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PREPARED FOR THE NORTHERN VICTORIA IRRIGATION RENEWAL PROJECT

November 2011

KERANG LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT

INVESTIGATION

LITERATURE REVIEW

Kerang Lakes Water Saving Project Investigation Literature Review

i

DOCUMENT HISTORY AND STATUS

Version Date Issued Prepared By Reviewed By Date Approved

1 8 September 2011 Michelle Maher Pat Feehan, Ross Plunkett, Emer

Campbell and Andrea Joyce

(Hold point 1 meeting)

8 September 2011

2 27 September 2011 Michelle Maher Pat Feehan, Ross Plunkett, and

Andrea Joyce (Hold point 2

meeting)

29 September 2011

3 30 September 2011 Michelle Maher Handover to Andrea Joyce 3 October 2011

4 11 October 2011 Michelle Maher Amended by Andrea Joyce 11 October 2011

4 15 November 2011 Michelle Maher Amended by Andrea Joyce

DISTRIBUTION

Version Date Quantity Issued To

1 27 September 2011 Email Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett

2 30 September 2011 CD NVIRP and internal handover

3 11 October 2011 Email Pat Feehan

4 15 November 2011 CD Pat Feehan

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

Printed: 15 November 2011

Last saved: 15 November 2011 12:37 PM

File name: NCCMA – 57031 – Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation Literature

Review September 2011 V4

Authors: Michelle Maher

Name of organisation: North Central CMA

Name of document: Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation Literature Review

Document version: Final, Version 4

Document manager: 57031

For further information on any of the information contained within this document contact:

North Central Catchment Management Authority

PO Box 18

Huntly Vic 3551

T: 03 5440 1800

F: 03 5448 7148

E: [email protected]

www.nccma.vic.gov.au

© North Central Catchment Management Authority, 2011

Front cover photo: Middle Reedy, November 2010, Michelle Maher, North Central CMA

The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation Literature Review is a working document,

compiled from the best available information. It will be subject to revision in the future as new

information becomes available.

This publication may be of assistance to you, but the North Central Catchment Management Authority

and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly

appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other

consequence which may arise from you relying on information in this publication.

Please cite this document as: North Central CMA (2011). Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project

Investigation: Literature Review, Prepared for the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project, North

Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly, Victoria.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/


ii

Executive Summary The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation (KLWSPI) is an important early

component of the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) Stage 2. Water

savings and environmental enhancement could potentially be achieved by changing how the

wetlands are connected to each other and by modifying current operational protocols. This

project is focusing on the future operation of the Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Lake and

Third Lake), Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake (referred to as KLWSPI wetlands).

These wetlands are part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site and are an integral component

of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System (TIS). The KLWSPI wetlands have been operated as

permanent water supply lakes since the establishment of the Torrumbarry Weir in 1923.

The aim of this literature review is to document in an annotated bibliography all literature

relevant to the KLWSPI. The information will be used to understand what work has been done

to date, data and knowledge gaps and the likely issues associated with project

implementation.

These five wetlands have been subject to study and investigation for a large number of years,

with earlier knowledge being built upon with later knowledge. This annotated bibliography is in

chronological order, rather than alphabetical order by author in order to show how knowledge

has advanced over time. Data collected is indicative of the issues of the time and there are no

consistent datasets that span any substantial timeframes.

In order to fully understand the impacts of any proposed changes to the watering regimes of

these systems a sound understanding of existing values and threats is required. The following

is a summary of some of the key information gaps that are recommended to be filled:

a more comprehensive field assessment of a range of environmental values,

including aquatic flora and fauna;

more comprehensive monitoring of a range of water quality parameters that provides

information at a temporal scale;

development of rating tables to accompany accurate wetland bathymetry information;

further quantification of the likely impact of groundwater on wetlands, wetland

management on surrounding groundwater and any impact of constructed channels on

groundwater under current and changed scenarios, particularly in light of the

extended drought and recent flooding;

a more comprehensive investigation of soil properties at the wetlands and soil water

movement under different water levels;

development of a comprehensive salt and water balance that incorporates

groundwater impacts fop all wetlands; and

development of a comprehensive community consultation program to enable

transparency in all phases of the project and engender community support.


iii

Contents page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... II

CONTENTS PAGE .............................................................................................................. III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... IV

ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................V

1. KERANG LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT .......................................................... 6

1.1 STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................ 6

1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW PURPOSE .................................................................................. 7

1.3 STRUCTURE OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................... 7

2. LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE KERANG LAKES ...................................................... 8

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .......................................................................................... 8

2.1.1 Environmental values summary .......................................................................... 15

2.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE .............................................................................................. 17

2.2.1 Cultural heritage summary ............................................................................ 18

2.3 HYDROLOGY .......................................................................................................... 19

2.3.1 Water balance .............................................................................................. 19

2.3.2 Flood studies ................................................................................................ 21

2.3.3 Water savings .............................................................................................. 24

2.3.4 Hydrology summary ...................................................................................... 25

2.4 HYDROGEOLOGY .................................................................................................... 26

2.4.1 Hydrogeology summary ...................................................................................... 29

2.5 GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ............................................................................ 31

2.5.1 Geology and geomorphology summary............................................................... 31

2.6.1 Salinity and water quality summary ..................................................................... 34

2.6 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ........................................................................................... 35

2.7.1 Social and economic summary ........................................................................... 36

2.7 LAND MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 37

2.8.1 Land management summary .............................................................................. 39

3 KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................... 40

4 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 44

APPENDIX A: KLWSPI WETLANDS CHARACTERISTICS ................................................ 47

APPENDIX B: FLORA AND FAUNA SPECIES LIST .......................................................... 50

APPENDIX C: KLWSPI PROJECT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................... 57


iv

Acknowledgements

The information contained in the Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation literature

review has been sourced from a variety of reports and field inspections and from individual

knowledge and expertise.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) acknowledges the assistance of

the following people in preparing this Literature Review.

Rob O‟Brien (Department of Primary Industries, Kerang)

Ross Stanton, Jenny Pay and John Ginnivan (Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang)

Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett (NVIRP, Shepparton)

Emer Campbell, Andrea Joyce, Phil Dyson, Bambi Lees, Rebecca Horsburgh and

Anna Chatfield (North Central CMA, Huntly)


v

Abbreviations AAV Aboriginal Affairs Victoria

BE Bulk Entitlement

Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild

Animals

CAMBA China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

CMA Catchment Management Authority

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

EES Environment Effects Statement

EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EVC Ecological Vegetation Class

EWP Environmental Watering Plan

FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

FSL Full Supply Level

GIS Geographic Information Systems

GL Gigalitre (one billion litres)

GMID Goulburn Murray Irrigation District

G-MW Goulburn–Murray Water

JAMBA Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

North Central CMA North Central Catchment Management Authority

NVIRP Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project

ROKAMBA Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities

TIS Torrumbarry Irrigation System

VBA Victorian Biodiversity Atlas

VEAC Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation Literature Review

Page 6 of 61

1. Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project The Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation (KLWSPI) has been identified as part

of the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NIVIRP) Stage 2 Business Case. This

project is focused on potential changes to the future operation of a number of lake systems in

the Kerang area; the Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Lake and Third Lake), Little Lake

Charm and Racecourse Lake. These wetlands are part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site

and are managed as part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System (TIS).

Water savings could potentially be achieved by changing how the wetlands are connected to

each other and by modifying current operational protocols. The project is currently at pre-

feasibility stage and no firm proposal has been developed. The need for the KLWSPI project

is driven by:

The need to meet future downstream irrigation water demands.

The low conveyance efficiency of irrigation water supply system (high system losses).

Concerns regarding the decline in environmental values within the Murray River

system, in particular the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site (NVIRP 2010).

Water savings are mainly obtained from the reduction in irrigation distribution system

operating water. System operating water includes evaporation, seepage, leakage, outfalls and

meter error.

1.1 Study area

The Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site comprises 23 marshes, lakes and swamps that range from

freshwater to hypersaline (KBR 2011). Within this Ramsar site are the KLWSPI wetlands,

which include Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake

(Figure 1). These wetlands have been maintained as „regulated fresh supply for irrigation‟

wetlands operated at a relatively constant water level via Kerang Weir (Figure 1) and

Washpen Creek regulator for over 80 years.

Figure 1: KLWSPI Location Map


Page 7 of 61

1.2 Literature Review purpose

The aim of this literature review is to document in an annotated bibliography all literature

relevant to the KLWSPI. The information will be used to understand what work has been done

to date, data and knowledge gaps and the likely issues associated with project

implementation.

1.3 Structure of the Literature Review

The literature review is focused on the Kerang Lakes and surrounding areas that are likely to

be impacted from the KLWSPI. For the purposes of this literature review, all information has

been presented in chronological order, rather than alphabetical order of author. It was felt that

chronological order of information better reflected the growth in learning over time in relation

to the Kerang Lakes system.

Research, reports and other technical documents have been collated and sorted into the

following topics:

Environmental values: documentation of key wetland values and flora and fauna

reports.

Cultural heritage: reports related to Aboriginal and European heritage.

Hydrology: describing the entire water balance relevant to the KLWSPI wetlands.

Hydrogeology: current knowledge of the distribution and movement of groundwater in

the KLWSPI area.

Geology and geomorphology: current understanding of the classification, description,

nature, origin, and development of landforms in the KLWSPI area.

Salinity and water quality: description of water quality monitored and salinity in the

wetlands and surrounding floodplain.

Social and economic use: social, recreational, land use and water harvesting

activities that are described in reports reviewed.

Land management: describing primary land tenures.

Please note: reports have been reviewed in chronological order with a summary of the main

findings provided at the end of each section. Recommendations and conclusions are provided

for input into the KLWSPI project plan.

All available reports, illustrated maps and species lists generated have been provided to

NVIRP in electronic format. Those reports supplied electronically have been denoted as such

in the listed references.


Page 8 of 61

2. Literature Review of the Kerang Lakes

2.1 Environmental values

Available information relating to the environmental values represented at the KLWSPI

wetlands are reviewed in this section. All KLWSPI wetlands form part of the Kerang Wetlands

Ramsar site. There is good information pertaining to the wetlands environmental value, which

will provide the KLWSPI with a starting point in recommending the environmental watering

regime to maintain the ecological character of the wetlands.

Conservation value of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg et al 1989)

The wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area were studied to ascertain their conservation value for

input into the Kerang Lakes Area Management Plan (KLAWG 1992). It concluded that the

wetlands have been severely degraded through their use as irrigation supply lakes, increasing

salinity and altered watering regimes. However, the wetlands remain very valuable in spite of

this degradation for native flora and fauna. The findings for the KLWSPI wetlands are

summarised in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Conservation value of the KLWSPI wetlands (Lugg et al. 1989)

Wetland Wetland type Land status

and water

quality

Recommendations

Reedy Lake Previous category:

Deep Freshwater

Marsh

Area: 182 ha

Land status:

Water Supply

Water quality:

100-1,200 EC

A low value wetland due to habitat diversity,

constant water levels, little aquatic vegetation

and disturbance from boating.

Recommendations included:

Water levels be allowed to fluctuate as

much as possible (i.e. high in

Winter/Spring and low in

Summer/Autumn so that the littoral

zone is flooded.

Public land area fenced and grazing

discontinued.

Water supply secured.

Water quality less than 1,500 EC.

Regulator installed to manage variable

water levels.

Wetland filled in Winter/Spring and

allowed to decline by evaporation.

Wetland allowed to dry occasionally

(e.g. one/two in ten years).

Reedy Lake managed as a semi-permanent

wetland primarily for the conservation of native

flora and fauna.

Current category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Area: 182 ha

Subcategory:

Shallow Open

Water (182 ha)

Middle

Lake

Previous category:

Deep Freshwater

Marsh

Area: 174 ha

Land status:

Water Supply

Water quality:

200-1,000 EC

A very high value wetland, mainly for its

waterbird breeding rookery of Straw-necked Ibis,

Sacred Ibis and Royal Spoonbills and native

vegetation and habitat diversity.


Water levels allowed to fluctuate as

much as possible

Close monitoring be undertaken to

ensure that the viability of the rookery is

not declining.

