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Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006–2007

Published by Murray-Darling Basin Commission Postal Address GPO Box 409, Canberra ACT 2601 Office location Level 5, 15 Moore Street, Canberra City Australian Capital Territory Telephone (02) 6279 0100 international + 61 2 6279 0100 Facsimile (02) 6248 8053 international + 61 2 6248 8053 E-Mail [email protected] Internet http://www.mdbc.gov.au For further information contact the Murray-Darling Basin Commission office on (02) 6279 0100 This report may be cited as: The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006–2007 MDBC Publication No. 32/06 ISBN 1 921038 98 5 © Copyright Murray-Darling Basin Commission 2006 This work is copyright. Graphical and textual information in the work (with the exception of photographs and the MDBC logo) may be stored, retrieved and reproduced in whole or in part, provided the information is not sold or used for commercial benefit and its source The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006–2007 is acknowledged. Such reproduction includes fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction for other purposes is prohibited without prior permission of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission or the individual photographers and artists with whom copyright applies. To the extent permitted by law, the copyright holders (including its employees and consultants) exclude all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using this report (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in it. The development of an environmental management plan for The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest cannot, and is not intended to, affect or diminish any existing private rights to own or occupy land within the region covered by the plan, or the way in which such land is used in future.

http://www.mdbc.gov.au/

Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006-07 i

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................V

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................... VII

PART A: INTRODUCTION AND KEY VALUES AND THREATS TO THE ICON SITE ........................ 1

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 2

1.1 THE LIVING MURRAY............................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE ICON SITE EMP ........................................................................................................... 3 1.3 CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF THE ICON SITE EMP............................................................................... 4

2. BACKGROUND........................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF ICON SITE .................................................................................................................... 4

3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 9

3.1 CROSS BORDER ARRANGEMENTS........................................................................................................... 9 3.2 OPERATING THE RIVER MURRAY SYSTEM ........................................................................................... 12 3.3 PROCESS FOR PRIORITISING WATER APPLICATIONS............................................................................. 14 3.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ICON SITE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................... 15

4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. 16

4.1 BROAD COMMUNITY CONSULTATION .................................................................................................. 16 4.2 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION............................................................................................................... 16 4.3 INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION ............................................................................................................... 16

5. ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................... 17

5.1 LIVING MURRAY OBJECTIVES FOR THE ICON SITE ............................................................................... 17

6. WATER REQUIREMENTS AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................ 18

6.1 WATER REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 18 6.2 WATER ALLOCATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 19 6.3 OPERATING RULES ............................................................................................................................... 20 6.4 THE LIVING MURRAY ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS AND MEASURES PROGRAM...................................... 20

7. RISK MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................................. 21

7.1 MANAGEMENT OF RISK AND LEGAL ISSUES ......................................................................................... 21

8. MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT............................................................................ 22

8.1 MONITORING........................................................................................................................................ 23 8.2 EVALUATION........................................................................................................................................ 23 8.3 REPORTING PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS........................................................................................ 24

PART B: GUNBOWER FOREST SITE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN........................... 25

9. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 26

9.1 CONTEXT – LIVING MURRAY ............................................................................................................... 26 9.2 PURPOSE OF PLAN ................................................................................................................................ 27

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10. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 28

10.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................ 28 10.2 VALUES OF GUNBOWER FOREST .......................................................................................................... 29 10.3 KEY RISKS ........................................................................................................................................... 32 10.4 RELEVANT PLANS ................................................................................................................................ 35

11. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR GUNBOWER FOREST................. 36

11.1 INTERIM ICON SITE ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................... 36 11.2 VISION FOR GUNBOWER FOREST.......................................................................................................... 37 11.3 ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL WATER IN GUNBOWER FOREST ........... 37

12. FLOW REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................... 39

12.1 FLOW REQUIREMENTS ACROSS THE SITE.............................................................................................. 39 12.2 PRIORITY SITES FOR WATER MANAGEMENT........................................................................................ 40 12.3 ADDITIONAL WATER REQUIRED TO MEET OBJECTIVES ....................................................................... 40 12.4 CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL WATER ALLOCATION .............................................................................. 41

13. OPTIONS FOR WATER MANAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES ................ 41

13.1 DELIVERING WATER TO THE ASSET ..................................................................................................... 41 13.2 PROCESS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS....................................................... 42 13.3 PRIORITY WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS.......................................................................................... 43

14. COMPLEMENTARY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS ......................................................................... 46

14.1 CATCHMENT PLANNING ....................................................................................................................... 46 14.2 RESOURCE UTILISATION ....................................................................................................................... 46 14.3 FOREST PROTECTION – WEEDS AND FIRE .............................................................................................. 46

15. MANAGEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................... 47

15.1 ARRANGEMENTS FOR LIVING MURRAY ICON SITES ............................................................................. 47 15.2 GENERAL MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR VICTORIAN ICON SITES ............................................. 47 15.3 MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR GUNBOWER FOREST .................................................................. 48 15.4 CROSS BORDER INTERACTION.............................................................................................................. 49

16. CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................. 49

16.1 BROAD COMMUNITY CONSULTATION .................................................................................................. 49 16.2 INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................ 51

17. MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT........................................................................ 52

18. ON GROUND ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE USING ENVIRONMENTAL WATER.................. 54

18.1 RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENT WATER IN GUNBOWER FOREST 2005-06................................................... 54 18.2 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL WATER IN GUNBOWER FOREST 2003-06............................................ 55

19. WORKS PROGRAM 2005 TILL 2010................................................................................................ 56

19.1 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED 2006-07............................................................................................................ 56 19.2 ACTIVITIES PLANNED 2006-2010......................................................................................................... 57

PART C: KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST - SITE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.................................................................................................................................................................... 58

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20. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 59

20.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................ 59 20.2 LAND TENURE ...................................................................................................................................... 61 20.3 VALUES................................................................................................................................................ 61 20.4 THREATS .............................................................................................................................................. 62 20.5 CURRENT CONDITION........................................................................................................................... 64

21. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .................................................................... 66

21.1 ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL WATER................................................. 66 21.2 TARGETS .............................................................................................................................................. 66

22. OPTIONS FOR WATER MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................... 67

22.1 WATER DELIVERY TO THE KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST ........................................................... 67 22.2 WATER DELIVERY WITHIN THE KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST .................................................... 67 22.3 POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION ............................................................................. 69 22.4 GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................ 69 22.5 LAND MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................................ 69

23. MANAGEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................... 70

24. CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................. 70

24.1 BROAD COMMUNITY CONSULTATION .................................................................................................. 70 24.2 INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION PRINCIPLES ............................................................................................ 70

25. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING ...................................................................... 71

PART D: MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND FUTURE INTEGRATION.................................................... 72

26. FUTURE DIRECTIONS....................................................................................................................... 73

26.1 GOVERNANCE ACTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 73 26.2 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS....................................................................................................................... 73 26.3 CONSULTATION.................................................................................................................................... 74 26.4 MONITORING EVALUATION AND REPORTING ........................................................................................ 74 26.5 KNOWLEDGE GAPS ............................................................................................................................... 74 26.6 TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE .................................................................................................................. 74 26.7 POSSIBLE ACTIONS FOR 2006/2007....................................................................................................... 75

PART E: REFERENCES AND APPENDICES............................................................................................... 76

27. REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................... 77

28. APPENDICES........................................................................................................................................ 79

APPENDIX 1: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS................................................................................................... 79 APPENDIX 2: DETAILED ECOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND FLOW OBJECTIVES FOR EACH WATER

MANAGEMENT AREA OF GUNBOWER ISLAND .................................................................................................... 82

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List of Figures

FIGURE 1-1: MAP OF LIVING MURRAY ICON SITES (SOURCE: MDBC). ................................................................... 3 FIGURE 2-1 LOCATION OF GUNBOWER-KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA ICON SITE……………………..4 FIGURE 3-1: CROSS BORDER ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GUNBOWER-KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA ICON SITE........ 10 FIGURE 8-1: ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT CYCLE FOR GUNBOWER-KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA ICON SITE

(SOURCE: NYBERG, 1999)............................................................................................................................. 23 FIGURE 9-1: DISPLAYS THE SIX ICON SITES ACROSS VICTORIA, NEW SOUTH WALES AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA

(SOURCE LIVING MURRAY WEBSITE)............................................................................................................ 26 FIGURE 10-1: GUNBOWER FOREST LOCATION MAP............................................................................................... 29 FIGURE 11-1: WAVY MARSHWORT IN LITTLE GUNBOWER CREEK WETLAND COMPLEX. PHOTO COURTESY

OF BRAD DRUST, NORTH CENTRAL CMA..................................................................................................... 39 FIGURE 13-1: DISPLAYS THE LOCATION OF PRIORITY WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR 2005/06 IN

GUNBOWER FOREST...................................................................................................................................... 45 FIGURE 16-1: COMMUNITY FIELDTRIP TO GUNBOWER FOREST, JANUARY 2005.................................................... 50 FIGURE 17-1: ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT CYCLE FOR GUNBOWER FOREST. ........................................................... 53 FIGURE 18-1: SUCCESSFUL BREEDING OF THE GREAT EGRET (ARDEA ALBA) IN GUNBOWER FOREST 2005-2006.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMER CAMPBELL, NORTH CENTRAL CMA. ............................................................... 55 FIGURE 18-2: ENVIRONMENTAL WATER IN GUNBOWER FOREST 2003-04. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAD DRUST,

NORTH CENTRAL CMA. ............................................................................................................................... 56 FIGURE 20-1: LOCATION OF KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST .......................................................................... 59 FIGURE 22-1: WATER MANAGEMENT AREAS FOR KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST......................................... 68

List of Tables

TABLE 2-1: POTENTIAL THREATS TO ACHIEVING ‘THE MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION OF A MOSAIC OF HEALTHY

FLOODPLAIN COMMUNITIES’ IN THE GUNBOWER-KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA ICON SITE AND PROPOSED

AMELIORATIVE MEASURES .............................................................................................................................. 6 TABLE 2-2: RELEVANT STRATEGIES AND PLANS FOR THE GUNBOWER-KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA ICON SITE....... 9 TABLE 3-1: DRAFT PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA FOR PRIORITISING COMPETING WATER APPLICATIONS ................ 15 TABLE 6-1: FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIORITY FLOODPLAIN COMMUNITIES IN GUNBOWER FOREST ................ 19 TABLE 10-1: FLOODING AT GUNBOWER FOREST UNDER NATURAL CONDITIONS AND CURRENT LEVEL OF

DIVERSION (FLOW DATA FROM TORRUMBARRY GAUGE). ............................................................................. 34 TABLE 12-1: FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIORITY FLOODPLAIN COMMUNITIES IN GUNBOWER FOREST. ............. 39 TABLE 12-2: ADDITIONAL WATER REQUIRED TO ADDRESS THE GAP..................................................................... 41 TABLE 13-1: PROCESS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS IN GUNBOWER FOREST .............. 42 TABLE 13-2: PRIORITY WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR 2005/06 IN GUNBOWER FOREST. .............................. 43 TABLE 13-3: POTENTIAL WATER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR GUNBOWER FOREST. ........................................... 44 TABLE 18-1: SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL WATER DELIVERIES IN GUNBOWER FOREST 2003-2006. ................ 55 TABLE 19-1: PROPOSED WORKS PROGRAM 2006-07 FOR GUNBOWER FOREST ..................................................... 57 TABLE 19-2: PROPOSED WORKS PROGRAM 2006-2010 FOR GUNBOWER FOREST ................................................. 57 TABLE 20-1: THREATS AND AMELIORATIVE MEASURES FOR THE KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST ................ 63 TABLE 20-2: ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF KOONDROOK-PERRICOOTA FOREST.............................................. 65

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Executive summary The Living Murray Initiative was established in 2002 by the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council in response to concerns about the environmental and economic health of the River Murray system. In 2003, a decision was made to commit $500 million to the First Step of the Living Murray, to recover 500 GL of water to improve environmental flows at the six Icon Sites along the River Murray. This decision was later ratified in an intergovernmental agreement addressing the over-allocation of water in the Murray Darling Basin. The six Icon Sites that will benefit from the First Step are the Barmah-Millewa Forest, Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, Hattah Lakes, Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay-Wallpolla Islands, Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth and the River Murray Channel.

The arrangements for implementing and managing the First Step are outlined in the Living Murray Business Plan (MDBC 2004a) and the Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan 2006-07 (LMEWP). The LMEWP will be the system framework for making decisions on the volume, timing and frequency of water provided to each of the Icon Sites. The Business Plan requires development of Living Murray Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for each of the six Icon Sites. The purpose of each Icon Site EMP is to identify the water needs for each site for input into the LMEWP and to provide a framework for the delivery and management of environmental flows. This includes identifying management objectives and targets, water delivery options and the specific watering regimes required at each site. Where an Icon Site crosses state boundaries, an integrated plan will be developed.

The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP adopts an adaptive approach to the management of the whole site. The Icon Site EMP has been developed in consultation with the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s Environmental Watering Group to ensure a consistent approach to planning and management across the Icon Site and throughout the Basin. This will also ensure that links with the LMEWP are maintained.

The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP represents a significant step towards maintaining and enhancing the values of this site through the integrated and strategic delivery of available flows and land management. The Icon Site EMP is based on a large volume of detailed technical information. It shows a significant commitment by the Victorian and New South Wales Governments and regional natural resource management groups to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site.

Both Gunbower and Koondrook-Perricoota Forests have physical differences and certain constraints to their management and water allocation. However, due to their close location to each other, opportunities for future integration of the roles and responsibilities for implementation of the Icon Site EMP; coordinated management of both sites; transfer of technical knowledge, and on-going monitoring and consultation processes are possible. The Icon Site EMP therefore, aims to provide a consolidated view of the condition of the whole Icon Site. The plan details the current condition of each site, the key values and threats and the current hydrological regime and operating rules for infrastructure. Management objectives for the whole Icon Site, align with the overarching objectives of the Living Murray and objectives for the individual sites. The strategic delivery of available flows

Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006-07 vi

in 2006/07 will be closely co-ordinated with River Murray Water’s plans for water management of the entire River Murray system.

The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP is divided into four parts plus appendices. Part A provides an introduction, background information and key values and threats for the Icon Site. It includes the objectives and targets for management, the roles and responsibilities under the Living Murray Initiative, monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements, and consultation requirements for the plan in line with the Living Murray Business Plan.

Part B is the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) for the Gunbower Forest, developed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for Victoria. Part C is the SEMP for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, developed by Forests New South Wales (NSW) for NSW. Parts B and C provide detailed information about Gunbower and Koondrook-Perricoota Forests including detailed site descriptions, land tenure information, specific values and threats and specific management objectives and targets. Also included in each part are the specific hydrology and operating rules for different sections of each site and proposed management actions and monitoring programs.

Part D of the plan details future interactions including roles and responsibilities for governance, management, consultation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, identification of knowledge gaps, transfer of technical knowledge and possible actions for 2006-2007. Part E contains the references and appendices for the entire document.

The integrated plan is an interim plan that will be updated as further information becomes available.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms CAMBA China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

CMA Catchment Management Authority

COAG Council of Australian Governments

CRG Consultation Reference Group

DEH Department of Environment and Heritage

DEM Digital Elevation Model

DIPNR Department of Infrastructure Planning Natural Resources

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPBC Act Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

EWA Environmental Water Entitlement

EWG Environmental Watering Group

EWMP Environmental Works and Measures Programme

FDU Flood Dependent Understorey

FMA Forest Management Area

FNSW Forests New South Wales

FTU Flood Tolerant Understorey

GKP Gunbower Koondrook-Perricoota

GL Gigalitre

G-MW Goulburn-Murray Water

ha Hectares

ICC Integrated Coordinating Committee

Icon Site Previously known as Significant Ecological Asset (SEA)

JAMBA Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

LCC Land Conservation Council

LMEWP Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan

M Million

MCMA Murray Catchment Management Authority

MDB Murray Darling Basin

MDB-IGA Murray Darling Basin Intergovernmental Agreement

MDBC Murray Darling Basin Commission

ML Megalitre

MLDRIN Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

MSM Monthly Simulation Model

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OHS Occupational Health and Safety

PV Parks Victoria

RCS Regional Catchment Strategy

REALM Resource Allocation Model

RMW River Murray Water

RWA Rural Water Authority

SEMP Site Environmental Management Plan

TAC Technical Advisory Committee

TLM The Living Murray

WRC Water Regime Class

WMA’s Water Management Areas

Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site Environmental Management Plan 2006-07 1

PART A: Introduction and Key Values and Threats to the Icon Site


1. Introduction

1.1 The Living Murray In 2002 the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council established The Living Murray (TLM) in response to concerns about the environmental and economic health of the River Murray system. The initiative involves a number of collective actions to return the system to a healthy working river. The vision of the Living Murray Initiative is:

…..a healthy River Murray system, sustaining communities and preserving unique values.

On the 25th of June 2004, the First Ministers of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Australian Government signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Addressing Water Over-allocation and Achieving Environmental Objectives in the Murray-Darling Basin. This gives effect to their decision in August 2003 to commit $500 million to the First Step of the Living Murray, which aims to recover an average of up to 500 gigalitres (GL) (500,000 ML) of new water per year over five years, to improve environmental flows and achieve ecological objectives at six Icon Sites along the River Murray.

The arrangements for implementing the First Step are outlined in the Living Murray Business Plan (MDBC 2004a). Under the plan, water recovered through the Living Murray Initiative will be managed through the Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan 2006-07 (LMEWP). The watering plan when finalised, will be the system framework for making decisions on the volume, timing and frequency of water to be provided to each of the Icon Sites.

The Living Murray Business Plan also requires the development of a single Icon Site Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for each of the six Icon Sites. These Icon Site EMPs will build on and refine the ecological objectives for the Icon Sites outlined in the First Step, identify specific watering regimes and works required to utilise available water, and detail the complementary land management required to achieve the ecological objectives. Where an Icon Site involves two or more jurisdictions, a single Icon Site EMP will be developed by collating plans or information from each section into one integrated plan. A coordinating cross-border committee will develop common objectives and make decisions on priorities across the site.

The six sites that will benefit from the First Step are the Barmah-Millewa Forest, Gunbower-Koondrook-PerricootaForest, Hattah Lakes, Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay-Wallpolla Islands, Lower Lakes, Coorong and the Murray Mouth and the River Murray Channel. The location of these sites is shown in Figure 1-1.

The water management activities of this Icon Site EMP, associated with the delivery of water to the site from the River Murray system, are consistent with the relevant river management plans for the entire system.


Figure 1-1: Map of Living Murray Icon Sites (Source: MDBC).

