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Where is the Hawkesbury Heading?

River Summit

13th August

Summit Documentation

© Allen Management Solutions Pty. Limited and

Hawkesbury City Council

Table of Contents The documentation is in the order that the Summit was conducted. It aims to faithfully record the discussions and the material from the tables. That ought to be reasonably OK as a lot of the typing was actually done at the tables, although we did fix a few typos. Several comments have been added in italics. We trust they add some value too.

PARTICIPANTS 1

SUMMIT OBJECTIVES AND APPROACH 4

Problems 5

Solutions 5

GUEST SPEAKERS 6

Councillor Ted Books (Hawkesbury City Council) 6

Bill Peirson (Director Water Research Laboratory – Uni of NSW) 7

Prof. Wayne Erskine (University of Newcastle) 8

Rob O’Neil (A/Dir Water Planning and Interstate Programs - DWE) 9

PROBLEMS AND PRESSURES ON THE RIVER 10

By Table 10 Table 1 10 Table 2 11 Table 3 13 Table 4 14 Table 5 15 Table 6 16 Table 7 19 Table 8 21

Consolidated from All Tables and Organised into Categories 22 Access 23 Awareness and Education 24 Biodiversity 25 Boating 26

i

Climate Change 28 Community Division 29 Compliance 30 Environmental flows 32 Erosion 34 Farming 36 Fish and Fishing 38 Flooding 39 Funding 40 Institutional - Management 42 Monitoring 45 Other 47 Other Economic 47 Population Pressure 48 Sewerage 50 Skills - Resources 52 Stormwater 53 Tourism - Other Recreation 55 Water and Irrigation 56 Water quality 58 Weeds 60

SOLUTIONS 62

Institutional - Management 62 Summary of Problems 62 Summary of Causes 62 Possible Solutions 62 How to progress solutions 63

Organisation 63 Leadership 63 Funding and Resources 63 Next Steps 63

Water Quality and Weeds 64 Summary of Problems 64 Summary of Causes 64 Possible Solutions 64 How to progress solutions 65

Organisation and Leadership 65 Funding and Resources 65

Environmental Flows 66 Summary of Problems 66 Summary of Causes 66

ii

Possible Solutions 67 How to progress solutions 67


Erosion 69 Summary of Problems 69 Summary of Causes 69 Possible Solutions 69 How to progress solutions 70

Organisation and Leadership 70 Funding and Resources and Next Steps 70

Stormwater 71 Summary of Problems 71 Summary of Causes 71 Possible Solutions 71 How to progress solutions 72


Population Pressure 73 Summary of Problems 73 Summary of Causes 73 Possible Solutions 73 How to progress solutions 74

Organisation and Leadership 74 Funding and Resources and Next Steps 74

Farming, Water and Irrigation 75 Summary of Problems 75 Summary of Causes 75 Possible Solutions 76 How to progress solutions 76

Organisation and Leadership 76 Funding and Resources 76 Next Steps 76

Sewerage 77 Summary of Problems 77 Summary of Causes 77

iii

Possible Solutions 77 How to progress solutions 78


CONSENSUS: PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS 79

WORKSHOP WRAP-UP 80

Thank yous 80

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR STEERING COMMITTEE81

iv

Participants The facilitators and the typists for each table have been identified with an (F) or (T) in the list below. The table shown is the table at which people worked in the morning session.

Surname First Name Representing Table Bassett Bart Hawkesbury City Council 6 Balaam Tom Windsor Canoe Club 7 Black Stephen NSW Maritime 7 Blain Krissy Penrith City Council (T) 1 Books Ted Hawkesbury City Council 2 Bourne Chris Office of Louise Markus 5 Buckett Mary Community 3 Cannon Derek Phyto-ID 2 Chalmers Wendy Hawkesbury City Council (T) 5 Christie John Office of Member for Londonderry 5 Coad Peter Hornsby Shire Council 2 Cumming Rachel Hawkesbury City Council (F) 4 Daley Chris Hawkesbury City Council 6 Day Jessica Hawkesbury City Council (T) 4 Defina Steve Eco Fishing Tours 2 Devine Trevor Hawkesbury City Council 5 Dixon Bill CMA 4 Dobson Ted Hawkesbury River County Council 3 Docking Andrew DPI 7 Erskine Wayne Newcastle Uni 2 Finch Dianne Hawkesbury City Council 1 Gillespie Mark Blacktown City Council 8 Hanson Judy Sydney Water 5 Howard Gary Fishing Industry 3 Howard Mary CMA 1 Jackson Peter Hawkesbury City Council 2

1

Surname First Name Representing Table Johnston Ian Community (ex flood warden) 2 Karslon David Hawkesbury River County Council 4 Klem John CMA 8 Kozjak Robyn Hawkesbury City Council (T) 3 Laing Michael Hawkesbury City Council (F) 8 Lathlean Michael Baulkham Hills Shire Council 8 Laughland Carmelina Penrith City Council (T) 2 Liehr Graham Penrith City Council (F) 5 Maher Michelle Blue Mountains City Council 7 Markus Louise Member for Greenway 5 McHenry Brian Tourism 3 McMahon Bill Community 7 Mercer Dudley Windsor Business Group 5 Miller John Community 8 Mitchell Wayne Penrith City Council (F) 6 Nichols Steve CMA 7 O'Neill Robert Dept of Water & Energy 1 O'Connell Sarah Windsor Canoe Club 7 Owens Matt Hawkesbury City Council 1 Paine Christine Hawkesbury City Council 4 Paluzzano Karyn Member for Penrith 6 Patterson Ray Community 6 Payne Natalie Blacktown City Council (F) 1 Peirson Bill UNSW 3 Pleffer Phil Hawkesbury City Council (F) 2 Porter Bob Hawkesbury City Council 4 Pradhan Prayog Hawkesbury City Council (F) 7 Rainbow Elizabeth Hawkesbury City Council (T) 8 Rasmussen Paul Hawkesbury City Council 2 Roberts Graham Del Rio Resort 8 Rose Laurie Community 4

2

Surname First Name Representing Table Rose Geoff Fishing Industry 4 Sanders Jonathon National Parks DECC 1 Simmons Bruce UWS Hawkesbury 3 Slater Dudley Pitt Town Fishing Club 1 Smith Jenny CMA 1 Sundin Patricia Hawkesbury City Council (T) 7 Tate Clive Community 6 Tierney Dianne Hawkesbury City Council (F) 3 Vassili Michael Representing John Aquilina MP 4 Wearne Neville Hawkesbury City Council 8 West Debbie Hawkesbury City Council (T) 6 Wiecek Daniel DECC 8 Williams Ray Member for Hawkesbury 8 Williams Leigh Hawkesbury City Council 5 Woods Robyn Community 6

… and The Hon Nathan Rees.