Current category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Area: 195 ha


Page 9 of 61


and water

quality

Recommendations

Subcategories:

Shallow Open

Water (104 ha),

Dead Timber (47

ha) and Lignum (44

ha)


water levels.


Health of Lignum and surrounding

vegetation is closely monitored.

Middle Lake managed as a semi-permanent

freshwater wetland primarily to provide breeding

habitat for large numbers of waterbirds.

Third Lake Previous category:

Deep Freshwater

Marsh

Area: 221 ha

Land status:

Water Supply

Water quality:

200-1,000 EC

A moderate value wetland mainly for

conservation of native flora and reptiles.





Summer/Autumn so that the littoral

zone is flooded.


discontinued.



water levels.



Wetland allowed to dry occasionally

(e.g. three to four months every year or

one in three/four years).

Third Lake managed as a semi-permanent

wetland primarily for the conservation of native

flora and fauna.

Current category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Area: 221 ha

Subcategories:

Shallow Open

Water (221 ha),

Dead Timber (213

ha) and Reeds (8

ha)

Little Lake

Charm

Previous category:

Shallow Freshwater

Marsh

Area: 113 ha

Land status:

Water Supply

Water quality:

200-600 EC

A moderate value wetland that has been greatly

modified, however it does provide some habitat

for waterbirds and native fish.


Water levels fluctuate as much as

possible, including flooding the Scotts

Creek Section.


water levels.



Wetland to dry out completely

periodically.

Public land areas fenced and grazing

discontinued.

Little Lake Charm managed as a semi-

permanent freshwater wetland primarily for

conservation of waterbirds.

Current category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Area: 113 ha

Subcategories:

Shallow Open

Water (82 ha) and

Reeds (31 ha)

Racecourse

Lake

Previous category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Land status:

Water Supply

A low value wetland that has been highly

modified. The recommendations were the same

as for Kangaroo Lake:


Page 10 of 61


and water

quality

Recommendations

Area: 187 ha

Water quality:

200-1,000 EC




Summer/Autumn.


discontinued.


Water quality less than 1,500 EC.

Wetland filled above normal full supply

level to flood littoral zone in

Winter/Spring and water level allowed

to decline by evaporation.

Current category:

Permanent Open

Freshwater

Area: 235 ha

Subcategories:

Shallow Open

Water (212 ha) and

Reeds (23 ha)

The report identifies that the artificial environment that is the Torrumbarry Irrigation System is

not sustainable in the long term. Rising salinity was the most notable cause of wetland

degradation (saline groundwater intrusion, saline irrigation tailwater disposal and isolation of

wetlands from the natural floodplain). It recommends a regular cycle of flooding and drying to

maintain productivity cycles and succession changes in wetlands. It is recommended that a

“semi-natural” (i.e. managed) water regime for wetlands is applied wherever possible.

Three additional technical reports were completed as part of this conservation value report

and include:

Vegetation of the Wetlands in Kerang Lakes Area (O‟Donnell 1990)

The Aquatic Invertebrate and Fish Faunas of the Kerang Lakes Area (Fleming 1990)

Waterbirds of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg 1990)

The implications of Salinity, and Salinity Management Initiatives, on Fish and Fish

Habitat in the Kerang Lakes Management Area (Anderson 1991)

No significant salinity or temperature gradients were found and dissolved oxygen levels were

generally adequate for fish in this investigation. It was noted that turbulence induced by wind

and wave action is the major source of mixing the lakes (making stratification short-lived).

Historical data lists the Reedy Lakes as having the most diverse native fish population of any

of the Lakes listed (refer to Appendix B for full species lists compiled). The results of this

research confirmed the linkage and connection of populations through the channel system.

The high species diversity depends on this linkage and good habitat conditions within the

wetlands.

Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan (KLAWG 1992)

The long term viability of the Middle Lake Ibis Rookery was identified as being threatened by

the lack of lignum regeneration. It was acknowledged that at the time this report was written,

the exact requirements for regeneration were unknown.

Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report (SKM 2001)

This report was commissioned to assess proposed water savings initiatives within the

Torrumbarry Irrigation System and their potential to impact on the environmental values of the

Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Reedy Lake and Third Reedy Lake). It was identified that

changes to the irrigation system may not be compatible with the environmental requirements

of the wetlands. The report sets out “immediate key aims” for the management of the Reedy


Page 11 of 61

Lakes, including maintenance of the current water regime until the impact of a changed

watering regime on key biodiversity values is understood.

An assessment of waterbird habitat at the Reedy Lakes concluded that the habitat value of

Reedy Lake is low with Third Lake being having slightly greater values due to the presence of

more vegetated margins and dead trees within open water. It suggested that the habitat

values of both these wetlands would be greatly increased by introducing a watering regime

that allows occasional lowering of water levels over summer.

The stable water levels at Middle Lake appear to have favored Ibis, promoting the rookery

amongst the unusual population of Lignum. Due to the presence of this Lignum in stable

water levels, manipulation of watering regime in this wetland was advised to be undertaken

with caution to ensure the rookery is maintained.

Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan (DSE 2004)

The purpose of this strategic management plan was to form the basis of a comprehensive

management framework for the Kerang Ramsar site. The principal goal of the management

framework is to maintain the ecological character of all of Victoria‟s Ramsar sites through

conservation and wise use.

This report contains a range of information relating to the Kerang Ramsar site and its values.

The Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site represents six of the eight Victorian wetland categories. All

wetlands were modified from their original pre-European condition prior to their inclusion as

Ramsar sites, in particular significant modification to water regimes.

More than 150 species of indigenous flora and over 102 species of indigenous fauna are

found at the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site. In particular, there are abundant and diverse

waterbird populations within the wetlands. Information on threatened species are presented in

the Appendices.

A range of key risks were identified and management strategies were developed to maintain

and in some cases, restore the ecological character.

Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for

targeted Kerang Lakes (Ho et al. 2006)

Ho et al. (2006) aimed at enhancing the current and future ecological understanding of

Kangaroo Lake, Racecourse Lake, Lake Charm, Little Lake Charm and the Reedy Lakes.

The provision of ecological information for the targeted Kerang Lakes included baseline

ecological monitoring and mapping of a range of indicators (fish, turtles, frogs,

macroinvertebrates, wetlands vegetation and surface water quality) and the development of

an ongoing monitoring method. Detailed vegetation mapping was completed as part of this.

It was recommended that consideration to how the volume and quality of inflows, the number

and volume of extractions, as well as groundwater and catchment functioning influence the

ecological status of the lakes.

Please note: species recorded have been cross referenced and incorporated into the flora

and fauna species list in Appendix B.


Page 12 of 61

Torrumbarry Irrigation Area Reconfiguration – Environmental Impacts of

Reconfiguration, Fourth Draft for RMCG (Brett Lane and Associates (BLA) Pty. Ltd.

2007)

RMCG engaged Brett Lane and Associates to conduct an assessment of environmental

values within the TIA as an important component of the Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and

Asset Modernisation Strategy (TRAMS) project. This report was principally a desktop

appraisal of environmental values, followed by a preliminary assessment of potential impacts,

threats and benefits and performed within the context of the proposed reconfiguration options.

For the purpose of this summary, information pertaining only to the KLWSPI specific wetlands

is presented.

EVCs with a bioregional conservation status were listed by wetland (after Ho et al. 2006) and

are listed in Appendix B, Table B16. Broad assessment of the environmental assets (wetlands

of the KLWSPI) is presented in Table 2:

Table 2: Environmental assets and values of the KLWSPI (adapted from BLA 2007)

Wetland name General

environmental value

Main environmental value

Reedy Lake Low Native fish

Middle Reedy Lake High Waterbird breeding (Straw-necked

Ibis, Australian White Ibis, Royal

spoonbills), native vegetation and

habitat diversity

Third Reedy Lake Moderate Native flora and reptiles

Little Lake Charm Moderate Some habitat for waterbirds and

native fish

Racecourse Lake High Native fish

A „no intervention‟ scenario was developed for each of the KLWSPI wetlands and broad

projected asset condition was described for 2026. All five lakes, under a „no intervention‟

scenario, were considered to have the same drivers of change - irrigation. All were described

as in a „stable‟ trend, with expected condition to be „stable‟ in 2026. This is based on the

premise that dramatic change had already occurred within these lakes with the advent of their

use as irrigation carriers and no further decline in condition was expected with the

continuation of the current operating regime.

A preliminary assessment of potential threats and benefits for each wetland was also

undertaken. A simple comparative analysis of values and threats and benefits was presented

in this report. Using a simple assessment method and scoring system to rate threat and

benefit, the impact of proposed changes to flows to all five wetlands was assessed as

„moderate‟ threat and „moderate‟ benefit.

Assessment Framework of Changed Water Management Regimes on the Health of the

Kerang Lakes (KBR 2007)

The objective of this project was to develop a framework and methodology to assess the

impacts of altering watering regimes to the Kerang Lakes. The decision making framework to

address the following key question was developed:

What would happen if the water regimes of the Kerang Lakes were to be managed

differently from the current operational practice?


Page 13 of 61

This framework provided a method for assessing the risk of changing the watering regime for

the KLWSPI wetlands and it was suggested could be used as part of the KLWSPI

environmental referral. Scenarios of hypothetical wetlands are provided as an example of how

this could be done which includes a quantitative and/or qualitative risk assessment and a

Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA).

Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project (MDBA 2009)

The Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project aimed to assess the spatial extent of, and

risk posed by, acid sulfate soils at priority wetlands in the Murray River system, Ramsar

wetlands and other key environmental sites in the Murray-Darling Basin. 84 waterbodies were

sampled in the north central catchment. However no assessments were undertaken at the

KLWSPI wetlands.

Environmental water regime requirements of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010)

SKM was engaged by G-MW to provide a better understanding of the potential water savings

benefits to environmental assets from reconfiguration and modernisation in the TIA, as well as

considering risks to environmental values associated with the Kerang Lakes. Table 3 provides

a summary of the ecological values and recommended environmental watering regime.

Table 3: Proposed wetland management goal and recommended watering regime

KLWSPI wetland Management goal Recommended watering

regime

Reedy Lake To provide a variable watering regime

that supports a mosaic of littoral plant

communities, including Lignum

Swampy Woodland and Tall Marsh,

and open water that together provide

habitat for a diverse range of waterbirds

and native fish.

Timing: Winter/Spring

Frequency: one in two to three

years

Duration: Variable, one to four

months

Middle Lake To provide a watering regime that

maintains the existing habitat types, in

particular the depleted EVC Lignum

Swampy Woodland and areas of open

water that together provide habitat for a

high abundance and diverse range of

waterbirds.


Frequency: one in one to two

years


months

Third Lake To provide a watering regime that

includes near annual drying, in order to

improve the condition of the vegetation

communities, providing enhanced

habitats for waterbirds.



years

Duration: Variable, up to ten

months

Little Lake Charm To provide a watering regime that

supports a mosaic of littoral plant

communities, and open water that

together provide habitat for a diverse

range of waterbirds and native fish.



years


months

Racecourse Lake To provide a watering regime that

supports a mosaic of littoral plant

communities, and open water that

together provide habitat for a diverse

range of waterbirds and native fish.



years


months

http://www.mdba.gov.au/programs/acid-sulfate-soils-risk-assessment#ass


Page 14 of 61

The recommended watering regimes summarised above are linked to unregulated flows from

the catchment (e.g. Loddon River and Wandella Creek).

A risk assessment for the proposed watering regimes was undertaken in relation to the

source of water (Murray River and Loddon River) under an ideal variable regime and climate

change regime scenario. A compromised regime was assessed that included maintaining

Middle Reedy as a permanent wetland and a variable regime for the remaining lakes:

Third Lake: annual wetting and drying cycle, average filling frequency of one in two to

three years.

First reedy, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse: permanent but variable watering

regime, filling the wetlands to FSL one in every two to three years.

The report suggested that this regime will maintain the high values associated with Middle

Lake, however the values at the other wetlands will be subject to some level of risk. The

report identifies here that further work is required to determine the acceptable level of risk if a

drier regime is introduced.

Description of the Ecological Character of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site (Clunie 2010)

This description of the ecological character was prepared in 2006, published by DSE in 2010

and subsequently utilised in the updated Ecological Character Description (KBR 2011). The

criteria that supported the original listing of the Kerang Lakes as a Ramsar site related to

depleted wetland and vegetation types, waterbird diversity, abundance and breeding.