1.2 Purpose of the Icon Site EMP A Living Murray Icon Site EMP has been developed for each of the six Icon Sites, identified under TLM First Step decision. The purpose of each Icon Site EMP is to identify the water needs for each Icon Site, for input into the LMEWP, and to provide a framework for the delivery of environmental flows within the Icon Site. This includes identifying management objectives and targets, water delivery options and the specific watering regimes required at each Icon Site.

The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP adopts an adaptive approach to the management of the whole site. The Icon Site EMP has been developed in consultation with the MDBC’s Environmental Watering Group (EWG)1 to ensure a consistent approach to planning and management across the Icon Site and throughout the Basin, and to ensure links with the LMEWP are maintained. It is an interim plan that will be revised as further information becomes available.

The development of an environmental management plan for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site cannot, and is not intended to, affect or diminish any existing private rights to own or occupy land within the region covered by the plan, or the way in which such land is used in future.

1 The role of the EWG is to provide policy and operational advice to assist in the implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Addressing Water Overallocation and Achieving Environmental objectives in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB-IGA) and its Business Plan. The Group has representatives with natural resource management, river operations and water policy.


1.3 Content and Structure of the Icon Site EMP The Icon Site EMP consists of four parts plus appendices. Part A provides background information on the whole Icon Site including objectives, management responsibilities, watering requirements, consultation arrangements, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Parts B and C contain the Site Environmental Management Plans (SEMPs) for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forests respectively. Part D contains the management actions for 2006-2007 and the future directions for management and plan development. Part E contains the references and appendices for the entire Icon Site EMP.

2. Background

2.1 Description of Icon Site The River Red Gum forests of Koondrook-Perricoota (NSW) and Gunbower (Victoria) cover approximately 50,000 ha of River Murray floodplains to the west of the town of Echuca (Figure 2-1). This combined forest is second only in size to the 70,000 ha of the Barmah-Millewa Forest, about 100 km upstream.

These River Red Gum forests have developed around the natural flooding of the River Murray. However, since the early 1900s, the River Murray has been increasingly regulated to provide secure supplies of water for irrigation and many other uses. This has unfortunately led to a change of natural flooding regimes and a decline in the health and productivity of the forest ecology.

Figure 2-1 Location of Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site (Source: MDBC).


The main topographic feature that has determined the nature of the landscape and the ecological development of the forests, is the Cadell Tilt—a fault line that runs north-south from Deniliquin to Echuca. The fault, which occurred about 15,000 years ago, resulted in the land to its immediate west being elevated some 10 m above the previous level of the plain, effectively creating a dam across the course of the River Murray. This caused the river to split into two arms, the Murray going south around the tilt and joining with the Goulburn River, and the Edward River going north and then west to rejoin the Murray almost 200 km downstream. Prior to the tilt, the River Murray flowed through the system now know as the Green Gully and Thule Creek and thence to the Wakool River. Further south of the Murray was the Goulburn River, which eventually joined the River Murray channel.

At the south-western end of the Cadell tilt, the old and new courses of the River Murray lie within 15 km of each other for a distance of about 50 km. With the larger volume of the combined Murray-Goulburn River flowing in the smaller Goulburn River channel, the river was prone to breaking its banks during floods. This led to new creeks forming, linking the new Murray to its old course and to a smaller anabranch to the south - Gunbower Creek.

2.1.1 Key values

The Gunbower Forest is designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Koondrook and Perricoota forests are included in the NSW Central Murray State Forests Ramsar site.

The forests are important breeding areas for colonial waterbirds. They contain threatened plant and animal species, and are visited by migratory birds listed under international treaties with Japan (JAMBA) and China (CAMBA).

The forests have strong social and cultural meaning for Indigenous groups of the region and have long been regarded as a valuable natural resource. They contain significant conservation, cultural and heritage values, together with providing unique recreation opportunities. The NSW forests supply a large proportion of the state’s River Red Gum timber. Gunbower Forest is the second largest source of River Red Gum timber in Victoria. Both forests provide a variety of direct and indirect economic values to the area.

2.1.2 Key Threats and Complementary Management Actions

The application of environmental water alone may not be adequate to achieve the desired ecological outcomes of the First Step Decision. Complementary land and water management activities may also be required to achieve the water management objectives of the Icon Site (Table 2-1).

While not included in this year’s Icon Site EMP, in subsequent years it is intended to attribute a level of risk to each threat based on its likelihood of occurrence and severity of consequence. This will allow the setting of priorities to ameliorate those risks. The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) study into River Red Gum forests on public land in northern Victoria, which will consider land use activities in the broad context of conservation of red gum ecosystems, will assist in informing the risk assessment process.


Table 2-1: Potential threats to achieving ‘the maintenance and restoration of a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities’ in the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site and proposed ameliorative measures

Threat Ameliorative measures - NSW Ameliorative measures - VIC

Inappropriate water management (quantity, frequency, season, duration)

Implementation of the Draft Water Management Strategy for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Group, the Water Sharing Plan for the New South Wales Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources 2003 and the Living Murray Environmental Management Plan for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site (Icon Site EMP).

Development and implementation of the Gunbower Forest Watering Management & Operational Plan and the Living Murray Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP; implementation of the Victorian Bulk Entitlement process; implementation of the approved recommendations of the Gunbower Flood Enhancement report Stage 3B.

Inappropriate timber harvesting (location, season, silviculture)

Implementation of the Management Plan for the Murray Management Area, Forest Management Zoning in NSW State Forests, the Harvest Planning Manual, licence conditions issued under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Native Forest Silviculture Manual.

Implementation of the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan, the provisions of the Forests Act 1958, the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (Revision No. 2, 1996) and the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004.

Inappropriate grazing (domestic stock) management

Implementation of the Grazing Strategy for Forests NSW Riverina Region.

Implementation of conditions of grazing licences issued under the Forests Act 1958 and the Land Act 1958, and the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan.

Inappropriate fire management

Implementation of the Management Plan for the Murray Management Area and the Fire Manual.

Implementation of the Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land through the Bendigo Fire Protection Plan and implementation of the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan.

Weeds Implementation of the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

Implementation of the provisions of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, the North Central Weed Action Plan and the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan.

Feral animals Implementation of the provisions of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998.

Implementation of the provisions of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan.

Barriers to water movement

Implementation of the provisions of the Murray Regional Environmental Plan No. 2.

Implementation of the provisions of Entitlements to the Murray - Outcomes of work to define how Victoria’s River Murray water is to be shared.

Barriers to fish movement

Implementation of the provisions of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

Implementation of the provisions of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.

Recreation pressure Implement the Mid Murray Management Plan; manage the river reserve in accordance with the Land Conservation Council (LCC) recommendations.

Erosion resulting from works

Implementation of planning permit requirements.


2.1.3 Planning and Legislation Controls

Federal and/or state legislation recognises the significance of the values of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site. Those requirements will need to be met before any planned activities or works can be implemented.

At the federal level, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) provides protection to matters of national environmental significance. Matters listed in this Act that are relevant to Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota include Ramsar wetlands, and nationally listed threatened species and communities.

The EPBC Act came into operation in July 2000. Under the Act, an action will require approval from the Australian Government Environment Minister if the action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on: • a matter of national environmental significance (listed below); • the environment on Commonwealth land (if the action is taken outside Commonwealth land), or

the environment generally (if the action is taken on Commonwealth land); and • the environment anywhere in the world (if the action is taken by the Commonwealth or

Commonwealth agency).

The EPBC Act applies nationally and provides protection to matters of national environmental significance. These include: • World Heritage properties; • National Heritage places (from 1 January 2004); • Ramsar wetlands of international importance; • nationally threatened species and communities which are listed under the EPBC Act (nb: may

not be the same as those listed under state legislation); • migratory species that are listed under the EPBC Act (protected under international agreements); • nuclear actions, including uranium mining; • the Commonwealth marine environment (which is generally Australian waters beyond the 3

nautical mile limit of state waters); and • actions involving Commonwealth land and actions by Commonwealth agencies.

An ‘action’ includes a project, development, undertaking or any activity or series of activities. Activities in the Icon Site EMPs may be actions that are subject to the EPBC Act, including structural works and possibly actions associated with environmental watering. If a person proposing to take an action thinks it is likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected by the EPBC Act, they must refer the action to the Australian Government Environment Minister for a determination on whether the action requires approval under the Act. If the Minister determines that the action is likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected by the EPBC Act, the action will then be subject to the environmental assessment and approval processes, including the setting of any necessary conditions, under the Act.


Activities proposed under this Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP may impact on the ecological character of a Ramsar wetland, or other matters of national environmental significance such as listed migratory species, listed threatened species and ecological communities. Implementation of this Icon Site EMP will take due account of the EPBC Act requirements, and where appropriate, will refer activities for determination on whether the action requires approval under the Act. At the state level, much of the relevant legislation is included in Table 2-2. Other relevant legislation might include the (NSW) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and (Vic) Environment Effects Act, depending on the scale and potential impact of any activities. Depending on the location and activity, other legislation might be relevant. At the local level, compliance with local planning schemes will be required.

Each jurisdiction will need to comply with all relevant legislation.

There are a number of strategies, plans and policies that provide direction for the management of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site. The most relevant of these are provided in Table 2-2.


Table 2-2: Relevant Strategies and Plans for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site

Strategies and Plans

1 National Agreements

National Water Initiative (COAG)

Convention on Wetlands, Ramsar, Iran 1971.

2 Murray Darling Basin

Murray-Darling Basin Agreement

Murray-Darling Basin Salinity Management Strategy

River Murray Water’s Annual Operating Plans

The Living Murray Initiative-First Step Decision

Inter-governmental Agreement on Addressing Water Over-allocation and Achieving Environmental Objectives in the MDB (MDB-IGA)

Environmental Works and Measures Program

Initial Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan 04-05 Interim Arrangements

3 State

Victorian River Health Strategy

Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy

Victorian Water Act 1989

Report on the Murray Valley Area (Land Conservation Council)

4 Gunbower

Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan

North Central Regional Catchment Strategy

Gunbower Forest SEMP

Forest Management Plan for Mid Murray Management Area, NRE 2002

5 Koondrook-Perricoota

Preliminary Water Management Strategy for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Group (Forests NSW and DPI) 1992

Management Plan for the Murray Management Area

3. Roles and responsibilities

3.1 Cross Border Arrangements Under the Living Murray Business Plan, each state has nominated a state Icon Site manager who will oversee the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP, and undertake appropriate consultation for their state’s section of the site. Where an Icon Site crosses state boundaries, the relevant Icon Site managers will develop the single Icon Site EMP for the entire Icon Site and carry out consultation in a coordinated way.


The states have agreed that one of the Icon Site managers will take on the lead responsibility for this work, and that this will be alternated annually. For 2006/2007, New South Wales is the lead Icon Site manager for Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site.

3.1.1 Decision Making Processes

To assist the Icon Site manager with the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP, an Integrated Coordinating Committee (ICC) has been established, to which a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Indigenous Coordinating Committee (Indigenous CC) and Community Reference Group (CRG) will report.

The relationships of these groups are shown below in Figure 3-1 and descriptions of the roles and responsibilities are outlined below.

Figure 3-1: Cross Border Arrangements for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site

3.1.2 Integrated Coordinating Committee

The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP will be implemented through an Integrated Coordinating Committee (ICC). Membership of the ICC will consist of representatives of the following organisations:

• Forests NSW and Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (Icon Site managers); • Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH); • Murray Catchment Management Authority (CMA); • North Central CMA; and • Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC).

Techn ical Advisory

Committee

Indigenous Coordinating Committee

Community Reference

Group

Icon Site Managers & Integrated

Coordinating Committee


The lead Icon Site manager will be the Chairperson of the ICC. The role of the ICC is to:

• advise the Icon Site manager on issues relating to the Icon Site; • develop and review the Icon Site EMP on behalf of the lead Icon Site manager; • communicate across the Icon Site; • advise the lead Icon Site manager in coordinating consultation on the Icon Site EMP; • advise the lead Icon Site manager on coordinating technical advice.

The Icon Site managers are responsible for bringing the interests of the jurisdictions to the table.

It is anticipated that the ICC will meet at least twice each year to review the plan, review the performance of the previous Annual Environmental Watering Plan (EWP) and to prepare the upcoming Annual EWP. These meetings should also provide an opportunity for site inspections and discussion around the adaptive management of the Environmental Water Allocations.

The minimum requirements for Integrated Coordinating Committees have been agreed by the Environmental Watering Group, and are provided as an attachment to the Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan for 2006-07.

3.1.3 Technical Advisory Committee

The role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is to provide technical advice to the ICC as requested.

The core membership of the TAC will be people with appropriate technical expertise from:

• Murray CMA • Murray-Darling Basin Commission (including River Murray Water) • North Central CMA • Department of Sustainability and Environment • Forests NSW • Parks Victoria • Department of Natural Resources • Goulburn Murray Water

Depending on the technical requirements of the issue, other expertise will be sought from authorities such as:

• Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries • Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre • Arthur Rylah Institute • CSIRO • Universities

The TAC will be chaired by the lead Icon Site manager.


Because of the importance of sharing developing knowledge about the Icon Site, it is planned to hold an annual forum of all agencies involved in technical research and investigation on any aspect of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site. The purpose of this forum will be to:

• provide information on the outcomes of all research investigations. monitoring and research evaluation activities in the previous year; and

• share information and make connections between proposed research and other technical activities by all agencies.

3.1.4 Indigenous Coordinating Committee

Involvement of all Indigenous communities with an interest in the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site will be sought for all aspects of development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP. A Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Indigenous Coordinating Committee (Indigenous CC) will be established to provide the ICC with support on issues related to the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP.

The Indigenous CC will be an inclusive process, with membership being drawn from all interested Indigenous community groups including Indigenous Nations and other relevant groups such as Local Aboriginal Land Councils. This will ensure that existing arrangements and statutory responsibilities are accounted for.

3.1.5 Community Reference Group

A Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Community Reference Group (CRG) will be established to provide the ICC with support on issues related to the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP, to ensure that the community consultation process is open and transparent, and is based on the best information.

The membership of the CRG will comprise both chairs of the North Central CMA and the Murray CMA and five community members with communication based skills. An ‘Expressions of Interest’ (EOI) process will be implemented to seek appropriately skilled and experienced community people to fill positions on the CRG.

3.2 Operating the River Murray System Operation of the River Murray System is directed by the MDBC’s operational arm River Murray Water (RMW), according to the provisions of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement and an evolving set of provisions agreed to by the MDBC. This role has its origins in the establishment of the River Murray Commission in 1917.

RMW has responsibility for directing river operations and overseeing Icon Site management and modelling to support operational decisions and policy development.

The River Murray structures include:

• 4 major storages – Dartmouth and Hume Dams, Menindee Lakes (when under MDBC control) and Lake Victoria;


• Yarrawonga Weir; • 13 weirs and locks; • 4 barrages located near the river mouth, forming Lakes Alexandrina and Albert; and • a number of flow regulating structures (such as Barmah-Millewa forest regulators).

With regard to the implementation of environmental management activities in this plan, RMW will:

• provide advice during the development of environmental flow rules and procedures to ensure their operational feasibility;

• provide the system-wide context for environmental watering through the Annual Operating Plan for the entire River Murray System (this Plan is continually updated to account for changing conditions as the year progresses);

• make operational decisions for River Murray System flow control works (large and small) and issue instructions to the relevant state operating authorities – to do this RMW coordinates River Murray system water management with that of the Snowy Scheme and state-managed river systems;

• during ‘real time’ environmental events: o monitor river levels and flows; o provide forecast flow patterns; o provide advice on the availability of ‘surplus’ river flows; o issue instructions to flow control structures for the management of flows and river

levels including regulator openings in coordination with advice from each Icon Site EMP;

• keep operational water and environmental accounts; and • oversee a program implemented by state constructing authorities to construct, operate, maintain

and renew assets (infrastructure works) on its Assets Register.

System operation is complex, given the level of development for consumptive use, the long travel times, location and capacity of both assets, and major diverters and channel capacity constraints across the length of the system.

The Water Liaison Committee is the forum through which the partner governments share in making day to day decisions regarding water delivery and water accounting.

The EWG has agreed to establish clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the management arrangements in this plan and other Icon Site EMPs. However, pending this review, and for specific flow events affecting operation of River Murray system works at specific locations, event management groups will continue to be convened by RMW in co-operation with the River Murray Environmental Management Unit. These groups bring together key representatives of natural resource agencies, catchment management organisations, constructing authorities and community interest groups as necessary to ensure a coordinated response.


3.3 Process for Prioritising Water Applications Each year, the Icon Site Manager will identify the priority areas within the Icon Site for receiving environmental water. The priorities will change from year to year depending on prior watering history, the predicted ecological benefit from applying water, the urgency of the action, and any associated impacts.

The Icon Site Manager may be required to choose between actions that could achieve one or more objectives or targets and the way in which action is implemented. For example, by peaking a flood, an increased area of River Red Gum and Black Box target community may be watered, or by increasing the duration of the flood, the area inundated may be less but the additional time inundated may allow for a colonial bird breeding event. Different actions could result in different objectives and targets being achieved, and the Icon Site manager, upon advice from the ICC, will be required to choose between, or prioritise those actions, being aware of the trade-offs associated with those decisions.

To aid the prioritisation process, a series of criteria have been developed. These criteria for choosing between competing water applications have been adapted from the Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan (LMEWP). The criteria have already been tested at the Chowilla Floodplain to select River Red Gum watering sites and minor works projects. Review and modification may be required in the future as the criteria are applied to flow events.

Once priority areas within an Icon Site have been selected, a further process is undertaken each year where priorities are set between Icon Sites for sharing the available environmental water to achieve the best environmental outcome. This is guided by criteria established in the LMEWP.

Under the authority of the LMEWP, water for shared decision making, which includes that recovered under The Living Murray process, will be prioritised for application across all Icon Sites. Through this process, the needs of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site will be prioritised against those of the other Icon Sites, giving due consideration to the operation practicalities in delivering water to the sites. The EWG will be responsible for this process, and will apply the prioritisation to annual criteria provided for each Icon Site by the Icon Site manager.

It is important to note that operational decisions will be based on the best information available at the time and that the nature of an event may change. Decisions will also be dependent on annual/seasonal conditions such as an area requiring emergency treatment.


Table 3-1: Draft Principles and Criteria for Prioritising Competing Water Applications

Draft principles and criteria for prioritising water applications

(a) Conservation value

1 Contribution to ecological objectives and targets:

Does the action contribute to one or more of the objectives/targets of the Gunbower Forest or Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Icon Site?

Which ecological objectives and targets does it contribute to?

To what extent will it contribute towards meeting the target/s? (significantly, moderately, low)

What area will benefit? Will the action influence the target

of 80% wetlands and 30% of River Red Gum (area of floodplain in good or medium health with high or medium ecological value), considering the landscape context and the connectivity of sites?

Are there multiple benefits? 2 Urgency of action:

Will the action contribute towards or save a target area or species from serious and imminent degradation?