3

Summit Objectives and Approach The River Summit aimed to raise awareness of the problems of the Hawkesbury River, and to articulate:

1. The Range of Problems facing the River, and

2. Explore the Possible Solutions

All participants brought different perspectives … different pieces of the jigsaw.

4

5

The discussion of the potential solutions is documented, starting on page 62.

These were then presented to all Summit participants.

At the table the following steps were undertaken:

In the afternoon session, the focus shifted from Problems to Solutions. The top ranked problem categories were assigned one per table. Participants were asked to move to the table with the Problem Category where they felt they could make the best contribution.

Solutions

• The first objective was to come up with a list of problems contributed by participants

At each table:

In the morning session of the workshop, participants were mixed across the tables and talked with other people concerned about the future of the River.

Problems

• These were then ranked in order of priority as determined by table participants

• Finally the problems were categorised according to some pre-determined problem categories. This enabled all the problems from the different tables to be merged over the lunch break, ready for the afternoon discussion of Solutions.

The list of categorised problems from all tables starts on page 22.

The original list of prioritised problems from each table starts on page 10.

The guest speakers also helped raise issues and stimulated thinking.

4. Discuss how the solutions ought to be progressed

3. List the possible solutions

2. Document the main causes

1. Produce a set of summary statements on the problem(s).

Guest Speakers We understand that Council intends to place the full versions of the speakers’ presentations on the web for download. What appears below is just some very brief notes on what was presented along with a couple of photos.

Councillor Ted Books (Hawkesbury City Council) Ted has had a long association with the River and is clearly passionate about it. Ted mentioned his Grandfather during his presentation and that brought some emotion … the kind the River needs. I suspect that Ted’s Grandfather would be very proud of Ted’s efforts but I suspect he would share Ted’s concern for how the River has deteriorated.

• Water quality has degraded so that you can no longer safely swim in or drink the River water. The quality problems also impact on Tourism and potentially farm production.

• The STP outfalls and Stormwater are contributing to water quality problems. While there was some discussion about the relative effects of these two forms of pollution, it was obvious that at least 100 tonnes per annum is being trapped in Hawkesbury’s Gross Pollutant Traps and the root cause of the problem is our planning and our behaviour.

• The River has silted up since the 1800s and there is a need to deepen the River to 2-3 metres in some places to improve navigability.

• We need to find ways to work with nature in managing the River.

• Bank erosion is a major problem and it needs to, and can be addressed.

• Weeds, from a variety of sources and causes are harming the health of the River.

The River is in crisis. We cannot continue to neglect the River – it cannot become another Murray Darling.

6

Bill Peirson (Director Water Research Laboratory – Uni of NSW) • Environmental Flows are maintained for the health of the River.

• The health of the Estuary is directly affected by the health of the whole system.

• The Saline / Fresh water interface will move in response to drought and flood conditions and this will affect the health of the biota.

• Drought and Wet Cycles are natural drivers of the behaviour of the River system.

• The various dams and other structures have substantially altered the natural flow regime and therefore of the salinity, sedimentation and biodiversity.

• When flow rates are substantially reduced, the River is more exposed to phenomena like algal blooms. A minimum flow rate of 2 m3 per second appears to be important to reduce the risk of blooms.

Bill’s presentation along with Wayne’s highlights the need to properly describe the desired environmental flow regime (rate, duration, frequency, seasonality) and to then work out how it can be achieved.

7

Prof. Wayne Erskine (University of Newcastle)

• Deep water depths (~10m) without appropriate flow regimes can lead to much of the River being biologically dead. This is backed up by research on the Hawkesbury Nepean system, but also elsewhere.

• Stratification of the water column can be described in terms of temperature, density, salinity and dissolved oxygen

• Without adequate mixing micro organisms in the lower part of the water column can exhaust the oxygen supply meaning nothing can survive.

• When there is stratification of the water column, nutrients from various sources can build up in different layers and when subsequently mixed by seasonal changes or wind, can trigger cyanobacterial blooms.

• While dredging may be needed in parts of the River, dredging below 3m is not recommended.

• The duration of flow events (in addition to their size, peak flow velocities and frequency) is important to achieve mixing of the water column.

8

Rob O’Neil (A/Dir Water Planning and Interstate Programs - DWE) • Water Sharing Plan (WSP) will cover a wide set of uses and

potentially competing demands, including potable water, environment and irrigation

• Linked to National Water Initiative

• Driven by several elements of State Plan (sustainable extraction levels, NRM issues, including Groundwater)

• Need to efficiently share amongst users and environment

• Implement ESD principles

• WSP does not address Demand / Supply balance or desalination – that is addressed by Metro Water Plan

• There is a need to manage potable water supply extractions and also for irrigation (Daily Access Rules etc.)

• WSP will cover environmental flow releases and ground water recharge

• Plan to initially do targeted consultation and then later public exhibition with gazettal in mid 2009

9

Problems and Pressures on the River The problems that appear below are in the prioritised sequence from each table.

By Table Table 1

# Problem Categories 1 Lack of clear, long term agreed objectives and

consistent integrated planning and application mechanisms across different portfolios

Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Compliance

2 Lack of breadth of community understanding of land and water management issues

Awareness and Education, Community Division

3 Lack of a natural flow regime, impacting upon aquatic ecosystem productivity, salinity intrusion, sedimentation, favours non native species, stratification and bank stability

Environmental flows

4 Not meeting national water quality objectives and poor water quality and cleanliness

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Environmental flows

5 Lack of clear and transparent water sharing arrangements for everyone

Environmental flows, Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management

6 Future sustainability of commercial and recreational fishing

Population Pressure, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation

10

Table 2 # Problem Categories 1 Water flow, 97% of fresh water goes to Sydney

leaving 3% fresh water or less flowing in the river Water quality, Environmental flows

