THE LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

Background

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system is a system of three natural lakes and wetlands in the middle of the Lachlan River in Central NSW. The Lakes themselves cover an area of 1,500ha and holding 36,000ml, the system consists of Sheet of Water, Lake Curlew and Lake Cargelligo. The surrounding wetlands cover an area of some 1000ha, containing a biodiverse range of flora & fauna. The lakes and wetlands are located in semi-arid scrubland, Cypress Forests, Mallee and dry land farms.

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system is fed by the Lachlan River and is a natural wetland & lake system. The lake was first discovered by Oxley in 1817. Oxley named it Regents Lake in honour of HRH Prince Regent, later George 1V, but Major Thomas Mitchell, the surveyor general of NSW during the 1830's while travelling through the Lachlan Valley in 1836 renamed it to Cudjallagong, which was the name given to the Lake by the Wiradjuri and Ngiyambaa, 'Cudjallagong' meaning 'large lake' or 'water container'. During its metamorphosis to the present day Lake Cargelligo, it has been called Lake Cudgellico and Lake Cargelligo. By 1850 a reservation for the future 'village' of Lake Cargelligo was made and in 1879 finally gazette.

Completed in 1902 the main Lake, which use to spread some 24 miles to Naradhan, was shortened with a bank and channels were put between the three wetlands and lakes in the system to improve connection. This raised the levels of the Lakes and provided a more secure and reliable water source. This allowed a sizeable, permanent Community to live on its shores. A regulator was put at the inlet and outlet. This allowed for both the incoming water and the outgoing water to be regulated. The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system was the first regulated River, Wetland & Lake system in Australia conserving water and providing flood mitigation for the entire lower Lachlan River.

Since 1902, the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system has filtered the water for the Lachlan River through its three lakes and wetlands. It has been a bird and fish breeding habitat, nursery, drought and major water refuge. It has also provided water for downstream, even during drought. During the 1983 drought the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system provided water for towns, and the environment, downstream for 2 years.

The shortening, and subsequent deepening, of the system during the construction of the channels and regulators in 1902, created a new shoreline. The River Red Gums that lined the shore of the original system were inundated with water and died. These old River Red Gums have now provided habitat for fish and birds for over 100 years. River Red Gums grew on the new shoreline, many are now in turn over 100 years old, and they now provide protection and habitat.

This biodiverse and unique system boasts 236 bird species, 33 of which are threatened species, and the Eel-tailed Catfish, another threatened species, is still in the waters of the system. Stands of Red River Gum, Black Box, Lignum and Cumbungi, which cover an additional estimated 1000ha, as well as areas of dry scrubland, Cypress Forests and Mallee provide an ideal environment for both dry land and aquatic species. At present, there is no protection of this significant natural resource or its threatened species.

The Lake Cargelligo Wetlands & Lake system affords recreation and tourism dollars to the township of Lake Cargelligo, on the western shore of the main lake. The Community of Lake Cargelligo has been a strong and resourceful presence and are proud of the system that has given them their identity. The lake provides the town water supplies for three towns, Lake Cargelligo, Tullibigeal and Murrin Bridge. In spite of protests & a Petition containing over 1000 signatures, a pipeline which could replace the Lake as the water supply is being undertaken.

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system is an important significant cultural & heritage area for the Wiradjuri people. The Wiradjuri people have a long history with the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system, a history that continues with the gathering of reeds by people from as far away as Port Macquarie, Sydney and Wagga Wagga. Since the introduction of Water Trading and the establishment of Cadia, North Parkes and Lake Cowal Gold Mines over the last 10 years, the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System has been systematically dried and

bypassed. The bypassing of the system has had a significant impact on the environment and community of Lake Cargelligo.

NSW State Water have actively and intentionally mis-represented the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system. Despite the facts the Minister for Water, Minister Costa, continues to call this incredible NATURAL

-made off- and its threatened species or the town itself.

The Lake Cargelligo Community has always been strong and self-reliant. The harsh rural life and isolation has created a community that supported each other and provided for themselves.

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system has been an integral part of the Community and its lifestyle, making use of the recreation, lifestyle and opportunities that the system offered.

Recreational swimming and grounds were set up, originally with separate mens and womens swimming areas, at the .

In ike around the lake and onto Robinson Crusoe Island. Dances took place on the Island every month.

everyone. visitors came to Lake Cargelligo from as far as Sydney to visit the majestic waters and experience the incredible natural wonders of the Lake.

Accounts from visitors about the birds on the lakes, in the 192

that they

Lake Cargelligo, Christmas 2009 after the closure of the Lachlan River on 30th October, 2009

Recreational swimming and boating at Lake Cargelligo

The Olympic size sailing course on Lake Cargelligo was the site of many races and visitors throughout the summers. The Boat Club building the Boat House to accommodate the many visitors, often in the thousands. The Festival of the Lakes, was a sailing regatta and festival. This festival attracted over 10,000 visitors to the town with boats from Queensland, Victoria and all of NSW coming for the event. The visitors would stay in the accommodation provided by the Motels and Hotels, taken in by locals or camp. The event went for some 30 years. The boat tours were continued in the

tourists from Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Young, West Wyalong, Griffith, Parkes and Forbes. The tours took in Lake Cargelligo, Robinson Crusoe Island, the Bird and Animal Sanctuary and Lake Curlew. Visitors were still amazed at the beauty of the Lake System, some from Sydney

The people of Lake Cargelligo have been through drought and floods, depression and prosperity, flies and dust and come through it with a stoic, self reliance that can only be admired. Putting other people and their

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Festival of the Lakes 197

Boat Tours 1980

community first, is how this small town in the centre of NSW has existed.