What is the conservation status of the target area or species?

To what extent will it contribute towards saving the target area or species from degradation?

Will it enhance ecosystem processes?

(b) Feasibility

3 Complementary actions:

Are works or other actions required to achieve the predicted ecological outcome?

Will the complementary actions be operational prior to the implementation of the action?

Are any approvals required to implement the action and can they be sought before implementation?

4 Off site implications: Will there be any potential off site impacts within the Icon Site or outside the Icon Site? Eg. salt mobilisation.

Can the off site impacts be managed?

Do the benefits of watering exceed the off site impacts?

Will there be any potential off site benefits within the Icon Site or outside the Icon Site? Eg. additional water for downstream assets.

Are the downstream assets in a position to make use of the benefit?

5 Costs and maintenance:

What are the costs associated with the action?

Long term and short term?

Is on going maintenance required following the implementation of the action?

6 Monitoring: Is there adequate monitoring program/s in place to monitor the benefits (and impacts) of the action?

3.4 Implementation of the Icon Site Environmental Management Plan The implementation of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP will be co-ordinated by the ICC. It has responsibility for those actions which impact on, and/or benefit the whole site. Each jurisdiction has responsibility for implementation in its component of the site, in accordance with its own statutory framework and the agreed Icon Site EMP.


4. Community Engagement

4.1 Broad Community Consultation The objective for community consultation and communication is:

‘To ensure that individuals and groups who are likely to be impacted upon or materially interested in activities under the Business Plan have adequate opportunity to input into decisions affecting them, and to ensure all relevant information and a diversity of views are considered in the decision-making process’ (MDBC, 2004a).

Where the Icon Site crosses state boundaries, the relevant Icon Site managers will work together to carry out consultation in a coordinated manner. The lead Icon Site manager will be responsible and accountable for carrying out this consultation during development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP.

4.2 Community Consultation As previously discussed in section 3.1, community consultation is a requirement outlined in the Living Murray Business Plan. Part of that requirement is the establishment of a Community Reference Group that will provide input to the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP.

Consultation will provide opportunities for community input to the development, implementation and monitoring of plans, works and actions. Community consultation undertaken during the development of the plan will ensure that both key stakeholder interests and broader community interests inform decision making as appropriate. Community interest and support plays a vital role in the adaptive management process.

4.3 Indigenous Consultation Indigenous communities have spiritual and cultural connections to their country, as well as having an important role to play in natural resource management. The involvement of the Indigenous community will be sought in all relevant aspects of environmental flow management to ensure that the aspirations, interests and contributions of Indigenous people are recognised during the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP.

To help ensure that Indigenous community knowledge, values and perspectives are taken into consideration in Icon Site EMPs, The Living Murray Committee has approved TLM Indigenous Partnerships Project Plan. TLM Indigenous Partnerships Project Plan endeavours to ensure inclusive Indigenous involvement at all the Icon Sites based on the employment of local Indigenous facilitators, who will bring together community members and provide support to the Indigenous Coordinating Committee. The Indigenous facilitators will also provide assistance in developing and implementing an inclusive process for engagement of all Indigenous communities with an interest in the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site and will facilitate contact and consultation processes for each group.

The principle of ‘informed consent’ will be a general requirement for consultation with all Indigenous groups who have a specific interest as traditional owners in their respective sites, even where there


may be competing interests between groups. It will be essential to clearly identify all traditional landowner groups with an interest in the joint Icon Site and to ensure consultation processes are undertaken with each group on the basis of their own organisational needs.

Where there are evident differences between input from differing Indigenous communities and other community organisations in relation to the Icon Site EMP, continuing discussions between groups will be facilitated by the agencies to endeavour to resolve these differences before plans are completed and approved.

It will be the joint responsibility of the relevant agencies (see roles and responsibilities) to ensure there is inclusive consultation and input to the Icon Site EMP from Indigenous communities. It is the responsibility of the Icon Site Manager to ensure that the consultation processes for Indigenous communities are implemented as outlined in the TLM Indigenous Partnerships Project in parallel with the wider community consultation.

5. Environmental Objectives

5.1 Living Murray Objectives for the Icon Site In its decision on the First Step for the Living Murray, the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council set interim ecological objectives and expected outcomes for each of the Icon Sites. For the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site, the interim objectives and outcomes are: • 80% of permanent and semi-permanent wetlands in healthy condition; • 30% of River Red Gum forest in healthy condition; • successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years out of ten; and • healthy populations of resident native fish in wetlands.

Two interim targets do not apply to the Koondrook-Perricoota forest component, as the forest does not contain any permanent wetlands. These interim objectives and outcomes were set for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site on the basis of a short review of existing information. It was always intended that they would be refined and be made more specific with more detailed analysis, local knowledge and stakeholder and community involvement. The Victorian Government has outlined refined objectives for the Gunbower Forest in Section 11. These refined objectives, together with objectives developed in a complementary process in NSW for Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, will produce the final, agreed ecological objectives for the entire Icon Site. This will replace the interim ecological objectives and outcomes above. The MBDC, through the Living Murray initiative, provides an annual budget to support the development and implementation of the Living Murray Icon Site EMPs. This funding is used to provide project funding to develop and implement the Plans, and to undertake consultation and monitoring.


An Environmental Works and Measures Program (EWMP) is also funded by the MDBC. This program undertakes activities associated with construction of operations measures at each Icon Site to provide for efficient delivery and management of environmental water to meet the ecological objectives of the Icon Site.

6. Water Requirements and Management The LMEWP provides a management framework for application of environmental water across the River Murray system for achieving ecological objectives at the six Icon Sites under the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council’s TLM First Step Decision.

The Living Murray Business Plan states that the purpose of the LMEWP (Clause 99) is to:

‘…apply available water in a way that enhances ecological outcomes across the six significant ecological assets, protects existing high value areas or areas in good condition and realises the greatest environmental benefit from the water’.

In doing this, the LMEWP will coordinate the volume, timing, security and application of water required to meet the ecological objectives of TLM First Step decision. The specific requirements of the LMEWP are outlined in Annex E of the plan.

The relationship between the LMEWP and the Icon Site EMPs is described above and in the Living Murray Business Plan. In summary, the aim of the Icon Site EMPs is to inform the LMEWP by describing the demand of water for each Icon Site. The Murray-Darling Basin Environmental Watering Group (EWG) was established to implement the LMEWP and in doing so make decisions on allocation of water between Icon Sites.

The MDBC Monthly Simulation Model (MSM) BigMod for the River Murray system will need to be used to establish the impact of these water requirements on the overall system including deliverability and requirements for the application of water recovered under The Living Murray.

6.1 Water Requirements

6.1.1 Gunbower Forest

Flow requirements for Gunbower Forest have been identified for all key flora, fauna and floodplain communities. The flow requirements of these groups were combined into a range of flow needs for the priority floodplain communities (water regime classes) and are outlined in Table 6-1.


Table 6-1: Flow requirements for Priority Floodplain Communities in Gunbower Forest

Water Regime Class Frequency Duration Timing

Permanent Wetlands 10 years in 10 9-12 months

Semi-permanent Wetlands 6-9 years in 10 5-8 months Winter/Spring/Early Summer

River Red Gum with Flood Dependent Understorey

7-9 years in 10 4 months Winter/Spring

Temporary wetlands Long dry periods 1-9 months Winter/Spring

Watercourses Varies depending on forest location.

6.1.2 Koondrook-Perricoota

There are no permanent wetlands in the Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, however the vegetation requires the same water frequency, duration and timing as shown in Table 6-1.

6.2 Water Allocations

6.2.1 Environmental Water Sources

Following the recovery of environmental water under TLM Water Recovery Program, up to 500 GL will be available each year to be shared amongst the Icon Sites. Each year, the EWG will determine how this water is shared between the sites using criteria described in the LMEWP and encapsulated in the section below. Until this occurs, the only water available is that held by the states, and as such, is not managed under TLM process.

6.2.2 Victoria Environmental Water Allocation

In Victoria, an allocation of 27,600 ML per year of high security water was committed for flora and fauna conservation by the Natural Resource and Environment Committee of Cabinet in 1987. As part of Victoria’s reform of the water industry, all existing rights to water are being converted to a Bulk Entitlement (BE) under the Water Act (1989). Through the Murray BE process, the 26,700 ML Environmental Water Allocation (EWA) has been converted to a BE. The conversion of the original allocation was signed off by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management in 1999 and has resulted in the allocation becoming a defined entitlement for the environment. The 27,600 ML EWA cannot be carried over in storage from year to year. It is located in Hume and Dartmouth Reservoirs and is available for distribution through the River Murray system. An annual assessment is undertaken to determine its use for that year. Wetlands targeted for the allocation include Ramsar listed wetlands (the Ramsar Convention identifies wetlands of international significance). It is anticipated that greater use of the EWA will be made to other River Murray wetlands when infrastructure and management constraints are addressed. In recent years, part of this allocation has been used in Gunbower Forest, however, due to high demand from other sites, it cannot be considered a reliable source of water for the forest.


This water is a Victorian environmental allocation and will not be included in the environmental water managed under the LMEWP. The Murray bulk water entitlement also specified water provisions for Gunbower Forest to supplement flows from the River Murray. In outlining the entitlements, the use of 25 GL one year in three and 40 GL one year in 12, was proposed (from flows surplus to irrigation needs) for Gunbower Forest. There is no specific allocation for Koondrook-Perricoota Forests.

6.3 Operating Rules The operation and maintenance of weirs and regulatory structures is the responsibility of RMW and the designated water authorities within each state, in relation to the River Murray System.

During periods of low flow, Torrumbarry Weir is operated to maintain a relatively steady upstream pool level for irrigation, water supply and navigation. The weir gates are removed from the river during floods to provide open river conditions.

For the whole River Murray System, weir pool manipulation is a potential management option that provides the opportunity to artificially enhance river levels by raising weir levels to create ponding or flow retention (Ohlmeyer 1991; Blanch et al. 1996). In relation to Torrumbarry Weir, further work is required to determine the feasibility of raising the weir pool at this site. Alternatively, weir pool manipulation may be used to lower weir levels to reinstate a natural drying phase to wetlands/creeks that have been artificially inundated for long periods of time as a result of flow regulation. The manipulation of weirs and use of regulators will enhance the opportunity to vary river levels and regulate floods by altering the extent of inundation and/or duration of these events within a limited range. A description of the system wide arrangements for weir pool manipulation is provided in the LMEWP and the River Murray Channel Icon Site EMP.

6.4 The Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Program The Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Program (EWMP) was formulated to develop and implement a program of structural works and operational measures which are required to deliver and manage environmental water to meet the ecological objectives at the Icon Sites. The EWMP is charged with: • making the best use of water currently available; • optimising the benefits of any water recovered in the future; and • adopting a principled approach to ensure investment is targeted towards the best environmental

outcomes. The EWMP is integrally linked to the successful achievement of the Living Murray First Step Decision with the program focusing on maximising environmental benefits for the six Icon Sites (MDBC 2004a). In order to help achieve the ecological objectives of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site, the program is investing in a range of operational and structural works and measures, which will ensure efficient delivery, and use of environmental water, as well as a range of investigations to inform the further development of the Icon Site EMP. The activities will assist in mitigating the threats to the floodplain, including improving the frequency, duration and extent of flooding (MDBC 2004b).


It is envisaged that the majority of the environmental flow management activities for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site will be funded through the EWMP.

Achieving the targets set for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site will involve the integrated management of surface water, groundwater and land resources within each site as well as the whole Icon Site where possible.

A number of projects have been instigated or will be instigated to address the threats.

Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest This project, managed by North Central CMA, aims to maintain and restore a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities representative of those which would be expected under natural conditions. An outcome of the project is to develop and implement a water management and operational plan for Gunbower Forest.

Environmental water will primarily be delivered along Gunbower Creek, an anabranch of the River Murray. During floods, water still enters the floodplain from distributaries along the River Murray.

The EWMP is funding construction of regulators to deliver larger volumes of water to the forest from Gunbower Creek, and to retain it within the forest for an adequate duration at priority sites. Additional investigations are underway, with the development of a hydraulic model to confirm the feasibility of delivering water to meet ecological objectives, and interactions between the various structural options which have been identified. Further information is described in Part B.

Koondrook–Perricoota Flood Enhancement This project will investigate and implement options for improving the flow regime of the forest to meet specified ecological objectives. It will include development of structures to facilitate delivery of water to the forest to improve internal flow management. The first stage of the project, which has been approved, aims to investigate the capital works that are required to divert 4–6,000 ML/day from the Torrumbarry Weir pool into Perricoota State Forest. This will enable the delivery of environmental water and/or surplus flows to the Forest that would otherwise not have been accessible from the river channel.

7. Risk Management

7.1 Management of Risk and Legal Issues The Living Murray Business Plan indicates that the LMEWP and Icon Site EMPs will identify legal constraints and risks to the implementation of plans along with actions to minimise these, including any assessment requirements for actions.

Risk and legal issues relate primarily to the risk of adverse consequences to:

• an Icon Site associated with lack of action; and

• other river users/values associated with implementing actions at an Icon Site.


The EWG will explore the ecological risks associated with the inability to implement key actions under the Icon Site EMPs necessary to achieve the environmental objectives and outcomes of TLM First Step decision, for inclusion in future versions of the LMEWP and Icon Site EMPs. A further description of the process by which risk management is being progressed is provided in the LMEWP.

Attention will also be given to identification of legal issues that may arise from environmental works and measures and approaches to mitigating them. In the first instance, the approach to management of these issues will follow that adopted by the MDBC and state constructing authorities as part of normal river management.

This will involve notification of the MDBC (or other groups as appropriate) of the level of risk involved in proposed management actions, and the appropriate method for mitigating this risk. The approach to management of risk and legal issues to support implementation of the LMEWP and Icon Site EMPs will be reviewed and updated by the EWG for consideration of the Ministerial Council in agreeing to the 2006-07 versions of the Icon Site EMPs.

Where required any necessary approvals will be obtained for any actions occurring under this Icon Site EMP.

8. Monitoring and Adaptive Management Monitoring, evaluation review and reporting are essential feedback mechanisms within the adaptive management framework that will keep the Icon Site EMP responsive to changing conditions (Figure 8-1). Monitoring and evaluation, and the associated reporting that is required are important for providing stakeholders, community and Indigenous groups with information on the progress of projects and the results of implementation.

A framework for monitoring and evaluation is being developed by the MDBC for inclusion in the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP. This will identify arrangements for what (biophysical), when (timing, frequency), how (preferred methodologies and minimum standards), where (geographical extent) and who (event-ready capacity) will be monitored.


Monitor Adjust

Assess

Design

Implement

Evaluate

Figure 8-1: Adaptive Management Cycle for Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site (Source: Nyberg, 1999)

8.1 Monitoring The Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP uses the formalised, structured steps within the adaptive management cycle (Figure 8-1) in conjunction with the best available scientific knowledge as part of a framework for monitoring. Monitoring arrangements for the larger floodplain options, which use part of the 500 GL, will be developed using those steps. The details of floodplain monitoring will be developed once ecological and flow objectives, and management arrangements for the floodplain have been confirmed.

A TLM Outcomes Evaluation framework has been developed by the EWG. This provides guidance in developing monitoring and evaluation plans and describes the different types of monitoring and evaluation that are required under TLM. More details on this framework are in the LMEWP.

A monitoring system and program that measure the achievement of the Gunbower Forest ecological objectives commenced in 2004.

8.2 Evaluation The Icon Site EMP will be reviewed annually and updated in response to information arising from monitoring, further investigations, modelling and consultation.

Evaluation includes project-based and performance-based activities. Actions undertaken on the ground are compared with those proposed in the plan. A review is undertaken of each of the activities with particular consideration of the timing, milestones, targets and costs of the project compared with those proposed in the plan.

A review of the plan's objectives, strategies, performance targets, indicators and actions will assist in reviewing its progress and the effectiveness of implementation and determining whether the plan's objectives have been met. Each of the management actions will be evaluated against their respective performance indicators (targets) as provided in the plan.


The annual review provides an opportunity to alter the implementation program to better achieve the outcomes outlined in the plan, if necessary, and forms part of the adaptive management approach.

The Icon Site EMP will be further developed over the coming years to ensure that it is robust and reflects the latest information and understanding of the river and wetland systems and water delivery and recovery issues.

8.3 Reporting Progress and Achievements Updated versions of the Icon Site EMP will be provided to the MDBC Ministerial Council each year for their approval. Annual reports on the operation of the Icon Site EMP will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the LMEWP

Reporting on progress and achievements aims to keep the community, councils, governments and other stakeholders and investors informed of the progress of the plan and its accomplishments. Reporting is also important for encouraging feedback on the value of the plan as well as any data that is being collected as part of the projects that have been implemented.

Information from all the Icon Site EMPs will be collated into an annual monitoring and evaluation report by MDBC. The Annual Report will contain the actions carried out during the previous year and the accomplishments of the Icon Site EMPs against the LMEWP objectives. This is important for providing information to the community and other key stakeholders.


PART B: Gunbower Forest Site

Environmental Management Plan


9. Introduction

9.1 Context – Living Murray In 2002, the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council established the Living Murray – a long-term program of collective actions aimed at returning the River Murray system to a healthy working river. The vision for the Living Murray is

… a healthy River Murray system, sustaining communities and preserving unique values.

On the 25th of June 2004, the First Ministers of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, the ACT and the Australian Government signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Addressing Water Over-allocation and Achieving Environmental Objectives in the Murray-Darling Basin. This gave effect to their decision in August 200, to commit $500 million to the First Step of the Living Murray, which aims to recover 500 GL (500,000 ML) of water to improve environmental flows and achieve ecological objectives at six Icon Sites along the River Murray.

The six sites which will benefit from the First Step are the Barmah-Millewa Forests, Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, Hattah Lakes, Chowilla Floodplain including Lindsay-Wallpolla Isalnds, Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth and the River Murray Channel.

Figure 9-1: Displays the six Icon Sites across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia (Source Living Murray website)


The arrangements for implementing the First Step are outlined in the Living Murray Business Plan (2004). Under the plan, water recovered through the Living Murray will be managed through a Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan which will be the system framework for making decisions on the volume of water and the timing and frequency of water to be provided to each of the Icon Sites.

The Living Murray Business Plan also requires the development of an annual Icon Site Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for each of the six Icon Sites at the end of each financial year. These Icon Site EMPs will build on and refine the ecological objectives for the Icon Sites outlined in the First Step, identify specific watering regimes and works required to utilise available water to meet these objectives and detail the complementary land management required to achieve the ecological objectives.

Where an Icon Site involves two or more jurisdictions, a single Icon Site EMP will be developed by collating plans developed by jurisdictions for their sections of the site with a coordinating cross-border committee developing common objectives and making decisions on priorities across the Icon Site.