2 Too many government authorities involved Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

3 Government policies and regulations Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

4 Return of environmental flows Environmental flows

5 River siltation and impact on navigation Water quality, Erosion

6 Water quality, stormwater, sewerage and excess nutrients and invasive aquatic weeds

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Weeds

7 Quality of water in tributaries eg. South Creek Water quality, Stormwater, Erosion

8 Impact of Urban development eg. water supply and stormwater run off

Stormwater, Population Pressure

9 Insufficient research and inadequate monitoring Funding, Monitoring

10 Water extraction from the river Water and Irrigation, Farming

11 Climate change Climate Change

12 Fish problems including passage, barriers and habitat

Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing

13 Riparian users (stock and domestic water) Access, Institutional - Management, Compliance

14 Management Plan objectives not being met eg. Healthy River's Commission recommendations from 1998

Institutional - Management

15 Impact of farm dams Water quality, Weeds

11

# Problem Categories 16 Inappropriate or excessive waterway activities Tourism - Other Recreation, Access

17 Impact of Mining Other

18 Water run off Water quality, Stormwater

19 Riparian corridor condition eg. bank erosion, pest, weeds and disease

Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity

20 Impact of Government cycle eg. funding and policy changes

Institutional - Management, Funding, Compliance

21 Impact of bushfires Water quality, Erosion

22 Lack of education and awareness Awareness and Education

12

Table 3 # Problem Categories 1 A single independent Hawkesbury Nepean River

catchment authority with appropriate responsibilities and the necessary regulatory powers with an independent funding source (eg levy) focussing on water quantity and quality and regulate its diversity of uses


2 Sustainability test for types of use within the catchment including cumulative impacts

Other

3 Education and awareness of residents and property owners within the catchment on relevant issues

Awareness and Education

4 Lack of environmental water flow - magnitude, quality and duration

Environmental flows

5 Improve water quality with the upgrading of infrastructure to avoid pollutants entering the river and contaminating the ecosystem

Water quality

6 Prevention of siltation and pollution by storm water management

Stormwater

7 Management of riparian zone to prevent bank erosion, pollution and weed infestation

Erosion

8 Flood vulnerability due to inappropriate land use planning

Flooding

9 Aquatic and riparian weed management Weeds

13

Table 4 # Problem Categories 1 Lack of whole of government approach - requiring

one single authority over all issues Institutional - Management

2 Lack of information on condition of river system to allow informed discussion/decisions.

Monitoring, Awareness and Education

3 Insufficient flows. Need to increase environmental flows from the dams supplemented by high quality re-use water.

Environmental flows

4 Bank erosion, river siltation Erosion, Boating

5 Over politicisation of river, need bipartisan approach. Institutional - Management, Community Division

6 Imbalance of allocation of scarce resources Funding, Skills - Resources

7 All beneficiaries to contribute to cost of managing river eg water pricing

Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources

8 Lack of monitoring of pharmacological chemicals in the river

Monitoring

9 Lack of clarity in the framework for regulation of illegal works

Institutional - Management, Compliance

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Table 5 # Problem Categories 1 Single river authority with statutory enforcement

powers. Institutional - Management

2 Adequate environmental flows to ensure river health. Environmental flows

3 Urban and rural catchment runoff/sedimentation Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Population Pressure

4 Flood mitigation. Flooding, Funding, Monitoring, Awareness and Education

5 The allocation of water for competing uses eg agriculture and environmental flow.

Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management, Compliance, Community Division

6 The sewerage treatment plants eg water quality. Sewerage, Population Pressure

7 Protect commercial, agriculture and recreational users that rely on river health.

Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic

8 Difference caused because of dams on natural flow. Environmental flows

9 Mapping of impact of flooding of river. Social and economic impact of failure to address flood mitigation.

Flooding, Funding

10 Lack of stabilisation of the river bank eg trees and natural vegetation.

Erosion, Biodiversity

11 Impact of recreational boating on river bank erosion. Boating, Tourism - Other Recreation

15

Table 6 # Problem Categories 1 Lack of a single independent river authority reporting

to one single (senior) minister. Lack of a cohesive plan.

Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Compliance

2 Land management practices Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Flooding, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Access

3 Urban development & land clearance in the catchment

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Biodiversity, Flooding, Environmental flows, Water and Irrigation

4 Poor water quality - due to effluent and runoff Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Compliance

5 Restricted flow - lack of natural flow Water quality, Population Pressure, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education

6 Small order streams contributing a high portion of problems

Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Water and Irrigation, Farming

16

# Problem Categories 7 Man made problems - water quality - these are all

able to be rectified Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Biodiversity, Flooding, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Access, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance, Community Division

8 Introduced species - flora & fauna Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education

9 Bank degradation - siltation Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Flooding, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Farming, Other Economic, Access

10 Lack of action - all talk no action Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance, Community Division

11 Lack of monitoring Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

12 A need for and establishment of riparian corridors as part of an LEP - protection

Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Flooding, Funding, Compliance

13 A lack of public awareness of the river flows in regards to fresh water flows being replaced by recycled water flows

Water quality, Sewerage, Population Pressure, Institutional - Management, Monitoring, Awareness and Education

17

# Problem Categories 14 Overall (lack of) depth of the navigation channel of

the Hawkesbury -- from Windsor to the sea Erosion, Climate Change, Flooding, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Institutional - Management, Compliance, Community Division

15 Dedicated funding source with set goals and a set duration

Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring

16 Lack of environmental scientist in Local Government Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

17 Lack of access to river Population Pressure, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation

18

Table 7 # Problem Categories 1 Depleted natural flows/dams/STPs Environmental flows

2 Water quality - STPs etc. Stratification issues. Water quality, Sewerage

3 Aquatic weed, pest species (fish). Water quality, Weeds, Fish and Fishing, Institutional - Management

4 Altered hydrology (urban impact)-storm water nutrients, run off, peak discharge increased, rubbish, phosphates.

Stormwater, Sewerage, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Flooding, Institutional - Management

5 Changing land use patterns - urban development Population Pressure, Farming, Other Economic, Institutional - Management

6 Lack of coordinated development control, river bank structures (pontoons, wharves etc)


7 River bank erosion. Lack of quality of riparian vegetation, canal style development (landscaping by owners). Live stock access.