The people of Lake Cargelligo built their own Hospital, Schools, Ambulance station and Community Hall. They built a house for the Doctor. They have been pro-active in supporting themselves and anyone else who needed it.

1915 the Red Cross Society, 1911 the Band of Hope, 1935 the Far West Health Service and in the

spirit has continued down the years and through the generations with Rotary in 1958 and Save the Childrens Fund in 1972. The Historical Society has kept the history of the town alive since being formed in 1967 and the opening of one of the best museums in regional NSW.

They have built parks, recreation grounds and their own Boat Shed. They have built Memorials and sent many of their young men off to war.

The people of Lake Cargelligo have a love of sport that has been a part of the way of life since the beginning. As testament to this they also built their own tennis courts, cricket ground and football oval.

The Australian Rules Club started in 1917, the

Curlew Cricket club, Basket Ball and Golf Club . The rowing club as far

back as 1926.

The lake itself has supported generations of Market Gardeners, Dairys, Orchards and water for Stock and homes. It has supported small family farms irrigating crops when a dry hit. It has provided the community with recreation and tourism, it has provided pride and an identity for the community.

Today the community of Lake Cargelligo are fighting for the existence of not only their beloved Lake, but for their community. The iconic Lake that has been a part of the very identity of the people of this community is being taken away. Government Departments and Ministers have ignored the calls from the people of this small town.

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system and the Community of Lake Cargelligo have been actively mis-represented and ignored. The system that has provided the livelihood for so many is now being destroyed. The system that has supported not only one community but Tullibigeal and Murrin Bridge and the lower Lachlan River and communities by providing incredible natural wonders is being left high and dry

The Lake Cudgellico School c. 1905

Lake Cargelligo Ladies

It has been estimated that, while the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system itself takes up 1,500ha, that the surrounding wetlands, lignum and black box areas, could take up another 1,000ha, confirmed by DECCW. It is these areas that have been suffering more than any others in the area. It is also these areas in which birds such as the threatened Brolgas and Blue-billed ducks breed. The Lake Cargelligo Wetlands & Lake system was a significant bird & fish breeding habitat until the River management of the last ten years robbed the system of flows.

In order to illustrate the various ecosystems which an integral part of the system the Lake Cargelligo Wetlands & Lake system has been broken up into five distinct areas:

1. Sheet of Water Lake, Wetland, Reed beds and Black box stands; 2. Lake Curlew Lake, Wetland, Reed beds & Black box stands; 3. Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary Robinson Crusoe Islands, Lignum, Lake, Wetland & Reed

beds; 4. Lake Cargelligo Lake, Wetland & Reed beds; and 5. Lake Creek Wetland Creek, Wetland, Lignum, Reed beds & Black box stands.

Google Earth Map of Lake Cargelligo Wetlands & Lake System

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1. SHEET OF WATER

LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

1. Sheet of Water

Sheet of Water consists of a permanent lake and wetland and is a significant breeding and nursery habitat for both birds and aquatic species. It is surrounded by large River Red Gums, Boobialla - Native Willow and Lignum, with stands of Black Box on the higher ground. Areas of Cumbungi on the shallower shorelines have been a regular breeding ground for many aquatic bird species, including the threatened species: Brogla, Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Australasian Bittern. Sheet of Water is at the inlet to the Lake Cargelligo Weir Pool on the Lachlan River. The Lachlan River feeds the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system via a system of channels connecting the three major lakes, the first being Sheet of Water. These works were undertaken in 1902, to ensure a regular water supply for the township.

Old growth River Red Gums, many over 100 years old, which provide vital habitat and play a crucial role in the biodiversity of the system, line the shores of Sheet of Water, establishing the shoreline of the system. The shallower areas of the lake contained large areas of Cumbungi and lignum. This system had an average depth of around 1m, so was not used for boating. This afforded Sheet of Water a certain amount of isolation and encouraged further the breeding birds and fish species.

The system, being attached to the Lachlan River, facilitated the use of Sheet of Water as a drought refuge and nursery. It protected both bird and aquatic species when river levels were low, and encouraged spawning in fish when river levels were high.

Sheet of Water Wetland and entrance into outlet channel level 100% Cumbungi

Google Map 2009 Sheet of Water

At full levels the Sheet of Water system provides a large area of major water, the lake, and significant areas of wetland on its northern and eastern shores. In spite of minimal or no water over the past six years, there are still areas of lignum which remain and the Cumbungi has survived in the channel. The system requires an elongated period with water to be allowed to rejuvenate.

The large area of water, surrounded by wetlands and reed beds, is an ideal environment not only for nesting birds, but also for fishing. Large numbers of Pelicans, Cormorants, Darters, Herons and Turns fish, while ducks, geese and water hens, spoonbills, ibis, waders and many other species fish in the wetland areas.

Sheet of Water Wetlands level 100% River Red Gums, Boobialla and Lignum

necessarily require water all year round, can be simply managed by ensuring that appropriate amounts of water are put into the wetland system when it is required for bird and fish breeding habitat, as a nursery, for a drought refuge and for maintenance of the biodiversity & healthy ecology of the system.

