SUMMARY REPORT Thomson River–Horseshoe Bend Fishway and Walking Track Detailed Design

Prepared for West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority December 2014 By Thompson Berrill Landscape Design Pty Ltd In conjunction with: Alluvium Consulting Ptd Ltd Ethos NRM Pty Ltd Kingfisher Research Pty Ltd

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Project Overview 1 1.2 Overall Project Vision and Objectives 1 1.3 Project Summary 2 1.4 Project Methodology 4 1.5 Consultation 6 1.6 Photomontages 7 2.0 WALKING TRACK PLAN 11 3.0 FINAL DESIGN REPORT 12 4.0 DOCUMENTATION DRAWINGS 12 5.0 SPECIFICATION 13 6.0 PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 13 7.0 MERCURY REPORT 14 8.0 SIGNAGE STRATEGY 14 9.0 GEOTECHNICAL REPORT 14 10.0 HISTORIC HERITAGE SURVEY 15 APPENDICES A Walking Track Plan B Updated Final Design Report (2014) C Fishway and Walking Track Documentation Drawings (Set A and Set B) D Specification E Preliminary Environmental Management Plan F Mercury Report G Signage Strategy H Geotechnical Report I Historic Heritage Survey

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014

Acknowledgements The project was guided by a Project Working Group made up of representatives of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and relevant agencies officers and representatives of community groups including: Gary Blackwood PM, State Member for Narracan Martin Fuller Chief Executive Officer, WGCMA Dan Garlick Catchment and Planning Manager, WGCMA Kylie Debono Water Manager, WGCMA Frank Donohue Project Manager, EcoProjects Australia David Stork Environmental Water Resource Officer, WGCMA Greg Woodward River Health, Dept Sustainability & Environment, DSE Ryan Incoll Environmental Natural Resources and Fisheries Regional Manager, DEPI Paulette Pizzari Hannaford Family Representative Gwen Myers Hannaford Family Representative Andrea Myer Hannaford Family Representative Terry Lowater Friends of Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Others Friends of Horseshoe Bend Tunnel

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 1

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Project Overview

The Thomson River is a tributary of the Latrobe River and the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. Horseshoe Bend is a 1.2 km reach of river located on the Thomson River located between the Walhalla Bridge and Coopers Creek approximately 22 km downstream of the Thomson Dam. Construction of the Horseshoe Bend tunnel was completed in 1911 to 1912. The tunnel allowed the Thomson River Alluvial Gold and Tailings Recovery Company to gain dry access to the alluvial gold in the river bed of the Horseshoe Bend section of the Thomson River. Since tunnel construction was completed, a large portion of river flow passes through the tunnel and bypasses the 1.2 km long Horseshoe Bend reach. A scoping study by the Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology (1999) found that a combination of the reduced flows after the construction of Thomson Dam and the tunnel have created a barrier to fish passage on the Thomson River at Horseshoe bend. The study also recommended further investigation into an adequate environmental flow regime for the Thomson River. TBLD were engaged by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to undertake community and stakeholder consultation and deliver a set of documents for the construction of a fish passage at Horseshoe Bend, Thomson River. Following internal agency discussions, assessments and meetings, DEPI provided in principal support for the provision of a walking track from the tunnel exit to the tunnel entry. In 2014 TBLD were engaged by the WGCMA to update all existing reports, drawings and prepare detailed documentation drawings of the proposed walking track alignment for tender and construction purposes. TBLD were the lead consultants of a project team compromising; Alluvium - Hydraulic & Civil Engineers Ethos NRM - Environmental, Planning & Natural Resource Management Kingfisher Research - Fishway Specialist

1.2 Overall Project Vision and Objectives The overall project vision for the site is to provide native fish passage around Horseshoe Bend, whilst protecting the significant heritage values of the tunnel, minimising impacts on the sites cultural and environmental values, and improving visitor experiences, access and facilities. The following project objectives which were continuously considered by the project team in the development of the project;

• Develop a fishway design to provide fish passage around Horseshoe Bend tunnel, whilst protecting the significant cultural and heritage values of the sites;

• Provide native fish passage via the original river course while maintaining sufficient flow in the tunnel to demonstrate its function and preserve its heritage values;

• Retain and provide improved track access where possible to the tunnel exit and entry areas.

