Glenelg Hopkins REGIONAL CATCHMENT STRATEGY...and catchment management. The RCS provides an integrated framework for investing in and prioritising on-ground works and projects within

REGIONAL CATCHMENT

STRATEGY

G l e n e l g H o p ki n s

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9

79 French Street, Hamilton, Vic 3300

T: 03 5571 2526 F: 03 5571 2935

www.ghcma.vic.gov.au

Development of this strategy has been supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

GSDM_11003

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Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide a high quality publication, Glenelg Hopkins CMA does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information in the document and, therefore, disclaims all liability from error, loss or other consequence that may arise from reliance on this publication.

© State of Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

CONTENTS

G l e n e l g H o p ki n s Reg i o n a l C a tc h m e n t S t ra tegy 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9

Front Cover: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a major tourist attraction and contains around 1,000 native plant species.

Photo: Southern Grampians Shire

Photo: James Pevitt Photo: Alison Pouliot

Vision 1

Chair’s Foreword 2

About the Strategy 3 Purpose of the Regional Catchment Strategy 3

How was the RCS developed? 3

How will the RCS lead to action? 4

Key Principles 5

The Glenelg Hopkins Region 6 Physical Environment 7

Social Profile 9

Economic Profile 10

Cultural History 10

Cultural Knowledge 11

Challenges and Opportunities 12

Climate Change 12

Pressures on Water Resources 13

Carbon Sequestration Activities 13

Summary 13

RCS Strategic Relationships 14

Key Achievements to Date 15

Thematic Asset Classes 19

Community Participation 20

Rivers and Floodplains 22

Wetlands 29

Estuaries 34

Coasts 38

Marine 43

Terrestrial Habitat 47

Species Populations and Communities 54

Soil and Land 57

Priority Areas for Intervention 62

Significant Risks to Assets 64

Implementing the Strategy 66

Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting 73

Appendix 1: RCS Development Process 75

Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management 77

Appendix 3: Policies, Strategies and Legislation 78

Appendix 4: Bioregional Conservation Status for Remnant Vegetation in the Glenelg Hopkins Region 79

References 79

In moving towards the vision, people of this region aim to create healthy catchments where the integrity of soils, water and biodiversity is maintained or enhanced in the face of a changing climate.

The vision over the next 50-years aims to foster an environment where:

• biodiversitythrivesandcleanwaterisavailableforenvironmental,economicandsocialuses

• environmentalassetsarevaluedandprotectedfrom threats,andtheimpactsofpestplantsandanimalsare greatlyreduced

• thecommunityisproactiveandaware,andunderstandsthatecologicallysustainablemanagementofitsnaturalresourcesisessentialtoahighqualityoflife.

vision

The 50 -year vision

sTaTemenT for The

GlenelG hopkins

caTchmenT is:

“�Achieving�a�healthy�and�sustainable�relationship�between�the�natural�environment�and�the�community’s �use�of� land�and�water�resources.”

1

Below: The vision for the RCS aims to incorporate the social, environmental, economic and

cultural values for the region.

Photo: Ararat Rural City Council

CHAiR’s FoREWoRD

2 G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9

As�a� long-term�resident�of�the�Glenel g�Hopkins�region, �I �am�proud�to�present�the�Regional �Catchment�Strategy�(RCS).�Our�region�is �home�to�a�magnificent�coastline, �outstanding�national �parks, �rich�biodiversity, �and�a�thriving�agricultural�sector. �Many�of�the�region’s�natural�assets�are�of�national �and�international�significance, �and�help�to�support�a�unique�way�of� l ife.

Thedevelopmentoftheregion’sthirdRCSmarksthebeginningofaneweraofplanningforthemanagementofnaturalresourceswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Itestablishesa50-yearvisionfortheregion,andaseriesofobjectivesandactionsrequiredtoachievethisvision.Togethertheseprovidecleardirectionforthemanyprograms,includingthoseoftheCMAandofotherstakeholders,thatcontinuetoimprovethestateofournaturalresources,whilecontributingtoincreasedprosperity.

TheRCSrenewalprocesshasenabledustocontinueworkingwiththebroadercommunityandregionalstakeholdersinsettingthedirectionforhowourland,waterandbiodiversityresourcesshouldbemanaged.ThisRCSisbasedonextensivecommunityconsultation,andbuildsonpreviouswork,inrecognitionofthelong-terminvestmentthatisrequiredtoachieveamoresustainableuseofourenvironmentanditsnaturalresources.Itappliestobothprivateandpublicland,andencouragesandsupportscommunityparticipationincatchmentmanagement.

Developmentsinthefederalspherearecontributingtosomeimportantprogramchangesforourregion.ThisRCShasbeendevelopedwithconsiderationofopportunitiesforbiodiversecarbonplantingstooptimiseanycarbonorbiodiversityrelatedinvestmentfrommarketandnon-marketincentives.TheFederalGovernmentwillsupporttheCMAtoprepareanaturalresourcemanagementplantoguidemanyofthesecarbonsequestrationactivities.ThisRCS,combinedwiththelandscape-scaleconnectivityforeshadowedintheDraftAustralianWildlifeCorridorsPlan,islikelytogenerateanexcitingeraoflandscaperevivalwithintheregionandcontributetoimprovedlandscapehealthandresilience.

Themajorfloodsof2010-11damagedtownships,ruralareasandlargeareasofourregion.Whilefloodrecoverycontinuestobeanimportantactivityforthisregion,themajorimprovementsthatwillbemadeaspartofthisstrategytoimproveourpreparednessfor,andresilienceto,futurefloodswillbeofgreatersignificance.Floodstudiesidentifyingfloodlevelsandmitigationoptionsareproceedingforfivetownsintheregion,planningschemeamendmentsarebeingpreparedtobetterincludefloodinformationinplanning,municipalfloodplanswillbeupdated,andimprovedfloodwarninginfrastructureistobedeveloped.AlloftheseactionswillbepossiblethroughincreasedVictorianGovernmentsupport.Itisappropriatefortheresidentsofourregiontoenjoytheprotectionofamodernandeffectivefloodmanagementprogram.

This2013-2019RCSwillspanaverysignificant periodfortheregionandItrustitwillenableus tocontinuetoservethepeopleoftheGlenelgHopkinsregioneffectively.

Mike Wagg Chairperson

3

PURPOSE�OF�THE�REGIONAL�CATCHMENT�STRATEGY

TheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy(RCS)2013-2019istheprimaryplanningframework forland,waterandbiodiversitymanagementwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Itsetsthedirectionforhowtheregion’sland,waterandbiodiversityresourcesshouldbemanaged,andisanimportantbuildingblockinimprovingtheconditionofthoseresourcesovertime.1

TheRCSaimstoprovideaframeworkforthecoordinatedmanagementofcatchments,whichwillmaintainandenhancelong-termlandproductivitywhilealsoconservingtheenvironment.Thiswillensurethatthequalityoflandandwaterresourceswithintheregionandtheirassociatedplantandanimallifearemaintainedandenhanced.

HOW�WAS�THE�RCS�DEVELOPED?

TheRCSisastrategythatbelongstotheregion –tothepeopleoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Thestrategyhasbeendevelopedbypeoplelivingandworkinginthearea,incloseconsultationwiththeregionalcommunity,local,VictorianandAustraliangovernmentrepresentativesandotherstakeholders.TheRCSwasdevelopedbyGlenelgHopkinsCatchmentManagementAuthority(CMA)inpartnershipwithmanyregionalorganisations,agencies,communitygroupsandindividuals. Thisistheregion’sthirdRCS,withthefirstpublished inMay1997.

TheRCSwasdevelopedinaccordancewithguidelinesfromtheVictorianCatchmentManagementCouncil.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)providedpolicyandadvicetotheCMAonexpectationsforsustainableuseandmanagementofland,waterandbiodiversity,toensuretheRCSmeetsappropriatestandardsandisconsistentwiththoseofotherCMAs.

TheRCSwasdevelopedusinganasset-basedapproach.Thisapproachprovidesastructuredprocesstoidentifyareasforpriorityattentionandtoachievetargetedoutcomes.Inthiscontext,‘assets’aredefinedastangiblebio-physicalelementsoftheenvironmentthatareimportantfortheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.

Assetsweredefinedusingeightassetclasses:rivers,wetlands,estuaries,coasts,marine,terrestrialhabitat,speciespopulationsandcommunities,andsoilandland.Significantassetswithineachassetclasswereidentifiedandmappedatascalethatisappropriateforstrategicplanning.TheInvestmentFrameworkforEnvironmentalResources(INFFER)processwasoneofthetoolsusedforidentifyingandprioritisingassetareaswithintheregion.Othersourcesofinformation,includingpublishedresearchandrelevantstudies,werealsoconsideredinidentifyingandprioritisingassets,andestablishingregionalmanagementpriorities.

Objectivesandmanagementmeasureshavebeen setfortheentireregionforeachassetclassdetailed inthisstrategy.Theobjectivesthatwillcontribute totheachievementofthisvisionarelong-term (20-years)andprovidebroaddirectionforfutureaction.Short-term(six-years)managementmeasureshavealsobeenestablishedforachievementwithinthelifeoftheRCS.Deliveryofthesemanagementmeasuresisdependentonfundingavailabilityandotheropportunitiesbeyondgovernmentinvestment.AnoverviewoftheRCSdevelopmentprocessisprovidedinAppendix1.

ABoUT THE sTRATEGY


G l e n e l g � H o p ki n s � Reg i o n a l � C a tc h m e n t � S t ra tegy � 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 94

HOW�WILL�THE�RCS� �LEAD�TO�ACTION?

Partnershipswithcommunity,individualsandorganisationswithintheregionarethefoundation foreffectivedeliveryoftheRCS.TheRCSencouragesandsupportstheparticipationofthecommunity,landholdersandresourcemanagersinlandprotectionandcatchmentmanagement.

TheRCSprovidesanintegratedframeworkforinvestinginandprioritisingon-groundworksandprojectswithintheregion.ItwillcontinuetobuildonthesuccessofearlierworkwithinthecatchmentandimplementinitiativesthatwillbeimportantdriversinachievingtheRCSvision.

Someecosystemsareparticularlyvulnerabletotheimpactsofclimatechangeduetothehighlymodifiedandfragmentednatureofthelandscape.Theobjectivesofthestrategyaredesignedtoimproveecosystemresilienceinachangingclimateby:

• maintainingandre-establishingecosystemfunctionsinlargelandscape-scalebiolinksconnectinghighqualityremnantvegetationandfreshwaterandestuarineecosystems,andmaintainingandimprovingthequalityofexistinghabitats

• reducingthreatstonaturalresourcesfrompestplantsandanimals

• improvinghabitatconditionforthreatenedspecies

•makingthebestuseofenvironmentalwater

• reducingthethreatofsoilacidificationandsalinity tohigh-valueenvironmentalandeconomicassets,andimprovingthecapabilityofregionalsoils.

Thestrategyseekstomaximisethebiodiversitybenefitsofsequesteringcarboninthelandscape andtheenvironmentalco-benefitsoftheseopportunities,whichincludeimprovedlandscapefunctionandconnectivity,establishmentofwildlifecorridors,biodiverseplantingsandprotectionofremnantvegetation.

aBoUT The sTraTeGy

Thestrategywillalsocontributetoimprovedpreparednessforandresiliencetofuturefloodsthrough:

• anupgradeoftheregionalfloodwarningsystem

• investmentinfloodplainandwaterwaymanagementsystems

• implementationofarangeofinitiativesaimed atimprovingfloodplainknowledge

• completionofaregionalfloodplainmanagementstrategy.

ThisstrategyrecognisesthatnaturalassetsfoundintheregionareinterconnectedwithnaturalassetsfoundinneighbouringregionsandmanagementjurisdictionssuchasWimmeraCMA,CorangamiteCMAandSouthAustraliannaturalresourcemanagement(NRM)agencies.EffectiveimplementationofthestrategyisreliantonstrongandeffectivepartnershipsbothwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionandwithneighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies.Examplesofcross-boundarypartnershipopportunitiesincludetheGrampiansNationalPark(knowntoIndigenouspeopleoftheareaas‘Gariwerd’),theVictorianVolcanicPlainandtheMillicentCoastBasin.Keystrategiesforengagingwithcross-boundarypartnerswillbeoutlinedintheRCSCommunityandStakeholderEngagementPlan,whichwilldetailengagementandcommunicationprocessesforimplementationoftheRCS.

TheRCSseekstocreatecloselinkswithlocalgovernmentandinfluencetheplanningschemesundertheircontrol,andwillbeusedtoinformthedevelopmentofRegionalGrowthPlans.Itincludesarangeofmeasuresthataredesignedtoprotect,maintainorimprovetheconditionoftheregion’sassetsandcomplementstheactionsoftargetedregionalNRMstrategiessuchastheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy.

KEY PRinCiPLEsTheRCSisunderpinnedbyasetofprinciplesdesignedtoguidetheimplementationofthestrategy(Table 1).

Below: The region is one of Australia’s biodiversity ‘hot spots’.

5

Principles

SustainableDevelopment

Awhole-of-catchmentapproachtonaturalresourcemanagementthatseekstodeliversocial,economicandenvironmentaloutcomesforthecommunityandreduceourecologicalfootprint.

EcologicalResilience

Naturalresourcemanagementshouldbuildecologicalresilienceandcontributetotheongoingprovisionof ecosystemservices.

Biodiversity BiodiversitywithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentwillbepreservedandenhanced.

PreventionPreventionofecosystemdamageandspeciesdeclineismorecost-effectivethanattemptingrehabilitation orrecovery.

CommunityEmpowerment

Catchmentmanagementisapartnershipbetweencommunityandgovernment.Planningandimplementation ofnaturalresourcemanagementprogramsshouldmaximiseopportunitiesforcommunityengagement. Theinvolvementoflandholdersiscrucialtotheeffectiveimplementationofnaturalresourcemanagement.

IndigenousKnowledge

Theskills,knowledgeandperspectivesofIndigenouspeopleshouldbeincorporatedintonaturalresourcemanagement.

IntegratedManagement

Integratedcatchmentmanagementisanimportantmeansofachievingsustainabilityoflandandwaterresourcesandcontributingtobiodiversitymanagement.Managementofnaturalresourcesshouldrecognisethelinkagesbetweenland,waterandbiodiversityandthatthemanagementofonecomponentcanimpactontheother.

TargetedInvestment

Governmentandcommunityneedtoensurethatresourcesaretargetedtoaddressprioritiesanddelivermaximumon-groundbenefits.

AccountabilityThosemakingdecisionsonnaturalresourcemanagementshouldbeclearlyaccountabletogovernmentandthecommunity,bothinafinancialsenseandforbiophysicaloutcomes.

AdministrativeEfficiency

Tomaximiseon-groundresults,catchmentmanagementstructuresshouldfacilitatemoreefficientprocedures andpractices.

AdaptationtoClimateChange

Whereverpossibleundertakeactiontomanageorreducetheimpactofclimatechange.

Table 1: Principles designed to guide implementation of the strategy.

THE GLEnELG HoPKins REGion


The GlenelG

hopkins reGion

lies soUTh of The

GreaT DiviDinG

ranGe in vicToria’s

soUTh wesT.

The�region�is �renowned�for� its �scenic�beauty,�dramatic�coastline�and�rich�biodiversity.

Photo: James Pevitt

7

Figure 1: Basins of the Glenelg Hopkins region.

AreaoftheRegion 26,910sqkm

AreaoftheGlenelgBasin 12,370sqkm

AreaoftheHopkinsBasin 9,897sqkm

AreaoftheMillicentCoastBasin 431sqkm

AreaofthePortlandCoastBasin 3965sqkm

LengthofCoastline 220km

Table 2: Catchment facts.

Itcoversapproximately26,910squarekilometres (sqkm),extendingfromBallaratintheeasttotheSouthAustralianborderinthewest,andfromthesoutherncoastofVictoriatothetownshipsofHarrowandAraratinthenorth(Table 2).Therearefourmainbasinsoccurringwithintheregion:Glenelg,Hopkins,PortlandCoastandMillicentCoast(Figure 1). Theboundariesoftheregionincludemarineandcoastalwatersouttothestatelimitofthreenauticalmiles.Theregionischaracterisedbyflatvolcanicplainsinthesouth,whiletheGrampians,DundasTablelands,andCentralHighlandsaredominantin the north (Figure 2).

PHYSICAL�ENVIRONMENT

Photo: James Pevitt


Figure 2: Glenelg Hopkins region: Elevation.

The GlenelG hopkins reGion

TheGlenelgHopkinsregioncontainsanumberofnaturalfeaturesthatareofnationalandinternationalsignificance,including:

• BudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape (MtEccles/LakeCondah/TyrendarraArea)

• Grampians(Gariwerd)NationalPark (listedonNationalHeritageRegister)

• KanawinkaGeopark(UNESCOlisted),encompassingsitesofgeologicsignificancesuchasWannonFalls,TowerHill,MtNooratandPrincessMargaretRoseCaves

• GlenelgRiver–thelowersectionoftheGlenelgRiverisoneof18heritageriverareasinVictoria

• WesternDistrictRamsarlakes–onelake (LakeBookar)intheregionisrecognisedasinternationallyimportantundertheRamsarConventiononWetlands

• threeImportantBirdAreas(IBA)(sitesofglobalbirdconservationimportance)–YambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsIBA

• significantareasoftwoof15recognisedAustralianGovernment‘biodiversityhotspots’(VictorianVolcanicPlain,SouthAustralia’sSouth-east/Victoria’sSouth-west)

• 13endangeredEcologicalVegetationCommunities

• 94federallylistedspecies

• theiconicRed-tailedBlackCockatoo, Orange-belliedParrotandendemicGlenelgSpinyCray,and173ofVictoria’sthreatenedspecies.

Theregionisrenownedforitsvisualamenityandaestheticvalues.ThecatchmentishometoAustralia’smostextensivevolcanicprovince(containingsixgeositesofinternationalsignificance)2andalargesectionoftheinternationallyrenownedGrampiansNationalPark,whichcomprisesaseriesofruggedsandstonemountainranges3andaround1,000nativeplantspecies,23ofwhicharefoundnowhereelseintheworld.4Oldriverredgumswithintheregionalsoholdconsiderableappeal,manyofwhicharemorethan300yearsold.

Waterisabundantandreliableinmanypartsoftheregion.Theregionhas17ofVictoria’s134declaredwatersupplycatchments.ThesecatchmentshavesignificantvalueasasourceofwatersupplyforbothstockanddomesticuseandareprotectedundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act 1994(Victoria).

Extensivewetlandsareakeyfeatureandprovideimportanthabitatforadiverserangeofspecies,manyofwhicharethreatened.Theregioncontainsapproximately44percentofVictoria’swetlands.Twenty-sixoftheregion’swetlandsarelistedontheAustralianDirectoryofImportantWetlands.

Thecatchmentcontainssubstantialreservesofgroundwaterwithvaryingsalinities.RegionalgroundwatersystemsunderlietheregionincludingtheOtway,Murray,HighlandandDilwyn–withothershallowlocalaquiferspresent.Groundwaterisanimportantsourceofstockanddomesticwaterforlandholdersandsuppliesmuchoftheregion’sirrigatedhorticultureandfodderindustries.Italsosupports arangeofecologicalandphysicalenvironmentalassetssuchasrivers,wetlandsandgroundwaterdependentecosystems.Groundwatermanagement isacomponentoftheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy.

9

Asignificantproportionofthepopulationisover theageof45(morethan50percentwithintheGreatSouthCoastregion),andthisproportionisexpectedtoincrease.9Manyoftheregion’ssmallertownshavedeclinedinpopulation.Populationdeclineinruralareashasbeenexacerbatedbythetrendtowardslargerfarmsandreducedfarmnumbers.

“The old Wannon Shire, centered around Hamilton, had 566 predominantly sheep farms in 1961. By 2001 this had halved to 287. The average farm had almost doubled in size from 340 to 650 hectares.”10

Manyareasoftheregionareundergoingchangeascommunitiesageandemploymentcentresshift.Somesettlementswillcontinuetodecline.Conversely,therewillbemajorchallengesinvolvedinplanningforsignificantpopulationgrowthinWarrnamboolandBallarat.Thedisproportionateageingoftheruralpopulation,exacerbatedbythelossofruralyouthandyoungadultstolargerurbancentres,presentsakeychallengefornaturalresourcemanagementwithin theregion.

RecentworkbyRMITUniversityhasidentifiedanumberofprospectivechallengesfornaturalresourcemanagementwithinthearea,including:11

• populationpressuresonnaturalresourcesasdemandformorehousingrises

• increasedculturalpressuresbetweenurbanand ruralpopulations

• pressureonaquaticsystemsfromanincrease inaquaticsportsactivity

• reducedoverlandwaterflowandgroundwaterrechargeduetolandusechange,particularly fromincreasesinwoodyandnon-woodyvegetation

• increasedgroundwaterextractionwithintensivefarmingsuchasdairyandhorticulture.

Below: The Glenelg Hopkins region is important for biodiversity values as well as social values.

Photos (L-R): Bob McPherson, James Pevitt and Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

Whiletherearelargesectionsofhighconservationvaluenativevegetationsecuredthroughnumerousparksandreserveswithinthesouth-westandnorthofthecatchment,othervegetationisoftenfragmented,especiallyacrossprivateland.MajorparksandreservesintheregionincludetheGrampiansNationalPark,LowerGlenelgNationalPark,andCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark.Around1,000sqkmofintactnativevegetationisestimatedtoremainonprivateland.Intactareasofnativevegetationareofparticularimportance,astheycontainmuchoftheregion’srareecologicalvegetationcommunities.

Theregionhasadiverserangeofsoiltypes,reflectingtheancientanddiversegeologyofparentmaterialandclimaticconditionsunderwhichthesoilswereformed.

TheclimateoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionisgenerallycharacterisedbywarmdrysummersandcool,wetwinters.Averageannualrainfallinthearearangesfrom500mmperyearnearLakeBolactomorethan910mmperyearintheCobbobooneeForestwestofHeywood.Theaverageannualdailymaximumtemperatureintheregionis19°C.6

SOCIAL�PROFILE

POPULATION, AGE STRUCTURE AND FUTURE SETTLEMENT GROWTH

Thecatchmentsupportsapermanentpopulationof130,000withyear-roundtourismaddingsignificantlytothisnumber.MajorcitiesandtownsincludeBallarat,Warrnambool,Hamilton,PortFairy,Portland,Ararat,CastertonandBeaufort.Morethan33,000ofthecatchment’sresidentsresideinWarrnambool,andstrongpopulationgrowthisforecastforthisarea.7 Ballarat,WarrnamboolandPortlandhavebeenidentifiedduringrecentstrategicplanningactivitiesasareasofeitherveryhighorhighforecastfuturesettlementgrowth.8



ECONOMIC�PROFILE

TheGreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan12 highlightstheimportanceoftheregion’sterrestrial andaquaticsystemsinunderpinningtheregion’seconomicstrengthandlivability.Keyfeaturesincludesignificantareasofnationalparksandpublicland,productiveagriculturalland,andlargeareasofundevelopedcoastline.

Thesouthwestcoast’swaterresourcessupportimportantagriculturalproductionincludingdairying,grazing,croppingandforestry.ThisareaisAustralia’smostproductivemilkregion,providingnearlyaquarterofthenation’smilk.Themanufacturingsectorgenerates$4billionayear,aquarterofwhichisderivedfromdairyproducts.13

Value-addingtoprimaryproductsoccursviamilkprocessinginWarrnambool,AllansfordandKoroit,meatprocessinginWarrnambool,andtimberprocessinginPortland.OthersignificantmanufacturingincludesaluminiumproductionnearPortlandand windturbinesystemsfabricationandassemblyinPortland.Forestryisamajorindustry–theharvestingof180,000haofbluegumplantationsoverthenextfewyearswillmakethePortofPortlandAustralia’slargesthardwoodchiphandlingport.Almost20percentofthenation’sforestryplantationsarein,ornear,thesouthwestcoast.Manyoftheforestryplantationsareinhighrainfallareas.

TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmenthasarichresourcebasethatsupportsadiverseandgrowingeconomicindustry.Themaineconomicdriversareagriculture,fisheries,retail,manufacturing,healthandcommunityservices,educationandconstruction,whileagriculture,forestryandfishingarethemajoremployers,providingnearly25percentoftotalemployment.TheregionhasoneofthepremierdeepwaterportsinAustraliaatPortland,arailnetworkandseveralcommercialairports.Inaddition,thereissignificantinvestmentoccurringinsustainableenergy,particularlyinwindenergyinnovationandgas-firedpowerplants.

Theregionattractsthousandsoftouristseachyearduetoitsspectacularcoastlineandexcellenttourisminfrastructure.DestinationsfavouredbytouristsincludetheGrampiansNationalPark,PortFairy,GreatOceanRoadandGreatSouthWestWalk.Nature-basedtourismmakesasignificanteconomiccontribution totheregion.TheGrampiansNationalParkgeneratesvisitorexpenditureofmorethan$211millionperyearintheregion,14withasubstantialneteconomicproductforVictoriaestimatedat$65millionperyear.15

Approximately81percentofthecatchmenthasbeendevelopedforagriculturaluse,primarilywidespreadgrazingenterprisesandcerealandoilseedcropping.Theregionisalsohometoalargeandexpandingdairyindustry.

Theviabilityoftheseagriculturalenterprisesisreliantonthehealthyandproductivesoilsoftheregion.

Land-usechangeinagriculturalareasoftheregioninthepasttwodecadeshasbeenduelargelytotheexpansionofbroadacrecropping,dairyandbluegumplantations,withcroppingastheonlylanduseexpectedtocontinuetoexpand.

Inspiteofrapidchanges,livestockstillaccountsfor 65percentoftheregion’slandusewithcropping6.7percent,plantations4.7percentandnativevegetation16.6percent.16

Manufacturingintheregionisalsosignificant. Itgeneratesalmost$4billion,aheadofagricultureatnearly$2billionannually.17FourofthemostimportantindustriesinsouthwestVictoria–agriculture,fisheries,forestryandtourism–dependonmaintainingahealthynaturalresourcebase.

CULTURAL�HISTORY

AtleasttendifferentAboriginallanguagegroupsoccurredinsouthwestVictoria,oftenidentifiedonthebasisoftheirenvironmentalassociations.18Clanscloselyassociatedwiththeoceanwereverymobileinthesummermonthsandlargenumberswouldcongregateinthenearbyhinterlandstoexploitconcentrationsofyamdaisy,kangarooandemu. Theirbasecampswereincoastalswamps,suchas theTowerHillandMoyneswamps,whichprovidedeasyaccesstonearbyforest.

Temporarycampswerelocatedintheduneswhereseabirds,crayfish,shellfish,fishandsealswereharvested.Inautumn,coastalclansmovedtocampbesideriversandstreamswhere,assemi-sedentarygroups,theyexploitedanabundanceofeelsand otherfish.Eelswereharvestedusingcomplexstone orwoodenweirserectedacrossriversorstreams.Stoneweirscanstillbefoundinmanyregionalstreams.Duringwinter,coastalclansgravitated toplaceswithamplewater,fuelandfoodsupply.19

Aboriginalpeoplelivingawayfromthecoasthavebeendescribedas‘plainspeople’.Theirmostcommonformofcampsitewasanartificiallyconstructedearthenmoundoccupiedonaseasonalbasisandusuallylocatedclosetorivers,streamsorwetlands.Insummer,plainspeopleusedfireasahuntingaid.Birdhuntingandcommunalkangaroohuntingwereimportantsummeractivities.Eelsandfishwerecaughtintraps–whichweremajorengineeringachievements–inwetlandssuchasLakeCondah.

11

Below: The region has a rich cultural history that has shaped the region and led to its present day management.

CULTURAL�KNOWLEDGE

Indigenouspeoples’relationshiptocountryisbasedonalongtraditionofownership,custodianship,utilisationandculturalsignificance.WithintraditionalAboriginalsociety,menandwomenhaveparticularrolesandresponsibilitiesintheprocessof‘caringforcountry’.Thesearelargelydeterminedbytheirrelationshiptoothersandtoparticularplacesonthelandscape.Theyhaveadeepandhistoricunderstandingoftheirenvironmentandstrategies forenvironmentalprotectionandenhancement.

Traditionalenvironmentalknowledgereferstoaparticularformofplace-basedunderstandingofthediversityandinteractionsamongplantandanimalspecies,landforms,watercoursesandotherqualities ofthebiophysicalenvironmentinagivenplace.

Indigenousperspectivesonresourcemanagementtendtoreflecttheholisticnatureoftraditionalknowledge,whichcannotbeseparatedfromlandsandresources.Thereisoftennodistinctionmadebetweentheenvironmentalandculturalvaluesofnaturalresources–land,water,plantsandanimalsareconceivedasthesourceandfocusofalllife,andthekeytocultural,spiritual,socialandeconomicsurvival.22 TheRCSrecognisesculturalknowledgeasavaluableassetforlong-termmanagementofnaturalresources.

Thepracticalimportanceoftheinterweavingofenvironmentandcultureisthatthereisadistinctoverlapbetweenplacesofculturalimportanceandnaturalheritage.

Astraditionalowners,Indigenouscommunitieshaveacentralroleinlandmanagementintheregion.Indigenouscommunitiesmanagesignificantparcelsoflandofhighenvironmental,historicalandculturalvalue,includingareasatMtEccles,LakeCondahandTyrrendarra,whicharelistedontheNationalHeritageRegisteraspartoftheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape.

AtthetimeofEuropeansettlement,someAboriginalgroupsintheregionlivedinsubstantialsettlementscomprisingclustersofupto30circularshapedhuts.Largegatheringsofpeopleoccurredatlocalitiesthatexperiencedaseasonalabundanceoffood,particularlythefreshandsaltwaterwetlandsthatwereaprominentandimportantlandscapefeatureoftheregion.Theseoccasionsweretimesofgreatceremonialimportance,wheretradingandsocialarrangementsweremade.

CurrentevidencesuggeststhatAboriginalpeopleoccupiedpartsoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionforatleast11,000yearsandprobablymorethan40,000years.ThousandsofancientandmorerecentAboriginalsitesandplacescanbefoundthroughouttheregion.EvidenceofAboriginallanduseintheregionincludesscarredtrees,stonearrangements,mounds,rockshelters,stoneengravingsites,middens,rockpaintings,surfacescatters,fishtraps,burialplaces,stonehousesites,quarriesandaxe-grindingplaces.20

TheDuttonfamily,whichengagedinwhaling,andtheHentyfamily,whichwasinvolvedinwhalingandpastoralactivitiesaroundPortlandBay,arerecognisedasthefirstEuropeansettlersintheregion.

FurtherEuropeansettlementwasrapid.Pastoralistsmovedinwithstocktotakeupruns,andbytheend ofthe1840smanyoftheareassuitableforgrazingwereoccupied.21

ThepassingoftheLand Actin1898beganbreakingupthelargesquatterestatesoftheregion.Smallerfarmerswereencouragedtocleartheland,butsoillimitationsandtheinfluxofrabbitsdramaticallyaffectedfarmingsuccess.SoldiersettlementschemeswereintroducedafterbothWorldWars,furtherincreasinglandclearancepressures.TheCloserSettlementBoardencouragedmixedfarmingenterprisesafteravailabletimberhadbeenclearedandmilled.Inrecentyears,significantworkhasbeenundertakenintheregiontoconserveremnantbushlandandrevegetatethelandscape.



CHALLENGES�AND�OPPORTUNITIES

The2003-2007GlenelgHopkinsRCSidentified anumberofkeyregionalchallenges,including:

• Regional sustainability RegionalsustainabilitywasidentifiedastheoverarchinggoalfortheRegionalCatchmentStrategy2003-2007.ThisacknowledgedthatthesocialandeconomicfutureofsouthwestVictoriawasdirectlylinkedtothehealthandmaintenance oftheregion’snaturalresources,whilesupportingtheencouragementanddevelopmentofhumanenterpriseandinnovation.