Flooding, Farming, Institutional - Management, Awareness and Education, Other

8 Lack of education for community Sewerage, Awareness and Education

9 Siltation/sedimentation Erosion, Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management, Funding

10 Dredging/extraction Erosion, Environmental flows, Boating, Institutional - Management

11 Air quality /spreading of poultry manure - only affects the river if run off enters the river.

Water quality, Stormwater, Tourism - Other Recreation, Farming, Institutional - Management

19

# Problem Categories 12 Maintaining access for irrigation - impact on pumps

from siltation/weeds Water and Irrigation, Farming, Access

13 Current lack of water sharing plan Institutional - Management

14 Proliferation of basic landholder rights (water rights) Population Pressure, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Institutional - Management, Monitoring

15 Too many fish barriers. Biodiversity, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation

20

Table 8 # Problem Categories 1 Three tiers of government approach to management

with lack of central agency or body for responsibility Institutional - Management, Funding

2 Increased nutrients in the river due to sewage, urban stormwater and agricultural run off

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Population Pressure

3 Almost nil environmental flows Environmental flows, Compliance

4 Terrestrial and aquatic weeds and algae Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Weeds, Climate Change, Farming

5 Increased bank degradation and erosion due to lack of appropriate vegetation and changing and increased recreational activity

Erosion, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Boating, Tourism - Other Recreation, Farming

6 Flooding and lack of mitigation to reduce flood levels to protect life, property, infrastructure

Climate Change, Flooding, Awareness and Education, Compliance

7 Changing hydrology of river eg dredging, siltation Stormwater, Erosion, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Flooding, Environmental flows, Farming

8 Impacts on the local fishing industry - which reduces usable catches

Water quality, Stormwater, Weeds, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Compliance

9 Degradation of estuarine wetlands Water quality, Weeds, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Environmental flows

21

Consolidated from All Tables and Organised into Categories The overall priority of the problems reflects the number of tables at which the problem was mentioned and the relative priority of the problems at the tables where they were raised … so the “Institutional – Management” category stood out as the highest priority set of problems, followed by Water Quality and Environmental Flows.

Category Rankings

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Institutional - ManagementWater quality

Environmental flowsErosion

StormwaterPopulation Pressure

FarmingSewerage

WeedsWater and Irrigation

FundingCompliance

Awareness and EducationFlooding

Tourism - Other RecreationFish and Fishing

Skills - ResourcesBoating

MonitoringBiodiversity

Climate ChangeOther Economic

Community DivisionAccess

Other

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The problems that appear below are grouped into the Categories (e.g. Access into which they were categorised). The Categories column on the right of each table below shows the full list of categories to which each problem was related. The fact that many problems are related to so many different categories reflects the complexity and interrelationship of the issues. It would probably be worthwhile to form a ‘mesh’ of the issues to show how they do interrelate, which problems contribute to others and which ones perhaps ought to be attacked first so as to have the most effective impact.

Access

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 13 Riparian users (stock and domestic

water) Access, Institutional - Management, Compliance

2 16 Inappropriate or excessive waterway activities

Tourism - Other Recreation, Access

6 2 Land management practices Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Flooding, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Access

6 7 Man made problems - water quality - these are all able to be rectified

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Biodiversity, Flooding, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Access, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance, Community Division

6 9 Bank degradation - siltation Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Flooding, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Farming, Other Economic, Access

7 12 Maintaining access for irrigation - impact on pumps from siltation/weeds

Water and Irrigation, Farming, Access

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Table # Problem Category Categories 1 2 Lack of breadth of community

understanding of land and water management issues


2 22 Lack of education and awareness Awareness and Education

3 3 Education and awareness of residents and property owners within the catchment on relevant issues


4 2 Lack of information on condition of river system to allow informed discussion/decisions.


5 4 Flood mitigation. Flooding, Funding, Monitoring, Awareness and Education

6 5 Restricted flow - lack of natural flow Water quality, Population Pressure, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education



6 8 Introduced species - flora & fauna Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education

6 10 Lack of action - all talk no action Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance, Community Division

6 11 Lack of monitoring Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

6 13 A lack of public awareness of the river flows in regards to fresh water flows being replaced by recycled water flows


24

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 16 Lack of environmental scientist in Local

Government Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

7 7 River bank erosion. Lack of quality of riparian vegetation, canal style development (landscaping by owners). Live stock access.


7 8 Lack of education for community Sewerage, Awareness and Education

8 6 Flooding and lack of mitigation to reduce flood levels to protect life, property, infrastructure


Biodiversity

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 19 Riparian corridor condition eg. bank

erosion, pest, weeds and disease Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity

5 10 Lack of stabilisation of the river bank eg trees and natural vegetation.


6 3 Urban development & land clearance in the catchment


6 4 Poor water quality - due to effluent and runoff

Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Compliance

6 6 Small order streams contributing a high portion of problems


25

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 7 Man made problems - water quality -

these are all able to be rectified Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Biodiversity, Flooding, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Access, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance, Community Division



6 12 A need for and establishment of riparian corridors as part of an LEP - protection


7 15 Too many fish barriers. Biodiversity, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation

8 9 Degradation of estuarine wetlands Water quality, Weeds, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Environmental flows

Boating

Table # Problem Category Categories 4 4 Bank erosion, river siltation Erosion, Boating

5 7 Protect commercial, agriculture and recreational users that rely on river health.


5 11 Impact of recreational boating on river bank erosion.

Boating, Tourism - Other Recreation



26





6 14 Overall (lack of) depth of the navigation channel of the Hawkesbury -- from Windsor to the sea

Erosion, Climate Change, Flooding, Environmental flows, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Institutional - Management, Compliance, Community Division

6 17 Lack of access to river Population Pressure, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation

7 10 Dredging/extraction Erosion, Environmental flows, Boating, Institutional - Management

8 5 Increased bank Degradation and erosion due to lack of appropriate vegetation and changing and increased recreational activity


8 8 Impacts on the local fishing industry - which reduces usable catches


27

Climate Change

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 11 Climate change Climate Change



7 4 Altered hydrology (urban impact)-storm water nutrients, run off, peak discharge increased, rubbish, phosphates.


8 4 Terrestrial and aquatic weeds and algae Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Weeds, Climate Change, Farming





8 7 Changing hydrology of river eg dredging, siltation

Stormwater, Erosion, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Flooding, Environmental flows, Farming




28

Community Division

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 2 Lack of breadth of community

understanding of land and water management issues


4 5 Over politicisation of river, need bipartisan approach.

Institutional - Management, Community Division

5 5 The allocation of water for competing uses eg agriculture and environmental flow.







29

Compliance

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 1 Lack of clear, long term agreed

objectives and consistent integrated planning and application mechanisms across different portfolios


2 13 Riparian users (stock and domestic water)

Access, Institutional - Management, Compliance

2 20 Impact of Government cycle eg. funding and policy changes


4 9 Lack of clarity in the framework for regulation of illegal works




6 1 Lack of a single independent river authority reporting to one single (senior) minister. Lack of a cohesive plan.







