range of issues considered by the Board and by the completion of a wide range of important projects for which the Board has been responsible. I am particularly pleased with the manner in which the Board has worked together.

The Board continues to act as a linking mechanism for Agencies, Municipalities, Catchment Management Authorities and other organisations managing coastal matters and members participate in various forums and committees that impact either directly or indirectly on coastal issues. These include the Gippsland Research Coordination Group, Water for Growth Committee, Gippsland Regional Water Monitoring Committee, Watermark, CSIRO Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study Steering Committee and the Gippsland Lakes Blue-green Algal Bloom Response Group. Additionally each member has links into various organisations that assist the Board with its role.

Coastal Action Plans (CAP) The Gippsland Boating CAP and the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland CAP have both consumed a lot of Board and staff time. The Boating CAP will for the first time give a planning lead for boating amenities, destination enhancement and safety across the whole of the Gippsland coast and the Lakes.

The Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland CAP will seek to bring a consistent approach to sustainable coastal planning in the area from San Remo in the west, to the New South Wales border in the east and has involved extensive community and Local Government consultation. Both documents were signed off by the Board and the Victorian Coastal Council during the year and will be submitted to Minister Garbutt for her approval early in the 2002/2003 year.

Marine Parks The process to establish a system of representative Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries has spanned over a decade and is of strategic importance to the overall management of the marine environment. The Board has been a strong supporter of the issue and welcomes the legislation passed in the Victorian Parliament in June 2002 enabling the establishment of 24 Marine Parks and Sanctuaries. The Board is very pleased to host a photographic display of the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary on its web site and congratulates John Ariens, Roger May and the Underwater Naturalists who completed this spectacular project.

Gippsland Lakes The Gippsland Lakes continues to consume a large proportion of the Board’s time. The Final Report of the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO) was completed in November 2001 and submitted to Ms Chloe Munro, Chairperson of the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce, for the attention of the Minister. The report provides key scientific directions to assist in improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes.

The Board welcomes the release of the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan (NRE, 2002), which was launched by the Hon Sherryl Garbutt, Minister for Environment and Conservation in May 2002. The key strategic direction to reduce nutrient loads entering the Gippsland Lakes by 40% by 2002 is identified and funding of $12.8 million over four years was announced.

Other Issues There is still no resolution to the subsidence issue and the Board continues to seek better scientific information and prediction on this matter. An additional emerging issue is the possible consequence of ocean rise brought about by the effects of climate change. With predictions of 5-32cm rises by 2050, and 9 to 88cm by 2100, the Board is promoting a geomorphological study to model what effects this may have on parts of our fragile coastline. This information is vital if we are to properly plan for future coastal activities and developments.

With such a diversity of coastline, the Board has chosen to meet at a range of locations from Lakes Entrance to the western boundary, including various South Gippsland locations. Several of these meetings have incorporated field inspections and my thanks go to the various officers and staff members from other organisations who have assisted with facilitation and information sharing during these visits.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 2 Finally my thanks to all Board members for their intense and committed contributions during the year and to staff members, Andrew Buckley and Sheree Pettman and to Angie Gutowski, who has now completed her secondment with the Board, for their commitment and professionalism in the conduct of Board business.