It is clear from the photograph (above) that the River Red Gums on the shore have been suffering due to lack of water. The bare upper branches indicate stress. The River Red Gums on the shoreline where the bypass channel was constructed (picture left) received more water, and show less signs of distress.

Sheet of Water, Lake level 100% River Red Gums showing signs of stress

Sheet of Water shoreline near bypass channel River Red Gums much healthier with constant water

As Sheet of Water is the first and subsequently the highest lake in the system, when levels of 40% are in the Lake Cargelligo system as a whole, the levels of Sheet of Water consist of a natural channel through the centre which feeds the rest of the system. This means that at 40% Sheet of Water remains under stress. The dry area below is not the wetland portion of Sheet of Water, but the lake bed, as indicated by the tree line.

When the water levels drop back this far from the shoreline, there is no protection or environment for bird species, particularly for nesting. The open ground is not conducive to nesting and there is no protection or cover from predators. The wetland areas may be able to function and recover from greatly changing water levels, but the lake bed cannot. This also means that fish and other aquatic species cannot move into or out of the system, inhibiting breeding and protection during drought.

At times when Sheet of Water has been dry, due to the bypass channels, there was very little ground cover. No lignum or reeds grew in the lake bed and the black soil dried and cracked.

Sheet of Water with Lake Cargelligo levels at 40% Large distance between the shoreline and the water all reed beds gone

Sheet of Water May 2009

Sheet of Water

During 2004/2005, Lachlan Shire Council and State Water undertook works to put a bypass channels around Sheet of Water. The natural channel in the Lake bed was bypassed with an artificial one, effectively disconnecting the lake from the system. It was stated that this channel was required to provide Lake Cargelligo with water. However, Sheet of Water is uphill from Lake Cargelligo and all the water runs into the main lake naturally, via gravity, through this natural channel, without the need for a bypass channel which inhibited all aquatic movement into and out of the system.

Since the introduction of this bypass channel, Sheet of Water became a desolate wasteland. There was very little vegetation that would grow on the black soil, with the exception of some burrs and a crop put in by a local farmer.

The Cumbungi that was in the system died and large areas of Lignum died back. The River Red Gums on the shoreline became stressed and the birds that use to nest, such as the Brolgas, were unable to do so.

As Brolgas nest in the same place each year, this has put a considerable stress on this threatened species.

Sheet of Water with Bypass Channel - 2007

Sheet of Water 2007 This young pelican did not

survive once the bypass channels were put into Sheet of Water

Sheet of Water outlet channel to Lake Curlew Level 100%

River Red Gums on Sheet of Water

Sheet of Water Wetlands River Red Gum and Lignum no regeneration of Cumbungi due to lack of water

Ibis feeding and nesting in the area which have now been affected by loss of water and exposure of nests to

Inlet into Sheet of Water Constant water has encouraged some Lignum, Boobialla and River Red Gums

Sheet of Water Wetlands with Lignum and River Red Gum

Sheet of Water Wetland Cumbungi not regenerated due to lack of water

River Red Gum and Lignum in Sheet of Water Wetland

2. LAKE CURLEW

LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

2. Lake Curlew Lake Curlew consists of a large area of wetland at its Northern end and a permanent deep Lake.

Lake Curlew Wetland Lake Curlew wetland is fed by a channel from Sheet of Water. It is only when the lake levels are at 100% that this wetland is inundated. The wetland system consists of a significant amount of channel with Cumbungi. This part of the system is a yabbie and fish breeding habitat and nursery, as well as a significant breeding and nursery habitat for birds. The channels spill into large areas of wetlands with native vegetation. This area supports a large range of bird species, native grasses, lignum and River Red Gum. Surrounding this system are large stands of Black Box on the higher ground.

This area supports threatened species: Brogla, Freckled Duck and Blue-billed Duck, providing breeding & nursery areas and habitat.

Google Map 2009 Lake Curlew

Channel through Lake Curlew Wetlands

Channel through Lake Curlew Wetlands

River Red Gums through Lake Curlew Wetlands

Channel through Lake Curlew Wetlands

Channel through Lake Curlew Wetlands

Channel through Lake Curlew Wetlands

Beginning of Lake Curlew Wetland (Regulus) Habitat for a large number of bird species Cumbungi still absent due to lack of water

Entrance into Lake Curlew from Wetlands

Sheet of Water Wetland (Regulus) Cumbungi and grassland & black box stand in background

Lake Curlew

The Lake Curlew Wetlands then open into a natural permanent lake. This is the deepest of the lakes in the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system. The lake is surrounded by River Red Gums and Cumbungi, Boobialla - Native Willow and some Black Box. On the higher ground there is other native vegetation including grasses & salt bush.

Lake Curlew is a major fishing area within the system. Large numbers of birds fish these waters, in an

- including Australian Pelicans, Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, Great & Pied Cormorants, Australian Darters, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret & White-faced Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbills and Royal Spoonbills, Caspian Terns and Silver Gulls and White-bellied Sea Eagles. Lake Curlew acts as a major water drought refuge. Over the past five years bypassing of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland and Lake system has resulted in both Sheet of Water and Lake Cargelligo drying up completely. The only part of the system, which was not bypassed with channels, was Lake Curlew. While the Curlew Wetlands have been dried, the major lake remained. This system supported many species when the other areas dried. During this period many native fish and aquatic species died, as they could not escape into Lake Curlew due to the artificial bypass channels that had been put into the system. Lake Curlew recorded fish species of the threatened Eel-tailed Catfish, Yellow Belly and Silver Perch even during this period. Other fish species have yet to be identified.