9.2 Purpose of Plan This plan is the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) for the Gunbower Forest. It outlines the environmental, cultural, economic and social values of the Gunbower Forest and processes that are currently threatening these values. They are:

• environmental management objectives for the site; • ecological objectives and priorities for the use of environmental water; • environmental water requirements to meet objectives; • options for providing environmental water including works required to make the most efficient

use of water; • works currently underway; • complementary land management actions; • management roles and responsibilities; • consultation arrangements within Victoria; and • monitoring arrangements.

This SEMP is based on a large number of detailed, technical investigations undertaken over the past decade by the Victorian Government. This process has been led by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) since 2000. It builds on the experience of several actual environmental watering events and shows the significant commitment of the Victorian Government and its regional management groups in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Gunbower Forest.

This SEMP will form the basis of Victoria’s contribution to the development of the Living Murray environmental management plan for Gunbower Koondrook Perricoota icon site for 2006-07.

The development of an environmental management plan for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site cannot, and is not intended to, affect or diminish any existing private rights to own or occupy land within the region covered by the plan, or the way in which such land is used in future.


10. Background

10.1 General Description Gunbower Forest is located on the floodplain of the River Murray and covers about 19,450 ha. Most of it is River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) forest, and woodland with areas of open wetlands at lower elevations. The River Murray and the adjacent NSW Forests of Koondrook and Perricoota border it to the north. Most of the land adjacent to the southern and western boundaries of the forest is privately owned and has been cleared for agriculture, principally for stock grazing and dairying. Also to the south of the forest is Gunbower Creek, an anabranch of the River Murray. The forest extends from the Torrumbarry weir pool down to the junction of the River Murray and Gunbower Creek at Koondrook. Gunbower Forest is located in the North Central Catchment Management region in the Shires of Gannawarra and Campaspe.

Gunbower Forest is predominantly State Forest (17,108 ha) managed under the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The land running along the banks of the River Murray (2,096 ha) is designated as Murray River Reserve, managed by Parks Victoria. The site was listed under the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and is also listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Water can enter the forest in two ways, through distributary channels from the River Murray during floods and also from small channels off Gunbower Creek. Originally, flooding would have been through overbank flows from the River Murray which then flowed west and north through the forest and exiting to Gunbower Creek at Koondrook and subsequently returning to the River Murray. There is a network of creeks throughout the forest which carry water until inflows are high enough for water to move out of the channels and spread throughout the Forest.

The lower elevations of Gunbower Forest support permanent and semi-permanent wetlands where water can be retained for long periods. These are valuable habitat for fish, frogs and waterfowl, and also support colonial waterbird breeding. The permanent wetlands also provide refuge in droughts. Permanent wetlands have almost been lost from the Gunbower system due to water regulation and are a high priority for re-instatement.

As elevation increases, the forest develops into River Red Gum forest with a flood dependent understorey, including Warrego Summer Grass, Triglochon and Giant Rush. This community is very valuable, providing fish nursery areas, feeding and breeding areas for colonial waterbirds and waterfowl, and breeding sites for several frog species. As elevation increases, River Red Gum woodland with flood-tolerant understorey predominates, and then Black Box in infrequently flooded areas. Small temporary wetlands occur within the River Red Gum forest, filling for a short time in large floods. These are small but highly diverse systems. Throughout the forest though mainly at lower elevations, are the channel systems. These support emergent macrophytes (aquatic algae), provide fish habitat, and support large trees along their edges which are very valuable as nesting or roosting sites for waterbirds.

Based on ecological significance, the highest priorities for restoration are the permanent and semi permanent wetlands and the River Red Gum forest with flood dependent understorey.


Figure 10-1: Gunbower Forest Location Map

10.2 Values of Gunbower Forest Information for this section is sourced from the Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site: Strategic Management Plan (DSE 2003), Mid Murray Forest Management Plan, and the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Scoping Study (URS, 2001).

10.2.1 Environmental Values

Wetland representativeness The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site includes areas of three inland wetland types recognised under the classification system used by the Ramsar Convention. These are:

• seasonal, intermittent or irregular rivers, streams and creeks; • seasonal or intermittent freshwater marshes or pools on inorganic soils (including sloughs,

potholes, seasonal flooded meadows and sedge marshes); and • freshwater, tree dominated wetlands (includes freshwater swamp forest, seasonal flooded forest

and wooded swamps on inorganic soils). The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site includes areas of four wetland types under the Victorian wetland classification system (which has eight categories): Deep Freshwater Marsh (95 ha), Freshwater Meadow (9209 ha), Permanent Open Freshwater (6 ha) and Shallow Freshwater Marsh (545 ha).

This area represents 8% of the state’s remaining freshwater meadow and includes the most depleted and least represented wetland habitats in Victoria’s protected area network.


Flora and fauna More than 210 species of native flora and 143 species of native fauna have been recorded at the Gunbower Forest. Of these, three flora and one fauna species are considered to be nationally threatened under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

A total of 18 flora species and 40 fauna species considered to be threatened in Victoria have been recorded at the Gunbower Forest. Twenty-three of these species recorded are also listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic).

A total of three bird species listed under the Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) and five species listed under the China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) have been recorded at the Gunbower Forest. Three of these species are common to both agreements.

The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site also has records of 17 species listed under the Bonn Convention.

The River Red Gum Grassy Woodland ecological community occurring in the Gunbower Forest has been listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. It is recognised that the Gunbower Forest is the second largest River Red Gum forest in Victoria and contains some of the tallest red gums in the state.

Waterbirds The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site provides important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for more than 22 waterbird species.

During flood periods, the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site becomes a large waterbird breeding area. Of note the forest supports the only breeding colony of the Intermediate Egret in Victoria (in 1974 there were an estimated 500 nests, and in 1982 there were over 100 nests). There are also records of significant numbers of Rufous Night Herons, Little Egret, Great Egrets and Darter breeding in the forest.

White Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Grey Teal, Black Swan and other water birds also utilise the Gunbower Forest for breeding.

The ‘Gunbower Island State Forest’ has been listed on the Register of the National Estate (Australian Heritage Commission) as an ‘Indicative Place’. This is in recognition of its natural values as a waterfowl breeding area.

Natural function The Gunbower Forest provides a suite of important functions including fish and wildlife habitat, organic carbon storage, water supply and purification, groundwater recharge, flood control and maintenance of flow regimes.

10.2.2 Cultural and Social Values

Cultural heritage The Gunbower Forest contains a cultural landscape that reflects both Aboriginal and European activities.


The forest contains many sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. A survey of approximately 10% of the total forest area by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in conjunction with the Echuca Aboriginal Co-operative, identified 142 archaeological sites of significance. Sites identified include scarred trees, mounds and shell middens (Rhodes 1996). All Aboriginal sites, places and objects are protected under the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwth).

The most up to date information from the site register at Aboriginal Affairs Victoria shows a total of 186 sites including 2 shell deposits, 57 mounds, 121 scarred trees, 2 burial/human remains, 1 sub-surface cultural deposit, 1 hearth and 2 other unspecified sites. The area has not been adequately surveyed, so it is likely that more archaeological sites will be discovered.

The locations of many places, such as burial or natural sacred sites, may not yet be listed on the Aboriginal Affairs Victoria site register but are known to members of local Aboriginal communities. Protection of such sites from unintentional damage is managed through communications between DSE, Parks Victoria and Aboriginal communities.

Consultation between land managers and the local Indigenous community is facilitated by the recent Protocols, Principles and Strategies Agreement for Indigenous Involvement in Land and Water Management agreed between the North Central CMA, the North West Nations Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Corporation (VCMC, 2003).

Two Native Title applications have been lodged for Gunbower Forest. A decision has yet to be made on the claim by the Wamba Wamba, Barapa Barapa and Wadi Wadi people. The Yorta Yorta Native Title claim had a negative determination processed on 12th December 2002.

The range of historic places in the Gunbower Forest reflects a number of different phases of European activity in the area. Scattered around the forest are relics of early settlement, however most of the historical value is in the events that took place and the effect they had rather than what remains.

Recreation and tourism The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is a popular place to visit in the summer months with visitation dropping significantly during winter. The main activities undertaken by visitors are fishing, camping, pleasure driving, four wheel driving, trail bike riding, cycling, horse riding and bushwalking. Orienteering, picnicking, canoeing, boating, bait collection, duck shooting, hunting of feral animals and nature study are also undertaken.

The most popular areas are adjacent to the River Murray and at Torrumbarry Weir, where a caravan park is located. Camping is permitted in the old Gunbower School, a site that is mostly utilised by school groups.

The Cohuna Scout Group also camps within the forest. Access within the forest is good, and includes the River Track, which provides a scenic drive from Koondrook to Torrumbarry Weir.


10.2.3 Economic Values

Gunbower Forest provides a variety of direct and indirect economic values to the area. The direct economic values include timber production, domestic stock grazing, apiculture (bee-keeping) and the use of the area for recreation and tourism. River Red Gum furniture and crafts contribute to tourism attractions of the area and River Red Gum timbers are an integral part of the heritage of the district, including the Gunbower Island Bridge and the Port of Echuca.

In contrast, the natural functions of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site also have important indirect values, which support or protect economic activities including flood and flow control, nutrient retention, and water quality maintenance.

10.3 Key Risks The key risks or threats to the maintenance of environmental values of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site include:

• altered water regimes; • salinity; • pollution; • pest plants and animals; • inappropriate resource utilisation; • recreation pressure; • erosion; and • fire.

These risks result from activities in the forest, on adjoining land and in the catchment. Protection of the site therefore requires an integrated approach. Risks to the environmental values of Gunbower Forest will be expanded further as the Site Environmental Management Plan is developed.

Whilst not included in this year’s Icon Site EMP, in subsequent years it is intended to attribute a level of risk to each threat based on its likelihood of occurrence and severity of consequence. This will allow the setting of priorities to ameliorate those risks. The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) study into River Red Gum forests on public land in northern Victoria, which will consider land use activities in the broad context of conservation of red gum ecosystems, will assist in informing the risk assessment process.

10.3.1 Altered Water Regimes

Altered water regimes is a high priority risk that currently or may potentially result in the significant loss of the site’s environmental values and its Ramsar ecological character.

The regulation of the River Murray has significantly altered the natural hydrologic regime of Gunbower Forest. The storage of winter and spring catchment flows in the Hume and Dartmouth Reservoirs and their subsequent release in summer and autumn to meet downstream irrigation and water supply demands has;

• reduced the frequency, duration and extent of winter-spring floods; • reduced variability in flood flows; and • increased the length of time between floods.


These hydrological changes have reduced the distribution and recruitment of flood-dependent species, including River Red Gum and waterbirds such as grebes, herons and egrets, and aquatic plants. In some areas of the forest, water stress between flood events has resulted in tree death. Additionally, localised drainage of water from private land into the forest during the summer period has also impacted on tree health.

The hydrological changes has altered faunal habitat and contributed to lower recruitment rates due to the loss of the natural breeding and nesting signals for native fish, birds, aquatic plants and insects.

Table 10-1 compares flows in the River Murray which would have occurred under natural, pre-regulation conditions and that which occurs under the current levels of diversion, over a 50 year period. The different colours reflect different degrees of inundation of the floodplain, with minor inflows occurring between 610 and 1100 GL/m, and substantial flooding when the river is above 1720 GL/m.

Key outcomes as a result of the alteration to watering regimes are:

• a 58% reduction in flows between 610 and 1100 GL/m; • a 54% reduction in flows between 1101 and 1350 GL/m; • a 77% reduction in flows between 1352 and 1720 GL/m; • a 55% reduction in flows in excess of 1720 GL/m; • extended periods of low flow (from 1895 to 1906 only two flow events greater than 610 GL/m

occurred under current conditions, however during the same period under natural conditions, 39 flows in excess of 610 GL/m were recorded). Similar extended periods of low flows were seen during the 1940s; and

• no flows in excess of 1750 GL/m from 1976 to 1990.


Table 10-1: Flooding at Gunbower Forest Under Natural Conditions and Current Level of Diversion (flow data from Torrumbarry gauge).

610 - 1100 GL/m GL/m 1101 - 1350 GL/m 1352 - 1720 GL/m > 1720 GL/m

NATURAL CONDITIONS CURRENT CONDITIONS

DATE JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC1939 1356 1640 1796 1542 1157 709 997 1247 1122 743 498 220 1940 292 386 426 340 238 161 112 76 126 154 155 174 1941 536 577 549 764 475 281 177 128 101 129 125 161 1942 1476 1452 1529 1331 856 447 869 789 694 271 121 127 1943 597 859 1006 1018 670 340 148 127 192 174 133 160 1944 571 471 320 260 228 162 160 82 70 97 141 184 1945 246 841 990 685 625 368 134 155 151 162 149 165 1946 1040 1418 1116 842 707 416 398 514 229 103 137 145 1947 1023 1344 1366 1395 1224 814 333 513 466 497 264 170 1948 560 640 812 824 1051 647 162 79 106 133 144 141 1949 391 543 728 1078 1424 937 151 88 206 458 562 210 1950 563 776 972 1064 939 497 235 189 273 229 127 78 1951 1526 1633 1332 1019 862 478 1115 1250 651 485 262 107 1952 1708 1527 1496 1430 1491 1438 1434 1300 1419 1352 1332 922 1953 918 1447 1491 1592 1475 813 610 1139 1326 1391 1008 302 1954 405 722 944 587 820 1236 147 115 172 164 167 373 1955 1207 1761 1924 1735 1326 884 1205 1656 1728 1449 879 336 1956 1853 1935 1821 1685 1448 964 1942 1978 1749 1516 1104 355 1957 659 642 580 869 664 365 180 148 121 105 117 127 1958 873 1599 1603 1418 1246 692 397 1108 933 1118 812 232 1959 182 477 787 848 542 297 94 64 133 161 98 87 1960 1331 1586 1632 1503 1108 645 843 966 1260 957 487 211 1961 599 809 813 566 353 251 162 217 171 55 100 139 1962 751 1035 940 894 678 375 295 302 231 110 80 100 1963 715 1117 1226 1003 678 370 394 503 379 233 126 106 1964 1280 1591 1505 1638 1228 623 867 1057 956 1210 637 178 1965 251 922 1290 812 405 372 161 352 506 220 107 129 1966 435 1051 1344 1327 1007 1057 147 273 525 355 176 237 1967 112 230 457 452 262 96 104 126 210 181 149 143 1968 1100 1333 1348 1369 1172 659 666 963 547 300 194 180 1969 943 978 1153 958 591 397 272 313 550 239 97 91 1970 1089 1420 1520 1278 929 522 430 811 1197 736 404 189 1971 787 857 1062 1353 1432 907 318 307 359 839 1128 464 1972 398 679 667 456 275 155 138 120 189 145 123 117 1973 1415 1658 1801 1631 1284 734 904 1378 1529 1434 796 248 1974 1327 1695 1695 1738 1530 829 1333 1595 1653 1678 1122 316 1975 927 1357 1659 1882 1791 1114 382 846 1490 1856 1528 683 1976 236 468 645 929 689 372 114 77 120 134 107 83 1977 904 1022 749 496 302 169 309 175 112 76 98 117 1978 1086 1449 1364 1265 981 709 334 722 667 272 168 147 1979 296 724 1308 1668 1040 363 111 122 726 1144 469 109 1980 685 1120 1267 990 620 439 274 388 325 184 157 153


10.4 Relevant Plans

10.4.1 Management Plans for Gunbower Forest

Gunbower Forest is public land managed for a number of purposes. It is bound to and managed under, a wide range of International, National and state agreements. The key land management planning documents for the Victorian component of the Icon Site are:

• The Victorian River Health Strategy; • The North Central Regional Catchment Strategy; • The North Central River Health Strategy; • The Mid Murray Forest Management Plan; • The Land Conservation Council recommendations for the Murray River Reserve; • Victorian Environmental Assessment Council; and • The Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan.

10.4.2 Victorian River Health Strategy

The Victorian River Health Strategy (RHS) provides a framework to enable the government, in partnership with the community, to make decisions on the management and restoration of Victoria’s rivers. It provides a common vision including state-wide targets, a planning framework and institutional arrangements for the management of rivers in Victoria.

10.4.3 North Central Regional Catchment Strategy

The North Central Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS) and subsidiary strategies identify and prioritise natural resource management activities for the region. The RCS identifies priority actions across a range of management agencies including issues to ensure that priority actions are identified, and facilitates the identification of opportunities for achieving multiple benefits through integrating projects. Management of Gunbower Forest is identified as a high priority for the region.

10.4.4 North Central River Health Strategy

The North Central River Health Strategy (RHS) 2005 establishes broad priorities for the protection and enhancement of river health in the North Central region. This document prioritises reaches based upon a set of principles which align with the Victorian River Health Strategy and the North Central RCS.

10.4.5 Mid Murray Forest Management Plan

The primary aim of the Mid Murray Forest Management Plan is to ensure that state forest is managed in an environmentally-sensitive, sustainable and economically viable manner. With regard to biodiversity, the plan aim is to ‘Ensure that Indigenous plant and animal species and communities survive and flourish throughout the Mid Murray Forest planning area.’


10.4.6 The Murray River Reserve

The Murray River Reserve is managed in accordance with recommendations of the former Land Conservation Council (LCC) as described in the final recommendations for the Murray Valley area (1985). These include:

• provide opportunities for informal recreation (including camping) in a riverine environment for large numbers of people;

• conserve and protect ecosystems to the extent that is consistent with the above; • allow flood mitigation and streambank protection; • use of existing and licenced pump and pumpline sites be permitted to continue; • hunting of game birds be permitted during the declared hunting period in areas specified by the

land manager where conflict with other recreational users such as camping do not occur; and • stock access to water and grazing be permitted at the discretion of the land manager where it is

compatible with zone management.

10.4.7 Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) is appointed under the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001. It provides independent and strategic advice to the Victorian Government on matters relating to the protection and ecologically sustainable management of the environment and natural resources inVictoria. VEAC recently commenced its investigation of the River Red Gum forests on public land along the River Murray and tributaries from the state border with South Australia to Lake Hume.

10.4.8 Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan

The objective of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Plan is to ‘facilitate conservation and wise use of the site to maintain and restore the ecological character which resulted in its Ramsar listing’. The values for which Gunbower Forest was listed include, broadly:

• special value for maintaining biodiversity; • regularly supports > 20 000 waterbirds; • regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterbirds; and • regularly support 1% of individual of a population of 1 species or subspecies of waterbird.

11. Environmental Management Objectives for Gunbower Forest

11.1 Interim Icon Site Ecological Objectives In its decision on the First Step for the Living Murray Initiative, the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council set interim ecological objectives and expected outcomes for each of the Icon sites. For the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon site the interim objectives and outcomes are:

• 80% of permanent and semi-permanent wetlands in healthy condition; • 30% of River Red Gum forest in healthy condition;


• successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years out of ten; and • healthy populations of resident native fish in wetlands.