Duncan Malcolm Chairperson

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 3 Board Membership and Staffing CHAIRPERSON Duncan Malcolm Duncan Malcolm is a long term Boisdale resident with a strong interest in natural resource management. Duncan had eleven years experience with the Rural Water Corporation as its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. He was a Commissioner with the East Gippsland Shire, and was the former Chairperson of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and first appointed Gippsland Coastal Board. Current chairperson positions held by Duncan include the National Board of the Irrigation Association of Australia, the Geospatial Science Initiative, Industry Advisory Board (RMIT University), National Irrigation Science Network and Lakes and Wilderness Tourism. Duncan is also a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) and the Victorian Coastal Council (VCC). COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES John Bate John Bate has had a long and continuous involvement with coastal management issues, focusing on the Gippsland Lakes. While currently a resident of , John regularly spends time at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. He has professional qualifications in engineering and worked for the former Gas & Fuel Corporation for over 15 years. He currently works in the financial management profession. John was appointed to the Gippsland Lakes Management Council in December 1993 and has been a member of the Gippsland Coastal Board since 1996. He is also Vice Chairman of Trust for Nature (Victoria), formerly the Victorian Conservation Trust. Ailsa Buxton Ailsa Buxton, formerly a member of the Gippsland Lakes Management Council, has been a member of the Gippsland Coastal Board since 1996. Ailsa was a member of the former Wellington Salinity Group, which was implementing the Lake Wellington Catchment Salinity Management Plan and the Macalister Irrigation District Nutrient Reduction Plan. Ailsa is a Waterwatch volunteer and has been since 1994. She is a member of a Stratford farming family, a Landcare group member and belongs to the Country Women’s Association of Victoria. Loretta Hambly Loretta Hambly brings extensive experience in the area of policy development and strategic planning to the Gippsland Coastal Board. Loretta has a diverse background including the public, private, education and community sectors and is currently employed as Director, Strategic Planning in the office of the Pro Vice Chancellor, Monash University, Gippsland Campus. Loretta lives at Inverloch and has been involved with the Inverloch Residents and Ratepayers Association. Fred Herbert Fred Herbert is a long time Metung resident and owner/director of one of Australia’s foremost boating holiday companies “Riviera Nautic” and brings important experience in tourism and management to the Board. Fred has qualifications in engineering and business administration, is a current Board member of the Country Victorian Tourism Council and a past member of the Lakes and Wilderness Tourism Board, the Gippsland Lakes Management Council, Victorian Eastern Development Association, the first appointed Gippsland Coastal Board and the Victorian Coastal Council. Andrew Martin Andrew Martin is a Chartered Accountant based in Nicholson and operates throughout the Gippsland Region. Andrew has a detailed knowledge of recreational fishing issues and is currently President of the Gippsland Angling Clubs Association Inc. Andrew is a strong advocate for improving the environmental health of Gippsland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries and marine waters. Howard Emanuel Howard Emanuel is a coastal enthusiast with a long history of involvement with Victorian coastal issues, including broader social and economic issues. Previously employed as a coastal Ranger, Howard was the inaugural President of the Sandy Point/Shallow Inlet Coast Action Group and is a keen coastal birdwatcher, walker and surfer. Howard currently resides at Sandy Point.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 4 Neil Taylor Neil Taylor is a social care clinician and consultant of many years experience, both in Victoria and internationally. A broker and convenor of groups such as the Environment Monitoring Network and the “Wilsons Prom Coalition,” he is a member of the Wilsons Promontory National Park Advisory Group and was heavily involved in the campaign and brokerage for the Victorian Marine Parks and Sanctuaries “suite.” Neil comes from a generational family background of mariners, anglers and commercial fishers and is himself a keen bushwalker and recreational fisherman. Neil possesses highly developed networks in both Gippsland and Victoria and has detailed knowledge of Gippsland’s coastal land and marine environments. Neil’s special interests are National Parks, Aboriginal history and archaeology and he lives at Woolamai.

Jeanette Severs Jeanette Severs is a member of the Victorian Board of Greening Australia, the Deputy Chair of the South East Australian Landcare Forum, a member of the Tambo Nicholson River Management Group of the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and holds a position with the Victorian Women in Agriculture and Resource Management register (VicWARM). Jeanette is a community leader within Gippsland and more widely across Victoria through her involvement with women’s issues, natural resource management and community affairs. Jeanette currently resides at Johnsonville.

NOMINEES Tony Edgar – Department Of Natural Resources and Environment Tony Edgar is Regional Manager, Gippsland for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Tony is a forester by training and has spent a large part of his career working in fire and forest management in many areas throughout Victoria, most recently in Benalla and Mildura. Tony is also a member of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, was a member of the first appointed Coastal Board and lives in Traralgon. Alan Freitag – Department of Infrastructure Alan Freitag is Manager, Eastern Region for the Department of Infrastructure. Qualified in urban and regional planning, Alan possesses extensive experience in town planning and related fields with employment in both Local and State Government and in the private sector. Alan lives in Sale. Stuart Ord – Parks Victoria Stuart Ord is on secondment from his substantive position as Regional Manager, East Region, Parks Victoria and brings a strong background in forest, catchment and water supply management to the Gippsland Coastal Board. Stuart also possesses detailed knowledge on coastal tourism, recreation and conservation and was a member of the first appointed Board. Stuart resides in Mornington.

STAFFING Executive Officer (EO): Andrew Buckley – commenced duties in October 2000. Gippsland Lakes Project Officer (GLPO) – Angie Gutowski commenced duties in May 2001 and completed her secondment with the Board in June 2002. Executive Assistant (EA) – Sheree Pettman. Casual administrative assistance – Glenda Lind.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 5 Board Activities (Functions under the Act)

(a) Development of Coastal Action Plans

Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan The Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan provides for the long-term development of recreational boating facilities in Gippsland and includes recommendations and priorities for improving facilities such as boat ramps, moorings, signage and jetties.