• Retain the remote and rugged charm of the site and its historic adventurous character

• Deter vehicular and motorbike access in the site via design techniques; • Provide varying levels of access to different site areas;

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 2

• Enhance broader visitor experiences and integration with future projects e.g. reinstatement of the historic railway and train stop at Platina;

• Minimise environmental impacts of the works by utilising existing natural site features and conditions and reducing excavation works;

• Ensure all relevant risks and impacts from the works are suitably addressed in the design

1.3 Project Summary Fundamental to the success of the project is the provision of fish passage around

Horseshoe Bend while maintaining the cultural and environmental values of the site, within an achievable budget for the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Due to the presence of the Tunnel, the existing conditions around Horseshoe Bend do not allow for regular and unimpeded passage of fish. The continued maintenance of stream flows through the tunnel is culturally important to demonstrate its continued function. Environmental issues include protection of vegetation, and testing and monitoring for the presence of mercury at the site. In addition to the above, access to the river for construction will be limited by the steep and remote site conditions.

Provision of a Fish Passage

An independent review undertaken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Technical Assessment Panel (TAP) found that the Horseshoe Bend tunnel on the Thomson River prevents the passage of some migratory native fish (including Australian Grayling, Tupong, Common Galaxias)(TAP, 2011).

The technical analysis, hydraulic and civil engineering and documentation works for

the project were undertaken by Alluvium (in conjunction with TBLD) to determine a solution that achieved the hydraulic objectives for the passage of fish around Horseshoe Bend, yet presented the least disturbance to the environmental and cultural site features.

Protection of Environmental Values The site’s environmental values were assessed by Ethos NRM along the route of the

proposed fishway and walking track with consideration of areas of excavation for least impact and to minimise clearing, in conjunction with assessment of the wider environmental affects to the site from the proposed works.

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 3

Protection of Cultural and Heritage Values The entry and exit tunnel openings and surroundings have unique heritage, cultural

and social values which have been carefully considered in the project process. An independent geotechnical investigation was carried out by SMEC Consultants (2012) to assess the existing conditions of the tunnel, provide comment on the stability of the tunnel following any surrounding fish way passage works and provide recommendations for proposed construction methods in the vicinity to ensure no damage occurs to the tunnel.

Enhancement of recreational trails and access The cultural, historic, social, environmental and waterway values, recreational access

and new signage requirements have been carefully considered by TBLD in the development of the Walking Track Plan.

TBLD reviewed the existing track conditions and investigated options for upgrade of

the walking track alignment and material regards to the recreational experience along the waterway, taking into consideration the requirements for the construction works required on site.

Proposed improvements to signage and viewing areas will improve visitor access to

the tunnel entry and exit sites and further enhance the visitor experience. TBLD prepared a Signage Strategy that identifies themes and locations for the signage and viewing points, which responds to the cultural and environmental values and aims to reflect the surrounding landscape character.

Provision of a toilet facility and an upgraded carpark area at the site was investigated.

An appropriate location was identified to allow for longer periods of visitation at the site and visitor amenity. The location for a toilet facility and the existing carpark is located on DEPI owned land. It was concluded by the WGCMA, as they are not the land owner that the Council and DEPI would pursue these items with stakeholders as a separate project.

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 4

1.4 Project Methodology The following Project Methodology guided the project process:

STAGE 1 WORKS - Background Information

• Inception Meeting #1 • Supply, distribution and review of background documents • Review of background information, and Gap Identification • Base plan preparation • Methods for Mercury Testing • Draft Timeline

Dec 2011 - Jan 2012

TASK TIMING

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 5

HOLD POINT #1 (6 weeks) West Gippsland CMA consult with relevant stakeholders and supply consolidated feedback

HOLD POINT #2 (6 weeks) Steering Committee review Draft Detailed Documentation Drawings and draft permits requirements and supply consolidated feedback.