• Biodiversity TheGlenelgHopkinsregionhassignificant,butoftenthreatened,biodiversityfoundinuniqueandcomplexsystemsonland,insoil,freshwater,estuariesandthesea.NumerousEcologicalVegetationClasses(EVCs)andfloraandfaunaspecieshavebecomeextinctandmanymorearethreatened.Themajorthreattobiodiversityacrosstheregionisthedestructionofhabitat.ExtensiveclearingofnativevegetationintheyearssinceEuropeansettlementhasdrasticallyreducedtheextentandqualityofavailablehabitatfornativespecies.Whilesalinityhasbeenrecognisedasanaturalfeatureoftheregion,extensiveclearinghasgreatlyincreasedtheareasaffectedandhasthepotential,ifleftunchecked,tofurtherreducesuitablehabitatinaquaticandterrestrialenvironments.

• Waterway health and water quality Highqualityfreshwaterisoneoftheregion’smostimportantnaturalassetsandaresourceatenormousrisk.Majorthreatstowaterhealthincludepollutionfromfarmingactivities,stockaccesstowaterways,salinity,erosion,pestplantsandanimalsandoveruseofwaterresources.

• soil decline and salinity HealthysoilisanessentialassetforagriculturalindustriesoperatingintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment,includinghorticulture,cropping,dairyandlivestock.Soilswithintheregionhavebeenrecognisedfortheirveryhighproductivitypotential,withappropriatemanagement.SoilerosionhasbeenafeatureoftheDundasTablelandssinceEuropeansettlement.Extensivesheet,tunnel,gullyandstreambankerosionhasleadtolargevolumesofsandbeingtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.Soilacidificationandsodicityareemergingissuesinpartsofthecatchment.Salinity,erosionandsoildegradationwereconsideredbythecatchmentcommunitytobethegreatestthreatstoagriculturalland.23Compactionofsoilsbystock,farmmachineryandintensivecultivationalsothreatenssoilhealth.

• Pest plants and animals Pestplantsandanimalsposesomeofthemostsignificantthreatstoregionalenvironmentalassets.Appropriatepestmanagementactionswilldramaticallyincreasethechanceofsuccessfuloutcomesacrossavarietyofnaturalresourceprograms.Researchcommissionedinsupportoftheregion’ssecondRCSfoundthatweedsandpestanimalswereperceivedtobethegreatestthreattotheregionbehindsalinity.24

• Coastal areas ThecoastalareaoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontributessignificantlytotheeconomic,cultural,environmentalandrecreationallifeofregionalcommunities.Coastalareas,particularlyaroundWarrnambool,areexperiencingunprecedentedincreasesinpopulationandtourismactivity.However,pollution,erosionandoverdevelopmentareperceivedbythecommunitytobemajorthreatstothecoastalenvironment.25

Whilethesechallengesstillremain,thereareanumberofemergingchallengesfornaturalresourcemanagementwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment –someofwhichmayleadtoopportunities.These neworemergingchallengesaresummarisedbelow.

CLIMATE�CHANGE

TheVictorianGovernment’srecentreportonClimateChangeandGreenhouseGasEmissionsinVictoriaidentifiedthefollowingobservedtrendsthatindicatethatVictoria’sclimateischanging:

• Victorianminimumtemperaturesaveragedoverthedecade2000-2010wereatleast0.2°Cwarmerthananyotherdecadefrom1910

• thefrequencyandseverityofveryhottemperatureshasincreased,andthefrequencyandseverityofverycoldtemperatureshasdecreasedsincethebeginningofthetwentiethcentury

• annualrainfallinVictoriaexperiencedlargedecadalvariationsoverthepastcentury,withnocleartrend.Overthepast20-yearstherehasbeenalargedeclineinautumnrainfall,asmalldeclineinwinterandspringrainfall,andasmallincreaseinsummerrainfall

• sincethemid-twentiethcenturytherehavebeenreductionsinthefrequencyofweathersystems overVictoriathatareassociatedwithwetterconditions.ThenumberofseverestormsaffectingthesouthwestVictoriancoasthasdecreasedbyaround40percentfrom1856to2006

13

CARBON�SEQUESTRATION�ACTIVITIES

Thereareanumberofpossiblefuturecarbonsequestrationactivitiesintheregionthatmayenhanceoradverselyimpactonvaluesandservicesprovidedbynaturalassets.Carbonsequestrationisageneraltermusedforthecaptureandlong-termstorageofcarbondioxide.

Inplanningforthedevelopmentofcarbonmarketswithintheregion,GlenelgHopkinsCMAwillpursueopportunitiestoidentifypriorityareasforsequestrationplanting.AregionalNRMplanwillbedevelopedaspartofthisstrategytoassistwithplanningforfuturecarbonsequestrationactivities.Biodiversecarbonplantingshavethepotentialformultiplenaturalresourcemanagementoutcomes:improvingcatchmenthealth,expandingandreconnectinghabitatsandsequesteringcarbon.Theseplantingswillneedtoconsiderpotentialadverseimpactsonwateravailability,pestplantandanimals(i.e.dispersalpotential),agriculturalproductivityandfireriskstothecommunity.Potentialnegativeeconomicandecologicalconsequencesoftreeprogramsaimedexclusivelyatmitigatingclimatechangeeffectsandreducingatmosphericcarbondioxideinclude:

• treeplantingsthatimpactnegativelyonecosystemprocessessuchashydrologicalandfireregimes

• establishmentoftreesthatbecomeinvasive.28

SUMMARY

Theenvironmentalchallengesaresignificant; however,thecommunityhasagrowingawareness oftheneedtostrikeabalancebetweendevelopment,sustainablegrowthandprotectionoftheenvironment.Akeychallengeistocontinuetomakenaturalresourcemanagementscientificallyrigorousandsociallyrelevantinthefaceoffundingvariations,lifestyleandpopulationchanges,climatevariabilityandincreasingdemandforwaterresources.Achievingbiodiversityimprovementsandfarmproductivitygains,andbalancingpublicuseanddevelopmentwithenvironmentalprotectionofcoastsandestuarieswillalsobemajorchallenges.SecuringenvironmentalwaterfortheGlenelgRiverfromthesavingsresultingfromtheWimmera–Malleepipelinewillbeanotherchallenge.

• theaveragesealevelalongtheVictoriancoastlinehasrisen,consistentwithglobalincreases

• seasurfacetemperaturesinAustraliahavewarmedsinceatleast1960,withtheoceansurroundingVictoriashowingsomeofthehighestwarming.26

TheCMAanditsregionalpartnerswillundertakeactiontomanageorreducetheimpactofclimatechangewherepossible.AustralianandVictoriangovernmentfundingopportunitieswillbepursued tohelpidentifywhereinthelandscapeadaptationandmitigationactivitiesshouldbeundertaken,andproduceregional-levelclimatechangeinformation tosupportmediumtermregionalNRMandland useplanning.

PRESSURES�ON�WATER�RESOURCES

Watersecuritywillbeakeydriverforcapitalinvestmentandland-usechangeintheregion.Sustainablemanagementoftheregion’sgroundwaterandsurfacewater’snaturalcapitalwillunderpintheforecastresidential,agriculturalandindustrialdevelopmentoftheregion.

AsnotedintheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy,27‘Therecentprolongeddryperiodandsubsequentheavyfloodinginmanypartsoftheregiondemonstratedthatwatermanagementneedstoaddressclimatevariability’.Therewillbesignificantpressuresonfuturewateruseintheregionduetothecombinedimpactsofpopulationgrowthandclimatechange.Annualstreamflowsfellby40,56and 65percentrespectivelyintheHopkins,PortlandCoastandGlenelgbasinsduringthe1997-2009drought.Droughtremainsasignificantriskfortheregionandislikelytobemorefrequentthaninthepast.Otherkeypressuresinclude:

• increaseddemandsforwaterduetochangingfarmingpractices(e.g.increaseduseofirrigation fordairying)

• reducedsurfaceflowofwaterduetoland-usechange(e.g.increasednumberoffarmdams, anexpandingplantationindustry).


RCs sTRATEGiC RELATionsHiPs

Figure 3: RCS Strategic Context.

Figure 3summarisestherelationshipbetweentheRCSandAustralianandVictorianlegislation,policiesandstrategies.Linkstorelevantregionalpolicies,strategiesandactionplansarealsoshown.

KeyregionalstrategicplanningdocumentssuchastheGreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan,CentralHighlandsRegionalStrategicPlan,andSouthWestSustainabilityPartnershipPrioritiesDirectionStatement2010-2012wereusedtoinformthedevelopmentoftheRCS.ThesedocumentsarebasedonextensivestakeholderconsultationandprovideanimportantregionalframeofreferenceforthedevelopmentoftheRCS.

REGionAL

Regionalstrategiesandplanse.g.localgovernmentsustainabilityplans,GreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan,CentralHighlandsRegionalStrategicPlan,SouthWestManagementPlan(ParksVictoria),Portland/HorshamForestManagementPlan,WesternSustainableWaterStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan(WesternCoastalBoard).

oTHER

• Community

• Indigenousgroups

• Stakeholders

• Researchinstitutes

• Industrybodies

GLEnELG HoPKins REGionAL CATCHMEnT sTRATEGY

Legislation, policies, strategies, agreements and discussion papers

FEDERAL

CommonwealthGovernmentActs,strategies,agreements,anddiscussionpapers e.g.Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, The AustralianFrameworkforLandcare,Australia’sBiodiversityConservationStrategy,NationalStrategyforEcologicallySustainableDevelopment.

sTATE

VictorianGovernmentActs,Strategies,agreements,anddiscussionpaperse.g.Catchment and Land Protection Act, Water Act, Planing and Environment Act, Climate Change Act, Aboriginal Heritage Act, Fisheries Act, Coastal Management Act,InvasivePlantsandAnimalsPolicyFramework,VictorianRiverHealthStrategy,VictorianCoastalStrategy,VictorianSalinityStatement,IndigenousPartnershipStrategy,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy.

REGionAL sTRATEGiEs AnD sUB-sTRATEGiEs

Forexample:NativeVegetationPlan,EstuaryManagementPlans, SoilHealthStrategy&Plan,RegionalWaterwaysStrategy,RegionalNRMPlan.

inform the development of

sets the direction for

15

KEY ACHiEvEMEnTs To DATE

Figure 4: Timeline of key events and challenges.

• TheGlenelgHopkinsCMApioneereditsfirstRegional CatchmentStrategy

• RedTailedBlackCockatooRecoveryteamestablished

• DistributionofWaterwayInitiativeFundingforon-groundworkstoMerriRiverLandcareNetworkforrevegetationandtotheSandfordLandcareGroupforerosioncontrolworksalongLowerWannonRiver

• ImplementationofHopkinsRiverWaterQualityPlanand SouthWestRiversRestorationProject

• PreparationofwaterwaysWorksProgramaspartoftheCMA’sBusinessPlan

• TheVictorianSalinityManagementFrameworkwasreleased

• RabbitBusterProgramrunacrosstheregion

• WestVictoriaRegionalForestAgreement

• CarpdiscoveredatRocklandsReservoir

• Thedrywinterof2002resultedinseverelylowstoragelevels inRocklandsReservoirleadingtoonlyasmallenvironmental flowallocation

• Carpfishingcompetition–700anglerscaught600kgofcarpwhichwereturnedintofertiliser

• TheCMAstrengthensitsinvolvementinLandcarewiththeappointmentof10federallyfundedLandcarefacilitators

• VictorianRiverHealthStrategyreleased

• GlenelgHopkinsRCS2003-2007thefirsttobeapproved inAustraliabyjointState/FederalGovernments

• MajorfireintheGrampians

• CompletionoftheWarrnambool/PortFairyFloodStudyandRegionalWetlandsGuide

• GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008launched

• CarpscreensinstalledatRocklandsReservoirandmajorinfrastructureupgradedtomanagefutureenvironmentalreleasesintotheGlenelgRiver

• GrampiansArk,BackinBalanceprogramestablished

• CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestParkestablished

• LargescaleriverrestorationprojectontheGlenelgRiverdelivers230kmofwaterwayprotection,removalof180,000m³ofsandandpreventionofcarpmovementdownstream

• Removaloffivefishbarriersopens198kmofwaterwaytofishpassage

• BushTenderprotects2,836haofnativevegetation

• Sixestuarymanagementplansdeveloped

• WimmeraMalleePipelinecompleted,givingmuchgreatersecuritythanpreviouslypossibleforenvironmentalflows

• FiveBrush-tailedRockWallabiesreleasedintotheGrampiansNationalPark

• SoilHealthPlanlaunched

• RegionalWeedPlanlaunched

• WeirconstructedatLakeCondah

• SignificantenvironmentflowsreleasedtotheGlenelgRiver

• GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015launched

• Floodrecoveryassistanceprovidedtothecommunity

• StatefundedLandcarefacilitorsappointedtotheregion

• RegionalCatchmentStrategy2013-2019

• PortFairy–WarrnamboolRailTrailopened

• ThefirstpartnershipprojectwasdeliveredalongtheWannon

• ThefirstIndexofStreamConditiondatacollected

• GlenelgHopkinsCMAstartsworkingcloselywithlandholders andcommunitygroupstohelpprotectriparianlandtoimprovewaterquality,reducesevereerosionandreducesedimentation in waterways

• ThestategovernmentfundsthefirstRegionalLandcareCoordinatorposition

• Analysisofgroundwaterflowsystemscompletedfortheregion

• Landcareachievementawardsinitiated

• Thefirstsoilandlandhealthprojectcommencedwiththeappointmentofasalinitycoordinator

• CarpdiscoveredintheGlenelgRiverdownstreamof RocklandsReservoir

• IntensivecarpmonitoringprogramwasundertakentomonitorcarpwithinRocklandsReservoirandintheriverdownstream

• Communityfishingdaycaught500kgofcarp

• ResnaggingoftheGlenelgRiver

• MtEcclesKoalacontrolprogramcommenced

• GlenelgRiverrestorationworksforin-streamhabitatincluded thereinstatementof3kmoflargewoodydebris (approx170logsperkm)

• Protectionofmorethan200haofnativevegetationatCastertonthroughcovenant,withmorethan85percentoftheareaprovidinghabitatforthreatenedspecies

• Improvedmanagementacross10,000haofcovenantedland

• Approximately70haofOrange-belliedParrothabitatprotectedandenhanced

• Biodiversityoverlaysincludedinlocalgovernmentplanningschemes

• 300kgoflocalprovenanceseedsuppliedtoprojects

• CollaborationbetweenpublicandprivatelandmanagersthroughtheWeedSpottersandGoodNeighbourprograms

• DraftSoilHealthPlan,WeedActionPlan,LandcareStrategyandCommunityEngagementPlandelivered

• 465haoffloodplainwetlandsfencedontheWannonRiver

• Estuaryhabitatsmapped

• Twomajorbarrierstofishmovementremoved,opening 11kmoftheGlenelgRivertofishmovement

• PortFairyRegionalFloodStudycompleted

• SecondIndexofStreamConditioncompleted

• FloodscausesignificantdamagetotheGrampiansNationalPark

• 13,300haofagriculturallandwithpropertymanagementplansimplemented

• 250haofperennialpasturesowntomitigatesalinityandreducetheriskofsoilacidification

• Pigtrappingover3,000haintheDiscoveryBayCoastalPark

• 5,467haofprivateandcrownlandmanagedtoaddresspestplant,cat,pigandfoxthreats

• 238haofWeedsofNationalSignificancetreatedbyCMA

• Milestoneof1,000kmofriparianfencingachieved

• RiverTenderdelivers18kmofriverfrontagefencingand206haofrevegetationandpestplantanimalcontrol

• EnvironmentalwaterallocationsfromtheWimmeraMalleePipelinedeliveredtotheGlenelgRiver

• SpinyCrayEPBClisted

• FirstIndexofWetlandConditioncompleted

1997

1999

2002

2004

2007

2009

2011

2012

2010

2008

2006

2005

2003

2001

2000

1998

• TheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategyislaunched –thefirstsuchstrategyinVictoria

• Hamilton’sGrangeBurnWetlandprojectwasa‘showcase’CommunityPartnershipProjectwhichinvolvedrehabilitationof14haofwetlands,treating70percentofHamilton’sstormwater

• Sustainabilityindicatorsreport

• EstablishmentofMarineNationalParks

• GlenelgArkPestAnimalProjectestablished

SignificantachievementshavebeenmadeinnaturalresourcemanagementintheGlenelgHopkinsregionsince1997byarangeoflandmanagers,communitygroups,governmentandnon-governmentorganisations.Akeyfocushasbeenondevelopingstrongpartnershipswithintheregiontoachievehealthyandsustainablerelationshipsbetweenthenaturalenvironmentandthecommunity’suseoflandandwaterresources.

Figure 4showsatimelineofkeynaturalresourcemanagementeventsandchallengesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionsince1997,whileregionalprojecthighlightsareillustratedinFigure 5.


Figure 5: Key Regional Achievements.

Disclamer: The map shown in this figure is representational of the Glenelg Hopkins region and is not intended to accurately reflect land use on a finer scale. Locations are indicative only.

key achievemenTs To DaTe

NatioNal Park

EstablishmentofCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark.

restoriNg lake CoNdah

LakeCondah,asignificantculturaliconoftheGunditjmarapeople,wasre-established.Aweirwasconstructedacrossachannelthatdrainedthelake.Asaresultofheavyrainfall,LakeCondahwaterlevelsimproved.

PlaNNiNg for healthy estuaries

Estuarymanagementplans,mappingandanestuaryentrancemanagementsupportsystemtoimprovethehealthandmanagement of estuaries.

imProviNg eNviroNmeNtal flows

Morethan100,000m³ofsandhasbeenextractedfromtheGlenelgRiver,improvingtheeffectivenessofenvironmentalflowreleasesandrestoringthenaturalriverchannel.

the graNge BurN wetlaNd

Projecttransformed14haofgrazinglandintoaconstructedwetlandsystemtotreat70%ofHamilton’sstormwaterbeforeitenterstheGrangeBurn. Thishasresultedinasignificantreductioninlitterandcontaminantsinthewaterway,vitalhabitatforbirdsandprovidedanimportantrecreationalassettothetown.

eNviroNmeNtal water

ReservesandinfrastructureupgradesalongtheGlenelgRiverwillrealisethefullbenefitsoftheWimmeraMalleePipelineProject.WorksincludeoutletupgradesandinstallationofcarpscreensatRocklandsReservoir.

the gleNelg river restoratioN ProjeCt

400kmoffencingovereightyearsprotectingriparianlandtoimproveriverhealth.

duNdas taBlelaNd

PartnershipprojectsruntomitigateerosionandsalinityintheDundasTablelandtobenefitwaterqualityandagriculture.

westerN gleNelg wetlaNds

Stewardshippaymentstoprivatelandownerstoconserveuniquewetlandsonfossilsanddunes.

Biodiversity hotsPot

ProtectingthreatenedwildlifethatusetheGlenelgRiverandnearbyconservationparksandreserves.

gleNelg alliaNCe

Amajorpartnershipprojectaddressingprioritypestplantandanimalthreatson34,603haofpublicandprivatelandintheLowerGlenelgRiverHighEcologicalValueEcosystemregion.

gleNelg ark

Isafoxcontrolprogramcovering 90,000haofStateForestandNationalParkinsouthwesternVictoriathataimstoreducepredationonsignificantfaunaspecies.Rigorousmonitoringindicatesthatfoxnumbershavedecreasedsignificantlyinbaitedareas.Long-nosedPotoroosandSouthernBrownBandicootsareincreasinglylikelytobefoundinsomeoftheseareas.

gleNelg edeN

Protects90,000haofStateandNationalparksthroughweedmanagement.

maPPiNg

Identifieskeymarineandcoastalassets.

Budj Bim

DeclaredalandscapeofNationalSignificance.

researCh statioN at hamiltoN estaBlished

17

Disclamer: The map shown in this figure is representational of the Glenelg Hopkins region and is not intended to accurately reflect land use on a finer scale. Locations are indicative only.

laNdCare

A25-yearhistoryofleadingtheway inprotectingtheenvironment.

CreatiNg Coastal CoNNeCtioNs

Developingprojectswithcommunitygroupstoprotectwaterways,wetlandsandterrestrialhabitatalongthecoast.

ProteCtiNg threateNed sPeCies

Theregionalbiodiversityprogramhasseentheonce-commonMellblom’sSpider-orchidbroughtbackfromthebrinkofextinction.Withasfewassixplantsremainingin1996,therearenowmorethan1,000plantsgrowinginthewildtodayafteranintensiverecoveryprogram.TheEasternBarredBandicootisanotherspeciesbroughtbackfromthebrinkofextinctionthroughrecoveryprograms.

flood reCovery assistaNCe

GlenelgHopkinsCMAworkcrewsinstalled 64kmofnewfences,repairedorcleaned127kmofriparianfences,revegetated 61ha,anderadicated211haofweeds.

laNdmate suCCess

Prisonworkcrewssupportcommunityandagenciesinenvironmentalon-groundwork.

westerN uPlaNd

CMAandlandownerpartnerships tocontrolsoilerosionandsalinity intheWesternTablelands.

workiNg with the CommuNity

AcrosstheGlenelgHopkinsregion,communityvolunteershavefenced2,200km ofwaterwayand revegetated3,784ha ofwaterwayareas.

gramPiaNs ark

17,000hafoxbaitingwascompleted byGrampiansArkprogram.

wetlaNds of the waNNoN

CMAandlandownerpartnershipshaveledtochangedgrazingregimesfortheprotectionofseasonalwetlands.

saviNg the Bush

1,400haofremnantbushprotectedthroughvoluntarylegalagreementswithprivatelandowners.

reduCiNg soil aCidifiCatioN

Reducingsoilacidificationandimprovingnutrientmanagementondairyfarmsthroughimprovingknowledgeandskillsinnutrientmanagementpractices.

farm PlaNNiNg

Extensionprogramsincreaseknowledgeoflandproductivityandenvironmentalmanagement.

PartNershiP ProjeCts imProve stream health

FencingalongtheMtEmuCreekandFieryCreektoexcludestockimprovesstreamhealth.

eel festival & healiNg walk

Raiseawarenessoftheenvironment.

CAsE sTUDY: environmenTal waTer reserve


The�Wimmera–Mal lee�Pipeline�Project�provided�a�major�investment�in�water�security�and�environmental �water�recovery�for�western�Victoria.�

TheproblemsassociatedwiththeinefficientearthenwaterchannelandstoragesystemsoftheWimmeraandMalleeregionswererealisedthroughtheprolongeddroughtwhichdominatedthefirstdecadeofthiscentury.

Leakage,seepageandevaporationmeantthataslittleas15percentofthewaterreleasedtosupplythesystemfromheadworkdamssuchasRocklandsReservoirontheGlenelgRiver,wouldreachtheenduser.Inadrylandscape,theadverseenvironmental,socialandeconomicimplicationsofsuchinefficiencywerestark.

ThenegativeimpactsofchangedflowsintheGlenelgRiverwereevidentwithinafewyearsofthecompletionofRocklandsReservoir.Long-termdeclinesinwaterqualityandtheformationofsandslugsthatsmotheredsectionsoftheriverbedbothimpacteddramaticallyontheecologyoftheriverandthecommunitiesthatrelyontheGlenelgRiver.

Thebusinesscasefortheprojectpromisedtodeliverimprovedsecurityofsupplyforallentitlementholders(includingtheenvironment)andtoincreaseenvironmentalflowstotheWimmeraandGlenelgriversbyanaverageof83gigalitresperyear.

InOctober2010,theWimmeraandGlenelgRiversEnvironmentalEntitlementwascreated,formalisingtheenvironment’srighttopipelinewatersavingsandconsolidatingpreviousentitlementstoenvironmentalwater.Thenewentitlementprovideswatertotheenvironmentthroughpassingflowrules,allocationsofwaterinstoragesforlaterreleaseandunregulatedflowsorspillsfromstorages.

Theenvironmentalbenefitsofthenewentitlementwerequicklyrealisedwhendrought-breakingrains fellduringspring2010.Inadditiontoshort-termfloodsthatprovidedamuch-neededresetforinstreamconditions,theraincontributedtohighallocationscreditedtotheEnvironmentalEntitlement. TheEnvironmentalEntitlementisoverseenbytheVictorianEnvironmentalWaterHolderwhoisresponsibleforsharingtheentitlementbetweentheWimmeraandGlenelgsystemsbasedonwateringproposalssubmittedbyGlenelgHopkinsandWimmeraCMAs.

ContinuedrainfalleventscombinedwithstrategicdeliveryofenvironmentalflowshaveproducedvisibleimprovementsinthehealthoftheiconicGlenelgRiver.Waterplantrecoveryandincreasedbreedingactivityofwaterbirdshavebeenthemostvisibleresponsestoimprovedflowsandwaterquality.Underthesurface,dramaticallyimprovedwaterqualityandincreasedhabitathavesupportednativefishbreedingevents.

Inplanningforenvironmentalwateruse,GlenelgHopkinsCMAhasanobligationtomaximisetheecologicalbenefitsofenvironmentalreleases;however,wherepossible,effortsaremadetosupportothercommunityvalueswithenvironmentalreleases.AnexampleofthisistheconcurrentreleasingoftheGlenelgRiverCompensationFlow,whichprovideslandholderswithstockanddomesticwater,andtheenvironmentalsummerbase-flowreleasesthrough thesummerof2011-12.

Below: Environmental water releases for the health of the region’s rivers.

Opposite Page: The CMA works with land managers for the protection of the region’s biodiversity.

18

This secTion of The

rcs DescriBes The

reGion’s asseTs

anD Their cUrrenT

conDiTion.

Management�objectives�are�long-term�(20-years)�and�set�broad�direction� �for�future�action.�

19

THEMATiC AssET CLAssEs

Photo: Reto Zollinger

Catchment-levelobjectivesandmanagementmeasureshavebeenidentifiedforeachthematicassetclassdescribedinTable 3.Throughextensivecommunityandstakeholderconsultationtheyhavebeensummarisedunderninethemes:communityparticipation,riversandfloodplains,wetlands,estuaries,coasts,marine,terrestrialhabitat,speciespopulationsandcommunities,andsoilandland(Table 3).

Aprogramofmeasures(orcommitments)thatidentifiestheactionnecessarytoachievetheseobjectivesisprovidedinTable 26. These measuresareplannedforimplementationduringthesixyearlifeofthisRCSandaresupportedbyactionsinassociatedsub-strategiesandplans.ObjectivesandassociatedmeasuresthatrelatetoallormorethanoneassetclassarelistedinTable 26.

Thematic Asset Class

Definition

Community Individualsandgroupsinvolvedinnaturalresourcemanagement.

Riversandfloodplains

Individualriverreachesandtheirassociatedriparianecosystems.Reachescanbegroupedintolargercomponentsofariversystem.

Wetlands Individualwetlands,wetlandcomplexes,andtheirassociatedfloodplainecosystems.

Estuaries Individualestuariesandtheirassociatedriparianecosystems.

Coasts Stretchesofcoastline.Coastalassetscanextendinlandasfarasappropriate.

Marine Marineecosystemsorsub-systems,uptothehighwatermark,includingmangroves.

Terrestrialhabitat IndividualecologicalclassesorspatialoccurrencesofEcologicalVegetationClassesbasedontheirintrinsicvalueortheircontributiontolandscapeprocesses(e.g.connectivity,refugeareasbuffering).

Speciespopulationsandcommunities

Populationsofthreatenedorsignificantspecies.Occurrences ofthreatenedcommunities.

Soil/land Selectedgeographicareasoflandand/orspecificsoiltypes.

Table 3: Definition of Thematic Asset Classes.

The GlenelG

hopkins commUniTy

plays an inTeGral

role in The Delivery

of naTUral

resoUrce

manaGemenT

acTions anD The

mainTenance anD

improvemenT of

naTUral asseTs.

Fostering�a�strong�regional � identity�and�connection�with�the�environment�wil l �be�key� �to�achieving�the�objectives�outlined�in�the�RCS.

CoMMUniTY PARTiCiPATion


Thereisalreadystrongcommunitycommitmenttoimprovenaturalresourceoutcomesacrosstheregion.ThisisclearlyevidentwiththeuptakeinCMApartnershipprojects,Landcareandparticipationatcommunityforumsandfielddaysoverthelastdecade.TheStatewideSocialBenchmarkingresultsforwaterways29showedthattheHopkinsBasinhadthehighestscoreacrossallthestatebasinsforpeoplethatareinvolvedwithrehabilitatingnativehabitat.

Landmanagerswithintheregionarecharacterisedbytheirstronglandstewardship,withthemajorityaspiringtopassontheirpropertytofuturegenerationsinbettercondition.ThisaspirationisillustratedbythestrongLandcarenetworkandvolunteerismwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Landcareacrosstheregiontakesavarietyofformsandperformsarangeoffunctions,whilemaintainingthecoreobjectiveofconservingnaturalresources,enhancingprofitabilityandsupportingcommunities.30Programsconductedbyarangeofnaturalresourcemanagementorganisationsattractvolunteersthatplayasignificantroleindatacollection,on-groundworksandfeedback orissueidentification.Figure 6illustratestheapproximatedistribution ofLandcaregroupswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.

Connectinghistoricalactionstopresent-dayenvironmentalissues, andrecognisingthediversewaythatpeopleviewtheenvironment areimportantconsiderationsfornaturalresourcemanagement.31

Awiderangeofprogramscentredonculturalheritage,culturallysustainabledevelopmentandIndigenousecologicalknowledgeareworkingtowardsmaintainingandimprovingpartnershipsandoutcomesforcommunitieswithintheregion.OfnoteistheGunditjMirringPartnershipProject,fundedbytheAustralianGovernment’sCaringforourCountryprogramanddeliveredbytheGlenelgHopkinsCMAandGunditjMirringTraditionalOwnersAboriginalCorporationpartnership.TheprojectbuildsonrelationshipswithTraditionalOwnerstocollatetraditionalIndigenousecologicalknowledgeandtotrialpracticeswithinacontemporarysetting.Theimportanceofintegratingtraditionalknowledgeandpracticesintolandmanagementisrecognisedintheregion.32Theextensioncomponentoftheprojectaimstocollaboratewithlandmanagerstoincreaseknowledgeandimplementtraditionalpracticesonfarms.Thecollaborativenatureoftheprojecthasresultedinalargenetworkoforganisationscontributingtotheoutcomes,includingagencies,universities,Indigenouscorporationsandthecommunity.

InvolvementfromtheGlenelgHopkinsregionalcommunityanditsneighboursisessentialforthesuccessfulimplementationoftheRCS.DetailedengagementandcommunicationprocessesforimplementationoftheRCSwillbedevelopedaspartofanRCSStakeholderandEngagementPlan.

Figure 6: Approximate distribution of Landcare groups within the Glenelg Hopkins catchment.

OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURES

ObjectivesandmanagementmeasuresforcommunityparticipationareshowninTable 4.

objectives (20-years) Management Measures (6-years)

2.1 Maintainandenhancecommunitycapacity,awarenessandinvolvementinnaturalresourcemanagement within the region

2.1.1 PrepareaStakeholderandCommunityEngagementPlanfortheimplementationofthe RCSby2013.

2.1.2 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategybythe endof2013.

2.1.3 Developatargetedcommunityeducationprogramtoincreaseawarenessofnaturalassetswithintheregionandencourageactionsthatimproveland,waterandbiodiversityoutcomes.