Public exhibition of the draft plan occurred during December and January 2001 and six public meetings were held across Gippsland. Following review of the 110 submissions and subsequent amendments to the plan, the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan was approved by both the Board and the Victorian Coastal Council. The plan was then submitted to the Minister for approval.

Draft Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan The Gippsland Integrated Coastal Planning Project commenced in 1999 and was funded by the Commonwealth Coastal and Marine Planning Program (CMPP). Following the completion of a series of Project Technical Papers in March 2000, a Discussion Paper, “The Gippsland Coast: Planning for the Future” was prepared and advertised for public comment in July 2000. Following consideration of submissions, the Draft Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan was prepared and placed on public exhibition in July 2001. Two public meetings were held in August 2001 and briefings given to East Gippsland, Wellington, South Gippsland and Councils. A modest number of submissions were received. Following consideration of submissions, the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan was approved by the Board and submitted to the Victorian Coastal Council. This Coastal Action Plan discusses major coastal policy issues, provides policy direction, identifies key actions and provides the basis for achieving integrated decisions and consistent planning outcomes by outlining a Regional Coastal Policy for Local Government in Gippsland. The Victorian Coastal Council subsequently approved the plan for submission to the Minister. The Gippsland Coastal Mapping Project, which involved the production of high quality maps at a variety of scales (1:10,000, 1:25,000 and 1:100,000) in both CD and plan format, was completed. Base layers, environmental layers and land management layers are included and the mapping was distributed to all coastal management Agencies in Gippsland.

Gippsland Coastal Waters Coastal Action Plan This Coastal Action Plan was completed in late 1999 and identifies threats to coastal waters and proposes remedies, recommends improved monitoring, processes and management arrangements. Due to unforseen circumstances Ministerial approval was not obtained, and this plan will now be reviewed by the Board for currency and possible linking with other estuary planning in 2002/03.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 6 (b) Provision of Advice to the Minister The Chairperson formally submitted the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001) to Ms Chloe Munro, Chairperson of the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce in December 2001, for the attention of the Minister. The Chairperson hosted the Hon. Sherryl Garbutt MP in January 2001 on a tour of the Gippsland Lakes and briefed her on Gippsland Lakes issues, including the recently completed Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001). The Board provided separate advice to the Minister on the following topics: • Adequacy and operation of flood modelling systems in Gippsland • Native vegetation issues and finalising the Native Vegetation Management Framework • Mosquito control in the Gippsland Lakes • Response to the National Party Discussion Paper on Marine Parks

(c) Provision of Advice to the Council The Gippsland Coastal Board provided advice to the Victorian Coastal Council on the following issues: • Draft Victorian Coastal Strategy • Copies of submissions on a range of planning processes (see below).

(d) Preparation of Guidelines for Coastal Planning and Management The Board has strongly advised management Agencies that all management plans should be written in conformity with the requirements in the Victorian Coastal Management Act 1995.

The Board was represented on the Steering Committees for the following management planning processes managed by other Agencies: Mallacoota Foreshore Management Plan (EO) Metung and Mosquito Point Foreshore Management Plan (GLPO) Master Plan for Marine Facilities and Water Use in North Arm, Lakes Entrance (GLPO) McLennan Straits Management Plan (GLPO) Macleod Morass/Jones Bay State Wildlife Reserve Management Plan (GLPO) East Gippsland Water Quality Management Plan (EO) Avon River Stream Flow Management Plan (EO)

Membership of groups convened by other Agencies includes: Gippsland Lakes Task Force (Chairperson) Gippsland Lakes Departmental Coordination Committee (EO) Thomson Macalister Environmental Flows Task Force (Chairperson) Gippsland Research Coordination Group (Chairperson) Water for Growth Committee (Chairperson) Gippsland Lakes Flood Modelling Project (GLPO) “Mississippi Link to Lakes Entrance” Recreational Trail Project (Board member)

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 7 The Board made submissions to the following planning processes: Inquiry into the Fishing Charter Industry (Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Parliament of Victoria) Basslink Environmental Effects Statement (written and verbal submission) Draft Forest Management Plan for Gippsland (NRE) Draft Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy (State Boating Council) Draft Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Management Plan (PV) Draft Victorian River Health Strategy (NRE) Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan (NRE) South East Regional Marine Plan (National Oceans Office) National Party Marine Parks Discussion Paper (National Party, Victoria) Raft Avon River Streamflow Management Plan (Southern Rural Water) Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Draft Strategic Management Plan (PV)

