LLOOWWEERR WWAALLLLAAMMBBAA RRIIVVEERR RRIIVVEERRCCAARREE PPLLAANN COMPANION BOOKLET COMPANION BOOKLET September 2003 The preparation of the Lower Wallamba River Rivercare Plan was funded by the Natural Heritage Trust, Great Lakes Council and NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources. The plan was compiled by a consultant river planner. Preface The preparation of the Lower Wallamba River, Rivercare Plan was funded by the: Karuah Catchment Landcare Group with funds from the Natural Heritage Trust; Great Lakes Council; & Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Author Simon Skelton River Rehabilitation Consultant Lower Mid North Coast Land Management Acknowledgments I would like to thank the landholders along the Wallamba River and other water user’s for providing the opportunity to meet and experience this wonderful part of Australia. Their comments on the behaviour and characteristics of this waterway were invaluable. Thankyou also to Rick James & other DIPNR technical staff for relevant background information and technical support. Lastly, thankyou to Great Lakes Council, notably Gerard Tuckerman, for their efforts in sustainable natural resource management in the Wallis Lake Catchment. Lower Wallamba River, Rivercare Plan River Plan Foreword The Lower Wallamba River, Rivercare Plan has been produced to assist landholders with the restoration and management of the Lower Wallamba River for future generations. The Rivercare Plan includes seven enlarged aerial photographs covering approximately twenty-seven (27) kilometres of river and surrounding land, and a Companion Booklet. Important information is collated and presented on these photographs, including infrastructure, stream information, areas of environmental or cultural significance and any stream problems. The management actions and strategies for the plan are presented in two forms. 1. Recommendations for on-ground works identified for each property are located on the aerial colour photograph enlargements. Most of these recommendations have been discussed with the relevant landholders during riverwalks. Copies of the aerial photographs are held with Great Lakes Council, and the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Taree office. 2. Broad river management strategies are communicated in a Companion Booklet. The booklet provides landholders with important information on river processes, broad river problems and the management options available. These options give an understanding of how typical stream problems can be prevented and rehabilitated. The intent of the Rivercare Plan is to provide recommendations to address existing stream problems present along Wallamba River and provide landholders with information to make educated decisions regarding property management and stream health, with the objective of enhancing the rivers long term sustainability. The plan is an important link between the community, local government and state authorities. All of these stakeholders have been involved in the preparation of the plan and hold some responsibility for the implementation phase. General Rivercare Plan Management Issues and Recommendations In the Lower Wallamba River Rivercare Plan area, the major issues identified were; River bank erosion; Stock damage to stream banks and riparian vegetation; Foreshore reserve management; Lack of a wide and diverse native riparian vegetative buffer; Water quality; Weeds; Acid sulphate soils; Log jams / snags; & Fish passage blockages. The recommendations contained in the plan are both long and short-term goals for the management and/or control of the identified issues. These include; 1. Where appropriate, reduce the impact of stock on the riparian zone by fencing and providing alternative shade. Revegetate/encourage regeneration of eroded riverbanks with native indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses. 2. GLC to liase with Lands NSW to determine how best management practices can be implemented on foreshore reserves to improve and protect natural values of the river and Lake System. Consider the benefits of Crown Land swaps &/or conservation agreements that focus on implementing key findings of Independent Inquiry into Coastal Lakes. 2 Lower Wallamba River, Rivercare Plan 3. Department of Lands and GLC to investigate to possibility of dedicating all foreshore reserves for environmental protection, as per Independent Inquiry into Coastal Lakes by the Healthy Rivers Commission, to secure the long term ecological health of the river and Lake System. 4. Waterways to develop a Boating Management Plan (BMP) for the entire Wallis Lake System that focuses on the protection of the Lakes unique values, as well as providing opportunities for all user groups. This BMP should include the introduction of a code of conduct that promotes best management boating principles; and the introduction of a licence scheme that sees skiers contributing directly to the rehabilitation of the waterway. 5. Assess the long-term viability of skiing activities on the Wallamba River, due to high numbers of user’s, amount of breaches observed and the widespread impact on the river. 6. If skiing is the long-term usage option for river, carry out large-scale bank protection works in the reach from ARL 6km (end of Manns Road) to ARL 14km (River Inn), to rehabilitate eroded riverbanks. 7. Estuary committee to initiate a management initiative to improve fish passage on the Wallamba River, ie. Remove Clarkson’s Crossing. 3 Lower Wallamba River, Rivercare Plan Table of Contents Preface..............................................................................................................................................................1 Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................................................1 River Plan Foreword..........................................................................................................................................2 General Rivercare Plan Management Issues and Recommendations ....................................................................2 1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 THE CATCHMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Biodiversity and environmental services. .................................................................................................................7 1.2 AIM OF THE RIVER PLAN ................................................................................................................................8 1.3 CHARACTER AND BEHAVIOUR........................................................................................................................ 8 1.3.1 Hydrological Summary......................................................................................................................... 8 1.3.2 General description .............................................................................................................................. 9 Sheet 1..............................................................................................................................................................9 Sheet 2............................................................................................................................................................ 10 Sheet 2............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Sheet 3............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Sheet 4............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Sheet 5............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Sheet 6............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Sheet 7............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................... 13 1.3.3 Changes over time .............................................................................................................................. 13 Aboriginal Heritage......................................................................................................................................... 13 European Heritage........................................................................................................................................... 14 The Present ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 1.3.4 Where to now...................................................................................................................................... 16 2.0 LANDHOLDER