STAGE 2 WORKS - Detailed Site Visits

• Site Visit #1 - Day One Technical team site visit/analysis and Client visit • Site Visit #2 - Day Two TBLD Assessment, Client visit and Stakeholders

Jan - Feb 2012

STAGE 3 WORKS - Preliminary Works

• Review of Draft Functional Design, • Preliminary Environmental Management Plan (Draft) • Recreational Management Plan (Draft) • Mercury Testing • Meeting #2

March - May 2012

STAGE 6 WORKS - Final Report

• Final Summary Project Report

March 2013

STAGE 5 WORKS - Final Detailed Design

• Final Detailed Documentation Drawings • Specification • Preliminary Environmental Management Plan (Final) • Final Recreational Management Plan • Signage Strategy

Oct - Dec 2012

STAGE 4 WORKS - Draft Detailed Design

• Preparation of Draft Detailed Documentation Drawings • Distribution of Detailed Documentation Drawings • Meeting #3

June - Sept 2012

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 6

1.5 Consultation

The WGCMA invited representatives from the Hannaford Family, Friends of Horseshoe Bend Group and other local key agency stakeholders to be part of the Project Working Group. The Project Working Group met on several occasion in 2012-2013, to review and comment on the progress of the project. Meeting minutes were taken to allow the WGCMA and TBLD to resolve key issues and opportunities discussed during the Project Working Group Meetings. Gary Blackwood, local MP State Member for Narracan, attended the final Project Working Group meeting. TBLD prepared a series of detailed photomontages identifying before (existing conditions) and after (proposed works conditions) to visually illustrate and convey the design intent of the project for the key stakeholders.

STAGE 7 WORKS – Walking Track Works

• Preparation of Detailed Documentation Drawings for the proposed walking track alignment

• Updates to Fishway documentation • Updates to summary report, specification and plans to

reflect new works

December 2014

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 7

1.6 Photomontages

The following photomontages were prepared by TBLD to visually communicate the proposed works at the site.

Photomontage 01 - View of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Outlet

Existing Conditions - Before View of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Outlet

Proposed Works Conditions - After Photomontage of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Outlet showing the proposed submerged rock work near the tunnel exit to provide critical and effective fish passage, and illustrating the reduced flows split in tunnel (40:60 Fishway:Tunnel)

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 8

Photomontage 02- View of the Thomson River mid way at Horseshoe Bend

Existing Conditions - Before View of the Thomson River - mid way at Horseshoe Bend

Proposed Works Conditions - After Photomontage of the Thomson River mid way at Horseshoe Bend, showing the increased water flow, providing satisfactory conditions to enable effective fish passage around Horseshoe Bend.

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 9

Photomontage 03 - View towards Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Outlet from the

existing picnic table

Existing Conditions - Before View towards Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Outlet from the existing picnic table

Proposed Works Conditions - After Photomontage showing increased flows in the Thomson River upstream of the Tunnel Outlet, providing fish passage from the outlet up to the river pools

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 10

Photomontage 04 - View of main rock bar pool

Photomontage 05 - View of Nursery Pool

Proposed Works Conditions - After

Existing Conditions - Before

Existing Conditions - Before View of main rock bar pool

Proposed Works Conditions - After Photomontage of the main rock bar pool just downstream of the Tunnel Entrance, showing slightly decreased water level and the opening to allow water flow into the Thomson River on the right hand side of photomontage.

Existing Conditions - Before View of Nursery Pool

Proposed Works Conditions - After Photomontage of the Nursery Pool showing opening in rock bar to allow fish passage flows into the Thomson River

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 11

2.0 Walking Track Plan

TBLD prepared a Walking Track Plan spatially and visually communicate the fundamental technical and design objectives of the Walking Track alignment in one comprehensive plan for discussion with DEPI and the WGCMA. The Walking Track Plan includes following, • Historical and Cultural Heritage Provides a description of a key historic story at the site - the story of the

Hannaford family, who were involved in the construction and opening of the tunnel in 1911. The Walking Track Plan identifies that any works at the site are to protect the heritage and cultural values and retain the remote and rugged charm of the site and its historic adventurous character.