Analysis of wetland types, changes in vegetation, wetlands that have supported waterbird

breeding and threatened flora and fauna are detailed in the report. Waterbird species known

to breed within the KLWSPI wetlands from 1980 to 2003 include:

Reedy Lake: Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca), Royal Spoonbill (Platalea

regia), Yellow Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) and Pacific Black Duck (Anas

superciliosa)

Middle Lake: Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis), Dusky

Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), Royal

Spoonbill, Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Little Pied

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) , Yellow Spoonbill and Pacific Black Duck and

White Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Third Lake: Black Swan and White Bellied Sea Eagle

Please note: species recorded have been cross referenced and incorporated into the flora

and fauna species list in Appendix B.

Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site: Ecological Character Description (Draft) (KBR 2011)

The KLWSPI wetlands form part of the larger Kerang Lakes Ramsar site which comprises 23

wetlands in total. This Ecological Character Description (ECD) represents the second ECD

prepared for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site. The first ECD (Clunie 2010) was prepared in

2006 using what was then the Framework for describing the ecological character1 of Ramsar

wetlands‟ (DSE 2005). This second ECD updates the description of ecological character in

line with the revised National Framework and Guidelines for Describing the Ecological

Character of Australia‟s Ramsar Wetlands (DEWHA 2008).

This report is still in a draft form and has not yet been signed off by the Commonwealth

Government; hence the process involved in developing an ECD has been described for the

1 Ecological character is the combination of the ecosystem components, processes and

benefits/services that characterise the wetland at a given point in time


Page 15 of 61

Kerang Lakes, rather than the conclusions of this report. The ECD provides a detailed

description of the site‟s ecological character, establishing a benchmark for the time it was

listed (1982) on which change can be assessed and monitored. Hydrology, salinity,

waterbirds (International/National) and waterbird (colonial breeding/nesting) have been

identified and described for the ecosystem components, processes, benefits and services that

are critical to the ecological character of the site.

The Ramsar Convention, to which Australia is a signatory carries certain obligations, including

managing a Ramsar site to retain its „ecological character‟ and to have procedures in place to

detect if any threatening processes are likely to, or have altered the ecological character.

Establishing Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) is a method adopted to help determine what

might or might not be acceptable impacts on Ramsar wetlands.

The current knowledge gaps and recommended actions to address each gap identified in the

ECD are summarised below:

Hydrology: water regime management strategies to sustain wetland health and

values.

Water quality – salinity: Quantitative information on salinity.

Waterbirds: Waterbird numbers, habitat use and breeding success rate.

Fauna – Fish: distribution and abundance.

Habitat – Ecological Vegetation Classes: distribution, condition and vegetation

mapping.

Flora: confirmation of key flora species that are represented at each wetland.

2.1.1 Environmental values summary

The KLWSPI wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The range of

information presented indicates that any change to the current water supply arrangements is

likely to benefit some species while providing a disbenefit to others. For example,

implementing a drying regime to Third Lake might provide a benefit to wetland plants while

providing a disbenefit to fish species (e.g. Golden Perch and Murray Cod). It was identified in

SKM (2010) that further work is required to determine the acceptable level of risk if a drier

regime is introduced to these wetlands.

The environmental values of the KLWSPI wetlands are well documented in various

documents, however no field environmental assessments or condition monitoring have been

documented since 2006 (Ho et al. 2006). Reports from Ho et al (2006), BLA (2007), KBR

(2007), SKM (2010) and KBR (2011) all provide information on knowledge gaps on

environmental values and potential methods to assess the risk of changing the water regime

to the KLWSPI wetlands.

One of the key documents is the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Ecological Character Description

(KBR 2011). The baseline Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs) for the hydrological critical

process includes the critical recommendation of maintaining the KLWSPI wetlands as

permanent systems; therefore contradicting the environmental water regime

recommendations in the SKM (2010) report.

It should be noted here that the development environmental water recommendations in SKM

(2010) does not follow the statewide accepted method for developing Environmental Watering

Plans, in particular development of specific ecological and hydrological objectives, key

justifications and management goals.

Importantly, there is a provision to update LACs in light of new information, including the

development of water regime management strategies to sustain wetland health and values.


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A summary of the wetland characteristics is provided in Appendix A and species lists have

been compiled for each of the KLWSPI wetlands in Appendix B. Sections 3 and 4 outline the

key tasks recommended to inform the environmental aspects of the KLWSPI:


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2.2 Cultural heritage

Reports related to Aboriginal and European heritage are provided in this section.


The first settlers on the Kerang Plains were the Aboriginal people. Graves around Kow

Swamp are estimated to be up to 10,000 years old. The rich environment of lakes, rivers,

creeks and forests within the Kerang Lakes Area helped attract early settlers to the area as it

still draws tourists, naturalists, hunters and anglers each year. The area was ideal for

aboriginal habitation prior to European settlement. A total of 425 Aboriginal sites had been

formally recorded in the Kerang Lakes Area. These sites occur on river plains, floodplains and

on the margins of swamp and lagoons. The KLWSPI wetlands was defined as a major area of

significance from an archaeological point of view with a wide range of activities represented

(36 aboriginal sites identified, e.g. one burial, six mounds, 13 middens and four scar trees).

The first European to record a description of the Kerang-Swan Hill area was Major Mitchell

(published in 1838). This was followed by waves of settlers and the eventual establishment if

irrigation trusts and the Torrumbarry Weir in 1923.


The preservation and management of cultural heritage sites is a long term issue. This report

identifies that sites, such as mounds could be damaged by any construction or excavation

works.



This report states that due to the nature of the waterways and wetlands throughout the

Torrumbarry Irrigation Area, they would have been heavily utilised by Aboriginal people. This

connection is evidenced by physical evidence (e.g. scar trees), however just as important is

the spiritual connection which cannot be measured.

It is important for cultural values to be considered when proposing to change watering

regimes. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 obligates project managers to conduct

detailed identification and valuation of cultural heritage values associated with wetlands. A

cultural heritage management plan is required for high impact projects in culturally sensitive

landscapes such as Ramsar listed wetlands and activities requiring substantial infrastructure.

Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan (North Central

CMA 2011)

Connection to country is identified in this report as particularly important because it

emphasizes the spiritual and cultural associations with the land, rather than the European

notion of proprietary ownership and a more „objective‟ connectedness to land. For example,

connection to place may be linked through stories to specific locations or it may be a location

where people have camped for many generations.

Similarly, native animals have specific meaning and significance. For example, the Murray

Cod was an important indicator of the environmental and spiritual health of the region‟s river

systems. The Traditional Owners assign special significance to a range of native plant

species.


Page 18 of 61

2.2.1 Cultural heritage summary

The KLWSPI area sits within an area of cultural heritage sensitivity, refer to Figure 2.

Figure 2: KLWSPI Aboriginal Stakeholders and Native Title Claim

Any future activities that would require earth disturbance in culturally sensitive areas need to

consider risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal

Heritage Act 2006. Consultation will also be required with all relevant Aboriginal Stakeholders.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (VAHC) has received an application by Barapa

Barapa Nation Aboriginal Corporation for registration as a Registered Aboriginal Party which

includes the KLWSPI area. If registered, the applicant will be responsible for making key

decisions about cultural heritage protection and management under the Aboriginal Heritage

Act 2006.

Presently there is a Native Title Claim application being negotiated with the Wamba Wamba

Barapa Barapa and Wadi Wadi peoples. The outcomes of this will determine the consultation

process and statutory requirements for any future proposed activities.


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2.3 Hydrology

Prior to European settlement the KLWSPI wetlands were ephemeral; they are now part of the

Torrumbarry Irrigation System and operated at near full supply level. The current

understanding of the KLWSPI wetlands water has been reviewed in this section.

2.3.1 Water balance

Conservation value of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area (Lugg et al 1989)

At the end of this report wetland water balances are described for the wetlands in the Kerang

Lakes Area. Some of these components are defined in Table 4 below.

Table 4: KLWSPI wetland hydrology

Wetland Regulated

inflows

Full Supply

Level and

water depth

Capacity Evaporation Groundwater

Reedy Lake From Loddon

River via

Washpen

Creek

FSL: 74.88

mAHD

WD: 2-2.4 m

3,780 ML 2,500

ML/year

Losses: minor

Intrusion: nil?

Middle Lake From Reedy

Lake

FSL: 74.88

mAHD

WD: 1.5-2.1

m

2,120 ML 2,700

ML/year

Losses: minor

Intrusion: nil?

Third Lake From middle

Lake

FSL: 74.57

mAHD

WD: 1.2-1.5

m

2,690 ML 3,000

ML/year

Losses: minor

Intrusion: nil?

Little Lake

Charm

From Third

Lake via No. 7

channel

FSL: 73.93

mAHD

WD: 1.5-2 m

1,700 ML 1580

ML/year

Losses: minor

Intrusion:

minor source

Racecourse

Lake

From Little

Lake Charm

via No. 7

channel

FSL: 73.93

mAHD

WD: 3-4 m

5,300 ML 3,300

ML/year

Losses: minor

Intrusion: nil?

Environmental water regime requirements of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010)

The water savings identified from this report are provided in Section 2.3.3. Additional

investigations were recommended in relation to understanding the water balance and include:

A water balance of the lakes would provide a more accurate indication of seepage

losses.

A larger research project should be undertaken in order to improve estimates of the

pan coefficient.

Groundwater modeling was not available for all of the wetlands (i.e. Little Lake

Charm).

Further investigation to better understand the connectivity between the lakes and

reduce the uncertainty associated with managing the water regimes in the lakes

independent of one another.

Development of an operation and implementation plan

Infrastructure needs to maximise opportunity for Loddon River flows to enter

the lakes.


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Integration of the Loddon environmental flow study with the Kerang Lakes.

Need to develop watering plans for each lake and an integrated plan that

encompasses broader landscape considerations.

A monitoring and adaptive management plan needs to be developed to manage the

transition from the current regime to the new regime and to inform the annual

watering plan.

Need to review approaches to previous lake drying/landscape scale water regime

change, for example, Lake Boga and Lake Mokoan to identify lessons learned and

adapt accordingly to Kerang Lakes.

Draft Central Murray Operations – Operating Procedures (Modernised System) (G-MW

2010)

Water down the Loddon River and Box/Pyramid Creek supplies the Kerang Lakes via the

Washpen regulator. This regulator is located at the end of Whites Lane and is the key

structure used to regulate and maintain the quality of the water entering the Kerang Lakes

system. During the irrigation season, 850 ML/day is the maximum regulated flow through the

structure; the maximum flood flow is 3,500 ML/day. The regulator consists of timber doors,

has a width of 1.8 metres and drop bars are removed to pass flood flows (Plate 1).

Plate 1: Washpen Regulator, 10th

June 2010 (Michelle Maher, North Central CMA)

The Full Supply Level of Reedy Lake and Middle Lake is 74.88 mAHD, the lakes are held at

this level from August to December. During „extreme drought‟ and low allocation years this

level has been lowered to 74.78 mAHD. These lakes are not operated outside 74.57 and

74.88 mAHD.

Third Lake is normally held at a Full Supply Level of 74.57 mAHD throughout the irrigation

season. The regulated flow capacity is 750 ML/day, however this is exceeded in times of

flood. The No. 7 (Lakes) channel flows to Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake. Refer to

Table 5.


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Table 5: Operation storages, levels and volumes for the KLWSPI wetlands

Storage Max flow

(ML/day)

Design

discharge

level

(mAHD)

FSL

(mAHD)

LSL

(mAHD)

Storage at

FSL (ML)

Active

storage

(ML)

Reedy Lake 850irrigation

3,500flood

- 74.88 74.57 3,780 620

Middle Lake 850irrihgation

1,500flood

74.88

75.34

74.88 74.57 2,120 580

Third Lake 750 74.57 74.57 74.57 2,690 -

Little Lake

Charm

- - 73.93 - - -

Racecourse

Lake

- - 73.93 73.12 5,300 1,870

Climate Data Online (BOM 2011)

Climatic processes that influence the hydrology of the KLWSPI wetlands include precipitation,

temperature, evaporation and wind. To calculate the inflows and outflows to these wetlands,

meteorological data will need to be sourced from a weather station. The average annual

rainfall for the Kerang area is 375mm/year (Bureau of Meteorology 2011). Table 6 provides

the weather stations in close proximity to the KLWSPI area.