2.1.4 Developandimplementprogramstobuildcommunitycapacityinnaturalresourcemanagement.

2.1.5 Undertakecommunityawarenessandextensionactivitiestopromotenaturalresourcemanagementandbestmanagementpracticesinagriculture.

2.1.6 Involvethecommunityindecisionsrelatingtonaturalresourcemanagementwithin theirregion.

2.2 FacilitateacollaborativeapproachtoNRM

2.2.1CollaboratewithIndigenouscommunities,communityorganisations,localgovernment,agencies,tertiaryinstitutionsandindustrygroupstodeveloppartnershipprojectsandjointinitiatives.

2.2.2Improveinter-agencyandcrossbordercommunicationthroughactivesupportofgroups.

2.2.3 Seekopportunitiesforcrossborderandinteragencypartnershipstoaddressmutualnaturalresourcemanagementpriorities.

2.3 Supportlandmanagersinmeetingtheirresponsibilitiesasactivestewardsofthecatchment’sland,waterandbiodiversity

2.3.1 ProvideinformationtolandmanagersontheirresponsibilitiestoconservesoilandprotectwaterresourcesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act.

2.4 Supportfarmerstoincorporateenvironmentaloutcomesintotheirfarmsystems

2.4.1 Wherepossible,makeexistingpropertymanagementplanningtoolsavailable tolandownerson-line.

2.4.2Raiselandownerawarenessofincentiveprograms.

Table 4: Objectives and management measures for community participation.

21

TherearefourmainbasinswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion:Glenelg,Hopkins,PortlandCoastandMillicent (Figure 7). TheMillicentBasinwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregiondoesnotcontainanyrivers,butthereisasmallsectionofthecatchment whichflowsnorthintotheMosquitoCreekcatchmentarea.

TheGlenelgRiveristhelargestriverinsouthwestVictoriaand boastssomeofthestate’sbestriverreaches.BetweenDartmoor andthecoast,theGlenelgRiverisclassifiedasaHeritageRiverundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic).TheGlenelgBasincontainsmorethan150threatenedtonear-threatenedspeciesandecologicalcommunities.TenpercentofallVictorianthreatenedspeciesareresident.Theregionisoneof15listed‘biodiversityhotspots’inAustralia,andoneofonlytwoinVictoria.Significanttributariesof theGlenelgRiverincludetheWannon,Chetwynd,Stokes,CrawfordandWandorivers.

ThefourmaincatchmentswithinthePortlandCoastBasinaretheMoyne,Eumeralla/Shawsystem,DarlotsCreek/FitzroyRiversystemandtheSurry.Thesearerelativelyshortriversandalldraintheimmediateinlandareas,meetingtheSouthernOceanatavariety ofpoints.

TheHopkinsRiverisamajorwaterwaydrainingtheeasternpartoftheregionandenteringtheSouthernOceanatWarrnambool.TheHopkinsBasinislargelyclearedanddevotedtosignificantagriculturalactivity.TheHopkinsestuaryisoneofonlythree‘PremierRivers’forfishingacrossVictoria.TheMerriRiver,theFieryCreekandMtEmuCreekareothersignificantwaterwayswithintheHopkinsBasin.

Theregion’srivershavearangeofsocialvaluesincludingfishing,boating,camping,swimming,picnickingandbushwalking.Inaneconomicsenseriversintheregionarevaluedforthesupplyofwaterforagriculture(andtheirproximitytoagriculturalland),drinkingwater,tourismandfishing.

RivERs AnD FLooDPLAins


Below: Flooding often poses problems for the community but are a natural process for the maintenance of biological diversity and river health.

rivers anD

flooDplains are

an inTeGral parT

of The caTchmenT

anD proviDe many

social, economic

anD environmenTal

services.

They�are�valued�by�the�community�and�are�highly�important�in�the�movement�and�cycling�of�sediment�and�nutrients�through�the�landscape.

Figure 7: Map of the key river basins in the Glenelg Hopkins region.

1 Glenelg River

2 Wannon River

3 Crawford River

4 Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve

5 Fulhams Reserve

6 Brucknell Creek and Deep Creek

7 Mathers Creek

8 Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve

9 Fitzroy Darlots System

10 Moleside Creek

11 Fiery Creek

12 Mt Emu Creek

13 Stokes River

23

Riversandfloodplainsintheregionareprotectedbytwokeypiecesoflegislation:theWater Act 1989 (Vic)andtheCatchment and Land Protection Act.CurrentlytheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategyandtheVictorianRiverHealthStrategyareinplacetoassist inmanagementofwaterwaysinthisregion.

Bothofthesestrategieswillbesupersededby theVictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy (indevelopment),andtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWaterwayStrategy.

Duringperiodsofprolongedheavyrainfall,stormsurgesorhightides,waterlevelsalongriversrise,oftencausinginundationofthesurroundinglandscape.Whilefloodingcanbecomeaseriousproblemforthecommunityifnotadequatelymanaged,itisanaturalprocessandisimportantforthemaintenanceofbiologicaldiversity.33Akeyfuturechallengewillbetoensuretheprotectionoflifeandproperty,whileallowingriverstomaintaintheirnaturalfloodingprocesses.

LocalfloodmanagementplansandstudieshelpmanagefloodplainsandoutlyingareasintheGlenelgHopkinsregionthatareathighriskofinundation.TownswithareassubjecttofloodingareshowninTable 5.TheRCSoutlinesmeasures(Table 26)thatwillbeundertakeninthefuturetomanagethisrisk.

Glenelg Basin Hopkins Basin Portland Basin

Casterton Beaufort PortFairy

ColeraineUrbanareaofBallarat(withinCMAregion)

Urbanareas ofPortland

Sandford Warrnambool Heywood

Hamilton Skipton Macarthur

Harrow Wickliffe

Dunkeld Ararat

Table 5: Towns in the region with areas subject to flooding.


rivers anD flooDplains

The2004RiverHealthStrategyrecognisedthesechallengesandmappedoutaprogramofrivermanagement.Significantgainsintheregion’sriverhealthhavebeenmadeoverthepasteightyears. Forexample,intheupperGlenelgRiverregion, 441kilometres(km)ofwaterwayhasbeenprotectedthroughfencing,withassociatedrevegetationandweedcontrol.Instreamhabitatandaquaticbiodiversityhavebeenenhancedthroughenvironmentalwatering,removaloffishbarriers,restoringdeeppoolsandnaturalriverbedformthroughsandremovalandinstallationoflogs,aswellasthecontrolofcarp.

TheRCSwillbuildonthisworkthrougharangeofinstreamandstreamsideinitiatives,andinvestinginon-groundactionssuchasrevegetationandfencing ofriparianareastohelpimprovewaterquality.

Thehigheststreaminflowsinthecatchmentinmorethanadecadeoccurredduring2010-2011.This hadbothpositiveandnegativeimpactsoninlandaquaticecosystemsandwaterqualitymeasures. Threehigh-valuereachesalongtheGlenelgRiverbetweenRocklandsReservoirandtheestuarymetagreedecologicalflowobjectives,withflowlevelsmonitoreddaily.Theaboveaveragerun-offalsobenefitedlakesandwetlandsystemsintheregion,manyofwhicharefullforthefirsttimeinmorethan adecade.

THREATS

TheGlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy2004-2009identifiedanumberofpotentialthreatstoriverhealthwithintheregion,including:stockaccesstoriparianzones,barrierstonativefishmovement,channelmodification,bankandbedinstability,poorwaterquality,flowdeviation,lossofin-streamhabitat,sanddepositsandpestplantsandanimals(eg.carp).Otherthreatstoriverhealthincludechangesinlanduseandclearanceofstreamsidevegetation.

Currentclimatechangemodellingpredictschangingseasonalpatternswithanincreaseinintenseperiodsofrainfalloverashortertimeframe.Thisislikelytoexacerbatetheriskofflood.Sea-levelrisewillalsoimpactonfloodplainmanagement,increasingtheextentanddepthofinundationoffloodplainsandestuarineareas.Inadditiontoanincreaseinfloodevents,climatechangeisexpectedtopresentfurtherchallengesforthemanagementofriversandfloodplainswithanincreaseintheseverityofdroughtconditions.Annualrun-offintheHopkinsandGlenelgriversispredictedtobereducedby5and30percentby2030.37Thiswillmostlikelyresultinareductioninriverflows,areductioninwaterquality,increasingdemandsonwaterresourcesaswellasincreaseddevelopmentoftheregion’sfloodplains.

Floodinvestigationsarebeingundertakentobetterunderstandandpredicttheoutcomesoffuturefloodevents,whichwillinformfloodplainplanningprocesses.TheRCSseekstomaintainandimprovethehealthofriversandfloodplainsinrelationtoriparianextent,connectivityandhydrologicalregime.

CONDITION�OF�RIVERS�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

RiverconditioninVictoriaisassessedusingtheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC).TheISCisanintegratedtoolforcatchmentmanagementthatmeasurestheenvironmentalconditionofriverreaches.34

The2004ISCassessmentindicatedthatmostriverreachesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionareinmoderatetoverypoorcondition.Thisisgenerallyduetomodifiedflowregimes,degradedriparianvegetation,poorbankconditionandlowwaterqualityfromelevatednutrientsandsalinity.SomeriverreachesintheGlenelgandPortlandbasinswereassessedasbeingingoodcondition.UpdatedISCdataisdue tobereleasedin2012.

TheGlenelgBasinisrecognisedasoneofthemostseverelyerodedcatchmentsinVictoria.ExtensiveerosionhasdeliveredlargevolumesofsandfromtheDundasTablelands,withbetweenfourandeightmillioncubicmetresofsandtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.Biodiversitywithintheriverhasbeenseverelyaffectedbysandbuild-up,withtheoriginalsequenceofdeeppoolsnowfilled,reducinghabitatanddroughtrefuge.35Despitethis,theGlenelgBasinstillcontainsthegreatestbiodiversityvaluesintheregion,withanumberofriverreachesinmoderatetogoodcondition.Thebasinalsocontainsallfiveofthereachesclassifiedas‘ecologicallyhealthy’undertheRegionalRiverHealthStrategy.

StreamswithintheHopkinsandPortlandCoastalbasinsarephysicallystablewithminorerosionassociatedwithstockaccess.Blue-greenalgalbloomshaveoccurredwithincreasingfrequencyinsomeareas.Clearingnativeriparianvegetationandtheintroductionofunsuitableexoticshavealsocontributedtothedeclineinriverhealth.36Moststreamsareinpoortomoderateenvironmentalconditionandhavereducedwaterquality.Poorwaterqualityacrossthecatchmentisgenerallyduetorisingsalinitylevels,increasedsedimentationandnutrientenrichment.However,recenthighflowshaveseenimprovementsacrossanumberofwaterqualitymeasures.

25

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

Identificationofregionallysignificantriverareashasbeenacollaborativeprocess.Theprioritisationprocess hasbeeninformedbyanalysisofexistingstrategiesandconsultationwithregionalexpertsinriverhealth, andcommunityandagenciesthroughuseoftheINFFERprocess.

RiverassetsthathavebeenidentifiedasbeingexceptionalorveryhighlysignificantinvaluearedetailedinTable 6.

River Asset Regional significance

1. GlenelgRiver (as shown in Figure 7)

ThelowersectionoftheGlenelgRiverislistedasaheritageriverundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic), fromsouthofDartmoortoitsmouthatNelson,reflectingitshighnatural,socialandlandscapevalues. Theriverisusedforavarietyofrecreationandtourismactivities,andisapopularcampingdestination. Theriverreachessupportarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheGlenelgSpinyCray.

2. WannonRiver Thiswaterwaycontainshighenvironmentalvaluereaches,arepresentativereachandanecologicallyhealthyreachwithanexcellentISC.Ithasalsobeenidentifiedasakeymechanismforconnectivityinthelandscape. TheWannonfloodplainplaysakeyroleinimprovingwaterqualityforthelowerGlenelgRiver.TheWannonrapidsareacontainsaround237differentnativeplantspeciesandisofhighconservationvalue.

3. CrawfordRiver Thisisamajorwaterwayofaprioritysub-catchmentwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.ThiswaterwaycontainsahighenvironmentalandsocialvaluereachandanecologicallyhealthyreachwithanexcellentISCrating.Theareacontainsanumberofthreatenedfaunaspecies,includingBrolga,BrownQuail,RiverBlackfishandVariegatedPygmyPerch.Recreationalvaluesincludefishingandcamping.TheareaishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.

4. WannonFalls ScenicReserve

Apopularrecreationalreservewithhighscenicandconservationvalue.Itcontainsoneofthefewremnants ofDundasTablelandnativeriparianvegetation.TheareaispartofthewildlifecorridoroftheWannonRiverValleyandhasconsiderablegeomorphicandgeologicalsignificance.Themajorvegetationcommunityismannagumwoodlandandtheflorareservecontainsabout250indigenousplantspecies.Ahealthynativegrassland isalsopresent.38

5. FulhamsReserve

FulhamsReserveisan860hastreamsidereservelocatedalongtheGlenelgRiver.Ithashighrecreationalvalueandishometoadiverserangeoffloraandfaunaspecies.Theareaisanimportantcorridorforthemovement ofbirds,duetothepresenceofwaterinthereserve.111birdspecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinthisarea.

6. BrucknellCreekandDeepCreek

TheareacontainsanumberorrareorendangeredriparianEVCsincludingSwampScrubwhichisoneof therarestEVCsinVictoria.Remainingriparianvegetationhasgoodstructuralintactness.Itisoneofthebest streamsintheHopkinsbasinandprovidesexcellenthabitatforfish.Significantfishspeciesincludethe AustralianGraylingandRiverBlackfish.

7. MathersCreek,Downstream of Cameron’sRd

UppertributaryoftheGlenelgRiverthatislargelyinaccessibletostock,withintactpermanentdeeppoolsprovidingdroughtrefugeforarangeoffauna.Thechainofdeeppoolsisararefeaturefortheregion.39

8. NigrettaFallsScenicReserve

Thisareaisofhighconservationandscenicvalueandisapopulartouristdestination.TheareaislocatedontheWannonRiverandisbotanicallyrich–over165plantspecieshavebeenrecordedwithinthearea,includingimportantremnantgrasslands.40

9. FitzroyDarlotssystem

DarlotcreekflowssouthfromCondahtotheFitzroyRiveratTyrendarra.Theareacontainsanumberof threatenedspecies.

10.MolesideCreek ThiswaterwaycontainsanecologicallyhealthyreachwithagoodISCrating.Theareaisofhighconservationvalue,andsupportsadiverserangeofspecies.Theareahashighsocialvalues,andisapopularlocationforfishingandcamping.

11.FieryCreek(reaches26, 27and28)

Anumberofreacheswithinthissystemareofecologicalsignificanceandsupportsocialandeconomicactivityintheregion.GoodexamplesofremnantCreeklineGrassyWoodlandandRiparianWoodlandoccurwithinthearea.Thelowersectionsofthecreek-especiallyLakeBolac-havehighrecreationvalue,andarepopularforcamping,walking,boatingandfishing.FieryCreekishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.

12.MtEmuCreek(reaches15, 18and22)

Thiscreekcontainsreacheswithrelativelyintactremnantriparianvegetationanddeeppermanentpoolsprovidingdroughtrefugeforthreatenedspecies.

13.StokesRiver TheStokesRivercontainsahighenvironmentalvaluereachandanecologicallyhealthyreach.Riparianvegetationwhichhasgoodstructuralintactness.SignificantEVCsincludeDampsSandsHerb-richWoodland,FloodplainRiparianWoodland,RiparianWoodlandandrareSwampScrub.SignificantfaunaincludeRed-tailedBlackCockatoo,GlenelgSpinyFreshwaterCrayfish,RiverBlackfishandVariegatedPygmyPerch.41

Table 6: Significant river areas within the Glenelg Hopkins region.



Objectivesandassociatedmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sriversandfloodplainsareshowninTable 7.

TheRCSwillsupporttheimplementationofactionsfromtheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategythatapplytotheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentregion.TheseactionsaresummarisedinTable 8andaredesignedtoprotectandimprovethehealthofwaterways,aquifers,wetlandsandestuaries;andpromotesustainableurban,industrialandruralwateruse.

Table 7: Objectives and management measures for rivers and floodplains.

objectives (to be achieved by 2033)

Management Measures (to be achieved by 2019)

3.1WaterwaysclassifiedasgoodorexcellentintheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC3)willremainassuchin2033

3.1.1DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy.*

3.2 TheconditionofspecifiedwaterwayscurrentlyclassedaspoortomoderateintheIndexofStreamCondition(ISC3)isimprovedby2033

3.2.1DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy.

3.3 Improveriverhealthinrelationtoriparianextent,connectivity,hydrologicalregimeandwaterquality

3.3.1 Developandimplementactionplansforprioritywaterwaysandtheircatchmentsexceptwhereexistingparkandforestmanagementplansaddressprioritywaterwaysthatoccurwithinparks,reservesandforests.

3.3.2 Developandimplementseasonalwateringproposals.

3.4 Increaseprovisionof reliablefloodinformation forsettlements

3.4.1 By2014completeaRegionalFloodplainManagementPlan.

3.4.2 Supportthedevelopmentofaframeworkforupgradingfloodwarningsystems.

3.4.3 Completeaprioritylistfornewandupgradedfloodwarningsystemsfortheregion.

3.4.4 Undertakefloodstudiestoimproveknowledgeofpotentialfloodimpactsonsettlements.

3.4.5 Workwithlocalgovernmenttoamendplanningschemestoreflectbestavailable floodinformation.

3.4.6 Developguidelinesforappropriateuseandmanagementoffloodplains.

3.5 Improveriverandfloodplainmanagement

3.5.1Increasecommunitypreparednessforfloodeventsthroughdevelopmentofearlywarningsystemsandfloodawarenessprograms.

3.5.2Seekcommunityinputduringtheplanninganddeliveryofstrategicmanagementplans.

* This strategy will implement actions relevant to the 2013-2019 timeframe of the Regional Strategy for Waterways.

rivers anD flooDplains

27

Action no.

Action

Promoting sustainable water management

3.1 Providingmoresecuritytosection51takeanduselicence-holders.

3.9 Streamliningtheapprovalofsection67storageconstructionlicences.

3.10 Investigatingthepotentialtoharvesthighflows.

3.12 Improvingopportunitiesforwatertradingingroundwaterandunregulatedriversystems.

3.20 Usingconsumptivewaterenrouteforenvironmentalandsocialbenefits.

3.21 Managingriparianland–programstoassistlandholderstoprotect,improveandbettermaintainhighpriorityriparianland.

3.22 Changingenvironmentalmanagementobjectivesinresponsetolong-termchangesinwateravailabilitywillbeconsideredbytheregionalstrategiesforhealthyriversandwetlands.

3.24 DevelopingcapacityforIndigenousinvolvementinwatermanagement.

Making the best use of the region’s groundwater resources

4.7 Systemswithgroundwater/surfacewaterinteractionswillbeidentifiedandconsideredaspartofstrategicgroundwaterresourceassessmentandlocalmanagementplansorstatutorymanagementplans.

4.11 DevelopingMinisterialguidelinesforgroundwaterdependantecosystems.

The Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline and the Wimmera-Glenelg system

6.1 Reviewingoperationofthebulkentitlements.

6.2 Collaboratingtoimproveefficiencyofmanagingandoperatingthesupplysystems.

6.8 ManagingtheWimmera-Glenelgenvironmentalentitlementtoachieveoptimumenvironmentaloutcomesforflows.

The South-west Coast

8.1 Revisedcapsontheamountofunallocatedsurfacewateravailableforwinter-filldiversionsintheSouth-westCoast.

8.4 ImprovedenvironmentalflowsfortheMerriRiver.

8.5 InvestinginintegratedcatchmentmanagementtoimproveSouth-westwaterways.

The Western District

9.3 Investinginintegratedcatchmentmanagementtoimprovewesterndistrictwaterways.

Table 8: Actions from the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy relevant to Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

Below: Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve is a significant river asset and popular

tourist destination.

CAsE sTUDY: lake conDah weir


‘ �Listen�to�the�land, �respect� it , �walk�softly�on�it �and�it ’ l l �relate. �If �you�l isten�to�the�land�you’l l �hear�things. ’� �

– �Uncle�Johnny�Lovett

Anambitiousinfrastructureprojecttorestorewater toLakeCondahwaswelltimed,withtheconclusion oftheprojectgreetedbythebestrainsexperienced intheregionformorethan10years.

Fouryearsofresearch,planningandcommunityconsultationpavedthewaytoconstructaweiratthesouthernendofLakeCondah,asiteofnationalculturalsignificanceinordertoprovidewatertothelakeallyear.TheLakeCondahSustainableDevelopmentProjectalsoconstructeda450metrepipelinetoensureenvironmentalflowisretainedinDarlot’sCreek.A90metreweirandfishladderwereaddedtorestorefishandeelaccesstothelake,previouslyblockedbythedrain’sconstructionin1946.

Thehigherthanaveragerainfallinthesummerof2010-11meantthewaterlevelinthelakewashigherthanexpectedatthatearlystage.Sincecompletionoftheweirandfillingofthelake,nativebirdshavearrivedinremarkablenumbers:blackswans,blackducks,hardheads,cormorants,grebes,andshovelersintheirhundreds,withmanybreeding,aswell asnotablearrivalsofapairofBrolgas,anda White-belliedSeaEagle.

TheLakeCondahprojectwaswidelysupportedandprovidedanexampleforreconciliationthroughapracticalmeans.ItwasapartnershipbetweentheWinda-MaraAboriginalCorporation,DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,ParksVictoria,GlenelgShireandSouthernRuralWater.

Theprojectprovidedworkfor25Indigenousemployees,whogainedarangeofpracticalworkskillsandaccreditation.

TheweirwascompletedinAugust2010andnamedtocommemoratetheKerrup-jmarapeoplewhoconceivedandconstructedthesophisticatedsystem ofchannelsandfishtrapsatleast6,000yearsago.

ThelakeisinterwovenwiththehistoryoftheGunditjmarapeople.ForthousandsofyearstheGunditjmaramodifiedmorethan100sqkmofthelandscapetobreedandfarmeels.

SomemodificationsofthelandscapebytheGunditjmaraincludeddiggingthroughrocktoallowwatertoflowfromswamptoswamp.Somechainsofchannelsandpondsstretchedmorethan30km,carryingwatertolow-lyingareaswhereasystemofweirswasusedtopondthewater.Thepondsandwetlandsenabledaformofaquaculturewheretheygrewfishandeelsandthenharvestedthemwithwovenbaskets.Eelswerethenpreservedthroughsmoking,andtradedwithneighbours.

StonehousesandstonefishtrapscanstillbeobservedinthebedandshoresofLakeCondahandalongtheBudjBimlandscape.

Below: Lake Condah is a site of national cultural significance.

Photo: Leonard Cooper.

28

The weTlanDs

of The GlenelG

hopkins reGion

conTriBUTe To

environmenTal,

social anD

aGricUlTUral

healTh, anD have

siGnificance

BeyonD The reGion.

Wetlands�are�a�significant�environmental �feature�of�the�Glenel g�Hopkins�region.�

29

WETLAnDs

Thecatchmenthasmorethan5,400wetlands,covering73,000ha orthreepercentoftheregion’sarea.Thisrepresents14percentofVictoria’stotalareaofwetlandsand44percentofthestate’stotalnumberofwetlands.42TheborderregionbetweenSouthAustralia andVictoriahasthehighestdensityofwetlandsinsouthernAustralia. Thedistributionofwetlandsintheregion,aswellassignificantwetlandareas,areindicatedin Figure 8.

SeasonalHerbaceousWetlands(Freshwater)oftheTemperateLowlandPlainshavebeennominatedforlistingundertheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.SeasonalHerbaceousWetlandsareisolatedfreshwaterwetlandsthatareephemeral (non-permanent).

Mostephemeralwetlandsprovidecriticalhabitatforarangeofinvertebratecommunities.Reptilessuchassnakes,lizardsandturtles liveinornearthesewetlands.BrolgasbuildtheirnestsfromgrassymaterialonsmallislandsordirectlyonshallowwatersandarelistedasthreatenedinVictoria,SAandNSW.Theabsenceoffishduetoseasonaldryperiodsprovidesgoodbreedingandforaginghabitatwherefrogspeciescancompletetheirlifecycles.43Thesewetlandsalsoprovidefeedingsitesforarangeofnativewaterbirdspecies.Someterrestrialmammalsmakeuseofthesewetlandsforfeedingorhabitat,andbats flyoverthewetlandstofeedoninsectsemergingfromthewaterandhabitatsonthewetlandmargin.

Wetlandsareanintegralpartoftheregion’slandscapeandunderpinsomeofthemostsignificantrecreationalattractionsintheregionincludingboating,fishing,camping,swimmingandsightseeing. Theyalsohelpsupporttheregionaleconomythroughtourism,agricultureandfisheriesactivities.

Below: Wetlands provide critical habitat for a range of species.

Photo: James Pevitt.


weTlanDs

WetlandsoftheGlenelgHopkinshavelongbeenacknowledgedaskeyareasforconservationunder anumberofinternationalagreements.LakeBookaar,nearCamperdown,isrecognisedundertheRamsarConventionasawetlandofinternationalimportance,44 whileseveralotherwetlandsfallwithintheflywaysofbirdspeciesrecognisedunderinternationaltreaties(JAMBA,CAMBAandROKAMBA).ThereisalsothreeImportantBirdAreas(IBA)45includingYambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBaytoPiccaninniePondsIBA.Sixteenoftheregion’swetlandsarelistedintheDirectoryofImportantWetlandsofAustralia(DIWA).

SinceEuropeansettlement,manywetlandshavebeendrained,reducingtheirextentandconnectivity.46Otherwetlandshavebeenaffectedbygrazing,croppingorestablishmentoftreeplantations.

Wetlandsareintegraltohealthyecosystemsintheregion’slandscape,particularlywithrespecttowaterqualityandbiodiversity.Theyreceiverun-off,absorbandfilterfloodwaters,replenishgroundwaterreserves,actasdirectsurfacewatersupplies47andareimportantdroughtrefugesforwildlife.

Theregion’swetlandsvarygreatly,rangingfromlargeandpermanentfreshwaterlakestosmallandephemeral(non-permanent)freshwatermeadows.

CONDITION�OF�WETLANDS�IN� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

Theconditionofwetlandsvariesconsiderablyover theregion.Whilemanyareingoodcondition,largenumbershavebeendegraded.

Theextentofwetlandshasdeclinedbyapproximately50percentsinceEuropeansettlement.Primarycausesforthedeclinearedrainageandconversiontoagriculture.

Permanentlakeshaveafairlystablewaterlevelwhileephemeralwetlandsareexposedtofluctuatinglevels,includingadryingphase.Theseprocessesinfluenceplantcommunities,whichwillreactdifferentlyunderdifferentthreatsandstressors.

TheIndexofWetlandCondition(IWC)wasdevelopedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)inNovember2005tomeasuretheconditionofwetlandsacrossVictoria.TheIWCmeasuresaspectsofthewetland’ssoils,water,plantsandthewetlandcatchment.Themethodisdesignedfornaturallyoccurringwetlandswithoutamarinehydrologicalinfluence.DEPIcoordinatedanassessmentofthecondition(health)ofapproximately600wetlandsacrossthestateinspringandsummer2009using theIWCmethod,andafurther300inearly2011. Table 9providesabreakdownofwetlandcondition forsixwetlandtypesintheregion.

ThisbreakdownoftheIWCresultsrevealsthatamajorityofthewetlandswereingoodtoexcellentconditionwiththeexceptionofmeadows.Thisisconsistentwiththefactthatmeadowsaretheleastobviousonthelandscapeandtendtoexistonlandthatisfavourableforagriculture.Ontheotherhand,deepandshallowmarshestendtohavelongerperiodsofinundationandarethereforelessconducivetoagriculturalconversion.

Figure 8: Wetlands in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment.

1 Boiler Swamp

2 Dergholm Wetlands

3 Long Swamp

4 Bridgewater Lakes

5 Lake Condah

6 Tower Hill

7 Lake Bookar

8 Nerrin Nerrin Wetlands

9 Woorndoo Wetlands

10 Lake Linlithgow

11 Bryans Swamp

12 Lake Muirhead

13 Mt William Swamp

14 Lake Muirhead

15 Gooseneck Swamp

3131

CONDITION�OF�WETLANDS�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

Wetland condition rating for six wetland types found in the region

Type % of all wetlands % Surveyed % of all types

surveyed Excellent Good Insufficient Data Moderate Poor

Deepmarsh 12.3% 6.9% 27.0% 30 15 4 1

Shallowmarsh 20.3% 4.1% 27.0% 33 6 2 5 4

Meadow 47.4% 2.5% 37.8% 17 8 1 13 31

Openwater 13.9% 0.8% 3.8% 3 1 3

Permsaline 1.5% 8.0% 3.8% 3 3 1

Semisaline 4.5% 0.4% 0.5% 1

Table 9: Wetland condition assessment by wetland type for the Glenelg Hopkins region.

Photo: James Pevitt

THREATS

Ofthewetlandsthatremainintheregion,mostareonprivatelandandexistasrelicsacrossalandscapelargelyconvertedforagriculture.Manyaredirectlyaccessedbystockorlackfringingvegetation,resultinginchangedhydrologyandimpactingontheirnaturalprocesses.Consequently,thebulkoftheremainingwetlandsareartificiallydryand/orareexposedtopollution,nutrientenrichment,pesticidesandherbicides(throughrun-offanddrift),andpestplantandanimalinfestations.

Climatevariabilityinfluenceshowlandadjacenttoandwithinwetlandsismanaged.Overthepastfiveyearsandpriortothewetsummerof2010-11,manywetlandsweredryforanextendedperiodandsomehadbeenconvertedtocroppingorplantationforestry.BasedoncurrentestimatesofVictoria’sfutureclimate,theextentandfrequencyofdroughtsinVictoriamaymorethandoubleby2050.48ThiswillundoubtedlypresentincreasedpressuresonthewetlandsoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion.

Recentrainhasnotnecessarilyalleviatedthepressureonwetlands.Followingthespringandsummerrainfalleventsof2010and2011,therearerenewedcallsfordrainageofwetlandsandfloodplainsinordertoreturnthislandtoagriculturalproduction.


weTlanDs

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

SignificantwetlandareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionareshowninTable 10 and Figure 8.TheseareashavebeendeterminedfromanumberofprocessesincludingINFFERandconsultationwithkeypartners.

Asset name Regional significance

1. BoilerSwampWetlandSystem

Thissystemconsistsofabandofwetlandsandisofhighconservationvalueforitsfloraandfauna. ThiswetlandsystemisfrequentedbytwospecieslistedunderJAMBAandCAMBA.49Thesewetlands arenationallysignificantandarelistedontheDirectoryofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(DIWA).

2. Dergholm(Youpayang)Wetlands

Thesewetlandsareanetworkofshallowanddeepfreshwatermarshes.Theysupportadiverserange offloraandfauna,andareofhighconservationvalue.ThiswetlandcomplexislistedontheDIWA.50

3. LongSwampAcoastalfreshwaterwetlandseparatedfromtheseabyanextensivedunefield.Thiswetlandisutilised bythecommunityforrecreationandisofhighscenicvalue.Thislakeisratedasawetlandofnationalimportance(DIWAlisted)andisnotedforitsfloraandfauna.

4. BridgewaterLakesAfreshwaterlineoflakesinadunecorridor.Theareahashighsocialvalueswithwatersports,fishing,swimmingandbushwalking(GreatSouthWestWalk).Theareaisanimportantdroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandprovidesfreshwaterhabitat.

5. LakeCondahandAllambieWetlands

Aseasonalstream-fedwetlandwhichprovidesrichseasonalhabitatforavarietyofwildlife.Geomorphologicalfeaturesareofnationalsignificance,theareacontainsIndigenoussitesofinternationalsignificance.Theareaisrenownedforshort-finnedeel,blackfishandmanywaterbirds.51LakeCondahislistedontheDIWA.

6. TowerHillIsauniquewetlandtypeformedinavolcaniccrater.Thesewetlandsareofhigh-valuefortheirfloraandfaunaaswellastheirgeomorphology,geologyandinvertebrates.Socially,TowerHillisanimportanttouristattractionduetoitsscenery,walkingtracks,wildlifeandfacilities.52TowerHillislistedontheDIWA.

7. LakeBookaarLakeBookaarisRAMSARlisted.Itisapermanent,brackishlakeformedbetweenbasaltflows.Itisa high-valuewetlandforitsecologicalandeducationalfeaturesandparticularlyforitsbirdlife.53Itisratedasbeingofnationalandinternationalimportance.

8. NerrinNerrinWetlands

Thissystemconsistsofanetworkofstream-fedfreshwatertobrackishwetlands.Itconsistsoffivewetlandsthatprovideavarietyofhabitatswhichsupportadiversityofvegetationtypesandwaterbirds.Currentrecreationalusesincludenatureconservation,grazing,waterextraction,commercialeelfishingandduckhunting.Grazingandcroppingoccurinthesurroundingarea.54ThesewetlandsarelistedontheDIWA.

9. WoorndooWetlandsAnarrowstringoflunettewetlandsbetweenWoorndooandtheHopkinsRiver.Currentlandusesincludenatureconservation,grazing,andduckhunting.55ThesewetlandsareratedasanationallysignificantwetlandandarelistedontheDIWA.Thewetlandsprovideimportanthabitatforanumberofthreatenedbirdspecies.

10.LakeLinlithgowSystem

Thesewetlandsareofhighconservationvaluefortheirfloraandfauna.TheycoveralargeareaandhavethecapacitytoholdverylargenumbersofwaterbirdsinapartoftheVictorianVolcanicPlainswhichhasfewlargepermanentwetlands.Thissystemactsasadroughtrefugeandincludesseveralwetlandtypesthatvaryinsalinityanddepth.Socially,thewetlandsystemisimportantforrecreationactivitiessuchasboatingandfishing.56ThiswetlandislistedontheDIWA.

11.BryansSwamp An805haswampwhichisaccessibletothepublicandisgoodforbirdwatching.

12.LakeMuirheadAlarge,permanent,shallowfreshwaterswampthatisanexampleofanuncommonmechanismforwetlandformationinVictoria.ItisamajorflockingsiteforBrolgasaswellasotherbirdspecies.ThiswetlandisratedasanationallysignificantwetlandandislistedontheDIWA.

13.MountWilliamSwamp

Alarge,shallowfreshwaterswampsurroundedbygrazingland.Thewetlandisagoodexampleofa reed-dominatedshallowfreshwatermarshwhichisnotcommoninVictorianmidlands.ThewetlandsupportsmanywaterbirdspeciesincludingBrolga.Duckhuntingispopular.58ThiswetlandislistedontheDIWA.

14.CockajemmyLakes Asystemofsaltlakesthatisaflockingareaforbirds,includingBrolga.Thisattractionmakesitapopularsiteforbirdwatching.Thelakesaresurroundedbyagriculturalland.

15.GooseneckSwampA60haephemeralwetlandthatispubliclandandclassifiedasNationalPark.Theswampprovideshabitatandrefugeforanumberofthreatenedfaunaandfloraspecies.InrecentyearsithassupportedbreedingeventsforIbisandfeedinggroundsforthethreatenedBrolga.

SeasonalHerbaceousWetlands

ThisassetincorporatestheSeasonalHerbaceousWetlands(Freshwater)oftheTemperateLowlandPlains.SeasonalHerbaceousWetlandsareisolatedfreshwaterwetlandsthatprovidecriticalhabitatforanumber oflistedthreatenedspecies.

Table 10: Significant wetland areas within the Glenelg Hopkins region.

The priorities listed in Table 10 may be refined with the completion of the Aquatic Value Identification and Risk Assessment (AVIRA) database and development of the Regional Waterway Strategy.

3333


ObjectivesandrelatedmanagementmeasuresforwetlandsaredetailedinTable 11.

Below: Wetlands are important for agriculture, biodiversity

and social values.

Photos (L-R): James Pevitt, Rob Drummond, James Pevitt.



4.1 By2033,improvetheconditionofwetlands,andmaintainthediversityofwetlandtypes(usingIWC1assessment for comparison)

4.1.1DevelopandimplementawetlandstrategicframeworkaspartoftheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.

4.1.2Developstrategicmanagementplansforsignificant(priority)wetlands.

4.1.3Developbestmanagementpracticesforwetlands.

4.1.4 SupportIndigenouswetlandrestorationprojects.

4.1.5Establishamanagementframeworkforreinstatingdrainedwetlands.

4.1.6 Reviewtheeffectivenessofcurrentmeasurestomitigatetheimpactofland-use changeonwetlands.

4.1.7 Througheducationandincentiveprograms,increasethenumberofprivatelandmanagersimplementingbestwetlandmanagementpractices.

4.1.8 Preventnegativeimpactstowetlandsfromnewdevelopmentsbyworkingwithcouncilstoimplementwetland-specificplanningschemeoverlays.

4.1.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandpurchaseofprioritywetlands.

Table 11: Objective and management measures for wetlands.

esTUaries are

BoDies of waTer

where rivers meeT

The sea.

The�ever-changing�characteristics�of�estuaries�are�influenced�by�catchment�rainfal l �and�subsequent�run-off, �ocean�swel ls, �winds�and�tides. 59�

EsTUARiEs


TheeightmajorestuariesintheGlenelgHopkinsregionare theGlenelgRiverEstuary,FawthropLagoon,SurryRiverEstuary, FitzroyRiverEstuary,YambukLake,MoyneRiverEstuary,MerriRiverEstuaryandtheHopkinsRiverEstuary(Figure 9).MoyneEstuaryandthesmalleroutletassociatedwiththeFawthropLagoonarekeptpermanentlyopenwhiletheremaindernaturallyintermittentlyclosefollowingtheformationofasandbarattheestuarymouth.Closureoftencoincideswithseasonalperiodsoflowcatchmentrainfall andrun-off.Estuariesthatintermittentlyclosewithintheregiontypicallyreopenfollowinghighrainfalleventswhenthereisenough waterflowingdowntherivertoflushthebuilt-upsandfromtheestuarymouth.

Estuariesarehighlydynamicandproductivesystemswhichsupport arichanddiversearrayofwildlifeanduniquewetlandvegetationcommunities.Theyprovidekeyspawningandnurserygroundsformanyspeciesoffish,criticalbreedingandforagingareasforbirds, areadroughtrefugeandplayapivotalroleinmaintainingwaterqualitythroughnutrientandsedimentfiltering.Regionalestuaries alsosupportasignificantnumberofthreatenedspeciesthatare listedundertheFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic)andtheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Estuariesunderpinkeysocial,economicandculturalheritagevalueswithinsouthwestVictoria.Theyareasignificantdrawcardfortourismandarehighlyvaluedbythelocalandbroadercommunityforscenicbeauty,recreationalfishing,swimming,camping,birdwatchingandboating.Investmenthasbeenmadeinpublicinfrastructuretosupportrecreationaluseofestuaries,particularlythosenearpopulationcentresatWarrnambool,PortFairy,Yambuk,Narrawong,PortlandandNelson.Estuariesareculturallysignificant,andtheFitzroyEstuaryoccurswithintheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape.

Whenestuariesintermittentlyclose,theresultantincreaseinwaterlevelhassignificantenvironmentalbenefitswhenadjoiningwetlandsandfringingvegetationareflooded.However,therearealsoeconomiccostsassociatedwithfloodingofhighlyproductiveagriculturallandandinfrastructuresuchasjettiesandroads.Therefore,thedecisiontoartificiallyopentheestuarytorelievefloodingrequiresconsiderationofarangeofenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.

Thereareanumberofpotentialconsequencesofartificiallyopeningestuariesatinappropriatetimes,includingfishkillsandtheflushing offisheggsandlarvaeouttosea.60GlenelgHopkinsCMAusestheEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS)toconsidertherisksofartificiallyopeningestuarymouthsatdifferentwaterlevelsandtimesoftheyear,andpossibleimpactsoninfrastructureandnaturalassets.61TheRCSwillimplementthissystemacrosstheregion’ssixintermittentlyclosedestuariestoensurethattheyareappropriatelymanaged.

35

Theenvironmentalsignificanceofseveralofthecatchment’sestuariesisrecognisedatanationalandinternationallevel.TheGlenelgRiverestuaryislistedasaHeritageRiverunderthe Heritage Rivers ActandasawetlandofnationalsignificanceintheDirectory ofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(DIWA).TheYambukLakecomplex,alongwiththeLowerMerriRiverWetlands(Kelly’sandSaltwaterswamps)are alsolistedasnationallyimportant(DIWA)wetlands.Estuariesalsoprovideimportanthabitatformigratoryspeciesandareprotectedunderinternationalagreements.

CONDITION�OF�ESTUARIES�IN� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

AVictorianIndexofEstuaryCondition(IEC)is currentlyindevelopment.TheIECwillidentifypotentialmeasuresforuseinaconsistent,systematicassessmentofestuarineecologicalcondition. Thisdata,togetherwithinformationaboutthesocial,economicandculturalvaluesofeachestuary,willcontributetoacomprehensiveriskassessmentthatidentifiesthevaluesandthreatstoeachoftheestuariesinthisregion.TheRegionalWaterwayStrategywillidentifypriorityreachesandmanagementactionsrequiredtoprotectorenhancethosevalues.

Regularwaterqualitymonitoringcontributestotheregulationandadministrationofartificialrivermouthopenings,implementationofmanagementactions andidentificationofemergingissuestoestuaryhealth.DatafromregularwaterqualityprofilesandsurfacemeasurementsfromtelemetrystationscontributetotheunderstandingofphysicalandbiologicalprocessesandareanimportantcomponentoftheCMA’sestuarymanagement.Thelong-termdatasethasbeenprovidedtoseveralresearchprojects,includingthetrialIndexofEstuaryCondition.Ultimately,estuarymonitoringaimstoimproveknowledgetoenablebetterprotectionandmanagementofestuarineassets.

Toimprovetheconditionforestuarineenvironmentsthefollowingpointsneedtobeaddressed:

• improvementofwaterqualityinwaterwaysfeedingestuaries

• restorationandprotectionofnaturalriparianvegetationalongmajorwaterwaysintheGlenelgHopkinsregion

• increasedlengthofriveravailabletonativefish intheGlenelgHopkinsregionwhilemaintainingcarp-freestatusandexcludingexoticpredatorfish

• nofurtherdeclineorlossofrareorthreatenedestuarinedependentfloraorfaunaspecies.

Figure 9: Location of estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins region.


esTUaries

THREATS

Estuariesaredynamicandresilientsystems,butfaceabroadrangeofthreatsfromhumanandnaturalcauses.Theproximityofestuariestocoastalsettlementsexposesthemtointensivelevelsofrecreationandsocialuse.Predictedrapidpopulationgrowthincoastalareaswillincreasedevelopmentpressure,particularlyalongwaterways.Thehigh-valueofcoastalagriculturalland willcontributetothepressureoncoastallandgenerally,includinglandadjacenttoestuaries.62

Themainthreatstotheregion’sestuariesinclude:inappropriatedevelopment,inappropriatelanduse,lossofinstreamhabitat,ripariandegradation,reducedwaterquality,exoticfloraandfauna,bankandbedinstability,stockaccesstoriparianzonesandflowdeviation.

Unlicensedartificialestuarymouthopeningscanalsohaveanegativeimpactontheformandfunction ofestuaries.ImplementationoftheEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemandassociatedincreasedcommunityunderstandingofestuaryfunctionwillreducethepotentialthreatfromtheseactivities.

Estuariesandtheirassociatedwetlandcomplexesareparticularlysusceptibletoclimatechangeimpacts.Hydrologicalchangesassociatedwithclimatechangeprovideachallengeformanagementoflanduseandhabitatvaluesinareasadjacenttoestuaries.Alteredinundationandsalinityregimesfromincreasedsealevels,stormsurges,lowerrainfall,increasedtemperaturesandincreasedstormeventswillaffectinfrastructureandbiotabothinandadjacenttoestuaries.

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

Identificationofregionallysignificantestuarieshasbeenacollaborativeprocess.Consultationwithregionalexpertsinestuarinehealth,analysisofexistingstrategiesandextensivecommunityandagencyconsultationusingtheINFFERprocesshasbeenundertakentoidentifyandprioritisetheregionalassetsshowninTable 12.

Asset Regional Significance

GlenelgRiverEstuary

TheGlenelgRiverEstuaryisaheritagereach.ItispartoftheDiscoveryBayCoastalParkandtheGlenelgRiver islistedontheNationalEstateRegister.TheGlenelgRiverEstuaryislinkedtoPiccaninniePondsConservationParkinSouthAustralia.Itisahigh-valuewetlandforitsecologicalfeatures,andistheonlyestuarinelagoonsysteminVictoriadevelopedwithinaframeworkofdunecalcareniteridges.ItistheonlyremainingrelativelyundisturbedsaltmarshcommunityinwesternVictoria.Socialvaluesincludefishing,boatingandwalking.

MoyneRiverEstuaryandBelfastLough

Thissystemsupportskeysocialandeconomicvalues,includinganoperationalportandsubsequentcommercial,recreationalactivitiesandsupportsarangeofcriticalhabitatsandspecies.63Thesystemisadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandisanurseryareaforfish.

MerriRiverEstuary

ThisestuaryisawetlandofnationalsignificanceandislistedontheDIWA.ThesystemsupportssignificanthabitatforrareandthreatenedspeciesandhasbeenanimportantmeetingplacefortheGunditjmarapeopleforthousandsofyears.64TheareacontainssignificanthabitatforrarespeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrotandarebreedinggroundsfortheHoodedPloverandothernestingbirds.TheareacontainsanumberofplantspeciesthatareconsideredrareorthreatenedinVictoria.65

YambukLake

ThesystemisawetlandofnationalsignificanceandislistedontheDIWA.Itsupportsadiverserangeofhabitatforalargenumberofnationallyandinternationallyprotectedspecies.66Duringdroughtthelakeandwetlandsprovidefeedingandbreedinggroundsofstate-wideimportance.28nativefloraspeciesofregionalsignificancehavebeenrecordedwhicharerareorthreatenedinthelocalbioregion.Itisanimportantregionalrecreation andtouristdestination.

Below: Hopkins River Estuary is an important nursery area for juvenile fish, and supports a range of recreational activities.

Photo: James Pevitt.

37

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS�(Cont.)

OBJECTIVES�AND�MANAGEMENT�MEASURESObjectivesandmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sestuariesaresummarisedinTable 13.

Below: Estuaries underpin many social, economic, cultural and environmental

values within the region.

Photos (L-R): James Pevitt.



5.1By2033,improvetheconditionofestuariesacrosstheregionascomparedwiththe 2018IECassessment

5.1.1 DevelopandimplementanestuariesstrategicframeworkthroughtheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.

5.1.2 ReviewEstuaryManagementPlansastheyexpire,inconjunctionwiththe RegionalWaterwayStrategy.

5.1.3RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlanby2014.

5.1.4 DevelopEnvironmentSignificanceOverlaystoprotectestuariesfrominappropriatedevelopmentanduse.

5.1.5 Whereappropriateidentifystrategiclandpurchasesitesfortheprotectionandimprovement ofestuaryfunctionandbiodiversityvalues.

5.1.6 ImplementEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemacrosstheeightestuariesthatoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.

5.1.7 Conductresearchintoestuarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithcoastalandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.

5.1.8 ContinueestuarymonitoringtoinformEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS) andenableimplementationofIEC.

Table 13: Objectives and management measures for estuaries.

Asset Regional Significance

HopkinsRiverEstuary

Atotalof39fishspecieshavebeenfoundintheestuarywhichisanimportantnurseryareaforjuvenilefish.Terrestrialhabitatsurroundingtheestuaryisequallyimportantforbirds,mammalsandreptiles.TherivermarksthetribalborderoftheKirraeWhurrong,GunditjmaraandTjapWhurrongpeoplesandishighlyimportanttotheIndigenouscommunity(listedontheNationalTrustofAustralia).67Theestuaryisusedforavarietyofrecreationalactivitiesincludingwalking,cycling,boating,waterskiing,swimming,rowingandrecreationalfishing,andisapopulartouristdestination.

FitzroyRiverEstuary

TheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscapeisakeyculturalsitewithintheDarlotsCreekcatchment. RareandthreatenedplantsarefoundintheareaincludingtheSaltPaperbark.120birdspecieshavebeen identified,17ofwhicharelistedundertheFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act)andtwounder theCommonwealthEnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (including theOrange-belliedParrot).ThreatenedfaunathatoccurwithintheareaincludetheSpot-tailedQuoll (listedunderFFG ActandEPBC Act).

Table 12: Significant estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins region.

CoAsTs


The reGion’s

DramaTic

coasTline, wiTh

iTs TowerinG cliffs

anD exTensive DUne

sysTems, has Been

carveD oUT By

chanGinG sea

levels, volcanic

acTiviTy anD winD

anD waTer

erosion.68

The�coastal �area�contains�some�of�Australia’s �most�beautiful, �spectacular�and�pristine�environments�that�represent�a�unique�blend�of�values�important�to�residents�and�visitors.�

Photo: James Pevitt

SeventythreepercentofVictoriansratecoastalandmarineenvironmentsasthemostimportantnaturalfeatureofVictoria.69 Thecoastcontributessignificantlytotheeconomic,cultural,environmentalandrecreationallifeoflocal,regionalandstatecommunities.Environmentally,thecoastisrichinbiodiversityand ishometoavarietyofthreatenedspecies.Thecoastalzonealsocontainsregionallysignificantports,industryandmanysitesofAboriginalandEuropeanhistoricalsignificance.70

Theboundariesofthecoastlinearecurrentlynotformallydefined.WhendeterminingtheextentoftheGlenelgHopkinscoastline,referenceismadetotheVictorianCoastalStrategy.Thestrategyrefersto‘…allprivateandcoastalCrownlanddirectlyinfluencedbytheseaordirectlyinfluencingthecoastline.Thoseinfluencesrangefromvisualtodrainageimpacts’.71

TheGlenelgHopkinsCMAdevelopedaCoastalAssetTooltoguidethedefinitionoftheinlandextentofthecoastalzone.Figure 10 shows theGlenelgHopkinsregioncoastalzoneandthesignificantareasthatitcontains.

Themajorityofthecoastisinpublicownership,withspecificareasunderdelegatedcommunitymanagement,andalimitedamountinprivateownership.72AproportionofthecoastlineisprotectedasparksandreservesmanagedbyParksVictoria.ParksVictoriaisthereforeakeystakeholderinurbanandindustrialdevelopmentincoastalareasandinthemanagementofcoastalandestuarineenvironments.73

CoastalareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionoccurwithinthreebioregions:GlenelgPlain,WarrnamboolPlainandBridgewaterPlain.

CoastalfloraandfaunacommunitiesoftheGlenelgPlainbioregionarecomposedofbeachanddunevegetation.Italsoincludesalargelyunvegetatedextensivedunesystemwithlakesthatsupportwetlandvegetation.Geomorphicallysignificantbasalticseacavesoccuralongadjoiningcoastline,withextensivecoastalcliffs,saltmarshesandwetheathlands.74Thebioregionsupportsawidevarietyofreptiles,birdsofprey,waterbirds,woodlandandground-dwellingbirds, andanarrayofmammalspecies.75

39

Figure 10: Distribution of the Glenelg Hopkins coastal zone and significant areas.

1 Moyne River Estuary and Belfast Lough

2 Glenelg River Estuary

3 Merri River Estuary

4 Yambuk Lake

5 Hopkins River Estuary

6 Fitzroy River Estuary

7 Long Swamp

8 Bridgewater Lakes

9 Tower Hill

10 Lower Glenelg National Park

11 Discovery Bay Coastal Park

12 Mt Clay State Forest and Narrawong Flora Reserve

13 Cobboboonee National Park and Forest Park

14 Mount Richmond National Park

15 Bats Ridge Wildlife Reserve

16 Cape Nelson State Park

MostoftheWarrnamboolPlainbioregionisinprivateownership.AtthetimeofEuropeansettlementthecoastalplainsweredominatedbyforests,heathyandgrassywoodlandsandcoastalshrubsandgrasslands.Therehasbeensubstantialclearingofallvegetationtypes,particularlythoseondeeper,morefertilesoils.

Theremainingnativeecosystemsarehighlysignificantandvitalforbiodiversityconservation.Severelydepletedecosystemsofparticularimportanceincludeopencoastalshrubsandshallowfreshwaterwetlands.Vegetationremnantsareatriskfromweedinvasionandrabbits,whilenativefaunaisincreasinglyaffectedbyintroducedpredators(foxesandferalcats),fragmentationandmodificationofhabitats.

TheBridgewaterbioregionisathincoastalplainwith asandridgestretchingalongthecoastlineandalagoonalsystemsituatedbehind.Thelagoonalsystemsupportsanetworkofdeep-waterpools,collapsedcavernsandsinkholes.

CONDITION�OF�THE�COAST�ALONG� �THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

Thecoastalzoneencompassesanumberofvalues thatneedtobeincorporatedintoaconditionassessment.Theseincludeestuarinehealth,wetlandhealth,extentofnativevegetationandthepresence ofthreatenedspecies.

Basedontheseconsiderations,itcouldbedeterminedthat,overall,thecoastalenvironmentisunderextremepressureandmaybeconsideredtobeinmarginalcondition.

Somespecificassetareasmaybeconsideredtobe inmarginaltogoodconditionbutgenerallythiswouldberelatedtotheprotectionthatisaffordedtothem(forexample,areasofnationalpark).

Akeychallengeforimprovingormaintainingtheconditionofthecoastalzoneiscoastaldevelopment.Whereareasofthecoastlineareunderhighdemandandaresubjecttodevelopmentpressures,coastalhabitatstendtograduallyfragmentorarelost.76

Thelikelyimpactsofclimatechangewilladdfurtherchallengesandposeseriousimpactsonbiodiversityandecosystemhealth.77

ESTUARIES

Theconditionofestuariesisaddressedinthe previoussection.

COASTAL WETLANDS

WetlandswithintheGlenelgHopkinsCMAcoastalzonecover6,073ha,ofwhichhalfisonCrownlandprimarilyassociatedwithparksandreserves. ThenumberofcoastalwetlandsonCrownlandis one-quarterofthetotalnumberofcoastalwetlands.

MostofthesystemsonCrownlandarelargerandmoreconnected.Theremaining50percentofthecoastalwetlandareamakesupapproximately 75percentofthetotalnumberofcoastalwetlands.Theyaregenerallysmallerinsize,aremorefragmentedandoccuracrossamatrixoflandthatislargelyusedforstockgrazing.Manyareopentostockaccessandalargenumber,primarilythosebehindthedunes,aresinksforagriculturaldrainageandrun-off.


coasTs

Thisislikelytoresultinincreasedperiodsofinundationandcompromisedwaterquality.

Coastalresidentialdevelopmenthasimpactedseveralareasofcoastalwetlands,bothdirectlythroughdrainageandconversion.Theyarealsoexposedtohigherintensityrecreationaluse.

Coastalwetlandsareparticularlyvulnerabletoclimatechangeimpactssuchasinundationfromrisingsealevelsandstormsurges.

COASTAL HAbITAT

ThecoastalregionoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontainsawiderangeofhabitatsthatsupportdiverseanduniquefloristicspeciesandcommunities.Thisincludesrelativelylargepocketswithgoodlevelsofconnectivityinthewest,tosmallerisolatedpatches intheeast.ThemajorvegetationcommunitiesincludeCoastalDuneScrub,DampSandsHerb-richWoodlandandassociatedWetandDampHeathlandcomplexes.

Europeansettlementbroughtvastchangestothecoastallandscape,resultinginhighlymodifiedplantcommunities.Largeexpansesofcoastalvegetationhavebeenclearedforagriculturalpurposesandthisfragmentationcontinuestobeamajorconcernthroughfuturedevelopmentofhigh-valuecoastalland.

Introducedanimalssuchasrabbits,havebeenresponsiblefortheongoingdeclineofindigenousspecieswhiletheintroductionofexoticandenvironmentalweeds–inparticular,speciessuchasMarramGrass,CoastalTea-treeandNewZealandMirrorBush–hashadanirreversibleeffectonvegetationcommunities.Akeychallengeistomaintainahealthyanddiversecoastalecosystemthatexhibitsconnectivityonalandscapescale,particularlywherethecoastisinhighdemandorunderthreatfromtheimplicationsofclimatechange.

COASTAL THREATENED SPECIES

AnumberofEPBC Actlistedthreatenedspeciesoccurwithinthecoastalzone,includingtheOrange-belliedParrot(endangered),SouthernBent-wingBat(vulnerable),LimeFern(endangered),Pretty Leek-orchid(endangered)andMetallicSun-orchid(endangered).

THREATS

Coastalareasareexperiencingunprecedentedincreasesinpopulationandtourismactivity,and thecoastalenvironmentishighlyvalued.However,pollution,erosionandover-developmentaremajorthreats.78

Impactsofmanagementactivitiesinthecatchmentdirectlyandindirectlyaffectthecoastalzone.Nutrientandsedimentenrichmentofwaterways,chemicalpollutionandreducedwaterflowspotentiallyimpactonthehealthofthecoastalenvironment.

Similartootherareasofthecatchment,thecoastisthreatenedbylossofbiodiversity,pestplantandanimalinvasionanderosion.However,instarkcontrasttoothercatchmentareas,theincreaseinpopulationgrowthandassociatedurbandevelopmentalongthecoastalstripiscontributingtothesignificantimpact onthehealthofthecoastalenvironment.79

ThekeythreatstotheGlenelgHopkinscoastline canbesummarisedas:

• inappropriateplanninganddevelopment

• pestplants

• pestanimals

• sea-levelrise

• stormsurges

• inundation

• coastalacidsulphatesoils

• unsustainabletourism

•waterquality

• waterquantity

• unauthorisedartificialrivermouthopenings

• erosion.

Climatechangepredictionshaveindicatedthatsealevelsareprojectedtorise.Thisisasignificantissue fortheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentregion,asitcontainsmorethan220kmofcoastline.Thefrequencyofstormeventsandstormsurgesincoastalareasisalsoforecasttoincrease,anderosionandinundationmayworsen,impactingcoastalandmarineecosystems.80

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

SignificantcoastalareasarelistedinTable 14.Itshouldbenotedthattheseareasarealsoidentifiedunderotherassetthemesincludingterrestrialhabitat,estuaries,andwetlands.AnumberofconsultativeprocessescontributedtothislistofsignificantareasincludingtheINFFERprocess,agencyconsultationandconsultationwithcoastalexperts.

DEPIiscurrentlydevelopingamethodologytoidentifycoastalassets.Significantcoastalassets(Table 14) willbereviewedfollowingthecompletionofthiswork.

41

Asset name Regional significance

1. MoyneRiverEstuaryand BelfastLough

ThissystemsupportskeysocialandeconomicvalueswithinthePortFairyarea,includinganoperationalportandrecreationalactivities.Theareaprovidescriticalhabitatforthreatenedspecies,81isadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandisanurseryareaforfish.

2. GlenelgRiverEstuary

TheGlenelgRiverestuaryhassignificantnatural,recreation,scenicandIndigenousculturalvalues.ItistheonlyestuarinelagoonsysteminVictoriadevelopedwithinaframeworkofdunecalcareniteridges,andtheonlyremainingrelativelyundisturbedsaltmarshcommunityinwesternVictoria.Socialvaluesincludefishing,boatingandwalking.

3. MerriRiver Estuary

ThesystemhasbeenanimportantmeetingplacefortheGunditjmarapeopleforthousandsofyears.82 TheareacontainssignificanthabitatforrarespeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrot,andisabreedinggroundfortheHoodedPloverandothernestingbirds.AnumberofplantsthatoccurwithinthisareaareconsideredrareorthreatenedinVictoria.83

4. YambukLakeThesystemprovidesimportanthabitatforalargenumberofnationallyandinternationallyprotectedspecies,includingtheOrange-belliedParrot.84Duringdrought,thelakeandwetlandsprovidefeedingandbreedinggroundsofstate-wideimportance.Itisanimportantrecreationandtourismdestination.

5. HopkinsRiverEstuary

Atotalof39fishspecieshavebeenfoundintheestuarywhichisanimportantnurseryareaforjuvenilefish.TherivermarksthetribalborderoftheKirraeWhurrong,GunditjmaraandTjapWhurrongpeoplesandishighlyimportanttotheIndigenouscommunity(listedontheNationalTrustofAustralia).85Theestuaryhashighsocialvalue,andisusedforavarietyofrecreationalactivitiesincludingwalking,cycling,boating,waterskiing,swimming,rowingandrecreationalfishing.

6. FitzroyRiverEstuary

TheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscapeisakeyculturalsitewithintheDarlotsCreekcatchment.120birdspecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinthearea,includingthecriticallyendangeredOrange-belliedParrot.Anumberofthreatenedfloraandfaunaspeciesarealsopresent,includingtheSaltPaperbark,andSpot-tailedQuoll.

7. LongSwampLongSwampisacoastalfreshwaterwetlandseparatedfromtheseabyanextensivedunefield.Thiswetland hashighscenicandsocialvalue,andisusedbythecommunityforavarietyofrecreationpurposes.86Thislake isDIWAlistedandisnotedforitsfloraandfauna.

8. BridgewaterLakesAfreshwaterlineoflakesinadunecorridor.Theareahashighsocialvalues,andisusedforavarietyofwatersportsincludingfishing,swimmingandbushwalking(e.g.GreatSouthWestWalk).Theareaisadroughtrefugeforwaterbirdsandprovidesimportantfreshwaterhabitat.

9. TowerHill

Thisareacontainsauniquewetlandtypeformedinavolcaniccrater.Theareahashighsocialandnaturalvalues,andisnotedforitsgeomorphology,geologyandinvertebrates.Socially,TowerHillisanimportanttouristattractionduetoitsscenery,walkingtracks,wildlifeandfacilities.87TowerHillprovidescriticalhabitat forarangeofbirdspeciesandisDIWAlisted.

10.LowerGlenelgNationalPark

LowerGlenelgNationalParkhassignificantsocial,economic,naturalandculturalvalues,andisabiodiversityhotspot.Theparkreceivesover200,000visitorsperyear,andsupportsawiderangeofrecreationactivitiesincluding:recreationalsightseeing,fishing,pleasureboating,canoeing,water-skiing,picnicking,campingandbushwalking.Theparkcontainsavarietyofbiologicalandlandscapefeaturesassociatedwiththelimestoneterrain,includingKentbruckHeath,MolesideCreekcatchmentandtheGlenelgRivergorge.Theparkis hometoanumberofunusualplantcommunities,andfloraandfaunaspeciesthatarenotwellrepresentedinotherconservationreserves.Theareaisan‘interchangezone’whereelementsofAustralianflorafromwetterpartsofVictoriareachtheirwesternmostlimit.Over600vascularplantspecieshavebeenrecordedwithintheparkboundary.88

11.DiscoveryBayCoastalPark

Theparkcontainsfreshwaterlakes,massivesanddunes,coastalcliffs,volcanicfeaturesandoceanbeachesandispopularforsight-seeing,picnics,swimming,boating,surfingandcamping.AcolonyofAustralianFurSealsislocatedatCapeBridgewater.ThesectionofDiscoveryBayCoastalParkcontainingtheGlenelgRiverandOxbowLakeispartoftheGlenelgRiverHeritageArea,andismanagedundertheHeritage Rivers Act 1992(Vic.).BridgewaterBaydunescontainimportantandhighlysensitivecoastalnaturalandscenicenvironments.WetlandsandbeachesareimportanthabitatforthreatenedfaunasuchastheOrange-belliedParrot,HoodedPloverandLittleTern.Theareaisaninternationallyimportantnon-breedingareaforSanderling,whichusethewholeofthecoastalstripbutconcentratearoundtheGlenelgRivermouth.TheparkcontainsimportantnaturalandIndigenousculturalvaluesandsignificantarchaeologicalsites.89

12.MtClayStateForestandNarrawongFloraReserve

TheareacontainsendangeredandvulnerableEVCs,andprovideshigh-valuehabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheSouthernBrownBandicootandLong-nosedPotoroo.Theareahashighsocialvalues. Itcontainsasceniclookout,andpopularwalkingtrails.