Lake Curlew

Lake Curlew

River Red Gums through Lake Curlew Wetlands

In 2007 Lachlan Shire Council commenced bypassing of Lake Curlew. Funding of $75,000 was received by Nathan Reece, then NSW Water Minister. Lachlan Shire Council had put bunding in the Lake Curlew outlet and were actively pumping water out of Lake Curlew into the outlet channel. No Environmental Impact Statement had or has been undertaken for these works. Lachlan Shire Council have on several other occasions bunded the outlet channel from Lake Curlew. These works have been undertaken without permits. In September, 2009, Lachlan Shire

$31,784 remaining of the $75,000 funding for the bypass channel around Lake Curle

along with application paperwork for

is no mention of the EIS that would be required for these works. The minutes did not indicate where the missing $43,216 went. Bunding in Lake Curlew outlet 15th November, 2008

Bunding & Pump at the Lake Curlew Outlet 18th November, 2007

The result of lowering the levels of Lake Curlew, the deepest lake in the system, was that there was a great

normally be direct contact between the water and the Cumbungi, grasses, River Red Gums, Boobialla and even the willows, there was none. This has resulted in reduced habitat for fish which require the protection of the snags, stumps and reeds and also the increased threat to species which feed or live on the waters edge, such as Australian Beaver Rat, Purple Swamp Hen, Black-tailed Native Hen, Australian White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill to name a few.

It was only when the water levels were raised and kept at a higher level for an extended period of time that the Cumbungi and grasses grew on the shoreline and a protective environment was created for bird and fish species.

Pelican fishing at a star-post and milk bottle marker on Lake Curlew.

Due to low water levels fish used this post as environment as the usual snags, trees and reeds were unavailable.

Australian Beaver Rat found dead on the shores of Lake Curlew due to low levels and no protection between the

shoreline and the water.

Australian Beaver Rat when water levels were higher in Lake Curlew. This family of native Beaver Rats were protected by foliage that grew when levels were higher in Lake Curlew.

Lake Curlew Environment with increased water levels for extended period, allowing reeds and native vegetation to provide habitat for many protected species.

Lake Curlew Environment with low water levels, which dried up the shoreline and reduced the growth of native vegetation and also put River Red Gums under stress.

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According to Professor Richard Kingsford, he has never seen or heard of interspecies fishing, which occurs on the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System, every year. During the cooler winter months a large number of different species take part in co-operative interspecies fishing. This is not mobbing but a structured co-operative fishing event. While the illustrating photographs below indicate only a smaller number than is commonly seen, this provides some evidence of the species involved: Australian Pelican Great Cormorant Pied Cormorant Little Black Cormorant Little Pied Cormorant Great Egret Immediate Egret Little Egret Royal Spoonbill White faced Heron Australian Darter Silver Gull White Bellied Sea Eagle Whistling Kite Whiskered Turn

Interspecies Co-operative fishing Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system

Lake Curlew

While the introduced Willows within small parts of the Lake Cargelligo system, including Lake Curlew is not ideal, these strong, robust trees have provided vitally needed habitat to many species. It is commonly known to all locals that the willows provide protection to many native fish species. The trees also provide protection for many protected birds, nesting in these trees. These trees have also protected the shoreline from erosion for over 100 years.

Ideally, it would be good to see these trees replaced with native species. However, until such time as a Management plan for the system is put in place that can provide protection for these newly planted natives and that they are of such size to replace the existing Willows, it is not possible to replace them.

The service that these trees are playing is vital to the protection of aquatic and bird life within the system.

Black-tailed Native Hen on Lake Curlew, using Willows for protection Grey Fantail, nesting in Willows on Curlew

Willows being used by Great Egrets, Cormorants & Darters Australian White Ibis under Willows

3. LAKE CARGELLIGO LAKE CARGELLIGO BIRD AND ANIMAL SANCTUARY

3. Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary

The Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary is located at the outlet from Lake Curlew on the western shore of Lake Cargelligo. This area incorporates a significant body of major water surrounded by River Red Gum, a large area of wetland with Cumbungi and native vegetation and two islands Robinson Crusoe Islands which provide areas of River Red Gum, Black Box, Lignum and grasslands.

This area has been renown since first habitation of Lake Cargelligo as a vital bird and fish breeding habitat.

hat

with the number of birds when they flew up out of the Sanctuary.

According to maps there was an Bird and Animal Sanctuary

at the number of hunters for the city coming out and shooting the birds. In 1979 the Lands Office stated that

As it now stands, it appears that a of this area. Despite best efforts, no government department can provide a reason for revoking this status.

Google Map 2009 Lake Curlew

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary wetlands provide ideal nesting & nursery sites for

Black Swans and other protected species

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary - Wetland The Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary Wetland is located along the shoreline of the system, incorporating the islands. This wetland incorporates significant areas of Cumbungi and is lined by the River Red Gums and native vegetation on the shores. There are 238 species of birds listed in the Lake Cargelligo system, 35 of which are threatened species. A great number of birds have nested in the Bird and Animal Sanctuary since the time of settlement and before. The banks that were put along the eastern shore to shorten the Lake system in 1902 increased the depth of the lake and also the Bird and Animal Sanctuary. There is evidence of the old shoreline with old dead River Red Gums where the old shoreline use to be. The Bird and Animal Sanctuary wetlands areas are protected by the stumps and old River Red Gums, boating is reduced to 8 knots and the area is not used for water sports, thus creating a quiet area for the bird and animal species.