Table 6: Weather stations in the KLWSPI area

Kerang Kerang G-MW Kerang Model

Farm

Kerang (Meran

Downs)

Station number 80023 80110 80126 80024

Opened 1880 1957 1979 1880

Lat/Long 37.52oS /

143.92oE

35.74oS /

143.93oE

35.72oS /

143.91oE

35.87oS /

143.80oE

Elevation 78 m 77 m 77 m 80 m

SILO datasets have been developed by Department of Environment and Resource

Management (Queensland Government). The Data Drill accesses grids of data derived by

interpolating the Bureau of Meteorology's station records. It is also available for any set of

geographical coordinates in Australia (Gippel 2011).

Wetland Bathymetry Surveys (G-MW 2011)

In 2010/11, G-MW resurveyed Reedy Lake, Third Lake and Racecourse Lake, however rating

tables have not been derived from these surveys. Old rating tables do exist for Lake

Kangaroo, Lakes Kangaroo and Racecourse (combined), Third, and Reedy and Middle Lakes

(combined) (pers. comm. John Ginnivan, [G-MW] 19 September 2011).

2.3.2 Flood studies

Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan (SKM 2006)

The preferred flood mitigation strategy is detailed in this report with the Reedy Lakes, Little

Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake forming a key part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System.

The aim of flow regulation during floods is to optimize the use of available flood storage and

minimise the peak discharge in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek (refer to Figure 1).

The operation of the system is essentially at the discretion of G-MW staff. Diversions into the


Page 22 of 61

water supply lakes are restricted by the capacity of the Washpen Creek and volume

constraints within the wetlands (e.g. fixed weir structure on Middle Lake).

It was identified that the greatest benefit from using the Kerang Lakes for flood storage is

during times when the Washpen Creek is running at capacity without surcharging the Reedy

Lakes. This enables the greatest possible reduction in flood peak in the Loddon River and

Sheepwash Creek.

One of the options put forward in this flood study involved increasing the infrastructure

capacity to deliver water to the Reedy Lakes, reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and

Sheepwash Creek by 3000ML/day. The success of this option depends on the available

storage at the Kerang Lakes, therefore lowering the operating levels in the Kerang Lakes was

also recommended. While this option had flood mitigation benefits it did conflict with irrigation

supply requirements.

2010/11 Flooding in the Kerang Lakes Area (recorded observations by Michelle Maher,

NCCMA 2011)

Flooding in the lower Loddon around Kerang brought about some unavoidable impacts to the

Middle Reedy Lake Ibis rookery. The September and November flood events in 2010 were

both generally at moderate or major levels through the Loddon system. The release of the

flood flows to the Kerang Lakes2 was critical to ease pressure on downstream rural property

and dwellings; however the high flows through the lakes had an unavoidable impact on the

Ibis rookery in Middle Lake.

Monitoring undertaken indicated that up to 90% of the Ibis nests, containing eggs and chicks

at various stages of development, were affected by the flood flows (Pates 2 and 3). The area

did not have a chance to dry out when, in January 2011, many areas received up to five times

the average rainfall. The scale of the January flooding was at a magnitude not seen for over a

century (refer to Figure 3 and Plate 4)

Plate 2: Ibis at Middle Lake Plate 3: Nests at Middle Lake

Photos courtesy of Heath Dunstan, DSE

2 In large floods the Washpen regulator is opened and Loddon flows enter the lakes system west of the

Loddon River.


Page 23 of 61

Figure 3: January 2011 flood extent over the KLWSPI area

Plate 4: Racecourse Lake at bottom of photo with Little Lake Charm in centre and

Reedy Lakes upstream (28 January 2011, Rob O’Brien, DPI)

It is important to note that the birds are opportunistic breeders and have the ability to respond

to interruptions to breeding.


Page 24 of 61

2.3.3 Water savings

Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy (TRAMS) (RMCG 2007)

A key action identified to inform the NVIRP Stage 2 Business Case was the Lakes bypass

project. This involved bypassing lakes with a channel/pipeline and then providing an

environmental flow for affected Lakes. It covers Racecourse Lake and Little Lake Charm and

possibly Reedy, Middle and Third Lakes, although the environmental risks for Reedy, Middle

and Third were identified as prohibitive.

Annual evaporation and seepage rates (ML/year) were calculated at: Racecourse Lake

(2,200), Little Lake Charm (1,060), Reedy Lake (1,700) Middle Lake (1,500) Third Lake

(1,800). Estimated savings were presented as a summary of actions to be further developed

as a Business Plan (refer to Table 7).

Table 7: Water savings assessment

Strategy Option Gross water

saving

Estimated

environmental flow

needed for wetland

Net water

savings

Water saving Little Lake Charm and

Racecourse Lake

bypass channel

3,260 2,445 815

Water saving Reedy Lakes bypass Not included at this stage, subject to more

investigations on cost and specific Lakes bypassed.

The report also identified that more field work was needed to better define the level of losses

(evaporation and seepage) in systems.

TRAMS update (RMCG 2009)

An update to the TRAMS was developed in 2009. As part of this net savings were calculated

for each of the bypass options (Table 8).

Table 8: Water savings assessment

Strategy Option Gross water

saving

Estimated

environmental flow

needed for wetland

Net water

savings

Water saving Little Lake Charm

and Racecourse

Lake bypass channel

3,260 2,445 815

Water saving Reedy Lakes bypass 5,000 3,750 1,250

Environmental Water Regime Requirements of the Kerang Lakes (SKM 2010)

SKM was engaged by G-MW to better understand the potential water savings benefits from

reconfiguration and modernisation in the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area. The losses via

evaporation estimated by the TRAMS (RMCG 2007 and 2009) were revised using the

complementary relationship lake evaporation model, also known as Morton‟s evaporation and

additional estimates were calculated using the pan coefficient method (Table 9).


Page 25 of 61

Table 9: Water savings assessment – evaporative losses

KLWSPI wetland Average annual net evaporation 1980 – 2007 (ML/year)

Pan Coefficient Method Morton’s Method

First Reedy Lake 1,883 1,921

Middle Reedy Lake 1,883 1,642

Third Reedy Lake 2,131 2,002

Little Lake Charm 565 n/a

Racecourse Lake 2,182 2,341

Estimates of seepage outflow were also provided - at Middle and Third Reedy Lake seepage

outflow was estimated as being between 500 ML/yr and 140 ML/yr depending on the climate

scenario (dry, medium and wet). At Racecourse Lake, seepage outflow was estimated as

being between 100 ML/yr and -23 ML/yr (seepage inflow) depending on climate scenario.

Savings estimates calculated based on the environmental watering regime recommended

(refer to section 2.1) indicate that from 5,000 to 16,000 ML/year would be saved if the

wetlands were isolated from the supply system. If a compromised scenario is implemented

between 1,500 and 9,600 ML/year could be achieved.

A Bypass Channel is recommended and associated cost estimates are provided based on a

channel capacity of 700 ML/day. The estimated costs per ML saved are the highest for First

Reedy Lake and the lowest for Third Reedy Lake.

2.3.4 Hydrology summary

Since the construction of Torrumbarry Weir in 1923, the operating regime for the KLWSPI

wetlands has essentially remained unchanged. This has resulted in the wetlands never drying

out, modifying their habitat (e.g. dead trees in Third Reedy Lake). There is high potential for

future irrigation supply and environmental management as a result of the KLWSPI to enhance

the habitat value at these wetlands.

Key opportunities that exist for changing the current operating regime include:

Improving environmental values at the wetlands by providing a watering regime that

will maintain the wetlands and improve their connectivity to natural flooding (refer to

Section 2.1).

The option of increasing the infrastructure capacity to deliver water to the Reedy

Lakes and reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek by

3000ML/day in the flood study (SKM 2006) is now a potential option due to KLWSPI

changing the irrigation supply requirements.

There is good potential for water savings through changing the watering regime of the

KLWSPI wetlands, however hydrology modeling is required to quantify the water

balance of the system under two scenarios:

o Current operating regime: G-MW managed regime for the five water supply

lakes.

o Environmental watering regime: recommended to maintain and enhance the

values of the five wetlands.

The key knowledge gaps in relation to understanding the system hydrology are provided in

Section 3.


Page 26 of 61

2.4 Hydrogeology

This section documents the current knowledge of the distribution and movement of groundwater in the KLWSPI area.

Kerang Lakes Area – Hydrogeological Assessment (Rural Water Commission 1989)

This report was developed to provide input into the Kerang Lakes Management Plan. It only

included analysis of Racecourse Lake and not the other KLWSPI wetlands. Detailed analysis

of areas around individual lakes showed that the watertable level is strongly influenced by

both surface water features and potentiometric surface in the Parilla Sand.

The analysis concluded that decreasing the water level in Racecourse Lake would possibly

result in increased groundwater inflow into the wetland.

Interaction Between Groundwater and Surface Water Systems in Northern Victoria

(Macumber 1991)

A detailed description of the regional geology and hydrogeology is provided in this report. The

work examined the hydrogeological and environmental instability in Northern Victoria due to

the interaction between groundwater and surface water systems. In the Kerang area, the

Kerang Sand consists of fine to coarse-grained, micaceous sand which is overlain by a clay

and silt unit, which is overlain by micaceous sandstone. Between Cohuna and Kerang the

Murray Plains are crisscrossed by a series of shoestring sands, associated with former

courses of the ancestral Goulburn River. These shoestring sands can provide pathways for

upward moving groundwater.

The problems inherent in large-scale flood irrigation within a zone of regional groundwater

discharge in a semiarid region are waterlogging and soil salinity, leading to eventual

destruction of vegetation. This is evident in the Kerang Lakes area with the development of a

general high water table over the central-lower Loddon Plain. There is a delicate balance

between groundwater and surface water systems, a small increase in surface water budgets

may cause significant rise in groundwater pressures. The rising groundwater can in turn affect

surface processes, leading to a rapid shift in environmental equilibrium. This high sensitivity of

the groundwater system to a small increase in the water budget indicates a delicately

balanced hydrological regime.


The Kerang Lakes Area lies within a natural regional groundwater discharge zone, the natural

expansion and contraction of this zone has provided cycles of land and stream salinisation. It

is believed that prior to the introduction of irrigation; watertables were four to nine metres

below the surface (limited records). In the 1880s watertables rose rapidly and pronounce

regional groundwater mounds developed beneath irrigated areas.

There are three major aquifer systems, the deepest in the Renmark Group, overlain by the

Parilla Sand aquifer and the uppermost aquifer is the Shepparton Formation. The behavior of

the Parilla Sand and Shepparton Formation and their interaction are the main drivers for

groundwater levels and flows in the area. Refer to Table 10.


Page 27 of 61

Table 10: Description of Kerang Lakes area aquifer systems

Aquifer system Description

Parilla Sand Relatively permeable, extensive sheetlike aquifer (typically up to 50 metres).

Regional groundwater flow: north westerly direction towards the Murray River

Groundwater salinity: 8,000 EC (near Cohuna) to 65,000 EC (Lake Boga)

*Lower salinities observed in the vicinity of the major supply lakes,

suggesting sources of recharge to the underlying groundwater system.

Shepparton Formation Thick sequence of river and lake sediments. Brown and grey mottled clay

and silt with thin beds of sand deposited by ancient stream systems. Less

permeable than Parilla Sand.

Regional groundwater flow: north westerly direction towards the Murray

River, however the dominant process for adding or removing water in this

aquifer is vertical flow due to recharge or discharge (due to low permeability)

The majority of irrigated land within the Kerang Lakes area is now underlain by a high saline

water table that fluctuates between zero to two metres below ground surface. The watertable

depth is greater than two metres under lake lunettes, high areas, dryland farming and drained

areas adjacent to the Murray River.

Shallow groundwater salinities in the Kerang Lakes area typically range from 30,000 to

60,000 EC. The groundwater close to the supply lakes appears to be in many cases less

saline than the regional groundwater table. This indicates recharge and flushing of the

groundwater system with fresh surface water.