30

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 11 Lack of monitoring Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources,

Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance





6 16 Lack of environmental scientist in Local Government

Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

8 3 Almost nil environmental flows Environmental flows, Compliance





31

Environmental flows

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 3 Lack of a natural flow regime, impacting

upon aquatic ecosystem productivity, salinity intrusion, sedimentation, favours non native species, stratification and bank stability

Environmental flows

1 4 Not meeting national water quality objectives and poor water quality and cleanliness


1 5 Lack of clear and transparent water sharing arrangements for everyone


2 1 Water flow, 97% of fresh water goes to Sydney leaving 3% fresh water or less flowing in the river

Water quality, Environmental flows

2 4 Return of environmental flows Environmental flows

2 12 Fish problems including passage, barriers and habitat


3 4 Lack of environmental water flow - magnitude, quality and duration

Environmental flows

4 3 Insufficient flows. Need to increase environmental flows from the dams supplemented by high quality re-use water.

Environmental flows

32

Table # Problem Category Categories 5 2 Adequate environmental flows to ensure

river health. Environmental flows

5 8 Difference caused because of dams on natural flow.

Environmental flows










7 1 Depleted natural flows/dams/STPs Environmental flows



8 3 Almost nil environmental flows Environmental flows, Compliance




33

Erosion

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 5 River siltation and impact on navigation Water quality, Erosion

2 7 Quality of water in tributaries eg. South Creek

Water quality, Stormwater, Erosion

2 19 Riparian corridor condition eg. bank erosion, pest, weeds and disease


2 21 Impact of bushfires Water quality, Erosion

3 7 Management of riparian zone to prevent bank erosion, pollution and weed infestation

Erosion

4 4 Bank erosion, river siltation Erosion, Boating

5 3 Urban and rural catchment runoff/sedimentation

Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Population Pressure

5 10 Lack of stabilisation of the river bank eg trees and natural vegetation.









34









7 9 Siltation/sedimentation Erosion, Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management, Funding






35

Farming

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 10 Water extraction from the river Water and Irrigation, Farming















7 5 Changing land use patterns - urban development

Population Pressure, Farming, Other Economic, Institutional - Management

36

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 7 River bank erosion. Lack of quality of

riparian vegetation, canal style development (landscaping by owners). Live stock access.


7 11 Air quality /spreading of poultry manure - only affects the river if run off enters the river.




7 14 Proliferation of basic landholder rights (water rights)

Population Pressure, Water and Irrigation, Farming, Institutional - Management, Monitoring






37

Fish and Fishing

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 6 Future sustainability of commercial and

recreational fishing Population Pressure, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation

2 12 Fish problems including passage, barriers and habitat














7 3 Aquatic weed, pest species (fish). Water quality, Weeds, Fish and Fishing, Institutional - Management

38

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 15 Too many fish barriers. Biodiversity, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation



Flooding

Table # Problem Category Categories 3 8 Flood vulnerability due to inappropriate

land use planning Flooding


5 9 Mapping of impact of flooding of river. Social and economic impact of failure to address flood mitigation.

Flooding, Funding









39

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 14 Overall (lack of) depth of the navigation

channel of the Hawkesbury -- from Windsor to the sea










Funding




2 9 Insufficient research and inadequate monitoring

Funding, Monitoring

40

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 20 Impact of Government cycle eg. funding

and policy changes Institutional - Management, Funding, Compliance

4 6 Imbalance of allocation of scarce resources

Funding, Skills - Resources

4 7 All beneficiaries to contribute to cost of managing river eg water pricing



5 9 Mapping of impact of flooding of river. Social and economic impact of failure to address flood mitigation.

Flooding, Funding









6 15 Dedicated funding source with set goals and a set duration




41

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 9 Siltation/sedimentation Erosion, Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management, Funding

8 1 Three tiers of government approach to management with lack of central agency or body for responsibility

Institutional - Management, Funding





1 5 Lack of clear and transparent water sharing arrangements for everyone


2 2 Too many government authorities involved

Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

2 3 Government policies and regulations Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

2 13 Riparian users (stock and domestic water)

Access, Institutional - Management, Compliance

2 14 Management Plan objectives not being met eg. Healthy River's Commission recommendations from 1998


2 20 Impact of Government cycle eg. funding and policy changes


42

Table # Problem Category Categories 3 1 A single independent Hawkesbury

Nepean River catchment authority with appropriate responsibilities and the necessary regulatory powers with an independent funding source (eg levy) focussing on water quantity and quality and regulate its diversity of uses


4 1 Lack of whole of government approach - requiring one single authority over all issues


4 5 Over politicisation of river, need bipartisan approach.

Institutional - Management, Community Division



4 9 Lack of clarity in the framework for regulation of illegal works


5 1 Single river authority with statutory enforcement powers.






43


















7 6 Lack of coordinated development control, river bank structures (pontoons, wharves etc)


44

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 7 River bank erosion. Lack of quality of

riparian vegetation, canal style development (landscaping by owners). Live stock access.






7 13 Current lack of water sharing plan Institutional - Management



8 1 Three tiers of government approach to management with lack of central agency or body for responsibility

Institutional - Management, Funding

Monitoring




45

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 9 Insufficient research and inadequate

monitoring Funding, Monitoring

4 2 Lack of information on condition of river system to allow informed discussion/decisions.


4 8 Lack of monitoring of pharmacological chemicals in the river

Monitoring














46

Other

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 17 Impact of Mining Other

3 2 Sustainability test for types of use within the catchment including cumulative impacts

Other



Other Economic

Table # Problem Category Categories 5 7 Protect commercial, agriculture and

recreational users that rely on river health.







47

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 8 Introduced species - flora & fauna Water quality, Erosion, Weeds, Biodiversity, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation,

Water and Irrigation, Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education






Population Pressure



2 8 Impact of Urban development eg. water supply and stormwater run off




5 6 The sewerage treatment plants eg water quality.

Sewerage, Population Pressure




48

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 5 Restricted flow - lack of natural flow Water quality, Population Pressure, Environmental flows, Fish and Fishing, Water and Irrigation,

Farming, Other Economic, Awareness and Education












8 2 Increased nutrients in the river due to sewage, urban stormwater and agricultural run off






49

Table # Problem Category Categories 8 8 Impacts on the local fishing industry -

which reduces usable catches Water quality, Stormwater, Weeds, Population Pressure, Climate Change, Boating, Fish and Fishing, Tourism - Other Recreation, Compliance


Sewerage

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 4 Not meeting national water quality

objectives and poor water quality and cleanliness


2 6 Water quality, stormwater, sewerage and excess nutrients and invasive aquatic weeds




5 6 The sewerage treatment plants eg water quality.

Sewerage, Population Pressure






50






7 2 Water quality - STPs etc. Stratification issues.