• Waterway Significance Identifies the Thomson River as a heritage listed river and the importance

of re-establishing flows around Horseshoe Bend for improved flora, fauna habitat and fish connectivity.

• Site Values - Natural Features Identifies the spectacular flora and rugged waterway features of the site to

be protected in the design of the fishway passage and walking track access.

• Access and Visitor Facilities Identifies the need to provide improved recreational facilities e.g.

carparking, toilet and picnic facilities and interpretation signage for enhanced site appreciation.

• Walking Tracks Identifies improved track access opportunities to the tunnel exit and entry

areas via one continuous track along the Thomson River, retaining the rugged character of the walking experience.

• Fish Passage Design Outlines the fishway passage design provides environmental values

around Horseshoe Bend tunnel and native fish passage via the original river course while maintaining sufficient flow in the tunnel to demonstrate its function and preserve its heritage values.

• The Tunnel Entry and Exit Identifies opportunities for improved walking access and viewing

opportunities at the tunnel entry and tunnel outlet areas, and the significant importance of the historic interpretation of the site.

• Flooding

Outlines the typical Thomson River fishway flood conditions and warning signage installed at the site to inform visitors of the track route and potential waterway conditions.

Refer Appendix A.

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 12

3.0 Final Design Report

Alluvium Consulting Australia (Alluvium) in conjunction with TBLD and Kingfisher Research developed design arrangements for the provision of fish passage around the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. The Final Design Report is a detailed design report which reviews the relevant issues in regards to the construction of the Horseshoe Bend fishway design. The Final Design Report has been prepared in association with a set of complementary investigations and reports aimed at protecting and maintainting the heritage, aesthetic, recreation and environmental values of the area. The overarching design principle for this project is to provide effective fish passage for the Australian Grayling through the Horseshoe Bend section of the Thomson River. The identification of the preferred fishway arrangement is set out in this report. A design solution is proposed that re-instates flow to the Thomson River at Horseshoe Bend, whilst retaining flows through the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. It is intended that the proposed design will modify the currents that are acting as a barrier to fish migration at the tunnel exit, which will enable fish passage through the bend. Based on the above considerations, the proposed solution contains four design elements that are intended to enable fish passage through the bend:

1. The flow split between the tunnel and Horseshoe Bend of 40:60 (Fishway:Tunnel) respectively.

2. The design of a fishway entrance (at the tunnel outlet) to attract fish past the tunnel outlet.

3. Increased environmental flow to promote fish passage over existing rock riffles.

4. A constructed fishway through the rock bar near the tunnel inlet to facilitate effective fish passage flows in Thomson River.

Refer Appendix B.

4.0 Documentation Drawings The 2014 Tender Issue Documentation Drawings are technical drawings prepared by

TBLD and Alluvium, for use by WGCMA to Tender the proposed detailed fishway passage (Set A) and walking track works (Set B). The following is a list of drawings which comprise the 2014 Fishway Tender Documentation Drawing Package (Set A). Sheet No. Plan Title 1-1 Cover Sheet & Locality Plan 1-2 Notes 1-3 Historic Heritage Diagram 1-4 Site Plan 2-1 Site Access Plan 01 2-2 Site Access Plan 02 3-1 Excavated Fishway Plan 3-2 Excavated Fishway Sill Detail 3-3 Excavated Fishway Longitudinal Section 3-4 Excavated Fishway Cross Sections 3-5 Excavated Fishway Cross Sections

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 13

3-6 Excavated Fishway Cross Sections 3-7 Typical Fishway Cross Sections 3-8 Typical Resting Pool Detail 4-1 Excavated Material Sites 4-2 Site 1 Excavated Material Cross Sections 4-3 Site 2 Excavated Material Cross Sections 4-4 Site 2 Excavated Material Cross Sections 4-5 Site 3 Excavated Material Cross Section 5-1 Tunnel Outlet and Bypass Channel Site Plan 5-2 Proposed Tunnel Outlet Detail 5-3 Proposed Bypass Channel Detail The following is a list of drawings which comprise the 2014 Walking Track Tender Documentation Drawing Package (Set B). Sheet No. Plan Title HBWT- 01 Cover Sheet & Location Plan HBWT- 02 General Notes HBWT- 03 Historic Heritage Diagram HBWT- 04 Main Access Plan HBWT- 05 General Site Access Plan HBWT- 06 Walking Track Type Plan HBWT- 07 Set Out Plan 01 HBWT- 08 Set Out Plan 02 HBWT- 09 Typical Track Details Refer Appendix C.