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary Wetlands, providing habitat for a bird & aquatic species

These old River Red Gum act as islands within the Bird and Animal Sanctuary Wetlands, as they are perfect places for nesting and roosting away from predators. These trees have also broken and fallen into the water, providing an ideal habitat for fish and other aquatic species. The shoreline, likewise has fallen trees and limbs amongst the reeds and wetland vegetation, providing areas of protection for birds and fish alike.

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary The dead trees along the old shoreline provide protection and habitat for many species

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary When the levels are too low, the dead trees along the old shoreline cannot provide protection or habitat

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary Major Water The Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary also incorporates a major body of water. Traditionally, birds have nested in the surrounding wetlands and fished within this system. The protected nature of this part of Lake Cargelligo makes it an ideal nursery for both birds and aquatic species.

-indicated that this type of fishing is unique to the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system.

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary Robinson Crusoe Islands The Bird and Animal Sanctuary also consists of two Islands, jointly referred to as Robin Crusoe Island. These islands provide an isolated environment. The island is surrounded by wetlands, with River Red Gums lining the shore. The islands themselves provide areas of lignum and black box as well as grasslands. This area is greatly sought after by Bird Watchers for the vast varieties of species in one small compact area. The biodiversity of the environment encourages biodiversity in the animal species found on and around the islands. In recent years the drying of the lake system has allowed the islands to be accessed by feral species. Foxes

However, in spite of it not being a native, the berry bush at present is proving to be a useful habitat for small species of birds such as Variegated Wrens.

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary provides an ideal nursery (Left Black Swans & Signets, Right Great Crested Grebe juveniles)

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary The Island provides a compact, biodiverse system that

encourages a large variety of species Splendid Fairy Wren & Black Swans & signets.

prior to the regulation and reduction in size of the Lake Cargelligo system, clearly show that there was a Bird and Animal Sanctuary. Throughout history there are reports of the large numbers of birds within the system. Significant archeology on the Islands and the foreshores indicates the cultural significance of the system. NSW Government Departments were unable to indicate the reason for this significant and biodiverse system being down-graded and the sanctuary status removed. Due to work undertaken with the NSW Lands Office, the entire lake system was Notified on 21 April 2011 as Reserve 1032388 for Environmental Protection and Public Recreation comprising a total area of 1385ha.

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary Robinson Crusoe, small Island

Lake Cargelligo Bird & Animal Sanctuary Removed

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary In 2005, Lachlan Shire Council was funded some $1.2million to put in a bypass channel around the Bird and Animal Sanctuary, cutting off the Sanctuary and Lake Cargelligo. This bypass channel was put in without any Environmental studies. During the earthworks a human jaw bone was discovered and sent to the Glebe Coroner by the local Police Sergeant and local Councillor. Work continued on the site and no reports have been released. Bird and Animal Sanctuary dried out, irrigation upstream at Forbes continued.

Lake Cargelligo Bird and Animal Sanctuary in November, 2007

Irrigation of Crops at Forbes in November, 2007

The implementation of the bypass channel cut off the Lake Cargelligo system, not allowing the movement of any fish species into or out of the system. The only water travelling through the Bird and Animal Sanctuary was via the channel and later via a small Cargelligo itself.

Bypass Channel and across to the Island January 2010

Pacific Black Duck ducklings in bypass channel - 2010 Pacific Black Duck duckling in bypass channel - 2010

Bypass Channel around the Bird & Animal Sanctuary January 2010

Channel created by water trickling into Lake Cargelligo from the bypass channel pipe & tap, through the Bird & Animal Sanctuary January 2010

THEN, with bypass

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4. LAKE CARGELLIGO LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

4. Lake Cargelligo

Lake Cargelligo, name sake of the entire system, is a major body of water surrounded by areas of wetland. The Western shoreline is taken up with the town, which has small areas of Cumbungi. However, areas around the system, such as Frogs Hollow, Deadmans Point and the bays at Nilssons Lane and others contain important areas of wetlands as sanctuaries for bird and acquatic species. These areas are used as breeding and nursery areas and provide protection to many species. The lake itself is used as a recreational lake for boating both motor and sail, although only a small portion is used for this purpose, as there are many shallow areas and snags, trees and tree stumps which make it dangerous. It is these same things that make it a valuable area for wildlife.

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Lake Cargelligo Wetland The Wetland areas around Lake Cargelligo incorporate the Bird & Animal Sanctuary, the bays around its perimeter and the entrance into Lake Creek, the outlet into the Lachlan River. These wetland areas, like the Bird and Animal Sanctuary, are surrounded by River Red Gums, Cumbungi and native vegetation and the dead trees, snags and stumps provide habitat for a wide variety of species. These areas are also used for breeding and nesting.