Water quality, Sewerage



7 8 Lack of education for community Sewerage, Awareness and Education




51

Skills - Resources




2 2 Too many government authorities involved

Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

2 3 Government policies and regulations Institutional - Management, Skills - Resources

4 6 Imbalance of allocation of scarce resources

Funding, Skills - Resources











52

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 16 Lack of environmental scientist in Local

Government Institutional - Management, Funding, Skills - Resources, Monitoring, Awareness and Education, Compliance

Stormwater








2 8 Impact of Urban development eg. water supply and stormwater run off


2 18 Water run off Water quality, Stormwater

3 6 Prevention of siltation and pollution by storm water management

Stormwater




53

Table # Problem Category Categories 6 3 Urban development & land clearance in

the catchment Water quality, Stormwater, Sewerage, Erosion, Weeds, Population Pressure, Biodiversity, Flooding, Environmental flows, Water and Irrigation

















54

Tourism - Other Recreation



2 16 Inappropriate or excessive waterway activities

Tourism - Other Recreation, Access



5 11 Impact of recreational boating on river bank erosion.

Boating, Tourism - Other Recreation











55

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 11 Air quality /spreading of poultry manure -

only affects the river if run off enters the river.






Water and Irrigation

Table # Problem Category Categories 1 5 Lack of clear and transparent water

sharing arrangements for everyone Environmental flows, Water and Irrigation, Institutional - Management

2 10 Water extraction from the river Water and Irrigation, Farming






56



















57

Water quality




2 1 Water flow, 97% of fresh water goes to Sydney leaving 3% fresh water or less flowing in the river

Water quality, Environmental flows

2 5 River siltation and impact on navigation Water quality, Erosion





2 15 Impact of farm dams Water quality, Weeds

2 18 Water run off Water quality, Stormwater

2 21 Impact of bushfires Water quality, Erosion

3 5 Improve water quality with the upgrading of infrastructure to avoid pollutants entering the river and contaminating the ecosystem

Water quality


58

















7 2 Water quality - STPs etc. Stratification issues.

Water quality, Sewerage


59

Table # Problem Category Categories 7 11 Air quality /spreading of poultry manure -

only affects the river if run off enters the river.








Weeds

Table # Problem Category Categories 2 6 Water quality, stormwater, sewerage

and excess nutrients and invasive aquatic weeds


2 15 Impact of farm dams Water quality, Weeds

2 19 Riparian corridor condition eg. bank erosion, pest, weeds and disease


3 9 Aquatic and riparian weed management Weeds


60

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Solutions Institutional - Management Team at Table 6: Wayne Mitchell (F), Debbie West (T), Jenny Smith, Michael Lathlean, Bart Bassett, Clive Tate, Brian McHenry, John Klem, Robyn Woods, Robert O’Neil

Summary of Problems • Too many agencies & ministers – levels of Gov

• No clear demarcation

• Lack of accountability

• Conflicting acts & regulations

• Inter-agency politics (turf protection)

• Policy conflicts

• Competition for funding

Summary of Causes • Lack of a state wide river health strategy

• Lack of long term vision

• Changing political priorities

• Poor links between science and decision making

• Lack of coordinated approach

• Lack of funding

Possible Solutions • Single river authority (body) responsible to a senior minister

• Development of a long term plan for the river & stakeholders

• Guaranteed and adequate funding

• Bipartisan support for the proposed model

62

How to progress solutions Organisation Steering committee from the councils and stakeholders

Leadership Minister

Funding and Resources As necessary for submission to Minister

Next Steps • To look at other models (from other states & territories, MDB)

• Prepare a discussion paper and present to the minister

It seems that there are two priorities:

• Work out how the different issues are interlinked and establish the best points of attack. Two routes to attack the issues are likely to be via the planning approaches and via the ‘user’ interfaces to the mechanisms of government and management of the River and the elements of the River System.

• Build a view of who does what and how this can be streamlined, simplified and coordinated. It was interesting that no one appeared to suggesting throwing out all the existing approaches. Rather there was a need for coordination and some clout that could pull it all together.

Allen ManagementSolutions 63

Water Quality and Weeds Team at Table 3: Dianne Tierney (F), Robyn Kozjak (T), Ted Dobson, Derek Cannon, Ian Johnston, Mary Buckett, David Karlson, Ray Patterson, Geoff Rose, Bill Dixon

Summary of Problems • Water quality

• Low flows

• Enhanced growth of weeds

• Algal blooms

• Access for weed management

Summary of Causes • Point and diffuse source pollution

• Poor land management

• Water extraction and climatic impact

• (Weeds) nutrients, lack of flow, temperature, changes to river morphology, vectors introducing new weeds, lack of education

• Private land ownership – closure or modification of public land access upstream of Yarramundi

Possible Solutions • Nutrient trading and STP upgrades

• Education and compliance for land managers

• Adequately resource sub-catchment stormwater management plans

• Stormwater treatment WSUD

• Source control of aquatic weeds

• Refinement of Noxious Weeds Act


How to progress solutions Organisation and Leadership State govt should direct and/or resource:

Organisation Leadership

Sydney Catchment Authority/Sydney Water

Flow and nutrients

Local Government Stormwater and sewerage treatment

Local control authorities and land managers

Weeds

Funding and Resources • Treasury allocation from State Government

• IPART costing of water

• National water initiative

• Caring for Our Country

• Environmental trust river bank

• Levies

• Boat ramp tolls

This group, like the others, highlighted how many of the issues were understood (although I suspect many would concede there are some major knowledge gaps). There were a variety of ideas on Possible Solutions and Funding models. Not all of these will be feasible but it seems that there are plenty of ideas which ought to be sifted through so that actions can then be focused to produce the desired outcomes.


Environmental Flows Team at Table 1: Natalie Payne (F), Krissy Blain (T), Bill Peirson, Steve Defina, Louise Markus, Jonathan Sanders, Mary Howard

Summary of Problems • Lack of and timing of environmental flows,

• Source and quality of environmental flows,

• Lack of strategic total water cycle management, monitoring and transparency,

• Loss of medium to low flow and variability,

• Alteration to peak flow events,

• Large number of related environmental problems as a result of lack of environmental flows (changes in geomorphology, water quality, ecosystem productivity etc)

• Prioritisation of social, economic and environmental needs (competing needs),

• Lack of education and research (modelling),

• Climate change,

• Fish barriers such as weirs.

Summary of Causes • Climate variability eg drought,

• Population growth

• Industrial, urban development and land clearing,

• Dams and other structures,

• Extraction and demand management,

• Effluent disposal, treatment and discharge qualities,

• Mining,

• Climate change.