13.CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark

Theparkprotectsalargeareaoflowlandforestandhassignificantnaturalvalues.ItincorporatesmostoftheSurryRivercorridor,theheadwatersoftheFitzroyRiver,andanumberoftributariesoftheGlenelgRiver. Theparkprovidescriticalhabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includinglargeforestowls,smallmarsupialsandlizards.Theparkhashighsocialvalues,andoffersarangeofrecreationalopportunities,includingasectionoftheGreatSouthWestWalkandcamping.90

14.MtRichmondNationalPark

Theparkcontainsahighdiversityoffloraandfauna.Over498vascularplantspecieshavebeenrecorded withinthepark.91

15.CapeNelson StatePark

Theparkhassignificantnatural,culturalandsocialvalues.TheparkcontainstheonlyknownstandofSoapMalleeinVictoria,anditsgeomorphologicalfeaturesareofStatesignificance.92ThehistoricCapeNelsonLightstationandspectacularcoastalcliffsceneryattractsmanyvisitors.

16.BatsRidge WildlifeReserve

Thereserveprovidescriticalhabitatforanumberofthreatenedspecies,includingtheLimestoneCaladeniaspiderorchidandCoastDandelion.

Table 14: Significant coastal areas of the Glenelg Hopkins region.



TheVictorianCoastalStrategy2008identifiesprinciplestoguideplanninganddecision-makingaboutlanduse anddevelopmentoncoastalprivateandCrownland,aswellasestuarineandmarinewaters.TheRCSsupports theprinciplesoftheVictorianCoastalStrategythroughtheobjectiveandmeasureslistedinTable 15.


Management Measures (to be achieved be 2019)

6.1By2033maintaintheconditionofthecoastandmanagespecificthreatstoimproveconditionwhereappropriate

6.1.1 RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaRegionalCoastalActionPlanby2014.

6.1.2 Developenvironmentalsignificanceoverlaysfortheprotectionofcoasts.

6.1.3 Developcoastaladaptationplanstomanagetheimpactofsea-levelrise,stormsurge andfloodinginpriorityareas.

6.1.4 Includeneedforcoastalpestplantandanimalmanagementintoregionalplans.

6.1.5 Monitorandworktocontrolpestplantandanimalspeciesonthecoast.

6.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismandrecreationtominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts.

6.1.7 Continuetoconveneamarine,coastalandestuarinecrossagencymanagementcoordination forumfortheregion.

6.1.8 Consultthecommunityincoastalplanningandmanagementprocesses.

6.1.9 Conductresearchintocoastalenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureand connectivitywithestuarineandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.

Table 15: Objectives and management measures for coasts.

coasTs

Below: The region’s coastline faces a number of pressures including coastal erosion and new development.

Photos (L-R): Glenelg Shire, Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

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It� is �one�of�five�bioregions�in�Victoria�which�are�distinguished�by�their�physical �characteristics�and�ecological�communities.

43

MARinE

TheOtwaymarinebioregionischaracterisedbycold,nutrient-richwater,powerfulwaves,kelp-dominatedrockyreefs,andaseafloor thatdropsawaysteeplyoffshore.Thecold,nutrient-richwaters ‘wellup’fromdeepwatertothesurfaceattheedgeofthecontinentalshelfinanoceanographiceventknownastheBonneyUpwelling.Thissupportsavarietyofplanktonicorganismsand,inturn,richassemblagesofsessilefilterfeederssuchasspongesandbryozoans.Theregionisafeedinggroundforseabirds,fishes,whalesandotherhigherorderpredatorssuchasfursealsandpenguins.

Marinenationalparksandsanctuariesrecogniseandprotectimportantmarinehabitatsandspecies,naturalfeatures,culturalheritageandaestheticvalues.AreasformallyrecognisedwithintheregionincludetheDiscoveryBayMarineNationalParknearPortlandandtheMerriMarineSanctuarynearthemouthoftheMerriestuary.TheseareashavebeenestablishedundertheNational Parks Act 1975 (Vic).Inaddition,specialmanagementareaswereidentifiedatCapeBridgewater,LawrenceRocks,PortlandBay,DeenMaarIslandandLogansBeach.

Themarineenvironmentcontributessignificantlytotheenvironmental,economicandsocialvaluesoftheregion.TheOtwayBioregionisaproductivefishinggroundsustainingvaluablecommercialfisheries, inparticularrocklobsterandabalone,andbothland-basedand off-shorerecreationalfishing.

ThereisastrongIndigenousculturalassociationwiththeregion’smarineenvironment.ThisisinevidencebythemanymiddensalongthecoastwhichindicatealonghistoryofIndigenouspeopleutilisingthemarineenvironmentforfood.

DeenMaarIslandislocatedbetweenPortFairyandPortland.ItisofnationalgeologicalandgeomorphologicalsignificanceandofculturalandspiritualimportancetothelocalGunditjmarapeoples,whoassociatetheislandwiththespiritsofthedead.94Theislandishometothesecond-largestAustralianFurSealcolonyinVictoriaandisabreedinggroundfornumerousbirds.MiddleIslandandGriffithsIslandarealsositesforkeyseabirdcolonies.

SignificantmarineareasfortheregionareindicatedinFigure 11.Theseareasaresignificantenvironmentallyatthestateor bioregionalscale.

CONDITION�OF�THE�MARINE�ENVIRONMENT

TheGlenelgHopkinsmarineenvironmentprovides arangeofecosystemservicesandiscriticalhabitat foranumberofrareandthreatenedspecies. KeymarineassetareasandassociatedthreatswererecentlyidentifiedforwesternVictoriaaspartoftheWesternMarineAssetsIdentificationProject.Thisworkprovidesafoundationforfutureinvestigationsofmarinecondition.However,therearechallengesindescribingandmonitoringmarineconditiongiventhehighlydynamicnatureoftheenvironmentand ourlimitedunderstandingofmarinebiotaanditslikelyresponsetovariousthreatsthatoftenactoverlargespatialscales.Forthesereasonsitisalsochallengingtomeasuretheeffectivenessofregulationsinplace tomitigatetheimpactofthreateningactivitieson themarineenvironment.

TheBonneyUpwellingoccursregularlybetweenNovemberandAprilasaresultoftheprevailingsoutheasterlywindscausingsurfacewaterstobemovedoffshoreandanupwellingofthedeeper,colder,nutrient-richwaterattheedgeofthecontinentalshelf.Theupwellingproducessurfaceswarmsofkrillthatarethoughttodrivemuchofthearea’sproductivity.PygmyBlueWhalesareattractedtotheregionbytheseswarms.Theintensityandfrequencyoftheseeventsmaybeaffectedbychangesinsea-surfacetemperaturesandcurrentsanticipated inafutureclimate.

PortlandBayfeaturesextensiveseagrassmeadowswhichperformimportantecologicalfunctions,includingactingasfishnurseriesforcommerciallyimportantspeciessuchasKingGeorgewhiting,breamandgarfish,andrareandthreatenedspeciesofpipefishesandseahorses.ThePortofPortlandharboursmanycommercialandrecreationalvessels,increasingtherisksfromphysicaldamagetotheseafloorandintroductionofforeignspecies.

SouthernRightWhalesfrequenttheLogansBeacharea.PortFairyandLawrenceRockssupportthelargestcolonyofAustralasianGannets,andoneof thelargestbreedingcoloniesofAustralianfurseals inAustraliaisfoundonDeenMaarIsland.Allsitesaresubjecttoecotourismactivitiesandthereforepotentialdisturbancefromhumanvisitationandphysicaldamagefromrecreationalandcommercialcrafts.

ThemorphologicallycomplexreefsystemssurroundingDeenMaarIsland,andotherreefsintheregion,supportdensemacroalgalcommunitiesandhabitatfornumerousfishandinvertebratespecies,includingcommerciallyimportantrocklobsterandabalone.However,thepopulationofrocklobsterhasdramaticallyreducedinrecentyears,despitetheintroductionofmeasurestoreducefishingpressureonthisspecies.Theabalonepopulationwasdecimatedbyaviraldisease,abaloneviralganglioneuritis.

The2008VictorianCoastalStrategyoutlinespoliciesandactionstoaddresstheissueofmarineecologicalintegrity,includingactionstoprotectthemarineenvironment,improveknowledgeofmarinebiodiversityandprocesses,andimprovemonitoringandreportingonmarinecondition.

Figure 11: Glenelg Hopkins marine extent and significant areas.

1 Southern Right Whale nursery area

2 Childers Cove Reefs

3 Middle Island and surrounds

4 Migratory shorebird feeding area

5 Port Fairy boulder shores

6 The Crags

7 Deen Maar Island and Georgia’s Peak

8 Julia Reef

9 Portland Bay

10 Cape Bridgewater

11 Portland Reefs

12 Lawrence Rocks and Grant Bay

13 Discovery Bay

14 Blue Whale feeding zone/Bonney upwelling

15 Bonney upwelling epicenter

16 Blue Whale distribution


marine

4545

THREATS

Thescopeofthisstrategyislimitedtoaddressingcatchment-basedthreatstomarinenaturalassets.TheWesternMarineAssetIdentificationProjectidentifiedanumberofpotentialcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets,including:urbanisation(urbanstormwater,recreationalfishingandsewage),agriculturalbasederosionandrunoff,andindustrialdevelopments.

Climatechangeislikelytoposeadditionalthreatstothemarineenvironmentthroughincreasedstormsurgesandinundationinthenearshore,increasedseawateracidityandtemperature.Boththetiming andextentofcatchmentinputsarealsopredicted tochangeinamorevariablefutureclimate.

Threats to the marine environment are not well-understoodandinteractionsamongthreats canbecomplexanddifficulttopredict.95

Inaddition,thelevelofthreatsislikelytovaryacrossbaysandopencoastsandhabitattypessuchasseagrass,rockyreefsandsand.

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

RegionallysignificantmarineareashavebeenidentifiedthroughtheWesternMarineAssetsIdentificationProjectandaredetailedinTable 16.Thisprojecttookanasset-basedapproachtoidentifymarineenvironmentalassets.Assetswereidentifiedusingexpertecologicaljudgmentwhich wassupportedbytherecentextensivespatialmappingofVictoria’smarinehabitatsanddataavailableintheOilSpillResponseAtlas.96Inadditiontotheassetsidentifiedthroughthisproject,DiscoveryBayMarineNationalParkandMerriMarineSanctuaryhavebeenincludedasprioritymarineareasfortheGlenelgHopkinsregionduetotheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicsignificancetotheregion.

Asset Regional significance

1.SouthernRightWhalesnurseryarea

ThisareasupportstheregularoccupationofcalvingfemaleSouthernRightWhales(SRW)from MaytoOctoberandoccasionalnon-calvingwhales.

2.ChildersCoveReef ThisareaextendsfromChildersCovetoDogTrapBayreef.Ithasahighdiversityofendemicseaweedsthatarerelativelyintact(highnaturalness),withhighwaveexposureandlowhumanexposure.

3.MiddleIsland andsurrounds MiddleIslandisabreedingcolonyforlittlepenguins,cormorantsandshearwatersandhashighalgaldiversity.

4.Migratoryshorebirdfeedingarea Thisareasupportsadiverseassemblageofshorebirdspecies.

5.PortFairybouldershores Thisareahasahighdiversityofmicrohabitats.

6.TheCragsThisareaiscomprisedofcalcarenite(cementeddunelimestone)intertidalandsubtidalreefs. Pittedrockstructurescreatecomplexhabitatsforahighabundanceofvariousinvertebratesandverydiverseseaweedassemblages.Thereisahighlevelofnaturalnessasaccesstothereefsislimited.

7.DeenMaarIsland andGeorgia'sPeak

DeenMaarIslandisthelargestbreedingcolonyintheworldofAustralianfurseals.NewZealand fursealsandPenguinsarealsopresent.TheislandishighlysignificanttoIndigenouspeople.

8.JuliaReef ThisreefisacontinuationoftheMtEccleslavaflow.ItcontainsanunusualseaweedassemblageandprovideshabitatforthreatenedspeciesincludingweedyseadragonsandPortJacksonsharks.

9.PortlandBay (MinervaReef)

ThisisauniquehabitatareainVictoria.Itissheltered,containsextensiveseagrassbedsnotfoundelsewhereinthewest.Theareaprovideshabitatforgreenlipabalone,kingfish,mullowayandsnapper. Itisalsolikelytobeaproductivefeedingareaformanyfishedspecies.

10.CapeBridgewater Thisareaischaracterizedbyhugeunderwatercliffswith25-30metredrop-offs.Algaeispresenttodepthsof45metres.

11.PortlandReefComplex TheareafromPointDangertoWhitesbeachisconsideredoneofthemostproductivereefsystems inVictoria.Thereisahighabundanceofrocklobsterandblacklipabalone.

12.LawrenceRocks andGrantBay

Importanthabitatforpenguins,sealsandgannetsandisaproductivefisheriesarea.Steepwallsform auniquereefhabitatwithcollapsedvolcaniccaldera.

13.DiscoveryBay ThisareaisformallyrecognisedasanInternationalFlywaySiteandprovideshabitatforarangeofmigratorybirds.Theintertidalareasupportsthehighestdensityofpippiesinthebioregion.

14.BlueWhaleFeedingZone/Bonneyupwelling ThisisanimportantfeedingareafortheEPBC-listedBlueWhale.

15.BonneyUpwellingCore TheupwellingextendstoCapeOtwaybutismostintensewestofPortlandwherethecontinental shelfisnarrowest.

Asset Regional significance

16.BlueWhale DistributionZone IncludesmovementareaormigratorypathfortheEPBClistedBlueWhale.

DiscoveryBayMarineNationalPark

Covering2770ha,thisparkprotectspartofthelargestcoastalbasaltformationinwesternVictoria.Thereisarichdiversityofmarinelifeduetothecold,nutrientrichwatersofthearea.97

MerriMarineSanctuary This25hasanctuaryhasadiverserangeofmarinelifebecauseofthevaryingsandandrockyhabitatsandcool,nutrientrich,oxygenchargedwaters.98

Table 16: Significant marine areas of the Glenelg Hopkins region.


marine

Theidentificationofthesesignificantmarineenvironmentalassetsprovidesaresourcetoinformprioritisationofriskmitigationactivities.Thisfoundationwillcontinuetobebuiltonasscientificunderstandingdevelops.99


ObjectivesandmanagementmeasurestomanagecatchmentbasedthreatstomarineassetsareshowninTable 17.

Below: The marine environment supports a rich diversity of life that contributes significantly to the environmental, social, economic and cultural values of the region.

Photo: Daniel Ierodiaconou, Deakin University.



7.1By2033,maintaintheconditionofthemarine environment andmanagespecificcatchment-basedthreatstoimproveconditionwhereappropriate

7.1.1 Supportandassistinfisherieseducationprogramwithaparticularfocusonspeciesthatutiliseboththemarineandestuarinefreshwaterenvironments.

7.1.2 Consolidateandintegrateprogramstoaddressland-basedsourcesofmarinepollution.

7.1.3 Reducetheimpactofcatchmentdischargesonthehealthofmarineecosystemsbypromotingoperationalchangesinfarmpractices.

7.1.4 Support,whereappropriate,deliveryofregionalactionslistedinthe2008VictorianCoastalStrategydesignedtoprotectmarinebiodiversityandecosystems.

7.1.5 Conductresearchintomarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandcoastalenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts.

7.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismindustrytominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts.

7.1.7 Monitordevelopmentsinalternativeenergyandresourceuseandworkwithagenciesfortheirecologicallysustainabledevelopment.

7.1.8 Undertakeresearchtobetterunderstandcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets.

Table 17: Objectives and management measures for marine.


TerresTrial haBiTaT

refers To non-

marine areas where

species live, anD

may inclUDe soils,

rocky oUTcrops,

GrasslanDs,

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shrUBlanDs,

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Terrestrial �habitat�provides�a�range�of�economic, �social �and�environmental �benefits,�including�supporting�biodiversity, �protecting�soil �and�water�resources,�cycling�nutrients�and�maintaining�regional�rainfal l �patterns.

47

TERREsTRiAL HABiTAT

Economicvaluesincludeecologicalservicesthatcontributetoagriculturalproduction,suchashabitatforbeneficialinvertebrates andbirds,windbreaksforcrops,soilerosionandsalinityprevention,shelterandfeedforstock,andproductionoftimber,honeyandflowers.Terrestrialhabitatalsoplaysanimportantroleinmaintainingmicroclimates–akeyfactoraffectingthedistributionofmanyspecies–andloweringwatertables.

Whiletherearelargesectionsofhighconservationvaluehabitatsecuredthroughparksandreservesinthewestoftheregion,vegetationisoftenfragmented,especiallyacrossprivateland.Lessthan18percentofthepre-Europeancoverageofnativevegetationwithintheregionnowremains.Ofthisamount,around12percentoccursonCrownland,and5percentonprivateland.100 The Lower Glenelg,CobbobooneeandGrampiansNationalparksandthe BlackRangeStateParkcontainmostoftheintactnativevegetationandhabitatwithinthecatchment,buttherearealsoimportantvegetationremnantsonprivateland,especiallyalongwaterways. Arecentregionalhighlightwasthecreationofthe18,150haCobbobooneeNationalParkand8,685haCobbobooneeForestParkinlate2008.

Importantexamplesofremnantnativevegetationcanbefoundalongroadsides.25percentofallplantspecieslistedundertheVictorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act,and45percentoftheremainingWestern(Basalt)PlainsGrasslandcommunitiesoccuronroadsidereserves.101

Muchoftheeucalyptwoodlandswithintheregionhavenowbeenclearedforfarming.InVictoria,nativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandshavebeenreducedtolessthanonepercentoftheirpreviousextent.Thesupportofprivatelandmanagersiscrucialtohelpconservethesmallfragmentsofnativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandsthatremain,asabout75percentofthesecommunitiesnowoccuronprivatelandwithinVictoria.

AreasinthewestoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionandaroundtheGrampianshavenotexperiencedthesamewidespreadclearing aselsewherewithintheregion,leavingalargereserveofremnantvegetation,andtheopportunitytoconnectvegetationacrossthelandscape.Speciesbecomelessresilienttoexternalpressureswhentheyareisolatedfromeachother,orwhentheirecologicalcommunitiesshrink.102Re-establishmentofconnectivityisimportantforbuildingecosystemresiliencetotheeffectsofclimatechangeandimproving‘thepotentialofplantsandanimalstodisperse,recolonise,evolveandadapt.’103Improvedconnectivityoffersopportunitiesforspeciestomoveandlocateresourcesastheclimatechanges,and isimportantformaintenanceofgeographicdiversity.104


TerresTrial haBiTaT

Figure 12: Habitat 141 zones within the Glenelg Hopkins region.

Terrestrialhabitatconnectivityismorethansimplycorridors,andincludeslargeareassuchasthoseprotectedthroughtheconservationreservesandparkssystem,smallerpatchesofremnantvegetationthatmayoccurwithinfarmlandandlinearcorridorssuch asthosealongroadsidesandrailways.Vegetationremnantsandlinearcorridorsprovideimportant‘steppingstones’toassistthemovementofspecies105 andareanimportantfocusoftheRCS.

TheHabitat141(H141)projectisidentifiedinthe 2012DraftNationalWildlifeCorridorsPlanasone ofsixmajorexistingcorridorinitiativesinAustralia. Theseinitiativeshavebeenhighlightedinthedraftplanonthebasisoftheir‘biodiversityvalues,aswell asconservationandcommunityneeds’.ThevisionforH141is‘toworkwithcommunitiestoconserve,restoreandconnecthabitatsforplantsandwildlifeonalandscapescalefromtheoutbacktotheocean’.

TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentisamajorH141focus,astheregioncontainsfourofthenineH141zones(Figure 12).TheGlenelgRiverisconsideredthe‘spine’ofZone1undertheH141program,andtheregionanchorsthesouthernendofthisvisionaryproject.Partnersinthisprojectincludecatchmentmanagementauthorities,theWildernessSociety,TrustforNature,GreeningAustralia,andVictorianandSouthAustraliangovernmentagencies.106

TheRCScomplementstheH141initiativebysupportingprogramsthatimproveconnectivity withinthesezones,andotherpriorityareas,such astheGrampianstoPyreneesBiolink,wherethere issignificantcommunitysupport.

Figure 13showssignificantareasofterrestrialhabitatandincorporatesthebestinformationavailableonspeciesdistributionforplantsandanimalsintheGlenelgHopkinsregion,includingmammals,birds,amphibians,reptilesandfish,andexplicitlyconsidersrareandthreatenedspecieslocationinformation.ThemapshowsareaswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregionthatcontributemosttobiodiversityconservation107 andwasdevelopedusingDEPI’sNaturePrintVersion2.0biodiversityplanningtool.Thistoolcanbeused toinformbiodiversitydecision-makingbyidentifyingbiodiversityassetsthatarethemostusefulfocusforplanningandmanagement.108Thered,pinkanddarkgreencoloursshowhigh-valueareaswhereitisessentialtoprotectcurrentvalues.Lightgreen,purpleandmauveareascanindicatewherethereissignificantvalueinre-establishingandimprovinghabitatvaluesthroughrevegetationandimprovingconnectivity.

Significantareasofterrestrialhabitataredescribedin Table 20.Theseareasareimportantfortheenvironmental,socialandeconomicservicestheyprovide.TheVictorianVolcanicPlainisconsideredtobeasignificantareaofterrestrialhabitatbutdueto itsextensivebuthighlyfragmentednaturehasnotbeenincludedinFigure 13.

49

Figure 14: Bioregions of the Glenelg Hopkins catchment management area.

Figure 13: NaturePrint strategic natural values map including significant areas of terrestrial habitat.

CONDITION�OF�TERRESTRIAL�HABITAT�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

ParksVictoriaarecurrentlypreparingareportontheconditionoflandthattheymanage.Whenavailable, thisinformationwillbeusedtoinformfutureconditionassessments.

Bioregionsareframeworksforterrestrialandmarineenvironmentclassificationonthebasisofecologicalcharacteristics.Assessmentoftheconditionandextentofvegetationwithinthesebioregionsprovidesanindicationoftheconditionofterrestrialhabitatataregionallevel.NinebioregionsoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion(Figure 14).Theextentofremnantvegetationcomparedwithestimatedpre-1750coverageisshowninTable 18.


TerresTrial haBiTaT

Bioregion Condition of native vegetation

GreaterGrampians

TheGreaterGrampiansbioregionsupportsadiverserangeofnativevegetationwhichisgenerallyingoodcondition.About86%oftheestimatedpre-1750nativevegetationcoverremains.VegetationwithinthisbioregionismostlyprotectedintheGrampiansNationalPark,whichisofoutstandingconservationsignificance.TheParkcontainsover athousanddifferentplantspecies,including23speciesthatarefoundnowhereelseintheworld.

BridgewaterNativevegetationcoverwithinthisbioregionhasbeenreducedtoapproximately63%ofitspre-1750extent. About70%oftheremainingnativevegetationoccurswithinpublicland.DiscoveryBayCoastalParkisthemostsignificantreservewithinthisbioregion.

GlenelgPlainApproximately60%oftheGlenelgPlainhasbeenclearedforagriculture.About40%ofthebioregion’soriginalvegetationcoverremainsandconsistsofamixoflargesizedblocksonpublicland,scatteredremnantsonprivateland,andlinearstripsofvegetationalongroadsidesandcreekswithhighlyvaryinglevelsofconnectivity.

WimmeraArelativelysmallproportionoftheWimmerabioregionoccurswithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentmanagementarea.Nativevegetationhasbeenreducedtoapproximately20%ofitspre-1750extentwithinthisareaandishighlyfragmented.

Goldfields AsmallsectionoftheGoldfieldsbioregionoccurswithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentmanagementarea. Nativevegetationthatoccurswithinthisareaishighlyfragmented,andismostlyclearedforagriculture.

CentralVictorianUplands

LargerareasofnativevegetationoccurwithinmostlyintactlandscapesatMountBuangorStatePark,LangiGhiran StateParkandAraratHillsRegionalPark.111Theseareascontainrelativelyundisturbedplantcommunitiesandare ofhighconservationvalue.Muchoftheremainingareahasbeenclearedforagriculture.

DundasTablelands

LargeareasofnativevegetationwithintheDundasTablelandshavebeenclearedforsheepandcattlegrazing. Onlyaround10%oftheDundasTablelandspre-1750nativevegetationcoverageextentnowremainswithinthe GlenelgHopkinsregion.Muchoftheremainingvegetationisinadegradedstateduetoitshighlyfragmentednature,andcontinuestodeclineincondition.NativegrasslandsthatonceoccurredtotheeastoftheGrampianswithintheWillauraPlainsarea(DundasTablelandsbioregion)havenowbeensubstantiallyclearedormodified.112

WarrnamboolPlain

NativevegetationwithintheWarrnamboolPlainhasbeensubstantiallyclearedormodified.Approximately10%ofthepre-1750extentisestimatedtoremainwithintheGlenelgHopkinsareaandtherehasbeensubstantialclearingofallvegetationtypes.TheWarnamboolPlainwasoncedominatedbylowlandandfoothillforests,heathyandgrassywoodlands,coastalshrubsandgrasslands.Remainingvegetationremnantsaremostlyconfinedtocrownland.

VictorianVolcanicPlains

NativevegetationwithintheVictorianVolcanicPlainbioregionisamongstthemostdepletedintheState.Onlyaround 1%oftheoriginalextentofgrassywoodlandandnativegrasslandcommunitiesnowremain.113AlmostallnativevegetationwithinthebasaltplainsofthecentralandeasternpartoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion(VictorianVolcanicPlainsbioregion)hasnowbeenclearedorsubstantiallymodified.114Veryfewareasofnativevegetationoccurwithin theformalreservesystem,115andmostoccuronprivateland.

Table 19: Condition summary by bioregion.

ThegeneralconditionofnativevegetationineachbioregionwithintheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentisdescribedinTable 19.Ofthemajorfloracommunities,onlylowlandforestsandheathlandsarestillreasonablyrepresented.Mostofthewoodlandshavebeenclearedoralteredforagricultureandtheareasthatremainaregenerallyonpublicland,occurringassmallremnants.Nativevegetationnowcoverslessthan18percentoftheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Twooftheregion’sBroadVegetationcommunities,BoxIronbarkForestandRiparianForestnowappeartobeextinct.110

Bioregion Pre-1750 area (ha) Remnant vegetation remaining (ha) Percentage of original no. of endangered

regional EvCs

GreaterGrampians 151,140 129,634 86% 22

Bridgewater 18,192 11,471 63% 4

GlenelgPlain 383,116 148,554 39% 34

Wimmera 24,861 4,953 20% 16

Goldfields 15,363 4,000 26% 9

CentralVictorianUplands 81,351 22,123 27% 12

DundasTablelands 660,782 64,319 10% 49

WarrnamboolPlain 113,598 7,742 7% 18

VictorianVolcanicPlain 1,223,766 72,286 6% 58

Total 2,672,169 465,082 17.4% 222

Table 18: Remnant vegetation compared to pre-1750 figures.

InformationonthebioregionalconservationstatusofremnantvegetationintheGlenelgHopkinsregionisprovidedinAppendix4:BioregionalconservationstatusofremnantvegetationintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.

51

THREATS

Land-usechangescontinuetoposeasignificantthreattoterrestrialhabitatwithintheregion.The2010GreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan116providesthefollowingsummary:

“Once extensive ecosystems are now highly fragmented. A range of land use changes including raised bed and broad acre cropping, rock crushing and subsequent pasture improvements, increased use of pivot irrigation systems, blue-gum farming and rural residential development have seen an acceleration of the loss of native vegetation on private land resulting in shrinking habitats for a range of threatened species. There are significant areas of dry land salinity and soil acidification and the native vegetation quality of the majority of the region is classified as low.”

ThePortlandandHorshamForests:ForestManagementPlan2010117identifiesanumberofpotentiallythreateningprocessesthatcanadverselyaffectthedistributionandstructureofecosystems,includingthelossofhollow-bearingtrees,inappropriatefireregimesandremovalofcoarsewoodydebris.

Otherkeythreatstoterrestrialhabitatwithinthe regioninclude:

• bushfire

• extremeweatherevents

• pestanimalgrazing

•weedinvasion

• pathogensanddiseases

• habitatfragmentationandlossofconnectivity

• inappropriatewaterregimes

• biomassaccumulationinnativegrasslands.

Remnantgrasslandandgrassywoodlandhabitatsremainatriskofhabitatlossanddegradationduetothreateningfactorssuchasinappropriatemowingandherbicideregimes,pestanimalsandplants,increasedusedoffertiliser,andchangedfireregimes.

Climatechangemayposeanadditionalthreatbyinfluencingthedistributionandcompositionofecosystemsbyalteringwaterflowsinriversandwetlandsandthroughbushfiresandfloods.Existingthreatswillmostlikelybeamplified,suchashabitatlossandinvasivespecies,makingtheimpactsconsiderablyworse.

SIGNIFICANT�AREAS

Significantareasofterrestrialhabitatarelistedin Table 20andhavebeenidentifiedthroughtheINFFERprocessandconsultationwithDEPIandParksVictoria.TheseareasoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionprovideeconomic,environmentaland/orsocialvalues.Anumberofcriteriawereusedwhenassessingtheirsignificanceincluding: valueoftheassetarea,thelevelofthreattotheassetareaandthefeasibilityofmanagingthosethreats.120

Asset name Description

CoastalZone

Incorporatesadiverserangeofcoastalecosystems,andextendsfromtheCorangamite–GlenelgHopkinscatchmentboundarytotheSouthAustralianborder.TheareaprovidescriticalhabitatforthreatenedspeciessuchastheOrange-belliedParrotandHoodedPlover,aswellasimportantshorebirdnestingsites.KeyareasofpubliclandincludeDiscoveryBayCoastalPark,BelfastCoastalReserve,andBayofIslandsCoastalPark.ThiszonecontainsthreeImportantBirdAreas:(sitesofglobalbirdconservationimportance) –YambukLakesComplexIBA,PortFairytoWarrnamboolIBAandDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsIBA.

VictorianVolcanicPlainsGrasslands

OnlyonepercentoftheoriginalextentofgrasslandandgrassywoodlandcommunitiesremainwithinVictoria.TheVictorianVolcanicPlainsprovidescriticalhabitattoarangeoffloraandfauna.KeyareasincludeBlacksCreekNatureConservationReserve(234ha)whichisoneofthelargestgrasslandreservesinVictoria,CobraKillucWildlifeReserve,andMortlakeCommon.

UpperHopkinsCatchmentPublicLand

ThisareaislocatedwithinthevicinityofAraratandBeaufort.Itcontainsareasofexceptionalriparianandremnantvegetationhabitatthatsupportsanumberofthreatenedspecies.Thefollowingareasofpubliclandhavebeenidentifiedashavingsignificantterrestrialhabitatvalues:LangiGhiranStatePark,MountBuangorStateParkandAraratHillsRegionalPark.