Groundwater – Surface Water Interactions at Third, Middle and Reedy Lakes, Kerang,

Victoria (Bartley, 1992)

This study commenced in 1987 focusing on the three wetlands and their interaction with the

groundwater system (three years of water level records). This report provides baseline data

and recommends modeling, assessment of seepage rates, monitoring groundwater changes

in response to altering the water levels in the wetlands.

During wet periods, the water table in the vicinity of these wetlands is within 0.5 to 1.5 metres,

remaining within 2 metres of the surface. In winter, groundwater discharges into Reedy Lake

and at the southern end of Middle Lake with them temporarily becoming throughflow lakes at

the end of winter. All three wetlands form a recharge mound from October to June as the

watertable falls. The regional flow system is a major controlling factor on the surface water

and groundwater interactions.

Groundwater recharge into Reedy Lake during winter was identified as a minor

detrimental effect on water quality.

It was notable that where the depression is closest to the lakes (from Middle Lake

northwards), there has been severe degradation of vegetation (area where

groundwater flow is directed and discharge occurs)

It suggested that the watertable aquifer in the immediate vicinity of the wetlands will

probably be unaffected if the lakes are maintained at their current water supply levels,

continuing to provide recharge throughout most of the year.

Reedy Lake as a terminal wetland for Washpen Creek, may have been filled more

frequently than Third Lake, therefore it would have been a more constant source of

recharge to the groundwater system.

It may be possible to implement a more „natural‟ wetting and drying cycle without

intrusion of saline regional groundwater. This is due to the existence of a significant

lens of relatively fresh water lying beneath the wetlands.


Page 28 of 61

Several years of monitoring a changed operating supply will need to be undertaken to

understand surface water and groundwater interactions.

Groundwater/surface Water Interactions in the Northern Loddon and Avoca River

Catchments (Lakey 1992)

An assessment of groundwater inflows at Third, Middle and Reedy lakes suggested that there

is scope to alter the water regimes at these wetlands. The area is underlain by high, saline

watertable that is continually within capillary reach of the surface (ranging from zero to two

metres below ground surface). The depth to water table is greater than two metres under the

lake lunettes, higher topographic areas and dryland farming areas. A groundwater divide also

exists under the Lake Charm and Lake Kangaroo lunettes, which extends south along a line

through the Reedy Lakes.

The report identified that the high water levels maintained for supply purposes in the Reedy

Lakes had produced and maintained a groundwater mound beneath the lakes which is

superimposed on the regional system. This has the positive effect of protecting the lakes from

groundwater ingress (for most of the year), but has had a negative effect of artificially raising

water table levels and land salinisation around the lakes.

The report states that Reedy Lakes could be lowered for several years without significant

inflows of saline regional groundwater occurring. Therefore a unique opportunity exists to

return these wetlands to a relatively natural wetting and dry cycle. Careful monitoring and

management of this system can be progressively refined to preserve the Ibis rookery, mitigate

flood damage and prevent saline inflows from the Loddon River and Wandella Creek.

Important considerations if changing the watering regime included:

Volume of groundwater flow into the lakes

Groundwater quality and environmental impact of inflow

The distance that the cone of depression will extend from the lakes.

Kerang Future Land Use (SKM 2004)

The constant high water level maintained at Reedy, Middle and Third lakes has produced and

maintained a groundwater mound beneath the lakes which is superimposed on the

groundwater system. It was identified that lower lake levels may induce some groundwater

inflow and adversely impact the environmental values of these wetlands. This study

attempted to determine the potential for groundwater inflow to occur into Lakes Kangaroo,

Charm, Reedy, Middle and Third if the lake levels were draw down cyclically.

The lakes recharge the groundwater throughout most of the year, so although the regional

groundwater flow direction is to the north and north west, there is local flow to the west and

east. Some groundwater inflow was identified along the southern shores of Reedy Lake, with

the other two wetlands providing recharge to groundwater.

Groundwater quality varies significantly, in the vicinity of the Reedy lakes salinity levels range

between less than 1,600 EC and 50,000 EC. Salinity levels generally increasing with distance

from the wetlands, which is an indication that the wetlands have a recharge effect.

A groundwater model was developed to incorporate the different influences in the

hydrogeological system (Visual Modflow). Possible new operating ranges used are shown in

Table 11. The lakes are in direct hydraulic connection with the shallow groundwater system

and the watertable follows the shape of the topography in a subdued manner. Estimates of

groundwater inflow suggested that the Reedy Lakes receive very small volumes of

groundwater inflow (20 to 75 m3/day).


Page 29 of 61

Table 11: Proposed operating levels

Wetland Proposed Max level (mAHD) Proposed Min level (mAHD)

Reedy Lake 74.9 73.5

Middle Lake 74.9 73.5

Third Lake 74.5 73.5

This investigation concluded that the proposed new operating levels would have very minor

impacts on groundwater inflow into the wetlands. Third Lake may receive slightly more salt,

while Reedy Lake may receive slightly less. The salt loads were considered very small due to

the surrounding groundwater being relatively fresh.

Lake Tutchewop Groundwater Interactions Investigations (Aquaterra 2011) (in

preparation)

This report examines the spatial distribution of leakage around Lake Tutchewop as a follow

up to earlier work. This report has been included here as a useful reference to new

information that may be relevant to the KLWSPI wetlands, which are in close proximity to

Lake Tutchewop.

Some preliminary conclusions (John Ginnivan, pers. comm. November 7, 2011) of this

investigation are that leakage from the lake was constrained to within 300m of the shoreline

and that the lithology below the lake revealed a very hard, non-porous clay layer.

This report could not be reviewed as it was still in preparation and had not yet proceeded

through final signoff from the parties concerned. It is expected that finalisation of the report

will occur by the end of November, 2011.

2.4.1 Hydrogeology summary

The KLWSPI will need to explore and increase the current understanding of surface water

and groundwater interactions within the study area. Groundwater interactions and the salinity

risk posed to the wetlands via a changed water regime would need to be investigated further.

The current water level operation at the wetlands is likely to have a positive effect on

preventing groundwater intrusion for most of the year; however it may also have a negative

effect of recharging the watertable, resulting in land salinisation surrounding the wetlands.

To gain more confidence in the salt load impacts, the salinity immediately adjacent to the

wetlands should be confirmed. This will also enable an assessment on the salinity of the

wetlands. A greater range of operating levels than in SKM (2004) should also be considered

as the modeling indicated that there would be little impact on salt loads.

It is important to note that most of the hydrogeology studies were completed when regional

groundwater levels were high due to high rainfall. Since the early 1990s when these studies

were completed, groundwater levels declined as a result of thirteen years of drought over the

whole district. Figure 4 shows groundwater levels taken at a bore near Reedy Lake and

indicates that even though the drought commenced around 1998, relatively high groundwater

levels were maintained up until 2003.


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Figure 4: Bore level data (B79085) near Reedy Lake

Figure 5 provides the locations of all the bores in close proximity to the wetlands. Most of

these bores were established at the time of development of the Salinity Management Plan

(KLAWG 1992). Refer to Section 3 for the hydrogeology recommendations for the KLWSPI.

Figure 5: KLWSPI wetlands and bore locations


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2.5 Geology and geomorphology

This section provides the current understanding of the classification, description, nature,

origin, and development of landforms in the KLWSPI area.

Soils and Land Use in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District (Sargeant, J. Newell, and

Walbran 1978)

The Riverine Plain within the Torrumbarry Irrigation District is comprised of sediments from

two different stream systems – the Loddon system and the Murray–Goulbourn system.

The dominant soils in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District are the grey and brown cracking clays

on almost level plains. These soils are mainly used for annual pasture. By autumn these soils

are deeply cracked and it is not possible to avoid initial rapid water entry. Generally the clays

swell on wetting and, when saturated, may become very slowly permeable. Watertables, once

formed in these soils disperse only very slowly and when the salt content of the profile is high

surface salinity becomes a problem. Two methods of lowering the watertable, using tile

drainage and pumping from shallow aquifers is discussed. It is possible that as the salinity of

the ground water and soil is reduced, the clays may disperse, further lowering the

permeability of the soil profiles.

The soils of the treeless plain towards the extreme west of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District

have high coarse sand and low silt fractions, as well as more lime than the typical soils of the

Riverine Plain. The sediments from which these soils are formed are largely aeolian.

An important physiographic feature includes the lake-lunette systems found in the north-

western part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation District. The crescentic ridges (or lunettes) are

formed from material blown from the dry lake beds, and vary from a few feet to over 100 feet

in height. The lakes are considered to have developed as terminal basins during the final

stages of prior stream activity. It has also been proposed that some lake-lunette systems

were created by deflation of salt-affected areas and that the origin of lakes with saline water

as points of ground water discharge.

Kerang Future Land Use (SKM 2004)

The Kerang Lakes lie on the eastern edge of the plain between Kerang and Swan Hill. The

lakes are natural features of the plain and range from less than 10ha to over 1000ha (Lake

Kangaroo). The lakes are terminal features on watercourses such as the Avoca River,

Wandella Creek and Washpen Creek. The Loddon River lies to the east of the lakes.

The topography of the area is undulating ranging between 60 m AHD in the swales and 90

mAHD on the dunes and lunettes associated with many of the wetlands. The topography

slopes gently to the north towards the Murray River.

Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan (SKM 2006)

The gradual fall in natural surface level from Kerang Township to Lake Boga is approximately

six metres. The Reedy Lakes are underlain by a low permeability clay layer. The clay is thin in

the north beneath Third Lake and thickens to around eight metres beneath Reedy Lake.

Underlying the clay layer is a more permeable unit which comprises predominantly sandy

clay.

2.5.1 Geology and geomorphology summary

The KLWSPI area sits in the Victorian Riverina bioregion which is characterised by flat to

gently undulating landscape on recent unconsolidated sediments with wide floodplain areas

associated with major river systems. The area is the interface country between

unconsolidated alluvial sediments (sands and clays) of the Riverine Plain and the marine

sediments of the western Murray Basin.

Figure 6 below provides a general map of the soil types in the KLWSPI area. It is important to

note that the soil type and its properties influence infiltration and soil water movement.


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Figure 6: KLWSPI soil types analysis


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2.6 Salinity and water quality

The following section provides a snapshot of the water quality monitored and salinity investigations undertaken in the KLWSPI area.

Further Considerations of the Environmental Effects of Salinity on Waterbodies in the

Kerang Lakes Management Area (McGuckin 1991)

This report was concerned with the rising groundwater and increased salinities of irrigation

water causing poor water quality in the lakes and rivers in the Kerang Lakes Management

Area. Water quality information collected and analysed as part of this study suggested that

the existing regulation of flows to the Kerang Lakes did not appear to be the cause for salinity

impacts to aquatic biota. The report recommended that the current pattern of regulation

should be maintained to preserve the Kerang Lakes:

“As natural conditions no longer exist in the Kerang Lakes, management should

concentrate on conserving biological communities in their present status in this

modified environment.”


Salinities within the Torrumbarry System vary, Murray River water (diverted from Torrumbarry

Weir pool) is of very low salinity and as it travels through the system it receives saline water

from groundwater sources, streams and drains. Major sources of salt input include Kow

Swamp, groundwater seepage into the Pyramid Creek, Bullock Creek and local drainage

catchments and the Loddon River. Water from the Macorna Channel is released into the

Loddon River during the irrigation season to dilute salinities for Kerang Urban supplies.

Salinities in the KLWSPI wetlands are affected by the Pyramid/Loddon mix coming into

Washpen Creek. The Wandella Creek is an anabranch of the Loddon River which runs

directly into Reedy Lake providing salinity flows greater than 1,000 EC. Salinity ranges in the

KLWSPI area between the 1981 to 1985 period are documented in Table 12.

Table 12: KLWSPI Area water quality – average salinities for 1981 to 1985 period

Sampling point Salinity (@ 25oC)

Reedy Lake (Washpen inlet) Mean: 500 EC

Range: 150 to 1,700 EC

Third Lake Mean: 420 EC


Lake Charm (North End) Mean: 3,300 EC

Range: 2,800 to 4,200 EC

Racecourse Lake Mean: 500 EC


Kangaroo Lake (South End) Mean: 500 EC

Range: 300 to 900 EC

It is identified in this report that the Kerang Lakes Area irrigators suffer significant inputs of

salt which is distributed onto the irrigated lands. Wetlands (excluding Reedy, Middle and Third

Lakes) were gradually rising in salinity due to a lack of flushing (any salt that enters theses

systems stays in). As salinity in the wetland increases the number and diversity of

invertebrates and aquatic plants decreases, therefore their feeding value for birds and

animals declines.