Google Map 2009 Lake Curlew

Plumed Whistling Ducks on Lake Cargelligo Nesting Swans on Lake Cargelligo

Lake Cargelligo The major water of Lake Cargelligo has been a renowned bird fishing location since settlement and before. The major, deep water provides habitat for large numbers of aquatic species, and with the incorporation of the wetlands, provides nursery and breeding habitat and major water drought refuge in times when the Lachlan River levels are low. Since the regulators were put into the Lake Cargelligo system, back in 1902, this system has provided water for downstream in times of drought, cleaned the water through its wetlands and been a sanctuary to aquatic and bird species. The regulators allow the system to be isolated from the Lachlan River and remain a healthy and valuable refuge.

Lake Cargelligo Inter-species fishing

Lake Cargelligo

In 2005, $1.2million was provided to Lachlan Shire Council by then Planning Minister, Frank Sartor. These funds were to construct a bypass channel around the Bird and Animal Sanctuary and edge of Lake Cargelligo, put in a dam and construct a pipeline bypassing Lake Cargelligo. These works were undertaken due to the inability of the new Filtration Plant to filter inland water.

While the old filtration plant was able to filter water during flood and drought, the new plant was not designed for inland water. The bypasses were suppose to provide

it failed.

wasted large amounts of water. The bypass channels did not assist the filtration plant to work. Lachlan Shire Council have now received further funding to install a

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usual water level. In the background Lake Cargelligo is almost dry.

required for the filtration plant

The bypassing of Lake Cargelligo dried up the Bird & Animal Sanctuary and the main lake of Lake Cargelligo. It isolated aquatic species from other water sources, effectively trapping them within the system. Turtles were seen many kilometers from the dried lake, looking for water.

Bypass channel and dam through Lake Cargelligo

Lake Cargelligo bypass pipeline

The bypassing of Lake Cargelligo effectively dried up the Bird & Animal Sanctuary and the main lake of Lake Cargelligo

Bypass channel and dam through Lake Cargelligo as the water levels dropped dramatically after the inlet pipe was

The bypass channel effectively cut off Lake Cargelligo from the rest of the lake system. A pipe and tap were put through the bypass channel bank to provide a trickle of water to the stressed lake. This pipeline was closed by Lachlan Shire Council when the Lachlan River was closed on 30th October, 2009. This was done in spite of the fact that State Water had indicated that they would continue to provide the system with the same amount of water as prior to the river closure.

Fish and other aquatic species were unable to escape Lake Cargelligo as water levels dropped dramatically and dried.

Lake Cargelligo bypass channel pipe that was the only access into and out of Lake Cargelligo

Tap turned off into Lake Cargelligo

Lake Cargelligo, THEN with bypass

5. LAKE CREEK WETLAND

LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

5. Lake Creek Wetland

The Lake Creek Wetland is on the outlet of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & system in 1902, it was in this area that the water use to enter the vast system. Aerial photographs clearly show the areas of wetlands which use to extend as far as Naradhan. The Lake Creek Wetland area covers a significant portion of the 1,000ha of wetlands in the system which covers approximately 2,500ha in total. This area, which is not well-known or easily accessible, is a shallow wetland, dense with Cumbungi, Lignum and River Red Gum. It is the most intensely foliaged portion of the system and harbours many small islands and protective outcrops for breeding species of birds. There are vast open areas of Cumbungi and Lignum, surrounded by

the wetlands are full as it is surrounded by a considerable wetland system.

Google Map 2009 Lake Creek

Lake Creek Wetland low water levels and with no Cumbungi due to lack of water

The many islets, snags and trees make the system difficult for all but the smallest boat, but provides a protected and safe habitat. Species such as the Blue-billed Duck, which are a threatened species and are totally aquatic, until recent years live and breed in these areas of thick Cumbungi. The bypassing of the system has dried out these valuable wetland habitats.

When water levels are low the water is contained within the Creek itself. The wetlands are not inundated at 40% and the areas are left dry. The Cumbungi is no longer in the system, although the vast areas of Lignum still remain but in a stressed state. The low water levels eliminate the dead trees and snags from the environment and allow predators to reach the protective nesting sites in the old dead trees.

Lake Creek Wetland at the outlet from Lake Cargelligo, showing Robinson Crusoe Island and the dry

wetlands which use to be filled with Cumbungi

Lake Creek Wetland no Cumbungi 40% Lake Creek Wetland no Cumbungi 40%

Lake Creek Wetland large areas of Lignum dry at 40%

Lake Creek Wetland Lignum and no Cumbungi re-growth 40%

Lake Creek Wetland Old River Gums from original shoreline, showing normal water level 40%

Lake Creek Wetland Old River Gums on shoreline, showing normal water level and habitat 40%

Lake Creek Wetland 40%

Lake Creek Original Regulator Lake Creek Water leaving Lake Cargelligo

6. SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT LAKE CARGELLIGO WETLAND & LAKE SYSTEM

Surrounding Environment

The Lake Cargelligo Wetland and Lake system is surrounded by Black Box Woodlands, Cypress Forest, open grasslands and scrubland, as well as farmland. These areas sustain a wide range of dry land species and adds to the biodiversity of the Lake Cargelligo system. The requirements of many of the threatened species incorporate both the wetland and dry land areas.

The Vulnerable Major Mitchell (Pink) Cockatoo, requires old growth River Red Gums for nesting, permanent water and Cypress Pine and Saltbush the system and surrounding environment provides these elements. Major Mitchells commonly nest around the Lake system. The dry land flora has added to the biodiversity of the wetland & lake system.

The Vulnerable Grey-crowned Babbler pictured on the previous page and below require Cypress Pine, Black Box and Timbered Watercourses and are again a common sight around the Lake System.

