gwydir wetlands environmental water management...

GWYDIR WETLANDS

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Draft (for Public Consultation)

Prepared for

Office of Environment & Heritage

23 January 2013

Gw yd i r W e t l a nd s E n v i r o n m e n t a l W a ter M a na g em e n t S t r a t e g y

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This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia. 23 January 2013. Gwydir Wetlands Environmental

Water Management Strategy. Prepared for NSW Office of the Environment and Heritage.’

COVER PHOTO

Brolga on sorghum crop – lower Gwydir floodplain (Daryl Alberston).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Office of

Environment and Heritage with the support of the Project Steering Group.

Disclaimer

This report was prepared by Eco Logical Australia in performance of its contract with the Office of Environment and Heritage

(OEH) in good faith exercising all due care and attention, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to

the relevance, accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of this document in respect of any particular user’s

circumstances. Users of this document should satisfy themselves concerning its application to, and where necessary seek

expert advice in respect of, their situation. The views expressed within are believed to accurately reflect the outcomes of

consultation with Gwydir landholders and interested parties but currently are not necessarily the views of the OEH and may not

represent OEH policy.

OEH undertakes, following a further period of consultation and review, to finalise a Gwydir strategy that does represent an

agreed NSW government approach and policy.

© Copyright State of NSW and the Office of Environment and Heritage


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Contents

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Background................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 1

1.4 Role of the Environmental Water Manager .................................................................................. 2

1.5 Water Terms and Descriptions ..................................................................................................... 2

2 The Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 4

3 Strategy Development Process................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Project Steering Group ................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Consultation .................................................................................................................................. 6

3.3 Planning Area ............................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Implementation and Review of the Strategy ................................................................................. 6

4 Issues, Actions and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 10

Appendix: Key Issues (Captured by Consultation and grouped by Sector) ................................... 22


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List of Figures

Figure 1 : Strategy planning area within the broader Gwydir floodplain .................................................... 8

Figure 2 : Inundation extent and associated annual return intervals (up to 80,000 Megalitres) ................ 9

List of Tables

Table 1: Key issues identified during stakeholder consultation, and the corresponding actions,

responsibilities, timeframe and policy link ................................................................................................ 11


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1 Introduction

1.1 OBJECTIVE

Eco Logical Australia has prepared this draft Gwydir Wetlands Environmental Water Management

Strategy (the draft Strategy) with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to guide the future

management of environmental water along the Gwydir River Watercourses. Actions within the draft

Strategy will ensure that environmental water planning and decisions on the active management of

environmental water are informed by a clear understanding of the interactions between wetland

conservation, environmental water management and farming on the floodplain.

1.2 BACKGROUND

The Gwydir River Watercourses and wetlands are a significant landscape feature in north-western

NSW. Located on the Lower Gwydir floodplain, they are environmentally and culturally significant, and

contain large areas of highly productive agricultural land. Areas of the wetlands are recognised under

the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

This draft strategy considers the current perspectives of people and interests relevant to or affected by

the management of environmental water, within the context of the Gwydir Wetlands. The draft Strategy

aims to:

(1) Optimise the management of available water so as to maintain the environmental and cultural social and economic values of the Gwydir River Watercourse and wetlands

(2) Avoid, where possible, any adverse impacts of environmental water management decisions or

actions on other floodplain land uses.

Decisions in relation to environmental water deliveries, in particular, can affect a range of interests. The

strategy will improve decisions by achieving a shared understanding of flow objectives and the

constraints on all floodplain users. Specific environmental water deliveries will typically seek to enhance

or support wetland values during periods of low to medium river flows or in association with small to

medium natural flood events. When higher flow levels or extended natural flooding occur, the

environmental water manager has little or no influence on how water is distributed on the floodplain.

1.3 PURPOSE

The draft Strategy is designed to clearly and simply communicate environmental water management

objectives, issues and priorities. The strategy is underpinned by a clear need for better integration of

the goal of wetland conservation with the needs of floodplain landholders including those farming the

immediate Gwydir River floodplain.

It was formulated following consultation with those watercourse landholders most likely to be affected by

environmental water management decisions and with other people with a direct interest in the Lower

Gwydir River floodplain land and water management, including local Aboriginal people. Input from

broader interest groups will be sought through consultation on this draft strategy.