(e) The Facilitation of Local Public Awareness, Consultation and Implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and approved Coastal Guidelines

Community Trust The Board maintains strong links with Watermark Inc., with Duncan Malcolm participating as Chairperson of Watermark. Watermark’s key purpose is to increase understanding and facilitate community action to improve the Gippsland Lakes and catchment, and to promote sustainable production. Public Meetings Draft Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan Public meetings were held at Paynesville on 6 August 2001 and at Inverloch on 8 August 2001. Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001) Public meetings on the Final Report of the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001) were held on 12 February 2002 at Sale (40 people) and at Bairnsdale (120 people). A follow up Gippsland Lakes and Catchment Workshop for Agency and stakeholder groups was held in Traralgon on 13 February 2002, in association with the Gippsland Research Coordination Group. Approximately 75 people attended. Gippsland Lakes Fishing Issues The Board convened a public meeting held at Metung on 2 April 2002 on Gippsland Lakes Fishing issues. Approximately 70 people attended and were addressed by representatives of commercial and recreational fishing interests and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Draft Gippsland Lakes Shore Erosion and Revegetation Strategy Two public information sessions were held on 28 May 2002 at Sale and at Paynesville.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 8 Board Meetings The Gippsland Coastal Board has continued its policy of rotating meeting venues and site visits throughout the region, and inviting local community and Agency representatives to attend as observers or contributors wherever possible. Meeting locations, guests and special discussion topics are listed below.

GIPPSLAND COASTAL BOARD MEETINGS 2001/02 MEETING LOCATION GUESTS TOPICS July 2001 1. South Graeme Davis, PV, Ross Walkerville Foreshore, Cape Liptrap (No 57) Gippsland Site Williamson, PV, member of the Coastal Park, Venus Bay, Inverloch Inspections, Walkerville Foreshore CoM Inverloch (Bunurong Environment Centre) GCB/CCB boundary issues, 2. Inverloch Joint meeting with the Central Integrated Coastal Planning for Community Coastal Board, Mike Wellings, Gippsland Coastal Action Plan, site Centre PV, David Sutton, John Cuttris, visit to Screw Creek Aileen Venning & Liz Williams, Sth Gipps Cons Soc/Inverloch Res & Ratepayers Assoc., Wayne Gilmour, WGCMA,

August Traralgon George Kattos, TQA Research Coastal and Marine Research (for 2001 (West P/L VCC) (No 58) Gippsland CMA) September Paynesville to Members of the Victorian CSIRO Gippsland Lakes 2001 Lakes Coastal Council, Rob Molloy, Environmental Study, Role of (No 59) Entrance by CSIRO, Ewan Waller, GP, Dr Gippsland Ports and Gippsland boat, Keith Thomas, NRE Lakes Entrance issues Bairnsdale (NRE) October Traralgon David Young, SGSC Council’s 2001 (NRE) Coastal Project (No 60) November South Dale Antonysen, PV, Cheryl Jack Smith Lake, McGuarans 2001 Gippsland site Edwards, NRE, Ross Beach, Seaspray, Dutson Downs, (No 61) inspections, Williamson, PV, Jenny Jelbart & Loch Sport, The Lakes National Loch Sport Mark Dunbar, GW, members of Park (PV) the Loch Sport Foreshore CoM December Lakes David Nash, NRE, Action on Nutrients for Sustainable 2001 Entrance (The Agriculture (ANSA) Program, Bellvue) (No 62) Geoff North, LEFCOL Lakes Entrance Fishermans Co-Op January Sale Dale Antonysen, PV and Eleisha Clydebank Morass 2002 (Armadale Keogh, NRE (No 63) Reception Centre) and Clydebank Morass February Traralgon Llew Vale, SGW Waste water issues in South 2002 (WGCMA) Gippsland, (No 64) Kelly O’Shanassy, EPA & SEPP (Waters of Victoria) Leanne Horsnell, EPA

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 9 March Traralgon Alison Stone, NRE Future Directions of Coasts and 2002 (WGCMA) Ports Branch (NRE) (No 65) April 2002 Traralgon No guests (No 66) (West Gippsland CMA) May 2002 Traralgon Dr Geoff Mosley (Environmental Wilsons Promontory NP – (No 67) (WGCMA) Consultant) & Paul Fitzimmons, Assessment of World Heritage NRE Values David Evans, GW EoI by GW to Develop Dutson Downs as a Hazardous Waste Site June 2002 South Bruce Warr, GP, Damien Ryan, Barry Beach, Port Welshpool, Port (No 68) Gippsland site Tourism Vic, Tegan Murphy, Albert inspections, Tourism Vic, Geoff Hill, SGSC, Port Ashleigh Peters, Planning Welshpool Consultant, Steven Dixon, WSC, Lionel Dukakis, NRE & Ray Prain, ESSO