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Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for

targeted Kerang Lakes (Ho et al. 2006)

It was found that the water quality conditions in the KLWSPI wetlands were of good quality,

with most parameters falling within the expected range. Electrical conductivity levels were

much higher at Lake Charm.



Salinity levels in wetlands influence the usability of water for flora and fauna species, people

and stock. Increasing salinity is identified as a high priority risk for the Kerang wetlands.

Salinity levels in groundwater range from 30,000 to 60,000 EC which can increase salinity

levels in wetlands where groundwater intrudes into a wetland and is not diluted by flushing or

freshwater inputs.

Salinity Modeling Using the Updated Kerang Lakes REALM Model (SKM 2011)

This report identifies that projects by NVIRP and the implementation of Mid Murray Storage

Project are likely to cause changes to the salt load exported from the Kerang Lakes system.

The model representation of the Reedy Lakes was improved to better match the current

operating rules so as to provide a better match to historical data and prevent excessive

drawdown of the Lakes to satisfy demand from Channel 1/7.

The changes made to the system file have the following objectives:

1. Prevent Third Lake from drawing down when supplying Channel 1/7 and downstream

demands

2. Prevent Reedy Lake and Middle Lake from drawing down to lower than a total of

5900 ML from the start of the season to December 31st and lower than 4700 ML after

that date.

2.6.1 Salinity and water quality summary

From the investigations undertaken, current water quality is generally good at the KLWSPI

wetlands, which is mainly due to the supply of good quality irrigation water (wetlands are

managed as water supply lakes). Water diverted from the Murray River for use across this

system is typically of high quality with salinity levels ranging between 100-200 EC. However,

in times of flood the salinity level of the water can increase; greater than 500 EC and

historically up to 1,000 EC in Lake Kangaroo.

It should be noted that some of the water quality data examined was „one off‟ sampling and

hence gives a snapshot of a moment in time, but no guide to any temporal variations. A more

comprehensive determination of the water balance, water sources and environmental

watering regimes will be required to quantify the salinity impacts on the KLWSPI wetlands of

any changes to current water regimes(refer to Section 3).


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2.6 Social and economic

The Kerang Lakes is the centre of a rich and varied agricultural region (cattle and sheep

grazing, dairying, vineyards and orchards). Many of the wetlands are also the destination of

duck shooters and holiday-makers, seeking to relax and enjoy the many water-based

recreational activities.

Recreation on Public Land in the Kerang Lakes Area (Heron and Nieuwland C 1989)

This report provides a snapshot of the locality, land status, recreational opportunities, type of

activities and provides management recommendations for wetlands in the Kerang Lakes

area. Middle Lake is identified as a good nature study that has a high intensity of use. Reedy

Lake provides good picnicking, swimming, sailing and boating recreational activities.


It is identified in this management plan that the Kerang Lakes Area supports diverse

agricultural industries, which include irrigated grazing, dairying and horticultural farms along

with dryland grazing and cropping enterprises. The area was also recognised for its high

environmental values, being at the junction of three major floodplains (Avoca, Loddon and

Murray rivers). The focus is on rising salinity levels on soil and water resources, with irrigated

areas underlain by watertables that were within two metres of the natural surface. It was

estimated that approximately 60% of the irrigated pasture lands were affected by soil salinity

and 24% severely salinised.

The wetlands were also recognized as being threatened by saline groundwater with the risk of

them being transformed into a chain of saline lakes. Without intervention, this agricultural and

environmental degradation would lead to major impacts on the social and regional economy.

Chapter 11 provides information on the economic conditions, where relationships between

agricultural industries and other sectors of the regional economy were estimated. It confirmed

the importance of the agricultural and service industries as regional employers, which were 30

and 54% of regional employment respectively.

Chapter 12 provides a social profile for the Kerang Lakes area, the people who farm in this

area are as diverse as the crops they produce. The area surrounding the KLWSPI wetlands

are predominantly been dominated by mixed grazing enterprises (annual pasture irrigation

and a smaller area of perennial pasture). Soil salinity and flooding have been major

environmental concerns.

Community Workshops and Social Network Analysis in the Loddon Campaspe

Irrigation Region of Northern Victoria (Fenton 2007)

An analysis of organisational networks and information exchange in the Loddon Campaspe

Region of Northern Victoria was undertaken to identify those organisations and community

groups that should be consulted and involved in NRM planning processes.

For the Kerang Area the Rotary Club of Kerang was found to be the key organisation through

which information is disseminated and acquired, environmental groups such as the Kerang

Environmental Education Project, the Normanville and Lake Charm Landcare Group have

limited information exchange with other organisations in the region.


CMA 2011)

The Torrumbarry irrigation area contains around 2,762 irrigators and has (as at 30 June 2010)

a total permanent water share of 291,943 ML. Water deliveries in 2009/10 were 191GL.

Demographics across the region are changing in response to the challenges being faced by

the local communities. The number of farmers is declining whilst their average age is

increasing; the number of farm workers is also decreasing. The dairy sector remains the


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largest employer of farm workers and produces the highest gross value of agricultural

production in the region.

Community impacts of the Guide to the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan (EBC et

al. 2011)

A community impact assessment was targeted at „social catchments‟, a level of social

grouping that reflects community identity and local economic interaction. The social

catchment that incorporates the KLWSPI area extends from Serpentine in the south to

Barham in the north and Quambatook in the west to Gunbower in the east.

2.7.1 Social and economic summary

The KLWSPI wetlands provide important economic and recreational services to the region.

The use of „social catchments‟ (EBC et al. 2011) and identified networks (Fenton 2007) will be

useful for the community engagement aspects of the KLWSPI.


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2.7 Land management

The Kerang Lakes region in northwest Victoria is particularly significant for the occurrence of a large number of high value wetlands within a relatively small geographic area. All of the KLWSPI wetlands are currently part of the Torrumbarry Irrigation System and are managed for water supply.

Report on North Central Area (Land Conservation Council 1981)

The KLWSPI wetlands were classified for the management of water production regulation and

drainage. These areas are public land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978,

and managed by the state Rivers and Water Supply Commission in consultation with the

Fisheries and Wildlife Division.


Most of the land around the Reedy Lakes (Reedy Lake, Middle Reedy Lake and Third Reedy

Lake) is private land used for low intensity cropping or grazing. It was identified that most of

the water entitlement associated with this land had been traded off due to the degraded

nature of the land.

Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan (DSE 2004)

The KLWSPI wetlands are reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and are

utilised for the purposes of water supply. These reserves are managed by G-MW. A number

of Site Management Strategies have been developed for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site

grouped under relevant management objectives, including maintain or seek to restore

appropriate water regimes, manage resource utilization on a sustainable basis and develop

ongoing consistent programs to monitor ecological character.

River Red Gum Forests Final Report (VEAC 2008)

In 2009, the Victorian government endorsed (with amendments) the Victorian Environment

Assessment Council (VEAC) recommendations for public land management. As of June

2010:

KLWSPI wetlands: storage and distribution of water for irrigation and domestic supply

purposes (H2)

Area south of Little Lake Charm: State Wildlife Reserve (G87)


CMA 2011)

The Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region (LCIR) covers 713,816 ha of public and private land

of which over 90 per cent is privately owned and the majority is used for irrigated agriculture.

Approximately 5,000 irrigators farm 505,000 ha of irrigated land, 140 000 ha is land used for

dryland farming and the remainder (79,000 ha) is public land - native forest, grasslands and

wetlands. As illustrated in Figure 7, irrigated pasture is the main land use in the KLWSPI area.


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Figure 7: Types of land use across the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region (North

Central CMA 2011)

Future Farming Landscapes (Kilter 2011)

Future Farming Landscapes is an investment initiative by VicSuper which commenced back

in 2004. Kilter Pty Ltd. Future Farming Landscapes is a long term property investment that

seeks to manage land, water and environmental assets for traditional and new income

streams including agriculture, forestry, green energy, water and ecosystem services. A map is

provided in Figure 8 showing the areas of land Kilter has purchased in the KLWSPI area.

Figure 8: Kilter property holdings - KLWSPI area as at 30 June 2011


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2.8.1 Land management summary

There are a number of stakeholders involved in the management of the KLWSPI wetlands.

Figure 8 and Figure 9 below outline the land management and land use respectively in the

KLWSPI area.

Figure 9: KLWSPI Land Management

Figure 10: KLWSPI Land Use


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3 Knowledge gaps and recommendations The following gaps, investigations and opportunities have been identified from the literature

review for the KLWSPI.

Environmental values

Knowledge gaps

Returning the KLWSPI wetlands to a more natural flooding regime could potentially result in

significant environmental benefits. Changing the water management at these wetlands has

been identified as a key recommendation in a number of publications to improve the

conservation value of these wetlands since 1989. It has also been identified that while

changing the watering regime will benefit some species it may also provide a disbenefit to

others (disadvantage species that require permanent water). SKM (2010) recognised that the

acceptable level of environmental risk for the KLWSPI wetlands needs to be agreed to by

stakeholders.

The final recommendations for the baseline Limits of Acceptable Change will provide

important information for determining how much water regimes can change without negatively

impacting on the ecological character of the KLWSPI wetlands.

The implementation of the Ramsar Convention is guided by “ensuring that activities that might

affect wetlands will not lead to the loss of biodiversity or diminish the many ecological,

hydrological, cultural or social values of wetlands” (DSE 2008, p5). A notification is required if

the ecological character of a site has changed, is changing, or is likely to change as the result

of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.

Whilst a broad range of data has been collected over a large number of years in relation to

the KLWSPI wetlands, consistent field assessments have not occurred since 2006. To date,

acid sulphate soils risk assessment work has not been undertaken at any of these wetlands. It

will be important that this occur prior to implementing a drying regime at any of these

wetlands.

Recommendations

The development of an Environmental Watering Plan (EWP) is recommended for the five

wetlands prior to the implementation of any water savings initiatives that will alter the current

water regimes of any of the KLWSPI wetlands. This will enable scientists and managers to

work through an approved process to establish environmental watering regimes to protect

and maintain the wetlands environmental integrity. It will also be useful in providing the basis

for updating the LAC set in the ECD, the water regime management strategy.

Appendix C suggests a framework for developing a EWP for the KLWSPI wetlands; it builds

on the work completed for wetlands and waterways as part of NVIRP Stage 1.

Cultural heritage

Knowledge gaps

There is uncertainty in what the outcomes of the current RAP and Native Title applications will

be, however, consultation will be required with all relevant Aboriginal Stakeholders. Any future

activities that would require earth disturbance in culturally sensitive areas need to consider

risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act

2006.

Recommendations

It is likely that the development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be required for

the KLWSPI (activities are high impact and the project is within culturally sensitive area,

Figure 2). Refer to Appendix C.


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Hydrology

Knowledge gaps

Uncertainty exists in the volumes required to provide the KLWSPI wetlands with their current

watering regime and any future watering regime recommended. Putting hard numbers against

total volumes required for a wetland filling event is difficult. There are inherent problems with

making accurate assessments of the water use in wetlands, including inflow rates, wetland

shape, time of year (i.e. temperature) soil moisture and depth to groundwater will all influence

the amount of water wetlands will require.

The wetland bathymetry data for the KLWSPI wetlands is not sufficient to inform the water

balance model. Reedy Lake, Third Lake and Racecourse Lake have recently been surveyed

by G-MW; however no rating tables have been calculated. Middle Lake and Little Lake Charm

are required to be surveyed and have rating tables developed. While old rating tables do exist

for the KLWSPI wetlands, the rating tables are combined

The potential for the KLWSPI to provide flood storage under the recommended watering

regime needs to be investigated. The option identified for the KLWSPI in the flood study (SKM

2006) included increasing the infrastructure capacity to deliver water to the Reedy Lakes

therefore reducing the flood peak in the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek by 3000ML/day.