These interim objectives and outcomes were set for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site on the basis of a short review of existing information. It was always intended that they would be refined and be made more specific with more detailed analysis, local knowledge and stakeholder and community involvement. The Site Environmental Management Plan outlines the Victorian Government’s vision for the Gunbower Forest section of the Icon Site and specific ecological objectives for the use of environmental water.

These refined objectives, together with objectives developed in a complementary process in NSW for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forests, will produce the final, agreed ecological objectives for the entire Icon Site which will replace the nterim ecological objectives and outcomes above.

11.2 Vision for Gunbower Forest Taking into account the objectives of the plans outlined in section 10.4, the Victorian Government’s vision for Gunbower Forest is to:

‘Maintain and restore a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities across Gunbower Forest which is representative of the communities which would be expected under natural conditions and which will ensure that native plant and animal species and communities survive and flourish throughout the site.’

11.3 Ecological Objectives for the Use of Environmental Water in Gunbower Forest In working to achieve this vision, a suite of ecological objectives representing the desired ecological outcomes of enhanced flooding has been developed. The ecological objectives and corresponding flow objectives enable flooding enhancement management options to be assessed and prioritised.

Values or assets (communities, species and processes), that are dependent on flow and are important for a healthy biologically diverse Gunbower Forest, were selected based on a range of sources. These included; a suite of species lists and records, information on processes operating in floodplain systems and anecdotal information (from stakeholders on historical presence/absence of species and communities).

Objectives were identified for each of the assets in terms of the desired condition of species and/or biota (biodiversity objectives), biological processes (process objectives) and physical conditions (habitat objectives). Specific objectives were then coalesced into corresponding floodplain community objectives based on their dependence on that habitat.

Objectives are expressed as one of four main targets, which are related to the present condition/functionality of the asset. These targets are to; reinstate, restore, maintain and reduce.

General ecological objectives are to:

• increase area of healthy permanent and semi permanent wetlands; • restore breeding events of colonially breeding waterbirds aiming for at least 3 in 10 years;


• restore resident populations and breeding events of native frogs, especially threatened species; • increase opportunities for floodplain access by riverine fish including Murray Cod and Silver

Perch; and • restore permanent populations of fish including hardyhead, gudgeons and Pygmy Perch in

wetlands and watercourses throughout the forest. Specific ecological objectives: A suite of specific objectives have been developed for each broad wetland/vegetation community (see below). Specific objectives for a number of faunal species which live in or utilise each broad community have also been developed. Due to the number however, these have been included in Appendix B.

Permanent wetlands: Reinstate area to 50% natural and reinstate habitat quality so that species typical of permanent wetlands are present.

Semi-permanent wetlands: Restore 50% of area that has been lost since pre-regulation conditions and restore habitat quality so that species typical of semi-permanent wetlands are present.

River Red Gum with flood dependant understorey: Restore 50% of area that has been lost since river regulation.

River Red Gum with flood tolerant understorey: Reduce total area and maintain habitat quality so that species typical of red gum flood tolerant understorey are present.

Black Box: Maintain the extent and restore habitat quality so that species typical of Black box wetlands are present.

Grey Box: Maintain the extent and quality.

Watercourses and channels: Reduce transmission of pest plants and animals, restore connectivity and restore habitat quality of Gunbower Creek.

Temporary wetlands: Restore the natural pattern of temporary wetlands within the forest.


Figure 11-1: Wavy Marshwort in Little Gunbower Creek Wetland Complex. Photo courtesy of Brad Drust, North Central CMA

12. Flow Requirements

12.1 Flow Requirements across the Site Flow requirements for Gunbower Forest have been identified for all key flora, fauna and communities. The flow requirements of these groups were combined into a range of flow needs for the priority floodplain communities (water regime classes) and are outlined below:

Table 12-1: Flow requirements for Priority Floodplain Communities in Gunbower Forest.

Water Regime Class Frequency Duration Timing Permanent Wetlands 10 years in 10 9-12 months

Semi-permanent Wetlands 6-9 years in 10 5-8 months Winter/Spring/Early Summer

River Red Gum with Flood Dependent Understorey

7-9 years in 10 4 months Winter/Spring

Temporary wetlands Long dry periods 1-9 months Winter/Spring Watercourses Varies depending on forest location.


12.2 Priority Sites for Water Management Priority sites for water management within Gunbower Forest have been identified using an analysis which assesses the importance of each Water Regime Class (WRC) and the area of the forest, in meeting the ecological objectives, and how far the current water regime is from providing the required water regime. Key conclusions from this analysis are:

• permanent wetlands do not flood frequently enough, and the duration of flooding when it occurs is too brief to support permanent wetland species and processes;

• duration of flooding in semi permanent wetlands is significantly reduced, partly through commencing later, but mainly by finishing earlier;

• duration of flooding in River Red Gum flood dependent understorey (FDU) has been reduced and flood frequency is also deficient with at least one additional flood of >80% of the available areas required every 10 years;

• duration of flooding in River Red Gum flood tolerant understorey (FTU) has dropped below pre-regulation flows.

The highest priorityWRC identified are the River Red Gum FDU, permanent wetlands and semi-permanent wetlands. River Red Gum FDU provides essential habitat for colonial nesting waterbirds and many other wetland species. The water regime in this WRC is the most highly modified. Permanent wetlands have been lost from the forest. These wetlands provide essential habitat for many species including colonial waterbirds, and are a highly productive habitat for aquatic flora and fauna. Semi-permanent wetlands are important as they also provide essential habitat for colonial waterbirds and other species.

The central forest was identified as the highest priority area within Gunbower Forest due to its diversity of habitats, high degree of habitat linkage and large habitat area. The upper forest area and corresponding water regime classes (River Red Gum FTU, Black Box and Grey Box) were considered low priority for water management because their water regime has not been as severely affected.

12.3 Additional Water Required to Meet Objectives The volume of water required to meet the flow requirements of each WRC was calculated using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and flow modelling. This modelling quantified the difference between the required water regimes as specified by the ecological objectives and the current water regimes. The gap between what is required and what is currently available is outlined in Table 12-2. It has been assumed that water can be retained in the permanent and semi-permanent wetlands, but not in the River Red Gum system, where it flows straight through the forest and eventually out to the river.


Table 12-2: Additional Water required to address the Gap

Water delivery 4 000 ML to charge up Gunbower Creek for delivery of environmental water:

Permanent and semi-permanent wetlands

11 000 ML, 9 years in 10. This assumes that the environmental water is ponded for the required duration. All of this water is expected to be retained in Gunbower Forest. If any flow-through water is required, possibly to protect water quality or enhance connectivity with the river, then larger volumes will be needed.

River Red Gum FDU plus temporary wetlands

For minor benefit to a very small area of forest: 56 GL, 6yrs in 10 plus 170 GL 1year in 10. For benefits to a large area to meet almost all ecological objectives: 160 GL, 6 yrs in ten plus 480 GL 1year in 10. This water needs to be supplied over several months to give time to enter the system, as the current channels into the forest have limited capacity. The majority of this water would return to the river system, though timing and flood amplitude would have changed.

Note: These figures are preliminary estimates and will be refined future investigations and the development of a hydraulic model.

12.4 Current Environmental Water Allocation In 1999, the Government formalised River Murray Bulk Entitlements. This includes the Murray Flora and Fauna Environmental Water Allocation (EWA) that can be used for wetlands with access to River Murray water, including Gunbower Forest. Part of this allocation has been used historically in Gunbower Forest, but due to high demand, it cannot be considered a reliable source of water for the forest.

The River Murray Bulk Entitlement also specified water provisions for Gunbower Forest to supplement flows from the River Murray. In outlining the entitlements, the use of 25 GL one year in three and 40 GL one year in twelve, was proposed (from flows surplus to irrigation needs) for Gunbower Forest.

13. Options for Water Management for Environmental Outcomes

13.1 Delivering Water to the Asset Gunbower Forest can receive or source water from high River Murray flows (effluents or overbank), or via Gunbower Creek.

Inflows from the River Murray are through a number of distributary channels or effluents which flow at different river heights. To create widespread flooding in the forest, flows in the River Murray must be sustained above 30,000ML/day downstream of Torrumbarry Weir.

The delivery of flows from Gunbower Creek in contrast is independent of levels within the River Murray. The creek flows off the National Channel which is diverted off the Torrumbarry Weir Pool, and as such, water can be delivered throughout the year. However Gunbower Creek is used as a carrier for irrigation water, and there may be constraints on its use for delivering environmental water which will require resolution. Accordingly, a REALM flow model has been developed for the creek to assist in planning and is currently being updated.


As there is greater flexibility in delivering water throughout the year, riverine flow triggers are not required for release of water. However, these triggers are important to ensure that environmental water is delivered at a time when the forest would have flooded under natural conditions and hence environmental cues are more likely to be present.

13.2 Process for development of Water Management Options Meeting the ecological objectives for Gunbower Forest requires integrated management of water and onground works. The process for developing priority water management options to provide and manage environmental water in Gunbower Forest is outlined below.

Table 13-1: Process for Development of Water Management Options in Gunbower Forest

Activity Status

Development of ecological objectives Ecological objectives are complete, these will be refined with scientific research

Identification of high priority sites (water regime classes) or areas. Priorities have been established on the basis of conservation outcomes and feasibility of water management. Information that has been used to determine priorities includes; digital elevation maps overlaid with satellite imagery of prior floods; mapping of vegetation communities; and records of faunal distribution.

A Hydraulic model will be used to confirm the feasibility of water delivery where applicable.

For each priority water regime class, the flow regime required to meet the ecological objectives has been defined in terms of frequency, duration, seasonality and time between flows.

The flow requirements will be refined with further hydraulic modelling.

Identification of the River Murray flow characteristics necessary to provide water to high priority areas. The flow characteristics include; discharge; duration; frequency; and timing. Information on the River Murray threshold flows necessary to reach major distributary systems or points where wide scale flooding of specific areas of floodplain occurs has been determined. The Digital Elevation Model, prior physical survey data and if available hydraulic models will provide the required further information on river height or discharge associated with inundation of particular areas of floodplain. Where water is being delivered via Gunbower Creek, river height will not be an issue except as a trigger for diversion. Information on time required to deliver water to a site will also be identified where necessary, eg. if there is a constraint due to size of delivery channels.

Further investigations are currently underway.

Determination of the volumes of water that will be retained on the floodplain and the proportion that will return to the river using DEM, hydraulic models, plus information where available on wetting-up

Further investigations are currently underway.


volumes, seepage and evaporation. The timing of returns will also be described.

Development of flow scenarios using models of river flow (MDBC’s Monthly Simulation Model and/or Victoria’s REALM model) which will provide the required river height with the required frequency, duration and timing. Information that will be required includes the river flow characteristics and volumes retained on the floodplain. These scenarios will take into account new water, and will investigate ways of delivering the water which will best provide the flow regime required to meet the ecological objectives of each icon site.

Requires further investigations.

13.3 Priority Water Management Options Water management options have been, or are being developed, to enable delivery of the environmental water to priority sites and to manage it as required on the floodplain.

This was undertaken using the DEM, inflow thresholds and other information from satellite imagery and historical flow records. The options aim to address the deficits in watering regimes identified by the process outlined in the previous sections.

Options to deliver water from Gunbower Creek, enhance flows from the River Murray and manage water within the forest were considered. A prioritisation process taking into account feasibility, cost and priority ecological benefits was used to determine which options most effectively meet the key ecological objectives. The water management options considered the use or modification of existing structures and the construction of new structures.

High priority water management options enable flow regimes that best meet the ecological needs of the priority water regime classes (ie. permanent wetlands, semi-permanent wetlands and River Red Gum FDU).

Table 13-2 outlines the 2005/06 water management structures for Gunbower Forest. These works have now been completed and activity is focussing on a further suite of potential water management options.

Table 13-2: Priority water management options achieved in 2005/06 in Gunbower Forest

Water Management Option Location Forest Area Water Regime Class Targeted Construction of Little Gunbower Creek Regulator

Gunbower Creek

Lower Permanent wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Red gum FDU

Refurbishment of Barham Cut Regulator

River Murray Lower Permanent wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Red gum FDU

Refurbishment of Shillinglaws Regulator

River Murray Central and Lower

Permanent wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Red gum FDU

Rehabilitation of Wattles Regulator Site

River Murray Lower Permanent wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Red gum FDU


Potential water management options for Gunbower Forest that require further investigation are summarised in Table 13-3. Table 13-3: Potential Water Management Options for Gunbower Forest

Option Location Forest Area Water Regime Class Targeted Enhancement of Tertiary Effluents



Construction of Cohuna Channel Regulator

Gunbower Creek Upper Temporary wetlands Red gum FDU

Construction of Cameron’s Creek Regulator

River Murray Upper Permanent wetland

Construction of Hipwell’s Road Regulator

Gunbower Creek Central and Lower

Permanent Wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Temporary wetlands Red gum FDU

Enhancement of Upper Spur Creek



Upper Forest Channel Gunbower Creek Upper, Central and Lower

Permanent Wetlands Semi-permanent wetlands Temporary wetlands Red gum FDU Red gum FTU Black Box

These options are further discussed in section 18 and section 19.


Figure 13-1: Displays the Location of Priority Water Management Options for 2005/06 in Gunbower Forest


14. Complementary Management Actions

14.1 Catchment Planning Within the North Central Catchment Management area a range of programs exist which can potentially improve the ecological values of the Forest. Victoria’s Salinity Management Framework provides an overarching view of proposed works to reduce the impact of salinity on our environment. On a local scale, the Gunbower Forest falls within the Loddon Campaspe Murray Land and Water Management Strategy (which encompasses the original Torrumbarry East of Loddon Land and Water Management Strategy). The environmental program of this strategy aims to protect significant flora and fauna values, in particular rare and endangered species and restore native vegetation adjacent to rivers, streams and wetlands.

Additionally the North Central CMA Floodplain Management Strategy and individual nutrient management plans aim to provide guidance to reduce nutrient loads in waterways, which may reduce the nutrient load entering the forest.

The Loddon Murray Surface Water Management Strategy and the Irrigation Tailwater Strategy provide recommendations to develop community surface drainage schemes on private land to address issues such as inappropriate outfall of drainage water into Gunbower Forest.

14.2 Resource utilisation The Forest Management Plan for the Mid Murray Forest Management Area (MM FMA Plan) requires that timber volumes will be supplied in accordance with sustainable yield principles.

Timber harvesting in the Mid Murray FMA involves the harvesting of individual trees, or small groups of trees, with adjacent trees retained to maintain forest stocking.

DSE as part of routine practice monitors post-harvesting forest stocking, and if necessary undertakes specific actions to ensure regeneration is satisfactorily achieved.

The low intensity selection harvesting systems applied may increase soil water available to individual trees and assist survival through dry periods. Reductions in forest density reduce total crown cover and increase the proportion of rainfall that reaches the ground.

The proposition that harvesting may positively influence soil moisture balances may provide a strategy to mitigate water stress in River Red Gums during drier periods, and may prolong stand survival until rainfall patterns change, or until specific environmental watering operations occur. Further investigation is required to assess whether there is a real enhancement of forest health in recently harvested areas. The response of stressed stands to harvesting also warrants investigation.

14.3 Forest protection – weeds and fire Under current policy weed control programs are prioritised to enhance the ecological integrity of sites containing threatened flora and nesting sites of threatened fauna, as well as other areas identified in conservation guidelines contained in the MMFMA Plan. Many of these sites are within, or adjoining areas identified for enhanced watering.


The DSE has previously developed a Regional Fire Protection Plan for the Bendigo Fire District, which includes public land in Gunbower Forest. During high risk periods DSE initiates measures to improve wildfire suppression capability.

Interim Guidelines and Procedures for Ecological Burning in Victoria have been established to provide a consistent understanding and approach to planning and implementing ecological burning programs. Further investigations are planned within the Mid Murray FMA to investigate the feasibility of ecological burns, through manipulation of vegetation types and as a weed control measure.

15. Management Roles and Responsibilities

15.1 Arrangements for Living Murray Icon Sites Under the Living Murray Business Plan, each state will nominate a state Asset Manager who will oversee the development and implementation of the Living Murray Environmental Management Plan for the Icon Site and undertake appropriate consultation for their jurisdiction’s section. Where an Icon Site crosses state boundaries, the relevant Asset Managers will work together to develop the single coordinated Living Murray Environmental Management Plan for the entire Icon Site and carry out consultation in a coordinated way. In this process, one of the state Asset Managers will take a lead responsibility for this work.

15.2 General Management Arrangements for Victorian Icon Sites The Victorian Icon Sites are all floodplain sites which involve wetlands of national and international significance on public land. Management of Living Murray water from a Victorian perspective is therefore a complex task involving responsibilities across the land and water groups of DSE, statutory authorities (CMA’s, Rural Water Authorities and Parks Victoria) and the DSE regions. Within Victoria, a general set of management arrangements for Victorian Icon Site has been agreed which:

• build on existing responsibilities in policy development and investment, coordination and community consultation, service delivery and regulatory/compliance functions;

• recognise the emerging role of DSE regional managers to maximise integration at a local level, particularly in relation to public land management;

• establish the CMA’s as managers of the Environmental Water Reserve as outlined in the White Paper;

• are consistent with the requirements of the Living Murray Business Plan; and • recognise accountabilities of the Minister for Water and the Minister for the Environment.

They are based on the following broad roles and responsibilities:

• DSE regions - site owner for all public land and site owner/manager for public forests, manager of DSE approval/referrals processes, interaction with statutory planning processes;

• CMAs - strategic regional planner for land and water management, focus for community engagement and caretaker of river health; and

• Parks Victoria - land manager for National Parks and reserves.


The arrangements recognise that whilst each of these groups are involved in each of the planning, on-ground management and monitoring phases of Victorian site management, the focus and the predominant player will change depending on the stage. For example, in the planning stage, the CMA will lead by coordinating the development of the Victorian site environmental management objectives and the development of the Victorian Site Environmental Watering Plan. In the management phase, DSE regions will lead by working with Parks Victoria and their forest staff to incorporate the objectives into on-ground management and implement the plan.

For cross-border negotiation, the DSE regional managers have been nominated as Victoria’s asset managers.

15.3 Management Arrangements for Gunbower Forest The nominated asset manager, as per the Living Murray arrangements, is the DSE regional manager for the north west region.

15.3.1 Plan development

The development of the Site Environmental Management Plan for Gunbower Forest is being co-ordinated by the North Central CMA project manager for the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Project.

The project is overseen by the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Steering Committee. This committee includes members from the North Central CMA, DSE (regional flora and fauna, forests management and DSE head office), Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW), Parks Victoria, the North East and North West and North East Cultural Heritage Program, Gannawarra Shire, Campaspe Shire and the MDBC. A representative from NSW Department Natural Resources (DNR) is invited to attend steering committee meetings as appropriate.