Publications In the 2001/02 reporting period, the Gippsland Coastal Board produced the following publications:

PUBLICATION CIRCULATION COMMENTS Various existing Board Internet Available in pdf format on the publications Board’s web site at www.gcb.vic.gov.au

Draft Integrated Coastal Key stakeholders and the general Document released for formal Planning for Gippsland – public – approx 600 copies public consultation Coastal Action Plan distributed

Gippsland Integrated Coastal Agencies (supplied) and the High quality maps at a variety of Planning Project - Coastal general public (for sale) scales and themes, available in Mapping Project hard copy and CD format. CD’s available for sale to the public

Gippsland Lakes Environmental Key stakeholders, agencies, Final report of the Gippsland Lakes Study – Assessing Options for libraries and institutions Environmental Study. Note that the Improving Water Quality and Final Report and project Technical Ecological Function. Final Reports are available in pdf format Report, CSIRO. 2001 on the Board’s web site

Gippsland Lakes Environmental Key stakeholders, agencies and Hard copy and available in pdf Study – Fact Sheets (1-10) the general public format on the Board’s web site

Pamphlet “Protecting the Key stakeholders and the general Revised brochure advertising the Gippsland Lakes – A nationally public Gippsland Lakes boat sewage recognised boat sewage pump- pump-out and hopper system out system”

Pamphlet “A Bush Partnership” General public – 10,000 copies Revised brochure advertising the distributed by Gippsland Shires National Heritage Trust “Bush Partnership” Program

Proceedings of Gippsland Workshop attendees, key Copies available from the Board Lakes Carp Management agencies Workshop (21 February 2002))

Coastal and Lakes Information Schools, tertiary students, general Photocopies of sheets prepared in sheets public earlier years

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 10 Media Releases During the year, the Board made approximately 28 press releases. The subjects covered included: • The Blue-green algal bloom on the Gippsland Lakes • Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study • Gippsland Lakes Carp Management Workshop • Public meeting on Gippsland Lakes fishing • GCB supports World Environment Week • Gippsland Lakes Shore Erosion public meeting • Cunninghame Arm bridge and channel works • Beware Reef images • Board web site launch • Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland public meetings All media releases are now posted on the Board’s web site. The Board received widespread coverage in newspaper and on television and radio. Two television advertisements focussing on the issues of catchment and Gippsland Lakes health were developed in partnership with East and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authorities and WIN TV P/L in 2002. Screening of the advertisements will be in the second half of 2002.

Leading debate Members of the Board and the Executive Officer have attended many public and agency forums over the year, and have taken these opportunities to promote debate on a number of issues affecting the Gippsland Lakes and coast. Some of the topics promoted have been: • Gippsland Lakes water quality Issues • Integrated coastal planning • Marine Parks and Sanctuaries • The possibility of land subsidence occurring along the Gippsland coast • Recreational boating issues • The impact of climate change on the Gippsland coast.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 11 (f) To Encourage the Co-operation of Government Departments, Municipalities, Public Authorities, Industry and Community Groups in the Planning, Management and Implementation of Strategic Solutions for the Region’s Coast Board members and staff have continued their efforts to create and maintain strong links with regional authorities and the general public, particularly regarding strategic planning issues. Two inter-agency forums meet on a regular basis to provide strong links at officer levels. One forum covers South Gippsland, the other East Gippsland. The organisations represented are: SOUTH GIPPSLAND EAST GIPPSLAND Gippsland Coastal Board Gippsland Coastal Board Department of Natural Resources and Department of Natural Resources and Environment Environment Gippsland Ports Gippsland Ports Wellington Shire Council East Gippsland Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council Parks Victoria Parks Victoria Environment Protection Authority Environment Protection Authority Gippsland Cultural Heritage Unit West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Waterwatch