5.0 Specification

The Technical Specification prepared by Alluvium and TBLD, is for use by WGCMA to Tender the works, in conjunction with the 2014 Set A – Fishway Documentation and Set B - Walking Track Documentation. Refer Appendix D.

6.0 Preliminary Environmental Management Plan

Ethos NRM prepared a Preliminary Environmental Management Plan as part of the detailed documentation works for Construction of Low Flow Fishway at Horseshoe Bend, Thomson River. The Preliminary Environmental Management Plan was prepared by Ethos NRM in December 2012. The Preliminary Environmental Management Plan was prepared to assess and guide the environmental management of the site design. This document was also prepared for use by WGCMA to guide future preparation of the Final Construction Environmental Management Plan, which may be compiled either by the WGCMA or a Contractor as part of the tendered works. This document provides guidance to the future project manager and construction contractor(s) regarding the content of a Final Construction Environmental Management Plan that must be prepared and implemented so as to avoid or minimise adverse impacts to the Horseshoe Bend site during construction. Refer Appendix E.

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 14

7.0 Mercury Report

Ethos NRM prepared a Mercury Report to identify the presence and management of Mercury in the project site. Refer Appendix F.

8.0 Signage Strategy

TBLD prepared a Signage Design Strategy Report to provide the WGCMA with a strategic document that outlines a signage strategy for the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel, Walking Trail and Fishway at the Thomson River.

The report addresses strategic signage requirements for the whole site, identifying site issues, relevant signage opportunities and proposed signage solutions. Refer Appendix G.

9.0 Geotechnical Report

The West Gippsland CMA engaged SMEC Consultants to undertake an independent Geotechnical Assessment of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel and planned fishway alignment in 2012 to assist the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority in their implementation and management of the site. The geotechnical assessment was achieved by passage through the tunnel with an inflatable kayak anchored on a fixed rope. Measurements of rock conditions and tunnel dimensions were recorded each 10m in order to assess the geological conditions of the tunnel. The tunnel is 170 m in length and was driven in 1911-1912 to divert the flows from the Thomson River for the purpose of alluvial gold mining. The tunnel line runs parallel to the steeply dipping bedding strata, mainly in sandstone, with cross section dimensions of 2 to 3m height and 1.6 to 2.8m height. The rock condition was found to be good and, although the profile is largely controlled by the geological structures, the tunnel is assessed to be currently stable without the need for rock support. Although the tunnel has been open for more than 100 years and has been exposed to a wide range of flow conditions from full capacity flood discharge to dry conditions, it shows signs of only local rock falls. Despite the high erosive power of the water the tunnel remains essentially intact and is considered safe to enter. The report outlines parameters for construction and excavation activities that will not affect the geotechnical integrity and stability of the tunnel. Refer Appendix H.

10.0 Historic Heritage Survey

THOMSON RIVER PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED BY TBLD P/L DECEMBER 2014 15

The West Gippsland CMA provided the Historic Heritage Survey to the project team as part of the background documents for review in development of the project works. The Historic Heritage Survey was undertaken by Rob Kaufman, in 2010, to provide the WGCMA with a comprehensive risk assessment for any proposed river restoration options, within the provisions of the Heritage Act (1995) and Environment and Planning Act (1987) in respect to historic heritage listings - Heritage Register, Heritage Inventory and Heritage Overlay. The project involved gathering all available information on archaeological sites within the Horseshoe Bend corridor, identifying and recording existing and new sites, and making recommendations on the cultural heritage significance of sites. Refer Appendix I.