An interim community reference group oversees the community engagement and communication for the project.

15.3.2 Construction and Operation of Structures

An Implementation Sub-Committee has been established to oversee the implementation phase of the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest project. This group reports back to the larger steering committee on a frequent basis and includes members from the North Central CMA, G-MW and River Murray Water.

Goulburn-Murray Water is responsible for managing the detailed design and construction phase of the implementation program.

All regulators and control structures will be listed on the MDBC asset register. Goulburn-Murray Water, as the constructing authority, will be responsible for the operation and on-going maintenance of the structures. Where considered appropriate, G-MW may delegate operation of the regulators to other agencies, most likely DSE Forestry in state forest, and Parks Victoria in national, state parks and reserves.


The Gunbower Forest Water Management and Operational Plan (to be developed) will clarify roles and responsibilities for overall long-term environmental water management.

15.3.3 Monitoring

A monitoring working group facilitates the development and implementation of the monitoring program, and includes members from the steering committee, Integrated Coordinating Committee and the MDBC. The North Central CMA will undertake all monitoring related to environmental water use described in the Icon Site Environmental Management Plan.

15.4 Cross Border Interaction The Gunbower Forest project is currently co-ordinated with the Koondrook-Perricoota project, run by NSW, through the establishment of an Integrated Coordinating Committee (ICC). The committee includes representatives from the separate state steering committees including North Central CMA, Murray CMA, DSE, Forests NSW, Goulburn-Murray Water, Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) and the MDBC.

The ICC identifies important areas where integration is required and will ensure that it occurs (such as water sharing, opening/shutting structures, implementation of monitoring). The committee also identifies efficiencies, ensures cross-communication, consistency, information-sharing and will assist in identification of priorities across the entire forest system.

16. Consultation

16.1 Broad Community Consultation The proposed process for community consultation in the development of the Living Murray Environmental Management Plans for the Icon Sites, and for the longer-term implementation processes, builds on the successful arrangements already developed for several Icon Sites.

It will be the responsibility of each of the individual state asset managers, working through state steering committees, to establish a Community Reference Group for the state assets. This is required by The Living Murray Business Plan, and will provide basic community input process into the development and finalisation of the Living Murray Environmental Management Plans for the Icon Sites. The membership of Community Reference Group will ensure that key stakeholder interests and broader community interests are included, as appropriate to each Icon Site.

Through the input by the Community Reference Group, the initial plans will be developed and tested, before being taken to the wider community. Some elements of the process may include workshops, consultation meetings, site inspections and distribution of the draft plans for comment by the wider community.

It will also be the responsibility of the asset manager to ensure that the consultation processes for Indigenous communities are implemented as outlined in Section 16.2 in parallel with wider community consultation. Any areas of difference that may arise between the Indigenous communities and other groups or community interests will be resolved jointly, as far as possible, to achieve a shared outcome.


Integrated coordinating committees, representing the relevant agencies, have been established to ensure that plans for the various components of cross-border assets are consistent, and that there are shared aims and proposed outcomes. These ICC’s will also ensure that, where required, there will be cross-border community engagement to ensure that the consistency is evident and accepted by the wider community and specific stakeholders.

Implementation of The Living Murray Environmental Management Plans for the Icon Sites will require continuing community involvement, with cross-border coordination continuing to ensure best outcomes.

A Communication & Community Engagement Strategy has been developed for the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Project. The broader community will be kept informed of key project developments using a variety of means such as community meetings, field visits, newsletters, brochures, field visits and press releases.

As outlined in Section 15, the key land and water management agencies are involved through the project steering committee, and interstate management agencies though the Integrated Coordinating Committee. In addition, a representative of the NSW DNR is invited to attend meetings of the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Steering Committee as appropriate.

Figure 16-1: Community Fieldtrip to Gunbower Forest, January 2005


16.2 Indigenous Consultation Principles The principle of ‘informed consent’ will be a general requirement for consultation with all Indigenous groups who have a specific interest as traditional owners in their respective sites, even where there may be competing interests between groups. It will be essential to identify clearly all traditional landowner groups with an interest in the joint Icon Site and to ensure consultation processes are undertaken with each group based on their own organisational needs.

The North Central CMA has developed the ‘Protocols, Principles and Strategies Agreement for Indigenous Involvement in Land and Water Management – North Central Region’, which provides a foundation on which to build effective engagement with the region’s Indigenous communities. Members of the agreement include the North West Nations Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Yorta Yorta National Aboriginal Corporation. In partnership with interested Indigenous groups and the Murray Lower Darling Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN), the North Central CMA will ensure that any activities planned for the Gunbower Forest are in harmony with Indigenous cultural concerns.


17. Monitoring and Adaptive Management A monitoring system has been developed for Gunbower Forest that focuses on monitoring indicators of the ecological objectives. The final report, A Monitoring System for the Gunbower Forest, provides rationale, structure and operations of the monitoring system. The procedural manual, A Manual of Field Procedures for Monitoring in Gunbower Forest is a companion volume that describes detailed field procedures for data collection and is intended to be used a field manual.

The monitoring system establishes two tiers of programmed monitoring activities which are monitored at different intensities. It also includes recommendations for data management, quality control, and quality assurance. The monitoring program will form part of an adaptive management program for the forest.

All water delivery to the forest will be managed adaptively in line with the diagram in Figure 17-1. The process followed will be:

Assess The ecological issues, objectives, water requirement, priority areas and actions, and associated risks for restoring the floodplain are assessed. This stage requires community and expert input.

Design Knowledge on floodplain condition and ecology are used to develop hypotheses in terms of expected responses and set objectives and targets. Interventions designed, including the proposed regulators and operating rules.

Implementation The recommended interventions are implemented. In this case, they will be built and operated by the State Constructing Authority. Operating rules will be provided by the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Steering Committee.

Monitoring The monitoring program will be co-ordinated by North Central CMA in conjunction with land managers. Monitoring will include water movement through structures and the forest, water quality, and ecological outcomes.

Evaluation The monitoring results will be evaluated in light of the expected outcomes – water movement, water quality and ecological response. Triggers will be identified, which will require consideration of change management. Both short-term and long-term triggers will be used. Short-term triggers include water movement into or out of structures, and whether specific biota (flora and fauna) begin to appear, and longer-term triggers will include more detailed targets for ecological response. Regular assessment (eg. after every 5 flooding or drying events) will include a broad group of ecologists such as those who have informed the development of the monitoring program.

Evaluation will include a review process to incorporate new information or expectations.

Adjust In this step, the Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest Steering Committee will consider the monitoring outcomes, and in the light of monitoring information plus any new knowledge on the


issues, determine whether changes are required to operational rules, determine expected outcomes from the operation (ie. objectives), or cope with unexpected issues. Changes to rules or expected outcomes will be developed.

Assess Proposed changes will be assessed by the broader stakeholders to consider if such changes still meet their expectations. Any additional information will be reviewed.

Design The program then moves back to the design stage where agreed changes are converted into changes to structural, operation or procedural plans.

Figure 17-1: Adaptive Management Cycle for Gunbower Forest.

Monitor Adjust

Assess

Design

Implement

Evaluate


18. On Ground Achievements To Date Using Environmental Water

As previously discussed in Section 12.4, Gunbower Forest can source water from two potential water allocations:

• the 27, 600 ML Murray Flora and Fauna Environmental Water Allocation or • surplus flows (unallocated water) through management rules that allow the use of 25 GL one

year in three, and 40 GL one year in twelve, from flows surplus to irrigation needs.

18.1 Results of environment water in Gunbower Forest 2005-06 During Spring 2005, environmental water was delivered to Gunbower Forest to maintain several permanent and semi-permanent wetland complexes, protect and enhance the River Red Gum (FDU) communities and provide breeding opportunities for colonial water birds. Field inspections identified a colonial waterbird breeding event in November 2005 and water was delivered until February 2006 to support the colony.

Between 1000 – 2 000 ha were watered by these actions, utilising a combination of Victorian Murray EWA (11,017 ML) and River Murray surplus flows (8,948 ML). Existing forest regulators on Gunbower Creek and the River Murray facilitated delivery of the environmental water into the Forest.

River Red Gum trees responded with flushes of new growth and some regeneration of understorey vegetation. Where environmental watering did not occur, trees still showed signs of leaf size reduction, canopy thinning and die back. Grey Box and Black Box communities appear to be in better condition than the River Red Gums.

Hundreds of records were made from several frog species including Spotted Marsh Frog, Barking Marsh Frog, Perons Tree Frog, Pobblebonk, and Plain Froglet. All species successfully bred in the flooded areas of the forest, this was indicated with the presence of juveniles.

Significant wetland vegetation species that responded to the environmental watering included the nationally vulnerable River Swamp Wallaby-Grass (Amphibromus nervosus), Water milfoil (Amphiborous fluitans), Wavy Marshwort (Nymphoides crenata) (nominated for threatened status in Victoria) and Moira Grass (Pseudoraphis spinescens).

The first significant breeding event of the colonial waterbird Great Egret (Ardea alba) since 1999-2000 occurred. This species is listed under the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Bonn Conventions and is endangered in Victoria. Other significant bird species that utilised the forest due to the watering were Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-necked Heron, Spoonbills, Darters, Australian White Ibis, the Australasian Grebe and the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle.


Figure 18-1: Successful Breeding of the Great Egret (Ardea alba) in Gunbower Forest 2005-2006. Photo Courtesy of Emer Campbell, North Central CMA.

18.2 Summary of environmental water in Gunbower Forest 2003-06 An appropriate flooding regime is critical to the protection of the ecological communities within the Gunbower Forest. Over the past three years environmental water has been delivered to Gunbower Forest through the Murray Flora and Fauna Environmental Water Allocation (EWA) and surplus flows. Table 18-1 summarises the environmental water deliveries.

The main objectives of the artificial flooding were to:

• water three wetland complexes, Little Gunbower Creek, Little Reedy Lagoon and Big Reedy Lagoon;

• deliver water to stressed River Red Gums with flood dependent understorey; and • flood areas to provide suitable habitat for colonial water bird feeding and breeding.

Table 18-1: Summary of Environmental water deliveries in Gunbower Forest 2003-2006.

Year EWA (ML) Surplus Flows (ML) Total (ML)

2003 8,476 6,196 14,709

2004 11,258 4,827 16,085

2005 11,017

8,948

19,965


Figure 18-2: Environmental Water in Gunbower Forest 2003-04. Photo Courtesy of Brad Drust, North Central CMA.

19. Works Program 2005 till 2010 The Gunbower Forest Environmental Water Management Program is continuing its planning phase and is also undertaking design and construction of works. The investigations undertaken to date are described in Appendix 1.

19.1 Activities proposed 2006-07 The tables below describe the proposed work program for 2006-2007 and 2006-2010 through the Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Program.


Table 19-1: Proposed Works Program 2006-07 for Gunbower Forest

Activity Design and construction: Concept Designs for Yarran & Hipwell Rd Regulator Monitoring Collect baseline ecological data for monitoring evaluation. Includes the development of methodologies to map forest inundation, assess terrestrial vegetation condition and assess wetland condition. Consultation/communication Field trips Communication Material (posters, factsheets etc) Media Releases Community Information day/nights Planning/Investigations Further investigations into the feasibility and suitability of several additional priority water management actions prior to design. Includes: Completion of Hydraulic and water balance model Further investigation into Upper Forest Channel Realm Model update

19.2 Activities Planned 2006-2010 Funds have been nominally allocated under the Living Murray Environmental Works and Measures Program for the duration of the implementation program; however funding is subject to review each year following more detailed examination of required activities, costing, and assessment of outcomes.

Table 19-2: Proposed Works Program 2006-2010 for Gunbower Forest

Activity Design and Construction Design and construction of additional priority works to deliver water to permanent, semi permanent wetlands, channels and small areas of River Red Gum forest: Construction of Hipwell’s Road Regulator Construction of Cohuna Channel Regulator Enhancement of Upper Spur Creek Construction of Cameron’s Creek Regulator Enhancement of Tertiary effluent(s) Implementation If Upper Forest Channel option for water management is assessed as feasible: Consultation Design Construction Planning Completion of Environmental Water Management Plan for Gunbower- Koondrook-Perricoota, including operation of all structures to meet the ecological objectives. Monitoring Implementation of monitoring program, including feedback to Environmental Water Management Plan.


PART C: Koondrook-Perricoota Forest - Site Environmental

Management Plan


20. Background Part C provides information on the Koondrook-Perricoota component of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site. A Draft Water Management Strategy for the Koondrook Forest Group (the strategy) was developed jointly by Forests NSW (formerly State Forests of NSW) and the Department of Natural Resources (formerly the Department of Land and Water Conservation), in 1992. The strategy forms the basis of the water management planning that is currently being carried out under TLM Initiative and, consequently, forms the basis of the New South Wales contribution to the development of the Icon Site EMP.

The strategy documents the factors that affect natural flooding of the forests and details some of the options to increase forest flooding. A range of civil engineering measures is included which, in conjunction with astute river and water management, strives to strike a balance between economic and environmental requirements.

20.1 General Description The Koondrook-Perricoota Forest covers an area of approximately 32,000 ha of the River Murray floodplain to the west of Echuca in southern NSW (Figure 20-1). It has been listed on the Register of the National Estate and is part of the 84,000 ha of NSW Central Murray State Forests listed as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Figure 20-1: Location of Koondrook-Perricoota Forest


The flow of floodwater through the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest is dominated by the Burrumbarry-Barber Creek system, which is sourced from the Murray at a large oxbow formation known as Swan Lagoon. The system comprises several deep, well-defined channels that flow westward then break down into a myriad of smaller interlinked runners and eventually back into several defined streams.

Downstream of Swan Lagoon are a number of other oxbow lagoons, several of which have associated natural effluents that form secondary inflow points. As river levels rise higher, an increasing number of these smaller channels begin to flow.

Outflow from the forest occurs primarily via Thule Creek, about halfway through the forest, and through the Barbers, Calf and Cow Creeks at its western end. During large floods, water also drains out of the Axe and Pothole Creeks and floods into adjoining private property.

Relatively small changes in topography influence the distribution and depth of flooding. Water passes over the floor of the forests as sheet flow in large floods, and through the forests as creek flow during smaller flood events. Surface flooding restores soil moisture reserves necessary for tree growth, and sustains the productivity of wetland habitats.

Underground water sources also contribute to forest water demands, but these systems of underlying sandy aquifers of prior stream origin, generally only influence localised areas. Their ecological significance is also secondary to overland flooding, as wetland dependent flora and fauna rely on flooding to establish suitable feeding and breeding habitats within creeks, billabongs and swamps.

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is the predominant overstorey species, which occupies over 80% of the state forest estate. It usually forms a pure stand and only occurs with other eucalypt species on less frequently flooded sites. Tree height and diameter are related to moisture availability, with better quality forests occurring on frequently flooded areas or on sites with shallow water tables.

Black Box (E. largiflorens) also occurs on areas prone to floods of lower frequency and duration. Other overstorey species, such as Grey Box (E. microcarpa), Yellow Box (E. melliodora) and White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla), occur above the level of the floodplain on lighter textured soils and sandhills.

Few woody species exist as an understorey. Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) may be locally common on the banks of the river but only occurs infrequently throughout the greater floodplain area. Dwarf Cherry (Exocarpus strictus) is common on less frequently flooded areas adjacent to sandhills, and the Common Fringe Myrtle (Calytrix tetragona) occasionally forms dense thickets on sandhills.

On frequently flooded areas, native perennial sedges, such as Spike-rushes (Eleocharis spp.), Carex spp. and Cyperus spp., and rushes (Juncus spp.) dominate ground cover. Moira Grass (Pseudoraphis spinescens) occurs on wetter sites in pure stands or in association with the Common Reed (Phragmites australis).

On infrequently flooded areas, ground cover is dominated by naturalised aliens, especially annual grasses (Avena barbata, Bromus spp., and Vulpia spp.) and clovers (Trifolium spp.).


20.2 Land tenure The forest consists of Koondrook and Perricoota State Forests, which are managed by Forests NSW, a trading arm of the Department of Primary Industries.

There is also 817 ha of private property within the overall boundary of Perricoota State Forest (see diagram above) that does not form part of the Icon Site.

There are no native title claims and no register over aboriginal lands at Koondrook-Perricoota.

20.3 Values The Koondrook and Perricoota River Red Gum forests in NSW have long been regarded as a valuable natural resource. They supply a large proportion of the state’s red gum timber, and contain significant conservation, cultural and heritage values, together with providing unique recreation opportunities.

20.3.1 Environmental Values The Koondrook-Perricoota Forest provides habitat for at least five globally threatened fauna species listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN 2000). The Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and Flat-headed Galaxias (Galaxias rostrata) are listed as ‘vulnerable’, and the Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia), Murray Hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) and Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) are listed as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List (2000). A number of these species have also been afforded protection under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Under the EPBC Act, the Murray Hardyhead is listed as ‘vulnerable’ and the Regent Honeyeater and Trout Cod are listed as endangered.

A further 40-50 fauna species are of conservation significance at national and state levels, or are listed in migratory bird agreements between Australia and Japan (JAMBA) and China (CAMBA). The forests also contain the nationally threatened plant species Swamp Wallaby Grass (Amphibromus fluitans).

20.3.2 Cultural/Social Values The cultural heritage values of the forests are very high and are related to their extensive use by the Indigenous people of the area and the central role the river and forests played in the economic development of the early non-Indigenous settlements. Large numbers of Indigenous sites occur in the area, including scarred trees from which canoes or shields have been cut, sacred or significant sites, middens, ovens and burial sites. A few relics of early non-Indigenous settlement are scattered through the forests and include remains of irrigation schemes, barges and early timber operations, such as ‘board stumps’.

The forests attract a particularly high level of recreational use, including four-wheel driving, motor-cycling, horse riding, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, skiing and fishing. Most areas are readily accessible via an extensive network of dry weather roads. A large number of simple, widely dispersed recreation facilities have been developed in the forests, primarily in riverside locations. A Forest Drive has been signposted and a tourist brochure prepared. The scenic values of the forests are


very high in an area generally lacking in such features, and are an important aspect of the overall recreational values.

20.3.3 Economic Values River Red gum timber from the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest has long been valued for a range of products from heavy construction to furniture, and from landscape timbers to firewood and charcoal. In the earliest days of saw logging, it was concentrated along the rivers Timber was used for transport, and as a convenient source of fuel wood for paddle steamers. Today, timber is harvested from across the forests on a perpetual and sustainable basis. A significant social and economic use of the forests is the very high level of domestic firewood collection by residents of the surrounding towns and villages.

Grazing of domestic stock is another historical and continuing use of the forests. Combined with the grazing of their freehold land, it provided management flexibility to the stock owners, revenue for the forest manager and a tool for reducing bushfire hazard in these fire-sensitive ecosystems. For many years, the forests were grazed on a continuous basis and stock numbers were managed based on the condition of the cattle. More recently, grazing has been used as a tool to bring about beneficial changes in ground cover species composition. Stock numbers and the period of grazing are managed based on the biomass (total living matter) and condition of the desired herbage (vegetation).