Possible Solutions • Demand management,

• Water use efficiency,

• Transparent management, modelling and monitoring,

• Stormwater harvesting and reuse,

• Metered extractions,

• Storage management eg dam releases,

• Interagency cooperation,

• Ensuring water quality of supplemented flows to protect ecosystem health.

How to progress solutions Organisation • DECC, DWE, DOP, DPI,

• Federal government

• Sydney water,

• SCA,

• Waterways,

• Councils,

• CMA’s

• Water users associations,

• Irrigators associations,

• Tourism groups,

• Fishing, recreation and commercial groups.

Leadership • Minister of Water and Natural resource,

• Body like CMA-supported by statutory/regulatory powers, independent to users and that are answerable to the community.


Funding and Resources • Water users and associations,

• National water initiative,

• State and federal government grants,

• SCA water taxes,

• % of profits from regulatory bodies.

Next Steps • Set up body supported by statutory/regulatory powers independent to user and that

is answerable to the public,

• Promotion, awareness and incentives for stormwater harvesting and reuse,

• Metering of extractions,

• Research and development into water conservation and reuse,

• Linking funding to delivery of the on ground environmental flow outcomes that are measurable.

The challenge will be to confirm what are environmental flows. It seems that presentations by Wayne Erskine and Bill Peirson earlier in the day are very relevant, particularly in regards to frequency, size and duration.


Erosion Team at Table 5: Graham Liehr (F), Wendy Chalmers (T), Steve Black, Bob Porter, Wayne Erskine, Graham Roberts, Leigh Williams

Summary of Problems • Loss of vegetation.

• Collapsing banks.

• Siltation of the river.

• Improper land practices.

• Weeds.

• In-action of authorities in addressing the problems.

Summary of Causes • Wash from boats.(wakeboard boats).

• Impact from urban and rural development.

• Clearing of natural vegetation.

• Livestock access.

• Statutory authorities.

• Natural.

Possible Solutions • Education.

• Resourcing to educate and regulate.

• Re-vegetation.

• Dredging.

• Streamlining on foreshore rehabilitation.

• Structural works.

• Single authority.


How to progress solutions Organisation and Leadership Organisation Leadership

Single Authority to address the problems of the Nepean/Hawkesbury system.

State Government

Funding for landowners State Government

Council recommendation to cabinet. Local council.

Funding and Resources and Next Steps Funding and Resources Next Steps

Sydney Water to introduce an environmental levy to rehabilitate Hawkesbury/Nepean system.

Ministerial directive.

Landowners to contribute. By Application.

In particular this group highlighted the difficulty of navigating the approval bureaucracies, making it very hard to do the right thing. It is confusing and costly … it needs to be informed, right and easy.


Stormwater Team at Table 7: Prayog Pradhan (F), Patricia Sundin (T), Bruce Simmons, Steve Nichols, Tom Balaam, Sarah O’Connell

Summary of Problems • Peak discharge increase and time of concentration shortened.

• Run off/pollution from roads, urban and cleared areas.

• Turbidity and sediments in the river.

• Nutrients.

• Gross pollution.

• Weed and plant spread.

• Erosion.

• Impact on river activities – recreational and commercial

• Climate change and climate variability.

Summary of Causes • Land clearing and intensification of land use.

• Destruction of natural drainage lines.

• Lack of policing of regulations.

• Increased litter and other debris.

• Increased weed and problem plant populations.

• Simplifying of the catchment/confining of waterways.

Possible Solutions • Revegetation of catchments.

• Restoration of riparian zones.

• Co-ordinated land use planning and consents (matched to land capability).

• Integrating design solutions into rural and urban design, eg. wetlands.

• Harvesting reuse at a development scale and a allotment scale.

• Community education.


How to progress solutions Organisation • Dept of Planning.

• Councils

• CMA

• Peak development bodies

• Universities/TAFE

Leadership • Minister for Western Sydney

• Federal & State representatives

• Council Associations

• CMA

• Private development consortiums

Funding and Resources • Government grants and contributions

• Local Government levies

• Development contributions

• Market Based Instruments

Next Steps • Policy development eg. Stormwater harvesting and management

• Determination of stakeholder roles.

• Capacity building.

• Increase awareness of opportunities.

It seems that many of the pressures are understood. It needs to be pulled together and solutions funded.


Population Pressure Team at Table 4: Rachel Cumming (F), Jessica Day (T), Laurie Rose, Michelle Maher, Dudley Mercer, Peter Coad, Chris Paine, Mark Gillespie

Summary of Problems • Increase waste water and storm water

• Increase demand for water supply

• Increased need for recreational activities and access

• Limited floodplain development

• Reduction in farmland

• Increased employment lands

Summary of Causes • Need to house population.

• Increase in population and industry.

• Increase nutrients.

• Higher storm flows.

• Pressure to develop flood lands and agricultural lands for urban uses.

Possible Solutions • Improved infrastructure for existing areas.

• Improved public transport.

• Institute sewage recycling.

• Decentralising work centres eg working from home.

• Appropriate and sustainable land use.

• Regular funding for improvements and maintenance of existing infrastructure.



Single powerful organisation NSW Premier

Integrated planning framework Department of Planning

Installation and/or maintenance of infrastructure

Local Government

Funding and Resources and Next Steps Funding and Resources Next Steps

State and Federal Government Lobby Nathan Rees (NWI)

State Government Implement existing and new policies

Monitor and evaluate

Obtain State funds Manage improvements

It was interesting to see how Population Pressure ended up as a Driver for many of the issues raised by other groups. There is obviously a pressing need for coordination of the planning of these areas, to a greater degree than has currently been done. The coordination will need to link the various agencies, different levels of government and the community … in many ways the coordination will need to mirror the way the different issues are inter-linked.