Co-operative Projects An effective means of generating interaction between bodies is the development of joint funding bids and projects. The Board has been successful in gaining access to external funds, and to winning financial and general support for projects of mutual benefit. Current projects include: PROJECT PARTNERS ♣ Gippsland Lakes Boat Sewage Pump-out Department of Natural Resources and Environment ♣ Network - complete Gippsland Ports ♣ Wellington Shire Council ♣ East Gippsland Shire Council ♣ Environment Protection Authority ♣ Part funded by the Commonwealth Coast and Clean Seas Program ♣ Private boat hire operators • Composting Toilets Project - complete Parks Victoria • East Gippsland Shire Council • Part funded by the Commonwealth Coast and Clean Seas Program ♣ Coastal and Marine Planning Program Wellington Shire Council ♣ (Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland East Gippsland Shire Council ♣ – Coastal Action Plan) – complete Bass Coast Shire Council ♣ South Gippsland Shire Council ♣ Department of Infrastructure ♣ Parks Victoria ♣ Department of Natural Resources and Environment ♣ Gippsland Development ♣ Victorian Eastern Development Association ♣ Aboriginal Affairs Victoria ♣ Funded by the Commonwealth Coast and Clean Seas Planning Program

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 12 ♣ Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan - Department of Natural Resources and Environment ♣ complete Gippsland Ports ♣ Boating Industry Association ♣ Wellington Shire Council ♣ East Gippsland Shire Council ♣ South Gippsland Shire Council ♣ State Boating Council ♣ Parks Victoria Gippsland Regional Water Monitoring Co- ♣ 17 Regional stakeholders, including industry ordination Committee – on-going Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study ♣ CSIRO (CSIRO) - complete ♣ Department of Natural Resources and Environment ♣ Southern Rural Water ♣ East Gippsland Water ♣ Gippsland Water ♣ East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority ♣ West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority ♣ Loy Yang Power ♣ Hazelwood Power ♣ Australian Paper Additional assistance from • University of Melbourne • EPA • Gippsland Ports • Marine and Freshwater Research Institute • Parks Victoria Natural Heritage Trust “Bush Partnership” ♣ East Gippsland Shire Council Native Vegetation Incentives Program ♣ Wellington Shire Council ♣ South Gippsland Shire Council ♣ Bass Coast Shire Council ♣ Baw Baw Shire Council ♣ Latrobe City ♣ Trust for Nature ♣ Natural Resources and Environment

Funding Applications 1. National Heritage Trust (NHT 2)

An application for funding ($200,000) was made for the project “Sea Level Change Implications for the Gippsland Coast.”

2. Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan (NRE, 2002)

Applications for 2002/03 funding under the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan funding were made for the following projects: * Second Entrance Assessment – Assessment of Projected Physical and Chemical Changes ($75,000) * Second Entrance Evaluation – Assessment of Ecological Impacts ($175,000) * Lake Processes – Verification of CSIRO Model/Vertical Mixing ($50,000) * Development and Delivery of Reporting on Gippsland Lakes Catchment ($94,000) * Initiative Coordination ($130,000)

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 13 Management of Algal Blooms

The Gippsland Coastal Board, as successor to the former Gippsland Lakes Implementation Committee, is responsible for the coordination of responses to Blue-green algal blooms that affect the Gippsland Lakes. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for preparing and implementing the Emergency Response Plan, and the Board coordinates the activities of the Department and other bodies with direct management roles. The Board also manages the communication component, particularly contact with the media and the issuing of consistent and considered public information.

A significant (Alert Level 3) Blue-green algal bloom developed in mid January 2002 in the eastern Gippsland Lakes and the Regional Contingency Plan was activated. Alert Level 3 concentrations of Nodularia were measured and appropriate warnings, technical reports, public updates and media releases were issued. Harvesting of prawns and mussels was banned in early February by the Department of Human Services. The Blue-green bloom dissipated in late February, but another species of diatom algae called Pseudo-nitzschia was detected in the Lakes and the ban on the consumption of prawns from the Lakes remained until early March 2002.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 14 Statutory Report

(a) Status of Coastal Planning in the Region

Municipal Planning Schemes There was no major change to the status of the coastal policy sections in the Municipal Planning Schemes in the Shires of East Gippsland, Wellington and South Gippsland during 2001/02.