Beekeeping is an important forest-based activity in this area also. River Red gums are fairly reliable for the production of heavy blossom, which often produces high flows of nectar and large quantities of pollen. The honey is light coloured, with a good flavour and is considered quite valuable.

20.4 Threats Changes to the natural flow regimes of the River Murray associated with river regulation for irrigation and other extractive uses have brought about changes in vegetation distribution and health, and reductions in the abundance and diversity of waterbirds, native fish and many other fauna species.

The Koondrook-Perricoota Forest has been significantly affected by river regulation. The high banks of the river channel mean that only large floods can water significant areas of the forest and the flooding is of shorter duration. As early as 1948, the Murray Management Survey noted evidence of a decline in forest quality in some areas.

Measures to actively manage water in the forest commenced soon after construction of the Torrumbarry Weir in 1924. Minimising tree deaths arising from permanent, local inundation became an immediate priority, as several creeks upstream of the weir pool ran constantly when the weir was at full supply level.

The greater difficulty of getting water into the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest has meant that capital investment aimed at improving watering in these forests, has taken a lower priority to that in the Millewa forests where greater benefits have been able to be achieved. Consequently, water management structures have tended to be inexpensive minor works. The one exception to date has been the excavation of silt, and the removal of red gum regrowth and flood debris from the intakes of Swan Lagoon from the River Murray, downstream of Torrumbarry Weir, which was carried out in 1990. This allowed significantly more water to flow into the forest at low to medium flood levels.


The values (environmental objectives and targets) of TLM which are potentially threatened by water management and other land management activities in the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest are:

• the health and productivity of the forests (30% of the River Red Gum forest in a healthy condition), and

• the presence of healthy floodplain communities (successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years in ten).

The potential threats to those values and the ameliorative measures in place to manage those threats are shown in Table 20-1.

Table 20-1: Threats and Ameliorative Measures for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest

Threats NSW Ameliorative measures inappropriate water management (quantity, frequency, season, duration)

Implementation of: • the Draft Water Management Strategy for the Koondrook

Forest Group • the Water Sharing Plan for the New South Wales Murray

and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources 2003

inappropriate timber harvesting (location, season, silviculture)

Implementation of: • the Management Plan for the Murray Management Area • Forest Management Zoning in NSW State Forests • the Harvest Planning Manual • licence conditions issued under the Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995 • the Native Forest Silviculture Manual

inappropriate grazing (domestic stock) management

Implementation of the Grazing Strategy for Forests NSW Riverina Region;

inappropriate fire management Implementation of: • the Management Plan for the Murray Management Area • the Fire Manual;

weeds Implementation of the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993;

feral animals Implementation of the provisions of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998;

barriers to water movement Implementation of the provisions of the Murray Regional Environmental Plan No. 2

barriers to fish movement Implementation of the provisions of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.


20.5 Current Condition A wide range of research and monitoring projects have been conducted in the Koondrook and Perricoota forests over the last 20-30 years. None have been specifically designed to determine the change in environmental condition resulting from the TLM water application and works programs. A water management plan, linked to a monitoring strategy, is proposed. The composition of this will likely resemble that of the Gunbower Forest and will be accountable to the Ministerial Council Living Murray Objectives. Some initial background information is also available in the Foundation Report: http://www.mdbc.gov.au/subs/dynamic_reports/foundation_report/3contents.html.

TLM First Step ecological objective for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest includes vegetation and waterbird targets. The great advantage of the waterbird target is that it provides a specific biological indicator (colonial nesting waterbirds), the aspect of the indicator that is to be measured (breeding success), and numerical as well as temporal targets (thousands of breeding pairs at least three years in ten). Each of these aspects can be readily monitored and converted, with some confidence, into hydrological parameters.

The vegetation objective is less explicit. It provides a broad biological indicator (River Red Gum forest), and the aspect of the indicator that is to be measured (health), but no guidance on what forest component is targeted or what is meant by health. A spatial target is specified (30% of the forest area), but no temporal target is provided. Another difficulty is that the health of floodplain vegetation can be influenced by many factors other than just flow regime (eg. rainfall and grazing).

Until TLM objectives have been reviewed and a more targeted environmental monitoring and evaluation program is developed, it will be necessary to draw upon existing information to gauge whether progress towards achieving the current objectives is being achieved. Using the approach outlined in Table 20-2, the environmental condition of the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest has been given an overall rating of poor, with downward trends for each condition indicator.

http://www.mdbc.gov.au/subs/dynamic_reports/foundation_report/3contents.html


Table 20-2: Environmental condition of Koondrook-Perricoota Forest

Key Performance Area

Condition Indicator

Condition Target 2006 Condition Status2

Condition Trend

Comment

Forest health1 Flood dependent ground vegetation

Opportunity for growth, reproduction and dispersal provided over 30% of forest no more than four years apart.

Poor Decreasing The spatial target was last achieved in 2000/01. Semi-aquatic plants (eg. Triglochin procerum) have not recruited throughout large tracts of the forests since 2000.

Tree crown condition

65% of dominant and co-dominant trees with healthy crowns.

Poor Decreasing A significant rainfall event in February 2005 revived large areas of drought-stressed forest. However, owing to low sub-surface soil moisture levels, crown condition will deteriorate through 2006/07 in the absence of above average rainfall and/or substantial flooding.

Waterbirds Breeding success of colonial nesting waterbirds

Successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years in ten.

Poor Decreasing The last widespread and successful breeding event occurred in 2000. Limited waterbird breeding occurred in the Pollack Swamp WMA during 2003/04, 2004/05 owing to provision of almost 1 GL of Adaptive Environmental Water.

1 Temporary definition of the Interim TLM Ecological Objectives 2 Good, target condition currently satisfied, intervention unlikely to be required during the current water year. Moderate, present

condition at borderline of satisfaction, intervention may be required within the next 1–2 water years. Poor, present condition unsatisfactory, intervention should be undertaken within the current water year.


21. Environmental Management Objectives The over-arching goal of the Draft Water Management Strategy and the TLM Initiative is to:

Maintain and, where possible, improve the health and productivity of the forests, supporting a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities.

21.1 Ecological Objectives for the use of Environmental Water Regular flooding is vital for the continuing wellbeing of the floodplain environment. While the River Red Gum forests would naturally have experienced periods where little overland flooding occurred, river regulation has accentuated the impact of drought by reducing the extent, duration and frequency of surface flooding.

To remedy this situation, watering of the forests must be improved by more closely emulating natural flooding – in terms of frequency, duration and seasonality. In some years, this can be achieved by extending the duration of residual floods, or creating managed floods by purposefully releasing water from storage once a triggering point is reached. However, changes to the natural drying cycle of low-lying forests are more damaging than impacts from drought, with permanent Summer inundation resulting in extensive tree deaths. A cycle of regular periodic surface flooding in Winter and Spring, combined with annual Summer/Autumn drying, is the desirable watering regime for the forests.

21.2 Targets TLM Initiative specifies that available environmental water will be used to achieve:

successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years in ten; and

30% of the River Red Gum forest in a healthy condition.

Two interim targets set by the Ministerial Council do not apply to the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest, as the forest does not contain any permanent wetlands. These are:

80% of permanent and semi-permanent wetlands in healthy condition; and

healthy populations of resident native fish in wetlands.


22. Options for Water Management

22.1 Water Delivery to the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Surface water management opportunities exist at three scales. The first two relate to water delivery to the Forest and the third relates to water delivery within the forest.

First, releases from headwater storages can be manipulated to increase the frequency, magnitude and duration of high river flows entering the forests. Hume Dam is the main operational storage from which releases to the forest can be made. The MDBC is considering acquisition of flow rights to temporarily pass regulated flows downstream of Hume Dam. After taking into account irrigation abstractions, anabranch diversions and transmission losses, this equates to a flow of approximately 17,000 ML/day downstream of Torrumbarry, which is well below the effective flood level of 30,000 ML/day. The shortfall is not likely to be met from the Goulburn River, using storage releases from Eildon Lake, until water is available in storage for this purpose.

Second, water control structures located on river banks (locally called ‘regulators’) may be operated to direct water into, or to prevent water entering, priority areas within the forest. One small capacity regulator presently exists in Perricoota State Forest upstream of Torrumbarry Weir. A current Environmental Works and Measures project will investigate and implement the capital works required to divert 4-6,000 ML/day from the Torrumbarry Weir pool into Perricoota State Forest (viz. Koondrook-Perricoota Flood Enhancement Project).

In summary, options to supply environmental water from storage releases are severely limited by channel capacity constraints below Hume Dam, and the inability to call on storage releases from Lake Eildon. However, the proposed Koondrook-Perricoota Flood Enhancement Project will provide opportunity to divert large volumes of water into the forest during periods of surplus flow.

22.2 Water delivery within the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest The third scale of surface water management is within the forest. Once water is diverted into the forest, opportunity may exist to manipulate flow paths, water depth and duration of inundation through the installation and operation of internal water control structures (locally called ‘small scale works’). Opportunity is limited however, due to the presence of large internal creeks, such as Burrumburry Creek, that require continuous high flows to breach their banks. Further investigations into the possibilities for this will occur under the auspice of a dedicated water management plan. The plan is proposed to commence following the construction of the hydraulic/hydrologic model (due to be completed in 2006/2007).

Water Management Areas (WMAs) delineate areas of the forest where points of inflow and outflow best segregate one section of the forest from another. However, they are not discrete areas, as water usually passes from one WMA to the next through defined creeks and as surface flow during floods.

The WMAs for Koondrook-Perricoota Forest are illustrated in Figure 22-1.


Figure 22-1: Water Management Areas for Koondrook-Perricoota Forest

Without capital works to divert water into the forest from the Torrumbarry Weir pool, water delivery is almost entirely dependent on river stage downstream of Torrumbarry Weir. In the absence of any recovered water or EWA for the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest, attainment of the ecological objectives will rely on the occurrence of seasonal flows arising from storage spills or unregulated tributaries.

Limited opportunity does exist however, to deliver water to Pollack Swamp WMA using private irrigation infrastructure. Almost 1 GL of water was provided to Pollack Swamp during 2003-04 and


again in 2004/05 from Adaptive Environmental Water managed by the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group on behalf of the Murray CMA. Further environmental watering by the NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group is planned during 2006/07.

22.3 Potential options for further investigation A hydraulic model is being prepared for the forest to assess design options for the Koondrook-Perricoota Flood Enhancement Project. The potential use of small-scale works for further refining the system of WMAs and delivering water to priority sites within WMAs will be investigated during this project.

22.4 Groundwater management Management of groundwater recharge, discharge and salinity, to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts, is presently not required within the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest. Rather, underground reserves supplement the water requirements of River Red Gums in addition to that provided by rainfall and surface flooding. It has been estimated that 20% of the forest benefits from groundwater.

The heavy clay soils of the floodplain are largely impermeable. Saturation of the upper soil profile during flood periods is largely achieved through extensive deep cracks that develop in summer. Groundwater within 9 m of the surface is generally restricted to confined aquifer systems, many of which are believed to be connected to the main river system. Localised groundwater recharge also occurs during floods from exposed lens surfaces. Groundwater and soil salinity is therefore generally very low or absent, except where potential interaction occurs with saline groundwater associated with Green Gully.

22.5 Land management The existing values of the forests have persisted despite or because of land management practices over the last 150 years following European settlement. However, most land uses have altered their ecological character to a lesser or greater extent. The main factors that have existed in the past, but have been or are being substantially addressed, include river regulation and water management, livestock grazing, and forestry and fishing activities. Indigenous uses also undoubtedly impacted on the ecological character of the forests, but those influences are considered part of the natural (pre-European) landscape. The main factors that are on-going and require further remedial attention include recreational activities, introduced flora and fauna species, native herbivore grazing pressure and altered fire regimes. Factors having the potential to develop in the future include rising ground-water levels and salinity (from adjoining irrigation areas), further introductions of non-native flora and fauna, eutrophication and climate change.


23. Management roles and responsibilities Forests NSW is responsible for the management of the Koondrook-Perricoota Forest and is the Icon Site Manager under the Living Murray Initiative. Management is carried out under the authority of the Forestry Act, 1916.

The Murray-Darling Basin Commission controls the allocation and distribution of water to and through the forests from the River Murray. The Department of Natural Resources and State Water control water distribution within NSW and are primarily responsible for the construction or licensing and operation of water regulatory structures in the area.

The Department of Natural Resources will provide technical advice and data to the Icon Site managers for consideration in the development of the Icon Site EMP.

24. Consultation

24.1 Broad Community Consultation The Icon Site Mangers are responsible for ensuring that broad community consultation is undertaken in accord with the Living Murray Business Plan. To achieve this, the Icon Site managers will establish an inclusive Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Icon Site. This will ensure that the community has input into the development and implementation of the Icon Site EMP.

The CRG will also assist the Icon Site managers to identify and develop appropriate methods for informing the broader community of the Icon Site EMP, and how they may contribute to the process.

Section 3.1.5 details the composition of the CRG.

24.2 Indigenous Consultation Principles Indigenous involvement at Koondrook-Perricoota Forest will be undertaken in an inclusive manner that allows involvement of a broad range of interested groups, while still meeting NSW statutory responsibilities.

To achieve appropriate Indigenous engagement at this site, the following day to day principles will apply:

• ensuring consultation is undertaken in an inclusive and appropriate manner; • involve Indigenous people effectively, through a process of informed consultation, which means

that Indigenous people have an adequate knowledge and understanding of TLM to ensure they are aware of the consequences and outcomes which may result from their contribution and consent, with regards to cultural knowledge, values and perspectives;

• work towards improving the capacity of Indigenous people in relation to effective involvement in The Living Murray;

• recognise that The Living Murray Environmental Management Plan for Icon Sites have a role in delivering social, economic, environmental and cultural outcomes that are equitable and appropriate to all Indigenous people, as it relates to the Living Murray process; and


• ensure that partnerships between Indigenous people and the managers of each of the Icon Sites, are based on respect, honesty, and capacity to participate equally, with shared responsibility and clearly defined accountability and authority.

25. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting A detailed monitoring and evaluation plan, to measure long-term site condition and changes in environmental condition of individual Icon Sites resulting from the Living Murray water application and works programs, is being developed by Forests NSW in conjunction with the MDBC. It is anticipated that this will be finalised during 2006-07.


PART D: Management Actions and Future Integration


26. Future Directions There are a number of areas where there are still gaps in knowledge, decisions need to be made, and processes established for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site. This includes management actions, consultation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, management of structures and use of water at the sites.

26.1 Governance Actions Review the governance arrangements outlined in this plan, to make sure they work effectively,

that roles and responsibilities are clear and that both jurisdictional and whole-of-Icon Site responsibilities can be met effectively;

Finalise outstanding governance issues including budget allocations, financial arrangements, reporting arrangements, appointment of CRG members, a clearer agreement process by all relevant parties, and how decisions by jurisdictions on individual works will be communicated.

26.2 Management actions The priority management action in 2006-2007 is the establishment of a coordinated annual watering plan.

The Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan will be the system framework for making decisions on the volume, timing and frequency of water to be provided to each of the Icon Sites, in the context of whole of system water management.

The GKP Watering Plan will include current health status; volume of water available; priority sites; options and feasibility for delivery; treatment of opportunistic/surplus flows.

The relationship between the watering plan and the works and measures plan is to determine the feasibility of delivering the water. Details of the works and measures plan are included in Parts B and C of this document.

Actions to be completed include:

• develop annual watering plan;

• establish operating rules for when environmental water becomes available (to include trigger levels for environmental allocation) including surplus flows;

• apply draft principles and criteria for prioritising competing water allocations, to establish priority sites for when water becomes available;

• develop guiding principles for use of water, trigger levels, targets and objectives.

• review objectives to identify where conflicts may occur when water is made available (especially subordinate objectives);

• implement processes in close co-operation with MDBC to make sure that all opportunities for improving ecological outcomes are maximised, eg: maintenance works on weirs and structures are planned sufficiently in advance to make best use of released water; and that actions such as emergency watering complement the Icon Site EMP; and

• establish priority work tasks for the TAC, to inform the ICC. This should include establishing appropriate whole-of-Icon Site objectives, targets and indicators and the identification of conflict points that may occur when water is made available.


26.3 Consultation Review the model for both community and Indigenous consultation outlined in this Icon Site

EMP for effectiveness, quality, timelines and comprehensive input;

Ensure that the Community Reference Group is established and functions appropriately.

26.4 Monitoring evaluation and reporting Responsibility for monitoring will be shared by governments, scientists and communities, with their involvement determined by the type of monitoring required and the skills and knowledge different groups can provide. Long term monitoring arrangements will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, which will include clear definition of roles and responsibilities. These arrangements will take into account existing monitoring activities and responsibilities and be co-operative and co-ordinated with each other.

The framework developed by the Environmental Watering Group will guide the Monitoring and Evaluation program for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Icon Site EMP. Monitoring and evaluation for the Icon Site EMP will draw on, where appropriate, existing monitoring programs. Much of the monitoring and evaluation program will need to evolve as the various management options are developed.

26.5 Knowledge gaps One of the outcomes of Indigenous consultation to date is the value Indigenous people place on the Icon Site. While the plans have been prepared to date using an ecological objective paradigm, this does not take into account the cultural heritage values Indigenous people apply to the site, eg. plant and animal species that have food, medicine or spiritual values and/or significance. Indigenous people are less likely to separate the ecological from the cultural heritage and social values.

There is currently a substantial gap in knowledge about these valued species, their location, extent and needs. ‘Cultural mapping’ is a concept beginning to be discussed that might address this need. This needs to be further researched, in close liaison with the relevant Indigenous people, over the next twelve months.

There needs to be an improved understanding of how water moves through the Icon Site. This will require modelling of different scenarios.

26.6 Transfer of knowledge Conscious, deliberate and frequent mechanisms need to be put in place to make sure knowledge is transferred between all the agencies involved in the Icon Site, community leaders and the broader community. This includes:

dissemination of outcomes from investigations eg. River Red Gum watering trials;

communication between technical advisors, community and Indigenous groups;

communication with other Icon Site managers; and

technical knowledge transfer (conferences, meetings, workshops, field days).


26.7 Possible actions for 2006/2007 Torrumbarry Weir pool manipulation to assist in improving ecological and geomorphological

objectives: This will occur on a small scale in Winter/Spring 2006 when River Murray Water lower the pool at the end of the irrigation season.

It is possible the pool may be raised in 2006/2007 if clearances are obtained.

The pool may be lowered or totally drained in 2006/2007 for weir maintenance purposes.