Farming, Water and Irrigation Team at Table 2: Phil Pleffer (F), Carmelina Laughland (T), Andrew Docking, Bill McMahon, Paul Rasmussen, Ted Books, Chris Bourne, Danny Wiecek

Summary of Problems • Perception that farming practices impact on river water quality

• Perception that farmers extract too much water from the river

• Not all land holders have good land practices

• General public do not have an understanding of good, modern day farming practices

• Legacy of the degradation caused by the historical farming practices eg. Clearing of riparian vegetation

• Lack of security for farmers for access to water

• Sydney Water selling water to new users (to the highest bidder)

• Potential for buy back scheme

• Deterioration of water quality (embargo on use due to health concerns)

• Lack of natural flow

Summary of Causes • Competition for water

• Quality of water returned from STPs into the river

• Clearing of vegetation down to the river

• Possible over irrigation

• Impact of Warragamba Dam – lack of discharge

• Unsustainable land practices

• Public not aware of good, modern day farming practices


Possible Solutions • Farmers require water security from State Government

• Government needs to realise water catchments differ throughout the State. One solution/restriction will not suit all

• Say no to compulsory buy back schemes

• Farmers given priority/subsidy for water licenses

• Increased education and incentives for sustainable farming practices

• STP water should be treated thoroughly and returned to the river

• Return of environmental/irrigation flows from Warragamba Dam


State Government Single Authority

DWE Guarantee water licenses

Whole of State Government and CMA

Develop individual solutions for individual catchments eg. Estuary management program

Sydney Water Warragamba Dam and STPs

DPI, CMA, DECC, Councils Education and incentives

Funding and Resources Funding for farmers through taxation/rates system eg. 3 x 3 fuel tax share, incentives, rebates. Not $ for $

Next Steps State Government and Federal Government

It was interesting to hear the initial comments in regard to perceptions. It seems that some facts need to be put on the table to assist in an informed discussion. This area is part of a bigger debate about Water and food security. It is also obviously a priority for farmers and probably for us more generally.


Sewerage Team at Table 8: Michael Laing (F), Elizabeth Rainbow (T), John Miller, Neville Wearne, Judy Hanson, Trevor Devine, Chris Daley, Gary Howard

Summary of Problems • Nutrients

• Bacteria

• Population Growth

• Pharmaceuticals

• Long standing practices of discharging STPs into the river including major flood inundation of systems

• Impacts on: human health; algal blooms; biodiversity; exotic weed growth; community confidence; and recreational quality

• Depreciation of the inherent values of the Hawkesbury River

Summary of Causes • Discharge volume and quality

Possible Solutions • Upgrade treatment quality

• Recycle

• Catchment planning and population growth

• Integrate into potable drinking water supply

• Improved sewer overflow during rain fall events

• Need to confirm and communicate the actual impact of STP discharges


How to progress solutions Organisation • Sydney Water

• River Authority

• DECC

• DPI

• STP owners

• Local Government

• River Stakeholders

• Local Community

Leadership • New River Authority

• All relevant Ministers both State and Federal

• Independent monitor of water quality

Funding and Resources • User Pays

• Government Grants

• More appropriate value of water

Next Steps Appoint single river authority with appropriate powers

Like Stormwater, there are a Wide Variety of Issues that are in large part understood. There is a need for some focus and coordination. Hopefully the goodwill (and networking) at the Summit can be carried through into resolution of the issues.


Consensus: Problems & Solutions There were many common themes that emerged from the group work on Solutions. They included:

• The River is already severely stressed and the threats are many and varied.

• There is a shared desire to do something, and to do it soon to address the problems of the River.

• Population Pressures mean that its plight will only get worse if something is not done.

• The current approaches are NOT working and new approaches are needed.

• There was a willingness to rise above some of the inter-agency and inter-government divisions to achieve better outcomes. Some objective information and well structured debate will be needed to help facilitate this.

• Virtually every group indicated that they felt a Single River Authority was needed to pull together the efforts of the various stakeholders, across:

o All planning which needs to be far more coordinated as the problems currently and in the future are inter-linked.

o Compliance and Implementation – It needs to be far easier to do the right thing.

• A challenge will be how to fund the necessary investments. A fresh overall look at the various instrumentalities and what they are being asked to do might produce some dividends.

The problems confronting the River are still a bit of a jig saw puzzle but a far better picture is emerging. Probably some more work is needed to outline the Vision for a Healthy River.

There are also many questions that need to be resolved. For example to what extent are point and diffuse pollution sources contributing to problems – what are the facts, and how can action be focused and coordinated?

Overall there was strong consensus that the range of problems had been articulated and that many elements of the potential solutions had been identified. It now needs some organisation, action and leadership to go to the next level.


Workshop Wrap-up It is interesting that in spite of the problems with the technology we still came through with a very good result.

The workshop was probably a very good analogy for what is needed for the River:

• We aimed high and achieved a lot. • Most people seemed to enter into the discussions with a lot of goodwill, with a

shared sense of concern for the River and a desire to contribute from the many different experience bases and perspectives that everyone brought to the Summit.

• There was a consensus that seemed to transcend any politics and there was genuine support from State and Federal politicians and the agencies.

• With nearly 80 people, unfortunately Murphy (with apologies to the Irish) snuck in and we had some printing glitches and the network problems in the afternoon didn’t help (but we have learned from the experience and can hopefully avoid this at any future events) … nevertheless with persistence, flexibility and some splendid efforts by the typists, facilitators and support by the reserves of Peter, Matt and Rigo, and perhaps a little luck … it all came together. It is the kind of teamwork the River probably needs.

Thank yous Bart and I thanked everyone at the end … but for the record …

• Thank you again to the speakers for the time they put into preparing and delivering their messages

• Thank you to all the Facilitators and Typists for the way you helped carry out the exercise, for your professionalism and your good humour when the going got tough.

• Thank you to Di, Robyn and Rigo (and PC Hire who helped bolt all the PCs together) for all the behind the scenes work.

• Thank you to Doug Wiggins (Video Innovations) who videoed the proceedings and who produced the Video(and to those interviewed) we showed at the breaks.

• Thank you to the members of the Steering Committee who put in many hours to plan the Summit, especially Matt, Peter, Bart and Ted.

… and a special thank you to all the participants in the Summit from Councils, the Community, from State and Federal Government. Nearly everyone stayed right to the end so obviously the issues and the approach sustained the group.

Thank you also to Nathan Rees for the openness, the way you listened and handled the group’s questions. We think we have achieved the consensus result you sought.


Expressions of Interest for Steering Committee The following people provided their names at the end of the Summit and indicated their willingness to assist craft and shape some of the key outcomes of the Summit so they can be progressed with the State and Federal Government and others as appropriate:

• John Klem indicated he can make available some of the resources and skills base of the CMA

• Jonathan Sanders (NPWS in DECC)

• Gary Howard (Commercial Fisher)

• Paul Rasmussen (Chair of LHN Water Users Association)

• Bill McMahon (Sec LHN Water Users Association)

Please remember Bart’s suggestion that the Steering Committee needs to be broadly based and limited to about eight, but If there are others who are able to contribute please email your details to Peter Jackson (GM Hawkesbury City Council).


mailto:[email protected]?subject=River%20Summit%20Results%20-%20Steering%20Committee

It looks like there is some genuine interest in resolving the issues of the Hawkesbury Nepean River System … from a lot of people!


where is the hawkesbury heading - hawkesbury city council · where is the hawkesbury heading? river...

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