This option was dependent on available storage in the Kerang Lakes. Therefore by changing

the current operating levels/watering regime at the KLWSPI wetlands, this flood storage

option could potentially be another benefit to come out of the KLWSPI.

Recommendations

The SWET model (Savings at Wetlands from Evapotranspiration daily Time Series) will be

required for the KLWSPI wetlands to assess the water balance on different management

cycle (current operating arrangements and recommended future water regime). This modeling

approach has been approved by the Murray Darling Basin Authority for estimating the wetland

surface water balance.

The SWET model predicts wetland water level over time, and also predicts water use by the

wetland. More recently this modeling has been used to successfully assess the water savings

available for Pig Swamp (wetland with no measured outfall, similar to the KLWSPI wetlands).

By subtracting the incidental water contribution to the wetland from the irrigation system under

the water supply scenario from the environmental water use by the wetland under the

recommended future scenario an estimate was made of the water savings achieved from the

changed operating regime. This is an important component for the EWP, refer to Appendix C.

The surface elevation versus surface area and volume relationships derived from an analysis

of wetland bathymetry data is critical for the development of the SWET models and hence

rating tables will be required for all wetlands.


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Hydrogeology

Knowledge gaps

The KLWSPI area is subject to high salinities and shallow water tables. The required

hydrogeology understanding for the KLWSPI has two components:

1. Interaction between the wetlands and groundwater system (shallow water table close

to the wetlands)

Further investigations into this system should provide a general description of the function of the

surface water and underlying groundwater, and identify how this may influence the environmental

values of each wetland, particularly in regard to influencing the water regime. It is also

recognised that each of the five wetlands are unique and may function differently from each other

as well as influencing each other.

2. Construction of the bypass channel

The KLWSPI will need to map what has been drilled in the area, analyse bore stratigraphy,

investigate the potential water losses to sand layers (land salinisation impacts), and assess the

depth of channel versus depth of water table and geophysics.

Recommendations

Once the desired water regime has been defined and agreed to by stakeholders, a risk

assessment will need to give consideration to:

Previous and current surface and groundwater monitoring conducted. Associated

map highlighting the primary/key groundwater monitoring observations bores and

irrigation infrastructure.

A broad description of groundwater behaviour (direction, hydraulic gradient, trends,

potential sink/recharge zone) and how the wetland interacts with the underlying

groundwater system over the period of available surface water and groundwater data

(groundwater response to wetland water level fluctuations). Accompanied by typical

hydrographs to assist in this explanation.

Potential salinity threat to the wetland from a hydrogeological perspective i.e. with

regard to periodic inundation or leaving the wetland dry.

Potential threat to the environmental values of the wetlands associated with a drier

environment and lower regional groundwater system.

Hydrogeological behaviour of the wetland and influence of the proposed water regime

to preserve the current environmental values.

Potential losses during filling (e.g. seepage).and future monitoring requirements

In designing the path for the bypass channel, the principal design consultant will be required

to complete a detailed geotechnical investigation of the area. The geotechnical investigation

shall provide a comprehensive record of the underlying features including soil bearing

capacities and a record of the localised groundwater level at the time of investigation.

Geology and geomorphology

Knowledge gaps

The soil properties affecting infiltration and soil water movement at the KLWSPI wetlands

needs to be investigated. Soil seepage dominates the loss component early on in the filling

phase, but once all areas have been wetted-up, evapotranspiration becomes the dominant

water loss process. This is an important knowledge gap in understanding the potential water

savings and volumes required for the environmental watering regime.


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Recommendations

To gain an appreciation of the distribution and variation of soil physical, chemical and

hydraulic properties across the KLWSPI area soil investigations should be undertaken. This

will give some insight into the potential infiltration pattern (e.g. infiltration losses when

watering a wetland from dry) for the SWET model.

Salinity and Water quality

Knowledge gaps

The determination of the water balance, water sources and environmental watering regimes

will need to consider the salinity impacts to the KLWSPI wetlands. Any changes in the

operation of the Kerang Lakes are likely to change the current downstream impacts on the

Murray system.

Recommendations

Victoria will need to understand the salinity impacts of the KLWSPI and provide mitigation

against any potential negative impacts. The updated Kerang Lakes Realm model will help

inform this and the assessment should be considered for inclusion into the development of

the Environmental Watering Plan. Refer to Appendix C.

Social and economic

Knowledge gaps

The views of the community in relation to the project and whether they will accept the future

recommended water management at the KLWSPI wetlands.

Recommendations

The successful inclusion of community engagement is critical for the KLWSPI. In preparing

the EIA, a high level of public involvement in identifying issues to be studied and commenting

on the environmental studies that are completed will be required. It is suggested that NVIRP

use the „social catchments‟ identified in EBC et al. (2011) and the identified networks for the

Kerang area (Fenton 2007) to help inform the Stakeholders that need to be engaged. A

stakeholder mapping exercise should be undertaken at the first workshop for the KLWSPI

project plan.

Land management

Knowledge gaps

Confirmation of the land management for Racecourse Lake is required.

Recommendations

The KLWSPI wetlands are reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and are

utilised for the purposes of water supply. These reserves are managed by Goulburn-Murray

Water. The KLWSPI will need to consult with the land manager to ensure the environmental

watering regime and bypass channel will fulfill the requirements of operating the Torrumbarry

Irrigation System throughout the irrigation season.

The future management of the KLWSPI wetlands may change post KLWSPI to a

conservation status (e.g. Wildlife Reserve) as it is likely that they will no longer be utilised for

water supply.


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4 References Anderson, J. R. (1991). The implications of Salinity, and Salinity Management Initiatives, on Fish and Fish Habitat in the Kerang Lakes Management Area. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No. 103. Report prepared the Department of Conservation and Environment, Shepparton, Victoria.

Aquaterra (2011) Lake Tutchewop Groundwater Interactions Investigations, prepared for

Goulburn-Murray Water, October 2011, Draft, in preparation

Bartley, J. (1992). Groundwater – surface water interactions at Third, Middle and Reedy Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Water Resources, Kerang, Victoria.

Brett Lane and Associates (BLA) Pty. Ltd. (2007) Torrumbarry Irrigation Area Reconfiguration

– Environmental Impacts of Reconfiguration, Fourth Draft prepared for RMCG

Boulton, A. and Brock, M. (1999). Australian Freshwater Ecology: Processes and Management. Gleneagles Publishing, Glen Osmond.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), (2011). Climate Statistics, Australian Government, [online] available: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate [date accessed: 24 September 2011], Canberra.

Clunie P. (2010). Description of the ecological character of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar site. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, DEWHA (2008), National Framework and Guidance for Describing the Ecological Character of Australian Ramsar Wetlands. Module 2 of Australian National Guidelines for Ramsar Wetlands – Implementing the Ramsar Convention in Australia. Canberra.

Department of Sustainability and Environment, DSE (2004). Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan. DSE, Melbourne.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) (2011). Wetland monitoring data, Kerang, Victoria.

EBC, RMCG, MJA, EconSearch, McLeod, G., Cummins, T., Roth, G., and Cornish D. (2011). Community impacts of the Guide to the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Report prepared for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. May, Canberra.

Egis (2001). Review and update of the Lower Loddon Hydrologic Study. Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria.

Fenton M. (2007). Community Workshops and Social Network Analysis in the Loddon Campaspe Irrigation Region of Northern Victoria. EBC, Townsville.

Fleming G. (1990). The aquatic invertebrate and fish faunas of the Kerang lakes Area. Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. [e-report provided]

Gippel, C. (2011). SWET Water Balance Models for NVIRP Priority Wetlands: Technical Manual. Manual prepared for the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly.

Goulburn-Murray Water, G-MW (2010). Central Murray Operations – Operating Procedures (Modernised System). Kerang Victoria.

Heron S. and Nieuwland C. (1989). Recreation on Public Land in the Kerang Lakes Area. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, November, Bendigo, Victoria.

Ho S., Roberts J., Cheers G., Suitor, L. (2006). Development and application of an ecological monitoring and mapping program for targeted Kerang lakes. Technical Report 6/2006. Report prepared by the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Mildura for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. [e-report provided]

HydroTechnology (1995). An Environmental Water Management Strategy for the Kerang Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate


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Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd (KBR) (2011). Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site - Ecological Character Description. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. [e-report provided]

Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd (KBR) (2007). Assessment Framework of Changed Water Management Regimes on the Health of the Kerang Lakes. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Melbourne. [e-report provided]

Kerang Lakes Area Working Group (KLAWG) 1992. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan, March, Kerang, Victoria.

Kerang Lakes Area Working Group (KLAWG) 1992. Kerang-Swan Hill (Kerang Lakes Area) Salinity Management Plan – Background Papers. March, Kerang, Victoria.

Kerang-Swan Hill Future Land Use Community Working Group (2004). Kerang-Swan Hill Future Land Use Pilot Project. Report prepared for the Department of Sustainability and Environment and North Central CMA, Melbourne.

Kilter Pty Ltd (2011). Future Farming Landscapes

http://www.vicsuper.com.au/www/html/1726-future-farming-landscapes.asp?intSiteID=1 [Date

accessed 29 September 2011]

Lakey, R. (1992). Groundwater/surface water interactions in the Northern Loddon and Avoca River catchments. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Water Division, Report No. 89, Kerang, Victoria.

Land Conservation Council (1981). Final Recommendations – North Central Area, February, Melbourne, Victoria.

Lugg A. (1990). Waterbirds of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area, Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. [e-report provided]

Lugg, A., Heron, S., Fleming, G., and O‟Donnell, T. (1989). Conservation Value of the Wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area, Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. [e-report provided]

Macumber P. (1991). Interaction between groundwater and surface systems in Northern Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne, Victoria.

McGuckin, J. (1991). Further Considerations of the Environmental Effects of Salinity on Waterbodies in the Kerang Lakes Management Area. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No. 17. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Environment, Shepparton, Victoria.

Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) (2009). Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Assessment Project. CSIRO Land and Water Science Report, Canberra.

North Central CMA (2011). Loddon and Campaspe Irrigation Area Land and Water Management Plan, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly.

Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) (2010). NVIRP Stage 2 Project Description and Cost Estimate – North Central CMA Project Excerpts. Shepparton, Victoria.

O‟Donnell T. (1990). Vegetation of the wetlands in the Kerang Lakes Area. Report to Kerang Lakes Area Working Group, Department of Conservation Forests & Lands, October, Bendigo. [e-report provided]

RMCG (2009). TRAMS Update Final Report, prepared for NVIRP, RMCG, Bendigo, Victoria. [e-report provided]

RMCG (2007). Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy Stage 1 Final Report, Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, RMCG, Bendigo, Victoria. [e-report provided]

Rural Water Commission of Victoria (1991). Kerang Lakes Area Management Plan – Surface water modeling. Prepared by P.D. Erlanger, October, Kerang, Victoria.

Rural Water Commission of Victoria (1989). Kerang Lakes Area Hydrogeological Assessment. Contributions by Hoxley, G., Ife, D. and Pratt, M., March, Kerang, Victoria.

http://www.vicsuper.com.au/www/html/1726-future-farming-landscapes.asp?intSiteID=1


Page 46 of 61

Sargeant, I., Newell, J. and Walbran, W. (1978), Soils and Land Use in the Torrumbarry Irrigation District, Research Project Series No. 49. Victorian Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. [e-report provided]

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2011). Salinity modeling using the updated Kerang Lakes

REALM Model. Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria.

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2010). Environmental water regime requirements of the Kerang Lakes, Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang, Victoria. [e-report provided]

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2006). Kerang to Little Murray Floodplain Management Plan – Assessment of Options. Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria.

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2004). Kerang Future Land Use – Groundwater intrusion into Lakes Kangaroo, Charm, Reedy, Middle and Third. Report prepared for Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang, Victoria.

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) (2001). Reedy Lakes Environmental Status Report, Report prepared for the North Central CMA, Huntly, Victoria.

VEAC (2008). River Red Gum Forests Investigation, Final report, Victorian Environmental

Assessment Council, July, Melbourne.