The intended life of the strategy is five years (2013 - 2017). During this period a Floodplain

Management Plan will be developed by the OEH and the NSW Office of Water (NOW) for the wider


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Gwydir Floodplain as part of the Commonwealth-funded NSW Healthy Floodplains Project. The final

Strategy will inform the development of the Floodplain Management Plan.

1.4 ROLE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL WATER MANAGER

OEH is responsible for holding and managing environmental water for the benefit of priority wetlands

and river systems.

The objectives of OEH in managing environmental water are to contribute to improving the ecosystem

function of wetlands and rivers, including habitat for aquatic dependent biodiversity, and to contribute to

meeting international obligations with respect to wetlands and migratory birds.

OEH utilises environmental water advisory groups to assist in developing annual and longer term plans

for the use of environmental water. In the Gwydir valley the Environmental Contingency Allowance

Operations Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC) was established for this purpose under the Water Sharing

Plan for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source 2004 (Gwydir WSP).

OEH cooperates with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office to plan, manage, monitor and

evaluate the use of all available environmental water to improve environmental outcomes. OEH

prioritises the management of environmental water based on the conservation and cultural significance

of rivers and wetlands, the risks currently posed to those values, and other factors such as the potential

for developing strategic alliances with other stakeholders and building on the outcomes of other

initiatives.

For the Gwydir valley, the objectives, purposes and priorities for the management of delivered

environmental water are documented in the Gwydir WSP and the Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive

Environmental Management Plan 2010 (Gwydir AEMP). Water is also directed to the environment under

provisions of the Gwydir Water Sharing Plan that are not subject to discretionary management

decisions. The NSW Office of Water (NOW) has responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of

these provisions.

1.5 WATER TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS

The following are general ‘water’ terms and descriptions used in this strategy to distinguish between

sources of water flowing west into the Gwydir wetlands and their management context.

Gwydir Water Sharing Plan (WSP): In the context of this document refers to the Water Sharing Plan

for the Gwydir Regulated River Water Source 2004 made under the Water Management Act 2000. The

WSP was developed by a local committee representing relevant stakeholders and contains rules for the

sharing of water across all users in the Gwydir River system, including the environment. The NOW is

responsible for implementing the WSP. State Water Corporation is licensed by NOW to operate the

regulating structures of the river system, and account for and deliver water to water users, in

accordance with the rules of the Plan.

Environmental Water: The collective for all water protected from diversion by the rules of the Gwydir

WSP. Environmental water may flow to the Gwydir floodplain, its watercourses and wetlands as a

consequence of unregulated natural flows arising from tributaries downstream of Copeton Dam or spills

from the dam, rules within the Gwydir WSP (e.g. 3T flows below), or water orders from environmental

water accounts in Copeton Dam.


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The upstream Gwydir River is a regulated system, however, the river regulating structures often do not

have the capacity to mitigate larger flow events that can occur in the system and result in localised or

widespread flooding into the watercourse and across the floodplain.

Natural Flows: When sufficient rainfall, runoff and stream flow occurs upstream of the wetlands, the

Gwydir River may rise and cause localised or widespread flooding along the river. When there is

sufficient water volume for State Water to announce a ‘Supplementary’ flow event they authorise a

proportion for extraction. The proportion NOT extracted is ‘environmental water’ and will typically flow

west to the wetlands as a natural or unregulated flow.

3T Flows: The 3T rule in the Gwydir WSP applies to river flows that occur below the Copeton Dam and

in the catchment of the three named tributaries: Horton River, Myall and Halls Creeks, located upstream

of Tareelaroi Weir. The rule provides that up to 500 ML per day from these tributaries is to flow to the

Gwydir wetlands for the benefit of river and wetland health. This provision is also termed the ‘low flow

rule’.

Delivered Environment Water or Environmental Water Deliveries: A term to describe specific water

orders, lodged with State Water, for a volume or regime of water flow to be delivered from a regulating

structure for an environmental purpose. The water may be ordered from NSW or Commonwealth

Government licenses, or from the Environmental Contingency Allowance (ECA) in Copeton Dam. Water

is ordered in accordance with an Annual Environmental Watering Plan developed in cooperation with

the Gwydir ECA Operations Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC or ECA Committee) which establishes

priorities for the use of environmental water. The objectives and purposes for the management of

delivered environmental water are documented in the Gwydir WSP and the Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive

Environmental Management Plan. These deliveries are generally targeted at a specific location for a

defined purpose, but will provide additional environmental benefits as they flow downstream via the river

system.