FarSouthWest StonyRises

ThisareaincludesMountEcclesNationalPark/LakeCondahandMountNapierStatePark.ItcontainsthelargestcommunityofMannaGuminVictoria,andprovidescriticalhabitatforanumberofthreatenedspecies.

FarSouthWestLowlandForests

Containsoneofthelargestareasofrelativelycontinuouslowlandforestwithintheregionandsupportsadiverserangeoffauna,manyofwhicharethreatened.PriorityareasofpubliclandthatoccurwithinthisareaincludeLowerGlenelgNationalPark,CobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark,MtRichmondNationalPark,NarrawongFloraReserve,MumbannarNatureConservationReserve,CrawfordRiverRegionalParkandWeecurra,Hotspur,AnnyaandMtClayStateForests.HotspurStateForesthasbeenidentifiedasakey(butnarrow)corridorthatlinkslargeareasofterrestrialhabitattothenorthandsouthofthisforest.CapeNelsonStatePark,MountRichmondNationalParkandBatsRidgeWildlifeReservehavealsobeenidentifiedthroughtheINFFERprocessashavingexceptionalhabitatvalues.Itincludescovenantedlandthatabutsorisincloseproximitytopublicland.



Acoreobjectiveofthisstrategyistoworkwithregionalpartnerstoimprovetheconditionofremnantsandincreaseconnectivityacrossthelandscape,helpingtobuildecosystemresilienceinresponsetoclimatechange.Objectivesandmanagementmeasuresfortheregion’sterrestrialhabitatarelistedinTable 21.

Asset name Description

GreaterGrampians

ThisareaislocatedinthenorthoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentandincludesareaswithexceptionalterrestrialhabitatvalues,suchastheGrampiansNationalPark,BlackRangeStatePark,andDundasRangeScenicReserve.TheGrampiansNationalPark(167,200ha)isoneofthelargestnationalparksinVictoria.121 BlackRangeStatePark(11,700ha)occurstothewestoftheGrampiansRangesandprovidesimportanthabitatforarangeofthreatenedfauna.122

FarNorthWestLowlandForestsandHeathyWoodlands

Thisareaoccurstothenorthwestofthecatchmentandcontainsseverallargeareasofprotectedhabitat.Areaswithexceptionalhabitatvaluesinclude:DergholmStatePark,Tooloy-LakeMundiWildlifeReserve,WilkinFloraandFaunaReserve,andKaladbroWildlifeReserve.Itincludescovenantedlandthatabutsor isincloseproximitytopublicland.

Table 20: Significant areas of terrestrial habitat.


TerresTrial haBiTaT



8.1Maintainextentandimproveconditionofterrestrialhabitat

8.1.1 By2019,maintainand/orincreasetheextentofnativevegetationonpublicandprivateland(comparedwith2012levels)andimproveitsquality.

8.1.2 ImplementactionswithintheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlantoimprovethecondition ofnativevegetation.

8.1.3 Protectandimprovetheconditionofterrestrialhabitatthroughrevegetation,fencingwhereappropriateandimplementationofbestmanagementpractices.

8.1.4 Improvenativevegetationresourceconditionbybuildingpartnershipswithprivatelandholders topreserverareEcologicalVegetationClasses.

8.1.5 Protectimportantbiodiversityvaluesfoundintheparksandreservesnetworkthroughtheimplementationofparkandforestmanagementplans.

8.1.6 SupportthedevelopmentandimplementationofRoadsideVegetationPlansforpriorityroadsideswithsignificantremnantvegetation.

8.1.7 Increasetheextentofprivatelandmanagedforbiodiversityconservation.

8.1.8 Developconservationcovenantstoprotectareasofhigh-valueremnantvegetation.

8.1.9 Developconditionstatementsforterrestrialhabitatasinformationbecomesavailable.

8.1.10 By2015,developandcommenceimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy.

8.2Improveconnectivityofhabitatforspeciespopulationsandcommunities

8.2.1 Identifypriorityregionalbiolinksbytheendof2013.

8.2.2 Identifyandmapareaswithinbiolinkswhereecosystemshavenaturalregenerativecapacity.

8.2.3 Implementcross-tenurelandscapeconnectivityprogramsonprivateandpublicland.

8.2.4 Whereappropriate,pursueopportunitiesforlandpurchasewithinprioritybiolinkareas.

8.3Publiclandismanagedasthecoreofresilientecosystems

8.3.1 ImplementPortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan(StateForests).

8.3.2 DevelopandimplementNgootyoongGunditj,NgootyoongMaraSouthWestManagementPlan.

8.3.3 Supportresilientecosystemmanagementonpubliclandwithbufferzonesandlinkagesbyprotectingadjacentprivateland.


CAsE sTUDY: The GlenelG alliance

The�Glenel g�Al l iance�is �a�four-year�program�which�began�in�2009�to�address�priority�pest�plant�and�animal�threats�on�34,603�ha�of�public�and�private�land�threatening�habitat�values�within�the�lower�Glenel g�River�High�Environmental�Value�Aquatic�Ecosystem�(HEVAE)�region.�

Thetitlefortheprogram–TheGlenelgAlliance–reflectsthefocustoimprovetheco-ordinationandintegrationoflandmanagersinthetargetarea,includinglocalgovernment(GlenelgShireCouncil),agencies(ParksVictoria,DepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries,GlenelgHopkinsCMA)andthelocalcommunity.

TheGlenelgAllianceprogramtargetstheGlenelgRiverdownstreamoftheStokesRiverconfluence, thelowerStokesandCrawfordrivers,theLowerGlenelgNationalPark(LGNP)andtheDiscovery BayCoastalPark.

Bytheendofthesecondyearprioritypestplantandanimalthreatswereaddressedacross28,107haofpublicandprivatelandwithintheLowerGlenelgHEVAEregion.Activitiesincludedtreating9,343ha ofpriorityinfestations,andmapping,extensionandmonitoringof25,260ha,witheachagencyundertakingseparatebutcomplementarytasks.

Forexample,ParksVictoriatackledpestplant controlintheLowerGlenelgNationalParkandDiscoveryBayCoastalParkandwasresponsibleforpigmonitoringandcontrol.DEPItreatedBlackberryalongtheGlenelgRiverStreamsideReserveatDartmoorandranafox-baitingandcat-trappingprogram.DEPIhasinspectedpropertiesforWeedsofNationalSignificance(WoNS),and15landholdershaveestablishedpartnershipagreementswiththeGlenelgHopkinsCMAforthecontrolofpestplants.

Thesuccessoftheco-operativepartnershipshasresultedintheprojectexceedingtargets.

Theprojecthascontinuedtoshowimprovementsintheco-ordination,integrationandknowledgeofpestplantandanimalmanagementacrossalllandmanagersandtenuresintheLowerGlenelgregion,resultinginpriorityspeciesbeingtargetedinastrategicandeffectivemanner.

Thesecond-yearachievementssignificantlycontributedtotheprogram’saimofsustaining thehighconservationvaluesofthiscriticalaquaticecosystem.

Furtherworkswillfocusonimprovingriverineandcatchmenthealththroughtargetedassessments,engagementandfinancialincentivesforon-groundworks.Invasivespecieshavebeenidentifiedastheprimarythreat.

Engagementactivitiesandsurveysconductedwithlandholdersinvolvedintheprojectalsohighlightedtheimportanceoftheco-operativeapproach.

Photo: The Glenelg Alliance project aims to address pest plants and animals that are threatening habitat values.

53

The GlenelG

hopkins reGion

is home To over

94 naTionally

lisTeD ThreaTeneD

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sPECiEs PoPULATions AnD CoMMUniTiEs


TheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasahighconcentrationofthreatenedspecieswhencomparedwithotherareasofVictoriaandAustralia. TheGlenelgBasincontains10percentofVictoria’sthreatenedspecies.TheGlenelgBasincontainswellover150threatened ornear-threatenedfloraandfaunaspecies.Twospeciesof pygmy-possumoccurtogetherinthelandscape,anditis‘oneoftwohighlylocalisedareasinAustraliasupportingthenationallyendangeredheathmouse.’123

Theregionisrenownedforitsfloravaluesandsupportsmorethan 20threatenedspeciesoforchid,withatleast10listednationally.124 ArecentdiscoveryoftheLimestoneSpider-orchidwasthefirstrecordedinVictoria,andanewlydiscoveredbottlebrushendemic towesternVictoria,Callistemonwimmerensis,isastateandnationallylisted,criticallyendangeredplantspecies.

Thewetlandsoftheregionarerichinbirdlife,andprovideimportanthabitatforarangeofthreatenedspecies,includingtheBrolgaandcriticallyendangeredOrange-belliedParrot.

Theprimarytoolusedtoplanandprioritisespecies-specificon-groundactionsinVictoriaistheDEPIdevelopedActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database.TheStrategicNaturalValuesmap(Figure 13),inconjunctionwithDEPI’sABCsystem,hasidentifiedsevenkeypriorityassetareasfortheGlenelgHopkinsregion.TheseareasareshowninFigure 15andencompassprioritypopulationsandhabitatsfortheregion’sthreatenedspeciesandcommunities.Thiswillhelpdirectprojectsandinvestmenttomaximisebiodiversityoutcomes.ItmustbenotedthatthesesevenareasdonotincludeallthreatenedspeciespopulationsandcommunitiesintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Sitesoutsidetheassetareaswillnot beexcludedfromtheobjectivesoftheRCSandfutureinvestment.

Below: The region contains a number of iconic species including the Growling Grass Frog, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and the Glenelg Spiny Crayfish.

Photos (L-R): Leonard Cooper, Bob McPherson, Glenelg Hopkins CMA.

55

Figure 15: Significant asset areas for species populations and communities.

CONDITION�OF�SPECIES�POPULATIONS�AND�COMMUNITIES� �IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

Theecosystemsthatprovidehabitattothreatenedfloraandfaunaspeciesandcommunitiesrangefromhighlyfragmented(VolcanicPlain)tolargelyintact(Grampians)andoccuracrossprivateandpublicland.Since2003,DEPIandGlenelgHopkinsCMAhaveimplementedarecoveryprogramfor57nationallyand/orstate-listedthreatenedspecies(47flora and10fauna)acrosstheGlenelgHopkinscatchment.Thesespeciesrangefromthewell-knownBrush-tailedRockWallaby,Eastern-barredBandicoot,Orange-belliedParrotandRed-tailedBlackCockatoo,to thelittleknownCorangamiteWaterSkink,Southern Bent-wingBat,BasaltGreenhood,Portland Long-tongueShellOrchid,SquareRaspwortand therecentlydiscoveredWind-blownTussock-grass.

CentraltothedeliveryoftherecoveryprogramhasbeentheActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database–aweb-basedinformationsystemadministeredbyDEPIasarepositoryforknowledgeaboutthreatenedspeciesandcommunitiesinVictoria.Ittrackstheprogressofmanagementactionsdocumentedinactionstatementspreparedunderthe Flora and Fauna Guarantee ActandinrecoveryplanspreparedundertheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

TheABCsystemisavitalreportingtoolthatenablesDEPItodeliverdetailed,qualitativereportstothe CMAandinvestors,whileprovidingatooltomonitorandmanagedeliveryoftherecoveryprogram.

Priorityactionssuchasthreatabatement,habitatmanagementandenhancement,andinsomecasesspeciesreintroduction,havebeenimplementedaspartoftheGlenelgHopkinsthreatenedspeciesrecoveryprogram.Overthepastsevenyearstheseactionshavestabilisedthedeclineandledtoagradualrecoveryofmostofthethreatenedspeciescoveredbythisprogram.Partnershipsandcommunityinvolvementhaveplayedasignificantroleinthesuccess,withover5,500communitymembers,landmanagersandvolunteersparticipatinginon-groundactionssuch assurveys,threatassessment,seedcollection,weedingandhabitatrevegetation.

Theprogramhasbridgednumerouskeyknowledgegaps,suchasspeciesdistributions,habitatrequirements,lifehistoriesandbehaviours.Thisknowledgeisnotonlybeingusedtoboostspeciesrecoveryandhabitatmanagement,butiscontributingtootherbiodiversityprograms,includingfireandnativevegetationmanagement,waterwaysandwetlandprograms,andmajorprojectdevelopments.

THREATS

MajorthreatstospeciespopulationsandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregioninclude:

• lossofinstreamhabitatduetostockaccess andexcessivesedimentation

• pestplantandanimalinfestation

• clearingandfragmentation

• salinity

• intensificationofagriculturalpractices

• extremeeventssuchasfire,floodanddrought

• nutrientenrichment,sedimentation,chemicalcontaminationandotheragriculturalimpacts

• long-termimpactsfromreducedinflows duetoclimatechange

• lackofenvironmentalflows

•marinepests

• bushfire.

Theeffectsofclimatechangeonspeciespopulationsandcommunitieswilloccuratdifferentlevels –fromindividualspeciestoecosystems.Speciesmayaltertheirdistribution,abundance,behaviorandthetimingofeventssuchasmigrationorbreeding.Themostsusceptiblespecieswillbethosewithrestrictedorspecialisedhabitatrequirements,poordispersalabilitiesorsmallpopulations.Indirectimpactsmayincludeincreasedpressurefromcompetitors,predators,parasites,diseasesanddisturbances (suchasbushfireordrought).125


Theobjectiveanditsassociatedmanagementmeasuresforthreatenedfloraandfaunawithin theGlenelgHopkinsregionarelistedinTable 22.


species popUlaTions anD commUniTies



9.1Improvethehealthofkeypopulationsofthreatenedspeciesandcommunities

9.1.1 By2015,developandimplementregionalbiodiversitystrategy.

9.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015.

9.1.3 ContinuetosupportregionalThreatenedFloraandFaunaProgramandtheimplementationofhighpriorityactionsinhighprioritylocationsconsistentwiththeActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database.

9.1.4 Achieveanimprovementintheconservationstatusoflistedthreatenedspeciesand ecologicalcommunities.

9.1.5 ReviewandimplementActionStatementandRecoveryPlansforlistedthreatenedspeciesandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.

9.1.6 Investinimprovingtheresilienceofthreatenedspeciesthroughprogramstargetedathabitatimprovement.

9.1.7 Implementecologicallyappropriateburningforprotectionoffloraandfaunacommunitieswhereappropriate.

9.1.8 Supportlong-term,two-wayknowledgetransferandcapacitybuildingtoenhancetherole oftraditionalecologicalknowledgeinbiodiversityconservation.

9.1.9 Buildcapacityandenhanceknowledgeofindustryandlocalgovernmenttoplanandprotectbiodiversity,particularlythreatenedspeciesandcriticalhabitats.

9.1.10Buildregionalcapacitythroughtrainingandeducationprograms(e.g.wholefarmplanning) toincreaseawarenessofregionalbiodiversityassets,valuesandthreats.

9.1.11Collaboratewithotherstakeholders(e.g.universitiesandresearchinstitutions)toincreasecapacitytosurveyandmonitorthreatenedspecieswithintheregion.

Table 22: Objective and management measures for species populations and communities.

57

healThy soil is a

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32nd�President�of� �the�United�States� �(1933–1945).�

57

soiL AnD LAnD

Soilprovidesthefoundationforagriculturalproductionandhastheabilitytocycleandstorecarbon.Thecatchmentsupportsmajorindustriessuchascattle,wool,primelambs,forestryandcropping,generatingoverabilliondollars126fortheregionaleconomy.Majorland-usewithintheregionisshowninFigure 16.Woolproduction hastraditionallybeenthemainagriculturalcommodityproducedintheregion;however,itisnolongerthedominantindustryandtherehasbeenasignificantincreasesinthenumberofbeef,dairy,croppingandprimelambenterprises.127

Withmorethan80percentoftheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentusedforagriculturalproduction,theprotectionandenhancementofsoiliscloselylinkedtoregionalandnationalprosperity.

TheGlenelgHopkinscatchmentcontains49differentsoiltypeswithcharacteristicsthatvarywiththeparentmaterialgeology,landscapelocationandtheweatheringprocessesactiveovertheperiodoftheirformation.Theresultingsoilsvaryinsuitabilityandcapabilityforagriculturalproduction,andinsusceptibilitytoprocessesthatdegradesoilhealth.

Figure 16: Major land-use in the Glenelg Hopkins region (DPI, 2003).


soil anD lanD

CONDITION�OF�SOIL�AND�LAND�IN�THE�GLENELG�HOPKINS�REGION

Soilhealthcanbedefinedasthecapacityofasoiltosustainbiologicalproductivity,performessentialecosystemservices(cyclenutrients,maintainairandwaterquality,andprovidehabitat)andtopromoteplant,animalandhumanhealth.

Inanagriculturallandscape,soilisvaluedforitsproductionpotential.SouthwestVictoriaisrecognisedashavingsomeofthemostfertileandproductivesoilsinAustralia.Historicalwidespreadremovalofindigenousvegetation,rabbitinfestationsandagriculturalproductionhaveeachcontributedtoadeclineinsoilhealth.Deteriorationinsoilhealthcontinuestodayunderinappropriatemanagementregimes.

Declineinsoilhealthusuallyoccursoverlongperiodsandcanprovechallengingtoameliorateonceestablished.Soilconservationprogramsintheregionbeganinthe1950s;however,despitetheseefforts,soilhealthinthecatchmenthascontinuedtodecline,withdetrimentalimpactsonwaterwaysandbiodiversity.

‘To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil.’ –XenophonofAthens,‘Oeconomicus’,362BC

Managingsoiltolandcapabilityisacoreprincipleinsustainingsoilhealth.Soilhealthcanbeimprovedwherelanduseaccordswithlandcapability:thecapacityoflandandsoilstosustainproductionwithoutdegradation.Landcapabilityisaproductofthelandscape’sinherentproperties(e.g.geomorphology,soiltypeandtopography),landmanagementpracticesandclimate.

FarmersoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhaveastrongstewardshipethic.A2004surveyoflandowners’attitudestonaturalresourcemanagementidentified‘Beingabletopassthepropertyoninbettercondition’astheprimaryaspirationof81percentoffarmerrespondents.128

Itisrecognisedthatindividuallandmanagers,urbanandrural,arebestplacedtomakelandmanagementdecisionsandimplementsoilimprovementactions.Managingforhealthysoilscanreducenegativeenvironmentalimpacts,improvefarmproductionandformanecessarystepinatransitiontowardssustainablelandmanagement.Limitationsinmanagingforhealthysoilscanincludeinformationavailabilityandfinancialconstraints.

THREATS

Threatstosoilhealthinvolvephysical,chemicalorbiologicalprocessesthatexceedthecapabilityofthesoiltoabsorbdisturbanceandreturntoaprevious,long-termstablestate.

Inappropriatelandmanagementpracticesthatexceedtheresiliencelimitsofaspecificsoilsystemcanleadtodegenerationofsoilhealthandreducedproductivecapacity.

TheGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014identifiessixprioritythreatstosoilhealth:acidification,soilstructuredecline,nutrientdecline,salinity,watererosionandwinderosion.129 Declineinsoilorganicmatterwasidentifiedasanemergingthreat.Figure 17showssub-catchmentareasatriskofsoilhealthdeclinefromprioritythreats.

Figure 17: Sub-catchment areas at risk of soil health decline from priority threats.

59

Soilerosionanddrylandsalinityarisingfrompastpracticeshavelongbeenrecognisedastheforemostthreatstosoilhealthwithintheregion.Primarysalinityisanaturalfeatureofthecatchmentillustratedbythelabellingofstreamsassaltyandbrackishbyearlysettlers.130Drylandsalinityarisingfromthealteredhydrologicalcharacteristicsofclearedlandscapesinhibitsplantgrowth,reducesfarmproductivity,degradessoilstructureandcanresultinareasofexposed,dispersivesoilpronetoerosionbywind orwater.

Salinitymanagementprogramshavebeenactivesincethe1970s.TheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityStrategywasreleasedin1994,andin2005theCMAproducedtheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008.A2008reviewofSalinityPlanimplementation131identifiedsignificantgainsmadeinsalinitymitigationandincreasedlandholderawarenessofsalinityprocessesandmanagementskills.

Adecadeoflower-than-averagerainfall132atHamiltonandclimatechangeprojectionsofreducedmeanannualrainfallshavereducedconcernforsalinityas along-termthreat.However,therecentwetting-phaseoftheclimateislikelytoreactivatesalinity.133Salinityremainsathreattonaturalresourcesthatrequiresongoingmonitoring,planningandmanagement. Anyrecurrenceofsalinityinthisregionplaceshigh-valueassetsatconsiderablethreatofdegradation.

Inthepast,combatingsoilerosionhasbeenamajorfocusofon-groundwork.Soilsusceptibilitytoerosionisincreasedbyadoptionoffarmingpracticesthatexposesoil,exceedlandcapabilityorareunsuitableforsoiltype.

Recenthighrainfallandfloodingeventsduringseasonalperiodsoflowgroundcoverresultedinincreasederosionanddemonstratedtherisksof thechangingrainfallpatternsfromclimatevariation.Reducedsoilhealthincreasessusceptibilityofsoilstoerosionwithsignificantoff-farmimpactsonwaterways,biodiversityandinfrastructure.SoilsoftheDundas andMerinotablelandsareparticularlysusceptible toerosion.

Productiveagriculturenecessarilyinvolvesmovementofstockandmachinery,cultivationandremovalofnutrientsasfoodandfibre.Theseactionscanleadtoreducedproductivitythroughdeclineofplant-availablenutrients,lossofsoilcarbon,lossofsoilstructureandincreasedsoilacidity.Thelonghistoryofagricultureintheregionandincreasingeconomicpressureonproducershasmeantthatnutrientdecline,soilacidificationandlossofsoilstructureremainprioritythreatstosoilhealth.Theextentofsoildegradationdependsonthenatureofthelanduse,theinherentsusceptibilitiesofthesoilsandthecapacityofthe landmanagertoidentifyandamendthesethreats.

Occurrencesofcoastalacid-sulphatesoilshavebeenidentifiedwithinthecatchment.134 These areas have beenmappedandthisinformationisusedtoinformlocalgovernmentplanningprocesses.

Climatechangewillhavepositiveandnegativeimpactsonthetypesofcropsthataregrownand theproductivityofprimaryproductionsystems. Anyreductioninrainfallislikelytoplacemostfarms understress,particularlywhenlinkedtohighertemperatures.Inaddition,heavyrainfalleventsandwindsfromstormeventswillcontributetocropdamageandsoilerosion.135

Below: View of the landscape from Mount Napier.

Soil �acidification�poses�a�major� �threat�to�the�long-term�sustainability� �of �agriculture.�

TheAustralianGovernment’sCaringforourCountryprogramfundedafour-yearproject(commencing2009-10)toincreaseknowledgeandskillsof1,200farmerstoreducetheriskofsoilsbecomingacidic.Theresultwasthat200farmersadoptedimprovedlandmanagementpracticeson6,400hectares.EvidenceforoutputachievementwasafundingconditionandaMonitoring,Evaluation,ReportingandImprovement(MERI)planwascompiledtodirectoutputachievementverification.RoyalMelbourneInstituteofTechnologyUniversity(Hamilton)wasengagedtoimplementtheMERIplanandprovideindependentevaluationofprojectdelivery.

Toengagekeyagriculturalenterprisesandconnectwithexistingnetworks,partnershipswereestablishedwithSouthernFarmingSystems(cropping),WestVicDairyandDepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(meatandwool).Toaccommodateadiversityoffarmpractices,fundingsupportwasmadeavailabletocommunitygroupstoholdeventsinformingfarmersonsoilhealth,managingsoilacidificationrisksandproduction.

Traditionally,annualeventssuchasworkshopsandfielddaysinvolveDEPI,industryorganisationsandcommunitygroups.Surveyandanecdotaldatafromtheseeventsverifytheincreasedknowledgeandskillsgainedbyparticipants.Manyfarmershaveadoptedimprovedpractices,anditisexpectedthatactualachievementswillexceedtargets.

CAsE sTUDY: reDUcinG risks of soil aciDificaTion (rsa)


Below (L-R): The farming community plays an important role in the management of the region’s natural resources.

A visual soils assessment workshop.

60


Severalobjectivesforsoilandlandhavebeendevelopedthroughconsultationwithpartnersandstakeholders.TheseobjectivesandtheirassociatedmanagementmeasuresaredetailedinTable 23.Theaimoftheseactionsis toincreasecommunitycapacityinthemanagementofsoil,resultinginhealthy,productiveandresilientlandscapes.



10.1Animprovement insoilcondition (asmeasuredbykeyindicators)by2033*

10.1.1 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsregionSoilHealthStrategyand SoilHealthPlan2009-2014.

10.1.2 UpdateandcommenceimplementationoftheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan.

10.2Anincreasein theareaofsoilsmanagedwithin theircapability

10.2.1 Investigatebenchmarksforkeyindicatorsofhealthysoils(stable-statetargets).

10.2.2 Investigateopportunitiesforsoilcapabilitymappingunderdifferentlandmanagementpractices.

10.2.3 Identifysoilsatriskundercertainmanagementregimes.

10.2.4 Promoteincreasedlevelsofawarenessandadoptionoflandmanagementmethodstomaintain orimprovethehealthandproductivityofsoil.

10.2.5 Undertakeeducationprogramsthatpromotesoilasafinite,valuableresourceandecosystemservicesprovidedbysoils

10.2.6 Continuedevelopmentandcommunicationoflandcapabilityinformation (e.g.trialsandon-farmdemonstrationsites)toguideland-usechangedecisions.

10.2.7 Maintainaminimumof70percentgroundcoverduringthesummerseason.

10.2.8 Examineopportunitiesforcomplianceprograms.

10.2.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandcapability,overlaysandplanningcontrols.

10.2.10 Raiseawarenessoffundamentalsofsoilcarboncomposition,functionandsequestrationopportunities.

10.3By2033reducetheimpactofsoil-basedthreats,includingsalinityanderosion,onwaterwaysandwetlandsasmeasuredbyimprovedISCandIWCscores(turbidityandEC)

10.3.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan.

10.3.2 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan.

10.4By2033soilsaremanagedforprotectionandenhancementofthebeneficialecosystemservices theyprovide

10.4.1 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan.

* Key indicators are identified in the Glenelg Hopkins region Soil Health Strategy and Soil Health Plan.


61


AllsitesofregionalsignificanceidentifiedwithintheRCShavebeenaggregatedinonemaptodemonstrateareasforpriorityattention.Figure 18 providesasummaryofpriorityareasthathaveresultedfromtheassetidentificationandfilteringprocessesdescribedinAppendix1:RCSdevelopmentprocess.Thesepriorityareasrepresentcatchmentlevelassetsandhaveresultedfromanumberofconsiderationsincludingsignificance,threatandfeasibilityofintervention.

SignificantfeaturesofeachcatchmentlevelassetaredescribedinTable 24.

Thesepriorityareaswillprovideimportantdirectionduringimplementationofthestrategyintermsofguidinginvestmentandprojectdevelopmentopportunities,andwillbeusedtoinformthedevelopmentofregionalsub-strategiesandplans suchastheRegionalWaterwayStrategy.

Sitesoutsidethesepriorityassetareaswillnotbeexcludedfromfutureinvestment.Forexample, theVolcanicPlainsBioregionasawholeisnoted foritsagriculturalpotentialandhassomeofthebest soilsintheregion.Itisimportantthatinvestmentcontinuestobetargetedtotheseareasto mitigatesoilhealthrisks.

Figure 18: Priority areas for intervention within the Glenelg Hopkins region.

PRioRiTY AREAs FoR inTERvEnTion

Penola

Ballarat

63

Priority Area Description

1.GlenelgPlain

• TheGlenelgPlaincontainsseverallargeconservationparksandreservesthatareofsignificantenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalue.TheareaislocatedwithinZone1oftheHabitat141corridor,whichstraddlestheSouthAustralianandVictorianborders.TheGlenelgPlainhasanumberofinterconnectedareasofsmallnativevegetationfragmentsthatprovideimportantlinkagesbetweenlargerareasofpublicland.Improvingandrestoringlinkageswithinthisarea isakeyfocusoftheRCS.

• Therearefivelistedecologicallyhealthyriverreachesintheregion.Threeofthese-theStokesRiver,CrawfordRiverandMolesideCreekarecontainedwithintheGlenelgPlain.

• Theareaishometoadiverserangeoffloraandfauna,includingmanyendemicand/orthreatenedspecies,andislocatedwithinoneof15AustralianGovernmentbiodiversityhotspots.

• TheGlenelgRiverislistedasaheritageriverundertheVictorian Heritage Rivers Act 1992fromsouthofDartmoortoitsmouthatNelson,reflectingitshighnatural,socialandlandscapevalues.TheGlenelgEstuaryisthelongestestuaryinVictoriaandhasveryhighhabitatvalues.ItislistedasawetlandofnationalsignificanceontheDIWAduetothehabitatitprovidesforanimaltaxaatvulnerablelifecyclestages,anditsfunctionasarefugeduringdrought.

• TheGlenelgPlainhasoneofthehighestdensitiesofwetlandsinVictoria.SeveralofthesewetlandsareDIWAlisted:BoilerSwampSystem,Dergholm(Youpyang)WetlandsandLongSwamp.TheareaisalsohometotheBridgewaterLakes,oneofthelongestfreshwaterlakessystemsinVictoria.TheDiscoveryBay–PiccaninniePondsImportant BirdAreaisofglobalbirdconservationimportance.

• TheareaincorporatespartoftheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape(TyrrendarraArea)whichisrenownedfor itsculturalvalues.

• CapeBridgewaterandDiscoveryBayCoastalParkhavebeenidentifiedaskeynaturebasedtourismassetsata Statelevel.

• Theareahasbeenidentifiedasoneoftheareasthatcontributemosttobiodiversityconservationataregionalscale(seeNaturePrintFigure 13).

2.Grampians

• TheGrampiansareaisdominatedbytheGrampiansNationalPark,whichislistedonthenationalheritageregister foritsoutstandingnationalheritagesignificance,Indigenousrockartsites,andoutstandingspeciesdiversity.

• TheGrampiansNationalParkisalargelyintactlandscape.Itsupportsover1,000nativeplantspecies,including 23thatarefoundnowhereelseintheworld.

• TheGrampiansregionprovidessignificantnature-basedtourismandrecreationalservices,andhasrecordedover 1.5millionvisitordaysannually.

• Theareahasbeenidentifiedasonethatcontributesmosttobiodiversityconservationataregionalscale (seeNaturePrintFigure 13),andoneoffivelistedecologicallyhealthyriverreachesintheregion (HeadwatersoftheWannon).

3.UpperHopkins

• UpperHopkinscontainsseveralareasofpubliclandthathavebeenidentifiedashavinghighqualityterrestrialhabitatandsignificantenvironmentalvalues,includingLangiGhiranStatePark,MountBuangorStateParkandAraratRegionalHillsPark.Theseareascontainrelativelyundisturbedplantcommunitiesandareofhighconservationvalue.

4.VolcanicPlains

• TheVictorianVolcanicPlainisrecognisedasoneof15AustralianGovernmentbiodiversityhotspots.Onlyaround onepercentoftheoriginalextentofnativegrasslandsandgrassywoodlandcommunitiesnowremainwithinthisbioregion.Remainingareasofhabitatprovideimportantrefugesitesforarangeofthreatenedspecies.

• Theareacontainsasignificantnumberoftheregion’swetlands,particularlywithintheLakeBolacarea.LakeBookar isrecognisedasinternationallyimportantundertheRamsarConventiononWetlands.Severalotherwetlandsarelisted ontheDIWA,including:Woorndoo-HopkinsWetlands,LakeLinlithgow,LakeMuirheadandMtWilliamSwamp.TheLakeLinlithgowwetlandsystemisofnationalsignificance,andisoneofthefewlargepermanentwetlandsthatoccurwithintheregion.Itprovidesanimportantdroughtrefugeformanywaterbirds.