The surrounding scrub, woodlands, open grasslands and dry land areas rely upon the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system to maintain the water table. Over recent years the drying of the lake and wetland has resulted in a significant drop in the water table. This has resulted in many species becoming stressed or dying. The inter-connection of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system and its surrounding environment is vital to the biodiversity and general health of the entire area.

Major Mitchell (Pink) Cockatoo, nesting in old growth River Red Gum on Lake Curlew - 2010 Grey-crowned Babblers at Lake Curlew - 2010

The surrounding areas provide a wide range of environments from scrublands and Black Box and Cypress forests to open grasslands and farm land.

Scrub surrounding the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system

Many of the dry land species rely on the stability of the water table which has been lowered

Scrub surrounding the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system

5. Active downgrading of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System by Government Departments

The Government Departments and Agencies that have been given the responsibility of looking after the Lachlan River and the wetlands and lakes that are a part of the system have failed dismally. Not only have they failed to look after the Lake Cargelligo Wetland and Lake System, they have actively and intentionally undermined the importance of the system. State Water have no interest in Environmental Flows and is run by irrigators and water traders. Their prime directive is to sell every drop of water, as confirmed by the then general manager of State Water, George Warne at a meeting organized by Commissioner David Harriss. The NSW Office of Water have been unable to answer our concerns with regard to the Lake Cargelligo Wetland and Lake System and have buck passed onto State Water, who are not responsible for environment. The LCMA is staffed by irrigators and water traders and the board is run by the lobby group Lachlan Valley Water and Jemalong Irrigation. The CSIRO has provided erroneous information in their reports, which have been provided to other Government Departments.

State Water State Water information leaflets originally acknowledged that the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System

information is correct. However, over recent years, State Water have now reversed much of the data that they previously had for the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System with that of Lake Brewster. As stated in their own documents, Lake Brewster was only a depression in the land, which in fact was a Black Box Forest at the base of a large hill. The dam was constructed at Brewster, or originally Ballyrogan, in 1952, and was constructed in its current position due to its elevation and location, it NEVER had any inflows from the Lachlan River due to its height in the landscape. Lake Brewster was declared a Wetland of National Significance due to occasional, rare, pelican breeding episodes. However, State Water have received grants and funding to manipulate and alter Brewster with the

Lachlan Valley Water and the LCMA. Due to these earthworks and alterations, Lake Brewster does not hold water and has been leaking water into the aquifer which is used downstream at Hillston by irrigators and a fraction of the cost of surface water. State Water figures for inflows and outflows for Lake Cargelligo and Brewster are at best questionable. Commissioner David Harriss organized for a teleconference between us and then general manager of State Water, George Warne. Mr Warne could not provide the figures for Brewster, which he promised to provide. The State Water online database were not possible, an audit by the Water Management Inquiry was requested. Mr Warne promised to provide the figures, which he did not. State Waters more recent documents now show the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System as a water storage built in 1952, and have not listed Brewster at all. This same information document shows Brewster as a township, which it is not and never has been see document below.

ct they have no basis in fact and again illustrate State Waters willingness to alter figures and data to suit their own ends.

The result of State Waters active downgrading of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system is that it was considered of no importance for anything other than an irrigation dam, which was supposed to be the object of building and upgrading Lake Brewster, which has failed. The Murray Darling Basin Commission Major dams and reservoirs in the Murray-Darling Basin: defined as reservoirs with a gross capacity of 10,000 megalitres or more (source: ANCOLD 1990; various MDBC and other sources, table below) indicate that Brewsters deemed purposes of use were i=irrigation and r=recreation being only a couple of feet deep and having no public access means that there was no recreational use for Brewster, either before or after the expensive alterations. Lake Cargelligo however, was only listed as having a purpose of use as an i=irrigation dam, this should also have included f= flood control, r=recreation, u= urban supplies, f= flood mitigation and n= navigation. Had the Lake Cargelligo system been allocated its rightful purposes, it would have elevated the system. The MDBA, State Water and the LCMA were all notified of this error and to date have made no steps that we are aware of the alter this error.