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2 The Strategy

This strategy will guide and assist the management of environmental water along the Gwydir River

watercourses and wetlands from 2013 - 2017. It seeks to:

1. Protect the Gwydir Wetlands

Support landholders, government agencies, Aboriginal people and interested community

members to work together to improve the health of the Gwydir Wetlands.

Avoid further loss of wetland areas.

2. Improve the Management of Environmental Water

Manage delivered environmental water to maximise environmental benefits whilst limiting

or avoiding impacts on cropping or other floodplain land uses.

Build on existing local knowledge and scientific evidence to improve the delivery of

environmental water under a range of conditions and constraints.

3. Increase Landholder Representation on the Gwydir Environmental Water Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC)

Increase landholder representation from the both the Gwydir and Mallowa Watercourses

on the Gwydir ECA Committee.

Improve information transfer from the ECA Committee to landholders and other

stakeholders

4. Support Review of the Gwydir Water Sharing Plan

Provide information for improved outcomes for water and floodplain users, and in

particular guidance on management flexibility during climate extremes (i.e. very wet or

dry).

Support analysis of rules that provide a more natural long term river flow regime.

5. Better Communicate Environmental Water Management Actions and Outcomes

Clearer, more concise and timely communication to watercourse landholders and other

relevant people about environmental water and wetland management plans, decisions

and outcomes.

Improve coordination of approach between government departments, and relevance and

efficiency in communication with landholders.

6. Consider Existing Works on the Floodplain

Investigate existing works that may contribute to unintended or negative impacts on

wetland or farming areas.

Build understanding of the impacts of works on water flow paths across the floodplain and

how these may interact with natural flow variability.

7. Support Local Small Works and Measures

Investigate the feasibility and benefits of co-ordinated small scale works that either

contain and direct environmental water or directly protect crops.

Investigate cooperative measures to support environmental water delivery or wetland

health, which may include on-farm changes in land use or mechanism to facilitate agreed

water flows.


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8. Give Recognition to and Incorporate local Aboriginal People’s values

Utilise Aboriginal people’s existing knowledge of wetlands and country in environmental

water planning and decision making. Investigate further avenues to gather knowledge

where needed.

Support Aboriginal cultural, heritage and resource values in the Gwydir River and its

Wetlands with environmental water use.

Help connect local Aboriginal people with wetland country and its resources through

access to country and by involvement in wetland and water management activities.

9. Improve Knowledge, Information and Access to the Gwydir Wetlands.

Improve information available to people directly affected by, and broadly interested in,

environmental water management in the Gwydir Valley. Information should relate to the

whole system, including the rivers and the wetlands, natural and delivered environmental

water, and of flooding events. The aim is to build a shared understanding of the

requirements of the Gwydir Wetlands and the values that they support for the community.

Provide opportunities for interested people and groups to visit and experience the Gwydir

Wetlands.

10. Conservation of the Gwydir Wetlands and Ramsar Site.

Recognise the importance and values of wetland conservation both in formal reserves

and on private land.

Assess the current Ramsar site boundary in the context of the recent reserve additions

and the ability of environmental water to support the values of individual land parcels.


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3 Strategy Development Process

3.1 PROJECT STEERING GROUP

OEH formed a Project Steering Group to oversee the planning, progress and development of the

strategy. The group included representatives from relevant agencies and the Border Rivers Gwydir

Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

3.2 CONSULTATION

Targeted consultation was undertaken with concerned groups to identify key issues that relate water

management in the wetland area. The groups consulted were:

Watercourse landowners

Conservation Reserve managers

Border-Rivers Gwydir CMA

Local Aboriginal peoples

State and Federal Government water holders and managers.

As farming occupies a significant proportion of the floodplain, targeted consultation was undertaken with

floodplain landholders/farmers (Eco Logical Australia 2012). The consultation process was undertaken

by Dr Paul Frazier of Eco Logical Australia, assisted by Jane Humphries of OEH.

