Snowy Monaro Regional Council Badja Reserve Plan of Management 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 1 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council Snowy Monaro Regional Council 81 Commissioner Street PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630 Document Author Jane Kanowski Council Resolution No ADA113/17 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 2 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council Table of Contents 1 Introduction 5 2 Background 5 3 Rationale 7 3.1 Council's Land Management Goals 8 3.2 Principles of Crown Land Management 8 3.3 Snowy Monaro Regional Council Roles 9 4 Management Goals 10 4.1 Commentary on Community Consultation 10 4.2 Proposed Actions 11 4.3 Code of Conduct 13 5 ‘Leave No Trace Australia’ Principles 14 6 Desired Outcomes 14 6.1 NSW State Plan 14 7 Monitoring and Evaluation 15 8 Review 15 9 References 18 Berrima River Reserve Plan of Management – www.wsc.nsw.gov.au 18 Freedom Camping - www.doc.govt.nz/freedomcamping 18 Leave No Trace Australia – www.lnt.org.au 18 Pioneer Park Freedom Camping City of Ballarat – www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 18 NSW Government State Plan - www.nsw.gov.au/making-it-happen 18 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 3 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Community consultation provides Council with a sound understanding of local issues from people who are familiar with and use the Badja Reserve and assists Council in providing facilities that are relevant to the needs of the population. Significantly, the future development of the reserve is based on the views expressed by the users. Public involvement and consultation generates an understanding of Council’s land management aims, fights misinformation and misunderstanding and gains support for Council’s programs and policies. The co-operation of the users of the Badja Reserve in the development of this Plan of Management assists in achieving the management goals and objectives and ensures that the needs of the community will be met. Writing a Submission Submissions give members of the public an opportunity to express their opinions, provide information and suggest alternatives to Council's proposed management strategies for the Badja Reserve over the next ten (10) years. All submissions will be considered fully by Council prior to the adoption of the Plan of Management. To ensure submissions are as effective as possible: • list all points according to the section and page number in the Badja Reserve Plan of Management 2016; • briefly describe each subject or issue you wish to discuss; • state which strategies you agree or disagree with, and give your reasons; • suggest alternatives to any issue with which you disagree. Written submissions should be addressed to: The General Manager Snowy Monaro Regional Council PO Box 714 COOMA NSW 2630 Phone: 1300 345 345 Facsimile: (02) 6455 1799 Email: [email protected] 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 4 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council 1 Introduction The purpose of this Plan of Management is to establish the framework and operational basis for the Badja Reserve at Numeralla. The reserve is currently used for outdoor activities including fishing, swimming and picnics. It is also used for camping by the public on an informal basis. There are limited facilities in place to support these camping activities and in the past there have been no measures in place to monitor or register camping activities and usage. The demand on free camping sites has increased significantly in recent times and it is important that there are strategies in place in order to prevent or minimise damage to the reserve and to the adjacent rivers. Historically, the reserve has been used by the local community and visitors for recreation activities, access to the river and bush camping. The annual Numeralla Folk Festival which is held on the Australia Day long weekend has traditionally seen the Reserve used intensively for camping for the duration of this event. The local community group, Numeralla District Activities Inc organise this event and provide additional toilet facilities during this period. In recent years, some of the area has become subject to overuse –mainly through inappropriate lighting of campfires and over use of some sites. Continued uncontrolled use of the reserve will lead to long term environmental degradation. This strategy will provide guidelines that will assist in the sustainable management of camping activities, effective management of environmental impacts including loss of vegetation cover, soil erosion, reduced water quality, reduced wildlife habitat and accumulation of rubbish and pollutants in the river. 2 Background The Badja Reserve covers a total area of 7.875 Hectares and is made up of Lots 7004 & 7005 DP 96533 and Lot 7006 DP96534. It is Crown Land of which Snowy Monaro Regional Council is the trustee. Lots 7004 & 7005 are located on Peak View Road and Lot 7006 is located on Warrens Corner Road, both in the village of Numeralla, NSW. It is Reserve number 85745 and its gazettal date was15 April 1966 and is reserved for the purpose of Public Recreation. This Pan of Management refers generally to Lots 7004 & 7005 DP96534 however the same objectives will apply to Lot 7006 if the same issues arise in the future. The location of the reserve provides a bush setting along the banks of the Numeralla and Badja Rivers, adjacent to where the two streams meet. The reserve has basic picnic and toilet facilities and has been used as an informal/primitive camping site for a considerable period of time. There is no potable water supply or sewer connection within the village. The Badja Reserve provides an important area for residents and visitors to access and enjoy the river environment. The Reserve has the following functions: • To contribute to the character of the village of Numeralla by providing a recreational area and a place for tourists to stay as there is no accommodation available in the village • To provide for a range of recreational activities that is compatible with the natural values of the reserve and the preservation of the river environment 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 5 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council • To demonstrate a commitment to sustainable riparian management, including riverside protection, enhancement and habitat preservation on public land Aerial photo of the Badja Reserve 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 6 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council 3 Rationale The objective of this Plan of Management is to provide a facility that is able to continue to be used for future generations. It is not intended to prevent people from camping in this area rather to limit the extent of damage that is currently occurring and to provide some form of barrier that enables Council to restrict or close off sections of the reserve to assist in the recovery and maintenance of vegetation. View from the top area of the Badja Reserve to the lower area (dissected by Peak View Rd) 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 7 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council 3.1 Council's Land Management Goals The production of the Badja Reserve Plan of Management 2016 is closely linked with Council's overall Land Management Objectives, as set out in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council Management Plan. Council's Land Management Objectives, as they relate to the Badja Reserve, are as follows: • To provide and maintain attractive and safe landscaped areas and open space • To satisfy passive recreation requirements of the community • To protect environmentally significant areas Confluence of the Numeralla and Badja Rivers at the lower area of the reserve 3.2 Principles of Crown Land Management This Strategy also takes into account the principles of Crown Land Management, as set out in the Crown Lands Act, 1989. The principles of Crown Land Management are as follows: • To observe environmental protection principles in relation to the management and administration of Crown Land 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 8 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council • To conserve, wherever possible, the natural resources of Crown Land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) • To encourage public use and enjoyment • To use and manage Crown Land in such a way that both the land and its resources are sustained for use forever • To deal with Crown Land in the best interests of the State Crown Reserves are a key element in the provision of a diverse range of recreational opportunities. This Plan of Management aims to maintain a balanced range of recreational opportunities for the whole community while preserving the character of the reserves and protecting their environmental values for the enjoyment of future generations. 3.3 Snowy Monaro Regional Council Roles The trustee of the Badja Reserve is the Snowy Monaro Regional Council Crown Reserves Reserve Trust. Snowy Monaro Regional Council is the manager of this Trust and therefore has a key role in the management of the Badja Reserve. This includes: • Facility provision and maintenance • Risk management and safety standards • Accessibility for public recreational use • Community involvement and participation in the decision making process • Design principles that minimise vandalism and promote a safe environment • Design principles that promote sustainable environmental values • Allocation of adequate funding for ongoing maintenance Lower Picnic area adjacent to the Badja River 250.2017.358.1 Issue Date: 11/10/2017 Revision Date: 11/10/2020 Page 9 of 20 Snowy Monaro Regional Council 4 Management Goals There is an increased demand on a nationwide basis for free camping sites which is impacting on many reserves and roadside rest areas.