Name of storage Date of completion

Location Gross capacity, in ML

Purpose of water storage*

New South Wales

Eucumbene** 1958 Eucumbene River 4,798,000 i,h,u,r

Hume 1936-61 River Murray, nr Albury 3,038,000 i,h,u,r

Menindee Lakes 1960 Darling River, nr Menindee 2,285,000 i,u,r

Burrendong 1967 Macquarie R, nr Wellington 1,678,000 f,i.h.u,r

Blowering 1968 Tumut River 1,628,000 i,h,r

Copeton 1976 Gwydir River 1,364,000 i,h,u,r

Wyangala 1936-71 Lachlan River, nr Cowra 1,220,000 i,h,r

Burrinjuck 1927-95 Murrumbidgee River 1,026,000 i,h,u,r

Talbingo 1971 Tumut River 921,000 i,h,u,r

Jindabyne** 1967 Snowy River 688,000 i,h,u,r

Lake Victoria 1928 River Murray, nr SA border 680,000 i,u,r

Keepit 1960 Namoi River, nr Tamworth 423,000 f,i,h,u,r

Split Rock 1987 Manilla River, Namoi Valley 397,000 i,h,r

Windamere 1984 Cudgegong R, nr Mudgee 368,000 i,r

Pindari 1962-96 Severn River, nr Inverell 312,000 i,r

Tantangara 1960 Murrumbidgee River 254,000 i,h,u,r

Lake Brewster 1952 Lachlan River, nr Hillston 150,000 i,r

Googong 1978 Queanbeyan River 125,000 f,u

Chaffey 1979 Peel River, nr Tamworth 62,000 i,u

Barren Box 1988 nr Griffith 60,000 i

Tumut Pond 1958 Tumut River, nr Tumut 52,800 i,h

Lock 10 1929 River Murray, nr Wentworth 47,000 i,n

Oberon 1949 Fish River, nr Oberon 45,400 u

Jounama Pondage 1968 Tumut River, nr Tumut 43,500 i,h

Euston Lock 15 1937 River Murray, Euston 38,600 i,u,n

Lock 11 1927 River Murray, nr Mildura 37,000 i,n

Lake Cargelligo 1902 Lachlan River 36,000 i

Carcoar 1970 Bellubula River, nr Bathurst 35,800 i

Lock 9 1926 Murray R, nr Wentworth 32,000 i,n

Tooma 1961 Tooma River, nr Cooma 28,100 i,u

Khancoban 1965 Swampy Plains, nr Albury 26,600 i,h

Stephens Creek 1892 Stephens Cr, nr Broken Hill 24,300 u

Lock 8 1935 River Murray, nr Wentworth 24,000 i,n

Geehi 1966 Geehi Cr, nr Cooma 21,100 i,h

Suma Park 1962 Summerhill Cr, nr Orange 18,100 u

Ben Chiffley 1957 Campbell River, nr Bathurst 16,000 u

Umberumberka 1915 Umberumberka Cr, nr Broken Hill 13,200 u

Hay Weir 1983 Murrumbidgee River, nr Hay 13,000 i,u,r

Rufus River Lock 7 1934 River Murray, nr Wentworth 13,000 i,n

Tombullen 1980 nr Leeton 11,300 i

New South Wales total

22,053,800

* f - flood control; h - hydro-electricity; i - irrigation; m - industrial and/or mining; r - recreation; u - urban supplies; f - flood mitigation; n - navigation.

As we speak water is being removed from the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System, emptying areas such as Sheet of Water, at a time of year when the town rely upon the water sports tourism and the threatened species, such as the Blue Billed Duck & Brolga are breeding. Emails to State Waters Sri Sritharan to enquire as to the significant loss of water from the system, when dam levels and river inflows are at a high have had no response.

Lachlan CMA The LCMA were notified with regard to the Cargelligo system back in March, 2009, they made no response.

Since this time the LCMA have produced a mediocre study on the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System which only seems to involve the fencing off of various areas from the Lake System.

system. DECCW have informed us that it is the role of the LCMA to protect this system, which they cannot do for this or any other asset in their area if they have no list of priorities. Again, for your information two of the Board Members of the LCMA Denis Moxey of Jemalong Irrigation and Lachlan Valley Water and Mary Ewing of Lachlan Valley Water were, according to the Chairman Mr Rob Gledhill, the ones that approached

ion Dam project was

Mr Moxey stated at a meeting at Lake Cargelligo that they could do the same thing to Lake Cargelligo as they

system has not received any upgrading. Curiously, all of these assets appear to be around Forbes, home of the LCMA, Mary Ewing and Dennis Moxey. -made lake, which I am sure will receive an allocation and that the biodiverse, natural Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System receives none.

CSIRO The CSIRO paper Water Availability in the Lachlan - Summary of a report to the Australian Government from the CSIRO Murray-Darling Basin Sustainable Yields Project of March 2008, clearly indicates that Lake Cargelligo has no lake and Brewster is a township, which are both erroneous.

Mary Mulcahy, has been contacted on several occasions and has failed to give a reason for these errors or what is being done to remedy this mistake which has provided flawed information to a great number of departments. On several occasions Mary has indicated that she has spoken to us and given us this

Summary The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System is an incredible natural system, with a biodiversity found nowhere else on the Lachlan River. The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake system is the only system on the Lachlan River that has both major water and wetlands and is drought refuge. It is a nursery for many aquatic species and has a diversity of habitat that is unequalled along the Lachlan or in fact in Australia. There are very few inland lake and wetlands left in Australia and the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System is in threat of disappearing without an allocation under the new Water Sharing Plan. The cultural significance of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System is not to be undervalued. During excavation by Lachlan Shire Council of the bypass channel through the main lake of Lake Cargelligo an Aboriginal jaw bone was unearthed, this proved to be over 100 years old, and is believed to be a part of the burial ground along the shoreline of Lake Cargelligo. There are middens on the Islands a minimum of 20cm deep, indicating a long history of Aboriginal settlement in the area and confirmation that a natural lake system existed long before white settlement. The Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System is the town water supply for Lake Cargelligo, Murrin Bridge and Tullibigeal and is a vital part of the towns history and identity as well as a tourist attraction. Bird watchers from as far as the US, South Africa and Europe come to Australia specifically to visit the Lake Cargelligo system. The 245 bird species, over 45 threatened species, are a draw card for our local area and nationally. The interspecies fishing that takes place in the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System has not been seen before, according to Professor Richard Kingsford. It is hoped that this document goes some way to outlining the importance of the Lake Cargelligo Wetland & Lake System and that we can now receive an allocation on the Water Sharing Plan to help us preserve this unique environment on the Lachlan River.