In addition, workshops were held in Moree with local Aboriginal Reference Panel members and the

Project Steering Group in order to establish and organise key issues from a wider range of interests.

3.3 PLANNING AREA

The planning area for the draft Strategy (the ‘Plan Area’) comprises land on the Gwydir floodplain

wetlands (Gingham Watercourse and Lower Gwydir River) that is either a managed wetland asset,

occupied by native vegetation, a current reserve area, a farming area located on the boundaries of

watering assets, a farming area at the next medium level of flooding away from those assets, or land

that may be influenced by environmental flows. It does not include farming areas that may be inundated

by large, uncontrolled floods (Eco Logical Australia).

3.4 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW OF THE STRATEGY

This Strategy has been prepared using the results of consultation during the period October –

November 2012. It will be provided in draft to the consultees and interested parties for consideration

over the 2012-13 summer period prior to its finalisation by OEH as a five year strategy.

The primary implementation responsibility of the Strategy will rest with OEH in its environmental water

management role, undertaken in consultation with the Gwydir ECA Committee. That Committee will

provide the conduit for communication between OEH and watercourse landholders, and for fine-tuning

of actions that will implement that strategy in relation to environmental water management.


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The ECA Committee will be asked to evaluate the performance of the strategy on an annual basis, and

OEH will report on this evaluation in its annual reporting of environmental water management reporting

for the Gwydir Valley.


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Figure 1 : Strategy planning area within the broader Gwydir floodplain


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Figure 2 : Inundation extent and associated annual return intervals (up to 80,000 Megalitres)


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4 Issues, Actions and Responsibilities

Nine key themes were identified during the consultation process. Several of the themes and associated issues were common to two or more groups. The key themes are:

environment; flow timing; communication; water sharing plan; system knowledge; ECA committee make up and focus; culture; access to wetlands; and flow operations. A

summary of the key issues, and corresponding actions, responsibilities, timeframe for assessment, and legislative and policy links for each of the themes is provided at

Table 1.

Abbreviations used: NSW Office of Water (NOW); NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH); Gwydir Wetlands Adaptive Environmental Management Plan

(AEMP); Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority (BRGCMA); National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Gwydir Environmental Contingency

Allowance Operational Advisory Committee (ECA-OAC or ECA Committee); Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs); Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).

Current: means within existing programs, projects and/or as of the making of this plan.


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Table 1: Key issues identified during stakeholder consultation, and the corresponding actions, responsibilities, timeframe and policy link

Issue Action Responsibility Timeframe Policy/Leg. Linkage

1. GWYDIR WETLANDS: Protect the Gwydir Wetlands

Preserve the remaining extent of

the Gwydir Wetlands, and where

possible improve the health,

condition and extent of wetlands

Implement current watering procedures,

objectives and priorities described in the

Gwydir Water and Wetland Plans

OEH and BRGCMA

Current

Ramsar Agreement

Gwydir WSP provisions

Gwydir Annual Water Use

Plan.

Gwydir AEMP

Support a collective approach by all

groups to protect the wetlands

OEH, NOW, BRGCMA

Watercourse Landholder

Current

Water Management Act

No further loss of wetland areas

or conditions over the next 5

years

Undertake comprehensive land cover

survey across the planning area within

this planning period. Adding to existing

assessment so as to allow comparative

analysis

OEH 2015/16

Spring/Summer


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2. MANAGEMENT OF WATER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Improve Management

Avoid Environmental Water

Deliveries during winter cropping

period

Plan, where possible, annual

Environmental Water Deliveries during

post harvest period (Dec– April)

Consult directly with potentially affected

landowners if pre harvest deliveries are

required

OEH and BRGCMA

Current

Gwydir WSP provisions

Gwydir Annual Water Use

Plan.

ECA Committee advice

Good neighbour principles

Watercourse landholders to keep water

staff aware of harvest progress /

completion and local issues as they

arise.