• TheareacontainssomeofthemostproductivelandwithintheregionandisnotedforitscontributiontothegrossvalueofAustralianagriculturalproduction.

5.Coast

• Twolocationswiththisareathathavebeenidentifiedasbeingofglobalbirdconservationimportance:theYambukLakecomplex,andthePortFairytoWarrnamboolImportantBirdAreas.BoththeYambukLakecomplex,and LowerMerriRiverWetlands(Kelly’sandSaltwaterswamps)arelistedontheDIWA.

• TheestuarinesectionoftheHopkinsRiverisoneofthree‘PremierRivers’thathavebeenidentifiedforfishing acrossVictoria.

• Coastalinletsthatoccurwithintheareaprovideimportantareasofhabitatformigratorywadersandshorebirds. ManyofthesespeciesarelistedontheJapan-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(JAMBA),China-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(CAMBA),andRepublicofKorea-AustraliaMigratoryBirdsAgreement(ROKAMBA).

6.FarSouthWestStonyRises

• TheFarSouthWestStonyRisesareaencompassestheBudjBimNationalHeritageLandscape–MtEcclesLakeCondahArea.

• LakeCondahislistedontheDIWAandisofoutstandinghistoricalandculturalsignificance,withevidenceoftheoldestaquaculturesystemsintheworld.TheMtEccles/LakeCondahareahavebeenidentifiedaskeynaturebasedtourismassetsataStatelevel.

• TheareacontainsthelargestcommunityofMannaGuminVictoria,andprovidescriticalhabitatforadiverserangeofthreatenedspecies.

Table 24: Description of catchment level assets within the Glenelg Hopkins region.


SignificantriskstoassetshavebeenidentifiedandevaluatedthroughtheapplicationofariskassessmentframeworkbasedontheAustralian/NewZealandStandard.136

SignificantriskshavebeeninterpretedattheregionalscaleandaredescribedinTable 25.Theriskassessmentincorporatedthreatinformationthatwasidentifiedforeachoftheassetthemes.Alikelihoodandconsequenceassessmentwasappliedandthoserisksthatwerecalculatedasbeingsignificantorhighhavebeendescribed in Table 25.

siGniFiCAnT RisKs To AssETs

64

significant Risks

Description

Riv

ers/

Fl

oo

dp

lain

s

Wet

land

s

Est

uari

es

Co

asts

Mar

ine

TH sPC

soil/

Land

Land-usechange

Land-usechangescausingtheacceleratedlossofnativevegetationandnaturallandscapesincluderaised-bedandbroadacrecropping,rockcrushingandsubsequentpastureimprovements,increaseduseofpivotirrigationsystems,bluegumplantationsandruralresidentialdevelopment.Inmanycasesland-usechangeleadstoadegradationofwetlands,nativegrasslands,soilandwaterresourcesandimpactsonthreatenedspeciesandhabitats.137 Large-scalelandclearinghasraisedwatertablesandleachedsaltintogroundwater,rivers,wetlandsandupperlayersofthesoil.Itcontinuestocontributetowidespreadlossofnativespecies,lossofecosystemfunction,andlandandwaterdamage.138

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Clearanceof native vegetation

Clearanceofnativevegetationreducesthediversityofhabitatsandecologicalprocessesthatoccurwithinthem.139Approximately81percentoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasbeenclearedforagriculture.140

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Stockaccess Stockaccessandgrazingofsomeassetareascanleadtoremovalof,ordamageto,nativevegetation,areductioninwaterquality,andriverbankerosionandwetlanddegradation.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

PestplantsPestplants(weeds)arearisktoregionalbiodiversityandagricultureandcansignificantlylowerlandvalues.141Pestplantsinvadenativevegetation,providehabitatforpestanimalsandcreatefuelloadsforfire.142

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Pestanimals

PestanimalsimpactingnegativelyontheGlenelgHopkinsregionincluderabbits,foxes,feralgoats,carp,pigs,feralcatsandferaldeer.143Thesespecieshavecausedwidespreadeconomicandenvironmentalimpactandhavesignificantpotentialforfurtherimpact.111 InvasiveanimalsdeclaredundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act,suchasrabbitsandfoxes,arewellestablishedintheGlenelgHopkinsregion.Somestudiesindicatethatfoxesmayaccountforupto30percentofthedeathsofnewbornlambs.144

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Drainage of wetlands

Themajorthreatstowetlandsaredrainage,salinity,agriculture,dredging,landfilling,pollution,watersupplyandrecreation.145SinceEuropeansettlementtherehasbeena 21percentdecreaseinthenumberofwetlandsanda49percentlossofwetlandarea(includespartialdrainage).

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Reductioninriverflows

Reducedflowsthreatenanumberofenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues,suchasaquaticlife,riparianvegetation,recreationalfishingopportunitiesandfloodplainprocesses.Climatechangeisforecasttohaveanimpactonrivers.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Decliningwaterquality

Waterqualitycanbeaffectedbyanumberofinfluencesincludingurbanandagriculturalpollution,salinity,erosionandoveruseofresources.Poorwaterqualityhasimpactsonaquaticecosystems,aquacultureandagriculture,water-basedrecreation,suitabilityforsustainingaproductiveagriculturalindustry,domesticuse,recreationalpursuitsandenvironmentalneeds.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Below (L-R): As a pest animal, foxes pose a significant risk to the region both environmentally and economically.

Photos: Bob McPherson.

Opposite Page: Major bushfires pose a threat to many species.

Photo: DEPI.

656565

significant Risks

Description

Riv

ers/

Fl

oo

dp

lain

s

Wet

land

s

Est

uari

es

Co

asts

Mar

ine

TH sPC

soil/

Land

Flooddamage

Whilefloodingandinundationoflandislargelyconsideredanaturalprocess,itcanbeexacerbatedbymodificationofwaterways.TheGlenelgHopkinsregionmayhaveagreaterpotentialforfloodingduetoclimatechange.Withchangingseasonalpatterns,itispredictedthattherewillbeanincreaseinintenseperiodsofrainfalloverashortertimeframe,increasingthelikelihoodoffloodsoccurring. Sea-levelrisewillalsoimpactonfloodplainmanagement,increasingtheextentanddepthofinundationoffloodplainsandestuarineareas.

3 3 3 3

Inappropriateartificialrivermouthopenings

Withintheregion’sestuaries,thereisahistoryofartificialrivermouthopeningsundertakentoalleviatelandinundation.Ifartificialrivermouthopeningsareundertakenwhentheconditionsintheestuaryareunfavorablemassfishkillscanoccurandfisheggsandlarvaecanbeflushedouttosea.146

3 3 3 3

Barrierstofishmovement

Structuresplacedacrosswaterwayscanformabarriertofishmovement.147Structurescanincludedams,weirsandroads.Thesebarrierscanaffectthemovementofindigenousfishspecies,isolatingfishpopulationsandrestrictingspawningactivities.

3

Soilerosion(on-site andoff-siteimpacts)

Vegetationremovalandintensiveagriculturalproductioncanleadtoalossofsoilorganicmatter,resultinginsoilstructurebreakdownandincreasederosion.Long-termoutcomes ofcontinuederosioncanbeseeninsedimentdepositsintheriversystems.Extensivesheet,tunnel,gullyandstreambankerosionhasledtolargevolumesofsandbeingtrappedintheGlenelgRiveranditstributaries.148GullyandtunnelerosionaremostsignificantintheGlenelgBasinwhere52percentofagriculturallandisestimatedtobeaffectedtoamoderateorsevereextent.149

3 3 3 3

Soilsalinity

Salinityhasdevelopedinresponsetochangesinlanduseandvegetationcoverwithsettlementclearingandagriculturaldevelopment.150Salinityaffectsmorethan27,000ha151 andcoststheregionmorethan$44millionannually.Itimpactstheregion’sagriculturalproduction,waterquality,riverhealth,biodiversity,andenvironmental,heritageandinfrastructureassets.152Theseimpactsareexpectedtoincreasesubstantiallyoverthenext 30years.153

3 3 3 3 3

Soilacidity

Soilacidificationposesamajorthreattotheproductivityandprofitabilityofagricultureandtothehealthofterrestrialbiodiversity.Someagriculturalpracticesacceleratetherateofacidification.154MostoftheGlenelgHopkinsregionhasahigh,inherentsusceptibilitytosoilacidification,withanestimated74percentofagriculturalsoilsintheregionstronglyacidic(pH<5.6).Thereisariskoffurthersoilacidificationinpartsoftheregionunderagriculture,particularlyinareasreceivingmorethan500millimetresofannualrainfall.Undertheinfluenceofcurrentagriculturalpracticesaround10to15percentoftheregioncouldbecomeextremelyacidicinthefuture.155

3 3 3

Declineinsoilorganicmatter

Soilorganicmatterisavitalcomponentofhealthysoilsandhasmanybenefitsintermsofsoilstructure,waterholdingability,itssupportofsoilorganismsanditsreleaseofnutrients.Somefarmingpracticesmayreducesoilorganicmatter,suchasburning,tillage,overgrazingandcropping.Sixty-sixpercentoftheregionisconsideredhighlysusceptibletosoilstructuredecline.156

3 3

Bushfires Whilefireisanintegralpartoftheenvironment,majorbushfiresmayposeathreattomanyspecies,particularlythoselocatedinisolatedremnants.

3 3

ClimateChange

Duringthiscentury,itislikelytheVictoriancoastlinewillbeimpactedbysealevelriseandincreasedfrequencyandseverityofstormeventsleadingtoinundationanderosion.Itisalsopredictedthathighertemperatureswillincreasebushfireriskalongthecoast,andincreasedseatemperatures,changingseacurrentsandfurtheracidificationoftheoceanwillaffectthemarineenvironment.157

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Table 25: Summary of significant risks to regional assets.


iMPLEMEnTinG THE sTRATEGY

Objectives and management measures Lead sub-strategies or action plans to guide implementation

Lead or coordinating responsibility

Delivery partners

ObjECTIvES AND MEASURES THAT RELATE TO ALL OR MULTIPLE ASSET THEMES

Objective 1.1: Protect and improve the region’s waterways, wetlands and estuaries

1.1.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy(whichincludesrivers,estuariesandwetlands)

VictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy(indevelopment)

CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities, ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard, communitygroups

1.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheWesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategythatapplytotheGlenelgHopkinsCatchmentRegion

WesternRegionSustainable WaterStrategy

CMA,DEPI,WaterAuthorities

ParksVictoria, communitygroups

Objective 1.2: Reduce the impact of pest plants and animals on the region’s natural resources and agricultural industries

1.2.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy

GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy(2010-2015)

CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment,TrustforNature

1.2.2 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkins RegionalWeedPlan

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan(2008-2012)

CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment,TrustforNature

1.2.3 UpdatetheGlenelgHopkins RegionalWeedPlan

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan(2008-2012)

CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, landmanagers,communitygroups, localgovernment

Objective 1.3: Maximise biodiversity benefits of sequestering carbon in the landscape and minimise adverse effects

1.3.1 DevelopaRegionalNRMPlantoguidefuturecarbonsequestrationactivities

- CMA DEPI

1.3.2 Identifyprioritylandscapesforpotentialcarbonsequestrationopportunities

- CMA DEPI

1.3.3 Identifyopportunitiesandmanagementstrategiestomaximiseenvironmentalco-benefitsofcarbonbio-sequestrationopportunities

- CMA DEPI, TrustforNature

1.3.4 Provideguidanceonthepotentialrisksandadverseimpactsassociatedwithcarbonsequestrationinthelandscape,includingimpactstobiodiversity,waterresourcesandproductionsystems

- CMA DEPI

Objective 1.4: Protect and manage the visual character of the landscape

1.4.1 UndertakesouthwestVictoriaLandscapeAssessmentStudy

- DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure

DEPI,ParksVictoria,CMA, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard

1.4.2 Provideguidancethroughlocalplanningschemestoprotectandmanagethevisualcharacterofthelandscapeinthefuture

- DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure

DEPI,ParksVictoria,CMA, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard

COMMUNITy PARTICIPATION

Objective 2.1: Maintain and enhance community capacity, awareness and involvement in natural resource management within the region

2.1.1 PrepareaStakeholderandCommunityEngagementPlanfortheimplementationoftheRCSby2013

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy2013-2019

CMA -

2.1.2 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategybytheendof2013

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategy

CMA DEPI,industrygroups,Landcaregroups,Landcarenetworks, landmanagers,WesternCoastalBoard

2.1.3 Developatargetedcommunityeducationprogramtoincreaseawarenessofnaturalassetswithintheregionandencourageactionsthatimproveland,waterandbiodiversityoutcomes

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard

2.1.4 Developandimplementprogramstobuildcommunitycapacityinnaturalresourcemanagement

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment

676767



Delivery partners

2.1.5 Undertakecommunityawarenessandextensionactivitiestopromotenaturalresourcemanagementandbestmanagementpracticesinagriculture

- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,communitygroups,TrustforNature,WesternCoastalBoard

2.1.6 Involvethecommunityindecisionsrelatingtonaturalresourcemanagementwithin their region

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment,

Objective 2.2: Facilitate a collaborative approach to NRM

2.2.1 Collaboratewithindigenouscommunities,communityorganisations,localgovernment,agencies,tertiaryinstitutions,industrygroupsandneighbouringNRMbodiestodeveloppartnershipprojectsandjointinitiatives

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,TrustforNature,Indigenouscommunities

2.2.2 Improveinter-agencyandcrossbordercommunicationthroughactivesupport ofgroups

- CMA DEPI,WimmeraCMA,SouthernRuralWater,GWMWaterSouthEastNRMBoard,DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,DepartmentforWater,SouthEasternWaterConservationandDrainageBoard

2.2.3 Seekopportunitiesforcrossborder andinteragencypartnershipstoaddressmutualnaturalresourcemanagementpriorities

- CMA DEPI,WimmeraCMA,SouthernRuralWater,GWMWaterSouthEastNRMBoard,DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,DepartmentforWater,SouthEasternWaterConservationandDrainageBoard

Objective 2.3: Support land managers in meeting their responsibilities as active stewards of the Catchment’s land, water and biodiversity

2.3.1 ProvideinformationtolandmanagersontheirresponsibilitiestoconservesoilandprotectwaterresourcesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Act

- DEPI CMA

Objective 2.4: Support farmers to incorporate environmental outcomes into their farm systems

2.4.1 Wherepossible,makeexistingpropertymanagementplanningtoolsavailabletolandownerson-line.

- DEPI Landcare,DemoDairy

2.4.2 Raiselandownerawarenessofincentiveprograms

- CMA Localgovernment,Landcare,DEPI,Demo Dairy

RIvERS AND FLOODPLAINS

Objective 3.1: Waterways classified as good or excellent in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) will remain as such in 2033

3.1.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy

RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped)

CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,communitygroups,landmanagers

Objective 3.2: The condition of specified waterways currently classed as poor to moderate in the Index of Stream Condition (ISC3) is improved by 2033

3.2.1 DevelopandimplementRegionalWaterwayStrategy


CMA DEPI,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,communitygroups,landmanagers

Objective 3.3: Improve river health in relation to riparian extent, connectivity, hydrological regime and water quality

3.3.1 Developandimplementactionplans forprioritywaterwaysandtheircatchmentsexceptwhereexistingparkandforestmanagementplansaddressprioritywaterwaysthatoccurwithinparks,reservesandforests


CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,landmanagers

3.3.2 Developandimplementseasonal wateringproposals

RegionalWaterwayStrategy(tobedeveloped)

CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,communitygroups,landmanagers


implemenTinG The sTraTeGy



Delivery partners

Objective 3.4: Increase provision of reliable flood information for settlements

3.4.1 By2014,completeaRegionalFloodplainManagementPlan

- CMA DEPI,localgovernment

3.4.2 Supportthedevelopmentofaframeworkforupgradingfloodwarningsystems

- CMA Localgovernment

3.4.3 Completeaprioritylistfornewandupgradedfloodwarningsystemsfor the region


3.4.4 Undertakefloodstudiestoimproveknowledgeofpotentialfloodimpacts onsettlements

- CMA Localgovernment, communitygroups

3.4.5 Workwithlocalgovernmenttoamendplanningschemestoreflectbestavailablefloodinformation

- Localgovernment

CMA,DEPI

3.4.6 Developguidelinesforappropriate useandmanagementoffloodplains

- CMA DEPI,localgovernment

Objective 3.5: Improve river and floodplain management

3.5.1 Increasecommunitypreparednessforfloodeventsthroughdevelopmentof earlywarningsystemsandfloodawarenessprograms


3.5.2 Seekcommunityinputduringtheplanninganddeliveryofstrategicmanagementplans

- CMA Communitygroupsand communitymembers

WETLANDS

Objective 4.1: by 2033, improve the condition of wetlands, and maintain the diversity of wetland types (using IWC1 assessment for comparison)

4.1.1 DevelopandimplementawetlandstrategicframeworkaspartoftheRegionalWaterwayStrategy

VictorianWaterwayManagementStrategy(indevelopment)

CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,VicRoads,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,EPA,communitygroups, TrustforNature

4.1.2 Developstrategicmanagementplans forsignificant(priority)wetlands

- CMA(DEPIonpublicland)

DEPI,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,community,adjacentlandmanagers,TrustforNature

4.1.3 Developbestmanagementpractices forwetlands

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment

4.1.4 Supportindigenouswetland restorationprojects

- CMA/Winda-MaraAboriginalCorporation

ParksVictoria,DEPI,SRW, localgovernment, WesternCoastalBoard(consult)

4.1.5 Establishamanagementframework forreinstatingdrainedwetlands

- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,Indigenouspartnerorganizations,TrustforNature

4.1.6 Reviewtheeffectivenessofcurrentmeasurestomitigatetheimpactof land-usechangeonwetlands

- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,TrustforNature

4.1.7 Througheducationandincentiveprograms,increasethenumberofprivatelandmanagersimplementingbestwetlandmanagementpractices

- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,landmanagers

4.1.8 Preventnegativeimpactstowetlandsfromnewdevelopmentsbyworkingwithcouncilstoimplementwetland-specificplanningschemeoverlays

- CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,Indigenouspartnerorganisations

4.1.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandpurchase ofprioritywetlands

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria

696969



Delivery partners

ESTUARIES

Objective 5.1: by 2033 improve the condition of estuaries across the region as compared with the 2018 IEC assessment

5.1.1 DevelopandimplementanestuariesstrategicframeworkthroughtheRegionalWaterwayStrategy

DraftVictorianWaterStrategy CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,VicRoads,Indigenouspartnerorganisations,EPA,Community

5.1.2 ReviewEstuaryManagementPlansastheyexpire,inconjunctionwiththeRegionalWaterStrategy

Regionalestuarymanagementplans CMA DEPI,ParksVic,localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard

5.1.3 RevisetheSouthWestVictoria CoastalActionPlanby2014

SouthWestEstuariesCoastal ActionPlan

WesternCoastalBoard

Localgovernment,DEPI,ParksVic,CMA,CommitteesofManagement

5.1.4 DevelopEnvironmentSignificanceOverlaystoprotectestuariesfrominappropriatedevelopmentanduse

Regionalestuarymanagementplans,municipalplanningschemes

CMA Localgovernment,WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI,DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure

5.1.5 Whereappropriateidentifystrategic landpurchasesitesfortheprotection andimprovementofestuaryfunction andbiodiversityvalues

Regionalestuarymanagementplans CMA DEPI,ParksVic,localgovernment,TrustforNature,BHF,privatelandmanagers

5.1.6 ImplementEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystemacrosstheeightestuariesthatoccurwithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion

RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped),regionalestuarymanagementplans

CMA DEPI,SRW,WaterAuthorities,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,EPA,

5.1.7 Conductresearchintoestuarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithcoastalandmarineenvironmentsand toreducenegativeimpacts

- Universities DEPI,ParksVictoria, WesternCoastalBoard

5.1.8 ContinueestuarymonitoringtoinformEstuaryEntranceManagementSupportSystem(EEMSS)andenableimplementationofIEC

RegionalWaterwayStrategy (tobedeveloped),regionalestuarymanagementplans

CMA DEPI

COASTS

Objective 6.1: by 2033 maintain the condition of the coast and manage specific threats to improve condition where appropriate

6.1.1 RevisetheSouthWestVictoriaRegionalCoastalActionPlanby2014

SouthWestVictoriaRegional CoastalActionPlan

WesternCoastalBoard

CMA,localgovernment,DEPI, ParksVic,CommitteesofManagement

6.1.2 Developenvironmentalsignificanceoverlaysfortheprotectionofcoasts

VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,VictorianLandscapeSettingTypes fortheVictorianCoast

Localgovernment

CMA,DEPI,WesternCoastalBoard,DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure

6.1.3 Developcoastaladaptationplans tomanagetheimpactofsea-levelrise,stormsurgeandfloodinginpriorityareas

VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,LocalManagementPlans

DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandInfrastructure

CMA,DEPI,WesternCoastalBoard,TrustforNature,localgovernment,CommitteesofManagement

6.1.4 Includeneedforcoastalpestplantandanimalmanagementintoregionalplans

GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy(tobereplaced byRegionalWaterwayStrategy)

CMA Localgovernment,ParksVic,EPA,DEPI

6.1.5 Monitorandworktocontrolpestplantandanimalspeciesonthecoast

GlenelgHopkinsInvasive AnimalStrategy

CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, localgovernment

6.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismandrecreationtominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts

Regionalestuarymanagementplans,VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestVictoriaEstuariesCoastalActionPlan

Localgovernment

TourismVictoria,VRFish,WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI

6.1.7 Continuetoconveneamarine,coastalandestuarinecrossagencymanagementcoordinationforumfor the region

VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestCoastalActionPlan

CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment

6.1.8 Consultthecommunityincoastalplanningandmanagementprocesses

VictorianCoastalStrategy, SouthWestCoastalActionPlan

Localgovernment

WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,CMA

6.1.9 Conductresearchintocoastalenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandmarineenvironmentsandtoreducenegativeimpacts

- Universities CMA,DEPI,ParksVictoria, WesternCoastalBoard





Delivery partners

MARINE

Objective:7.1: by 2033 maintain the condition of the marine environment and manage specific catchment-based threats to improve condition where appropriate

7.1.1 Supportandassistinfisherieseducationprogramwithaparticularfocusonspeciesthatutiliseboththemarineandestuarinefreshwater environments

VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan,FisheriesManagementPlans

DEPI Fisheries,industry,CMA,volunteers,communitygroups

7.1.2 Consolidateandintegrateprograms toaddressland-basedsourcesof marinepollution

VictorianCoastalStrategy,SouthWestVictoriaCoastalActionPlan

CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment

7.1.3 Reducetheimpactofcatchmentdischargesonthehealthofmarineecosystemsbypromotingoperationalchangesinfarmpractices


EPA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment

7.1.4 Support,whereappropriate,deliveryofregionalactionslistedinthe2008VictorianCoastalStrategydesignedtoprotectmarinebiodiversityandecosystems


CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVic,localgovernment,communitygroups

7.1.5 Conductresearchintomarineenvironmentstobetterunderstandfunction,structureandconnectivitywithestuarineandcoastalenvironmentsand toreducenegativeimpacts

- Universities Universities,DEPI,ParksVictoria,WesternCoastalBoard

7.1.6 Promoteandencourageasustainabletourismindustrytominimisenegativeenvironmentalimpacts

VictorianCoastalStrategy WesternCoastalBoard

Localgovernment,TourismVictoria,DEPI,VRFish

7.1.7 Monitordevelopmentsinalternativeenergyandresourceuseandworkwithagenciesfortheirecologicallysustainabledevelopment

VictorianCoastalStrategy CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI, ParksVictoria,localgovernment

7.1.8 Undertakeresearchtobetterunderstandcatchment-basedthreatstomarineassets

- CMA WesternCoastalBoard,DEPI,EPA,localgovernment

TERRESTRIAL HAbITAT

Objective 8.1: Maintain extent and improve condition of terrestrial habitat

8.1.1 By2019,maintainand/orincreasetheextentofnativevegetationonpublicandprivateland(comparedwith2012levels)andimproveitsquality

- CMA DEPI,ParksVictoria, Landmanagers,TrustforNature, localgovernment

8.1.2 ImplementactionswithintheGlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlantoimprovetheconditionofnativevegetation

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012

CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroup,landmanagers, TrustforNature

8.1.3 Protectandimprovetheconditionofterrestrialhabitatthroughrevegetation,fencingwhereappropriateandimplementationofbestmanagementpractices

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012

GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006

CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroupsandlandmanagers

8.1.4 ImprovenativevegetationresourceconditionbybuildingpartnershipswithprivatelandholderstopreserverareEcologicalVegetationClasses

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan

CMA DEPI,landmanagers, TrustforNature

8.1.5 Protectimportantbiodiversityvaluesfoundintheparksandreservesnetworkthroughtheimplementationofparkandforestmanagementplans

PortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsRegionParkManagementPlans,SouthWestManagementPlan(tobedeveloped),WannonWaterBiodiversityStrategy

DEPI/ ParksVic

-

8.1.6 SupportthedevelopmentandimplementationofRoadsideVegetationPlansforpriorityroadsideswithsignificantremnant vegetation

GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,WannonWaterBiodiversityStrategy

VicRoads,localgovernment

DEPI,CMA, communitygroups,CFA

8.1.7 Increasetheextentofprivatelandmanagedforbiodiversityconservation

TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan

TrustforNature

DEPI,CMA,landowners, Indigenousgroups

71



Delivery partners

8.1.8 Developconservationcovenantstoprotectareasofhigh-valueremnantvegetation

- TrustforNature

DEPI,CMA,localgovernment,landowners

8.1.9 Developconditionstatementsforterrestrialhabitatasinformationbecomesavailable

- CMA ParksVic,DEPI

8.1.10 By2015,developandbeginimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy

GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015,GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan

CMA DEPI,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups

Objective 8.2: Improve connectivity of habitat for species populations and communities

8.2.1 Identifypriorityregionalbiolinksby theendof2013

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan

CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature

8.2.2 Identifyandmapareaswithinbiolinkswhereecosystemshavenaturalregenerativecapacity

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan

DEPI CMA,ParksVic,landmanagers,localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature

8.2.3 Implementcross-tenurelandscapeconnectivityprogramsonprivateandpublicland

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006

CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers localgovernment,communitygroups,TrustforNature

8.2.4 Whereappropriate,pursueopportunitiesforlandpurchasewithinprioritybiolinkareas

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan2006

CMA DEPI,ParksVic,landmanagers, localgovernment,communitygroups,AustralianGovernment,TrustforNature

Objective 8.3: Public land is managed as the core of resilient ecosystems

8.3.1 ImplementPortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan(StateForests)

PortlandHorshamForestManagementPlan2011

DEPI

8.3.2 DevelopandimplementNgootyoongGunditj,NgootyoongMaraSouthWestManagementPlan

- ParksVictoria TrustforNature

8.3.3 Supportresilientecosystemmanagementonpubliclandwithbufferzones andlinkagesbyprotectingadjacentprivateland

- CMA TrustforNature,landmanagers

THREATENED SPECIES POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES

Objective 9.1: Improve the health of key populations of threatened species and communities

9.1.1 By2015,developandbeginimplementationofregionalbiodiversitystrategy


CMA DEPI,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups

9.1.2 ImplementactionsfromtheGlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy 2010-2015

GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015

CMA DEPI,localgovernment, landmanagers,CommunityGroups

9.1.3 ContinuetosupportregionalThreatenedFloraandFaunaProgramandtheimplementationofhighpriorityactionsinhighprioritylocationsconsistentwiththeActionsforBiodiversityConservation(ABC)database


DEPI CMA,localgovernment,ParksVic,communitygroups,BirdlifeAustralia

9.1.4 Achieveanimprovementintheconservationstatusoflistedthreatenedspeciesandecologicalcommunities

ActionStatements,RecoveryPlans DEPI CMA,Regionalstakeholders, TrustforNature

9.1.5 ReviewandimplementActionStatementandRecoveryPlansforlistedthreatenedspeciesandcommunitieswithintheGlenelgHopkinsregion

ActionStatements,RecoveryPlans,TrustforNature’sStatewideConservationPlan,TrustforNature’sRegionalConservationPlan

DEPI CMA,Regionalstakeholders,BirdlifeAustralia,TrustforNature




Delivery partners

9.1.6 Investinimprovingtheresilienceofthreatenedspeciesthroughprogramstargetedathabitatimprovement

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan

CMA -

9.1.7 Implementecologicallyappropriateburningforprotectionoffloraandfaunacommunitieswhereappropriate

DistrictFireOperationsPlans DEPI ParksVic,CFA, landmanagers

9.1.8 Supportlong-term,two-wayknowledgetransferandcapacitybuildingtoenhancetheroleoftraditionalecologicalknowledgeinbiodiversityconservation

- CMA,DEPI,inpartnershipwith indigenouspeoples

Communitygroups

9.1.9 Buildcapacityandenhanceknowledgeofindustryandlocalgovernmenttoplanandprotectbiodiversity,particularlythreatenedspeciesandcriticalhabitats

- CMA/DEPI Regionalstakeholders, TrustforNature, communitygroups

9.1.10 Buildregionalcapacitythroughtrainingandeducationprograms(e.g.farmplanning)toincreaseawarenessofregionalbiodiversityassets,valuesandthreats

- CMA/DEPI DEPI,ParksVic,TrustforNature,communitygroups

9.1.11 Collaboratewithotherstakeholders (e.g.universitiesandresearchinstitutions)toincreasecapacitytosurveyandmonitorthreatenedspecieswithintheregion

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan,RegionalWaterwayStrategy(tobedeveloped)

CMA DEPI,universities, researchinstitutions

SOIL AND LAND

Objective 10.1: An improvement in soil condition as measured by key indicators by 2033

10.1.1 UpdateandimplementtheGlenelgHopkinsregionSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014

GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy

CMA DEPI,landmanagers, communitygroups

10.1.2 Updateandcommenceimplementation oftheGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan

GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan 2005-2008

CMA DEPI,communityandindustrygroups,landmanagers

Objective 10.2: An increase in the area of soils managed within their capability

10.2.1 Investigatebenchmarksforkeyindicatorsofhealthysoils(stable-statetargets)

GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014

DEPI CMA

10.2.2 Investigateopportunitiesforsoil capabilitymappingunderdifferent landmanagementpractices


CMA DEPI

10.2.3 Identifysoilsatriskundercertainmanagement regimes


CMA DEPI,industrygroups

10.2.4 Promoteincreasedlevelsofawareness andadoptionoflandmanagementmethodstomaintainorimprovethehealthandproductivityofsoil


DEPI CMA,communitygroups, industrygroups

10.2.5 Undertakeeducationprogramsthatpromotesoilasafinite,valuableresourceandecosystemservicesprovidedbysoils


CMA DEPI,communitygroups, industrygroups

10.2.6 Continuedevelopmentandcommunicationoflandcapabilityinformation(e.g.trialsandon-farmdemonstrationsites)toguideland-usechangedecisions


CMA DEPI,industrygroups, landmanagers,communitygroups

10.2.7 Maintainaminimumof70percentgroundcoverduringthesummerseason


CMA DEPI,industrygroups,landmanagers,communitygroups

10.2.8 Examineopportunitiesforcomplianceprograms


CMA DEPI

10.2.9 Identifyopportunitiesforlandcapability,overlaysandplanningcontrols

- DEPI CMA

10.2.10 Raiseawarenessoffundamentalsofsoilcarboncomposition,functionandsequestrationopportunities

- CMA DEPI


MoniToRinG EvALUATion AnD REPoRTinGREVIEW�AND�MANAGEMENT� �OF�THE�RCS

TheprimarygoalofthisMonitoring,EvaluationandReporting(MER)frameworkistoprovidetheprocessesandactionsforunderstanding,improvingandcommunicatingtheimpactofmanagingtheregion’snaturalresourceassets.