Planning on Crown Land The following Plans were processed during the year: PLANNING AGENCY STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE DOCUMENT 2002

Mallacoota Foreshore East Gippsland Shire Council, Draft reviewed following public Management Plan Gippsland Ports, Parks Victoria, consultation NRE Management Parks Victoria Draft in preparation Plan Cape Conran Coastal Park Parks Victoria Draft in preparation and due for Management Plan public exhibition in early 2003 Master Plan for Marine East Gippsland Shire Council, Draft in preparation Facilities and Water Use in Gippsland Ports, NRE North Arm, Lakes Entrance Nyerimilang Future Parks Victoria Plan completed and for internal Directions Strategy agency use only Metung and Mosquito Point East Gippsland Shire Council, Draft reviewed following public Foreshores Management NRE exhibition Plan Macleod Morass & Jones Parks Victoria Draft prepared and public release Bay State Wildlife Reserve pending Management Plan Port of Sale Business Wellington Shire Council, Tourism Completed and adopted by Opportunity Study Victoria Wellington Shire Council McLennan Strait Wellington Shire Council, NRE, Draft in preparation Management Plan Parks Victoria Lake Wellington Wetlands Parks Victoria Redraft (of 1997 draft) in Management Plan preparation Loch Sport Foreshore Loch Sport Committee of Approved by Minister Reserve Management Plan Management, NRE Seaspray Reserves Seaspray Reserves Committee of Approved by Minister Management Plan Management, NRE Port Albert Master Plan and Wellington Shire Council, Tourism Completed and adopted by Development Opportunity Victoria Wellington Shire Council Study

Port Welshpool Master Plan South Gippsland Shire Council, Proposed – brief in preparation and Development Tourism Victoria Opportunity Study

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 15 Wilsons Promontory National Parks Victoria Approved by Minister Park Management Plan Walkerville Foreshore Walkerville Foreshore Committee Approved by Minister Reserve Management Plan of Management, NRE Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Parks Victoria Draft under review following Management Plan public consultation Strategic Directions Parks Victoria Approved by Minister Statement for Victoria’s Ramsar Sites Ramsar Site Parks Victoria Approved by Minister Strategic Management Plan Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Parks Victoria Draft under review following Site Draft Strategic public consultation Management Plan Victorian Coastal Strategy Victorian Coastal Council Approved by Minister (2002) Gippsland Coastal Waters Gippsland Coastal Board To be reviewed by the Gippsland Coastal Action Plan Coastal Board in 2002/03 Gippsland Boating Coastal Gippsland Coastal Board Endorsed by the Victorian Action Plan Coastal Council, with submission to the Minister pending Integrated Coastal Planning Gippsland Coastal Board Endorsed by the Victorian for Gippsland – Coastal Coastal Council, with submission Action Plan to the Minister pending Gippsland Lakes Future NRE Approved by Minister Directions and Actions Plan

Planning in the Coastal and Marine Environment The Board completed the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan, which includes management and planning issues for the near-shore zone. The National Oceans Office (Commonwealth Government) continued to develop the South East Region Marine Plan (SERMP). This plan deals with marine and fisheries issues in Commonwealth waters.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 16 (b) Implementation in the Region of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and Approved Coastal Guidelines for the Region.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Action Plan Implementation Funding of $1.54 million allocated over three years to the Gippsland Coastal Board in 1999 for Coastal Action Plan implementation has now been expended.

Progress on priority projects identified in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Action Plan and managed by the Board is as follows:

PROJECT STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2002 Priority One Projects CSIRO Gippsland Lakes Environmental Project Project completed Sediment Sampling and Analysis Project completed Completion of Boat Sewage Pump-out and Project completed Hopper Facilities Composting Toilet Project Project completed Aquaculture Guidelines Not commenced Cunninghame Arm Investigations Project completed

Priority Two Projects Gippsland Lakes Shore Erosion & Revegetation Project completed Strategy Community Debate on Subsidence On-going Implementation of Gippsland Lakes LCC Project completed recommendations (specified recommendations) McLennan Strait Strategy Plan In preparation Carp Management Plan Carp Workshop held and Workshop Proceedings prepared Foreshore Management Plans for Foreshore Refer to Statutory Report for status Reserves Streamside Revegetation Strategy Project deleted Inappropriate Subdivision Planning Brief prepared and Wellington Shire Council to manage preparation of “Wellington Inappropriate Subdivision Strategy” Communications On-going Economic Impacts of Blue-green algae (study) Project will be completed within the processes of the East Gippsland Water Quality Strategy Other Projects Gippsland Boating CAP CAP endorsed by Victorian Coastal Council Gippsland Coastal Mapping Project Project completed Funding Provided to Other Agencies Flood Modelling Project (EGCMA) Project commenced Cunninghame Arm East Fish Passage Project Project commenced (NRE) Algal Prediction Project (RMIT) Project commenced Lake Reeve/Lake Coleman Water Balance Project brief in preparation Project (PV) Support for Waterwatch Estuarine Monitoring Project commenced Program (EG & WGCMA) Lake Coleman Bio-geochemical Cycling Project Project commenced (Gippsland Water) Composting toilet – Boxes Creek (EGCMA) Project commenced Composting toilet – Wattle Point (PV) Project commenced Boating bollards, The Barrier (PV) Project commenced Improvements to public boating infrastructure at Project in planning Paynesville and the Port of Sale (GP)