ECA Landholder reps Current

Build on existing knowledge on

delivering environmental water

over the next 5 years

Seek opportunities to gather key

information on watering and outcomes

during this timeframe. Document and

seek to improve current watering

procedures

OEH and BRGCMA Current


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3. LOCAL WATER (ECA) COMMITEE: Composition and Scope of the Gwydir ECA Committee

Increase landholder

representation for the Gwydir

and Mallowa Watercourses on

the ECA Committee

Invite nominations from watercourse

landholders

BRGCMA and OEH

ECA Landholder Reps

Current and in the

interim and in prep. for

WSP review (2013)

WSP Review 2014

NSW Water Management

Act

Gwydir WSP Plan

Appoint two additional landholders on

committee, such that representation

equals: Mallowa = 1, Lower Gwydir = 1

Gingham = 2 (East and West) Total = 4

on ECA Committee

NOW and OEH

Current and in the

interim and in prep. for

WSP review (2013)

WSP Review 2014

A broadening of ECA committee

focus to other environments

The ECA Committee work at benefiting

other environments. Consideration given

to other ecological objectives (e.g. fish,

frogs etc)

OEH and BRGCMA

ECA Committee

Current Gwydir Wetlands AEMP

The need for a performance

review of this strategy

Include an annual review of this strategy

as a role of ECA Committee

OEH, BRGCMA and ECA

Committee

Annual within

current planning

cycle

Gwydir WSP Plan


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4. WATER SHARING PLAN: Support Review of the Current Gwydir River Water Sharing Plan 2004

Improved outcomes for all

groups, in particular greater

flexibility during extremes (i.e.

very wet or very dry)

Develop an appropriate WSP Rule(s)

that provides flexibility for managing

tributary flows while ensuring protection

for the environment

OEH and NOW

NOW, OEH and all groups

involved in new plan development

In the interim and in

preparation for WSP

review (2012-14)

WSP Review


Act 2000

Gwydir WSP Plan

Gwydir Wetlands AEMP

A WSP that is more responsive to

the needs of the environment by

facilitating natural flow timing and

regime to support long term river

and wetland functioning

Assess the suitability of current WSP

rules. Consider options for an improved

suite of Environmental provisions for

next WSP

OEH and NOW

In the interim and in

preparation for WSP

review (2013)

Cwl Water Act 2007 and

MDBP

MDBP Long Term

Environmental Watering

Plan

Recognition of the importance of

cultural flows to local Aboriginal

peoples

Consider ‘cultural’ flows in the review of

the WSP

NOW, OEH and all groups

involved in new plan development

WSP Review 2014 Gwydir Wetlands AEMP and

associated Aboriginal /

Wetlands studies


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5. COMMUNICATION: Better Communication of Environmental water and Wetlands Management

Clearer, more concise and timely

communication to watercourse

landholders and other relevant

groups

Regular flow advice sent to all

watercourse landowners. Brief, clear

and easily read format required and

include:

- Pre season advice - Progressive seasonal updates sent

out and hosted on CMA website

OEH and BRGCMA

Current

NSW 21 State Plan

Watercourse landholders inform water

staff of suitability of communication for

their local purpose

ECA landholder reps. Current

Ensure a working, coordinated

and united approach between

government departments and

Watercourse Landholders

Seek opportunities to incorporate whole

of government approaches when

dealing with matters of water for the

environment

OEH, BRGCMA and NOW

Current


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6. EXISTING WORKS ON THE FLOODPLAIN: Ensure Compliance of all floodplain works

Investigate existing and

unapproved works that may be

contributing to unintended or

negative impacts on wetlands or

farming areas

Finalise investigations related to existing

works complaints/notifications

Provide a mechanism to distribute

investigation outcomes. Respond to

new allegations as reported

NOW Current and as

reported


Act

NSW Healthy Floodplains

Project

Build understanding of the

impacts of works on flow paths

and how these may interact with

natural flow variability

Map all future flood flows across the

floodplain. Locals and department staff

to highlight areas of concern for

investigation

OEH and NOW Current


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7. NEW SMALL WORKS AND MEASURES: Support the project for landholder support

Small works that contain and

direct water for the environment,

while minimising potential

impacts on cropping and other

floodplain users

Investigate the feasibility and benefits of

a co-ordinated project within the

planning area and at key sites

ECA Landholder representatives

and Watercourse landholders

Current NSW Water Management

Act

Measures may include allowing

water passage by agreement, on-

farm changes in land use and/or

the use of land for wetland

conservation

Provide watercourse landholders with a

forum for further development of options

BRGCMA, OEH and NOW 2013/14

NSW Healthy Floodplain

Project


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8. LOCAL ABORIGINAL VALUES: Give Recognition and Incorporate Local ‘Aboriginal Peoples’ Values

Utilise Aboriginal people’s

existing knowledge. Investigate

further avenues to gather

knowledge with them, where

needed

Review existing reports and records

currently for wetlands area. Provide

information to LALCs for review

OEH and NPWS where

applicable.