ThisframeworkwillprovidetheoverarchingdirectionfortheapplicationofMERprinciplesandprocessestotheimplementationoftheRCS.ItwillbesupportedbyaMERplanthatwillbedevelopedbyJuly2013.

AMERframeworkisvitalforunderstandingsuccess(andfailures)andhowbesttolearnfromthem.MERprovidestheinformationthatisrequiredtoadaptivelyrespondandmanageprogramsinanoftenuncertainfieldofmanagement.

GlenelgHopkinsCMAcommitstoco-ordinatingamid-termreviewoftheRCS(duein2015)usingtheseadaptivemanagementprocessesaswellasundertakingacomprehensiveevaluationattheconclusionofthestrategy’simplementation.

MER�PRINCIPLES�FOR�THE�RCS

TheRCSMERisbasedonthefollowingprinciples:

• DuringthelifeoftheRCS,newinformationandknowledgewillmostlikelybecomeavailable.ThisinformationandknowledgewillneedtobeincorporatedintotheRCSbytakinganadaptivemanagementapproach.

• Managementinterventionsfornaturalresourcemanagementoftenhaveimpactsatdifferenttemporalscales.Notallimpactsofmanagementinterventionswillbeexpectedtobeapparentwithinthelifetimeofthisstrategy.Ongoingmonitoringmayberequiredtorecognisetheselongertermachievements.

• ThesuccessofMERfortheRCSwillrequirestrongpartnershipstoensuredataanditsinterpretationisuptodateandavailable.Datacollectionandsharingproceduresmayneedtobeestablished.

• Variousstandards(forexamplevegetationworksstandardsandstandardoutputprotocols)areorwillbeavailabletosupportMERandshouldbeconsidered.

• TheMERframeworkshouldalsoconsider sub-strategyandactionplanimplementation.



Delivery partners

Objective 10.3: by 2033 reduce the impact of soil based threats, including salinity and erosion, on waterways and wetlands as measured by improved ISC and IWC scores (turbidity and EC)

10.3.1 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan

GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan 2005-2008

CMA GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy

10.3.2 ImplementtherevisedGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan


CMA DEPI,landholders,communitygroups,industrygroups

Objective 10.4: by 2033 Soils are managed for protection and enhancement of the beneficial ecosystem services provided by soils

10.4.1 ImplementtheGlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan


CMA GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandSoilHealthPlan2009-2014,VictorianSoilHealthStrategy

MONITORING, EvALUATION AND REPORTING

11.1 Conduct a mid-term and full-term review of the RCS

11.1.1 DevelopanRCSMERPlanbyJuly2013 - CMA -

11.1.2 ReviewRCSMERPlanannually - CMA -

11.1.3 Conductamid-termreviewoftheRCS byJuly2016

GlenelgHopkinsRCS,RCSMERPlan CMA -

11.1.4 ConductafinalreviewoftheRCS byJuly2019

GlenelgHopkinsRCS,RCSMERPlan CMA -

ImplementationoftheRCSisdependentonfundingavailability.

Table 26: Implementing the Strategy.

73


OUTCOMES�HIERARCHY

TheRCSisinformedbyahierarchyofoutcomesorinotherwords,thingsthatcanbeachievedbothintheshortandlong-term.Aseriesof20-yearobjectiveshavebeendevelopedthatwillberequiredtoachievetheregion’s50-yearvision.Six-yearmanagementmeasureshavebeenidentifiedforeachobjective.

CRITICAL�ASSUMPTIONS�FOR� �THE�OUTCOMES�HIERARCHY

Assumptionsaretheexpectations,basedoncurrentknowledgeandexperience,aboutwhatisimportantforastrategy’ssuccess.

Thefollowingbroadassumptionscanbeapplied:

• dataisavailableandcanbemeaningfullyappliedwhenevaluatingandreportingonimplementation

• resourcesareavailableformonitoringactivities, datacollectionandmanagement

• resourcesareavailabletodeliverthenecessaryaction

• newlandmanagementpracticeswillbeadopted

• predictedconditions(takingintoaccountpredictionsaboutclimatechangeandland-usechange)forthelifeoftheRCSarecorrect

• resourcesareavailableforthepreparationandimplementationofsupportingsub-strategiesandactionplansduringthelifeoftheRCS

• landmanagersengageandareencouraged andempoweredtoact

• landmanagersareinterestedinattending trainingandworkshopeventsandactively seektechnicaladvice

• FundingisavailableforRCSactions.

ARE�THE�RIGHT�RESULTS� �BEING�ACHIEVED?Keyevaluationquestions,formthebasisforassessingwhetherthemanagementmeasureshaveoccurred asrequiredandwhethertheyhavebeeneffective inbringingaboutthedesiredchange.

Keyevaluationquestionsagainstthecategoriesofimpact,appropriateness,effectiveness,efficiencyandlegacyaredetailedbelow(Table 27).AssociatedmonitoringactivitieswillbedetailedintheRCSMERPlantobedeveloped.

REPORTING�GlenelgHopkinsCMAmustreportannuallyontheconditionandmanagementoflandandwaterresourcesintheregion.Thisreportissubmittedas acomponentoftheCMA’sannualreportandisbasedonasetofguidelinesissuedbyDEPI.

TheCMAwillconductamid-termandafull-termreviewoftheRCS (Table 19).Thesereviews,whilesimilartotheannualreportingprocess,willplacegreateremphasisonreportingoncondition,achievementofthe20-yearobjectivesandeffectivenessoftheRCS(intermsofimplementationofmanagementmeasuresandactions).ThesereviewsmayalsoindicatenecessarychangestoimplementationoftheRCStoensureobjectives willbemet.

impact

InwhatwaysandtowhatextenthastheRCScontributedtochangingmanagementpractices?Whatincreasehastherebeeninthenumberoflandmanagersapplyingbestmanagementpractices?

Whatisthestatusandtrendinassetconditionintheregion?

Whatprogresshasbeenmadetowardsachievingthe20-yearobjectives?

Appropriateness

Dothemanagementmeasuresandactionsremainthebestmanagementpracticesavailableoraretheremoreappropriatemethodsthatshouldbeimplemented?

Effectiveness

Howeffectiveweretheimplementedmeasuresatmeeting theobjectives?

Arethecurrentmanagementmeasuresandactionsstillthemosteffectiveformeetingthe20-yearobjectivesorarethereother,moreeffectiveways?

Efficiency

Towhatextentwerethestrategyimplementationactionscompleted?

Towhatextenthavetheprogramofmeasuresbeenimplemented?

Legacy

HowaretheeffectsofRCSimplementationexpectedtocontinueovertime,particularlyafterthestrategyhasreachedtheendofitscycle?

Table 27: Key evaluation questions.

moniTorinG evalUaTion anD reporTinG

75

RCS�WORKING�GROUP

AnRCSWorkingGroupwasestablishedtoprovideadviceonthedevelopmentoftheRCS.ThecompositionofthegroupisshowninTable 28.

75

Figure 19: RCS development process.

TheGlenelgHopkinsRCSistheresultofacollaborativeprocessinvolvinggovernmentdepartments,manyregionalorganisations,agencies,communitygroupsandindividuals.Thedevelopmentofthestrategyinvolvedfourbroadstages,asshowninFigure 19.

1. REviEW

• Reviewofregion’ssecondRCS

• Reviewofrelevantlegislation,policiesandstrategies

• Asset-basedworkshopswithkeyregionalstakeholderstoidentifysignificantassets

2. DRAFT RCs

• Programlogic,vision-setting,andobjective-settingworkshops

• DevelopmentofDraftRCS

3. PUBLiC ExHiBiTion

• Publicexhibitionperiod

• Reviewofpublicsubmissions

• Publicinformationsessions

4. FinAL RCs

• Considerandincorporatefeedbackondraft

• BoardendorsementoffinaldraftforsubmissiontoMinisters

• PresentationofRCSforMinisterialapproval

appenDix 1: rcs DevelopmenT process

Organisation Representative

GHCMARiverandWetland HealthAdvisoryGroup • MichelleCasanova–communityrepresentative

GHCMABiodiversityandLandHealthAdvisoryGroup

• MartinWestbrooke–communityrepresentative• MikeWaite–communityrepresentative

DepartmentofEnvironmentand PrimaryIndustries

• AllysonLardner–ProgramCoordinatorCatchmentsandWater,SouthWestRegion• ValerieLittle–WholeFarmPlanningOfficer

ParksVictoria • EvanMcDowell–EnvironmentProgramManagerGrampians

RMIT • MaryJohnson–ResearchFellow

GlenelgHopkinsCMA

• MichaelRees–PartnershipandInvestmentProgramManager• AdamBester–WaterwayandCatchmentHealthProgramManager• BradHenderson–StatutoryWaterProgramManager• PhilPerret–StrategyandInvestmentManager• KellieNilsson–StrategicPartnershipsManager• HannahBrook–MER&RCSCoordinator• GabrielleLanman–RCSOfficer

Table 28: RCS Working Group.

REVIEW�OF�THE�2003-2007�RCS

GlenelgHopkinsCMAundertookareviewoftheGlenelgHopkins2003-2007RCSin2009.Theintent ofthereviewwastocapturelearningsfromthepreviousRCSandtorecordcommunityperceptionsabouttheimplementationandeffectivenessofthestrategy.Theaimwastoensureimprovementfor the2013-2019RCS.ThereviewconcludedthattheGlenelgHopkinsRCS2003-2007wasviewedasavaluedregionaldocument;however,someofitsapproacheswereconsideredoutdated.

Thefourmainopportunitiesidentifiedwere:

• ensuringSMART(Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Relevant,Timely)targets

• moreclearlydefiningprojectlogicandmonitoringandevaluationprocesses

• integratingprogressagainsttargetreporting tostakeholdersandcommunity

• clarifyingtheapproachtoassets.


OpportunitiesforusingregionalpartnershipsmoreeffectivelyforRCSdevelopmentandimplementationwerealsoidentified,withaparticularemphasisontheroleoflocalgovernment.Respondentsalsosuggesteddevelopingadocumentthatwassimplerandeasier touse.

Severalopportunitieswerehighlightedregardingthecommunityengagementcomponentofthestrategydevelopment.Ninety-threepercentofsurveyrespondentsindicatedthattheyortheirorganisationwouldliketoparticipateinthedevelopmentofthenextRCS.Respondentswereinvitedtoprovidesuggestionstoassistwithplanningengagementactivitiesforthe2013-2019RCS.

Fivethemesemergedfromthisprocess:

1.appropriatetailoringtovariousaudiences

2.establishingandseekingguidancefromadvisory/workinggroups

3.providingfeedbackopportunities

4.engagingwithIndigenouscommunityonCountryabouttheRCS

5.ensuringinvolvementofappropriaterepresentativesfromalllevelsofgovernment.

Thereviewprovidedvaluableguidanceforplanningstakeholderandcommunityengagementduringthedevelopmentofthe2013-2019RCS.

STAKEHOLDER�WORKSHOPS� �AND�FORUMS

Publicforumswereheldduring2011inHamilton,Portland,Balmoral,MortlakeandSkipton,wherecommunitiesassistedwiththeidentificationandprioritisationofenvironmentalassetswithineach oftheassetclasses.Allcontributionsnominated bythecommunitywererecordedandusedtoassist indevelopingthefinalprioritisedlistofassets.

InFebruary2012,anRCSworkshopofregionalenvironmentalexpertshelpeddevelopkeyguidingstatementsfortheRCS.Thereweremorethan 30participantsrepresentingDEPI,GrampiansWimmeraMalleeWater,ParksVictoria,localgovernment,WannonWater,TrustforNature, GlenelgHopkinsCMAandCMAadvisorygroups, andrepresentativesfromlocalIndigenouscommunities.

TwomajorcommunityworkshopswereheldinHamiltoninMarch2012toseekpublicinputinto thedevelopmentoftheRCS.Theworkshopsplayed akeyroleinthedevelopmentoftheregionalvisionfortheRCS,andassociatedhigh-levelnaturalresourcemanagementobjectives,andwereattendedbyover50communitymembers.AdditionalpublicinformationsessionswereheldinCasterton,Heywood,Portland,Ararat,LakeBolacandWarrnamboolduringMayandJune2012todiscussandseekfeedbackontheRCS.

ASSET-BASED�APPROACH�

Thestrategyhasbeendevelopedusingan asset-basedapproach.Anasset-basedapproachisastructuredprocesstoidentifyareasforpriorityattentionandtoachievetargetedoutcomes.Inthiscontext,assetsaredefinedastangiblebio-physicalelementsoftheenvironmentthatarevaluablefortheirenvironmental,socialandeconomicvalues.158

TheINFFERprocesswasusedduringthedevelopmentoftheRCStoidentifyandprioritisesignificantassets.Incloseconsultationwiththecommunityandregionalpartnersalistofmorethan300significantregionalassetswasdeveloped.

Toreducethenumberofsignificantassetsitwasthennecessarytoapplya“filter”usingasimplifiedsetofcriteriaincluding:

1.Howsignificantistheasset (exceptional,veryhighorhigh)

2.Whatisthedegreeofthreattotheasset?Withoutamajornewprojectforthisasset,howdamagedwilltheassetbein20-yearstime?(veryhigh,high,medium,low)

3.Canyouclearlyidentifytheasset?

4.Willitbepossibletodefineagoalfortheassetthatis‘SMART’(specific,measurable,achievable,relevantandtimebound)?

5.Isthereevidencetoindicatethatmanagementactionscanmakearealdifference,sufficienttoachieveaworthwhileSMARTgoalfortheasset?

6.Ifthedesiredmanagementactionsaremainlyonprivateland,isitlikelythatthoseactionswouldbereasonablyattractivetofullyinformedlandmanagerswhenadoptedovertherequiredscale?

7.Iftheprojectrequireschangebyotherinstitutions(e.g.localgovernment,stategovernment)isthere agoodchancethatthiswilloccur?

Thelistofsignificantassetsforeachoftheasset-basedchaptersappearinginthisdocumentaretheresultofthisprocess.Theselistsofpriorityassetsweretakenastepfurtherwiththecreationofacatchmentassetsmap(Figure 18).Thecreationandintendeduseofthismaparedescribedinthesectiontitled:“Priorityareasforintervention”.

7777

appenDix 2: roles anD responsiBiliTies for naTUral resoUrce manaGemenT

Regional Group Roles and Responsibilities

GlenelgHopkinsCMA

ResponsibleforpreparingtheRCSandcoordinatingitsimplementation,settingregionalpriorities,providingregionalleadershipandcoordination,coordinatingworkstoprotectandenhanceregionallandandwaterresources,licensingofworksonwaterways,regionalfloodplainanddrainagemanagementandmanagementoftheEnvironmentalWaterReserve.ReportstotheVictorianGovernmentoncatchmentconditionandmanagement.

NeighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies

ImplementationofthestrategyisreliantonstrongandeffectivepartnershipswithneighbouringCMAsandNRMbodies.

CommonwealthDepartmentofAgricultureFisheriesandForestry

Developnationalinitiativesforsustainableresourcemanagementanduseandadministerprogramstopromotethewidespreadadoptionofsustainablenaturalresourcemanagementpractices.

VictorianCatchmentManagementCouncil

ReporteveryfiveyearsontheenvironmentalconditionandmanagementofVictoria’slandandwaterresourcesthroughtheVCMCCatchmentConditionreport,advisetheMinisterforEnvironmentandClimateChangeandMinisterforWateronlandandwatermanagementissues,andencouragecooperationandfacilitatescommunicationthroughvariousprojectsandforums.

DepartmentofEnvironmentandPrimaryIndustries(DEPI)

DEPIisVictoria’sleadgovernmentagencyforsustainablemanagementofwaterresources,climatechange,bushfires,publicland,forestsandecosystems.

DepartmentofTransport,PlanningandLocalInfrastructure

Conductland-useplanningandenvironmentalassessmentinVictoria,managethelegalframework fortheVictorianplanningsystemandprovideadviceonplanningpolicyandstrategicplanningforlanddevelopment.TheDepartmentalsohasarolewithAboriginalaffairsthroughAboriginalAffairsVictoria(AAV).AAVprovidesadvicetotheVictorianGovernmentonAboriginalpolicyandplanning,anddeliverskeyprograms.

LocalGovernmentInfluencesnaturalresourcemanagementthroughitsresponsibilitiesforland-useplanning,developmentapprovalsandmaintenanceactivities.Somelocalgovernmentauthoritieshavebeeninvolvedwiththedevelopmentofenvironmentalplans.

UrbanwaterauthoritiesProvidewaterandwastewaterservicestourbancommunitiesandmanagementofspecificwatersupplycatchments.MeetobligationsissuedbytheMinisterforWaterundertheWater Act,including:preparingplans,communityengagementprocesses,managingassetsandsafetyandenvironmentalmanagement.

Ruralwaterauthorities Provideirrigation,drainage,watersupplyandmanagementofspecificwatersupplycatchments.Theyissuelicensesforsurfaceandgroundwaterextractions.

WesternCoastalBoard

ImplementstheVictorianCoastalStrategy,providesleadershipincoastalplanning(developCoastalActionPlans),promotesthesustainableuseofnatural,socialandeconomicsystemswithinthecoastalenvironment,managesignificantcoastal,estuarineandmarineareasorissues,facilitatesappropriatedevelopment,recognisestheimportanceofculturalandhistoricvaluesandencouragescommunityparticipation.

ParksVictoria Primaryroleistheprotectionofthenaturalandculturalvaluesintheregion’sterrestrialandmarineparksandreservesnetworkthroughecologicallysustainablemanagementandvisitoraccess.

TrustforNature Isanon-profitorganisationworkingtoprotectremnantvegetationandwildlife.TheTrustfocuseson itsconservationcovenantprogramandthepurchaseandre-sellingofhighconservationvalueland.

BirdLifeAustralia PrimaryobjectiveistoconserveAustralia’sbirdsandtheirhabitats.Thisisachievedthroughinvolvement inconservationscienceandprojects.

EnvironmentProtectionAuthority

Primaryroleistoprotectair,waterandlandfrompollution,controlindustrialnoiseandminimisewastegenerationthroughtheadministrationofenvironmentalprotectionpolicies.

VicRoadsIsactivelyinvolvedindevelopingroadsidemanagementplansformajorroads.Theseplansassistwithmanagingroadsideenvironmentsandconsiderpestplantsandanimals,retentionofsignificantroadsideareas,maintenancestrategiesandmaintenanceoffirebreaks.

CommitteesofManagement

AreappointedundertheCrown Land (Reserves) Act 1978tomanagetheirreserveonbehalfofthe MinisterforEnvironmentandClimateChange.Theyhavetheresponsibilitytomanagecrownlandreserves.

Landcareandothercommunitygroups

Participationinspecificareaplanningandongroundworks.Itisimportantthatcommunitygroupsaresupportedtobeinvolvedininitiativestoimprovethehealthoftheregion.

Landmanagers

HaveresponsibilitiesundertheCatchment and Land Protection Acttoavoidcausingorcontributingto landdegradation.Responsibilitiesincludeconservingsoil,protectingwaterresources,eradicatingregionallyprohibitedweeds,preventingthegrowthofregionallycontrolledweedsandpreventingthespreadof (oreradicatingwherepossible)establishedpestanimals.

Indigenouspartnerorganisations

Possessknowledgeofthecatchmentanditsprocesses.Theydirectlycontrolareasoflandandshouldbeinvolvedtoensureknowledgeiscapturedandutilised.

Universitiesandresearchinstitutions

Assistwithfillinginformationgapsacrosstheregion.Theyalsoprovidearoleinsupportingnaturalresourcemanagersthroughstudentandstaffinvolvementinregionalinitiatives.

Table 29: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management.


appenDix 3: policies, sTraTeGies anD leGislaTion

Title

Asset Class

Riv

ers

Wet

land

s

Est

uari

es

Co

asts

Mar

ine

sPC

TH

soil/

Land

international agreements

WesternDistrictLakesRamsarsite:strategicmanagementplan(2002) 3

ConventiononMigratorySpecies(‘Bonn’Convention) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

TheJapan-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(JAMBA)andtheChina-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(CAMBA) 3 3 3 3 3

RepublicofKorea-AustraliaMigratoryBirdAgreement(ROKAMBA)

Australian Government legislation and strategies

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (1984) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Australia’sBiodiversityConservationStrategy2010-2030 3 3 3 3 3 3

StrategyforAustralia’sNationalReserveSystem2009-2030 3 3 3

TheAustralianWeedsStrategy(revised2007) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

AustralianPestAnimalStrategy(2007) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

DirectoryofImportantWetlandsinAustralia(2001) 3

Native Title Act (1993) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

state Government legislation and strategies

Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act (1972) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Climate Change Act (2010) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Coastal Management Act (1995) 3 3 3 3

Crown Land (Reserves) Act (1978) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Planning and Environment Act (1987) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Environment Effects Act (1978) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Environment Protection Act (1972) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Forests Act (1958) 3 3 3

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) 3 3 3

InvasivePlantsandAnimalPolicyFramework(2010) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

National Parks Act (1975) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

NutrientManagementStrategyforVictorianInlandWaters(1995) 3 3

SEPP(WatersofVictoria)(updated2003) 3 3 3

StrategicDirectionStatementforVictorianRamsarSites(2002) 3

VictorianActionSecondGenerationLandcare2002-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

VictorianCoastalStrategy2008 3 3 3

Victorian Conservation Trust Act (1972) 3 3 3

Victorian Environment Assessment Council Act (2001) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Victorian’sNativeVegetationManagement–AframeworkForAction2002 3 3 3

Victoria’sBiodiversityStrategy(1997) 3 3 3

VictorianPestManagementFramework(2000) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

VictorianSalinityManagementFramework 3 3 3 3

VictorianSoilHealthStrategy2012 3 3 3 3 3

Water Act (1989) 3 3 3

Wildlife Act (1975) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Regional sub-strategies and plans

GlenelgHopkinsCMARevegetationStandards 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsHabitatNetworkActionPlan2007 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsInvasiveAnimalStrategy2010-2015 3 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlanMarch2006 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalLandcareSupportStrategy2007-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWaterwaysStrategy(tobedeveloped) 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWeedPlan2008-2012 3 3 3 3 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsSalinityPlan2005-2008 3 3

GlenelgHopkinsSoilHealthStrategyandPlan2009-2014 3 3

Table 30: Policies, Strategies and Legislation

7979

appenDix 4: BioreGional conservaTion sTaTUs of remnanT

veGeTaTion in The GlenelG hopkins reGion

EcologicalVegetationClasses(EVCs)arethevegetationmappingdatasetsusedfordetailedbiodiversityplanningandmanagement.ThedefinitionofeachEVCisbasedonawiderangeoffactorsincludingvegetationstructureandfloristics,lifeformsofplants,landsystems,ecologicalresponsestodisturbance,andotherenvironmentalparameters(suchasaspect,slope,elevation,rainfallandfirefrequency).EachEVCrepresentsoneormoreplantcommunitiesthatoccurinsimilartypesofenvironments.ThecommunitiesineachEVCtend toshowsimilarecologicalresponsestoenvironmentalfactorssuchasdisturbance.

TheGlenelgHopkinsregioncontains180differentEVCsandthedistributionoftheregion’soriginalnativevegetationislargelydeterminedbysoiltypeandrainfall.AsshowninFigure 20,theconservationstatusofmuchoftheremnantvegetationthatoccurswithintheregionisendangered,vulnerableordepleted(withtheexceptionoftheGrampiansregion,andsomeareasofpubliclandwithinthesouthwest ofthecatchment,suchasCobbobooneeNationalParkandForestPark,andAnnyaStateForest).

Figure 20: Bioregional conservation status of Glenelg Hopkins remnant vegetation.

referencesNote

1 VictorianCatchmentManagementCouncil,Regionalcatchmentstrategyguidelines,VCMC,Melbourne,2011.

2 GlobalGeoparksNetwork,KanawinkaGlobalGeoparkVisitorGuide, GlobalGeoparksNetwork,Hamilton,viewed29August2012, <http://www.kanawinkageopark.org.au/>.

3 ParksVictoria,GrampiansNationalPark,ParksVictoria,Melbourne, viewed29August2012, <http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/grampians-national-park>.

4 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsNativeVegetationPlan, GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,Victoria,2006.

5 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWetlandsStatusReport2006,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,Victoria,2006.

6 DSE,ClimatechangeintheGlenelgHopkinsregion, VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2008.

7 RegionalDevelopmentAustraliaandRegionalDevelopmentVictoria, GreatSouthCoastRegionalStrategicPlan,BarwonSouthWest,2011.



Note

10 NBarr,TheHouseontheHill.TheTransformationofAustralia’sFarmingCommunities,Canberra,Australia,2009.

11 CWagg&JSchlapp,FactorsrelatingtosocialscienceanditsrelationshipwithNRM,RMITUniversity,Hamilton,2012.



14 TourismVictoria,DomesticTourismExpenditureinVictoria,1999-2004.

15 PriceWaterhouseCoopers,EconomicContributionsofVictoria’sParks CaseStudiesPart1,ParksVictoria,Melbourne,2003.

16 SKM,WaterandLandUseChangeStudy.Stage2CommunityReport. WaterandLandUseChangeStudySteeringCommitteeandSinclairKnightMerz,2005.


18 LandConservationCouncil,HistoricplacessouthwestVictoria descriptivereport,LandConservationCouncil,Melbourne,1996.

19 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy2003-2007,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2003.


references

Note

20 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRegionalCatchmentStrategy 2003-2007,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2003.



23 TQAResearch,CommunicationResearch,Wave2,TQAResearch,Sandringham,2001.



26 DepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,ReportonClimateChangeandGreenhouseGasEmissionsinVictoria,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2012.

27 DSE,WesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2011.

28 DBLindenmayer,KBHulvey,RSHobbs,MColyvan,AFelton,HPossingham,WSteffan,KWilson,KYoungentob,PGibbons,Avoidingbio-perversity fromcarbonsequestrationsolutions,ConservationLetters,2011,Volume5,Issue1,pages28-36.

29 QueenslandUniversity,VictorianStatewideWaterwayHealthSocialConditionBenchmarkingProject,unpublishedreportpreparedforDepartmentofSustainabilityandEnvironment,Melbourne,2011.

30 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,RegionalLandcareSupportStrategy,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2007.

31 CWagg&JSchlapp,FactorsrelatingtosocialscienceanditsrelationshipwithNRM,RMITUniversity,Hamilton,2012.

32 IByron,ACurtis&JMackay,ProvidingsocialdatatounderpincatchmentplanningintheGlenelgHopkinsregion,AustralianGovernmentBureauofRuralSciences,Canberra,2004.

33 DSE,FloodinginVictoria,VictorianGovernment,Victoria,Melbourne,viewed29August2012, <http://www.water.vic.gov.au/environment/floodplains/flooding-in-victoria>.

34 DPI,VictorianResourcesOnline:IndexofStreamCondition,DPI,Melbourne,viewed29August2012, <http://vro.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/stream_cond_index>.

35 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy 2004-2009,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2004.

36 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy2004-2009,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2004.

37 DSE,ClimateChangeintheGlenelgHopkinsRegion,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2008.

38 SouthernGrampiansShireCouncil,ManagementPlanforWannonFallsScenicReserveandNigrettaFallsScenicReserve,SouthernGrampiansShireCouncil,Hamilton,2005.

39 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy2004-2009,Hamilton,2004.

40 SouthernGrampiansShireCouncil,ManagementPlanforWannonFallsScenicReserveandNigrettaFallsScenicReserve,SouthernGrampiansShireCouncil,Hamilton,2005.

41 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRiverHealthStrategy2004-2009,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2004.

42 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,GlenelgHopkinsRegionalWetlandsStatusReport,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.

43 DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment,WesternDistrictLakesRamsarSite,StrategicManagementPlan,StateofVictoria,Melbourne2002.


45 BirdlifeInternational,Sites:ImportantBirdAreas,BirdlifeInternation, viewed29August2012, <http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=25119>.



48 DSE,ReportonClimateChangeandGreenhouseGasEmissionsinVictoria,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2012.

49 DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment,DirectoryofImportantWetlandsinAustraliaInformationsheet,viewed2June2011, <http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/wetlands/report.pl>.




Note







59 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Victoria’sSouthWestEstuaries,GlenelgHopkins,brochure,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,undated.

60 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,SurryEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2007.

61 DSE,WesternRegionSustainableWaterStrategy,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne,2011.

62 VictorianStateGovernment,VictorianCoastalStrategy,VictorianCoastalCouncil,Melbourne,2008.

63 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,BelfastLoughandMoyneEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.

64 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,MerriEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2008.


66 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,YambukEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.

67 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,HopkinsEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.


69 VictorianCoastalCouncil,CommunityAttitudesandBehaviours,WaveFour,VictorianCoastalCouncil,Melbourne,2012.


71 VictorianCoastalCouncil,VictorianCoastalStrategy2008,VictorianCoastalCouncil,Melbourne,2008.



74 DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment,Victoria’sBiodiversity:DirectionsinManagement,DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment,EastMelbourne,1997.






80 DSE,ClimateChangeintheGlenelgHopkinsregion,VictorianGovernment,Melbourne2008.

81 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,BelfastLoughandMoyneEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.



84 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,YambukEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.

85 GlenelgHopkinsCMA,HopkinsEstuaryManagementPlan,GlenelgHopkinsCMA,Hamilton,2006.



Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide a high quality publication, Glenelg Hopkins CMA does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information in the document and, therefore, disclaims all liability from error, loss or other consequence that may arise from reliance on this publication.

© State of Victoria, Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

CONTENTS

G l e n e l g H o p ki n s Reg i o n a l C a tc h m e n t S t ra tegy 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9

Front Cover: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a major tourist attraction and contains around 1,000 native plant species.


Photo: James Pevitt Photo: Alison Pouliot

Vision 1

Chair’s Foreword 2

About the Strategy 3 Purpose of the Regional Catchment Strategy 3

How was the RCS developed? 3

How will the RCS lead to action? 4

Key Principles 5

The Glenelg Hopkins Region 6 Physical Environment 7

Social Profile 9

Economic Profile 10

Cultural History 10

Cultural Knowledge 11

Challenges and Opportunities 12

Climate Change 12

Pressures on Water Resources 13

Carbon Sequestration Activities 13

Summary 13

RCS Strategic Relationships 14

Key Achievements to Date 15

Thematic Asset Classes 19

Community Participation 20

Rivers and Floodplains 22

Wetlands 29

Estuaries 34

Coasts 38

Marine 43

Terrestrial Habitat 47

Species Populations and Communities 54

Soil and Land 57

Priority Areas for Intervention 62

Significant Risks to Assets 64

Implementing the Strategy 66

Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting 73

Appendix 1: RCS Development Process 75

Appendix 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Management 77

Appendix 3: Policies, Strategies and Legislation 78

Appendix 4: Bioregional Conservation Status for Remnant Vegetation in the Glenelg Hopkins Region 79

References 79

REGIONAL CATCHMENT

STRATEGY

G l e n e l g H o p ki n s

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 9

79 French Street, Hamilton, Vic 3300

T: 03 5571 2526 F: 03 5571 2935

www.ghcma.vic.gov.au

Development of this strategy has been supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

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Documents

Glenelg Hopkins REGIONAL CATCHMENT STRATEGY...and catchment management. The RCS provides an integrated framework for investing in and prioritising on-ground works and projects within