A review of the implementation of actions from the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Action Plan (GCB, 1999) was undertaken in May 2002. Of the 211 actions identified in the plan, 137 or 65 % were reported as on-going, completed or commenced.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 17 Financial Report The Board’s recurrent funding is allocated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Additional funding for capital and project work is subject to State or Commonwealth Government submission and approval processes. The Board is not an incorporated body and audit and financial requirements are met through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. 1. Recurrent Funding Gippsland Coastal Board Expenditure 2001/2002 ITEM BUDGET EXPENDITURE

OPERATIONAL Staff Costs $140,134 $172,861 Contract Administration Services $40,000 $12,423 Contract Services Miscellaneous $6,500 $0 Office Rental $1,500 $0 Property Maintenance Cost $5,299 $5,302 Phone $1,500 $1,661.15 Vehicle Hire and Other Costs $8,000 $11,345 Printing $1,000 2,428 Postage $500 $2,874 Board Sitting Fees $35,000 $33,613 Board Travelling and Expenses $26,000 $20,485 Materials & Minor Incidentals $5,000 $11,839 Computer leasing and charges $9,800 $9,865

OPERATIONAL SUB-TOTAL $284,433 $284,696 Indirect Operating Charge & Recoup -$68,800 -$68,800 TOTAL FUNDS/EXPENDITURE $215,633 $215,896

2. Coastal Action Plan Implementation The Gippsland Coastal Board was allocated $1.54 million over three years for Coastal Action Plan implementation (fund source 594) following the approval of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Action Plan in 1999.

Expenditure in 1999/2000: $329,400 Expenditure in 2000/2001: $373,600 Expenditure in 2001/2002: $837,000 Total $1,540,000

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 18 3 Other Funding Trust Fund Brought Forward Transfers or Expenditure Carry Forward to Balance from Grants 01/02 02/03 00/01 General Trust $36,322 $17,670 Nil $53,992 Fund – NHT Bush Partnership Project CSIRO Gippsland $21,413 $10,600 $17,155 $14,858 Lakes Project Trust Fund Boat Sewage $16,930 $26,140 $15,957 $27,112 Pump-out & Composting Toilet Trust Fund Coastal and $14,886 $31,600 $15,048 $31,438 Marine Planning Trust Fund

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 19 Challenges and Emerging Issues

Implementation of Coastal Action Plans The challenge for the Board is to ensure that outstanding actions listed in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Action Plan are carried out effectively, and that the actions identified in both the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan and the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan are understood and implemented by partner agencies.

Implementation of the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan (NRE, 2002) The Gippsland Lakes Environmental Study (CSIRO, 2001) identified nutrient reduction as the key strategic direction to pursue in improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes and provided scientific support for further investigation of a second entrance option. The Government has responded with the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan (NRE, 2002) and has allocated funding of $12.8 million over four years. The Board will have a central role in coordination. Successful implementation is critical, together with broad community recognition of the issues and the need for community contribution towards actions that support nutrient reduction.

Stakeholder Expectations As the Board’s standing within the region continues to rise, so have expectations from the public and agencies alike. There are continuing pressures for the Board to become involved in a range of activities, some of which may not be central to the Board’s objectives, and for which the Board is not resourced. A review of the Board’s Business Plan 1999-2002 has been undertaken and will be finalised in 2002- 2003. Potentially limited resourcing for 2003-2004 will be a key issue.

Coastal Subsidence To date, the Board has had modest success in promoting wider community debate on the potential for ground subsidence along the coast. Although a difficult and contentious subject, the Board will continue in its efforts to raise community awareness, and to make more information available from the responsible agencies.

Sea Level Rise Global warming is predicted to cause sea level rise resulting from thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of ice sheets. Global sea level is predicted to rise in the order of 3cm to 14cm for the period 1990 to 2025; 5cm to 32cm for the 50 year period to 2050; and between 9cm and 88cm for the hundred year period up to 2100 (IPCC, 2001). Detailed investigations on the effect of sea level rise (and potential subsidence) on the Gippsland coast, including coastal geomorphology, coastal processes, shoreline inundation/flooding and impact on private and public physical assets is required for strategic planning.

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 20 Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2001/02 21