LALCs

Current

Seek existing information from the

community, via LALCs

OEH. LALCs Current

Propose a wetland/elders oral history

project

OEH, LALC and NPWS where

applicable

Current

Investigate opportunities for Aboriginal

people to visit private land and where

there is a known cultural heritage

OEH, BRGCMA, LALC Current

Recognition of the importance of

cultural flows to local Aboriginal

peoples

Propose a local wetlands/heritage’

resource study/survey in support of

cultural flows for local people

BRGCMA, NPWS, OEH and

LALC. ECA Aboriginal Reps.

Current

Help to connect local Aboriginal

people with wetland country and

its resources

Facilitate access to park reserve

wetlands areas by Aboriginal people.

This may include organised and funded

wetlands experience days

OEH and BRGCMA Current and ongoing


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Involvement in water

management and management of

country

Participation by Aboriginal reps on ECA

Committee. (water on the land)

NPWS and OEH Current and ongoing

Investigate/develop opportunities for on-

park involvement in land management

NPWS and OEH Current and ongoing


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9. KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION and UNDERSTANDING: Improve knowledge, awareness and access to the Gwydir Wetlands.

Improve information and access

to all groups and the wider

community of the whole system

functioning. Build a shared

understanding of the Gwydir

Determine what information would best

suit the needs of all. Develop and

provide this information in a way that

would best suit knowledge transfer. May

include web hosting, field days,

extension programs etc

BRGCMA and OEH with ECA

Committee and landholder input

Current

NSW 21 State Plan

Open OEH Policy

Provide opportunities for all

interested people and groups to

visit and experience the Gwydir

Wetlands

Facilitate access to park reserve

wetlands areas by interested parties.

This may include wetlands experience

days, school trips, tourism etc

OEH and NWPS

Current

Investigate opportunities for the public to

visit wetlands on private land.

OEH and NWPS Current

Recognition by other groups of

the cultural connection of local

Aboriginal peoples with rivers,

wetlands and the cultural heritage

across country.

Promote Cultural Awareness and

linkage of Aboriginal people and their

country. e.g. brochures, tours, press,

booklets, signage, video, web based

information.

Watercourse Landholders

ECA Landholder reps.

Current

Innovative festival approach to

celebrating the wetlands. e.g. World

Wetlands day or Brolga Festival and

Tourism.

BRGCMA, LALC, OEH, Moree

Plains Shire Council where

applicable

Current and ongoing


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10. CONSERVATION OF THE GWYDIR WETLANDS: Effective Reserve Establishment and viable Ramsar sites

Conserve remnant wetlands,

important vegetation communities

and biological systems in NPWS

reserves and on private

properties

Utilise existing mechanisms for

conserving values on public and private

lands and engage landholders in this

process

NPWS and OEH Current

It is currently difficult to support

all the values of the Ramsar sites

with small to medium flows, due

to their location i.e. far west in the

system

Investigate feasible solutions to improve

support to all Ramsar parcels e.g. works

and measures, easements etc

OEH and NPWS Current

Review existing boundaries to

incorporate new reserve areas

OEH and NPWS Current


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Appendix: Key Issues (Captured by Consultation and

grouped by Sector)

During the process of consultation, each sector identified a range of key issues for consideration in the

development of the draft strategy.

1. Watercourse Farmers

Flooding of planted crops during the winter growing period (Apr-Nov) can be detrimental

to successful final harvest. In particular, flooding during the main harvest period (Oct/Nov) is

likely to damage crops and restrict harvest machinery movement on farm.

Flooding benefits grazing at all times. Floodplain graziers generally welcomed inundation at

any time. However, it was identified that extended flooding could limit natural pasture growth

and that summer flooding was the most productive for their wetlands pastures.