The management of ‘surplus flow’ events in 2006/2007 if they occur. (This needs to be co-ordinated along the River Murray System (by River Murray Water and jurisdictions together).

Available environmental water:

Currently, there is no environmental water available for the site that has been recovered under The Living Murray process. Some environmental water is available specifically for the Gunbower site under Victorian arrangements (see section B) and some adaptive environmental water may be made available for Koondrook State forest via the Murray Wetlands Working Group.

This may change as water recovery projects progress throughout 2006/2007.


PART E: References and Appendices


27. References Blanch, S.J., Burns, A., Vilizzi, L. & Walker, K.F. (1996). Ecological effects of shallow winter-spring flooding in the lower River Murray, 1995. Report to the Natural Resources Management Strategy of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. University of Adelaide, Adelaide. CNR (1993). An Interim Water Management Strategy for Gunbower Forest. Floodplain Ecology Group. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Crome, F. H. J. (2004). A Manual of Field Procedures for Monitoring in Gunbower Forest. Report to the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly. Crome, F. H. J. (2004). A Monitoring System for the Gunbower Forest. Report to the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Huntly. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002). Forest Management Plan for the Mid Murray Forest Management Area. State of Victoria, Melbourne. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2003). Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan. Government of Victoria, Melbourne. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2004). Going with the Flow. Case studies on the Use of an Environmental Water Allocation. DSE, Melbourne. Ecological Associates (2004). Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest. Investigation of Priority Options Part B. Report prepared for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. LCC (1983). Report on the Murray Valley Area. Land Conservation Council, Victoria. Government Printing Office, Melbourne. MDBC (2004a) Living Murray Business Plan. Murray Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. MDBC (2004b) Living Murray Environmental Watering Plan 2004-05 – Interim Arrangements. Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. MIL (2004). Torrumbarry Cutting Project Stage 1 Report to the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Murray Irrigation Limited, Deniliquin. North Central Catchment Management Authority (2003) North Central Regional Catchment Strategy 2003 – 2007. NCCMA, Bendigo. Nyberg, J.B. (1999). Implementing adaptive management of British Columbia’s forests – where have we gone right and wrong. In McDonald, G.B., Fraser, J. and Gray, P. (Eds) Adaptive Management Forum: Linking Management and Science to Achieve Ecological Sustainability, Proceedings of the 1998 Provincial Science Forum, Oct 13-16. Science Development and Transfer Branch, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, pp. 25-28.


Ohlmeyer, R.G. (1991). Investigation of the feasibility of manipulating water levels in the River Murray. Final Project report to Component 3 of the Hydrological Management Project (No. S3). Department South Australia, Adelaide.

Parker, D. G., Webster, R., Belcher C.A. and D. Leslie, (in prep). A survey of large forest owls in south-western New South Wales. Aust. Zool. Rhodes, D. (1996) Gunbower Island Archaeological Survey. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Victoria. URS (2001). Flooding Enhancement of Gunbower Forest: Scoping Study. Report prepared for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. VCMC (2003). Protocols, Principles and Strategies for Indigenous Involvement in Land and Water Management – North Central Region. NCCMA, Bendigo. Victoria Environmental Assessment Council: http://www.veac.vic.gov.au, accessed 30/5/2006 Webster R., Belcher C. and Leslie D. (2003). A survey for threatened fauna in south-western New South Wales. Aust. Zool. 32(2): 214-228.

Webster, R. (2005). A Baseline Study of Terrestrial Bird Populations in the State Forests of the Southern Riverina: 1999-2004. Unpublished report to Forests NSW, February 2005.

Map of Six Living Murray Icon Sites: http://www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au/implementing/six_significant_ecological_assets, accessed 18/3/2005.

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

http://www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au/implementing/six_significant_ecological_assets


28. Appendices

Appendix 1: Background Investigations 1. Scoping Study, URS, 2001

Assessed the hydrology and ecology of the forest and associated water requirements, identified broad Water Management Options, monitoring principles and identified several information gaps, which were critical to the completion of the project.

2. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for Gunbower Forest, DSE

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the forest was developed using airborne laser technology (LIDAR). This has provided accurate and very detailed topographic information within the forest.

3. Gunbower Creek Capacity Study, SKM, 2002

Quantified the potential capacity of Gunbower Creek and upstream supply channels, to carry environmental flows during the irrigation season and Environmental Water Allocation events in the River Murray.

4. Mapping Flood Inundation in Gunbower Forests, DNRE, 2002

Mapped the water present in Gunbower Forest during flood inundation periods using historic Landsat images.

5. Gunbower Forest Groundwater Study, SKM, 2002

Determined the effects of flooding enhancement. This study reviewed groundwater levels in Gunbower Forest since 1994 and determined the effects of flooding and rainfall on the groundwater system.

6. Gunbower Forest Vegetation Monitoring Program – Pilot Study Report, Ecological Associates, 2002

Developed a monitoring methodology for the assessment of the effectiveness of flooding manipulation in achieving desired ecological responses.

7. Investigation of Priority Water Management Options Part A, Ecological Associates, 2003

8. Investigation of Priority Water Management Options Part B, Ecological Associates, 2004

These studies (7 & 8) investigated priority Water Management Options for enhancing flooding of to meet specified ecological objectives. Provide an assessment of additional water required in each ecosystem type, potential sources of water, structural options to provide that water, and an indication of management requirements for structures.


9. Murray River Flood Level Monitoring Report, Theiss Services, 2003

Results of a water level monitoring program to develop a stage profile of the River Murray for a range of flows above 20,000ML/day and to determine the extent of flows via effluent channels into the forest. Based on flow event, which peaked at 23,400ML/day in September 2003.

10. Bird and Frog Monitoring Report, Davies, 2004

Outlines the results of fieldwork undertaken to determine the ecological responses of fauna (specifically birds and frogs) within the forest to the Spring 2003 flooding event. Provides overview of historic bird breeding in the forest, a summary of observations and a discussion interpreting the results.

11. Monitoring System Report, Crome & Lane , 2004

Details a monitoring system to determine the ecological effectiveness of water allocations. Outlines the requirements of the monitoring system, including management ‘front end’, monitoring activities and monitoring output requirements. The report provides Indicators and Programmed Monitoring Activities to assess ecological condition against the Ecological Objectives.

12. Image Analysis of floods in Gunbower Forest during Nov-Dec 03, DPI, 2004

Mapped areas inundated during the 2003 flooding.

13. Fish Passage Report, Fishway Consulting, 2004 (Draft)

Advice and recommendations for the provision of fish passage for 2004-05 implementation work.

14. Further investigations into Five Water Management Options in Gunbower Forest, URS, 2005

This URS report describes the investigation of five previously identified priority water management options (WMO’s), their ability to support ecological outcomes by delivering water as required, and the recommended configurations which will deliver water. The following elements were investigated for each option: environmental impacts, cultural & heritage impacts, hydraulic analysis and modelling for 3 WMO’s, geotechnical and structural analysis, development of preliminary designs, preliminary cost estimates, fish passage and flow monitoring.

15. Groundwater Monitoring Program Review, SKM, 2005

This report identifies the existing groundwater bore networks within Gunbower Forest, identifies information gaps with regard to assessing the effects of forest flooding on the River Murray and the surrounding Irrigation areas and provides recommendations to meet these information gaps.

16. Sentinel Wetland & Understorey Survey, Brett Lane & Associates, 2005

This report details the methodology employed to collect baseline data for the monitoring program, presents the results from the field investigations and data analysis, discusses outcomes and provides recommendations for future surveys.


17. Status of Gunbower Island Fish Community, MDFRC, 2005

The aim of this report is to develop an appropriate and repeatable methodology for monitoring fish fauna of Gunbower wetlands and creek, to undertake sampling and report and discuss outcomes.

18. Flood Mapping in the Gunbower Forest During 2004-2005 Using Satellite Data, DPI, 2005

Mapped areas inundated during the 2004-2005 environmental flooding.

19. An Archaeological Survey of Three Sites in the Gunbower Forest, Terra Culture, 2005

This report undertakes an assessment of the impact on cultural heritage resources of three proposed water management options for Gunbower Forest.

20. Breeding Waterbird Surveys of Little Gunbower Creek, Gunbower State Forest, Ecosurveys, Nov 2005–Feb 2006

This is a series of collated fortnightly reports on monitoring the breeding activity of colonial nesting waterbirds present at the Little Gunbower Creek site.

21. Draft Monitoring Frog Response to Flooding in Gunbower Forest, Paula Ward 2006

Report currently being finalised.

22. Draft Sentinel Wetland & Understorey Survey, Australian Ecosystems, 2006

Report currently being finalised.


Appendix 2: Detailed ecological objectives, targets and flow objectives for each water management area of Gunbower Island Table 1: Ecological objectives, targets and flow objectives for permanent wetlands

Objectives Flow-Dependant Processes

Flow Description (becomes the flow objective when biota needs have been consolidated into each vegetation community)

Other wetland communities where biota occur

Vegetation Communities of Permanent Wetlands

Reinstate area to 50% natural Reinstate habitat quality so that species typical of permanent wetlands are present

Plant colonisation Flora and fauna recruitment Plant Growth Flora and fauna habitat Carbon Storage Nutrient cycling

Retain water for 12 months every year (Icon Site variation in depth – needs confirmation*)

Birds

Restore colonial breeding waterbird populations by ensuring successful breeding events (maybe 4 events in 10 years, successful event is > 50 species, several species in colonies > 50??

Recruitment and Nesting

Flooding in Spring/Summer freq 6-9/10 years, 5-8 months duration


Feeding Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-8 months, 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-permanent and temporary wetlands

Roosting Winter/Spring/ Summer 4/10 years 5-8 months duration

Drought Refuge Spring/Summer 6-9/10 years 5-8 months duration

Permanent Wetlands

Resident Population Maintenance

Retain water for 12 months every year

Permanent Wetlands


Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-8 months duration 4/10 years

Flooded River Red Gum FDU, FTU, Tall trees fringing or in Perm, semi-perm and temp wetlands

Feeding Flooding in Winter/Spring/ Summer, 4/10 years, 5-8 months duration

Permanent, semi-perm, temp. wetlands, River Red Gum FTU, FDU

Restore White bellied Icon site eagle populations by providing breeding and foraging habitat (maybe just suitable nest trees, maybe presence of Icon site eagles each flood??)







Flooding for 12 months every year

Permanent Wetlands

Movement Flooding Winter/Spring

Permanent, semi-permanent wetlands and permanent watercourses

Feeding

Spawning/ Recruitment

Winter/Spring Summer, 2-4 months 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-permanent W/L, possibly perm. watercourses

Floodplain wetland fish

Restore self-sustaining populations of Pygmy Perch, gudgeons, and other small native fish


12 months every year

Permanent wetlands and watercourses

Feeding Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-12 months duration every year

Permanent, semi-perm, River Red Gum FDU and River Red Gum FTU when flooded


Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 4 months duration 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-perm, River Red Gum FDU and River Red Gum FTU when flooded

Dormancy Undetermined Perm Wetlands and Watercourses

Frogs (threatened frogs)

Restore populations of Growling Grass Frogs and Giant Banjo Frogs


Perm wetlands and water courses

Feeding Flooding in Late Winter/ Spring/ Summer; 5-12 months duration every year


Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 4 months duration, 6-9 yrs in 10

Dormancy How long dormant?

General frogs Maintain sustainable populations of native frog species

Resident Population. Maintenance

Feeding Recruitment Resident Population Maintenance (Adult and Larval)

Aquatic Invertebrates

Maintain/Restore diverse population of invertebrates

Succession

Any wet conditions /variable; water quality important

Permanent, semi-permanent and temp. wetlands, River Red Gum FDU, River Red Gum FTU, Watercourses





Maintain sustainable population of yabbies

Feeding Variable conditions Source of permanent water and opportunistic use of floods

Permanent wetlands and Watercourses

Recruitment

Resident Population Maintenance (Adult and Larval)

Succession

Recruitment Processes Maintain invertebrates succession Feeding

Winter/Spring/ Summer variable frequency 5-9 months duration

All habitats when wet

Movement Carbon Nutrients

Restore connectivity between river and floodplain and between floodplain components

Water flow

Variable All habitats when wet.

Flow objective: Retain water 12 month every yr. Allow depth to vary, with high levels in winter and spring. Ensure that even if not all can be filled all the time, then at least some always hold water and those which must dry are only dry over summer and early autumn. Aim for inflows in winter spring in line with natural flood timing.


Table 2: Ecological objectives, targets and flow objectives for semi-permanent wetlands




Restore 50% of area that has been lost since natural conditions

Semi-permanent Wetlands vegetation community

Restore habitat quality so that species typical of semi-permanent wetlands are present

Plant colonisation Flora and fauna recruitment Plant Growth Flora and fauna habitat Carbon Storage Nutrient cycling Seed Store

Retain water for minimum of 5 months (variation up to 12 months beneficial) 6-9/10 years Late Winter/Spring

Birds

Restore colonial breeding waterbird populations by ensuring successful breeding events (maybe 4 events in 10 years , successful event is > 50 species, several species in colonies > 50??


Flooding in Spring/Summer 6-9/10 years, 5-8 months duration


Feeding Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-8 months, 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-permanent and temp. wetlands




Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-8 months duration 4/10 years

Flooded River Red Gum FDU, FTU, Tall trees fringing or in Perm., semi-perm. and temp. wetlands

Feeding Flooding in Winter/Spring/ Summer, 4/10 years, 5-8 months duration


Roosting Winter/Spring/ Summer 4 yrs in 10, 5-8 months duration






Permanent, semi-perm. wetlands and perm. water courses

Feeding


Winter/Spring Summer, 2-4 months 6-9/10 years

Permanent & semi-perm and possibly permanent watercourses


Restore self-sustaining populations of Pygmy Perch, Gudgeons, and other small native fish


12 months every year

Permanent wetlands and watercourses

Feeding Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-12 months duration every year

Permanent, semi-perm, River Red Gum FDU and FTU when flooded

Frogs (special frogs)




Permanent, semi-perm, River Red Gum FDU and FTU when flooded

Feeding Flooding in Late Winter/Spring/ Summer 5-12 months duration every year



General frogs Maintain sustainable populations of native frog species

Feeding Recruitment Resident Population Maintenance (Adult and Larval)


Maintain/Restore diverse population of invertebrates

Succession


Permanent, semi-perm & temp. wetlands, River Red Gum FDU, River Red Gum FTU, Watercourses

Recruitment Processes Maintain invertebrates succession

Feeding Winter/Spring/ Summer variable frequency 5-9 months duration




Water flow



Flow objective: Requires a range of flows across the wetland community type. Timing: Inflows late Winter through Spring. Inundation may continue through early summer. Inundation period optimally 5 months, but to include situations where inundation ranges between 2 and 8 months. Frequency of inundation: need not be annual, to vary between 6-9 years in 10. Aim for maintaining this range across the floodplain. Ensure that large areas of this wetland type are inundated 7-8 yrs in 10 for 5 months late Winter /Spring/early Summer.


Table 3: Ecological objectives, targets and flow objectives for River Red Gum flood dependant understorey




River Red Gum FDU

Restore 50% of area that has been lost since natural conditions


1-8 months duration 6-9/10 years Spring


Winter/Spring/Summer 5-8 months duration 4/10 years

Flooded River Red Gum FDU, FTU, Tall trees fringing or in Perm., semi-perm. and temp. wetlands

Feeding Flooding in Winter/Spring/Summer, 4/10 years, 5-8 months duration


Roosting Winter/Spring/Summer 4/10 years 5-8 months duration


Feeding Late Winter/Spring/Summer 5-12 months duration every year

Permanent, semi-perm., River Red Gum FDU and River Red Gum FTU when flooded

Frogs (threatened frogs)



Late Winter/Spring/Summer 4 months duration 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-perm., River Red Gum FDU and RG FTU when flooded

Feeding Recruitment


Maintain/Restore diverse population of invertebrates Resident

Population Maintenance (Adult and Larval)


Permanent, semi-perm. and temp wetlands, River Red Gum FDU,





Succession RG FTU, Watercourses

Recruitment Processes Maintain invertebrates succession Feeding

Winter/Spring/Summer variable frequency 5-9 months duration




Water flow


Flow objective: Provide a range of flows across the island and over time, inflows in Spring, covering the range of 1 to 8 months duration, with some degree of inundation occurring 6 to 9 yrs in 10. Ensure that a large part of the community has at least 2 months inundation 4 years in 10.


Table 4: Ecological objectives, targets and flow objectives for watercourses




Restore habitat quality of Gunbower Creek

Reduce transmission of pest plants and animals

Watercourses

Restore connectivity

Flora and fauna habitat Carbon Storage Nutrient cycling Plant colonisation Flora and fauna recruitment Connectivity

Flooding in Spring (eg. fish movement), Year round flow, others dependant on needs of biota and processes

Movement Winter/Spring (if spawning- 4 months),

Watercourses

Feeding Winter/Spring (if spawning- 4 months),

Possibly perm. and semi-perm. wetlands

Fish (immigrant fish, opportunistic fish)

Restore populations of cod, perch by providing opportunities for floodplain access

Spawning/Recruitment Winter/Spring (if spawning- 4 months),

Unclear whether they use the floodplain for spawning

Movement Watercourses

Feeding Watercourses

Spawning/Recruitment High flows in Winter/Spring/Summer 4 months duration

Watercourses

Gunbower Creek (cod, perch etc.)

Restore self-sustaining of cod, perch etc. populations in Gunbower Creek


Flooding for 12 months every year

Watercourses


Permanent, semi-perm. wetlands and permanent watercourses

Feeding

Spawning/Recruitment Winter spring summer, 2-4 months 6-9/10 years

Permanent, semi-perm and possibly perm. watercourses


Restore self-sustaining populations of Pygmy Perch, Gudgeons, and other small native fish


12 months every year Permanent wetlands and watercourses

Flow objective: Gunbower Creek: permanent flows along the creek, with periods of high flows throughout Winter and Spring. Channel system: inundation of watercourses in late Winter/Spring/early Summer for 2 -4 months min 6 yrs in 10.


Table 5: Other vegetation communities from Gunbower Island

Vegetation Communities



Reduce extent to allow for expansion of other wetland types

River Red Gum FTU

Maintain habitat quality so that species typical of River Red Gum FTU are present

Flora and fauna recruitment Plant Growth Flora and fauna habitat Carbon Storage Nutrient cycling Seed Store

1-4 months duration 1-4/10 years (need to add in objectives for reducing extent- so extended inundation of some areas) Spring

Restore habitat quality so that species typical of Black Box wetlands are present

Black Box

Maintain extent


1-4 months duration 1-4/10 years Spring

Grey Box Maintain quality and extent


Temporary Wetlands

Restore the natural pattern of temporary wetlands within the forest


Flooding requirement unclear; to be defined by field investigations and the DEM in Stage 3B. Variable as a group, individual wetlands able to identify.

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