Page 47 of 61

Appendix A: KLWSPI Wetlands characteristics

Table A1: Reedy Lake characteristics

Characteristics Description

Wetland names Reedy Lake

First Reedy Lake

Wetland ID 7626 604477

Wetland area 182 ha

Conservation status Ramsar

Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia

Land manager Goulburn-Murray Water

Surrounding land use Irrigated modified pastures

Water supply Natural: Loddon River and Wandella creek

Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System, supplied via the Washpen regulator and Kerang Weir

1788 Wetland Classification Deep freshwater marsh

1994 Wetland Classification Permanent open freshwater

Wetland capacity 3,780 ML

Influence of irrigation system Wetland operated at 74.88 mAHD from August to

September. Not operated outside 74.57 and 74.88 mAHD

Table A2: Middle Lake characteristics


Wetland names Middle Lake

Middle Reedy Lake


Wetland area 195 ha





Water supply Natural: Loddon River, Wandella Creek - overflow from Reedy Lake

Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System




Influence of irrigation system Wetland operated at 74.88 mAHD from August to

September. Not operated outside 74.57 and 74.88 mAHD


Page 48 of 61

Table A3: Third Lake characteristics


Wetland names Third Lake

Third Reedy Lake


Wetland area 221 ha





Water supply Natural: Overflow from Middle Lake

Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System




Influence of irrigation system Wetland held at FSL of 74.57 mAHD throughout the

irrigation season

Table A4: Little Lake Charm characteristics


Wetland name Little Lake Charm


Wetland area 113 ha



Land manager Parks Victoria and Goulburn-Murray Water

Surrounding land use Cropping and grazing

Water supply Natural: Large floods on the Loddon System

Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System via the No. 7 (Lakes) channel

1788 Wetland Classification Shallow freshwater marsh




irrigation season


Page 49 of 61

Table A5: Racecourse Lake characteristics


Wetland name Racecourse Lake


Wetland area 235 ha




Surrounding land use Cropping and grazing

Water supply Natural: Large floods on the Loddon System

Modified: Water supply lake, part of Torrumbarry Irrigation Supply System via the No. 7 (Lakes) channel





irrigation season

Figure A1: Wetland types (prior to European settlement and current)


Page 50 of 61

Appendix B: Flora and Fauna species list

Table B1: Reedy Lake Flora Species

Common Name Scientific Name EPBC status FFG status DSE Status

Flora Species

Berry Saltbush Atriplex semibaccata

Blackseed Glasswort Tecticornia pergranulata

Brome Bromus spp.

Brown Beetle-grass Leptochloa fusca subsp. fusca Rare

Charophytes Characeae

Coast Sand-spurrey Spergularia media s.l.

Couch Cynodon dactylon

Cumbungi Typha spp.

Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Typha domingensis

Nitre Goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariaceum

Nodding Saltbush Einadia nutans subsp. nutans

Poison Pratia Lobelia concolor

Poong'ort Carex tereticaulis

Rat-tail Grass Sporobolus spp.

River Club Rush Schoenoplectus validus

River Club-sedge Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Slender Knotweed Persicaria decipiens

Southern Cane-grass Eragrostis infecunda

Spiny Flat-sedge Cyperus gymnocaulos

Spiny Lignum Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. horrida

Rare

Swamp Buttercup Ranunculus undosus Vulnerable

Swamp Crassula Crassula helmsii

Tall Fireweed Senecio runcinifolius

Tangled Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta

Tassel Sedge Carex fascicularis

Twin-leaf Bedstraw Asperula gemelia Rare

Water Couch Cynodon dactylon

Table B2: Reedy Lake Waterbirds

Common Name Scientific Name EPBC status

FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Fauna - Birds

Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus

Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis v

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca

Black Swan Cygnus atratus

Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L e

Darter Anhinga melanogaster

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa

Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L v Y Y

Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa L e

Great Egret Ardea alba L v Y Y

Grey Teal Anas gracilis

Hardhead Aythya australis v

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L c

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius n

Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio


Page 51 of 61


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia v

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus n

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L v Y

White-winged Black Tern Chilidonias leucopterus n

Yellow Spoonbill Platalea flavipes

Table B3: Reedy Lake Other Fauna Species


Fauna - Fish

Australian Smelt Retropinna semoni

Bony bream Nematalosa erebi

Carp Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa

Common Carp* Cyprinus carpio

Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps

Fly-specked Hardyhead Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum L

Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus L e

Gambusia* Gambusia holbrooki

Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua v

Goldfish* Carassius auratus

Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica EN L e

Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii VU L

Murray Rainbowfish Melanotaenis fluviatilis L

Redfin Perch* Perca fluviatilis

Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L c

Fauna - Other

Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis

Murray River Turtle Emydura macquarii L d

Bibron's Toadlet Pseudophryne bibroni

Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peroni

Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Table B4: Middle Lake Flora Species


Flora Species


Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis acuta

Cumbungi Typha domingensis

Moss Sunray Hyalosperma demissum

Nitre Goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariaceum

Pervian Primrose Ludwigia peruviana


River Red Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Rudy Ground Fern Hypolepis rugosula

Spiny Lignum Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. horrida Rare

Spiny Rush* Juncus acutus



Water Milfoil Myriophyllum papillosum

Water Primrose Ludwigia peploides

Table B5: Middle Lake Waterbirds


Page 52 of 61


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Fauna - Birds

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis v




Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata


Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis

Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L e

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia L n Y Y




Eurasian Coot Fulica atra


Great Cormarant Phalacrocorax carbo


Hardhead Aythya australis v

Little Black Cormarant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Musk Duck Biziura lobata v

Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus n





Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans



Yellow Spoonbill Platalea flavipes

Table B6: Middle Lake Other Fauna Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Fauna - Fish


Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi












Fauna - Other

Warty Bell Frog Litoria raniformis



Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri


Page 53 of 61


FFG status

DSE Status


Eastern Common Froglet Crinia signifera

Eastern Sign-Bearing Froglet Crinia parinsignifera


Pobblebonk Limnodynastes dumerili


Table B7: Third Lake Flora Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Flora Species


Cumbungi Typha spp.

Giant Rush Juncus ingens





Table B8: Third Lake Waterbirds


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Fauna - Birds




Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata


Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis

Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus n


Chestnut Teal Anas castanea





Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos





Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis


White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae


Page 54 of 61

Table B9: Third Lake Other Fauna Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Fauna - Fish













Fauna - Other



Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri



Table B10: Little Lake Charm Flora Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Flora Species

Cumbungi Typha spp.



Table B11: Little Lake Charm Waterbirds


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Fauna - Birds








Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica L e

Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus


Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles








Table B12: Little Lake Charm Other Fauna Species


Page 55 of 61


FFG status

DSE Status

Fauna - Fish










Weatherloach* Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Fauna - Other



Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri Eastern Common Froglet Crinia signifera Eastern Sign-Bearing Froglet Crinia parinsignifera



Table B13: Racecourse Lake Flora Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Flora Species

Charophytes Characeae

Cumbungi Typha spp.

Glossostigma Glossostigma



Swamp Stonecrop Crassula helmsii


Table B14: Racecourse Lake Waterbirds


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA

Fauna - Birds











Little Black Cormarant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris






Page 56 of 61


FFG status

DSE Status

JAMBA CAMBA





Table B15: Racecourse Lake Other Fauna Species


FFG status

DSE Status

Fauna - Fish












Fauna - Other





Table B16: EVCs with a bioregional conservation status (Ho et al. (2006) cited in BLA

(2007))

EVC

no. EVC Name

Reed

y L

ake

Mid

dle

Reed

y

Th

ird

Lake

Lit

tle L

ake

Ch

arm

Raceco

urs

e

Lake

104 Lignum Wetland V V

292 Redgum Swamp E

653 Aquatic Herbland P P P P

821 Tall Marsh E E E E E

823 Lignum Swampy Woodland D D D D D

918 Submerged Aquatic Herbland E

949 Dwarf Floating Aquatic Herbland P P

Bioregional Conservation status: E=Endangered, V=Vulnerable, D=Depleted, P=Present but

no bioregional status currently assigned


Page 57 of 61

Appendix C: KLWSPI Project Plan recommendations

To Pat Feehan and Ross Plunkett, NVIRP

Date 30 September 2011

No. of pages 3

From Michelle Maher

Subject Kerang Lakes Water Savings Project Investigation(KLWSPI) – Project

Plan Recommendations

Following the development of KLWSPI Literature Review, the next stage for the project is the

development of the project plan. Figure 1 illustrates the steps recommended for the KLWSPI

which includes the development of an Environmental Watering Plan, a Construction

Management Plan and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

Figure 11: Project Plan development

Environmental Watering Plan

An EWP identifies the current environmental condition, establishes environmental objectives,

and recommends the watering regimes that will protect and/or enhance the environmental

values at each wetland. The EWPs are developed on the basis of ecological knowledge,

supported by hydrological information. The hydrological information helps define the

ecological deficiencies in the historical water regime (pattern of water levels through time) and

helps to guide formulation of the recommended regime.

Key activities recommended for the KLWSPI EWP (Figure 2) include:

Fieldwork: condition assessments for vegetation, fauna, habitat values, water quality and Acid Sulfate Soils assessment.

Community consultation: Considerable consultation will need to be undertaken regarding the future environmental watering regime with Aboriginal stakeholder groups, land managers, key partner agencies and targeted community groups. A community engagement and consultation strategy is recommended to guide the communication activities during the development of the EWP.

Defining ecological objectives and associated water requirements: this will inform the environmental watering regime required or the KLWSPI wetlands.


Page 58 of 61

Hydrogeology analysis: description of how each wetland interacts with the underlying groundwater system, including any risks associated with the environmental watering regime.

Hydrology assessment: SWET water balance model which requires climate data, wetland bathymetry (including rating table), scenarios for modeling and key wetland characteristics to inform hydrology calculations for inflows and outflows to each wetland.

Salinity impacts assessment: assessment of the impacts to the KLWSPI wetlands and downstream on the Murray system.

Mitigation water assessment: volume of water that is required to offset the impact of NVIRP on the KLWSPI wetlands.

Infrastructure requirements: delivery of water at appropriate times and in the required quantities is dependent on having appropriate infrastructure and access to spare channel capacity when required.

Adaptive management: an adaptive management approach is adopted to ensure an appropriate response to changing conditions. For example, due to the presence of Lignum in stable water levels (Middle Lake), manipulation of the watering regime should be undertaken with caution to ensure the rookery is maintained.

Figure 12: Key components of the Environmental Watering Plan for the KLWSPI

wetlands

Construction Management Plan


Page 59 of 61

The Construction Management Plan will provide the measures that will be implemented

during the construction phase to minimise impacts on the environment as a result of the

project. Its purpose is to summarise the methods of construction, describe the relevant

environmental sensitivities, and outline actions to be implemented, maintained and monitored

and reported throughout construction.

Cultural Heritage Management Plan

Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) are a way of protecting and managing

Aboriginal cultural heritage while allowing the KLWSPI to proceed. The following steps will be

required for the KLWSPI CHMP:

1. Employ a Cultural Heritage Advisor (a Consultant).

2. Lodge a Notice of Intent to prepare a CHMP with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, the

proponent must notify any Registered Aboriginal Parties, land managers and other

Aboriginal groups that have an interest in the area that a CHMP is being developed.

3. Desktop assessment – documents known cultural heritage and the potential cultural

heritage. This assessment will inform the type of CHMP required (standard or

complex).

4. Consultation meeting with Registered Aboriginal Party and/or Aboriginal group –

confirm involvement in plan and rates for service.

5. Field Assessment: may include sub-surface testing if requiring a complex CHMP),

usually involves stakeholders assisting archaeologist with field work.

6. Register any new sites with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (lodge site cards).

7. Develop draft management recommendations in consultation with Registered

Aboriginal Party.

8. Lodge CHMP with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria or Registered Aboriginal Party for

approval.

It is likely that the KLWSPI will require a complex CHMP due to the type of activity (a lot of

digging in and near highly sensitive areas such as wetlands and waterways). Complex

CHMPs are more expensive and require more time due to the greater amount of field work

involved and the number of issues that need management recommendations. Indicative costs

for a complex CHMP are between $100,000 to $500,000 which includes paying for

Registered Aboriginal Party fees and field work fees charged by the Aboriginal groups. On

average a complex CHMP takes 12 months to go from lodgment of Notice of Intent to

approval.

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