Better communication of managed environmental releases. Landowners could make

informed short term decisions and respond better if they were aware of what is planned and

when it is to occur. Communication should be brief, clear, easy to read and understand.

More landowner representation on the ECA Committee. Additional landowners on the

committee would provide better information to the committee of local conditions and matters of

concern across the watercourse area. Landowners would also be better placed to communicate

committee processes and outcomes back to the watercourse farming community.

Review of the water sharing plan to be more flexible in response to changing inundation

conditions. In wet conditions following extensive flooding the rules should allow for additional

flows to be diverted away from the watercourse (i.e. 3T rule), whereby providing some

protection from ongoing flooding of farms.

Better understanding of the whole of system (flow directions, wetland responses and the

impact of works etc) to inform better planning for the future. Landowners could make better

long term planning and management decisions if they were more aware of how the system

works and/or know where to access this information. The information must be targeted for

broader community understanding.

The blocks listed under the current Gwydir Ramsar Agreement may not have been well

sited nor in the best locations for the delivery of low to medium flows, especially those west of

the Gingham Bridge. Listed Ramsar blocks, west of the Gingham Bridge have proven difficult

to maintain unless large scale flooding events occur of 100 GL. measured @ the upstream

Yarraman Bridge Gauge.

Opportunities for small works and measures to protect on-farm assets and activities. Works

such as low-level banks and ground level channels may prove suitable in certain locations. All

proposed works must be formally approved. Measures may include innovative solutions such

as land swaps, leases, offsets credits etc. These works may alleviate some of the issues as

stated above (7).


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Recognition that the different land uses, i.e. farming, grazing and conservation, can have a

significant effect on how water moves through the system and how the larger floods are

distributed. A flow path of one flood, may not be the same the next flood, as it is an ever

changing system, on which we have a major influence.

2. Conservation Reserve Managers

Better communication and recognition of the importance of the Gwydir Wetlands State

Conservation Area as an objective and focus of water for the environment, this includes

communication of the natural and cultural values of the reserve.

Current Water Sharing Plan to be more flexible and consider current hydrological conditions

and potential uses of water for environmental purposes across the catchment.

Consider system as a whole and its interconnected nature, not isolated, unconnected

areas. Better information and understanding of the whole of system function and response

(hydrological and ecological).

Broader focus of ECA committee on water to the broader catchment environments.

Focus beyond the main wetlands and consideration of other areas and ecological objectives

such as fish, frogs etc.

Seek to conserve important vegetation communities and biological system. Use current

mechanisms and planning processes to assess the makeup of land in the Gwydir reserve

system.

Consider works and/or measures that maximise the benefit of water for the

environmental and minimise conflict with other landholders.

3. Aboriginal Peoples

The health of local rivers and wetlands is directly related to the health of Aboriginal

people. The fundamental belief of local peoples that the health of their lands and bounty is

directly related to the health of their peoples and their communities. This provides evidence of

the strong links and attachment that locals have with their lands and its resources.

Local Aboriginal people have had no access to the wetlands and resources for an

extended period. Initial pastoral practices, supported by Government policy resulted in the

entire removal of local peoples off the Gwydir River Floodplain.

Floodplain development has disengaged Aboriginal people from the wetlands and its

resources. Due to private land tenure across the majority of the floodplain, since initial land

take-up, local aboriginal people have been largely excluded from the floodplain.

Wetlands are a natural system, needing water to function and be healthy. As flows are the

lifeblood of rivers and wetlands they therefore have great cultural importance to local peoples.

Put the water on the wetlands when it needs it and that there is a cultural component in

all flows. Similar to above (4) in that river flows drive the functioning of a healthy system, native

food resources respond to flows and many need particular flow types to breed, develop and

thrive. A cultural flow may support the general health of the system and/or a specific cultural

outcome. i.e. Stimulate a particular fish species to move or spawn and certain vegetation to

flower and seed.


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A better understanding by landholders of local Aboriginal people’s connections to the

wetlands and the preservation of our Cultural Heritage. There is a desire for floodplain

landholders to be more aware of local aboriginal links to the land they farm and the cultural

heritage that may occur on those parcels.

Identify the cultural features supported by flows – better understanding and communication

of cultural assets and values. Consideration of cultural features in plans. Previous water plans

haven’t seriously engaged with Aboriginal peoples and their values of water systems. Land

surveys identify the cultural assets in the landscape and are important in the Gwydir Wetlands,

where little is currently known due to (2) and (3).

4. Environmental Water Managers

The flexibility to better use environmental water reserves to restore, conserve and/or

enhance wetlands (vegetation, fish and animals) of the Gwydir River floodplain. Development

on the floodplain and a reduced inundation regime has significantly reduced the pre-dam

distribution of wetlands across the floodplain. The remaining core wetland areas of the Gingham

and Lower Gwydir watercourses are well known and currently in an improved state, due to a

succession of watering in more recent times.

Additional wetland remnants exist in various degrees of condition and the delivery of

environmental water to these sites would improve their state and ensure their long term

survival. However, the delivery of environmental water to some sites is often problematic due to

farming activities in close proximity and/or across natural flow paths.

During the post drought recovery phase, water for the environmental has supported and built

the strength of the wetlands. In addition, recognition of the role and investment governments

have taken to preserve these local wetlands, fundamental is sufficient water flows to halt further

decline, restore and conserve them for future generations.

The flexibility to utilise environmental water reserves to support and improve native fish

communities in the rivers and streams of the Gwydir River system. Native fish communities of

the Gwydir River system are both an environmental and a community asset. River flow regimes

associated with irrigation deliveries trend to provide conditions more beneficial for feral fish

species (carp) than natives. Design flow regimes to benefit native fish fundamental for native

fish prosperity.

For all to coexist on the floodplain where conflict is minimised. All surveyed people from

all groups recognised the unique nature of the local Gwydir Wetlands, as a functioning and ever

changing system, that provides variable benefits to all. Therefore much common ground exists

on the issue of protecting local wetlands; however it appears that conflict relates more to the

natural functioning of the floodplain and the ability and/or responsibility for managing

unregulated flows. Improving landholder communication and understanding of the system by all,

may help reduce the conflict in the future.

Consider the system as a whole and not isolated, unconnected blocks. Better information

and recognition that the whole of system function and responses (hydrological and ecological).

Broader focus of ECA Committee on water deliveries throughout the catchment. Widen

its focus beyond the wetlands and consideration of other areas and species of importance.


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To effectively communicate with all other relevant groups on management of water for the

environment. A key role of ECA landholder reps is to provide linkage and communication

between the ECA Committee and landholders on key local issues such as harvests, flow timing

etc.

WSP that provides a suite of rules that better responds to the environmental and cultural

needs. Reflective of as natural timing and a flow regime.

Investigate works and measures to improve the outcomes when watering for the

environment.

Some Ramsar sites, further west in the system, have proven difficult to water with low to

moderate flows. Larger flows needed to wet these blocks have much greater likelihood of

impact on other parties in the process.

5. Border Rivers Gwydir CMA

The need for effective extension programs and transfer of current information in the

management of the natural resource assets and farming in a floodplain environment.

The effective adoption and implementation of the Gwydir Catchment Action Plan

initiatives related to the wetland environments and connected landscapes.

Effective and timely communication of decisions with respect to delivered environmental

water from the decision makers to all stakeholders.

Management of water and decisions made at the valley scale using the best available

information and within a risk framework.

Adequate resourcing of land management initiatives by government where a public benefit

is to be achieved.

Establishment of community endorsed long term strategies for management of

environmental outcomes that are effectively balanced with social and economic issues.

6. NSW Office of Water

Develop and implementation of the Water Sharing Plans and associated rules for access

licences and approvals. NOW has primary responsibility for the review of any Water Sharing

Plans which may affect or be affected by recommendations of this strategy.

State Water has the charter to operate and manage the delivery of water under the Water

Sharing Plans via the major infrastructure it owns and operates.

Provide the mechanism for controlled work approvals on the floodplain (licence and

compliance). Consider flood and water flow distribution changes as a result of changes land

management practices i.e. Irrigation development, grazing, cropping and vegetation cover.

Involvement with OEH in the development of the Floodplain Management Plan (FMP). To

consider in this process relevant recommendations from this Strategy and if necessary assign

any identified areas a specific set of provisions.

Note that all WSP’s and FMP’s are to be reviewed every 10 years to allow for improvements

and changes to be made.


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